Tuesday August 6th, 2002
Briton Justin Wilson revealed on Tuesday that he has missed out on a possible Formula One debut with Minardi because he is too tall to fit into the Italian team's car.
Wilson, who measures six feet and three inches, had been lined up as a possible replacement for Malaysian Alex Yoong in next weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, and he travelled to the team's Italian base to try the car for size on Monday.
But after missing out on the chance to replace the injured Italian Giancarlo Fisichella at Jordan for the French Grand Prix because of his size, he also failed to fit in the Minardi.
"I flew out and sat in the car but unfortunately I can't quite get in," Wilson said. "If they do change drivers, it won't be me. It is getting quite annoying, but they took my measurements for the future and we are still talking."
Briton Anthony Davidson, who test drives for British American Racing, was also linked with the seat but is currently on holiday in Finland and denied any approach from the team.
Stoddart, who has been disappointed by continued rumours over Yoong's replacement, confirmed Wilson had been flown to the team's Faenza factory but insisted the decision on Yoong has not yet been made.
"He had a fitting," said Stoddart. "But there is nothing firm in place (regarding the Yoong situation) and it was just done as a precautionary measure."
Published at 15:54:51 GMT