Maldonado joins Minardi test

Minardi's 2004 drivers, Gianmaria Bruni, Zsolt Baumgartner and Bas Leinders, are currently out of contract for next season, and the team is seeking drivers that can bring both speed and budget to drive its PS04s next season.

"In true Minardi tradition, we always try to seek out and encourage talented young drivers," said Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart. "Although Pastor has only been racing single-seaters for three seasons, his winning ways indicate he has a lot of natural ability."

The 19-year-old Venezuelan graduated from karting in 2002 and has spent the last two years in FRenault, winning two international rounds this year. Maldonado will test alongside some established single-seater talent including World Series by Nissan runner-up Tiago Monteiro and F3000 race winner Patrick Freisacher.

Other drivers signed up to test include: Will Power (British F3), Will Davison (British F3), Ronnie Quintarelli (Japnese F3), Oliver Maximin (French GT), Enzo Pastor (Asian F3), Giorgio Mondini (Renault V6), Christian Montanari (Renault V6), Damien Pasini (Renault V6), Robert Kubica (F3 Euroseries).