Webber Still Confident of Getting Minardi Seat

Australian Mark Webber has confirmed that he is still in talks with Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart as he searches for a drive in Formula One this season.

Webber, who has tested for the Renault and Arrows teams for the last two years, is desperate to secure a Grand Prix drive and is focused on partnering Malaysian Alex Yoong at Minardi this season.

"I'm in talks with Paul Stoddart who I have driven for before and hopefully I will get the chance in Formula One," said Webber. "But I am not counting my chickens just yet. I am particularly optimistic at the moment, but in F1 anything can happen. It is not until you roll out onto the grid that you realise it has happened.

"The good thing is that we haven't got an alternative, so we are very focused on getting the Minardi drive. It is making us more determined to get it."

Webber faces competition from Briton Justin Wilson for the vacant Minardi seat this year, and Stoddart is expected to make a decision in the next few weeks.