Motor Racing: Prost tests McLaren

ALAIN PROST drove a Formula One car for the first time in five months when he tested for McLaren at Estoril yesterday, but said he would not decide whether to come out of retirement for another month.

The world champion is under contract to Williams, but is being wooed by McLaren to join up with Mika Hakkinnen next season. After his first day of testing with the team with whom he achieved 30 of his 51 grand prix victories, Prost said: 'I felt quite emotional. It is a very strange situation because I am back with the team where I know 90 per cent of the people and feel quite at home. It is difficult to know what to say. It may be one month before I make my decision.'

Prost may decide to return at the start of the European section of the season and miss the opening two races in Brazil and Japan, giving a chance for Martin Brundle to start the season.

McLaren's team chief, Ron Dennis, made it clear he would prefer Prost to return immediately, but added: 'I think he enjoys driving the car but it is going to be Alain's decision.'