Siedler to get F1 chance with Minardi.

A shared association with motorsport backer Superfund will see young Austrian driver Norbert Siedler given the chance to test a Formula One car with Minardi later this week.

Siedler, who has contested both the Superfund-backed Formula Nissan and Euro F3000 championships in 2003, will join Minardi's private test at Vallelunga on 12 December, where he will run alongside a number of other young hopefuls, including Euro F3000 frontrunner Fabrizio del Monte, whose test was confirmed two weeks ago.

"First of all, I have to thank Christian Baha and Superfund for this unique chance," Siedler said, "There are not many racing drivers who are allowed to drive an F1 during their career, and that's why it is quite clear what I have to do at Vallelunga."

Siedler spent most of his season the Formula Nissan series with the Zele Racing team, also showed his potential by taking a podium finish in the Euro F3000 season finale on Cagliari's street circuit, finishing third in his maiden event. At Vallelunga, he will not only get to measure himself against series rival del Monte, however, as two of Renault's 'development' drivers - Jose-Maria Lopez and Heikki Kovalainen - will also be present.

"Norbert did a very good job last season," Superfund CEO Christian Baha commented, "He proved his talent with third place in the last race in Cagliari and during the Superfund Euro 3000 test days at Vallelunga. I wish him all the best and great experiences for his test day with Minardi."

Minardi has yet to announce either of its drivers for 2004, although it is thought that another Euro F3000 regular, Gianmaria Bruni, is likely to land one seat after impressing in testing for the Faenza team. With Justin Wilson also back on the market after being sidelined by Jaguar, there may not be a vacancy on the race team, but team boss Paul Stoddart is keen to see what is on offer in the junior ranks.

"The driver evaluation is simply a further example of the team's ongoing, and highly successful, policy of seeking out the best young talents on the motor racing scene and introducing them to Formula One in a controlled and responsible way," the Australian said, "It is obviously an approach that has paid off handsomely, as we saw at Monza this year, when eight of the 20 competitors on the starting grid for the Italian Grand Prix were either former or current Minardi drivers."

Siedler is not expecting to land an F1 seat from the test, and is already arranging an alternative ride for 2004. After a promising Euro F3000 test last week, he expects to sign with reigning series champions Draco.

"For 2004, I expect to be in a very competitive F3000 team, and I am very thankful for that," he confirmed, "Nevertheless, I will give everything to impress the people at Minardi."