Minardi Shake Down New PS02 at Imola

The new Asiatech-powered Minardi PS02 took to the track for the first time on Friday, when Malaysian Alex Yoong completed a shakedown at the Imola circuit in Italy.

The small Italian team, who were saved at the start of last year by Australian Paul Stoddart, finished in last place in last season Constructors' Championship after being the only team who failed to score any points.

But with the new Asiatech engine that will power their cars in 2002, Stoddart is confident they will be able to return to the points for the first time since 1999.

"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, courtesy of Asiatech's new AT02 V10, and aerodynamic performance, which is the result of an intensive wind-tunnel programme undertaken by the team over the last six months.

"It's early days yet, but we believe there is a genuine opportunity for Minardi to achieve its aim of scoring World Championship points this season."

Yoong, who joined the team last season to replace Brazilian Tarso Marques, completed a total of 20 trouble-free laps around Imola, and was pleased with the performance of the new machine.

"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."

The new PS02 has been designed by a team led by chief aerodynamicist Loic Bigois, who spent "considerable time" in wind tunnels at Casumaro, Italy, and Southampton, England.

"We are very satisfied with the way the new car has come together and the way this first shakedown test has gone," said technical director Gabriele Tredozi.

"We understood well what areas of last season's car we wanted to improve, we have known for some time what engine we are using, and we have been able to spend many useful hours in the wind tunnel developing the aerodynamic package for the PS02."