F1: Minardi an option for Wilson

By Nikki Reynolds, F1 Editor - Motorsport.com

The available race seats in Formula One are dwindling away and only two
teams are yet to confirm a driver line up for 2004. With Jaguar announcing
Christian Klien to partner Mark Webber next season, Justin Wilson has
limited options but returning to Minardi is one of them. Wilson debuted with
Minardi in 2003 before moving to Jaguar for the last five races and the
Faenza squad would be happy to have the Englishman back.

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"I'm optimistic that we can find a way to keep Justin in Formula One," said
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart. "I have been in discussions with Jaguar although
it is too early to make any positive comment. I would be proud to have
Justin back in the team if a financial deal can be put together. He had a
fantastic relationship with us when he was here."

Wilson would be prepared to return to Minardi but it's not that simple; the
team has yet to acquire a major sponsor so any driver decisions would have
to take commercial aspects into consideration. Wilson initially secured his
seat with Minardi by selling shares in his future to bring financial
backing.

Jaguar would like to keep Wilson as test driver but the new regulations for
the third driver in Friday practice sessions at race weekends mean it cannot
be someone who has competed in more than six Grands Prix. Wilson would like
to stay in F1 but there are other options.

"I want to stay in F1 but perhaps I will have to look elsewhere," he said.
"CART in the United States would be a good option and that is something we
have thought of in the past." 




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