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Formula 1 Store |
August 2004 News
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31 August: The Williams BMW Formula 1 team confirmed that Ralf Schumacher will not be returning to drive for the team at the upcoming Monza test and will not be competing at the Italian Grand Prix on the 12th of September. Ralf is still recuperating from his injuries sustained at the US Grand Prix earlier this year and is now expected to test for the team following the Italian Grand Prix. Test driver Antonio Pizzonia will once again drive for the team as Ralf's replacement. Pizzonia impressed the team at the Belgian Grand Prix and was on track for a podium finish before his car lost drive 13 laps from the end. The Minardi F1 team will use Cosworth engines for the 2005 season. The team reached an agreement today with Cosworth to use the Cosworth TJ engine, the same engine used by Jaguar Racing. The Minardi team issued a statement that read: The Minardi F1 Team is today pleased to announce that it has successfully concluded an agreement with current engine partner, Cosworth Racing, for the supply of power units in 2005. The new arrangement will result in Minardi being provided with the Cosworth TJ engine, the same powerful, 90-degree V10 used by Jaguar. It will provide the Faenza-based team with the opportunity for significantly enhanced performance from its 2005 car. “Cosworth Racing is very happy to renew its partnership with Minardi for 2005,” comments the company’s Commercial Director, Bernard Ferguson. “We have long-standing ties with the team, and continue to feel that its fighting spirit and independent status in Formula One render it a more-than-worthy partner. As ever, the new season will bring with it fresh technical challenges for the engine manufacturers, as well as the need for near-continuous performance improvement combined with a very high level of reliability. We believe the Cosworth Racing TJ power unit will help to provide Minardi with a strong package next year.” Announcing the agreement, Minardi Team Principal, Paul Stoddart, said, “Cosworth has been a great technical partner, providing the team with powerful, reliable, and cost-effective engines. This latest arrangement, which will see Minardi running the same top Cosworth power units as Jaguar, will undoubtedly give Minardi a considerable boost by providing the team with the opportunity to fight some of its F1 rivals on a more level ‘playing field’. On a personal note, I very much look forward to continuing with what has become a truly excellent relationship.” The final specification and technical details of the power units to be supplied to Minardi in 2005 will be confirmed once the Formula One technical regulations for next season have been officially confirmed. Click here for the 2005 Formula 1 Team and Driver Line-up Loading
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