Minardi is probably one of the most favourite teams that was on the grid in the Formula One. They were for many drivers the first step for Formula One. Think about Giancarlo Fisichella, Mark Webber and let’s not forget about Fernando Alonso. However, Minardi was also one of the teams that let a lot of drivers race for them if they had the money for it. Even if it was for just two or three races. Then there is also the amount of drivers that tested for the team. One of the well known drivers is Israelian driver Chanoch Nissany who had too much grip with the Minardi he tested. So here is the ultimate Minardi drivers list!
The list on alphabetic order of name, I was thinking to do it by year but it meant that several drivers would return on the list. Like Pierluigi Martini, Alessandro Nannini and so on. A little legenda;
(D) = Driver
(T) = Test driver
(X2) = Minardi 2 seater
The ultimate Minardi drivers list A-F
The ultimate Minardi drivers list G-L
The ultimate Minardi drivers list T-Z
Marc Gené(ES) – (T)(D)(X2)
Active years: 1998 – 2000
With the point system the Formula One has now, Gené would have scored in his two seasons with Minardi 9 times points! It perhaps shows his talent, and as well how good the Minardi’s were in those years. After a karting career, Gené made his debut in the Formula Ford series. Finishing as runner-up in the 1993 European Formula Ford championship, he made the move to the British Formula 3 Championship in 1994 and 1995 with some success. A year later, he moved to the little known Italian Superformula Golden Cup, which he managed to win. Completing a couple of races in the 1997 International Formula 3000 he moved to the Open Fortuna by Nissan. With six wins, he won the title in 1998. Thanks for winning the championship; he would test with Minardi M198 in October 1998 at Catalunya.
While Marc hoped his test was good enough for a test contract with Minardi team, he would eventually become one of the drivers in 1999. As said, he did a remarkable job. During the 1999 European Grand Prix, he finished sixth, at that time it meant one point. Besides the 6th place, he scored one-8th place and four times a ninth place. In 2000, Gené would race for the Minardi team as well. The M02, like the M01, had potential though due to the team’s financial backing there was not enough money to update the car. In the opening race, he finished eighth with his Minardi. He would repeat this result during the Austrian Grand Prix and would later finish ninth during the Italian Grand Prix.
In 2001 Gené became a test driver for the Williams F1 Team, which he would be until 2004. In 2003, he did incidentally a race for the team during the Italian Grand Prix. Which he finished as fifth. In 2004, he would race another two races for the team. In that year, he also returned to the World Series by Nissan. From 2005 on, he became a test driver for the Ferrari team. Besides his test contract with Ferrari, he started to race in the Le Mans series and FIA Endurance World Championship.
There was also an occasion that Marc Gené drove with the Minardi 2-seater, this is something many don’t seem to know. During the Charity event at Kyalami in the summer of 2004, Gené did a couple of laps with his fiancé as passenger.
Marco Apicella(I) – (T)
Active year: 1987 / 1990 / 1992
Apicella has an interesting career if it goes about Formula One, he had a similar opportunity as Verstappen had with Honda. In 1996, Dome was working on their Formula One Project the F105. The car looked quick and fitted with the Mugen-Honda engine it seemed that the team would appear on the grid. Marco Apicella was their main test driver. However, before Apicella came this far he made his debut in 1984 in the Italian Formula 3 Championship. He would end up as runner up in 1986 with Coloni. In 1987, he moved to the International F3000 championship, somehow many drivers fail in the series in 10 races he scored one point.
While 1987 was a disappointing season, he would test that year for the first time for the Minardi team. He would test the M187 at Misano. Not much is known about the test. In 1988 and 1989, he continued racing in the International Formula 3000 Championship with First Racing. Indeed the team that worked on their own F1 car, which eventually became the Life Racing car. In 1990, Apicella was asked to test for the newly formed Mexican Glas F1 Team. In 1990, he would test again for Minardi. He tested late in the season for Minardi with the M190 at Misano. Later that year he would even go to Japan to perform some testing for Bridgestone that used a Reynard prototype F1 car.
From 1992 on he would race in the Formula Nippon in Japan, his first season he scored decent results, though returned to Italy to once again test for Minardi at Misano with the M192. Eventually in 1993, he would make his F1 debut for Jordan. In 1994, he would win the Formula Nippon with Dome. This probably was also the ticket for him to become one of the prominent test drivers for Dome’s Formula One project. The project sadly never made it to the F1 grid due to the financial situation. Eventually Apicella returned in 1999 to the Italian Formula 3 finishing the championship as third. In 2000, he returned to Japan to race in the Super GT.
Marco Werner(DE) – (T)
Active year: 1992
You may know Marco Werner from the Historic Races he races in since 2015, however he came close to race for Minardi in the Formula One. In 1987, Werner made his debut in 1987 in the Autosport in the German Formula Ford 1600 championship he ended up as third in the standings. Enough to move to the German Formula Lotus Championship for Jochen Mass’s team. A year later, he would stay in the Formula Lotus and made his debut in the German Formula 3 Championship. From 1990 until 1994, he would stay in the German Formula 3 Championship end up twice as runner up.
