New engine for Minardi

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Minardi have signed the new engine deal, and Paul Stoddart says that it is "very, very, very competitive. Lets just say that it was on the podium at Monza."

Which tells us nothing, because they have been rumoured for either Ferrari or Cosworth for quite a while. Unless he is talking about Monza in years past? Could he be so sly...?

[nichosnz 0]

If it is a Ferrari deal, then it is a pity Gustav is not with them anymore. It had often been said about his Minardis, that the engine was bringing down the performance of a excellent chassis.

But even then they could probably put a Ferrari to better use than Prost did in 2001, it may not end up showing in the points though as the midfield is getting very tight.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

True, Brunner did an excellent job at Toyota for the TF102. Now they have, guess who, Henri Durand, the man behind the magnificent AP04 Prost! Supposedly though his AP05 which was started would have been great, cant say because it never met the track.

[nichosnz 0]

Which ever engine they get I hope the manage to again finish better than last.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

The Cosworth is not a bad engine at all, Jag were setting great speed trap readings at Monza so it should be able to power Minardi up to the level of BAR Id think. Depends on how well they get their chassis setup.

[nichosnz 0]

Let us hope so, I'd like to see Minardi finish 7th to equal their best result, or even top it. Cosworth or Ferrari could be just their chance.

Note: In 1991 when Minardi acheived 7th they had Martini driving (no kidding) and... wait for it...

[nichosnz 0]

FERRARI engines

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Isnt that where it dates back to, the close Minardi-Ferrari relationship as to Minardi being allowed to test freely at Mugello and Fiorano?

[nichosnz 0]

At least that far maybe even longer.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Im guessing that they are the only two Italian teams also has something to do with it.

[nichosnz 0]

Although when Brunner left Ferrari for Minardi, he was told by Todt that he would never be welcome in Ferrari again.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Is that so? Interesting enough, maybe it was just to make Byrne feel more wanted In the effect "screw you we got someone better!"

[nichosnz 0]

Well he would have to be thinking that even if it wasn't true.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Yea, Brunner though isn't half bad, he did a great job with the TF102 Toyota and Im anxious to see how the 103 car comes out

[nichosnz 0]

With a desigher like Brunner the TF103 will be an improvement, Brunner doesn't tend to make big c**k-ups.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

The 1999 Minardi car that he designed was probably one of his best, though this years car hasnt been too bad either. I think engine power is the thing most hampering the team, so Cosworth or Ferrari should bring them a nice boost.

[nichosnz 0]

It has long been the case, I've read about designers, mostly Newey and Bryne, heading stright down to the Minardi pits when a new part is discovered to be on the Minardi's.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

The old Russian website that used to have all the F1 clips before F1onboard came along had great video of Newey going to "say hi" to Giancarlo Minardi and Brunner, all the while looking over the car. Wonder what would happen if you stuck this year's Ferrari engine behind Webber?

[nichosnz 0]

A podium? certainly he would have been ahead of EI in Australia, so definatly a 4th.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Yep, my thoughts exactly, that is what I was referring to as a matter of fact. A fourth at least, and you know with any luck a podium at Monza when compared to EI.

[nichosnz 0]

Some people were saying that you couldn't get a better podium in Monza that the 2 Ferraris and EI. 2 Ferraris and a Minardi would IMO be infinately better (the best) result for Monza. The only way that could be topped is if one of the Ferraris had Fisichella or Badoer as team-mate to MS.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Oh you could definitely get a better podium at Monza. Two Ferraris with two Italians driving them, with a Minardi driven by yet another Italian.

[nichosnz 0]

How about this one Jens, 2 Minardis drivens by Italians and a Ferrari driven by an Italian.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

I think two Ferrari's would be better as it really is the known name of Italian motor racing.

[nichosnz 0]

But imagine the euphoria of the team and the fans if Minardi did suprise the world to get a double podium, and on top of that in front of their home crowd.