Grapevine: Wilson Set to Replace Pizzonia at Jaguar

Briton Justin Wilson will replace Brazilian driver Antonio Pizzonia at Jaguar from next week's German Grand Prix, team sources said on Monday.

Wilson, who celebrates his 25th birthday next week, made his Grand Prix debut with Minardi this season after winning the Formula 3000 title in 2001. There was no immediate official confirmation from either team but a statement is expected later on Monday.

Pizzonia, 22, is also a rookie and has had a torrid time at the Ford-owned team who tried to replace him as far back as April with McLaren's Austrian test driver Alexander Wurz. The Brazilian has been regularly outperformed by Australian Mark Webber at Jaguar and failed to finish Sunday's British Grand Prix.

He is one of three drivers, including Wilson, who has yet to score a point this year.

Wilson's arrival at Jaguar will be a boost for those who have invested money in shares in the Briton through an innovative scheme to fund his drive at Minardi. He is likely to receive a salary at Jaguar.

Minardi use Ford's Cosworth engines and Jaguar's line-up will now consist of two former Minardi drivers. Webber gave the struggling team their best result in years with his stirring fifth place in his home Australian grand Prix in 2002.

Minardi are expected to replace Wilson with Danish driver Nicolas Kiesa, currently in Formula 3000.