Wilson Delighted after Testing New Minardi

Briton Justin Wilson was delighted with the new Minardi PS03 after making his debut at the wheel of the car today at Fiorano.

"I am very happy with the way the new PS03 feels so far," said Wilson, who took over from teammate Jos Verstappen after the Dutchman debuted the car yesterday. "I got in some decent mileage this morning and am very pleased at the way things are going.

"We made some small improvements with the performance of the car compared with yesterday. I am keen to get in as much track time as possible, and I'm happy with the start we have made."

In sunny, but cool weather conditions, the British rookie completed a total of 32 laps, posting a quickest lap of 1:01.080, faster than Verstappen but nearly five seconds off the track record set by World Champion Michael Schumacher with the new Ferrari F2003-GA.

Wilson's day was hampered by a gearbox problem that arose in the afternoon. Minardi plan a further test of the PS-03 early next week, before the cars and freight are prepared for shipment to Australia for the first Formula One Grand Prix of the season.

"It would be foolish to draw any overly optimistic conclusions at this stage, but on the basis of this first test, the signs appear to bode well for the start of the season," said team boss Paul Stoddart after the test.

"The team will now return to Faenza, study the data gathered over the past two days, address the technical matters that arose, and aim to test again in a few days."