Grapevine: Yoong Set to Replace Marques at Minardi

Alex Yoong could be on the verge of becoming the first Malaysian Formula One driver, as according to reports in the Malaysian press he has signed a contract with the Minardi team to replace Brazilian Tarso Marques.

Yoong, 25, is currently competing in the Japanese F3000 Championship, and according to Malaysian newspapers, the driver has signed a contract to drive for Minardi starting at the British Grand Prix this year in July 15, and will also be at the Italian team in 2002.

Titled "Alex Yoong secures Formula One drive with Minardi F1", an invitation for an official announcement ceremony in Kuala Lumpur by the Sports Ministry's said: "This project has the full support and approval of the Malaysian Government.

"... The Ministry of Youth and Sports would like to invite you to a presentation by the Malaysian Motorsports Organisers and Competitors Association (MMOCA) and Alex Yoong's manager Simon Munger that will mutually exploit sponsorship opportunities with Minardi F1 through a tie-up with Alex Yoong ..."

Marques had been rumoured to be on his way out of Minardi for some time now, as the team are thought to be unhappy with his performance, having been clearly outperformed by his younger teammate Spaniard Fernando Alonso.