Grapevine: Zonta, Wilson Land Drives in Spanish Series

Briton Justin Wilson and Ricardo Zonta have landed full-time drives in the Spanish-based Telefonica World Series for next season.

Briton Wilson, the reigning F3000 champion, was told he was too tall for Formula One but will compete in the Telefonica World Series this year.

Wilson also failed to secure a drive in the American CART series but will drive for Racing Engineering in the inaugural nine-round series which begins in Valencia on May 12.

"It's a relief to finally get something sorted out and I have no problem doing this for a couple of years," Wilson said. "My ultimate aim is to get in Formula One or CART but this is a series that will be well-recognised."

Brazilian Zonta spent two years with British American Racing before moving to Jordan as their official test driver last season. He stood in for one race but was told his services were no longer required for 2002.

Zonta has secured a drive to team up with compatriot Taku Rocha at Gabord Competicion in the 2002 Telefonica World Series and he is relishing the chance to return to competitive action this year.

"When I was invited to test the car it was to help the organisers," Zonta said. "But I was very interested in taking part. The car is very fast, very modern and similar to F1."