Stoddart, Minardi Pay Tribute to Team

Although the afternoon did not deliver a fairytale result, with Robert Doornbos coming home 14th and Christijan Albers two places further back following a pre-race collision with Michael Schumacher, the two men who have been at the helm of the team were still wrapped up in the emotion of the occasion.

Minardi said: "I want to thank our Technical Director, Gabriele Tredozi, for everything he has done to make the Minardi name synonymous around the world with competing with dignity and to the maximum level possible, given the available technical resources.

"Over the years, we have experienced a number of problems, but we've been able to deal with them thanks to the passion that has always existed within this team.  I want to thank all the guys, at the races and at the factory, for the effort they have put in over these last 21 years. 

"I also want to thank all the drivers, who have helped to make this team great, and all the sponsors and fans, who have supported us unstintingly."

Stoddart added: "The tally is 340 Grands Prix, 21 seasons, 37 drivers and one World Champion, with perhaps more to come.  That's a pretty impressive record by any standards, and I'm proud of each and every member of the Minardi team. 

"Together with all of our colleagues back at the factory in Faenza, this team has a heart and soul second to none.

"The words, "Never has so much been achieved by so few with so little," can never have been as justified as they are with Minardi.  Given that the team has survived against all odds over the years, competing with both dignity and passion while contributing so much to the FIA Formula One World Championship, today is a sad day.

"To our current drivers, Christijan and Robert, and to all the Minardi drivers and team members over the years, thank you very much for a job well done."