At the end of the 1992 season Werner came in the spotlight from the Tyrrell and the Minardi team. Werner would eventually test for the Minardi team at Estoril and showed some decent times with the M192. Enough to have offered a fixed contract for 1993. Sadly, when it came that far to sign the contract one of Werner’s sponsors pulled out therefore his debut in the Formula One disappeared. As well, his Formula One dream was gone now. From 1995 on Werner would start racing in touringcars such as the Porsche Supercup and the German Super touring Championship. He became an ace in the Porsche Supercup coming close to win the Championship in 2001 and 2002. After 2005 he started racing in the American Le Mans series, en won a couple of times the 12 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Mark Webber(AU) – (T)(D)(X2)
Active year: 2002
After Fernando Alonso Mark Webber is probably the biggest talents Minardi gave their first opportunity in the Formula One. From 1994 until 1997, Webber was competitive in the Australian Formula Ford championships. He managed to win the prestigious Formula Ford Festival. A year later he moved to the British Formula 3 Championship with Alan Docking Racing and did it pretty good finishing fourth that season, he finished third during the Marlboro Masters. A year later Mark would race in the FIA GT Championship with Mercedes winning five races, even scoring the pole position for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998.
In 1999 Webber would have his “famous” flip during the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the warm-up on Saturday. His teammate would overcome the same problem. Which let Mercedes to withdraw. Webber became also Arrows test driver that season. It was at that point that Webber was offered to race in America for Mercedes. However, he declined the offer after Greg Moore tragic dead. The focus went to European single seaters. For 2000, Webber signed the deal to race for Paul Stoddart’s European Arrows F3000 team in the International F3000 Championship. At the end of the season, he finished third. A year later, combined with testing for Benetton, he drove for Supernova in the International F3000 Championship finishing as runner-up.
Paul Stoddart saved the Minardi team in early 2001 and did the impossible bring up the Minardi PS01 and appear at the start of the season in Australia. Thanks to Paul Stoddart, and a lobby to have Webber at Minardi in 2002 he signed the contract to be one of the drivers for the team. Mark Webber tested the 16th and 17th of January 2002 for the first time for Minardi. He tested with the hybrid Minardi PS01B. During the first race of the season at Albert Park, he finished fifth which meant two points! In 2003, he moved to Jaguar, it would be the team eventually where he would stay until 2013. In 2004, Red Bull purchased the team to turn it into Red Bull Racing. After his Formula 1 career, he appeared in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Porsche.
Webber did also drove around with the Minardi 2-seater during the Thunder at the park at Donington park the 11th of August 2002. His passenger was Jonathan Frost.
Matteo Bobbi(I) – (T)(X2)
Active years: 2000 – 2003 / 2005
Matteo Bobbi is one of those Italian drivers that tested for the Minardi team. However, Bobbi tested for a couple of years with the team. After a couple of years in karting Bobbi made his debut in 1998 in the Autosport via the British Formula Renault winter series and the German Formula Renault he made his debut in the Formula Nissan in 2000. That same year he tested for the first time for Minardi. The team was impressed, as he would test the years to come as well occasionally for the team.
Max Wilson(BR) – (T)
Active Year: 1999
Max Wilson, not related to Justin Wilson is one of the lost talents in the Formula One if you ask me. He made his debut in the Autosport in 1993 in the Brazilian Formula Ford championship, with two wins he ended as third, a year later he would made his debut in the Formula Chevrolet winning several races and finishing second in the championship he moved for 1995 towards the Sudamerica Formula 3 series. Again, he showed his talent by winning several races and ending second in the championship. That same year he appeared in the Germann Formula 3 championship. In 1996, he drove a full season in the German F3 championship as well in the ITCC.
From 1997, he would race in the International F3000 championship, as with many other drivers he did not impress in the series. With just seven podium finishes. However, he showed his talent and Minardi invited him for the youngsters test at Jerez. This test was done to decide which driver would take place in the second cockpit in 2000. While he did a decent job, the team did not continue with him. This would be his only test for the team. After a year in the CART series, he moved to the V8 Supercar championship.
Michael Schumacher(D) – (X2) Active year: 2002 I don’t think there is an introduction needed for the 7times world champ! Believe it or not Michael Schumacher did test/drive with a Minardi. On the 25th of October 2002, Minardi was at Fiorano to shakedown a bunch of their cars. One of these was a red Minardi 2-seater. The team had asked if Schumi was able to give the 2-seater a shakedown. So he did. He completed 100 laps with the car having his wife Corina as passenger, and for one lap also Jean Todt!
Michelo Alboreto(I) – (T)(D)
Active year: 1985 / 1993 – 1994
Alboreto’s first test for Minardi dates back to 1985, he tested the 25th of November that year at Fiorano with the Minardi M185. Via the Formula Junior Monza in 1977, he debuted in 1978 in the Formula Italia, he would also compete that year a couple of races in the Italian F3 Championship. For 1979 he made would race a full season in the Italian F3. Winning three races, he would move to the European F3 championship in 1980, which he won with the Euroracing team.
The same time also with Euroracing he would finish third in the Italian F3. 1980 was also the year that Michele would compete in his first endurance races in several series with success. In 1981, he debuted in the Formula 2 with the Minardi team. The same year at the age of 24 he would made his debut in the Formula One for the Tyrrell team at San Marino replacing Ricardo Zunino. A year later, he would win with Tyrrell the Ceasar palace grand prix.
In 1984, Michele moved to the Ferrari team where he would reach most of his successes in the Formula One. Winning several races and finish second in the 1985 championship. That same year Alboreto tested for the Minardi team the 25th and 26th of November at Fiorano with the M185. After 1985, his career went not as good as it used to be. Leaving Ferrari, he raced for Footwork and Scuderia Italia before he appeared at Minardi in late 1993. However, in the summer of 1993 he already tested with the M193 at Estoril. In 1994, he would race for the team, scoring a point in Monaco with the M193B. After his Formula career, he continued racing in endurance, winning the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1997. He sadly died in April 2001 while testing the Audi R8 at the EuroSpeedway.
