Yoong begins first test with Minardi.

Malaysian Formula One prospect Alex Yoong has taken the next step towards reaching the top flight by testing with European-Minardi at Mugello in Italy.

The opportunity follows hot on the heels of a recent meeting between Yoong, new manager Simon Munger and Minardi representative Rupert Mainwaring, and comes courtesy of Malaysian sponsor Magnum Corporation Berhad, which has stepped forward to assist Yoong to realise his aspiration to race in Formula One.

"Magnum's participation will hopefully lead to more companies joining them to take advantage of Minardi's marketing partnership offer," Munger commented, "Magnum has every confidence in Alex's ability to become Malaysia's first ever Formula One driver.

"We have to thank the Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports, Dato' Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, for having taken the lead to endorse this major project for Malaysia, and it was through no small effort on his part that we managed to convince Magnum to join us in exploiting the excellent marketing opportunities available from Minardi, not only for Magnum, but for the country as well."

The minister called on other Malaysian companies to join in Magnum's support for Yoong.

"This sponsorship is very much appreciated by all Malaysians, and I hope that other companies will quickly join in before they miss the boat," he said, "I am sure that Alex will be successful in his tests with Minardi and, without rushing things, I expect him to do Malaysia proud and start his first F1 race within this season."

Yoong, meanwhile, has been at the Minardi factory in Faenza, one hour away from the Mugello track, taking the physical fitness evaluation tests and getting his seat fitting yesterday [Wednesday].

"Alex passed his physical with flying colours, despite travelling thousands of miles directly from Japan after a gruelling race in round five of the Formula Nippon championship on Sunday," Munger reported, "I am very happy that Minardi has decided that his first day in Mugello will be only learning and observing the procedures while [Andrea] Piccini tests, as well as getting familiar with the instrumentation of the car on the first day [4 July], before he starts driving on the second day."

Yoong is thrilled with the prospect of running with Minardi, but is keeping his composure ahead of the test.

"I sat inside a Formula One car for the first time yesterday when I had get my seat made," he said, "I am looking forward to driving it tomorrow [Thursday]. I hope to get in as many laps as possible to step up my learning curve. I must thank Minardi for this opportunity as well as the tremendous support coming from my government and my sponsor Magnum Corporation back home. The Prime Minister Dato' Seri Mahathir and the Sports Minister Dato' Hishammuddin have motivated me greatly."

Yoong had been rumoured as a replacement for the struggling Tarso Marques from next weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a track he knows well from his days in the UK Formula Renault and Formula Three series. Now, however, with his test taking place so close to the tenth round of the F1 championship, any debut is likely to be delayed until after the recently-established mid-summer break, which ends with the Hungarian GP on 19 August.