Grapevine: Minardi Create Team to Support Asian Talent

Minardi have announced the formation of Minardi Team Asia, which will result in the creation of a new team entering Asian drivers in both the Formula BMW Asia and Asian Formula Three series in 2004.

This follows the signing of an agreement with Eurasia Motorsport, who will run up to four cars in the 2004 Formula BMW Asia Series, and a single chassis in the Asian Formula Three Series, all painted in Minardi's colours.

"There has often been talk of Formula One teams helping to popularise motorsport in Asia, but up until now, nothing of any substance has been done," said Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart.

"As a team, Minardi has worked with many Asian companies over recent years, and has said consistently that it wants to assist the development of the sport in this area of the world.

"The Minardi Team Asia initiative allows us to do just that, and I'm sure, considering the population of Asia, a young driver will be discovered via this programme who has the ability and the determination to make it to Formula One."

Minardi Team Asia will announce their driver line-up in the near future.