Minardi debuts new car at Imola

The new car features a higher raised nose, reshaped and extended engine cover and higher sidepods. This was the first time the Anglo-Italian has run with its new engine for 2002, the Asiatech AT02 V10.

"I will admit to feeling very excited before getting into the KL Minardi Asiatech PS02 this afternoon," said Yoong. "The team has put a great deal of hard work into the new car, and it shows. Today was purely a shakedown, with serious testing beginning in Valencia next week, but even so, it was possible to feel the potential. I was particularly pleased with how comfortable I felt in the cockpit, and am now looking forward to some serious running in Spain."

Team boss Paul Stoddart, who bought the team early last year, was equally upbeat about the new car, which was designed by ex-Prost technical director Loic Bigois.

"We're proud and pleased that the new car had a successful debut today," said Stoddart. "The initial technical feedback suggests we have made identifiable progress in a number of areas, in particular, the engine and aerodynamic performance.

"It's early days yet, but we believe there is a genuine opportunity for Minardi to achieve its aim of scoring championship points this season. We will continue testing through the month of February and look forward with great anticipation to Melbourne, where we will be able to gauge the progress we have made and see if it has put us ahead of some of our rivals."

New-signing Mark Webber, who was announced as the team's second driver earlier this week, is expected to get his first taste of the PS02 at Valencia next week.