Wilson wants Suzuka warm-up

Justin Wilson heads for Japan today determined to do everything he can to secure his Formula One future in the season finale.

The 25-year-old rookie boosted his chances of being retained by Jaguar in 2004 by scoring his maiden Formula One point with eighth place in yesterday’s absorbing United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis.

But Wilson knows he needs to maintain the momentum in Suzuka on Sunday week, when he will tackle one of the toughest and most demanding circuits on the calendar, and wants as much experience of the unique figure-of-eight track as possible.

“I have never been to Suzuka before so I am going there straight from here,” said Wilson. “Hopefully I will get a chance to go round the circuit, either walking or cycling, though a road car will be ideal. I will take whatever I can get.”

Wilson was under pressure to perform having failed to finish the three previous races since moving from Minardi – though he has not been helped by reliability problems – knowing several other sponsored drivers are eyeing up the seat.

“This point is important for my career,” he added. “The first one is always hard to get but now I am looking for the second.

“It’s a big relief to get to the chequered flag and pick up a point to break the duck. It is not going to harm my chances but I am not sure what is going to happen.

“Basically, this weekend I have just forgot all about what’s being said, there is not a lot I can do. I can’t change what’s going to happen so I have just gone out there to enjoy my racing and try and be as competitive as I can, and that approach has helped a lot.

“There is a lot of pressure off but I know there is more to come and I have got to improve more.”

Wilson’s relief was in stark contrast to BAR’s Jenson Button, who was gutted after missing out on second place which would have ended his 65-race search for an elusive podium appearance.

The 23-year-old led for 15 laps following a well-timed pit-stop during the rain and although he was overtaken by race winner Michael Schumacher, he missed out on a top-three slot with a blown Honda engine.

“Leading the US grand prix was a great feeling and a fantastic moment in my career,” said Button. “But it’s massively disappointing to lose out on the best chance I’ve had at my first podium.

“Realistically, Michael was going to get past me sooner or later but I was hanging in well behind him and I’m confident that, all things being equal, we could have stayed there for the rest of the race.”

McLaren’s David Coulthard retired with a gearbox problem while Ralph Firman’s return to the Jordan cockpit after a two-race absence ended when he spun after hitting one of the plastic kerbs.

“We’re not used to racing with them but it was my mistake,” said Firman of his kerb incident. “It was a tough day.”

Firman heads for Japan also looking to ensure he is retained next season, but unlike fellow rookie Wilson has raced at Suzuka countless times and was crowned Formula Nippon champion there last year.