Wilson could drive for Jaguar for free

Palmer said that the Minardi driver's priority was to move into the most competitive drive possible for next season, and believes that the pairing of Wilson with current Jaguar driver Mark Webber would make a strong combination.

"If Jaguar offered him a driver for no salary at all, if that's what they wanted to do and felt it was the best they could do, then one must obviously look at that seriously in view of the potential of the car," said Palmer according to Reuters.

"He wants to be in the most competitive drive he can be for 2004. The chances are that may not be Minardi. Obviously Jaguar is a very attractive team, he knows Mark Webber very well, matched him very well [in Formula 3000] and as a British driver that would be a great thing to see.

"I think Webber and Wilson would make a formidable team. I think it would be great for everybody, for Jaguar and for Britain as well."

Webber drove for Minardi last year before switching to Jaguar for this season. One bonus for Wilson is that the Australian is a similar size to him, so the 6ft 3in Briton would not need the Jaguar's cockpit to be specially redesigned for him.

Minardi has an option on Wilson for next year but team boss Paul Stoddart is unlikely to stand in the driver's way if he is offered a more competitive drive.

Palmer said that he has been talking to several teams about a drive for Wilson for next year, but added: "It's probably fair to say I've had more communication with Jaguar than with any other team."