Pizzonia plans to return to Formula One in the future Wilson moves to Jaguar

The 22-year-old Brazilian has been replaced 11 races into the season by Britain's Justin Wilson, who will see out the last five Grands Prix and may be retained into 2004.

"I would have given Pizzonia more time," said Stewart, whose team was renamed Jaguar after he sold it to American car giant Ford.

"I think he was progressing and he is only 22 years of age. But he did have great difficulty qualifying with the one lap format," added Stewart, who remains involved with Jaguar as a marketing consultant.

Jaguar offered Pizzonia the chance to stay on as test driver but he turned it down.

"The sudden decision by Jaguar Racing not to let me continue as a full-time Formula One driver for the team came as a complete shock to me," he said.

"As the season has progressed my performances have improved."

He added: "As has been widely reported, Jaguar has offered me a reserve driver and testing role but I have declined this.

"I now have to reflect on what has happened and decide which is the best course of action for me to take. However, I fully intend to pursue my career in Formula One."

Wilson calms expectations

Pizzonia, a former British Formula Three champion, had been signed by Jaguar's former boss Niki Lauda having impressed while testing for Williams.

Jaguar tried to replace Pizzonia with McLaren's test driver Alexander Wurz earlier in the season but eventually decided to give the driver more time.