Yoong Aiming to Finish at Indianapolis

Malaysian Alex Yoong is hoping for a better weekend at the United States Grand Prix following a difficult Formula One debut in Italy two weeks ago.

Yoong competed for the first time at a Grand Prix for the Minardi team at the Monza circuit, where the young Malaysian endured a tough qualifying session where he had to share the spare car with teammate Fernando Alonso to qualify in last place.

During the race, Yoong spun off the track twice, having to retire with only nine laps remaining. Now the Minardi driver is hoping for a better performance at the Indianapolis circuit, where he aims to see the chequered flag.

"Due to the no-testing rule for this circuit, getting track time during the Friday and Saturday practices before qualifying will be crucial," Yoong said. "I certainly hope to get in at least three times more laps before qualifying than I did for Monza.

"Now I would like to qualify plus finish the race this weekend. There is a lot of support from home and I've been told that large groups gather together in front of TV sets and large screens in public places all over Malaysia to cheer me on. I look forward to not disappointing them."