Nissany Hit by Hydraulic Problem

Nissany stepped into the Formula One limelight in as the oldest driver in more than a decade to take part in a Grand Prix weekend.

Against the backdrop of a Championship led by a man young enough to be his son, the Hungarian resident celebrated his 42nd birthday as Minardi's official Friday tester in practice for the 13th round of the season.

Not since Briton Nigel Mansell walked away from McLaren in Spain in 1995, aged 41, had fans witnessed such a veteran participant.

The morning session was to prove a brief encounter, however, with Nissany spinning off into the gravel trap after a mere eight laps. He remained resolutely in his car as it was winched out and on to a flat-bed truck.

In the afternoon he didn't even manage to get out of the Minardi pits.

"It was really exciting to take part in my first Formula One race weekend," said Nissany. "I made two runs this morning, but unfortunately, this afternoon some technical issues arose with the car and couldn't be fixed in the time available.

"I like the track here very much - it's my home circuit - and it has been a big honour for me to have the opportunity to become the first Israeli to drive in a Grand Prix weekend."