It's been reported elsewhere that Minardi will introduce a radical new car at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Having spoken to the Italian team today, Pitpass can confirm that the main difference as far as the 'physical appearance', of the car is concerned is the shaping of the sidepods. However, as has been pointed out, if you look at most of the 2005 F1 cars that have been unveiled thus far, they all display dramatic-looking sidepod designs, indicating that this is an area where the engineers have decided there is a (relatively) significant performance gain to be made.

A team spokesman told us; "The Minardi Cosworth PS05 is the team's first all-new chassis since 2002, and benefits from a reasonable amount of time, certainly by Minardi standards, spent in the Lola windtunnel by Technical Director, Gabriele Tredozi, Senior Engineer, Andy Tilley, and Senior Aerodynamicist, Andrea Rocchetto.

"As a result, there is every reason to hope it will be more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor, as it will have been optimised for the new front/rear wing and diffuser package mandated for the 2005 season.

"The other point worth making is that the PS05 has been designed from the outset to accept the engine with which it will be fitted (Cosworth Racing TJ 90-deg V10) rather than being adapted to take an engine after having been designed initially to accept another power unit (as was the case in 2001, 2003 and 2004). It should make for a more integrated overall package, according to the engineers."

There is a definite feeling of confidence within the team, and many F1 insiders believe that the Italian outfit might not only challenge, and beat, Jordan this year, but could pick up a few points along the way.

Furthermore, the team has proved in the past that it can think on its feet tactically. Therefore we wonder if, in certain conditions, we might see Minardi opt to run a race on 'full' tanks, forgoing fuel stops.

Before you dismiss the idea, remember that in Brazil 2003, the Italian outfit attempted a similar strategy which very nearly worked, and had the race not been stopped, may well have reaped dividends. With no tyre stops in 2005, a wet race, with a couple of safety car periods, and 'full' tanks could prove to be the perfect strategy.