Mike Gascoyne(GB)-(X2)
Active year: 2000 or 2001
Mike Gascoyne is well known as a designer in the Formula One. He worked for teams like Sauber, Jordan, Tyrrell, McLaren, Toyota and Renault. Besides designing Formula One cars he also drove with them like in the Boss GP in 199 when he drove a Tyrrell. He also tested some F1 cars.
In 2000 or 2001, it is not quiet sure, Mike drove also around on a wet Doningtonpark with the Minardi 2-seater.
Narain Karthikeyan
Active year: 2003(IN)-(T)
Narain Kartikeyan is the first Indian Formula One driver. In 1992, he made his debut in the Autosport in the Formula Maruti, during that same season he went to France where he got some Formula Renault experience at the Winfield Racing School. For 1993, he returned to the Formula Maruti and drove some races in the Formula Vauxhall Junior. In 1994 he would debut in the British Formula Ford championship where he some good results, he even won the winter series. In 1995 and 1996, Narain appeared in the Formula Asia, which he won in 1996. From 1998 onwards, he appeared in the British Formula 3 championship, which he managed to score some podium finishes his best season was in 2000 when he ended as fourth in the championship for the Stewart Racing Team. .
In 2001 was his first taste with the Formula One, while racing without success in the Japanese Formula Nippon he tested for the Jordan Grand Prix team and Jaguar Racing. In 2002, after a disappointing season, he moved to the World Series by Nissan scoring several podiums in 2002 and 2003 and finish fourth overall in 2003 was enough to get a test with Minardi in 2003.
The 13th of December 2003 he tested for the Minardi team at Vallelunga, this was a youngster test. Eventually Minardi offered him a seat for 2004, though he lacked the needed sponsors, which resulted in 2004 to race again in the World Series by Nissan. Eventually Narain would make his debut in the Formula One with the Jordan Grand Prix team. After 2005, he left the Formula one to race in series such as the FIA GT and the A1GP only to return in 2011 to the grid with HRT.
Nicky Pastorelli(NL)-(T)
Active year: 2004
Nicky Pastorelli is one of the Dutch drivers that tested for the Minardi team in 2004. In 2000, he made his debut in the Dutch Formula Arcobaleno, which was similar to the Formula Renault 2.0 championship. He managed to win three races and finished as third in the championship. For 2001 he moved, without much success, to the Italian Formula Renault 2.0 championship where he would stay two seasons. In 2003, he moved to the Euro Formula 3000 Series where he had more success 5th overall with several podium finishes. In 2004, he would stay in the series and win the Championship.
Minardi offered him to test for the team in early 2005. On the 18th and 19th of January 2005 Nicky tested with the Minardi PS04B, which was in a beautiful black livery, at Misano. It was the only test for Minardi.
However, he became Jordan Grand Prix’s test driver and was added to the no so much meaning Young Driver Development program from Midland. Haven’t much racing in 2005 he tried his luck in 2006, while being the test driver for Midland, in the Champcar series. In 2007, Pastorelli had a sabbatical year. After that, he started racing in the GT series and the endurance series. Today he mostly races with historical sportcars.
Nicolas Kiesa(DK)-(T)(X2)
Active years: 2003 – 2005
Nicolas Kiesa is one of the drivers that tested multiple times for the Minardi team, he also was one of the drivers for the X2 events from Minardi. Kiesa made his debut in the Autosport in 1997 in the Danish Formula Ford Championship. In 1998, he moved to the British Formula Ford Championship where he managed to appear every race on the podium, even winning one race. For 1999, he appeared in the European Formula Ford Championship and the British Formula Ford Championship, which he managed to win. In 2000, he moved to the British Formula 3 championship where he would stay in 2001 to combine it with the German Formula 3 championship. Like many drivers, he moved to the International F3000 championship without success, it was also the first year he appeared in the DTCC.
In 2003, Kiesa started again in the International F3000 championship. However, after Justin Wilson left the Minardi team for Jaguar in mid-season he was asked by Minardi to test with the PS03. Testing the car the 25th of July at Fiorano, he also tested at Monza. It seems he impressed the team as he signed a deal with Minardi to be one of their drivers in 2003. He completed five races, scoring no point but finishing all of them. In September, together with Jos Verstappen, he would test with the Minardi PS04 (Arrows A23) at Mugello. This test was held to see the difference between the Arrows A23 and the current Minardi PS03, after Stoddart acquired the assets from Arrows.
For 2004, he races a couple of races in the Porsche Super Cup where he managed to win a race. He would arrive in 2004 for the first time behind the wheel of the Minardi 2-seater. This was during a charity event at Kyalami somewhere in July. The 24th of November at Misano, he drove again with the car. In 2005, he started testing for Minardi again. This time with the PS04B at Misano. From the German Grand Prix onwards he became Jordan Grand Prix’s official test driver. From 2006 onward, he started to race in the Endurance, DTM and other touringcar series where he scored so far his biggest successes.
Nigel Mansell(GB)-(X2)
Active year: 2001
Nigel Mansell doesn’t need an introduction. The world champion of 1992 moved in 1993 towards the CART series only to win it that season. He would stay in the series though drove the last few races for the Williams team in 1994. Where managed to win the last Grand Prix of the season in Adelaide. For 1995, he signed a deal with McLaren. However, he did not fit in the car; he had to skip the first race. Finally able to race he failed in the McLaren and would leave the team soon after. Rumoured to return in 1996 and even 1997 to Jordan Grand prix he returned racing in 1998 when he appeared in the BTTC.
