Minardi reschedules China visit

The Minardi F1x2 team announced today that the historic Thunder in China event, sponsored by BSA International, will now take place at Beijing's Goldenport Motor Park on Sunday, December 15, one week later than planned, as a result of logistics issues. The event will be preceded by a press conference at the new facility, on Thursday, December 12.

The team also confirmed that its Malaysian star, Alex Yoong, and Dutchman, Christijan Albers, both of whom who have participated in previous Minardi F1x2 events, will handle the driving duties at Thunder in China. It is particularly fitting that Yoong is involved in this ground-breaking event, as he is of Chinese descent and has a number of relatives who live in China.

"Thunder in China is both a very important, and a very special event for all of us at KL Minardi," says Team Principal, Paul Stoddart, "as it will mark the first time a Formula One car has been fired up in mainland China and driven on a Chinese race circuit. It's certain that the sight and sound of a pair of two-seater Formula One cars in action will make a lasting impression on the fans present at the Goldenport Circuit, as well as on the consciousness of all those watching the live television coverage of the event."

"Just as we have done in Malaysia while cultivating commercial partnerships that are of mutual benefit to the team and to the companies concerned, we are going to assist China and the Chinese people to fire up their interest in Formula One."

"We would particularly like to thank Dato' Dr Cam Soh, the Executive Chairman of BSA. His company is a valued commercial partner of Minardi and he is one of the main instigators and backers of Thunder in China. It is also highly significant that BSA is now moving aggressively into the dynamic Chinese market, a strategy that will allow BSA not only to increase worldwide market share for its high-quality products, but also to increase the foreign exchange and export earnings of this highly successful Malaysian company."

"Thanks are also due to the staff at the Goldenport Circuit and the Federation of Automobile Sport of China. Without their invaluable support, Thunder in China would not have been possible," concludes Stoddart. "Everyone at Minardi is very proud to be involved in this important event."

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