Trust Breaks Ties with Minardi

Dutchman Jos Verstappen will not be driving for the Minardi team in the 2004 season, according to his main backer Trust.

The company said in a statement today that due to the small chances of Minardi moving forward next season, they have decided to discontinue their partnership with the Anglo-Italian squad, who were the only ones who did not score a point last season.

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart said earlier today that there was still a chance that Verstappen could drive for them again next season, although he admitted that Hungarian Zsolt Baumgartner had a 90% chance of landing the seat.

"After various complex discussions between Paul Stoddart, Trust and the management of Jos regarding the developments within and the future of the Minardi team it has been decided that the partnership with the Minardi F1 team will not continue for another year," said Trust in a statement.

"All possibilities for Jos within the team were discussed and examined in detail. The lack of confidence, from Trust, Jos Verstappen and his management with regard to positive technical developments from the Minardi team was a major decisive factor. Both parties estimate chances for improvement of the achievements of the F1 car very small.

"It is because of this that Trust, as a manufacturer of technological products, feels it inappropriate to be associated with a team that lacks in technical development and achievements."

Verstappen is currently in talks with the Jordan team, who are the only ones, apart from Minardi, with racing seats available for 2004.