Fujitsu Racing driver Michael Caruso says he is flattered by the level of interest currently being shown by rivals teams in his services for 2013.
The out-of-contract Caruso is currently in his fifth season with Garry Rogers Motorsport, and has been named as a candidate for drives at both the Nissan and Ford factory teams next year.
CLICK HERE for Rick Kelly’s comments on Caruso from earlier today
Speaking of his future, Caruso says that beginning talks with Fujitsu Racing team owner Garry Rogers will be the first step in sorting his plans.
“I’ve got to sit down with Garry, that’s the main thing,” Caruso told Speedcafe.com.
“I’ve been part of Fujitsu Racing now for five years. Garry has been away for the last few weeks, so now that he’s back, we can sit down and have a chat.
“I want to go through a few things before I lock myself into anything for next year. It’s only natural being out of contract that there’s some sort of speculation.
“At the end of the day, I want to put myself in the best position to win races and do the best for my career.
“It’s flattering that people are interested in me. I think people can see that I have the ability when given the tools.
“As we all know, it’s so very competitive in V8 Supercars. When it’s that close, you only have to be a little bit off and you look like you’ve forgotten how to drive, but when you’re on it, you look like a legend!”
Caruso believes that, in the likely occurrence that he has multiple options on the table for next season, the task of choosing between them will be made harder by the uncertainties surrounding form under the new-for-2013 Car of the Future regulations.
“The pecking order could all change next year,” said Caruso.
“Everyone is starting with a clean slate, so people who aren’t strong now could be fast. The normal names could be there, but everyone has an opportunity to have a crack at it.”
Rogers meanwhile has expressed a desire to keep Caruso next year, but says he’s unlikely to be drawn into a bidding war for the 29-year-old’s signature.
“As far as I’m concerned, I would love him to stay with us,” Rogers told Speedcafe.com.
“He has driven very well for us, and I’d like to think that his career will remain with us, but that’s a decision that he’ll need to make.
“I really haven’t thought about it at this point. If he came to me tomorrow and said he wanted to leave, I’d ask why he wanted to do that.
“If he had sufficient reason and someone offered a deal that I couldn’t match, he’d go with my blessing.”
Caruso currently sits 16th in the 2012 V8 Supercars Championship after 15 of 30 races.