However, Nigel Mansell would appear in 2001 in one of the Minardi 2-seaters at the event Thunder at the Park at Donnington Park. The event was held the 21th of August 2001. During this event, a race was organised for the 2-seater cars. Nigel Mansell was asked to drive one of the car, which he did. Still being competitive, with a passenger, he crashed his 2-seater at the end of the race.
Norbert Siedler(AT)-(T)
Active year: 2003
Norbert Siedler made his debut in 2000 in the German Formula Ford Championship which was also active in Austria. Winning several races, he moved in 2001 to the German Formula 3 championship his first season in the series was not that good. In 2002, he showed some progress by scoring several podium finishes and even won a race. For 2003 he made the switch to the World Series by Nissan where he some success, he completed also one race in the Euro 3000.
The Minardi team invited Siedler for their youngster test at Vallelunga; this test was the 13th of December 2003. He did some intensive testing with the Minardi PS03. After his test with Minardi, he races again in the Euro 3000 in 2004 and 2005 scoring several wins. From there on, he made the switch to the GT, Endurance and supercar series. In 2023, he was active in the GT series.
Norberto Fontana(AR)-(T)
Active year: 2000
Norberto Fontana was in the race for a Minardi seat in 2000. Norberto made his debut in the Autosport already in 1992 in the Argentinian Formula Renault series. In 1993, he made the trip to Europe where he would debut in 1993 in the Swiss and European Formula Ford championship. In 1994, he moved to the German Formula 3 championship, winning three races and finishing sixth overall he became rookie of the year. 1995 would be more successful, winning the German Formula 3 championship and the Marlboro Masters at Zandvoort made him one of the hit guys in the Formula One Paddock. For 1996, he moved to the Japanese Formula Nippon where he managed to score several wins.
In 1997, he would continue racing in the Formula Nippon, which he would finish overall as third. That same year he would made his debut for the Sauber F1 Team during the French Grand Prix. Fontana was an obvious choice for Peter Sauber. His first test with the team dates back to 1994. During 1995 and 1996, he tested a couple of times for the team as well. With two, nine places. Sadly, he made a couple of mistakes in the four races he drove for the team,
For 1998 he had a contract signed with the Tyrrell Racing team. However, we all know how that went. Jos Verstappen was in favour to stay as driver. Norberto Fontana who had a contract was simply said he would not race for the team that year. While Ricardo Rosset would take the place from Jos Verstappen at the team.
In 1999 Fontana, who was racing now in the International F3000 Championship without much success, he was invited by Minardi to test with their Minardi M01. This test happened the the 14th of December 1999. This was a youngster test with several other drivers. Doing well, he was unable to gain the seat due to the lack of proper sponsorship. Gastón Mazzacane would eventually race for the team in 2000. Unable to gain a seat in the F1 he moved to the states to race in the CART series. In 2001, he would race another season in the International F3000 Championship before he started racing in the TC2000 for many seasons. He still races there with success.
Oliver Martini(I)-(T)
Active year: 1997
Oliver Martini is the younger brother from Pierluigi Martini who races a couple of years for the Minardi team with some success. His racing career is not that long and with sabbaticals. After some karting, he made his debut in 1991 in the Formula Opel Lotus where he would stay in 1992 and 1993. Scoring a couple of wins and podium finishes, he moved to the Italian Formula 3 in 1994 where he would keep racing until the end of 1997.
He managed to score two podiums in 1995 and in 1997 he won the championship. This win was enough to be asked by Giancarlo Minardi if he was interested to test for the team. In late December, Oliver tested with the Minardi M197 at Catalunya. It would be his only test for the team. After that, he would race in 1998 and 1999 in the International F3000 championship. With a sabbatical of several years, he made his comeback in the Euro 3000 series and Italian Formula 3 championship in 2006 and 2007. He was somewhat successful with some wins though he retired after the 2007 season from racing.
Paolo Barilla(I)-(T)(D)
Active years: 1988 – 1990
You may know the name Barilla from the pasta, well it is Paolo’s company! Paolo made his debut in the Autosport in 1980 in the Formula Abarth. For 1981, he moved to the Italian Formula 3, European Formula 3 and the Formula 2 championship. Winning three races in the Italian Formula 3 and 3th overall, he moved in 1982 to the European Formula 2 championship with the Minardi team. He would stay there in 1983 as well though he started to race in the FIA world Endurance Championship and the European Endurance Championship. He would stay in the FIA world Endurance Championship in 1984. That year he would have his first taste with the Formula One when he tested for the Brabham team from Bernie Ecclestone.
In 1985, it seemed that Barilla switched permanently to the Endurance and GT racing competing in the Renault Alpine V6, FIA World Endurance Championship, Interseries and the 24 hours du Lemans. He would keep on racing in Endurance in 1986 as well, expect with a couple of races in the International F3000 Championship. However, he was granted a Formula One test for the Benetton team that year as well. It seems that was a trigger to return in the Formula Series. As he in 1987 kept on racing in the International F3000 series and in the FIA World Touring Car Championship for Alfa.
