British GP: Minardi race notes

In a race marked by an exceptional level of reliability on the part of virtually all competitors, Minardi F1 Team drivers Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher experienced an incident-free afternoon as they took the chequered flag in today's British Grand Prix in 18th and 19th places respectively.

Both drivers stopped twice for fuel in a race that ran almost totally to plan, the only slight concern being a higher than normal gearbox temperature in Friesacher's car. Minardi engineers kept a close eye on the telemetry as the race progressed, and fortunately, the transmission didn't suffer any ill effects, allowing the Faenza squad to record a satisfying two-car finish in one of the most demanding Grands Prix of the year.

Christijan Albers:

"There was a bit of a problem with the start when it was unclear whether it had been aborted or not. That's why I was slow getting away and lost the positions I had won in qualifying."

"I was able to overtake Patrick on the first lap to regain a position, but as I was trying to catch Monteiro, the Safety Car came out, and after it went in, I just couldn't catch him. I'm quite happy with the result, as my lap times were pretty consistent on a circuit that doesn't particularly suit our car at the moment."

Patrick Friesacher:

"It was good to finish the race, but it was quite difficult from about one-third distance, when the traffic on some laps meant you lost up to six seconds compared with your normal lap time. Some drivers were two-stopping and some three, and as a result, there seemed to be traffic around me for much of the time, which disturbs your rhythm."

"Also, as a result of going off-line when other cars are passing you, your tyres often pick up debris when you run on a dirty part of the track. All of those things combined to make it a tough race today."

Paul Stoddart, Team Principal, Minardi Cosworth

"I don't remember the last time 19 cars completed a Grand Prix, and while a two-car finish is always pleasing, it's clear more development is required on the car."

CHRISTIJAN ALBERS
Chassis: PS05/01
Best lap: 1 min 26.182 secs
Position: 18th

PATRICK FRIESACHER
Chassis: PS05/02
Best lap: 1 min 26.489 secs
Position: 19th

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