Test frustrations for Minardi

The first day of the test was cancelled altogether, as snow made conditions too dangerous to test in, and even when the weather improved on Friday it was difficult to get decent feedback because of the dirty track surface.

Dane Nicolas Kiesa, who is understood to have already signed a contract to race for the team in 2005, completed only 10 lap in a bid to try out some new solutions for the modified 2004 car that the team will start the season with.

"The track conditions were very poor initially, with a lot of dust and dirt on the surface, but even so, we came up with a configuration for the brakes and the differential that inspired confidence" he said. "As a result, I feel I was able to deliver some useful feedback to the engineers, and I'm pleased with that."

Minardi's new test driver, Israeli Chanoch Nissany, managed to spin the car a couple of times, but thankfully without damage, while Christijan Albers continued to gear up his preparations for the season ahead.

Massimo Rivola, Minardi's sporting director and team manager, said: "It's difficult to be particularly happy with this test

"Nicolas was first out, just for a short run, and although he had to contend with a very slippery track, he did his usual mature job. Chanoch didn't have a particularly good day, experiencing a couple of non-damaging spins and generally struggling with the conditions, but it all adds to his growing bank of F1 experience.

"Christijan again did a very good job, carrying out some longer runs. His lap times were consistent during the stints, indicating his physical condition is good. He is definitely fully immersed in the job of being an F1 driver, and the team is happy with both his approach and his attitude to the job."