Wilson

LONDON -- Briton Justin Wilson, the tallest man in Formula One, will drive for Jaguar for the rest of the season with Denmark's Nicolas Kiesa replacing him at Minardi, the teams said on Monday.

Wilson, the 2001 Formula 3000 champion, replaces Brazilian rookie Antonio Pizzonia from next week's German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. Pizzonia has been offered a test and reserve driver role at the Ford-owned team.

"Agreement has been reached with Minardi to allow Justin Wilson to complete the 2003 season with Jaguar Racing," a team statement said.

Thanks for nothing

LONDON -- Shocked Brazilian Formula One driver Antonio Pizzonia turned down Jaguar's offer of a test and reserve role a day after he lost his race seat to Briton Justin Wilson. The 22-year-old rookie said in a statement released through his management on Tuesday that he was stunned by what had happened but determined to stay in Formula One. "The sudden decision by Jaguar Racing not to let me continue as a full-time Formula One driver for the team came as a complete shock to me," he said. "As the season has progressed my performances have improved. "As has been widely reported, Jaguar has offered me a reserve driver and testing role but I have declined this," added the Brazilian. "I now have to reflect on what has happened and decide which is the best course of action for me to take. However, I fully intend to pursue my career in Formula One." Jaguar already has an agreement with BAR's British test driver Anthony Davidson for him to be on call should either of their drivers be unavailable to race. The team also has limited opportunities for a test driver as they have agreed not to do more than 10 days testing during the season in exchange for an extra two hours of private running at grand prix weekends. -- Reuters

"This is an agreement for the remainder of the 2003 season only, with options for future years that provide Jaguar Racing with additional choices for 2004."

Pizzonia, 22, has had a torrid time at Jaguar, who tried to replace him as far back as April with McLaren's Austrian test driver Alexander Wurz.

While Australian Mark Webber has scored 12 points for Jaguar this season, Pizzonia has scored none and failed to finish Sunday's British Grand Prix.

"To the great regret of Jaguar Racing, Antonio Pizzonia has not been able to realize his potential with the team over the past 11 races," said the Jaguar statement.

"Jaguar Racing therefore has decided that it is neither in his best interests, nor in the team's, for Antonio to continue driving as full time race driver at this time."

Wilson, who is 25 next week, follows in the footsteps of compatriots Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert, both now retired, as Jaguar drivers in British Racing Green.

His move will also be a boost for those who have invested money in shares in the Briton through an innovative scheme to fund his drive at Minardi.

Although his manager Jonathan Palmer has said Wilson would be willing to drive for Jaguar for free if it was in his career interests, the Briton now has a chance to break into the high-earning league and pay his shareholders dividends.

"We are delighted to have Justin join us for the remainder of the 2003 season in what is a richly deserved opportunity," said Jaguar managing director David Pitchforth. Minardi use Ford's Cosworth engines and Jaguar's line-up will now consist of two former Minardi drivers. Webber gave the struggling team their best result in years with his stirring fifth place in his home Australian grand prix in 2002.

"I've got mixed feelings, very sad to see Justin leave but very pleased and proud that he has been able to demonstrate his undoubted driving talents at Minardi," said Minardi owner Paul Stoddart.

He said the deal was finalized only on Monday and he had told Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, now a shareholder in Minardi. "He was quite happy, he thinks it is good for Jaguar and good for Justin."

No financial details were given, although sources said Minardi's engine payments were likely to be taken care of for the rest of the year.

Stoddart said Wilson's move meant half of the Formula One grid -- 10 of the 20 drivers -- had been given their debuts by either Minardi or Jordan, both small independent teams.