'Strong possibility of Friesacher being replaced'

SBS9828X SG

Last weekend's British GP may have been Patrick Friesacher's final race with Minardi as the team are looking to replace him as he has run out of sponsorship money.

The Austrian made his F1 debut at this year's opening race in Australia after securing the funds needed to pay Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart for his race-seat.

However, according to Reuters there have been problems with Friesacher's financial backing for more than a month. And unless he can somehow find the cash, it looks as if the 24-year-old's Minardi career - and perhaps his F1 career as well - are coming to a premature end.

"Patrick being replaced at the next race is a strong possibility because of sponsorship money not being paid," Stoddart said, adding that he already had three drivers in line to replace the Austrian.

The Australian also revealed that he is holding talks with a Turkish driver about the possibility of him teaming up with Minardi for the inaugural Turkish GP. The race takes place in Istanbul on 21 August.

"We have talked to a Turkish driver and if a commercial deal is concluded, we would be proud to run him in Turkey," Stoddart said.

The driver though, is unlikely to race given that a superlicence is needed to compete in a F1 grand prix. He will therefore most probably conduct a demonstration run in one of the Minardi PS05.

iveco SG

Can one be a test driver even without a super licence? Also if your regular driving licence is suspended for some reason, you can still drive because of your possession of the super licence, right? I remember Ralf Schumacher losing his regular licence for traffic offences, but was not affected much.

SBS9828X SG

I dunno bout test driver... but i believe is yes coz they oso drive bah

[email protected] SG

Originally posted by SBS9828X:
[b]Last weekend's British GP may have been Patrick Friesacher's final race with Minardi as the team are looking to replace him as he has run out of sponsorship money.

The Austrian made his F1 debut at this year's opening race in Australia after securing the funds needed to pay Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart for his race-seat.

However, according to Reuters there have been problems with Friesacher's financial backing for more than a month. And unless he can somehow find the cash, it looks as if the 24-year-old's Minardi career - and perhaps his F1 career as well - are coming to a premature end.

"Patrick being replaced at the next race is a strong possibility because of sponsorship money not being paid," Stoddart said, adding that he already had three drivers in line to replace the Austrian.

The Australian also revealed that he is holding talks with a Turkish driver about the possibility of him teaming up with Minardi for the inaugural Turkish GP. The race takes place in Istanbul on 21 August.

"We have talked to a Turkish driver and if a commercial deal is concluded, we would be proud to run him in Turkey," Stoddart said.

The driver though, is unlikely to race given that a superlicence is needed to compete in a F1 grand prix. He will therefore most probably conduct a demonstration run in one of the Minardi PS05.
[/b]

Turkish? Can Artam is likely then.

Kuali Baba SG

I’d rather have Friesacher over those bunnies Yoong and Mazzacane, who got race drives because of their financial backing.

SBS9828X SG

Doornbos in for Friesacher at Minardi

Jordan third driver will become Minardi race driver this weekend when Robert Doornbos replaces Patrick Friesacher, who has been dropped by the Italian team due to sponsorship issues. Doornbos will partner fellow Dutchman Christijan Albers.

"We are pleased to welcome Robert to Minardi," said team principal, Paul Stoddart, following Tuesdays announcement. "He has demonstrated clearly over the last year that he has the pace necessary to compete in Formula One, and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to make his World Championship debut at this weekend's German Grand Prix.

I believe he is going to do an excellent job over the coming races, and I'm sure the Minardi team can expect even more enthusiastic support from the Netherlands, if that's possible, as we now have the first, all-Dutch driver line-up.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick sincerely for his efforts on behalf of the team, and although commercial considerations mean we have had to bring our relationship with him to an end, this decision should in no way be taken as a reflection on his skill or ability as a driver. We continue to rate him very highly, and wish him all the best for the future."

Friesacher made his Formula One debut with Minardi at the start of the 2005 season. The Austrian scored his first and only world championship points with sixth place in the United States Grand Prix.

SBS3641G SG

i still remember the young Englishman Justin WIlson, who floated himself on the LSE to get $$ to race.

[email protected] SG

ah well. for every gem like alonso, u get another 3 pay drivers.

finoq SG

Doornbos!..