AUGUST 31, 2000

Minardi deny Ferrari buyout

MINARDI have denied reports in the Italian press that a Ferrari takeover bid is on the cards.

MINARDI have denied reports in the Italian press that a Ferrari takeover bid is on the cards.

The rumors, however, were not connected with the front running Grand Prix team, but rather a South African by the name of Riccardo Ferrari - and Minardi are not impressed.

A no-holds-barred statement from the team said: "Such news does not reflect reality. No negotiations exist with this person who is joining a number of people who continue to report groundless information with the sole purpose of gaining a certain credibility through an indefinite link with the Minardi name."

Minardi is in sponsorship negotiations with Telefonica for next year, and receive heavy financial input from the pay drivers they hire - Marc Gene and Gaston Mazzacane.

The Italian team have already secured a deal to run with Supertec engines in 2001 that should see them rise up the grid.