Webber Optimistic about Jaguar's Future

Jaguar's Mark Webber insisted on Thursday that the team could still have a future in Formula One despite still not having found a buyer for 2005.

"If the team is bought by someone passionate about going forward the team could look to the future," said Australian Webber, who will drive for Williams next year. "They could perform to a very good level in Formula One.

"I think there are a few offers floating around so the team are still in a pretty good frame of mind."

Ford's decision last month to quit at the end of the season and sell the team created shockwaves throughout the sport.

A transfer of ownership must go through before the November 15 deadline for entries to be submitted to the sport's governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Jaguar boss Tony Purnell said in China last month that Ford have had some strong interest in the Formula One team. Austrian Red Bull energy drink magnate Dietrich Mateschitz has emerged as a potential buyer.

Webber said that whoever took over the Jaguar team would be on a solid footing.

"Through trying circumstances and a lot of adversity, the team still absolutely give blood and guts to the situation," he told reporters before this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

"These guys don't know how to work any other way, you know, you have to work as hard as you can. The team are looking forward to finishing the season with a high."

Jaguar are seventh in the Constructors' Championship with 10 points, one ahead of Toyota going into Sunday's race at Suzuka.