Grapevine: Wilson Sorry to Lose Out to Webber

Formula 3000 champion Justin Wilson was disappointed to lose out to Australian Mark Webber for the second Minardi seat for the 2002 season.

Briton Wilson, who overcame Australian Webber in a battle for the F3000 title last year, was in the frame for a drive with Minardi, but lost out as Webber was named as the team's second driver on Monday night. But Wilson insisted that Minardi's decision could prove fruitful and backed 25-year-old Webber to make an impression in Formula One this season.

"I'm disappointed obviously," Wilson said. "I hope that Mark will go very well with Minardi and prove that we are both good enough to be in Formula One. I wish him good luck and think he will do well."

Wilson has yet to secure himself a drive for this year and has admitted for the first time that he is facing a season on the scrapheap despite his success last year. He has been denied a seat in Formula One, has seen his chances of a drive in America diminish because of a lack of funds and is not willing to spend another season in Formula 3000.

"It is pretty slow at the moment," he added. "Most people are looking for drivers with money now and it is a little frustrating. I'm still waiting to see what is happening, but the money is a big problem. I'm still hopeful on America, but the industry has been affected by what happened on September 11, more than anyone could have imagined.

"Formula 3000 is not really an option. I might help Nordic Racing out in a couple of tests, but as far as driving is concerned it wouldn't do me any favours."