DARREN Manning is considering his options after news he could be without a drive for the Formula 3000 season.

The 26-year-old Knaresborough-born racer has spent the past two years with Arden International, but after a torrid time with the Russian-backed team he decided to leave them at the end of last season.

However, despite looking at a couple of potential offers with other teams, Manning, the test driver for the British American Racing F1 team, has yet to secure a deal.

And with the new season quickly approaching on the horizon, he is already looking elsewhere to keep in motor-racing and help to achieve his dream of racing alongside the likes of Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard in the Formula 1 World Championships.

"It looks like I'm not going to be competing in F3000 this season," Manning told the Evening Press. "Most of the drives have already gone, it looks like people have got more money than me to secure their spots.

"There are still a few drives available, so there is still a possibility I could compete, but it is all up in the air at the moment.

"I'm just seeing what is around at the moment. I might go across to America and try GT Racing, I'm just not sure."

Manning, who holds the claim to fame of breaking the 100mph barrier while reversing, has even looked at returning to the F3 series in Japan, where he proved to be a household success before stepping up to F3000.

However, the former King James' School pupil faces the same problem here as in F3000.

"I was over there recently testing and again most of the drives looked to be filled, but I haven't ruled it out," he added.

"It is really difficult because I'm now just one step away from the top and achieving my ambition, but the opportunities just haven't come up.

"I suppose one consolation is the fact I still have the testing with BAR and I'm sure something will come along in the next two weeks."

Updated: 12:02 Wednesday, February 20, 2002