Give them a break !! (Minardi Team)

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Product:	Minardi Team
Date:	03/09/01 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: They are enthusiastic, The talented drivers they introduce

Disadvantages: Their lack of money, Their pathetic engines

Minardi must feel so alone and so unwanted. The little Italian team are by far the worst runners in the 22 car pack of F1.
But why? they haven't always been so bad. Not long ago they were a mid-field team. So whats gone wrong. Only a decade ago they had cars in the points but now even if they get kust one point its like a grand prix win for them.
I am mostly angry at the way they have been messed around by their sponsors and engine suppliers. Last year they had a car but no drivers, no sponsors, no engines and no managers. They were doomed to the F1 grid in the sky along with Forti and Tyrrell. But luck came their way. Paul Stoddart, a wealthy Australian saved the team with his European aviation sponsoring. His dream of owning a team was fulfilled and Minardi was saved. They now even had drivers. Tarso Marques returned from America to race, while Spaniard Fernando Alonso took the other seat. After no testing or tweaking, it was a miracle that they got to Melbourne and even more of a revelation when Alonso finished in 9th place.
Over the year the team has gradually stayed rooted to the back of the grid. Their enthusiasm meant they have carried on regardless of their poor performance and now Alex Yoong is set to replace Marques and bring a lot of money to the team. Whether or not this is just for money remains to be seen.

In the past, Minardi have scored points, but it was in 1990 when they reached their peak. Pierluigi Martini stuffed the Minardi onto 2nd on the grid. An amazing achievement for such a small team. However, the points fizzled out and their one point in 1999 at the Nurburgring is their only point in 5 years. A great shame.

They have produced great drivers though. Its hard to believe that Giancarlo Fisichella was moping around the back of the field in his Minardi as a stand in driver in 1996. Now he has raced for Jordan and Benetton gaining reputable podium finishes. Jarno Trulli is also
a MInardi refugee. He replaced Fisichella at MInardi in 1997. When Olivier Panis hit the barriers in Canada and broke his legs, Trulli was called up to the Prost team - they were good then - and he drove well scoring a 4th place at Hockenheim. However, he hit the headlines by leading most of the Austrian GP - until his engine failed. Luca Badoer raced for the Italian team in 1999 team - and nearly came 4th in Germany until cruel luck hit them. He is now a Ferrari test driver and backing up Schuey and Rubinho at any time. Now Fernando Alonso is set to move ono bigger things in 2002. Under Flavio Briatorie contract, the 20 year old Spaniard could move to either Arrows or Jordan. Heaven knows what talents they'll bring i next.

It annoys me the most that sponsers have chucked the team around over the years. Only last year, current sponsor Telefonica was set to re-sign for 2001. But when they pulled out it left the team in a rut. Then when PSN said they would save the team, their prayers seemed to be answered. Then at the last mionute they pulled out and threw Minardi into turmoil with the first race looming. I can only applaud Paul Stoddart who saved the team.

Minardi have never been that bad but as other teams have fizzled out they have shone through to be the joke of the field.

a trait i'm sure they dont want to keep that label. With new Asia Tech engines next year and some other talented drivers i'm sure Minardi can soon lift themselves form the rear of the grid.

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