Interview: Stoddart Sees Wilson Fitting In

Britain's Justin Wilson has moved a step closer to becoming a Formula One driver next season after satisfying the Minardi team that he can squeeze safely into their 2003 car.

The 1.90 metre (six foot three inch) tall former Formula 3000 champion spent the weekend at Minardi's Faenza factory in Italy and team boss Paul Stoddart said today that the Briton had proved his height would be no obstacle.

"He fits in the car," he told Reuters. "It's only a mock-up but we know exactly what we have to do to get him in. So that side of it is fine and we've just got to do the commercial negotiations this week to see if we can go forward.

"He's still going to look like he's shoe-horned in, no matter what you do, but he fits. There were three key areas where he didn't fit into the 2002 car and they are now overcome for 2003."

Wilson was in the frame to replace the underperforming Malaysian Alex Yoong for two races last season but was unable to fit into the car. The drive eventually went to compatriot Anthony Davidson instead. However, Stoddart promised that Wilson would remain in the frame for 2003 and Minardi would make sure their new car was roomy enough for him.

"Had we had time, we would have got him in the car back in August. But we just didn't have time to do the modifications and obviously now we've got time to build a new car around him," said the Australian.

Strong Tradition

Minardi, ninth overall last season, have yet to name their line-up for next season after Australian Mark Webber signed for Jaguar and Yoong was told he would not be retained.

"We have got a little bit of a tradition now, first with (Spaniard Fernando) Alonso and then with Mark and I really feel that Justin's capable of continuing that tradition where we get a star a year," said Stoddart.

"He's a cracking guy. Alonso was a lovely human being, Mark was a fantastic guy and Justin falls into the same category. We have been a bit lucky and I hope it does work with Justin."

Stoddart will discuss the business side of things with Wilson's manager Jonathan Palmer on Wednesday and he said the financial aspects would be decisive.

"Justin is a driver of undoubted talent but Minardi is a team that needs budget (cash). So if a team that has launched the careers of many a driver is going to give someone a chance in today's sad commercial world, it has to come with some sponsorship.

"It would be nice to know who our two drivers are before Christmas but I'm not sure that we will, to be honest. I think we will definitely know one but we may not know the other until January," he said.

Dutch driver Jos Verstappen, who missed last season after being dropped by Arrows, is still very much in the frame but Minardi have a list of about 20 possible candidates.

"There just happens to be an awful lot of drivers out there without a seat," said Stoddart, who felt Minardi's future looked brighter after a year of struggling to survive among the manufacturer-owned teams.

An engine deal with Ford-owned Cosworth is imminent, and could be announced later this week, with Russian gas giant Gazprom providing significant sponsorship.

Stoddart said he had 66 percent of his 2003 budget in place and still needed a title sponsor but Minardi would be on the grid when the season starts in Melbourne on March 9.

"I know we'll be there. Count on us as team number nine."