OCTOBER 1, 2003

The ownership of Minardi

The future of Minardi is a rich source of stories without foundation and rarely does a week go by without a new rumor emerging. Team boss Paul Stoddart has become so used to it that most conversations these days are prefixed with a denial of the latest rumor of the moment. The most recent stories have centered on an Italian group which is supposed to include Parmalat. Stoddart says he knows nothing about them but adds that it is always possible that Bernie Ecclestone is talking to people, although Ecclestone's involvement at Minardi remains nominal as the deal discussed in Canada has yet to be completed.

There is one possible investor in the wings at the moment but Stoddart is currently not discussing it as no deal has been concluded.