Despite the announcement that he would be replaced at Minardi by Robert Doornbos, starting at this weekend’s German Grand Prix, ejected race driver Patrick Friesacher remains upbeat about his F1 career.
Despite the announcement that he would be replaced at Minardi by Robert Doornbos, starting at this weekend’s German Grand Prix, ejected race driver Patrick Friesacher remains upbeat about his F1 career.
Friesacher was replaced at the Italian team on Tuesday after his sponsors failed to provide the necessary funds to Minardi. This prompted Paul Stoddart’s Minardi team to make a tough decision about Friesacher’s position at the team.
But the ex-Minardi driver took a philosophical view on the incident.
“Of course its unfortunate that I can’t race, but I understand Minardi’s situation,” Friesacher said. “I will try to come back to Formula One this season, but if that doesn’t work out, we will work hard to come back in 2006.”
About two weeks ago, Friesacher’s financial dilemma was highlighted when Jordan test driver, Doornbos, signed a contract of intent with the Italian team. The team had also invited him to have a seat fitted.
The Dutch driver’s management had also apparently been in negotiations with Minardi for three months before the contract was signed on Tuesday.
“We are pleased to welcome Robert to Minardi,” team boss Paul Stoddart said “He has demonstrated clearly over the last year that he has the pace necessary to compete in Formula One, and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to make his world championship début at this weekend’s German Grand Prix. I believe he is going to do an excellent job over the coming races.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick sincerely for his efforts on behalf of the team, and although commercial considerations mean we have had to bring our relationship with him to an end, this decision should in no way be taken as a reflection on his skill or ability as a driver. We continue to rate him very highly, and wish him all the best for the future.”
Doornbos joins his compatriot Christjan Albers at Minardi, which has become the first team to feature an all-Dutch driver line-up.