The Minardi F1 Team today completed a productive one-day test at the Vallelunga Circuit, near Rome. Driving duties were handled by official test driver, Chanoch Nissany, who successfully completed over 300 km of running in Minardi Cosworth chassis PS05/03. The purpose of the test was to carry out a systems check on the team's spare chassis, and to assess new components and software ahead of the German and Hungarian Grands Prix. Minardi personnel also took the opportunity to carry out pit-stop practice during the afternoon session.

Chanoch Nissany: It was a challenging day because the temperature and humidity levels were very high. Even so, we did some long runs in the course of the two sessions, and I'm pleased to have had the opportunity of driving the latest Minardi Cosworth PS05 for the first time. Initial impressions were that the chassis balance was good and the car was comfortable over the curbs. I'm happy with the job we've done today.

Massimo Rivola, Sporting Director and Team Manager: The team is satisfied with today's test in Vallelunga. Considering the track is quite technical and that Chanoch has not driven a Formula One car here before, his performance was good, especially considering fuel loads were quite high, as we were carrying out a number of race simulation runs. We were also extremely impressed with his physical condition, as he dealt easily with the ambient temperature, which was over 40 deg C for much of the day. It's clear he is absolutely committed when it comes to the job he is doing for the team. He also provided useful feedback for the engineers, which will be taken into account during our preparations for the upcoming races.

Today's Times

Name	Team	T	Laps	Time	Gap
Nissany	Minardi	B	93	1:07.624	106.782 mph

Best Times To Date

Date	Driver	Team	T	Time	Gap
11-May	Webber	WilliamsF1	M	0:56.449	127.921 mph
12-May	Pizzonia	WilliamsF1	M	0:57.149	0.700
11-Jan	Badoer	Ferrari	B	0:57.700	1.251
10-May	Priaulx	WilliamsF1	M	0:58.624	2.175
15-Jul	Nissany	Minardi	B	1:07.624	11.175