Wilson's F1 debut hopes dashed

The 24-year-old was the favourite to replace Alex Yoong at the team for this month's Hungarian GP after the Malaysian failed to qualify fot two of the past three races. But although six foot three inch Wilson felt comfortable enough in the Minardi cockpit to drive, he was judged too tall to meet the safety regulations set out by motorsport governing body, the FIA.

Wilson spent a day and a half at Minardi's Faenza base in Italy this week as the team worked on his seat fitting. The Yorkshireman was disappointed to miss this opportunity, but was still encouraged that he can have a future in Formula 1.

"They took all my measurements so that they can find out what is required to get me in a car for the future," he told AUTOSPORT. "It is nice that they made so much effort and gives me hope that I will be considered for next year."

Yoong has accepted that he may be forced to step down, but the team says that it has not definitely decided to drop him. Team boss Paul Stoddart plans to inform Yoong of his decision on Monday.

For more details on this story, see this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, on sale from Thursday.