VISO SETTLES IN DURING SEBRING TEST

Indianapolis, IN (February 4, 2008) – Ernesto Viso and the Minardi Team USA squad wrapped up their final half-day of testing in Sebring, Florida, today after spending the past two days at the popular facility for the first of three Champ Car World Series pre-season tests.

Viso initially worked with the team at Sebring International Raceway in early December last year, and this latest test was used to carry on with a clearly defined technical program, aimed at helping both team and driver improve. They took the opportunity to try a variety of set-up changes, and continued to acclimatize Ernesto to the DP01 as well as to his engineers and crew.

All involved felt it was a productive test, and next up for Minardi Team USA is Spring Training, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, March 13-14.

Ernesto Viso:
“Testing was very successful, and we went through a lot of things over the course of the two-and-a-half days. We worked through different suspension packages, and we now know where we are at and what we need to improve. We were a bit stuck on Saturday, working on the differential, which takes time, and this morning we had the engine let go, otherwise I would be further up the charts. We are not worried about it at all; everybody is happy and we know we have the potential and we are going to be up there.”

Keith Wiggins:
“We accomplished a good amount. We worked through our testing plan and made progress. We had a few hiccups, which delayed us a bit, one of which occurred this morning (Monday) when we had an engine failure just as we were planning on laying down some quick times. Things did not go as smoothly as we would have liked, but that’s what testing is all about: learning things. We additionally developed our relationship with Ernesto and continue to believe he will do a good job. It’s on to the next one at Laguna now.”

Ends

Further information about Minardi Team USA is available at www.minarditeamusa.com; the Champ Car World Series, at www.champcarworldseries.com

Media contact

Aislinn Miller
Tel: +1 317 241 3955 Cell: +1 405 822 9012
email: amiller@minarditeamusa.com

Graham Jones
Tel: +44 20 8657 3942 Cell: +44 7767 301303
e-mail: Graham.Jones@MinardiTeamUSA.com