Kiesa lands vacant Minardi seat

The 25-year-old has raced for the Den Bla Avis team in F3000 this year, although he switched to Super Nova at Silverstone at the weekend. He won the Monaco GP support race in May when racelong leader Bjorn Wirdheim celebrated too early, allowing the Dane to nip past him on the finish line.

Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart admitted that he felt sorry about Wilson's departure, but welcomed new signing Kiesa into the team.

"It's case of mixed feelings when it comes to Justin's departure from European Minardi," said Stoddart. "We are obviously sad to lose him, but pleased, and proud, that he has been able to demonstrate his undoubted driving talent at Minardi. A move to Jaguar Racing gives him the opportunity to develop his talent further and, at the same time, benefits Minardi enormously, as it helps to assure the team's future in Formula 1.

"Like Fernando [Alonso] and Mark [Webber] before him, Justin is now clearly on his way. This also clearly illustrates one of the invaluable roles that the smaller, independent teams fulfil in this sport: they are able to give young drivers the opportunity to showcase their talent and establish themselves as grand prix stars of the future.

"Looking ahead, we welcome Nicolas to the team. He comes with impressive racing credentials, and all of us at European Minardi Cosworth look forward to working with him."

Since winning the British Formula Ford title with Haywood Racing in 1999, a year after Jenson Button did likewise, Kiesa has battled against a lack of funding to rise through the ranks of F3 and F3000.