Minardi team chief Paul Stoddart has claimed that his new driver Justin Wilson can one day be crowned the F1 World Champions, although he conceeded that it will not be in a Minardi.
The 6ft 3in driver, who won the International F3000, has had to wait a season to join Minardi as they cockpit design of their old car was too small for Wilson's frame. However, with the new Minardi more than big enough for the driver, Stoddart is expecting big things on the track from Wilson.
"I really believe Justin can go all the way and be a race winner and world champion - though maybe not with Minardi," Stoddart said. "But we will have the best package in Minardi's 19-year history for next season and if Justin can break our duck and get us a podium there will be a danger of us not making the next race because we will still be partying," he added.
"My heart has been set on Justin ever since the test in August. We got the guy over to Faenza only for him to see his chance of becoming an F1 driver trashed because he couldn't get into the car. We have been working flat-out with Justin's management since that moment. It was not a problem building the car around him and didn't cost any extra money so I don't know why other teams haven't taken a chance in the past."
"But signing Justin was nothing to do with sentimental or emotional reasons He is here because of his talent - you don't win the International F3000 title beating guys like Mark unless you have talent," Stoddart insisted.
Filed by Rob Wright
