Austrian GP Minardi race notes

AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX - July 25th 1999 THE RACE

MARC GENE' Chassis 04 11th 1:29:25.126 "I feel very pleased. I think I did a good race with a really competitive and driveable car which proved to be faster in the second and third sector, where I scored the same times as Stewart, Jordan and Benetton whereas I lost a bit in the first sector. I feel satisfied also with the strategy we have chosen. My car showed a big step forward and this makes me feel more confident and optimistic in view of the next race in Germany."

LUCA BADOER Chassis 01 13th 1:28:58:.188 "I am a bit disappointed because my strategy was focused to attack; in fact, at the first lap I was 15th after a good start. Soon afterwards, as I was trying to overtake Hill, he came too close to me and broke my car's nose. I continued but the nose came off completely and finished under the car making me finishing straight at a fast corner. However, I feel happy for the times I posted. They were really good during the whole race compared to those of the middle chart, and this was our objective. Unfortunately we were not lucky. I hope it will go better at next Sunday's race. "

CESARE FIORIO:

"We are satisfied with the race outcome because both cars have seen the finishing line thus proving a steady reliability. Just a little regret concerning Luca who had a very aggressive strategy, like Diniz; he could have finished among the first eight considering that he he posted very interesting times. Marc did a very regular race. I wish to outline that it is the first time we finish a Grand Prix race, on a short 71 laps circuit, at one lap left and this confirms the continuous improvement in our performances."