Bell

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- American racer Townsend Bell is ready to play his part in Formula One's incursion into the U.S. market.

He's getting a test drive with the BAR-Honda team in Monza, Italy.

Bell, the 2001 CART Indy Lights champion, is racing this season in Formula 3000, a European feeder series for F1. He's on a roll he hopes will land him a ride in the big show next year.

"I was seventh in Britain, fifth in Germany and third this time," Bell said of his effort last weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix. "I hope my streak continues."

Bell has gradually improved his record over the season with five point finishes in nine out of the 10 races he has completed.

The so-called "silly season" in F1, when contracts for the upcoming year are sealed, has been declared open and talented drivers are invited to test.

The 28-year-old Bell, from San Luis Obispo, Calif., is on the lost of hopefuls. He believes being an American gives him an advantage.

"Over in the U.S., drivers are lamenting that Canadians and Mexicans are pushed by teams and sponsors," Bell said. "But F1 racing wants to conquer the American market, and so I am on pole here."

Being in F3000 doesn't hurt either. Previous series champions who have moved to F1 include former CART stars Juan Pablo Montoya and Christian Fittipaldi.

	Townsend Bell lost his ride in CART during the 2002 season.

"I will stay in Europe, because it's the place to be, if you want to drive in F1 at some stage," Bell said. "You are looking for momentum. You need to be in the headlines, need to be talked about."

His podium finish at the Hungarian race certainly didn't hurt his chances.

But Bell has not always hit the news in a positive fashion.

As a CART series rookie, he was fined $10,000 and placed on indefinite probation for his part in an accident in 2001 in Toronto, where he knocked Bruno Junqueira out of the race.

Bell had previously been on probation for an accident in the Grand Prix of Monterrey and was replaced midway through the season when team owner Pat Patrick decided he was "looking for more patience inside our cockpit."

Now, Bell is looking to become the first American F1 driver since Michael Andretti more than a decade ago.

"I am sure I will get a shot," Bell said, mindful of his upcoming test in Monza. "If I do well there, who knows. Anything can happen."