Pantano/Eubank win two-seater 'race'

Formula 3000 racer Giorgio Pantano came home first in Minardi's two-seater 'demonstration race' at Donington Park's Thunder in the Park 2 meeting

Former boxing champion Chris Eubank was the Italian's lucky passenger. Meanwhile, 1996 Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill finished fourth on his return to the cockpit behind Christijan Albers and Minardi race driver Alex Yoong.

Eubank said: "The race was electrifyingly terrifying, but it was also really exciting. My driver, Giorgio, won the race and I guess even after 10 years people will say 'there's that Eubank, winning again - he just can't help himself!' It's been a great day."

The was a bit of embarrassment for Minardi's other regular race driver Mark Webber. The Australian spun off at Coppice, giving passenger Jonathan Frost his second fright in two years. Frost was the man who was riding with Nigel Mansell at last year's inaugural event when the '92 champ crashed at the end of the race.

Along with the two-seater rides, Minardi also tested a number of drivers in a 2001 PS01 grand prix car. British hopeful Justin Wilson got an hour in the car on Sunday, setting a best lap of 1m18.879s. He was the quickest driver of those who tested.

American Bryan Herta managed over 30 laps on Saturday, while F3000 racers David Saelens and Matteo Bobbi also tested.