Malaysian GP Minardi race notes

MARC GENE' Chassis 04 9 1:37:10.056 "I did a very good start passing Zanardi after the first three corners. Afterwards, I managed to follow the rhythm of Frentzen and of the other cars. Fifteen laps before the stop my tyres were completely scrubbed and I was losing one second per lap. I pushed hard but I was not able to close the gap. Then, after the stop my lap times gradually improved on new tyres. In the end I pushed really hard. Now I feel a little bit tired: it was a fine race and also very demanding but I enjoyed it a lot."

LUCA BADOER Chassis 01 retired on lap 15 "Unfortunately I was hit by another car in the first incident at the second corner and I think I lost the right set-up. Then again, I was hit by Diniz who was overtaking me and I realized that the situation was compromised. I tried to continue but I ran straight in the grass and the engine temperature rose too much, thus forcing me to retire."

GIAN CARLO MINARDI "This has been a wonderful race. On the second set of tyres, Marc set his best lap times which resulted even a bit more than 1" better compared to his qualifying. This means that the boy is ready to become a top driver."