KNARESBOROUGH driver Darren Manning believes he is ready to tackle Formula One.

The BAR test driver is keen to race for the team next season if former world champion Jacques Villeneuve decided to leave.

Craig Pollock's departure from BAR recently has left a question mark about Villeneuve's future with the team.

Manning, who drove on the Formula Three circuit last season, feels he is ready for the job.

The 21-year-old said: "I could be just as good as Jenson Button or Kimi Raikkonen," he told the Sunday People.

"If Jacques decides to leave now I'd have enough time to get ready for the start of the season."

Villenevue was unhappy that Pollock, who is also his manager, left BAR. He is under contract but has yet to confirm his position with the team.

Speculation is mounting that Villeneuve may quit after new team chief David Richards emphasised that he would not want a unhappy driver in the team.

The Canadian star rejected overtures from McLaren, Jaguar and Bennetton (now called Renault) because he wanted to build on the work Pollock started with BAR when it was launched in 1999.

If Villeneuve does move then Renault would be favourites to sign up the 1997 world champion, leaving Manning the chance to step up.

Niki Lauda's son Matthais will race in Formula Three next season. Lauda senior is boss at racing Jaguar.

Updated: 11:04 Monday, December 24, 2001