MARCH 9, 2005

Marchy Lee to join Minardi?

Formula BMW Asia Champion Marchy Lee Yin-Kin is rumoured to be on the verge of a deal to become the third driver of the Minardi team. If confirmed the deal would be a massive boost for F1 in China, a television audience which the sport is keen to get on board as its ratings at each race dwindle. F1 has been able to post an increase in viewing numbers in 2004 but only by adding new races to the calendar.

The 28-year-old Hong Kong driver has had a rather unusual career which began in karting when he was 13. He moved to Formula Campus in France in 1998 and finished fourth and then tried French Formula 3 in 1999 and 2000. He then moved to Formula 3 in Asia and in Australia before deciding last year to consolidate and go back to Formula BMW in Asia, which he won in style with 12 victories in 14 races.

We hear that the plan is for Lee to start working as the team's third driver at Imola.