Stoddart Confident of Testing Rule Changes

Justin Wilson could be handed a Formula One lifeline next year after his former boss Paul Stoddart revealed plans to alter the sport's regulations to allow him to make a rapid return.

Wilson, dropped by Jaguar in November, is still wanted as a test driver by the British team but they cannot sign him up because Wilson's experience means he is not allowed to test on Fridays during Grand Prix weekends.

But the Briton - who is now searching for a drive in the United States IRL or ChampCar series - could be voted back onto the grid by the team's top bosses in January. They will meet on January 16 to discuss the matter and Stoddart said: "I am convinced that there will be an agreement to cancel the experienced drivers testing regulation.

"That will leave the door open for Justin to come back to Formula One in a testing role. He did a great job this year and I am sure he will be welcomed back with open arms."

Stoddart handed Wilson his debut at the start of this year had originally promised him a place at his back-of-the-grid team in 2004 if the Briton, who moved to Jaguar mid season, failed to retain his race seat.

But the Australian team chief has already named Italian Gianmaria Bruni as one of his drivers and said it is "99.9 percent certain" that Hungarian Zsolt Baumgartner will take the second seat. Stoddart admitted he had to make the signings to secure his budget for 2004.

"We do not have the problems we had last year but it still comes down to a commercial decision," he said. "It is sad that it looks like there will be no race seat for Justin. In his performances this season I saw a race winner in the making and although it may be too late for a race place in 2004 Justin is young enough and talented enough to race in Formula One again."

Wilson made his debut with Minardi in Australia in March but finished less than half of his races with the team. He scored his only World Championship point with Jaguar in the United States Grand Prix in September.