Minardi strike Asian deal

The Minardi F1 team has moved further into the Asian market with the formation of Minardi Team Asia.

The deal follows an agreement with Eurasia Motorsport and will result in the new team entering Asian drivers in both the Formula BMW Asia and Asian Formula 3 series in 2004.

In addition to its F1 presence, the Minardi name will now be seen at important regional motor racing events in China, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Japan and the Philippines this season.

Based in Hong Kong, Eurasia Motorsport will run up to four cars in the 2004 Formula BMW Asia Series, and a single chassis in the Asian Formula 3 Series, all painted in Minardi’s distinctive black, white and red livery.

“There has often been talk of Formula One teams helping to popularise motorsport in Asia, but up until now, nothing of any substance has been done,” said Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart.

Minardi Team Asia will announce its 2004 driver line-up in the near future.