Minardi confirms Zlobin as test driver.

Although its engine supplier and race regulars have yet to be confirmed, Minardi has taken a first step towards the 2003 season by naming Russian Sergei Zlobin as test driver.

The Euro F3000 racer has already completed several runs with the Anglo-Italian team, following a promise made by Minardi to sponsor Gazprom when it signed up to back the Formula One team earlier this year, and has now been offered a permanent role that could lead to appearances in a third car on the morning of grand prix meetings. Minardi is expected to lead teams wanting to sign up to the latest testing initiative, which has to be ratified by at least three teams by 15 December.

"We will work closely with Sergei so that, one day, he could drive a Formula One car for us," team director Giancarlo Minardi told a press gathering in Moscow, "I will be more specific about his future in Formula One racing after we have a few tests in Valencia later this month."

The agreement to run Zlobin on a regular basis is expected to be the final stage of an agreement with Gazprom for next season, although Minardi admits that the contract has yet to be formally signed.

It is unlikely, however, that the 32-year old will be promoted to the race team, as he has yet to be granted the FIA Superlicence required to compete at the top level and has failed to shine in Euro F3000. Minardi is expected to announce the two drivers to lead its Cosworth-powered attack in 2003 around Christmas, with Jos Verstappen leading the shortlist.