Minardi checking out Russian talent

Formula One team Minardi are strengthening their ties in Russia by announcing plans to evaluate a number of young drivers from the country.

Minardi, already working with Russian test driver Sergey Zlobin with a view to getting him an F1 drive, recently secured financial backing from giant energy firm Gazprom.

“I had an excellent welcome in Russia, where I quickly came to realise how popular the team is as the result of its links with both Gazprom and Sergey Zlobin,” said team founder Gian Carlo Minardi who has spent the past week in Moscow.

“We took the opportunity to announce our intention of evaluating a number of young Russian drivers, some of whom have already made initial contact with the team.”