Stoddart Hoping for 'Memorable' Race

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart is hoping his team can enjoy a "memorable" Austrian Grand Prix following what the Australian said it was an excellent start to their weekend.

Dutchman Jos Verstappen and Briton Justin Wilson were capable of avoiding the bottom of the timesheets, posting the 17th and 18th quickest times respectively in today's qualifying for the Austrian race.

Stoddart was delighted with their first day at the A1-Ring and was looking to a strong weekend.

"Today was an excellent start for the Minardi team at what is, sadly, possibly the last Austrian Grand Prix for the foreseeable future," said Stoddart. "After a disappointing Friday and Saturday in Barcelona, the changes implemented by the team seem to have paid dividends, with both drivers having an excellent Friday here in Austria and finishing 17th and 18th.

"More importantly, they set competitive lap times that were within a few seconds of the front-running teams. Hopefully, we can build on this start, and make the 2003 Austrian Grand Prix a memorable one for Minardi. Both Jos and Justin did excellent jobs today, swapping ever faster lap times throughout the sessions."