Formula 1
Stoddart sees Minardi improvment
Paul Stoddart did what many thought was impossible by bringing European Minardi to Melbourne for the start of 2001. Taking over the team and building the car in little over six weeks to arrive at the Australian GP was no mean feat and now Stoddart ...
Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM
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Paul Stoddart did what many thought was impossible by bringing European Minardi to Melbourne for the start of 2001. Taking over the team and building the car in little over six weeks to arrive at the Australian GP was no mean feat and now Stoddart is planning for the future. Next year's car, designed by Gustav Brunner who jumped ship to Toyota, is already in the wind tunnel and the team believe it will be a contender for 2002. Stoddart is realistic and knows that challenging the likes of McLaren and Ferrari is not likely in the immediate future, but he remains optimisitic.
Speaking to Autosport magazine, he said:“ This year it took us six weeks and two days to build the car. We had no testing but we managed to get it going and compete this year professionally and with dignity. We had several top ten finishes and the whole team did a good job. We got the team working together and gelling and yes, we had the setback with Brunner, but we have overcome that and he had already penned the 2002 outline. We've had it in the wind tunnel and have made a massive gain over where the team was this year. All the indications are very good.”
He added:“ My dream is a podium, but I know that you have got to be realistic and before that we are going to have to get reliable enough to be able to race with everybody. I think realistically we can finish between eighth and tenth in the championship, as there are two teams I think we can beat next year.”
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