Verstappen Pleased with New Minardi

Dutch driver Jos Verstappen gave Minardi's new Formula One car a vote of confidence today after its track debut at Ferrari's private circuit.

"Once we dealt with one or two little software glitches this morning, the car ran reliably and quickly, and felt really good," he said. "I was very pleased with the power and response of the Cosworth CR-3. It's definitely the best F1 engine I've experienced.

"I was comfortable in the car, and once we made a couple of adjustments to the HANS (head and neck protection system) device, I was fine with that as well."

Verstappen, who sat out last season after being dropped by now defunct Arrows, completed 24 laps in sunny but cold conditions in the PS03 with a best time of 1:01.20. That compared with World Champion Michael Schumacher's track record in the new Ferrari F2003-GA last week of 56.786 seconds.

Minardi have switched from Asiatech, who closed down after last season, to Ford engines and from Michelin tyres to Bridgestone.

"All told, it has been very positive, and I'm looking forward to testing the car again before we leave for Australia," said the experienced Verstappen, who was briefly Schumacher's teammate at Benetton in 1994.

The test continues on Thursday with Briton Justin Wilson scheduled to have his first taste of the car.