Jaguar Formula One motor racing team have sacked Britain's Justin Wilson and replaced him with Austrian Christian Klien.

The Ford-owned Formula One team says 20-year-old Klien will race alongside Australian Mark Webber next year.

But just hours after the announcement, Minardi boss Paul Stoddart said he would welcome Wilson back to his outfit for 2004.

"I'm optimistic that we can find a way to keep Justin in Formula One," said Stoddart. "I have been in discussions with Jaguar although it is too early to make any positive comment."

He added: "I would be proud to have Justin back in the team if a financial deal can be put together. He had a fantastic relationship with us when he was here."

Klien, runner-up in German Formula Three this year, impressed Jaguar with his speed and attitude during testing at Valencia recently.

"Christian was in as much control of himself as he was the car," said David Pitchforth, managing director of Jaguar Racing.

"He was extremely calm, composed and didn't seem remotely fazed by his first ever experience with a Formula One car. His technical feedback was excellent and there is no doubt in our minds about the potential of this exciting new young talent."

Klien, who was due to test with Jaguar in Barcelona, had his first experience of a Formula One car only last week.

"I have worked tirelessly over the years to get to this point but I appreciate also that the real hard work for me starts now," Klien said.

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