Piccini to drive, test

LEDBURY, ENGLAND, February 8, 2001 - The European Minardi F3000 team today announces that up-and-coming Italian racer, Andrea Piccini, will be one of its two nominated drivers for the 2001 season. The 22-year-old from Sansepolcro, in Tuscany, will also fulfil the role of official test driver for European Formula Racing sister team, European Minardi F1.

This marks Piccini's third season in the FIA International F3000 Championship, generally regarded as the final "proving ground" for young drivers before they make the step to Formula One. His best result to date - fourth at Hockenheim last year - indicates the potential is there, and the team will be aiming to turn that ability into podium finishes in 2001.

"I am very pleased to be driving for European Minardi F3000," comments Piccini. "The team finished third in the championship last year in only its first full year of competition and that indicates to me it is a strong, well-run organisation capable of preparing winning cars. It is also very important for my career that I start preparing for Formula One, so the opportunity to become an official test driver for the European Minardi F1 team is very exciting. I intend to use the experience to learn as much as possible, improve my driving, and hopefully help the F1 team develop its car during the season. It is a great opportunity."

<pre> Andrea Piccini Born Sansepolcro (Arezzo), Italy Date of birth December 12, 1978 Resides Sansepolcro, Italy Height 1.80 m Weight 64 kg Marital status single Hobbies music, computers, various sports Favourite meal pasta and pizza

Racing career highlights 1994 5 races regional kart championship, 100 junior class - one win, one second place 1995 Italian Championship, Formula Europa Boxer 1996 German Championship, Formula Opel Lotus 1997 European/German Championships, Formula Opel Lotus (10th) - one pole,four podiums 1998 European Championship, Formula Opel Lotus (third) - two poles, six podiums 1999 FIA International F3000 Championship (Kid Jensen Racing) (18th) - fifth, Austria 2000 FIA International F3000 Championship (Kid Jensen Racing) - fourth, Germany 2001 FIA International F3000 Championship driver, European Minardi F3000 FIA Formula One World Championship test driver, European Minardi F1

-Minardi