Final pre-season test for Minardi.

The Minardi Formula One Team today [Wednesday] undertook its final test prior to the beginning of the 2003 season.

Drivers Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson were both on hand for the day-long session at Imola's Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, which is only a short distance from the Faenza squad's factory.

The purpose of the test, which took place in sunny, but cool weather conditions, was to allow the team to run the second of its Cosworth-powered PS03 chassis for the first time, in preparation for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix.

Minardi technical staff also used the occasion to evaluate control software and aerodynamic components.

"This is the first time we have run the second PS03 chassis, and as you would expect with a brand-new car, today's test showed up a few technical areas that need fine-tuning, such as the traction control and engine-braking systems," noted Verstappen. "The ride was a bit harsh over the Imola curbs, but that is also something that can be sorted out. There is work to be done, and you can always do with more track time, but the team is making good progress."

Wilson added: "It was a useful afternoon, as any seat time I can get in prior to leaving for Australia is great. As this car hadn't run before, we spent time working on chassis set-up and software assessment. I have to admit I was conscious of being a little bit careful, as the car will be packed up for the trip to Australia within the next 24 hours.

"This was also the first time I had driven at Imola in a Formula One car, and it's certainly nicer than in a Formula 3000 car. At the higher speeds, the circuit seems to open up and starts to 'flow'. I'm quite excited and really looking forward now to my first Grand Prix."

Paul Stoddart, Team Principal, European Minardi Cosworth, concluded: "The team hasn't been able to do quite as much pre-season testing as it might have liked, but it was useful for Jos and Justin to be able to do a total of 41 laps of Imola today in the second Minardi Cosworth PS03 chassis.

"This means both race cars have now had reasonable shakedown runs before being readied for shipment to Australia. From the testing we have done, it is clear that Minardi's 2003 technical package, of evolutionary PS03 chassis, Cosworth CR-3 engine and Bridgestone tyres, has great potential. The team is now looking forward to the start of the Formula One season in Melbourne, where it enjoys huge popularity."