Wilson Confident of Landing Minardi Seat

Briton Justin Wilson says he is set to land a Formula One drive with Minardi this week after revealing he is close to agreeing terms with team boss Paul Stoddart.

Sheffield-born Wilson, who won the Formula 3000 title in 2001, has been in talks with the Anglo-Italian team over a seat for 2003. Wilson - who missed out on a seat at Jordan this year because of his 6'3 frame - admitted a deal is close to being signed with Minardi.

"I've been speaking to Minardi regularly and we have been trying to sort something out," Wilson said. "Hopefully it can be done sooner rather than later. We keep speaking to them and things are quite positive at the moment - it is just a case of sorting out a few things.

"It is good to know that they want me and that Paul Stoddart is saying good things about me and that Minardi want to sort something out within the next week."

Wilson has also been discussing potential deals with teams in America's CART series, but Stoddart is keen to capture the signature of the Briton to replace Jaguar-bound Mark Webber. A deal is expected to be completed this week once Minardi secure a sponsorship deal to fund the 2003 season and cover the costs of a supply of Ford-Cosworth engines.

Stoddart told the News of the World: "I really believe Justin will be the star of 2003 and is a future race winner. His whole career has been leading up to this and I know he really wants the drive. But I need to know now that he isn't just cramming himself into the car and will be crippled with agony after a few racing laps.

"It will be too late to find that out 10 laps into the first Grand Prix in Melbourne. However it would be totally wrong for this guy, who has been champion in Palmer Audi and in F3000, to be denied a chance in Formula One because of his size."