Minardi Still in Talks with 'Several' Drivers

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart has said the Anglo-Italian squad are still in talks with several drivers over the remaining seat for the 2003 season.

Dutch driver Christijan Albers today ruled himself out of the running for a drive with Minardi. Albers had agreed a provisional contract with team owner Stoddart, depending on the driver raising sufficient sponsorship.

Albers said today that, although money had been found, the provisional contract had lapsed at the end of December without agreement.

Compatriot Jos Verstappen is now believed to be the front runner to land the drive with Minardi and return to Formula One after a year out following his departure from Arrows in early 2002.

The Dutchman, who has been on holiday in Norway recently with Ferrari's World Champion Michael Schumacher, met Stoddart for talks in London last month. The Australian businessman, however, would not confirm today that Albers was completely out of the running and admitted that they are still in talks with other candidates.

"We are still talking to several drivers, including Dutch drivers and nothing is finalised yet," Stoddart said.

Stoddart said then that the race was primarily between Albers and Verstappen, a former teammate of Schumacher at Benetton.