Grapevine: Minardi Delay Chinese 'Thunder in the Park'

Minardi announced today they have postponed the 'Thunder in the Park' event, scheduled to be held in China tomorrow, for next Sunday.

The event - a first Formula One event to be held in China - was rescheduled to December 15th due to logistical difficulties, the team said.

The team also confirmed that Malaysian Alex Yoong and Dutchman Christijan Albers - who both participated in previous Minardi F1x2 events - will handle the driving duties at Thunder in China. Yoong himself is of Chinese descent and has a number of relatives who live in China.

"Thunder in China is both a very important, and a very special event for all of us at Minardi," team chief Paul Stoddart said, "as it will mark the first time a Formula One car has been fired up in mainland China and driven on a Chinese race circuit. It's certain that the sight and sound of a pair of two-seater Formula One cars in action will make a lasting impression on the fans present at the Goldenport Circuit, as well as on the consciousness of all those watching the live television coverage of the event.

"Just as we have done in Malaysia while cultivating commercial partnerships that are of mutual benefit to the team and to the companies concerned, we are going to assist China and the Chinese people to fire up their interest in Formula One. Everyone at Minardi is very proud to be involved in this important event."