Benetton test for F3 star.

Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia could be the next young star to follow in Jenson Button's footsteps, after being offered a test with the Benetton team.

Benetton is reportedly unhappy with the performances of Austrian Alex Wurz - who it also nurtured as a youngster - and is keen to give Pizzonia as much running as possible before considering him for a place in the team. The Brazilian currently leads the British F3 standings after two wins in two races with the Manor Motorsport outfit.

Button's solid start to the season with Williams has opened the eyes of rival teams, which would not normally have considered employing anyone straight from the lower ranks. Although it used to be a common occurrence even into the 1980s, most now prefer to pick from F3000 or the sportscar series.

''Williams has shown everyone that it's worth taking a gamble with new talent, and Antonio fits the bill perfectly,'' a Benetton insider told Britain's Sun newspaper.

The Brazilian has already tested an F1 car - ironically with Williams last season - and his success in the 1999 Formula Renault series will undoubtedly be in his favour as the French auto giant takes Benetton's F1 place in 2002.

''At the moment, I am concentrating on the F3 championship,'' an apparently underwhelmed Pizzonia commented, ''It is a very strong event, but I am pretty confident with the way things are going at the moment.

''If I can win it, I might have the chance of moving in to F1 next year. I think I can do it and, with Jenson doing so well, it gives me a lot of hope.''