12/11/2005
NEWS STORY
The Minardi F1x2 Team today completed its individual passenger runs for the Altech South African Grand Prix, and began final preparations for Sunday's two demonstration races. Saturday's F1x2 drivers were Marc Surer, Bas Leinders, Alan van der Merwe, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Patrick Friesacher, the latter's lap of 1:34.884 being the fastest two-seater time recorded over the last two days at the Kyalami circuit.
"It was great fun to be driving an F1 two-seater again. I really enjoyed it,” commented Friesacher, after completing nine passenger rides during the Saturday morning session. “I like this track a lot, and combined with the great organisation here, this is just a terrific event. I particularly want to thank Paul Stoddart and the F1x2 Team for making it possible to be here again in South Africa.
"One interesting thing for me is that, so far this weekend, my best lap time in the two-seater is about two seconds slower than last year. I think this could be down to the higher track temperature, which has reduced grip levels, and a gusty wind that has been blowing for much of the time. Even so, I think we have still been able to give the passengers a good impression of F1 performance!"
The team also confirmed the line-up for the first of tomorrow's F1x2 races, with Friesacher, Leinders, Hunter-Reay and van der Merwe being joined on the starting grid by Johnny Herbert, Matteo Bobbi, Gianni Morbidelli and David Saelens.
Note: Pole for the GP Masters race, posted by Nigel Mansell was 1:33.428 - just 1.456s quicker.