Yoong Confident of Moving Forward in 2002

Malaysian Formula One newcomer Alex Yoong expects Minardi to improve their performance in 2002 and to feel the pressure more himself.

"I anticipate a better season as the team will be using the Asiatech engine," he told Malaysia's Sun newspaper. "This season's engine was lacking in terms of horsepower and that has made everything look a struggle."

Yoong has a long-term contract with Minardi and he said he had been assured he would be racing for the team again next season. Malaysia's first Formula One driver added that he would be expected to do better in 2002 and felt the pressure was increasing.

"It's like a war out there, even though I was still on a learning curve this season," he said. "So I can expect the situation to be even more challenging next year. The pressure is for me to do well and I may have to fight to win a point."

The 26-year-old competed in the last three races of the season, replacing Brazilian Tarso Marques, and finished the final race at Suzuka. Minardi used their own ageing Ford-based engines in 2001 but have signed a deal with Asiatech, who worked with Arrows this year.

The team, taken over by Australian businessman Paul Stoddart in January, have not scored a point since 1999 but have secured important new Malaysian sponsorship through Yoong's arrival on the grid.

They have yet to announce their driver line-up and a team spokesman said they were still waiting on Renault boss Flavio Briatore to agree to Spaniard Fernando Alonso staying on. Alonso impressed many people this season by outqualifying Benetton and Arrows drivers but is under contract long-term to Renault.