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c/p from forum.albersf1:
Former Minardi driver Jos Verstappen has agreed to return to the team to take on a role as a test-driver. The 34 year old dutch driver is currently without a drive since his plans to compete in the champcar worldseries fell through due to lack of sponsorship. At the Imola grandprix the Minardi team approached Verstappens manager and discussed if he would be interested to help the team develop the new car.
Paul Stoddart, talking to the press about Minardi's new italian driver-development plan, commented briefly on the matter:
"We're not going to change our current driver line-up, but we are always looking for ways to improve our performance. We know that Jos is an excellent and very experienced driver and the Minardi team has always been very happy about his contributions in testing and development of the car. We cannot expect our current drivers to deliver the same amount of technical feedback like Verstappen is able to do, simply because they are new to formula one. With the new car and the new more powerful cosworth engine we have the potential to catch up with Jordan, and we should be able to beat them in the near future."
A cosworth spokesman expressed his concerns about the progress being made, since Redbull are to race Ferrari engines next year. Up to now Redbull helped them a great deal in improving the engine. During pre-season testing formula 1 veteran David Coulthard generated valuable feedback on the engine. For the 2006 season Minardi will probably be the only team running cosworth engines. The current level of testing at Minardi is simply insufficient and cosworth urged Minardi to enable them to take measures in ensuring a stable flow of technical data neccesary for their engine-development.
By taking on Verstappen as a test-driver Minardi takes it's first big step on to becoming a reliable partner of cosworth engineering.
Minardi wasn't able to comment on when and where Verstappen will do his first test-runs for the team other than that it will be in the very near future.
Comments
Verstappen would get the car working to it's optimum quick smart.
[Edited on 19/5/2005 by jk]
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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It if were true though, then I think his experience would be good for developing the car.
And, IF it were true, his first test might have been next week's Friday session at Nürburgring. It's only a 1,5hour drive from his home !!!!
I found the Cosworth comments interesting as well. Wonder if they'd be willing to throw the team a few dollars to help with extra testing??
The simple reason is because we all see potential in the new chassis and engine combination.
This is the greater good......let's put our swords back and welcome joss back, if he does come. But mark my words, I ain't taking any shit.
Cosworth isn't going to subsidize the test budget and undermine the small amount they'll take from Minardi in 2006 for a team assured of remaining at the back with neutered V10's.
I think it would also put the young drivers in an unfair position with a vet like Verstappen chomping to race after every posted time that's better than the race driver(s).
A better solution would be to sign up with Cosworth for V8's, and ask if they'd help with running a 3rd driver this year for chassis development. That way we'd be meeting Cosworth in the middle (somewhat) while forgoeing a full blown test program for which the money simply doesn't exist. This would be more palletable for an experienced driver who would be competing with the full field.
12 seconds a lap slower than the next Minardi, and still with the Ray Bans trying to look cool in the pits. :hehe:
His manager, sidling up to Ron Dennis, 'so, how are you placed for test drivers next year, Ron?' ;)
Piquet jr. was visiting Minardi yesterday together with his father looking for a drive next season. But before you guys get to happy about this: the guy is semi-dutch and a real wanker...
Stoddart is concentrating more and more on OzJet and thats why he would be happy to sell the team in the near future.
I'd prefer Zsolt, though !!!