Minardi to Launch Car in Melbourne on Anniversary

Minardi will hold their 2005 car launch at the Albert Park track in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday March 3rd - three days before the opening Grand Prix of the season - in honour of the event's 10th anniversary in Melbourne.

In a press conference held today in Melbourne to reveal the 10th anniversary events, Victorian Premier Steve Bracks announced that Thursday, March 3rd will be known as "People’s Day", and will include special events, races and free General Admission to all fans.

Stoddart, in a video message to today's function, stated that he would delay Minardi's 2005 launch until "People's Day" to give the public the chance to participate at Albert Park and meet his drivers.

"Ten years of having the Grand Prix in Melbourne is a milestone to be celebrated, and what better way to mark this event than to make it accessible to more people," Bracks said.

The "People's Day" events will include a speed comparison between a Williams-BMW F1 car, an Australian V8 Supercar, and a BMW road car. Organizers said the three drivers will be named closer to the time.

Another addition to the weekend announced today is a Formula Three support race, that will be held for the first time during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, along with the regular races of V8 Supercar, BMW Celebrity Challenge, The Michelin Carrera Cup, and Tattersall's Historics.