Yoong in for Monza?

Formula Nippon driver Alexander Yoong could become the first Malaysian Grand Prix driver, says Minardi team owner Paul Stoddart.

The Australian said in Hungary this weekend that Yoong could race for Minardi at the Italian Grand Prix. He is expected to replace Tarso Marques.

Stoddart explained that: "He's been testing for us and he will continue this coming week and if his FIA Superlicence goes through then I would hope to have him in the car this year and I think it will."

Asked what he needs for the vital Superlicence, Stoddart replied: "More kilometers basically. He's done quite a bit now but you can never say when enough is enough. But we've put the application in and certainly he's pleased us, he's done everything we've asked him to do, he's done it in a very professional way, he hasn't had any problems, a couple of minor offs but everybody does, nothing serious and I think he will be OK."

"I think the earliest we could get him into the car would be Monza. If we can get him in for the last three races then that would give him a good benchmark and then he will have the winter to do a lot more testing for next year."