Paffett and BMW

Newly crowned DTM champion Gary Paffett has admitted contact with BMW. The English hopeful, who will soon test a McLaren and was strongly linked to the Sauber team a year ago, is almost certain to remain in the German touring car paddock in 2006.

''The most intensive contact is with McLaren and Mercedes,'' 24-year-old Paffett said. ''I also had a close connection with Peter Sauber, so that took care of (BMW).

''We also know other teams,'' Gary told Germany's Auto Bild, ''but I'm hoping that in the future … they come to me, instead of me going to them.''

Paffett insists that F1 is no longer a 'dream'. He explained: ''I am too close to it for it to be a dream — my dream is to become world champion.

''In the next two years or so, I intend to make the jump.''

So why hasn't he made 'the jump' already? ''Formula One is very much all about politics,'' said Paffett. ''You must get into the right position — know the right people.''

Paffett, at least, has one eminent ally on-side — twice a F1 world champion and Mercedes DTM teammate, Mika Hakkinen. ''If he can manage the DTM,'' the Finn told Autosport, ''then I think he can manage F1.''