Minardi Vallelunga test notes 2005-11-22

YOUTH TO THE FORE

CAMPAGNANO DI ROMA, November 22, 2005 - The Minardi F1 Team today launched into the second day of its final test session at the Autodromo Vallelunga. DrivIng the Minardi Cosworth PS05 chassis today were Chanoch Nissany, continuing his ongoing programme with the team, Uruguay's Juan Caceres, Davide Rigon of Italy, and Katherine Legge, who ventured on track late in the afternoon. Unfortunately, the young British driver was caught out by the cold conditions on the first run, her car spinning and brushing a concrete wall at the side of the track. The resulting damage was relatively minor, but with light fading and temperatures falling, it was decided to postpone her test until tomorrow.

JUAN CACERES
"The conditions were not ideal, with the track both cold and wet, and as this was my first time testing a Formula One car, I am happy with my performance. I think my lap time was good, and I didn't make any mistakes. I want to thank the Minardi team for what has been a great experience."

KATHERINE LEGGE
"It was great driving a Formula One car for the first time, even if I did end up learning about traction control the hard way! The accident was really just down to a lack of experience, but it most definitely hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for continuing with the test tomorrow and trying to do the best job I can. I really want to thank Paul Stoddart and Minardi for what is a fantastic opportunity."

LUCA FILIPP1
"Monday was a wonderful day for me, as I was able to realise the dream to drive a Formula One car, which I have held since I was very young. It was also a great honour to work with the Minardi team, which is famous for its ability to discover young drivers. The car itself just seemed to get better and better as the test went on, and I was quite confident with it at the end of the day. I particularly want to thank the CSAI, for starting this young driver scheme, which I think it a very good programme, and Minardi, for the assistance it has given to young Italian drivers over the last 21 years."

PAUL STODDART
"After the second day of Minardi's last test, the tradition of giving young drivers a break continued with no fewer than six hopefuls testing at the Vallelunga circuit. In addition, the ever-popular F1x2 two-seater programme gave another 40 people the ride of a lifetime. The test continues tomorrow with Chanoch and Katherine in the Formula One cars and a further 30 passengers in the two-seaters."

-minardi-