He revealed that there are now three teams chasing his services although he won’t make a final decision for another six weeks.

"I'm not in a position to say what teams we're in discussions with but there are at least three teams for which I can potentially drive next year," said the ever-popular Aussie driver.

Jaguar appear the front runners as rumours grow that lengthy contractual discussions have already taken place. Webber is said to have impressed Niki Lauda during his test for the Big Cat earlier this year.

But a string of impressive recent performances have seen Toyota enter the fray with Jordan and Sauber as outsiders.

What seems 'almost' certain is that he won’t stay with Minardi. Team boss Paul Stoddart has already said that he wouldn’t prevent his star driver from moving on.

"I'm a competitive person at the end of the day," Webber said. "What I've learnt at Minardi this year has been fantastic and if they have a stronger package next year - you never know."

Webber also hinted teammate Alex Yoong could be replaced before the next race in Budapest in two week’s time.

Renault driver Fernando Alonso, veteran Jos Verstappen and F3000 rising star Sebastien Bourdais are among the favourites to replace the Malaysian who has failed to qualify at three races this year.

"I feel that he's a little bit out of his depth, and I won't be surprised if he doesn't do the next race," he said. "But I also won't be surprised if he is there.

"Paul's been very, very patient with him and the team has as well ... This is the pinnacle and F1 is about survival of the fittest."

Indeed it is, and currently Webber is winning the battle of evolution.

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