AUGUST 16, 2002
Minardi to test Russian driver
The deal with Gazprom is for three years and Gazprom hopes to use the program not only to built up the company's international image but also to help Russia develop international racing drivers.
It is anticipated that the deal will end up with the Russians buying a percentage of the Minardi team although Paul Stoddart is expected to remain in charge. Ironically, it was Giancarlo Minardi who worked to find the Gazprom deal, despite the fact that the team that bears his name is now 100%-owned by Stoddart (at least for the moment).
There is a certain irony in the fact that Stoddart had landed a big Russian deal while his F1 rival Tom Walkinshaw is struggling to keep the idea of a Russian GP alive.