MAY 31, 2001

Morbidelli to make Minardi return?

MINARDI could be set to hand Italian Gianni Morbidelli a return to Formula One in time for the French Grand Prix.

Morbidelli is currently in talks with the Italian-based team and could replace Brazilian Tarso Marques for the second seat, after previously losing out to him in the winter.

Morbidelli is no stranger to Minardi after spending three seasons with the Faenza-based team during his spell in Formula One and the 33-year-old is expected to replace Marques for the Magny-Cours race.

Marques has failed to deliver for Paul Stoddart's team and has little financial backing to offer the team. Test drivers Andrea Piccini and Christijan Albers have been linked with a drive as has former Prost driver Gaston Mazzacane.