Minardi Announce New Russian Partner

The Minardi Formula One team announced they have signed an agreement with Russian company Gazprom, the deal starting at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

"I'm happy and honoured that such an important new partner has demonstrated its trust in our team," said Minardi boss Paul Stoddart. "Our experience and abilities will be fully at the disposal of Gazprom, in order to guarantee the company a return on its promotional activity that will more than meet its expectations.

"Moreover, this three-year agreement represents an excellent foundation on which to achieve the ambitious goal of bringing a Russian driver into Formula One as soon as possible."

Gazprom is the world's largest gas company, accounting for a 94 per cent of Russia's gas production and 23 per cent of the world output. No financial details of the deal were given.

Minardi, always fighting to secure more funds, currently have Kuala Lumpur as their main sponsor and last season signed Alex Yoong as the first Malaysian Formula One driver.