 Verstappen's hopes of a drive with Jaguar next year have faded |
Formula One strugglers Minardi hope to persuade driver Jos Verstappen to stay with them next season. The Dutchman was frustrated by the team's lack of pace last season and hoped to claim the second seat at Jaguar.
But that option appeared to vanish when Jaguar signed Austrian Christian Klien.
"I'm hoping that we can retain Jos for next year and we are still in negotiations," team owner Paul Stoddart said on Wednesday.
"I think he's got a good chance of staying with us and it comes down to what he wants to do.
"Jos has got a lot left in him before he hangs up his spurs. I think he could do a lot worse than driving for us."
Briton Justin Wilson, a rookie with Minardi in 2003, also figures high on Stoddart's wish list now that he is again looking for a drive.
Minardi will also give two young Australians Formula One test drives next season.
Will Davison and Will Power will undertake a seat fitting at the season opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
"The taste we can give them through a test drive will not guarantee they get to F1 but it should be a very good experience for them," said Stoddart.
Davison, 21, won a race in the British Formula Three Championship this year while Power, 22, also took part in the series.
MMIX
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