Minardi an option for Wilson

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.

"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."

Jordan is the other team yet to decide its drivers. Former Sauber man Nick Heidfeld is testing for the team this week, along with young Czech Jarek Janis and 2003 Jordan driver Ralph Firman will be on duty on Friday. However, the Silverstone-based squad seems in no hurry to make any final decisions.

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