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.”