FEBRUARY 15, 2005

The spotlight moves to Austria

Later today at the Casino in Velden, a town on the Worther See near Klagenfurt, in Austria Minardi is expected to reveal whether Patrick Friesacher will be the team's second driver this year or whether he will be the third driver. The team had been very close to a deal to put Nicolas Kiesa in a car but it seems that the Dan's money did not materialise. The big question, therefore, is whether or not Friesacher has managed to get the backing he needs to grab the last available seat in Formula 1.

If he does sign to race for the team, Friesacher will give Minardi a strong driver line-up with both the Austrian and Dutchman Christijan Albers both being proven winners throughout their careers.

We should know by around 4pm European time.