Minardi Sign Zlobin as Test Driver

Minardi have signed Russian Sergei Zlobin to be their test driver next year, the Formula One team's managing director Giancarlo Minardi said on Thursday.

"We will work closely with Sergei so one day he could drive a Formula One car for us," Minardi told a news conference in Moscow after presenting his car to the Russian media.

"I can be more specific about his future in Formula One racing after we have a few tests in Valencia later this month."

Earlier this year, the 32-year-old Zlobin became the first Russian to test a Formula One car when he was given a run-out by Minardi at the team's training facility in Fiorano, Italy, as part of a sponsorship deal involving Russian gas giant Gazprom.

Minardi said he has yet to sign a contract with Gazprom for 2003. "But we're still talking, so hopefully we can finalise a deal in he near future."

The Italian also said he has not made a decision on his two drivers for next season.

"That too should be decided in the near future," he said.