Sunday June 25th, 2000

Formula 3000 driver Giorgio Vinella has joined the Minardi team as its test driver.

The Italian Vinella will have his first test as test driver on the 5th of July, when he will begin an aerodynamics test programme for Minardi at the Vairano circuit in northern Italy.

"I am very happy to be part of the Minardi Team driver line-up now," said the 1999 Italian Formula 3000 champion. "I am living an important and crucial stage of my career because the chance is being given me to prove my capacities in the top formula and to check my true potential behind a Formula 1 steering wheel.

"In the morning I wore for the first time the overall the team provided to tailor-make for me and I'm very much looking forward to this new experience.

"In the meantime, I'm trying to remain close to motor racing," he continued. "I am currently considering two or three opportunities to drive in the American prototypes championship, just for the sake of continuing my activity in the competitions and to preserve my adrenaline at a high level."