Yoong On-Course for Minardi Drive

Malaysian youngster Alex Yoong continued his bedding-in programme with Minardi on Thursday as he racked up the miles in an effort to obtain a superlicence to drive in Formula One this year.

Yoong was at the Italian Mugello circuit getting to grips with Formula One machinery, but had to have modifications made to improve his comfort in the chassis.

"I had a problem with the new seat in my car moving around," he said. "But once I am more comfortable in the car I should get down to some quicker lap times. The morning also presented Yoong with his first Formula One pit stop, which he admitted "required a lot of concentration but was really enjoyable."

The Malaysian covered 200 km in the morning session, and will complete the required race distance in the afternoon. Yoong is expected to race for Minardi before the end of the year, although suggestions that he will take part in the Belgian Grand Prix appear to be a little optimistic.