Wilson's future on the line in Canada
Justin Wilson knows he is about the enter the most crucial phase of his rookie season in Formula One.
The Sheffield-born racer heads to Canada next week not only looking for his first point for Minardi but also a performance that will impress prospective team bosses.
Wilson is aiming for a more competitive drive for 2004 and realises the next few weeks could be crucial as teams look to secure their driver line-ups.
“This is a very important part of my season to try and improve myself and get myself something sorted out for next season,” said Wilson, who was handed his chance by Minardi boss Paul Stoddart.
“Hopefully I can progress and be in a more competitive environment next year. That’s what Paul is hoping I can do and that’s what we are all hoping I can do.
“It will be sad to leave. But Paul expects me to move on as he did with Mark (Webber) and Fernando (Alonso).”
Wilson has been linked with Jaguar Racing where he would team-up with Webber, the Australian he beat to become the first Brit to win the F3000 title in 2001.
The 6ft 3in Wilson was in the frame when Jaguar were looking to ditch rookie Antonio Pizzonia last month and his height would not be a problem with Webber of similar stature.
But Toyota, Renault, Sauber and possibly BAR could also all have vacancies next season and Wilson’s performances in the seven races so far should make him a target.
Having found £1.2m (€1.7m) to help pay for his F1 breakthrough, the Northamptonshire-based driver might even race for nothing next season if it guaranteed his long-term future.
“If Jaguar offered him a drive for no salary at all, if that’s what they wanted to do and felt it was the best they could do, then one must obviously look at that seriously in view of the potential of the car,” Wilson’s manager Jonathan Palmer said.
“He wants to be in the most competitive drive he can be for 2004. The chances are that may not be Minardi.
“I think Webber and Wilson would make a formidable team. I think it would be great for everybody, for Jaguar and for Britain as well.
“It is still possible that Pizzonia may raise his game and in which case maybe he can have a longer term future. But at the moment you would probably say it was unlikely.”
Wilson’s unique share offer was oversubscribed by around £40,000 (€56,000), his management team revealed yesterday as they announced that the £1.2m (€1.7m) had been raised ensuring that his father, Keith, does not have to sell his garage business.
