Wilson set to get F1 test chance

Wilson scored his third win of the year in Hungary last weekend to extend his championship lead to 20 points over closest rival Mark Webber and needs to score just one more point to become the first ever British F3000 title winner.

While fellow F3000 frontrunners Mark Webber and Antonio Pizzonia have both got behind the wheel of Formula 1 machinery, Wilson, despite his success, has yet to be given the opportunity.

However, the 23-year-old's manager and ex-Formula 1 driver Jonathan Palmer believes Wilson is worthy of a test and is hopeful of getting him in car before the end of the year.

"I have been in contact with all the F1 teams and some are making encouraging noises about giving him a run," Palmer told Autosport. "I would be surprised if he has not tested by the end of November."

Palmer's main targets have been McLaren, Williams, Jordan and Jaguar and Wilson has visited McLaren's factory for a preliminary seat fitting, but there are no plans for the Woking team to give him a run just yet.

The Yorkshireman's 6ft3ins frame has been cited as a possible stumbling block for his F1 career, but Palmer believes that it should not cause any real disadvantage.

"If there was any major problem," said Palmer, "he would not be able to do what he has done in F3000 this year. I am convinced he will be impressive when he drives an F1 car."