Minardi Sign Italian Bruni as Test Driver

The Minardi team have signed Italian driver Gianmaria Bruni as their test and reserve driver for the remainder of the 2003 season.

The 22-year old Roman will participate in Friday morning test sessions during the remaining Grand Prix weekends, as well as in the official Monza test that will take place at the start of September.

Minardi said Bruni's inclusion has been made possible by the support of a group of Italian investors, who requested them to assess the driver market in order to "select and provide the opportunity for a young Italian to demonstrate his talent on the international stage in order to develop into a future star of the sport."

"Naturally enough, this group of investors spoke with several teams concerning their proposed project," said Minardi boss Paul Stoddart. "In the end, however, we're pleased to say they chose Minardi because of the natural fit between the team and their objective.

"Initial discussions took place over a year ago with Gian Carlo Minardi, who is heavily involved with formulating our young driver development strategy, and we have now had the chance to make our choice.

"'Gimmy', as he likes to be called, has been a winner in Italian and European-level motor racing championships, currently lies second in the F3000 European Championship, and is clearly a very talented driver who is ready to make the final step to Formula One."

Minardi, who are yet to score a point this season, announced yesterday that Briton Justin Wilson will be replaced by Dane Nicolas Kiesa for the rest of the season as Jos Verstappen's teammate.