Stoddart Considering Driver Options for 2003

Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart has said that he has five drivers on his shortlist and 10 options in total for 2003 - including veterans Mika Salo and Jos Verstappen.

Stoddart admitted that he wants to pair an experienced driver with an up-and-coming youngster after confirming that Malaysian Alex Yoong will not have a race seat next season.

The Australian believes Finn Salo, who announced his retirement following Toyota's decision to let him go at the end of the season, and Dutchman Verstappen are two possible drivers to lead the team.

And he claimed that one of Mark Webber, Justin Wilson or Anthony Davidson would prove ideal teammates to the veteran pair.

"That's sort of where I can see my options," he said of the five. "Those five are sort of in the box. Mika wouldn't retire if I wanted him to race, I would guarantee you that. I can understand Mika saying that because he is probably better off saying that because then he won't get pestered.

"If you are a driver at the point where he is in his career and you have a blow like you had this week, retirement would be a pretty clear option. But Mika's still got another drive left in him, and Jos has most definitely. It was not coincidence that Jos was here all weekend and Justin Wilson was here.

"We have got 10 choices for next year, every one of which is credible, one or two could be stars."

Stoddart revealed that drivers must provide $5 million to secure a seat with the Anglo-Italian team and he said that he feels young Britons Wilson and Davidson could have the funding.

"There is absolutely a requirement...we want a $5 million contribution from drivers," Stoddart said. "They don't have to bring it, they just bring a sponsor that has that budget.

"I do not want to go into next year not fully funded. I reckon they can find it because, let's face it, Minardi are going forward."