Minardi two-seaters at Donington

DONINGTON PARK, ENGLAND, September 25, 2001 -- The European Minardi F1x2 two-seater cars today made their penultimate scheduled appearance of the year at the Donington circuit, scene of August's memorable Thunder in the Park day. Ledbury-based team personnel ran three of the team's fleet of eight machines at the Derbyshire track, providing 26 VIPs, sponsor representatives and special guests with the ride of a lifetime and the most graphic of insights into the adrenalin-fuelled world of Formula One.

Providing the high-speed thrills at Donington on this occasion were European Minardi F1 driver, Tarso Marques, official test driver, Christijan Albers, and European Minardi chief, Paul Stoddart. In the course of the busy day, they put in 130 laps of the 3.149-km circuit. As has now become the norm at two-seater days, on-track action was brought to a dramatic conclusion when, to the delight of the 150 assembled guests, the cars carried out a standing start.

"It has been another great day for the European Minardi two-seater programme and a fitting final appearance for the cars at Donington this year," comments Paul Stoddart. "We're proud that, so far this season, we've provided over 200 passengers with the opportunity to enjoy the closest view of Formula One it is possible to have without climbing behind the wheel of a Grand Prix car, and in the safest conditions. The programme continues to bring Formula One closer to the fans and provides us with as much satisfaction as it appears to provide pleasure to our passengers."

The final outing this year for the F1x2 cars will come at what promises to be another action-packed occasion: the European Minardi Day at Misano, Italy, on October 31. All eight two-seater chassis are due to appear at this picturesque circuit on Italy's Adriatic coast, along with the team's Formula One and F3000 cars, for an extravaganza of on-track action that will bring the curtain down in fitting style on European Minardi's 2001 season.

-Minardi-