Albers Completes PS05 Shakedown

Dutchman Christijan Albers was the man in charge of putting the new car through its paces at the Mugello circuit in Italy.

"It was a good day, and I have to say, it was a terrific feeling to give the new car its first run," said Albers. "I would like to compliment the entire team. They did a great job to get the first PS05 chassis ready for today's test, and I was then able to cover a useful distance without any significant problems.

"I was also very happy with the performance of the Cosworth CR6 engine, which felt both powerful and responsive. We now have to start working seriously on chassis set-up, and clearly, we have a great deal to learn about the car."

"This means Imola is likely to be quite a challenge for us, but there's huge motivation and enthusiasm within the team, and I know that we are going to make progress."    

Albers accumulated a total of 204 kms during the course of the car's initial outing, with a best time of 1 minute 26.530.

"It was a proud day for everyone at Minardi, particularly the design team led by technical director, Gabriele Tredozzi, when the first PS05 took to the track at Mugello this morning," said team principal Paul Stoddart. "It represented the culmination of an enormous effort by the entire Minardi team, and marks the true beginning of our 2005 season. 

"When one considers that the engine, gearbox, and entire chassis are new, and that so many systems are untried, the potential for teething problems was significant.  The fact the car ran faultlessly, however, really sums up the efforts of the whole team - fantastic. 

"Unfortunately, there was also a sad note today, as one member of staff who was absolutely critical to the completion of the PS05 could not be present to see it run.  Sandro Parrini's father passed away this morning, and our thoughts are therefore very much with him and his family at this time."