29/09/2005
NEWS STORY
Talking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Red Bull boss, Dietrich Mateschitz, has confirmed that contrary to reports elsewhere, and confirming what Pitpass has already reported, that there are no plans to move Minardi out of Italy.
Following the Austrian drinks company's purchase of the Italian team it had been reported that the Faenza outfit was to be moved to England in order that it could be run from the same facility as Red Bull Racing. However, Mateschitz says that this is not the case.
"For me, they are an Italian team and they should remain in Faenza," he said.
"But the team must become competitive and avoid being always being last on the starting grid," he warned. "We will change their image. It will be a mixture of entertainment and performance."
Although Mateschitz' exact plans for Minardi - which many believe will be re-named the Red Bull Junior Team - are not known, the Austrian billionaire was able to shed some light on his plans for the outfit.
With regards drivers, Mateschitz hinted that Tonio Liuzzi could be destined to take one of the seats: "He's quick and intelligent," he said. "The sort of driver people expect for his charisma and likeability."
He also hinted that the team might switch from Bridgestone rubber back to Michelin, which it last used in 2002.
"We will evaluate the offers," said the Austrian. "We have a good relationship with Michelin, maybe we will opt to use the French tyres on the Minardi also."
With regards the new team's management, Mateschitz wouldn't name names, but revealed that he would not 'cherry pick' from his existing team, he also ruled out (fellow-Austrian) Gerhard Berger, who previously managed BMW Motorsport.
"We will not take them from Red Bull," he said. "That would be a mistake because we are not the best team in Formula One. We need expert people, but it will not be Gerhard Berger. "We need someone who can dedicate himself full time to the team and he already has other commitments."
In the wake of yesterday's meeting outside Munich, which saw five manufacturers and seven teams - including Minardi, which is still run by Paul Stoddart - reaffirm their determination to form a breakaway series should they be unable to come to an agreement with Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley, Mateschitz admitted that the 'Junior' team, like Red Bull Racing, will be part of Bernie Ecclestone's new package in 2008.
"We would prefer to be neutral," he admitted. "However, it's clear that Minardi will also join the new Concorde Agreement, since we can't have conflicting opinions."