Gene is replacing Ralf for this race at Magny-Cours but has not been given any indication that this will continue beyond France, so Marc is looing for a good performance this weekend.

Marc said: "The fact that they've picked me means I am high up the list. It's not my last chance at a race drive, it's just one more chance to prove something and I will concentrate just on this race.

"I would be surprised if they judge me this weekend. I don't think it would be right to judge people on one race. I'm one of the possibilities and the fact that I'm racing this weekend shows that.

"If I had eight races then I would be more relaxed. It would be easier but that's why I'm going to try not to think beyond Magny-Cours because that would put me under pressure and I don't want that."

As for what he expects to achieve this weekend Marc is aiming to come away with some points for the WilliamsF1 team, which has seen few points in the last few races.

Gene added: "The people making decisions at Williams haven't told me what they expect. But people have told me they chose me because I am a more reliable points-scoring driver.

"We need points. We are many points behind Renault and BAR. Catching Ferrari is almost impossible but we need second in the championship so we need points as soon as possible."