Again, in 1987 he would test for the Benetton team in the Formula One and continued racing with some success in the International F3000 Championship. In 1988, he returned to the Endurance racing Racing in Japan in the Prototypes and in the IMSA for Joest Racing. In 1988, he would “return” to Minardi the team he races for in the Formula 2 previously. It seems he tested in late 1988 for the team and impressed the team. In 1989, he would test again for the team. At that point, Subaru under supervising of Carlos Chiti came with their boxer F1 engine. Paolo tested with a Minardi M188 fitted with that engine at Misano in May 1989. Luckily, the team decided not to continue with the engine.
In Japan that year, Paolo would appear on the grid for the Minardi team to replace Pierluigi Martini. He sadly had to retire in the race. However, it was good enough to sign a deal with Minardi for 1990. He would partner Pierluigi Martini. It was not his best season as he had a couple of DNQ’s behind his name. While Pierluigi Martini managed to qualify his M189 and M190 or all the races. The last two races Paolo was replaced by Gianni Morbidelli. After his Formula One adventure he returned to Endurance and GT racing until 1992. After a sabbatical, he returned in 2012 with Historic racing.
Pastor Maldonado(VE)-(T)
Active year: 2003
Pastor Maldonado is mostly know for his wild style and many crashes in the Formula one and his wonder races in Spain 2012 when he won that race!
He made his debut in the Autosport in 2003 when he was active in several Formula Renault 2.0 series. Italian Formula Renault 2.0, German Formula Renault 2.0, Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup and the Italian winterseries. With several wins in the series, he would stay in 2004 in the Italian Formula Renault 2.0, which he won with eight victories. And in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup. He made also his debut in the Formula Renault V6 cup.
For winning the Italian Formula Renault 2.0 Championship, he was asked by Minardi to test for the team. The 22nd of November 2004 Pastor took place behind the wheel of the Minardi PS04B at Misano where also Christijan Albers tested with the car. Maldonado completed 22 laps with a best time of 1:11,330. After his test for Minardi, he moved in 2005 Formula Renault 3.5 Series and the Italian Formula 3000 series with little success. Between 2007 and 2010, he races in the International F3000 Championship and the GP2. He managed to win the GP2 championship in 2010 and became that year test driver for the Williams team.
Patrick Friesacher(AT)-(T)(X2)(D)
Active years: 2004 – 2005
Patrick Friesacher is the first driver that became a Red Bull Junior, this happened in 1994 when he was active in karting. He is also the longer Red Bull driver. His career is pretty bizarre. In 1997 after a crash, he had to stay six weeks in a hospital due to severe leg injuries. Moving around in a wheel chair for several weeks, he eventually had to learn walking again and was only capable to race again in 1998. That year he moved to the Formula Renault Campus France.
In 1999, he debuted in the French Formula 3 Championship B-class he finished overall as third with two wins. In 2000, he moved to the German Formula 3 Championship where he won two races. As he was a Red Bull driver, he would race for the team in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 (this year was for Coloni) in the International F3000 Championship with some success.
His win at the Hungaroring during the 2004 International F3000 race impressed Paul Stoddart. He asked Friesacher if he was willing to test for the team later that year. The 11th of November 2004 he would test with the Minardi PS04B at Misano where he completed 41 laps and was fast. A week later, he would drive around with the Minardi F1X2 at Misano as well. It was enough to offer him a contract for 2005.
However, the financial situation had to become better for him to stay all season. It was an interesting season as he performed well. The Michelin teams boycotted the Grand Prix at Indy. It was his luck, as he would score points anyway. He did with a P6. After the British Grand Prix the funding was done and was replaced Monarch Robert Doornbos. Patrick would test the 27th and 28th of April at Misano with the Minardi PS05. Later that season he would appear again in the 2-seater.
After his Formula 1 adventure, he appeared in the A1GP only to re-appear three years later in the American Le-Mans Series in the LMP2. Eventually, he became Red Bull’s exhibition driver and instructor at the A1-Ring now know as the Red Bull Ring.
Patrick Huisman(NL)-(T)
Active year: 2005
Patrick Huisman is well known from his days in the Porsche Supercup when he dominated the championship. Patrick made his debut in the Autosport in 1989 in the Dutch Squadra Bianca in 1990. In 1991 he raced in the Dutch Production Car Championship in the 5000ccc series with success winning the Championship in 1991. For 1992, he moved to the Porsche Supercup only to move in 1993 to the ADAC GT1 Cup series to stay there in 1994 and compete in several endurance races. In 1995, he made his comeback in the Porsche Supercup where he would keep racing until 2011. In between, he would race in the Belgium Belcar series and the DTM from 2002 until 2004.
Somehow, Paul Stoddart had a thing for Dutch drivers, as Patrick Huisman, thanks to his sponsor, would test with the Minardi PS04B at Misano the 26th of November 2004. He completed only six laps with a best time of 1:20,420. After his test with Minardi, he would continue racing in Endurance and GT cars.
Paul Stoddart(AU)-(T)(X2)
Active years : 2001 – 2005
Paul Stoddart started racing with Formula One cars in the 1990s when he had his own team in the Boss GP series. He had also a huge collection of Formula One car at its peak this was over 40! Most of the cars were Tyrrells. Six weeks prior the start of the 2001 Formula One season Paul Stoddart purchased the stakes from Gabriele Rumi and saved the Minardi team. In only six weeks, he managed to build a brand new Formula One car for the team the PS01. With this, he did the impossible.
