Wilson Needs $5 Million for Minardi Seat

British Formula One hopeful Justin Wilson has been given the green light to race for Minardi in 2003 - but needs to find $5 million dollars in sponsorship to secure the deal.

Wilson, six foot three inches (1.90 meters) tall, tried the team's new machine for size at their Italian factory last weekend and he will be given a place on the grid next year if his manager Jonathan Palmer can find the appropriate funds.

"We successfully fitted Justin into a mock-up of our 2003 car at the weekend and as a result of that he is now high on the priority list," said Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart. "Now it is down to the commercial considerations whether he gets the drive or not."

2001 Formula 3000 champion Wilson was in line for a drive with Jordan this season until Japanese driver Takuma Sato got the seat. He missed out on driving for Minardi this year because he could not fit in their car.

Wilson spent this season racing in the new Spanish Telefonica Nissan series but failed to set that championship alight and only won one race as former Formula One driver Ricardo Zonta claimed the title.