Minardi Confirm Baumgartner for 2004

Hungarian Zsolt Baumgartner will drive for the Minardi team next season after a deal was officially confirmed today.

"For me, Christmas has definitely come early this year," said Baumgartner. "The two races I did this past season made me more determined than ever that I wanted to be in Formula One. I have now realised that dream, although I don't think the reality of it has quite sunk in yet.

"There are many people who have helped me to get to this point in my racing career, but I particularly want to thank Thomas Frank, for his unstinting efforts on my behalf, and Paul Stoddart, for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do in Formula One.

"I just want to start working with the European Minardi team as soon as possible, so that I can be well prepared for the beginning of the season. It is a huge challenge, but I am really looking forward to it."

Baumgartner, the first Hungarian Formula One driver, made his Grand Prix debut last season when he replaced Ralph Firman at Jordan in the Hungarian and Italian Grands Prix. The 22-year-old from Budapest joins Italy's Gianmaria Bruni at the Faenza-based squad.

"We are very pleased that we have been able to finalise Zsolt's contract at this time," said team principal Paul Stoddart.

"I believe he has considerable ability, and hopefully, the nurturing environment within Minardi, which has helped to launch the Formula One careers of so many talented young drivers in recent years, will also allow him to develop and hone his skills to the point where he firmly establishes his credentials at the very top level of motor racing."