Wilson Aims to Seize Opportunity

Briton Justin Wilson plans to make the most of a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity when he drives for the Minardi team in the 2003 season.

The 24-year Briton was announced as the Anglo-Italian squad's first driver today at a press conference in London, and he will be the third British driver competing in Formula One in 2003 along with McLaren's David Coulthard and Renault's Jenson Button.

"Like most young racing drivers, the ultimate aim has to be to reach Formula One," said Wilson, who has signed a three-year deal with Minardi. "That dream has now become reality, but I probably still won't quite believe it's happened until I get behind the wheel of the new Minardi for the first time.

"A great many people have helped me to get to this point in my motor racing career, but I particularly want to thank my father, Keith, for his wholehearted support and encouragement, Jonathan Palmer (his manager), for his valuable guidance and advice, and Paul Stoddart, for giving me the chance to show what I can do in Formula One with Minardi.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it."

Wilson, 1.92m tall, will be the tallest driver of the Grand Prix grid next year. The Briton had already lost the opportunity to debut in Formula One in the past due to his height, but after a successful seat-fitting with Minardi, the team's boss Paul Stoddart said Wilson will have no problems driving the car.

"Following a successful seat-fitting a few weeks ago at Faenza, where we ascertained that Justin would be comfortable in next year's Minardi chassis, we have been working closely with his management representatives in a bid to sort out arrangements that would allow him to drive for the team next season," said Stoddart.

"Justin is an exceptionally gifted young driver whose career we have been following for some time. I'm convinced he will quickly prove that he has a very bright future ahead of him in Formula One, just as Minardi drivers Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber did before him."