Stoddart Praises Minardi Duo
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart praised his drivers Christijan Albers and Robert Doornbos for what he claimed was a "stunning" effort from the duo in today's qualifying for the German Grand Prix
"Today saw both Minardi drivers put in stunning efforts with substantial fuel loads," said Stoddart.
"Both drivers were on the pace throughout the morning sessions, and as a result of the technical improvements from the team, the PS05 is showing continued progress race on race."
Dutchman Albers was the top Minardi qualifier after posting the 16th quickest time behind the Ferrari of Rubens Barrichello.
Doornbos, making his racing debut this weekend after switching from Jordan to Minardi, will start from 17th place after Minardi managed to outqualify both Jordans and the McLaren of Juan Pablo Montoya.
"It was easy to wake up this morning, knowing that I would be driving today," said Doornbos. "The qualifying was pretty exciting, like the first day at school. I was a bit nervous about trying to make a clean lap, but it went fine, and now I'm very interested to see how our strategy works tomorrow.
"I'm looking forward to my first race in Formula One, and will be putting 100 per cent effort into doing a good job, both for the team and for myself. It's going to be another exciting adventure."
Albert Park Circuit Modifications Project
Mercedes-AMG F1 Team: Bahrain GP Race Debrief
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is not guaranteed
The diva that stole a march on F1’s wide-bodied opposition
In 2017 new F1 technical regulations were supposed to add drama - and peg Mercedes back. STUART CODLING looks at the car which, while troubled, set the stage for the wide-bodied Formula 1 era
The themes to watch in F1’s Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. BEN ANDERSON looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says NIGEL ROEBUCK
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of car-racing titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Are we at peak F1 right now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
