Wilson looking for 2003 F1 seat

Wilson's manager Jonathan Palmer was in the Spa paddock investigating opportunities for his man but the problems surrounding Wilson's 6ft 3ins frame mean that if a deal is going to be struck, it has to be done sooner than would be the case for a shorter driver. This is because of the time involved in building a chassis to accommodate Wilson.

Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart is still talking to potential investors in the team but it seems likely that anyone claiming a Minardi seat will have to bring a budget with him. "I'd say we are about half way there with that," Palmer commented.

The team will have to find additional funding for engines next year. If the money is there, Minardi would ideally like to run Ferrari engines, although the cost of such a deal would be north of £20 million. Cosworths remain another option.

Jos Verstappen was another visitor to Minardi in Belgium and a team spokesman said: "There is no hurry. There are a lot of good drivers around and, it seems, fewer seats. It's pretty much a buyer's market at the moment."