Wilson frustrated at losing out

With the Hungarian government sponsoring Zsolt Baumgartner for the second Minardi seat, it seems that Justin Wilson's Formula One hopes have dwindled away. The Englishman debuted with Minardi in 2003 then moved to Jaguar for the final five races of ...

With the Hungarian government sponsoring Zsolt Baumgartner for the second Minardi seat, it seems that Justin Wilson's Formula One hopes have dwindled away. The Englishman debuted with Minardi in 2003 then moved to Jaguar for the final five races of the season, but Jaguar decided upon Christian Klien for 2004. Minardi was perhaps Wilson's last chance for next season, as Jordan requires cash, but Justin was not able to raise the finances for Minardi either.

Justin Wilson.

Photo by Dave Dyer.

"I felt I performed well but at the moment it doesn't appear I will be able to carry on which is a great shame," said Wilson, according to The Sun newspaper. "I am more frustrated than bitter at the way things have turned out."

"You see people coming into the sport because they have the cash backing needed, and wonder where it is all going to end. I always thought the further you progress in the sport the better it's going to get but that's not the case with me."

"There has been talk about me racing in America but I really would like to continue in F1 in some role. I want to race but taking a year out to find my feet could help me to come back strong."

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart would have gladly welcomed Wilson back to the team -- if he had the finances. Stoddart struggled to keep Minardi going in 2003 and made it clear he wanted drivers with sponsor backing for next year. He blames the British government for not backing Wilson.

"No one rates Justin higher than I do," said Stoddart. "But I had a dreadful time trying to keep the team going last season and did not want to go through all the stress of trying to find the finances needed from race to race."

"It would have been irresponsible of me to turn down the sort of money my drivers have brought with them. When Alex Yoong drove for us he had backing from the Malaysian government and Zsolt is being helped by Hungary. It doesn't make Britain look very good."