 Stoddart: Three Teams Interested in Wilson Saturday July 19th, 2003 Briton Justin Wilson was today tipped to quit Minardi after his current team boss Paul Stoddart confirmed he is in discussions over his future. Wilson, who sold shares in his career to fund part of his Minardi drive this year, gambled on this season being a showcase for his talent and Stoddart confirmed that he is in "strong" talks over another drive next year. "There are two teams involved and we would make it three," said Stoddart. "So that is one third of the pitlane almost, isn't it. The talks are progressing very strongly. I have a sneaky feeling where he is going and when, but something could change in that because there is more than one person interested in Justin. He will be fine." Wilson is regarded as an up and coming talent in the sport despite the fact he has not scored a point since his debut in Australia and has only recorded a best finish of 11th place at the Spanish Grand Prix in May. He won the International Formula 3000 championship two years ago, beating current Jaguar driver and former Minardi man Mark Webber, of Australia, to the title in a tough contest. Renault's Fernando Alonso and Webber, both managed by Renault boss Flavio Briatore, drove for Minardi in 2001 and 2002 respectively and the flamboyant Italian holds Stoddart's driver spotting talents in high regard. Stoddart has already guaranteed Wilson a place on the grid next year with Minardi but he is confident he can sell him on - and he is looking to make a tidy profit. When asked if he is set to gain from selling Wilson on Stoddart said: "Alonso was (contracted to) Minardi, Briatore and Renault. Webber was Stoddart, Briatore, Minardi and Justin is Minardi, Minardi, Minardi, so yeah. "But our first concern, and it has been with the other two, is to make sure we move him somewhere where he is going to further his career. In my case I am quite proud of the fact I have had three in a row. "Of course, financials are a big concern for a small team and every chance we get to alleviate some of our budget shortages we take it. We have moved drivers on both to further their careers and because normally we get something from it."
Published at 16:18:41 GMT
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