Formula 1 Store
F1 Tickets, Tours, Gear
F1 Books & Biographies

Formula 1 News - July 2005
Minardi

10 July: British Grand Prix - Race Report - Minardi

ACCORDING TO PLAN

In a race marked by an exceptional level of reliability on the part of virtually all competitors, Minardi F1 Team drivers Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher experienced an incident-free afternoon as they took the chequered flag in today�s British Grand Prix in 18th and 19th places respectively. Both drivers stopped twice for fuel in a race that ran almost totally to plan, the only slight concern being a higher than normal gearbox temperature in Friesacher�s car. Minardi engineers kept a close eye on the telemetry as the race progressed, and fortunately, the transmission didn�t suffer any ill effects, allowing the Faenza squad to record a satisfying two-car finish in one of the most demanding Grands Prix of the year.

CHRISTIJAN ALBERS
Best lap: 1 min 26.182 secs Position: 18th

�There was a bit of a problem with the start when it was unclear whether it had been aborted or not. That�s why I was slow getting away and lost the positions I had won in qualifying. I was able to overtake Patrick on the first lap to regain a position, but as I was trying to catch Monteiro, the Safety Car came out, and after it went in, I just couldn�t catch him. I�m quite happy with the result, as my lap times were pretty consistent on a circuit that doesn�t particularly suit our car at the moment.�

PATRICK FRIESACHER
Best lap: 1 min 26.489 secs Position: 19th

�It was good to finish the race, but it was quite difficult from about one-third distance, when the traffic on some laps meant you lost up to six seconds compared with your normal lap time. Some drivers were two-stopping and some three, and as a result, there seemed to be traffic around me for much of the time, which disturbs your rhythm. Also, as a result of going off-line when other cars are passing you, your tyres often pick up debris when you run on a dirty part of the track. All of those things combined to make it a tough race today.�

PAUL STODDART, Team Principal, Minardi Cosworth

�I don�t remember the last time 19 cars completed a Grand Prix, and while a two-car finish is always pleasing, it�s clear more development is required on the car.�

2005 British Grand Prix - Main Page
2005 British Grand Prix - Team and Driver Race Reports Page

Latest Formula 1 News from Minardi:

More news from Minardi F1

Back To Top

Web NewsOnF1.com NewsOnF1.net (Forum)