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Amsterdam Press Conference
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News
23 December 2004
Paul Stoddart happy with Christijan Albers
Today was a special day for the Minardi team and Dutch driver Christijan Albers. Finally Albers is confirmed for a race seat in next year's Formula 1 season. Minardi and Albers almost had a deal two years ago. Now the time is here for them to work together.
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Team principal Paul Stoddart was very pleased to make this announcement. "It is a very special day for all of us," he told F1Racing.net. "I am very happy that Christijan made it. Two years ago we were close, but we were not able to close the deal in the end. He never gave up, kept on trying and now he's made it. I am very proud of him."
It is well-known that Minardi is the slowest team in F1. The two cars are most of the time at the back of the grid and scoring points is only possible when other teams fail to finish. What is the point of driving for Minardi? "Well, I think we have a solid package. That is for sure. A young driver like Christijan can show what he is capable of, even though he will not win races. It is a good environment to start in F1. We have launched a lot of talents, like Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso. Hopefully we can give Christijan a good start with his career in F1."
Christijan Albers was of course more then happy. "Finally, we made it to F1. I am very happy. It had to happen now, and it did. I am really looking forward to the season, it will be strange, just to be there, but I am sure I will get used to being an F1 driver quickly. I can not wait for the first race!"
Paul Stoddart also announced that Minardi will be driving with the 2004 chassis in the first three races. Albers will be testing at Misano with the old car next month. The 2005 chassis will make its debut at Imola
So confirmed 2004 chassis for 1st 3 races
- PS thinks we have a solid package.
- 2004 chassis race 1-3 and 2005 chassis in Imola.
- Testing at Misano in January !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cool:
a secure deal for a current engine, testing confirmed for the new year and Zsolt likely to be driving the second car!!!:D
When was the last time things looked this positive for Minardi at this stage?:D
A new press conference is scheduled for Jan 27th, again in Amsterdam, to announce Albers sponsors etc.
About Montagny: wasn't he supposed to stay at Renault as 3rd driver ????
Albers and Zsolt, not that exciting.
Maybe Flav has been talking to Stoddie secretly???? So either Flav is going to pay Minardi for a seat for Montagny, ala Mark webber, or maybe, we could get some tech support of some kind from Renault. Who knows, not me. But the rumours about Montagny at Minardi seem to be building.
BTW, did he assist the fitness training in Kenia ??
http://www.renaultf1.com/en/public/noflash/drivers/montagny/