Wilson: Verstappen a 'good benchmark'

Formula 1 rookie Justin Wilson has welcomed the news that Holland's Jos Verstappen will be his team-mate at Minardi this season

Wilson believes the Dutchman, whose return to grand prix racing was confirmed last night, will bring an extra element to the squad thanks to his previous Formula 1 experience with Arrows, Benetton, Tyrrell and Simtek.

"I think he's a good choice because he will be a good benchmark for me," Wilson told Autosport.com. "It is definitely good for the team to have someone with his experience, because over the last few years they have only had young drivers, like myself, who have to learn as they go along. Jos can bring the experience of his previous years in Formula 1, and that can only be a good thing."

Wilson met Verstappen for the first time during the announcement of the Briton's drive at Heathrow before Christmas.

"I met him in the lobby, he said 'hello' and 'well done'," said Wilson. "He seems like a nice guy, so I look forward to meeting him again now he is my team-mate."

Wilson will travel to Minardi's base in Italy on Sunday, after his guest appearances at the AUTOSPORT International show in Birmingham, and hopes to nail down the pre-season test details as he prepares for his grand prix debut.