Australian GP Saturday Minardi notes

AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX - Melbourne, 6th March 1999 QUALIFYING

The Stewards of the Meeting have decided that there are exceptional circumstances and pursuant to Article 131 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations permit the driver of car n. 21 (Marc Gene) to start the race.

LUCA BADOER Chassis 02 21st 11 laps time: 1:35,316 "Since this morning during the free practice my car suffered a front suspension concern during the first run. In the afternoon, after only four laps, I switched to the T-car which was prepared for me. Nonetheless, the feeling with it was obviously different. We wasted a precious time and I couldn't complete the three runs as scheduled. I am quite deceived because I could have pushed more in the qualifying."

MARC GENE' Chassis 03 22nd1st 11 laps time: 1:37,013 "I am disappointed and disoriented as well. The tests carried out in preparation for this Grand Prix were all positive. The times scored in Barcelona and at the Mugello were far better compared to the best times Minardi was used to clock. During the Friday's free practice everything seemed to be okay then in the afternoon we had some car concerns. We also switched to a different set of tyres but I didn't feel comfortable in the car as I felt before. It was perhaps a question of set-up. Moreover, since this morning I had a few brake concerns."

GIAN CARLO MINARDI: "We expected a little bit more than the result obtained today on the track. Luca did a good work considering he had some car concerns and was obliged to take the T-car. He, therefore, couldn't score a good time as he expected. Marc Gene did a number of errors which were due to his lack of experience and may be to a bit of emotion.

MARK PARISH - (Ford Cosworth) Motorsport Programme Director: "We reasonably presume that the work carried out on the engine so far is trouble free. For tomorrow's race we are optimistic."