Minardi sign Nissany as test driver 02 Feb 2005
Minardi announced on Wednesday that Israeli driver Chanoch Nissany has become an official tester for the team for the 2005 season. He will assist with their development programme, but is not scheduled to take part in Friday practice at Grand Prix weekends.
Nissany, 41, only launched his driving career in 2002, competing in the Hungarian Formula 2000 National Championship and Central European Zone Circuit Trophy. Results came quickly, however, and he subsequently raced in selected rounds of the World Series Light by Nissan Championship and F3000 International Championship. In the last 12 months, he has also had four Formula One tests - two with Jordan and two with Minardi.
"We're very pleased to be able to announce here in Israel that we have signed Chanoch as a test driver," said Minardi boss Paul Stoddart, speaking in Tel Aviv. "In the course of the two recent test sessions in which he has participated, he has impressed us with his enthusiasm, his willingness to learn and his fitness. Although Chanoch has not competed in single-seater racing for that long, he nonetheless has experience of a wide range of machinery. As a result, we felt he could be of real assistance with the team's test programme this year.
“On a personal note, I derive considerable satisfaction from the fact that, once again, Minardi is able to contribute in a practical way to the very worthwhile goal of raising the awareness of Formula One in an area of the world where the sport has not previously had a significant profile. This can only be a good thing."
Dutchman Christijan Albers will lead Minardi’s race line-up for 2005. His team mate is yet to be confirmed.
