Webber to Know his Future in August

Australian Mark Webber will have to wait until late August to decide which team he will be driving for next year, after the Jaguar driver confirmed today he can get released form his existing contract only around the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Webber, who joined Jaguar last season, has a contract with the team until the end of 2005. However, the contract has been widely regarded to include a performance clause which stipulates Jaguar must be at least sixth in the Constructors' Championship if they are to retain Webber.

"The performance clause kicks in around Budapest time," Webber told The Guardian.

Webber is managed by Renault's Flavio Briatore, who said several months ago that he will not make a decision whether to replace Jarno Trulli with Webber next year until later in the season. At the same time, Webber is considered Williams's first choice to replace Juan Pablo Montoya next year, and Briatore did not rule out the option that he allow his star driver to join the Grove-based outfit.

"Ultimately I am contracted to Renault for next year as Flavio is in control of what I do," Webber explained. "I must consider what's best for me in the immediate future and what will be best for me over the next few years. I'm not 22 any more, I'm 27. That's not old, but I want to know how long it's going to take to make it. I have to think very carefully about my next move."