Wilson: Jag drive is a 'brilliant opportunity'

The ex-Minardi driver will make his debut with the British team at the German Grand Prix on August 3, and has targeted a points finish before the end of the season.

"This is fantastic news and a simply brilliant opportunity for me," he said. "Jaguar have been really impressive this year and made a big step forward over the winter. As Mark Webber has proven, this is a team that can score world championship points and I'm determined to do just that."

Because of Formula 1's summer test ban, Wilson will be unable to drive the Jaguar until the private test session at the German race. "I can't wait to get in the car at Hockenheim," he added. "Of course it's not going to be easy jumping straight in but I'm absolutely determined to reward the team's confidence in me. Jaguar has such a fantastic motorsport heritage and I'm just so very proud to have this opportunity to join the team."

Wilson was also full of praise for former team Minardi, who will run Danish Formula 3000 driver Nicolas Kiesa in his place for the rest of the year.

He said: "I am immensely grateful to my Minardi boss, Paul Stoddart, for having enough confidence in me to give me the drive this year and for doing an amazing job on so little money, giving me the opportunity to learn about Formula 1."