Wilson: Pushing every step of the way.

Justin Wilson knows the pressure is on, but has vowed that there will be no let-up in his efforts at next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix as he attempts to secure a place on the Formula One grid for next season.

The Briton, who transferred to Jaguar from Minardi after the British Grand Prix, has perhaps one race left in 2003 in which to convince his employers that he is worthy of a place alongside Mark Webber next season. The Milton Keynes team is notorious for its hiring-and-firing policy and, known to be seeking a budget top-up for 2004, may be tempted to ditch Wilson in favour of someone with a bit more sponsorship. Nick Heidfeld is among those being mentioned, alongside the well-backed Jos Verstappen.

Wilson, however, heads to Japan with the boost of having opened his F1 account last time out at Indianapolis and, despite not being familiar with Suzuka, insists he will be trying to at least double his tally in an effort to secure his future.

"My eighth place finish at Indianapolis was a great boost for me and the team and, with a point in the bag, I travelled direct to Japan in a positive mood," he confirmed, "As this is the last race for me with the team before a decision is taken for the driver line-up in 2004, I will be pushing every step of the way and doing my utmost to achieve another finish."

Wilson has made full use of the time afforded to him by Jaguar's involvement in the Heathrow Agreement by acclimatising to Japan and spending as many hours as possible working on his physical conditioning.

"I have been spending some time here with the team physio, working on my fitness and also learning more about the track," he revealed, "I have never been to Suzuka before so, again, this will be a challenging weekend for me."

Should he miss out in the race for the second Jaguar seat, Wilson may return to Minardi, where former employer Paul Stoddart said, before his move to Jaguar, that there would be a seat for him in 2004.