JULY 22, 1996

Johnny Carwash makes a comeback

ITALIAN Giovanni Lavaggi - nicknamed Johnny Carwash (his name means "John Washing") - will replace GiancarloÊFisichella at Minardi for the rest of the season.

The 38-year-old journeyman driver - who bought himself four races last year with the Pacific team - tested for the team last week at Misano and will make his debut at the German GP.

Minardi has been forced to take a paying driver because he was unable to find support for talented youngsters Fisichella and Tarso Marques. Both remain under contract to Minardi - although Marques is being lent out to Arrows to do Bridgestone tire testing in Japan.

Minardi is continuing to look for an engine deal for 1997, but without a car capable of producing good results and without the talents of Fisichella and Marques, the combination of Pedro Lamy and Lavaggi is not particularly promising.