The first time Paul Stoddart took place behind the wheel of a Minardi was during the Thunder in the Park. At Donnington the 21nd of August 2001. When he drove one of the Minardi 2-seaters, the former Tyrrell 026s. This was the first time the 2-seaters were used in a race; it is a notorious one as Nigel Mansell crashes the 2-seater. Paul Stoddart would win that race, with Kelis as his passenger.
The first time Paul Stoddart took place behind the wheel of the Minardi PS01 was the 31st of October 2001 during the Minardi days at Imola. It seems he also has tested with the Minardi PS01B. Later the 11th of November 2001 Paul again took place behind the wheel of the 2-seater during an event at Misano. In 2002 during the Thunder in the Park at Donnington the 11th of August, he drove again with the Minardi PS01 on the circuit. He drove also with the 2-seater with Sam Goldstein as his passenger. The 27th of October 2002 he took again place in the PS01 to do a couple of laps at Imola.
Again, Paul would drive around with the Minardi PS01 the 12th of May 2003 during the Super Day for Superfund in Vienna. The 31st of August 2003 he once again drove around in the Minardi 2-seater at Thunder at the Rock at Rockinham. Esther Ledieu was his passenger. In 2004, Paul would take place behind the wheel of the Minardi PS04B during a demo event the 2nd of March 2004 in Melbourne. Eventually would Paul take for once place behind the wheel, as last one, of the Minardi PS05 during the goodbye of the team the 25th of November at Vallelunga. As the team was sold to Red Bull.
Pedro Lamy(PT)-(T)(D)
Active year: 1995 – 1996
Pedro Lamy was the first Portuguese driver to score points in the Formula One. In 1989, Pedro made his debut in the Portuguese Formula Ford championship and managed to win the championship. For 1990, he moved to the Formula Opel Lotus where he would stay for two seasons. In 1992, he moved to the German Formula 3 Championship which he won. For 1993, he moved to the International Formula 3000 championship which he finished overall as second. That same year he would appear for Team Lotus on the grid for a couple of races. Team Lotus was impressed and offered Pedro a contract for 1994. He would only complete the first four races of the season, as he got involved in a massive crash during a test at Silverstone. Where he broke both legs and wrists.
While recovering Minardi was interested to hire Lamy as one of their drivers for 1995. With the time needed to heal his injuries, he tested for the first time with the Minardi M195 at Fiorano prior his debut at the Hungaroring. During the Australian Grand Prix, he managed to finish sixth which meant one point for the team. For 1996, he signed a contract as well with Minardi. However, the Minardi M195B was far from a success and the team struggled all season long. After his F1 career, he moved to the FIA GT series, FIA World Endurance Series and entered a couple times Le Mans, which he managed to win in 2012.
Peter Sundberg(SE)-(T)
Active year: 1999
Interesting story about Peter is that while he is Swedish he lived most of his life in Spain where he also grew up. In his teens, he was a motor crosser. In 1995, he made his debut in the Spanish Formula Renault where he won one race and was overall third in the championship. A year later, he would race again in the series winning four races and overall second. Via the Formula Renault Europe cup in 1997, he went in 1998 towards the Italian Formula 3 Championship where he had some decent results.
In 1999, he would win the Italian Formula 3 Championship with four victories. Because he won the championship he was invited by Minardi for the youngsters test at Jerez, he tested the 14th of November. After his test, he moved to the German Formula 3 Championship. In 2001, he competed in the Spanish and Japanese Formula 3 championship with some good results. Eventually Peter would compete in GT racing with some success.
Pierluigi Martini(I)-(T)(D)
Active years: 1984 – 1985 / 1988 – 1995
Pierluigi Martini is the older brother from Oliver Martini. Pierluigi is drove most of his career for Minardi in the Formula One. During his years with Minardi, he scored 18 points.
Pierluigi made his debut in the Autosport in 1981 in the Italian Formula 3 championship for 1982 and 1983 he would compete in the Italian and European Formula 3 championship winning the European series in 1983. That year he also made his debut in the Formula 2 for Minardi and have his first taste in the Formula One while testing for the Brabham team.
A year later, he made his debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Martini Racing. Toleman had asked Martini if he was available to replace the suspended Ayrton Senna for the 1984 Italian Grand Prix. Sadly, he failed to qualify for his home race. Just after the race, he was asked by Minardi to test with their M184. This car was built in preparation for their debut in 1985. This car was fitted with the Alfa Romeo engine. Eventually the M185 would be fitted with the Motori Moderni engine.
The Motori Moderni was not ready on time. This meant that the M185 would be fitted with the Cosworth engine. Martini tested with this car in early February at Misano. For 1985, Martini signed a contract with Minardi. Due to the engine Pierluigi retired from most of the races, his best result was an eight place at Adelaide. In 1986 and 1987, he competed in the International Formula 3000 championship with success.
In 1987, he tested for Minardi a couple of times the Minardi M187 at Misano. For 1988, he would continue racing in the International Formula 3000 championship for First racing who were working on their own F1 car. Minardi asked Martini if he was interested to race for the team from Detroit on, it was a good move. In Detroit, he finished as sixth, which meant one point! He tested in 1988 also with the Minardi M188 fitted with the Subaru boxer engine.
For 1989 he would race again for Minardi, the M189 was simple but efficient. He scored a fifth place during the British and Portuguese Grand Prix and a sixth place during the Australian Grand Prix. During the season, he also raced in the ITCC. In 1990, he was again one of Minardi’s drivers. Sadly, the Minardi M190 was not the success the team hoped it was. No points were scored during the season a best result was 8th place during the Japanese Grand Prix. In 1991, Minardi managed to sign a deal with Ferrari for the use of their V12 engine. While it was an expensive deal, it was a good one. The engine was reliable and Martini scored a fourth place during the San Marino Grand Prix and the Portuguese Grand Prix. Compared to today’s point system he would have scored in six races points.
