Friesacher could drive for Minardi
LONDON, England -- Austrian Patrick Friesacher could drive for Minardi this season after the Formula One team said they would make an announcement in the country on Tuesday.
While no names were given ahead of the news conference near Klagenfurt, 24-year-old Friesacher has been in the frame to fill the third driver test role.
However, sources suggested he could still be handed the race drive alongside Dutchman Christijan Albers if Denmark's Nicolas Kiesa, being lined up for the second seat, proved unable to raise the required sponsorship.
Minardi have yet to name their second driver for the season starting in Australia on March 6.
Kiesa drove for Minardi in 2003 while Friesacher has tested for them and driven in the team's two-seater programme. The Austrian has also won races in the junior Formula 3000 championship.
Ferrari date set
Meanwhile, world champions Ferrari will unveil their 2005 car at their Maranello factory on February 25.
The season starts in Australia on March 6.
The Italian team have said they do not expect to race the car until the Spanish Grand Prix in May, relying instead on a modified version of their F2004 for the opening four races.
Ferrari won 15 of last year's 18 races, with Germany's Michael Schumacher triumphant in 13 of them and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello winning the two others. They have secured the constructors' title for the past six years.
Schumacher is aiming for his eighth drivers' title in 2005.
