Minardi to Race with Peace Message

Minardi, with a British driver and Australian owner, will race in today's Malaysian Grand Prix with a peace message on their car.

Team boss Paul Stoddart said however that the message, 'Malaysia for Peace', should not necessarily be interpreted as being against the war in Iraq, where Australian and British troops are fighting alongside Americans.

Malaysia was a sponsor of Minardi last year and the predominantly Islamic country has spoken out strongly against the war to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

"From a personal point of view it's not necessarily a statement that I would disagree with," Stoddart said of the message on the side of the Minardi. "I think the world does need peace but I don't want to get political.

"It's not an anti-war statement as such. It's not a direct criticism of any particular country or their policies, it is just a statement of fact."

Banners carrying the same 'Malaysia for Peace' message - but with the words 'Stop the war on Iraq' added - could be seen around the track, with one opposite the Minardi pits and another two at the main entrance.

Leading government officials were due at Sepang to attend a race that will be broadcast around the world to a massive television audience.

"We have a long standing relationship with Malaysia and it was something that was discussed a few days ago," said Stoddart.

A team spokesman said the message on the car had been approved by both Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone and the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Minardi are the smallest and poorest of Formula One's 10 teams and are struggling to stay afloat at a time of global financial hardship.

Team sources said some sponsorship was behind Sunday's statement.