EU3000: Pastorelli claims test reward

Nicky Pastorelli claims his F1 test drive reward

Superfund Euro 3000 Champion Nicky Pastorelli took his prize of a Formula One test today joining the Minardi team at the Autodromo Santamonica, Misano.

In torrential rain, Pastorelli took to the wheel of the Minardi PS04B at the start of the afternoon session to complete 12 laps of the wet Misano circuit. In spite of the adverse conditions, the Dutch-Italian driver made no mistakes, to gain an understanding and explore the potential of the F1 car.

Nicky Pastorelli:

"Driving the Minardi has been a fantastic experience and although the conditions were far from perfect I was able to get a real feel for the power of Formula One. The car is very different from what I am used to and all the reactions were much greater than I expected."

"The braking power was particularly impressive and although I didn't get a chance to use the rev limiter because of the rain, I could feel how powerful the engine can be. I'd like to thank Superfund and Minardi for giving me this amazing opportunity - hopefully I'll be behind the wheel of a F1 car again very soon!"

Paul Stoddart, Minardi Team Principal:

"We have had an interesting day, even if the weather made it very difficult. Nicky did a very good job, acclimatising to the car quickly and adapting well to the tricky surface conditions. We now look forward to tomorrow, and hopefully, some better weather to conclude the test."

Manfredi Ravetto, Marketing Manager, Team Draco:

"We are delighted Nicky won the opportunity to test drive the Minardi F1 at this crucial stage in his career. We had the worst possible conditions today to conduct a F1 test but Nicky adapted well to the car and was able to get twelve laps under his belt. Today's test confirms our feeling at Draco that Nicky's future lies in Formula One."

-www.formulasuperfund.com-