FORMER British Downhill Ski champion turned racing driver, David Cook, has successfully completed a rigorous four week test programme which had taken him around the globe as he weighs up his options for the 1998 season.

With interest from teams competing in Indy Lights in North America, European F3000 and British F3, Cook has reached an important cross-roads in his career. What is clear though is that he will not be continuing his relationship with the DC Cook Motorsport European F3000 project - which has itself been disbanded - after an indifferent maiden season. Even so, he continues to express a keen interest in the series.

The Rotherham based driver equipped himself admirably during his test with French F3000 outfit Astromega in Barcelona last month. The scheduled three days, of which Cook attended the opening day and a half, saw the rejuvenated hotshoe impressively record the third quickest time.

With all the teams present from this year's championship and many of the front-runners, including Juan Pablo Montoya and 1997 Macau F3 winner, Soheil Ayari in the field, Cook was delighted with his performance. "It certainly has made me think hard about returning to the series. The last 12 months has to be put down as experience. Its been tough and I've hard to suffer a good deal of knocks, but I do believe I have emerged from it all a stronger driver."

A tough testing programme with three Indy Light teams including PacWest and Brian Stewart Racing, allowed Cook to taste racing stateside for the first time. When he was able to impress, the question of finding the necessary budget looms large overhead. "At this stage in my career it comes down to money, I now feel that while America is tempting, I would benefit from another year in Europe," he said.

"There is no set route to Formula One anymore and that's why the decision making process becomes increasingly difficult. Everyone is asking where do drivers go after European F3000? Because of that I have to consider my options and that's why I am seriously looking at British F3. I feel that success in the series would open up more avenues for the future which is more than can said for F3000."

Cook hopes to finalise his plans for next season early in January.

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