FRIESACHER SIGNS FOR MINARDI
VELDEN, AUSTRIA, February 15, 2005 – The Minardi F1 Team today announces that promising young Austrian driver, Patrick Friesacher, has signed with the Faenza team as race driver for 2005. The 24-year-old, from Wolfsberg/Carinthia, is well-regarded by Minardi personnel, having tested for the Formula One team and participated in Minardi F1 two-seater events on several occasions. He was also a regular front-runner in the FIA F3000 International Championship between 2001 and 2004, scoring wins and a number of top-six finishes in the highly competitive series.
“For me, it is the realisation of a long-held dream to be in Formula One,” says Friesacher. “I am also extremely happy that I will be making my debut in the World Championship with Minardi. I know many of the people in the team, and it really is just like a big family. There is a great atmosphere, and when you consider how many top F1 drivers have started their careers at Minardi, I can’t think of a better place to start mine. In fact, I feel honoured to be part of the team, and will do my very best for them this season. I’m training really hard at the moment to ensure my fitness is good, but I can’t wait for the season to get under way in Australia. This is a great opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it.”
Minardi Team Principal, Paul Stoddart, comments, “We are very pleased to have signed Patrick. He impressed team personnel enormously when he tested for us at Misano in November, and he was undoubtedly one of the stars of the show at the memorable South African F1x2 Grand Prix at Kyalami last year. He’s a quick, and equally importantly, consistent driver, who is also capable of providing good technical feedback to the engineers. I firmly believe the combination of Patrick and team mate, Christijan Albers, will provide Minardi with an extremely strong young driver line-up this season.”
- Ends -
PATRICK FRIESACHER – Personal Details
Date of birth September 26, 1980
Born Wolfsberg, Austria
Lives Wolfsberg, Austria
Marital status Single
Height 1.78 m
Weight 68 kg
Race Career
1990-1997 Karting, races in various local, national and international competitions
1998 Formula Campus Series (France), 3rd place overall
1999 French F3 Championship, Class B, 3rd place overall
2000 German F3 Championship, 6th place overall (2 wins, 2 pole positions)
2001 FIA F3000 International Championship, Red Bull Jr Team, 13th place overall (3 top-6 finishes)
2002 FIA F3000 International Championship, Red Bull Jr Team, 10th place overall (2nd Monaco)
2003 FIA F3000 International Championship, Red Bull Jr Team/Coloni, 5th place overall (1st Hungary)
2004 FIA F3000 International Championship, Super Nova/Coloni, 5th place overall (1st Hungary)
2005 FIA Formula One World Championship, Race Driver Minardi Cosworth
Editors’ Note: Further information concerning Patrick Friesacher is available at www.minardi.it and www.PF1BOX.com
Comments
Another driver that knows all the Euro-tracks and one that's highly rate by team personell !!!!!
I hope RJ gets some confirmation about the test the team wanted to do in Imola !!!!!
Any news who's sponsoring him? Superfund?
http://www.pf1box.com/partners.php
I think the combination with Albers is very promising. Let's hope the new car will give them the oppurtunity to shine !!
Great for Patrick!
Great for Minardi!
Rumors say there will be a test next week at Imola including Sauber and Toyota.
Patrick will drive the distance to secure a super license.
http://www.imolacircuit.it/vis_eventi.php?idevento=39&lan=ita
[Edited on 15/2/2005 by Boos]
[Edited on 15/2/2005 by Boos]
I do not have time to go thru them all but this is what I see so far
Remus - motorcycle exhaust
Some regional holiday guide
An Austrian ISP
A pretty good looking fitness training organization
any of you guys have a more in depth look at who is behind him and what products can we get behind?
I am sad to see that Minardi will only be there day !!!!:(
inquiring minds want to know!
I wonder if Kiesa will be announces as 3rd driver, with him having cash available !?!!
RE Haider: isn't that the extreme-right-wing-party leader ???
[Edited on 15/2/2005 by Minardus]
I find that a pretty negative aspect. Haider s*cks :spank::spank:
see front page article for full interview with stoddart and friesacher.
from velden it's bye bye
The only thing I dislike is Stoddie and Minardi signing a contract with a neonazi bloke. I dislike Haider a lot, but if Friesacher will run for the team then okay. Just keep your mouth shut herr Haider.
I can0t belieive why austrians can still vote for such a neonazi, shame on them. Same goes to Pim Fortuyn and Le Pen.
He's the schwarzenegger of austria (funny governor)
As far as the politician. Who gives a rats ass? I was only joking but you people take this crap way too seriously. There is enough politics in F1 - look at PS's statement for proof of that. We don't need it clouding F1 anymore than it has to.
Albers/Friesacher VS Monteiro/ Strange guy from India which name I can't spell
A miracle has to happen for that we can't kick Jordans ass!
FORZA!
watch
:rolleyes:
now the danish canbe 3rd driver if he brings money. I'll buy Lego for my son if he comes.
But why didn't Fidel sponsor our cars???????