Rookie Wilson vows to make most of opportunity with his switch to Jaguar

JUSTIN WILSON has vowed to make the make the most of his sudden switch to Jaguar Racing by securing a long-term deal with the team.

The Sheffield-born rookie has left minnows Minardi to replace Brazil's Antonio Pizzonia for the remaining five races this season and will make his debut in the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim on Sunday week.

Wilson, who will be 25 three days before his debut, has targeted scoring his maiden Formula One points before the campaign is out to ensure he is kept on with the British team for 2004.

"This is a fantastic move for me, a dream really," Wilson said. "I am really, really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the Jaguar in Germany.

"This is another step forward in my career and I am determined to make the most of the opportunity, as I have done with Minardi all season, even though I have had so little time in the car.

"My main aim to score some points. That would be the ideal result in the last few races so I am going to have to get my head down.

"There are options at Jaguar for me for 2004, that's a possibility, so I have got to try and prove myself before the end of the season."

Wilson can expect a significant salary increase following his move having been due to earn £50,000 this year after selling shares in himself to find the £1.2 million he needed to fund the drive with Minardi.

Pizzonia has had a torrid time as team-mate to Webber and Jaguar tried to offload him last April just five races into the new season.

But a move for McLaren's test driver Alexander Wurz did not come off.

Jaguar were heavily criticised over their treatment of Pizzonia who was signed by former boss Niki Lauda having impressed in his testing duties at Williams and urged to give him more time.

Pizzonia has improved, but his bosses patience has finally snapped although he has been offered the chance to remain as reserve and test driver.

Minardi will give a debut to Nicolas Kiesa, winner of the F3000 race in Monaco this season, in Germany and plan on braking the 'voluntary' testing ban in Italy this week to give the Dane time in the car citing safety grounds. Jaguar have no plans to test Wilson.