The Minardi Formula One team’s two-day shake-down test with its 2003 Grand Prix challenger, the Cosworth-powered PS03, continued today at Ferrari’s Fiorano test facility.  Following Jos Verstappen’s successful debut runs with the new Minardi yesterday, Justin Wilson took over the driving duties on Thursday. 

In sunny, but cool weather conditions, the Englishman ran for 32 laps, recording a best time of 1 min 01.08 secs.  A gearbox problem arose in the afternoon that curtailed the test, but Minardi engineering staff nonetheless pronounced themselves pleased with the information gathered on the performance of the new car during this initial outing. 

The team plans a further test of the PS03 early next week, before the cars and freight are prepared for shipment to Australia for the first Formula One race of the new season. 

> JUSTIN WILSON

“Today, I took over from my team mate, Jos, and continued working on the car.  I am very happy with the way the new PS03 feels so far.  I got in some decent mileage this morning and am very pleased at the way things are going.  We made some small improvements with the performance of the car compared with yesterday.  I am keen to get in as much track time as possible, and I’m happy with the start we have made.” 

> PAUL STODDARD, TEAM PRINCIPAL

“Overall, we’re very pleased with the performance of both the new car and the Cosworth engine, Justin and Jos independently expressing the view that the Minardi PS03 has considerable potential.  We’ve had a couple of technical issues arise in the course of this session at Fiorano, but that’s why teams go testing.  Justin was able to familiarise himself with the car today, and like Jos on Wednesday, set an impressive time in the process. 

It would be foolish to draw any overly optimistic conclusions at this stage, but on the basis of this first test, the signs appear to bode well for the start of the Formula One season.  The team will now return to Faenza, study the data gathered over the past two day, address the technical matters that arose, and aim to test again in a few days.”