Minardi fail to appear in first practice 04 Mar 2005
Minardi drivers Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher remained in the team’s garage during opening practice for the Australian Grand Prix as boss Paul Stoddart continued to seek approval for them to use last year’s car.
Minardi want to use their 2004 car which does not comply with the revised 2005 aerodynamic regulations. Stoddart had been banking on all the other teams agreeing to let him do so, but as yet it seems he has been unable to secure universal approval.
“We understand that at least three teams would object to him running outside the regulations (which it is also our job to enforce),” said Max Mosley, President of Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA.
Minardi are believed to have a 2005 aero package with them, which if fitted, could in theory still get them through scrutineering. “We understand that he has the latest bodywork in Melbourne, even if he has not yet tested it fully,” added Mosley.
