This from www.itv-f1.com:
STODDART READY TO PART WITH WEBBER
2002-07-31 15:41:00
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart will not stand in Mark Webber’s way if a bigger team comes in for him.
Webber has been strongly linked with a move to Jaguar following an impressive debut season in Formula 1.
Stoddart has first option on Webber’s services but says he will only take it up if he can guarantee his fellow Aussie a decent car in 2003.
He told Autosport.com: "If we do keep him it will be because we have no financial problems and we have what we want in terms of a technical package.
"It would be wrong for me to hold on to him without any idea of where we are going."
But Stoddart said that he may demand something from Webber’s future employers in return for not taking up his option.
He said: "Until a certain date that is not too far from now, I have the option. I may select to do all sorts of different things to that option - it could be because I want to get an engine, it could be because I want a certain other deal, or it could be because we want to go forwards.
"I would love to keep Mark Webber for next year but the commercial reality is that I may not be able to hold on to him. If he goes it will be a sad day for Minardi and for me personally."
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He has been peforming in the Minardi this year, which has been good. Was just a matter of time to see where he'd be next year.
Will be a consolation if he goes to Jaguar, as my favourite driver Eddie Irvine looks set to leave the sport.
STODDART READY TO PART WITH WEBBER
2002-07-31 15:41:00
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart will not stand in Mark Webber’s way if a bigger team comes in for him.
Webber has been strongly linked with a move to Jaguar following an impressive debut season in Formula 1.
Stoddart has first option on Webber’s services but says he will only take it up if he can guarantee his fellow Aussie a decent car in 2003.
He told Autosport.com: "If we do keep him it will be because we have no financial problems and we have what we want in terms of a technical package.
"It would be wrong for me to hold on to him without any idea of where we are going."
But Stoddart said that he may demand something from Webber’s future employers in return for not taking up his option.
He said: "Until a certain date that is not too far from now, I have the option. I may select to do all sorts of different things to that option - it could be because I want to get an engine, it could be because I want a certain other deal, or it could be because we want to go forwards.
"I would love to keep Mark Webber for next year but the commercial reality is that I may not be able to hold on to him. If he goes it will be a sad day for Minardi and for me personally."
-----------------------------------------------
He has been peforming in the Minardi this year, which has been good. Was just a matter of time to see where he'd be next year.
Will be a consolation if he goes to Jaguar, as my favourite driver Eddie Irvine looks set to leave the sport.
