Minardi launches new campaign in KL.

The Minardi team became the tenth - and penultimate - outfit to launch its 2002 Formula One campaign, when the wraps came off the new PS02-Asiatech in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

The renamed KL Minardi Asiatech team unveiled the new car, complete with a new black, red and white livery, in a comparatively simple ceremony at the Malaysian capital's main airport. While Italian neighbours Ferrari opted for the usual glitz and glamour for its annual launch, Minardi, true to its budget and sponsorship ties, went for the dramatic backdrop of Malaysian culture and a parked European Aviation Boeing 747

The PS02 was unveiled by drivers Alex Yoong and Mark Webber, who appeared on stage along with team principal Paul Stoddart, Asiatech president John Gano, Malaysia's youth and sport minister Hishammuddin and the prime minister's representative Pandikar Amin. The launch was also attended by some 500 international and national media, sponsors, guests and selected Minardi fans.

Last season, Minardi embarked on a five-year plan to increase its competitiveness in order to become a strong midfield contender in Formula One. The aim in 2001 was to stabilise the team, compete with dignity, and lay a solid foundation for future growth and enhanced performance. With that aim accomplished, however, the team believes it is now in a very different position for 2002.

The PS02 benefits from the extensive experience of the team's new chief aerodynamicist, Loic Bigois, and his technical team, plus considerable time spent in the Fondmetal Technologies wind tunnel at Casumaro, a short drive north of the team's Faenza headquarters.

Backing from both KL and the Malaysian lottery company Magnum has bolstered the team's finances sufficiently for it to consider developing the car during the year and, with several thousand testing miles already under its belt, Minardi feels that it will be able to move closer to those teams it surprised last year, and possibly even move into the true midfield.