Stoddart Wants Yoong at Italian GP

Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart has said that he is hopeful of introducing Malaysian Alex Yoong into Formula One at the Italian Grand Prix next month.

Stoddart admitted that he has applied for an FIA Superlicence for Yoong, but added that the youngster still needs more testing under his belt before stepping into Formula One.

"He's been testing for us and he will continue this week and if his FIA Superlicence goes through then I would hope to have him in the car this year and I think I will," Stoddart said. "He's done quite a bit [of testing] now, but you can never say when enough is enough."

Yoong will bring much-needed funds to the struggling Minardi team and Stoddart is keen for the Malaysian to replace under-presser Brazilian Tarso Marques. He wants Yoong to feature in the final three races of the season in Italy, the United States and the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix.

"We've put the application in and certainly he's pleased us, he's done everything we've asked him to do and done it in a very professional way," Stoddart added.

"He hasn't had any problems and I think he will be okay. I think the earliest we could get him into the car would be Monza. If we can get him in for the last three races then that would give him a good benchmark."