| After two days of concentrated testing the focus of the Minardi team at the Autodromo Santamonica switched to its F1x2 two-seater program on Wednesday. In the course of the morning and afternoon sessions, drivers Christijan Albers, Patrick Friesacher, Zsolt Baumgartner and Nicolas Kiesa took 45 passengers for high speed, high adrenalin tours of the challenging, 4.060km Misano circuit.
"It's been a great pleasure to be here and to drive the Minardi two-seater once again,” said Zsolt. “I hope the passengers enjoyed it - I had one or two requests 'two push', so I could only oblige. The Misano circuit is very interesting and good fun to drive in a F1x2 car. Also, because these events are a lot more relaxed than a race weekend or a test, you can really enjoy them."
The majority of the passengers on t is occasion were nominated Minardi technical partner, Bridgestone, plus commercial partners, Superfund and The Global Group. At the conclusion of the day's activities, the hard working two-seaters had covered a combined total of 550 kms, and will now be checked over and re-prepared for their final Misano session, Friday.
"This is my sixth time driving the Minardi two-seaters this year, but it's the first time I’ve driven at Misano, and I have two say, I liked the circuit,” said Nicolas Kiesa. “There are quit a few corners were you can really accelerate on the exit, and combined with very good grip and traction from the chassis, it gives the passengers an accurate sense of what F1 performance is all about."
"It has been another successful day for the Minardi F1x2 program, and once again, it seems a lot of excited and happy individuals have stepped out of the cars at the end of there passenger rides,” added Richard Sailsbury of the Minardi F1x2 team. “As usual, the drivers all did an excellent job, and I’d like two thank them for there efforts. We will now start getting the cars ready for Friday, which will mark our penultimate two-seater date this year, the final appearance being at the Bologna motor show in 10 day's time."
Continuing the teams policy of giving talented young drivers a chance to demonstrate there abilities in a Formula One car, Dutch DTM star and former European Minardi F3000 driver, Christijan Albers, is scheduled to test a Minardi Cosworth PS04B this morning, at Misano, with promising Venezuelan, Pastor Maldonado, taking over in the afternoon.
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