Podium finish unlikely for Wilson

Rookie Justin Wilson admits it is unlikely he will be able to repeat Eddie Irvine’s podium finish for Jaguar Racing at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Irvine equalled Jaguar’s best-ever finish with third place behind the Ferraris last year but within weeks had lost his Formula One drive.

Wilson, given extra time by his bosses to secure the seat for 2004 following his late-season switch from Minardi, insisted he would be happy just to see the chequered flag.

“It is hard to believe that I am on to my third race with the team already,” said the Sheffield-born racer who failed to finish his first two races in the R4 and is still looking for the first point of his rookie season.

“I am enjoying my time with the team and we are making steps forward. I know they had a podium here last year but to be honest, if I can finish the race I will be a happy man.

“I spent last week in Monza testing with them so it was certainly good to get a few more miles under my belt before the race.

“I like Monza, it is a challenging track and I managed a podium there when I was in F3000.”

Wilson’s hopes of remaining Mark Webber’s team-mate next year would be boosted if he could pick up some points and improve Jaguar’s chances of finishing fifth in the Manufacturers’ Championship.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit are currently equal fifth with BAR on 15 points - all scored by Webber – but Toyota are just one point behind and eighth-placed Jordan are only four adrift.

“With three races to go and three teams including ours fighting it out for fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship, the Italian Grand Prix will be a fascinating contest,” said Jaguar’s managing director David Pitchforth.

“The championship scrap at the front of the grid will understandably steal the show, but along with BAR-Honda and Toyota, our aim is to maximise upon the Italian race weekend in the hope of more championship points.

“Mark drove a storming race in Hungary to finish sixth and add another three points to our tally but Monza will be tougher.

“Not only did everyone test thoroughly there last week but Monza is also renowned for being a ‘car-breaker’.”