Wilson poised for Jaguar blow

Justin Wilson’s Formula One future looks set to suffer a massive setback this week with Jaguar expected to announce Christian Klien as their second driver for next season.

The 20-year-old Austrian is favourite to partner Mark Webber in 2004 after being given the chance of a second test with the team this week.

It would leave Wilson, who competed for Jaguar in the final five races of last season, with little prospect of finding a new team.

Jaguar are understood to want to retain the 25-year-old’s services as a test driver but this will be scuppered unless they can get other teams to agree to a change in regulations.

New rules for next season bar anyone who has competed in six or more grands prix in the previous two years from being employed to drive the third car on the Fridays of race weekends.

Jaguar were impressed by Klien when he drove a Formula One car for the first time in Valencia last week, so much so they have called him back for a second test in Barcelona from tomorrow.

The fact Klien, runner-up in the Euro Formula Three series this year, will also bring around £6million in sponsorship from Austrian energy drink company Red Bull is undoubtedly another factor in his favour over Wilson.

Sheffield-born Wilson had to raise £1.2million by selling shares in himself to make his grand prix breakthrough with Minardi last season.

Wilson joined Jaguar as replacement for Brazilian rookie Antonio Pizzonia after the British Grand Prix and scored his maiden point with eighth place in the United States.

If Klien is confirmed it would leave only Jordan and Minardi to announce their driver line-ups for 2004.

Jordan are close to snapping up Germany’s Nick Heidfeld following his release by Sauber leaving the future of Britain’s Ralph Firman still hanging in the balance while the team sorts out his sponsorship.

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart has said he would welcome Wilson back but would again be looking for a financial boost.