FEBRUARY 14, 2001
Mansell to drive European two-seater
NIGEL MANSELL has signed a contract with European Minardi but he will not make an astonishing racing comeback, the team confirmed on Wednesday.
A European Minardi spokesman confirmed that the 1992 World Champion will not join the race team, but is to drive the team's promotional two-seater Formula One car during the season.
European Minardi boss Paul Stoddart has also dismissed reports that Mansell would race for the team in 2001, but confirmed the popular Brit would pilot the 'European Minardi F1 x2'.
He said that having Mansell in the front seat of the car, which will be used as a promotional tool for sponsors, will enhance the experience for the passenger.
The Birmingham-born former Formula One star last raced competitively in 1998, when he drove in three rounds of the British Touring Car championship. But he has not raced in Formula One since his aborted season with McLaren in 1995.
McLaren's version of the two-seater has given high profile rides at Grand Prix races with ex-F1 man and TV commentator Martin Brundle at the wheel.
Stoddart now has eight of his company's two-seater machines completed, and is hoping that Mansell will take part in multi-car high speed demonstrations of the cars.