Yoong tipped to step down at Minardi

Having failed to make the 107 percent qualifying cut at Hockenheim, the third time this season, Alex Yoong could stand down when the F1 circus reconvenes in Hungary in three weeks time

Jul 28, 2002, 5:25 PM

Although there is no official word from the KL Minardi Asiatech team, it is understood that Yoong will be asked to consider the situation himself. If he wants to continue driving then he can do so, but if his confidence has taken a knock and he would prefer to conduct some testing before resuming in a race seat, a replacement could be called upon.

Former Minardi driver Fernando Alonso would likely be the team's preferred choice, while Jos Verstappen's name has also been mentioned. The team is currently ninth in the constructors championship with two points, a score shared by both Toyota and Arrows.

A top 10 finish is critical in order to secure lucrative TV revenues and the team is known to be concerned that Toyota and Arrows could score again during the remaining five races.