Stoddart pleased with 'dedication'
Paul Stoddart has hailed the determination of his Minardi team after they completed their first new car since 2001.
The cash-strapped team have struggled on with modified chassis in recent years but a regulation change for 2005 forced Stoddart’s hand.
The new car, christened the PS05, tests at Mugello today amid hope Minardi can move a step closer to the rest of the field.
They started the season with a crudely modified 2004 car which did not even have the latest Cosworth engine but the new package could lift Minardi off the back of the grid at some races.
Minardi boss Stoddart said: “The fact that we are able to test the first Minardi Cosworth PS05 chassis today is a testament to the overwhelming dedication and single-minded determination of everyone at the factory, as well as the team’s suppliers and technical partners.
“This test marks the culmination of a massive effort, and I would like to thank all of those involved for making it possible.”
