APRIL 16, 2005

The new Minardi on track

The first Minardi Cosworth PS05 had its initial shakedown test at Mugello yesterday in the hands of Christijan Albers. The new car is very different to the PS04 and ran without drama, Albers completing a total of 125 miles of testing. The team is now concentrating on building up the second PS05 in time for the San Marino GP next weekend.

"It was a terrific feeling to give the new car its first run," said Albers. "We now have to start working seriously on chassis set-up, and clearly, we have a great deal to learn about the car. This means Imola is likely to be quite a challenge for us, but there's huge motivation and enthusiasm within the team, and I know that we are going to make progress."

Team founder Giancarlo Minardi also praised the team.

"The PS05 is yet again clear evidence of the fantastic skills of everyone on this team, and there is still a sense of overwhelming emotion on such occasions, even after so many years," he said. "I hope that what I have seen taking place here in recent days will represent just the starting point for major achievements that everyone at Minardi well deserves."