Minardi in Talks with Bridgestone Since October

The Minardi team revealed today they have been in talks with tyre supplier Bridgestone since October, but they have been unable to finalise a deal yet.

Britain's Justin Wilson had to use Formula 3000 tyres in Minardi's first Formula One test of the year today after the team arrived in Spain without a tyre deal. Wilson, who makes his Formula One debut in Australia in March, was at least familiar with the slick Avon tyres as he is the 2001 F3000 champion.

"There's no deal yet and they (Michelin and Bridgestone) are not about to do anything to help us this morning. In order to run, Justin had no option but to use Avons. It's not an ideal situation," said a spokesman. "They (the tyres) seem to be standing up quite well."

Minardi used Michelin tyres last season but the deal with the French manufacturer ended at the end of 2002 and they expect Minardi to switch to their Japanese rivals, the only other recognised supplier in the sport.

The spokesman said Minardi, the smallest and poorest team on the grid, had been talking to World Champion Ferrari's suppliers Bridgestone since October. Under the terms of the Concorde Agreement, Bridgestone - who currently supply only four of the 10 teams - are bound to supply Minardi but the team also have to pay for the tyres.

"We have received a request to supply Minardi and talks are taking place," said a Bridgestone spokeswoman. "As yet a contract has not been agreed and it is not possible for anyone to run on tyres that have not been signed for."

Wilson is due to be joined at the Valencia circuit on Thursday by Dutch teammate Jos Verstappen but Minardi are unlikely to have finalised a deal by then either.