Minardi strengthens links with another sponsor.

Following hot on the heels of last week's positive announcement of greater backing from the Trust IT company, Minardi used the glamorous surroundings of the Monaco Grand Prix to reveal that another Dutch sponsor, the Muermans Groep, is to increase its commercial support of the team with immediate effect.

The property investment company's logo has appeared on the cockpit sides of the two Minardis from the beginning of the 2003 season but, such has been the firm's level of satisfaction with its initial involvement in Formula One, that it has decided to increase significantly the level of its branding.

Starting with this weekend's prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, the Muermans Groep logo will also appear on the front wing, the top of the rear wing end-plates and the underside of the rear wing of the PS03s chassis driven by both Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson.

"It's a source of considerable pride and satisfaction to everyone at European Minardi that the Muermans Groep has decided to increase its commitment to the team after joining us as a commercial partner only at the beginning of the current season," commented team principal Paul Stoddart, "I particularly want to thank Harry Muermans for his continuing personal support and enthusiasm for the team as it strives to increase its competitiveness in the demanding world of Formula One. I look forward to the day - hopefully, very soon - when we can reward that commitment with some points-scoring grand prix finishes."

Muermans admitted that, by increasing his support for the team, he hoped to help propel it and Dutch driver Verstappen further up the grid.

"We at Muermans Groep are happy to increase our financial support of the European Minardi team, and we hope this extra backing will help to push the team in the right direction and that results will follow," he said, "I wish everyone at Minardi, and especially the drivers Jos and Justin, all the best for tomorrow's race."

Established by Harry Muermans and his brother in 1978, Muermans Groep has become a significant real estate investment company operating in a number of countries, both inside and outside of Europe. It is particularly involved in the purchase and sale of real estate involving larger companies and financial institutions.