In 1992, Martini made the move to Scuderia Italia, where he scored twice a sixth place for the team. He left at the end of the season without a seat for 1993. However, it wouldn’t take long before Minardi would pick him up again. In 1993, the team came on the grid with the beautiful M193. He appeared on the grid during the British Grand Prix, sadly, he retired and Martini scored no points.
He did appear on the podium as second during the indoor F1 trophy at Bologna. In 1994, he was on the winning streak again. With the Minardi M193B, as it took longer to finish the M194, he scored a fifth place during the Spanish Grand Prix. A race later, the M194 made its debut in Canada. The French Grand Prix was the next race. It is the race where Martini would score his last points in the Formula One when he finished fifth.
In 1995, Pierluigi would race again for Minardi though it would be not a good season. The Minardi M195 looked nice and smooth but was underpowered due to the Ford V8 engine, nor was there enough money to develop the car. Eventually was he replaced after the German Grand Prix. After his Formula One career he moved to GT racing and Endurance series. In 1999, he would win the 24 Hours of Le Mans for BMW Motorsport.
Ralph Firman(I)-(X2)
Active year: 2004
This is probably one of the drivers you would not expect to have driven a Formula One car. He has also an interesting career. Firman made his debut in the Autosport in with the Formula Vauxhall Junior in 1993 and won the championship. For 1994, he moved to the Formula Vauxhall Lotus with Paul Stewart Racing winning five races and finishing overall fourth he moved with the team towards British Formula 3. He managed to win six races and finishes overall as second. The same year he tested also for McLaren.
For 1996, he stayed in the British Formula 3 Championship with Paul Stewart Racing, which he won. In 1997, he moved to Japan where he raced in the Formula Nippon and the GT500 with some good results. The years to come he stayed in Japan and scored some good results, though not as he used to score in Europe. In 2002 he managed to win the Formula Nippon with Nakajima Racing, that year he became a test driver for the BAR team. For 2003, he struck a deal with Jordan Grand Prix he managed to score a point during the Spanish Grand Prix. There would be no continuing for his F1 career.
Without a seat in 2004, he appeared with Racing for Holland on the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Dome S101. His teammates were Tom Coronel and Justin Wilson, sadly they had to retire during the race. Paul Stoddart asked Firman if he would be interested to driver around in the Minardi 2-seater during an event Kyalami. He agreed on, his passenger was Bryan Freeman. In 2005, he moved back to Japan where he would race in the JGTC500 series with success.
Robert Gray(?)-(X2)
Active year: 2003
Well this is one of the few drivers that drove with a Minardi I have no information on. The 31st of August 2003 he drove in the Minardi 2-seater at Rockingham during Thunder at the Rock at Rockingham. His passenger was Raymond Vermeulen manager from Jos Verstappen.
Robert Doornbos(NL)-(T)(D)(X2)
Active year: 2004 – 2005
Doornbos is an interesting driver, his license was in Monaco while he was Dutch. It meant that in his days in the Formula One he had the Monegasque flag next to his name. Before Robert even became interested in the Autosport, he was a tennis player. After he visited a Grand Prix in 1998, he became interested. As he was already too old, he started his career in the Formula Vauxhall Lotus winter series 1999. He managed to win four races in the series. In 1999, he would appear in the Formula Arcobaleno Championship. In 2000, he would start racing in the Dutch Formula Ford, British Formula Ford and the European Formula Ford. He moved in 2001 to the British Formula 3 National series and appeared at the start of the German Formula 3 Championship.
In 2002, he would race for Team Ghinzani in the Italian and German Formula 3 Championship with some success. In 2003, he would continue doing the same for Team Ghinzani with some success but no championship wins. He moved in 2004, towards International Formula 3000 series for Arden where he finally booked his success. He became in the scope from Eddie Jordan and was offered to become their test driver during some race weekends. The 26th of November 2004 Doornbos would appear for the first time behind the wheel of a Minardi. He drove the Minardi 2-seater Minardi day at Misano.
For 2005, he signed a deal with Jordan to be their test driver, though Paul Stoddart acquired his services to replace Patrick Friesacher from the German Grand Prix onwards. He became teammate of Christijan Albers, this was not a match made in heaven. Both drivers had problems to deal with each other, which evolved in a fight. Eventually, Robert Doornbos would drive for Red Bull in 2006. His career came to a stand still after an affair with his sponsor Muermans.
Roberto Del Castello(I)-(T)
Active year: 1984
Roberto Del Castello was the first driver that tested with the Minardi M184 fitted with the Alfa-Romeo engine.
Roberto Moreno(BR)-(T)(D)
Active year: 1991
Roberto Moreno is one of the few drivers in the Formula One that should have done better. In 1979, he made his debut in the British Formula Ford winning a couple of races he continue racing in the Formula Ford. In 1980, he managed to win championship that season; he nearly won the European series as well. For 1981, he moved to the British Formula 3 season where he managed to win a race for Barron Racing. In 1982, Moreno had a busy season; he appeared at the start of the Formula Pacific in New Zealand which he managed to won the championship. He also appeared at the start of the North American Formula Pacific and the European Formula 3 championship. In between everything Roberto tested also for Team Lotus who let him replace Nigel Mansell during the 1982 Dutch Grand Prix sadly he failed to qualify the Lotus 91.
