Wednesday February 14th, 2001

Former world champion Nigel Mansell may drive Minardi's promotional two-seater car but will not be making a racing comeback to Formula One, sources at the team said on Wednesday.

Mansell, the 1992 world champion with Williams, is a friend of new Minardi owner Paul Stoddart and some media reports had gone so far as to suggest the Briton might be coaxed back into the driving seat at the age of 47.

Minardi have yet to name their second driver to partner 19-year-old Spaniard Fernando Alonso but expect to make an announcement on Friday or early next week.

A team source said a Mansell comeback was not likely to happen "for obvious reasons" and added that there was nothing in the speculation.

But a two-seater drive in promotional events looked possible.

Stoddart's European racing firm built the two-seaters used last season by Arrows to entertain sponsors and special guests but the Australian retains the ownership and plans to paint some of them in Minardi colours for 2001.

"Maybe he (Mansell) will drive the two-seater at promotional events," said the source. Stoddart, 45, has done much of the recent driving of the car himself.

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