European Minardi Cosworth last Friday afternoon concluded a highly successful three-day test at the Vallelunga circuit, the team’s engineers completing an extensive technical programme, many aspects of which will contribute directly to establishing the final specification of the 2004 European Minardi chassis. 

Friday saw India’s Narain Karthikeyan and Austrian, Norbert Siedler, join the Faenza squad’s 2003 test driver, Gianmaria Bruni.  Karthikeyan was first out on track in the morning, successfully completing an engine evaluation programme for the team before a mechanical problem intervened. 

Following a scheduled engine change, the young Indian driver handed over to Siedler, who after some initial acclimatisation runs, the Vallelunga test marked his first run in an F1 car, worked impressively through a programme that included engine and differential mapping, suspension geometry assessment and tyre evaluation.  Bruni, who was at the wheel of chassis PS03/03 throughout Friday, concentrated on data verification relating to aerodynamics, electronics, engine mapping and braking.  He also carried out tyre evaluation for the team’s technical partner, Bridgestone.

Meanwhile on the previous day, Thursday, after persistent rain had soaked this region overnight, the second day of European Minardi’s test took place in cold, but otherwise improved weather conditions. Iit was the turn of Finn, Heikki Kovalainen, to have his first run in a European Minardi Cosworth PS03. The 22-year-old, from Suomussalmi, was joined by Jose-Maria Lopez, and briefly in the afternoon, by Fabrizio Del Monte. 

The latter two both drove for the team on the opening day, but had been unable to sample the undiluted performance of a Formula One car because of the wet conditions. The drivers were reported to have provided good “feedback” while working with European Minardi staff on a technical programme that included engine performance assessment, aerodynamic work, brake system comparison and weight distribution evaluation.    

GIANMARIA BRUNI

“I had not driven the Minardi PS03 for two-and-a-half months, and I was really looking forward to testing here in Vallelunga.  I am pretty satisfied with what we have accomplished, as we ran trouble-free for the whole day, and at the end of the session, I had covered more than 400 kms. It has been a busy and demanding day as far as the test is concerned, and I’m happy with the work we’ve done with the team’s engineers.”

NORBERT SIEDLER

“This was a really great experience. It was impressive to drive the F1 car, especially for the first five laps or so, as the speed was incredible, and the brakes, too. I had great fun, and I wish to thank my sponsor, Superfund, for supporting me so well. This was a fantastic Christmas present for me.”

NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN

“It was great to be back in a Formula One car, even if it was only for some laps this morning. I’d particularly like to thank Paul Stoddart and the team for giving me this opportunity, and I hope today’s test will now encourage some of India’s major corporations to get behind me and support my efforts to secure a Formula One seat in 2004.”

HEIKKI KOVALAINEN
 

“I think it was a very good day.  This is a new track for me, and the test started off with the circuit a little bit damp.  To be honest, though, it wasn’t too difficult to get used to it. After a handful of laps, I managed to set a reasonable time and felt I was near the limit.  In the afternoon, we completed our driving programme on schedule, and I think we found some improvement. Obviously, I was becoming more confident with my driving all the time, as well as with my braking.  All told, it was a positive experience.”

JOHN WALTON, Sporting Director

“Over the course of the three days, it has been very interesting to work with six different drivers. They have all been highly impressive in terms of both technical understanding and driving ability, and I’m sure each has a bright future in motor racing ahead of him. In terms of the test, we covered approximately 2000kms in total, which is impressive considering we lost time on the first day with adverse weather conditions. 

"We enjoyed great reliability with both chassis, and the engineers have come away with a massive amount of data. This will obviously be analysed back at the factory as we develop our 2004 car. I’d like to express our thanks to all the drivers for the great job they’ve done. There were only two minor spins over the three days, and neither caused any damage. All told, it has been a very good test.”

Minardi Testing Details

Location: Vallelunga circuit, Italy; Date: December 12, 2003, Weather: Cloudy in the morning, partly cloudy with sunny spells later; Air temperature: 9-16 deg C; Track temperature: 9-17 deg C; Driver(s): Gianmaria Bruni; Norbert Siedler; Narain Karthikeyan (morning only); Chassis allocation: PS03/01 (Karthikeyan/Siedler); PS03/03 (Bruni); Laps completed: Bruni, 130/420 kms; Siedler, 47/152 kms; Fastest lap: Bruni, 1 min 02.216 secs; Siedler, 1 min 04.305 secs; Karthikeyan, 1 min 08.50 secs