Yoong gets F1 chance

European Minardi boss Paul Stoddart has wanted to get Yoong in one of his cars since he first tested for the Anglo-Italian team in July. But the 25-year-old had to satisfy the FIA that he was capable of stepping up to motorsport's highest level.

Yoong was seven seconds off the pace on the first of a two-day test at Mugello last week. But he managed to reduce the margin to only two seconds on the second day, which was enough to get him the super-licence he needs to take Brazilian Tarso Marques' seat for the remaining three races of this year.

"I'm very happy that the FIA has seen fit to grant me a super-licence," said Yoong. "Not especially for myself, but for my country. I'm looking forward to the challenge of Formula 1 because it is the pinnacle of motorsport and the place where every racing driver wants to compete."

Yoong has spent the past two years competing in Formula Nippon in Japan and the Malaysian government has been instrumental in helping him to break into Grand Prix racing. As such, he has a great deal of expectation to live up to.

"As the first Malaysian to compete in Grand Prix racing," said Stoddart, "Alex carries with him the hopes and expectations not only of his country, but also of the whole of south east Asia."

Marques has failed to impress on his return to F1. The Brazilian completed part seasons with Minardi in 1996 and '97 and made a return to the team for this year. But the 25-year-old has not matched the pace of his highly rated team mate Fernando Alonso and has only qualified higher than 22nd once so far this season.

"I would like to recognise the efforts of Tarso," added Stoddart. "He has been a great team player and has done everything asked of him this season, for which we thank him. He will be retained by the team as test and reserve driver and will be assisting with the development of the 2002 car."