Davidson rejects Minardi race seat

By Phil Huff
December 4 2002

Long term British American Racing test driver Anthony Davidson has virtually ruled himself out of the running for a seat with Minardi.

The Faenza based F1 minnows require funding of £3 million (US$4.7 million) that Davidson is not prepared to pay, fearful that he'll get and retain an image as pay-driver.

"Unless we can pay the three million like [Justin] Wilson it's not on" Davidson commented in an interview at Barcelona. "It would not be worth it, and we don't have it. As soon as you are a paying driver you are a paying driver forever. We are not going to pay for a drive."

Turning down a chance at Minardi is likely to put Davidson out of an F1 race seat for another year. The two time F1 starter has had talks with Eddie Jordan but, with Jordan also in need of a boost to their budget, a seat there would be highly unlikely.

Davidson has still got a contract to continue testing for BAR in 2003.