SEPTEMBER 13, 2002
Verstappen and Minardi
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart is close to Verstappen, the two having worked together back in 1997 when Jos was driving for Tyrrell and Stoddart was a sponsor of the team. Verstappen went on to work with the abortive Honda Racing Developments, in which Stoddart was also involved and the relationship continued in 2000 when Stoddart was involved with Arrows when Verstappen was racing for the team.
The second Minardi drive is yet to be decided but if Mark Webber goes (as expected) to Jaguar Racing there are at least eight drivers in line for the drive. Justin Wilson (who is believed to be the favorite), Anthony Davidson, Giorgio Pantano, Bryan Herta, Townsend Bell, Mika Salo, David Saelens and Enrique Bernoldi.
It is anticipated that Alex Yoong will be named as the team's 2003 test driver.