Webber a free agent

Although nothing definite has been announced as far as Mark Webber's future is concerned, Minardi boss Paul Stoddart has released him from his contract so he's free to leave the team. Mostly thought to be heading for Jaguar next year, Webber would still be Stoddart's number one driver choice should he decide to stay. Who would partner him is anyone's guess; Stoddart is hoping for Jos Verstappen but it could be anyone.

"As it stands today (at the Japanese GP) I cannot tell you who either of my drivers are going to be next year," said Stoddart, according to Reuters. "I would hope that it would be a combination of Webber and Verstappen. But it could be a combination of anyone. We did a list the other day of 20 drivers. Rest assured there will be two good drivers."

"I've released Mark from his contract so he's a free agent. If he gets a better drive then good luck to him and I do genuinely mean that and I wish him well. If he doesn't, then there is a guaranteed seat for him next season. He's in a perfect position. He's under no pressure. Mark would be my number one choice of driver for next year if he does not get something better."

Webber tested for Jaguar earlier this season, as did Fernando Alonso and Antonio Pizzonia. Renault tester Alonso has been signed up for a full time drive for the team in 2003 but Williams' test man Pizzonia is still in the running for a Jaguar seat.

Current Jaguar drivers Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa's futures are uncertain: Irvine is still playing guessing games about his plans and while de la Rosa says he has a contract, it's still an open competition who will be behind the wheel of the two Jaguar race cars in 2003.

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