European-Minardi to react to Brunner move.

European-Minardi F1 has responded with threats of legal action after its technical director, Gustav Brunner, announced that he was joining the Toyota Formula One team with immediate effect.

"We are obviously disappointed at this news," says European Minardi F1 Team Principal, Paul Stoddart. "Gustav has been a trusted and highly regarded member of staff, and for him to act in this way is totally incomprehensible to us."

"We are surprised and saddened that a company of Toyota's standing would seek to employ Mr Brunner, who has an irrevocable contract with Minardi until January 1, 2003. As such, European Minardi will be pursuing all of its options in law against both Mr Brunner and Toyota."

Until the situation is resolved, Deputy Technical Director, Gabriele Tredozi, assumes control of the day-to-day operation of the Drawing Office and technical staff at European Minardi's Faenza base.