Formula One news

Minardi fire last ever test

Roldan Rodriguez

A swathe of formula one rookies are helping Minardi to round out a 21-year history this week. The little Faenza based team previously owned by Paul Stoddart (2001-2005) and Gian Carlo Minardi (1985-2000) is testing for the last time ever at Vallelunga, near Rome.

The test is unlikely to attract criticism for, effectively, joining Ferrari in disobeying the November ban. Although now owned by Red Bull, to rename its 'rookie' team Squadra Toro Rosso for 2006, the Vallelunga commitment 'has been honoured to allow a number of young drivers to have their first experience of formula one performance,' a statement said.

To mark the black-clad team's last run, the name of every Minardi employee is featured on the inside of the rear wing endplates of three 2005 (PS05) cars and two (2004) PS04Bs. On Monday, Chanoch Nissany drove alongside Spaniard Roldan Rodriguez, and Luca Filippi.

Katherine Legge

2005 racer Christijan Albers has returned from a Midland seat fitting in the UK to drive a two-seater car, as will former teammates Robert Doornbos and Patrick Friesacher. On Tuesday, Katherine Legge will become the first woman in 13 years to drive an F1 car. "Honestly, I am a little nervous," the 25-year-old Briton told the media on Monday.

Italy's Davide Rigon, hoping to land another World Series by Renault seat for 2006, is also scheduled to run on Tuesday. "For me," he said, "Gian Carlo Minardi is a legend."

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