Sarah Kavanagh's hopes of breaking into the world of Formula One next season, thus becoming the first woman to join motorsport's elite in 12 years, have been boosted by the news that McLaren is considering offering her the position of their second test driver for the 2002 season.

The 28-year-old Dubliner, who raced an old Jordan in the EuroBoss series this season, completed a series of tests for the Woking-based team at the Pembrey circuit in Wales this week where her performances were described as "extremely impressive" by McLaren boss Trevor Carlin.

"There is nothing in her results that suggest that Sarah could not drive a Formula One car right away," said McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh of Kavanagh's test results at the team's 'Physical Performance Laboratory'.

"Last month Bernie Ecclestone told me to never give up and he was right," said Kavanagh yesterday of her 10-year quest for a Formula One breakthrough.

"As a huge Ayrton Senna fan it was always my dream to drive for McLaren, and hopefully that might now happen."

Kavanagh expects to hear if she will be offered a contract from McLaren within the next fortnight.