Webber Move to Jaguar Imminent, Says Stoddart

Australian Mark Webber's move from Minardi to the Jaguar Formula One team next season is imminent but not yet a done deal, Minardi owner Paul Stoddart said on Sunday.

"It's not a done deal as we speak now," he said after the Hungarian Grand Prix in which Webber finished 16th. "But it is imminent."

The Australian team principal suggested the contract was likely to be signed before the next race in Belgium in two weeks' time. Jaguar were unavailable for comment but they have Briton Eddie Irvine reaching the end of his contract this season, while Spanish driver Pedro de la Rosa has another year to run.

Stoddart confirmed that Minardi, currently powered by Asiatech engines, also had a draft contract to switch to Ford-owned Jaguar's Cosworth engines in 2003.

"I need to see him (Webber) for sure in a guaranteed drive that will take him one step further than us," he said.

"I think they (Jaguar) are going to try and get it pretty seriously right next year because they can't have another year like they've had. At the end of the day I think I'll end up with the engine I want. I've done my bit, it's up to them now."