In 1983, Moreno appears in the IMSA series and the Formula Mondial North America where he would finish second overall. For 1984, he appeared at the start of the European Formula 2 Championship again finishing second overall. In 1985, he appeared in the CART series, Japanese Formula 2 and International Formula 3000 Championship in all series with little success. For 1986 raced again in the CART series with some success. In 1987, he moved International Formula 3000 season for the Barron team finishing third overall. He also appeared on the grid for AGS that year, scoring a point at the Australian Grand Prix.
For 1988, he competed in the International Formula 3000 series, which he won. He start that year to test for the Ferrari team as well, which he would continue for several seasons. In 1989, he would appear for Coloni on the grid competing in four races. In 1990, he would race for EuroBrun and Benetton. With Benetton, he showed his real talent scoring a second place during the Japanese Grand Prix. In 1991, he would race again for Benetton in the Formula One.
While he scored points, the team replaced him. During the Italian and Portuguese Grand Prix he races for the Jordan Grand Prix team. The last race of the season Moreno would appear for Minardi in the M190 during the Australian Grand Prix, which he finished as 16th. In 1992, he would race for the ill-fated Andrea Moda team where he managed to qualify the car for the Monaco Grand Prix. In 1995, he would return in the Formula One for the Forti Corse team. After that, he continued racing in the CART series in the states.
Roldán Rodríguez(ES)-(T)
Active year: 2005
Roldán is a Spanish driver who told me that his test with Minardi was the best day in his life. Roldán made his debut in the Autosport in 2001 in the Spanish Formula Junior which he finished 3th overall. In 2002, he moved to the Spanish Formula 3 Championship where he would stay also in 2003 he also returned to the Formula Junior series. In 2004, he made the switch to the Spanish Formula 3 and World Series by Nissan Championships.
For 2005, he stayed in the F3 with Campos. As Minardi waved their last goodbye with a test session that took 4 days Roldán was asked to test with the Minardi PS05. This test happened the 22nd of November. In 2006, he raced in the Euroseries 3000 for the Minardi team, the Italian Formula 3 Championship and the Spanish Formula 3 Championship where he finished second. After that, he continued racing in the GP2 and tested for Force India in 2007.
Sergey Zlobin(RU)-(T)
Active years: 2002 / 2004
Sergey Zlobin was one of the first Russians to appear in the Formula One. In 1999, he raced in the Russian Formula 3 Championship. He stayed there in 2000 and appeared at the start of the Italian Formula Renault 2.0 championship. For 2001, it was the same recipe with some success in the Russian Formula 3. In 2002, he appeared at the start of the Euro 3000 championship though he failed to score a point. Later that year he signed a deal with Minardi to become their test driver. He tested the 26nd and 27th of October 2002 for the Minardi team. He tested with the Minardi PS01 fitted wit the 2002 livery.
It was the only test he would complete for the team in 2002. In 2003, he did not race at all, he returned in the FIA GT Championship in 2004 with little success he would become again Minardi’s test driver. He tested with the Minardi PS04B the 2nd of September at Vallelunga. After his Formulae career he started racing in the GT series and Endurance series with some more success.
Shinji Nakano(JP)-(T)(D)
Active year: 1998
Shjini Nakano was one of the last Japanese drivers in the 1990s that tried his luck first with Prost Grand Prix and later with Minardi. Shinji debuted in 1990 in the Formula Vauxhall Lotus championship, and competed as well in the Formula Opel Lotus series. In 1991, he moved to the Formula Opel Lotus Euroseries with little success. For 1992 he moved back to Japan to compete in the Japanese Formula 300 Championship and the Japanese Formula 3 Championship He would stay there for a couple of season with little success. In 1996, he was appointed by Dome to become their test driver for the Dome F105 project. It was Dome’s Formula One car that came close to make it’s debut.
In 1997, thanks to Mugen-Honda, he would be one of the driver for Prost Grand Prix. The JS45 was basically Ligier’s last Formula One car as Prost purchased the team. The car was good as Olivier Panis shown. Shinji managed to score only two points and left the team because Prost signed a deal with Peugeot. Shjini found a seat at Minardi for 1998. However, he failed to impress outclassed by his younger teammate Esteban Tuero. For 1999, he would become a test driver for the Jordan team. After his Formula One adventure he moved to the states to race in the CART series and the IRL. Eventually returning to Japan.
Stéphane Sarrazin(FR)-(D)
Active year: 1999
Stéphane Sarrazin only drove one Grand Prix in his career for Minardi while he should have raced more. He debuted in 1993 in the French Formula Renault; in 1994, he would stay in the championship to win the championship. In 1995, he moved to the French Formula 3 Championship with some success, it was enough to stay. In 1996, he scored a couple of podium finishes. For his third season in the French Formula 3 Championship, he finally had success winning three races and finishing second overall. In 1999, he made the move to the International Formula 3000 series where he won a race and scored several podium finishes.
While he was Prost Grand Prix’s their test driver, Minardi asked the team if Sarrazin could replace Luca Badoer during the Brazilian Grand Prix. He qualified as eighteenth for the race. Sadly, during the race he had to retire though he left a good impression. Sadly, he would not race any single Grand Prix anymore. In 2000, he would stay as test driver for Prost Grand Prix. After a disappointing year in the International Formula 3000 Championship in 2001, he tried his luck in the GT and Endurance racing where he would score some great results. In 2004 every now and then, he even appeared in several WRC races.
