Verstappen Debuts with Minardi on Avon Tyres

Dutchman Jos Verstappen today made his debut with the Minardi team at the Valencia circuit, as the Anglo-Italian squad were forced to continue using Avon F3000 slick tyres.

A team spokesman yesterday said there was no tyre deal yet "and they (Michelin and Bridgestone) are not about to do anything to help us."

Minardi used Michelin tyres last season but the deal with the French manufacturer finished at the end of 2002 and they expect Minardi to switch to their Japanese rivals, the only other recognised supplier in the sport. The spokesman said Minardi, the smallest team on the grid, had been talking to World Champion Ferrari's suppliers Bridgestone since October.

Bridgestone - who currently supply only four of the 10 teams - are bound to supply Minardi but the team also have to pay for the tyres.

"We have received a request to supply Minardi and talks are taking place," said a Bridgestone spokeswoman. "As yet a contract has not been agreed and it is not possible for anyone to run on tyres that have not been signed for."

Briton Justin Wilson finished more than six seconds off the pace yesterday in a two-year old car, and this morning he was replaced by teammate Verstappen, who is returning to Formula One this year after sitting out last season.

"I sincerely hope that Bridgestone will choose to honour its contractual obligations under the terms of the 2003 Formula One Sporting Regulations and supply the team with tyres for Jos's test tomorrow," said team boss Paul Stoddart yesterday.