Jaguar needs improvement to keep Webber

Jaguar's performance this season has been less competitive than expected and the team will have to improve to keep hold of Mark Webber, says Jackie Stewart. The former three-time champion believes Webber is one of the best talents in the field at the moment and it's no secret that the Australian is on Williams' wish list to replace Juan Pablo Montoya next year.

Mark Webber.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"If they were to have a very good rest of May, June and July they could, but they will have to do that," Stewart told Reuters of Jaguar's chances of retaining Webber's services. "I think he's one of the best five drivers in the world right now in Formula One."

Another former champion, and fellow Aussie, Alan Jones thinks Webber should escape from Jaguar as soon as he gets the opportunity. "Unless Jaguar has something up its sleeve, he should be out of there at 100 mph if he is given the chance," said Jones of Webber's situation.

The latest rumour on the Williams front is that Jacques Villeneuve is in the frame for a drive, but the Canadian is reportedly not high on the team's list. "He is not being seat fitted at the track for us this week or indeed testing for us in France," said a team spokesman, in regard to the rumours that Villeneuve will test at Paul Ricard.

Webber remains the favourite to fill Montoya's seat but it's yet to be seen if Williams will have the one vacancy or two. An announcement is anticipated in the summer, possibly in August.