Bruni to Test for Minardi at Suzuka

Minardi confirmed this morning that Gianmaria Bruni will again take part in the Friday morning test session, set to begin later today at Suzuka, ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Bruni has already tested for Minardi this season, and today will mark his fifth session with the team. The 22-year-old Italian joined European Minardi in July as official test and reserve driver.

"Gimmi has done an excellent job for us this year and it only makes sense to maximise the two-hour testing session available to the team on Friday at Suzuka by again running a third car," team principal Paul Stoddart said.

"The European-based F1 teams are not able to test at Suzuka, which 'evens out the playing field' somewhat for smaller teams like Minardi. Aside from the potential for additional data-gathering the extra car gives the team, it provides Gimmi with the opportunity to experience one of the most challenging motor racing circuits in the world, while also increasing his Formula One experience."