Minardi finally joins testing fray.

With all of its rivals having been in action since the start of the year, the European Minardi Cosworth team finally opened its 2004 testing account in Valencia yesterday.

The Faenza-based team spent the day working through a busy programme, involving the assessment of hardware and software for its 2004 car. Recently-signed race driver Gianmaria Bruni drove the single Arrows-based PS04b present at the tight Ricardo Tormo circuit, running through a basic shakedown programme after the long winter break.

"I am pretty satisfied with the first day of testing here in Valencia," the Italian rookie reported, "The car is much better than in Vallelunga, and this means the guys have done an excellent job preparing the PS04 chassis. I am very happy and looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to do some long runs, as well on concentrate on the new software for 2004."

Bruni will run for half a day today [Wednesday], before handing over to new team-mate Zsolt Baumgartner in the afternoon. The Hungarian will then continue testing on Thursday as he settles into his first test for Minardi.

"It has been a very useful opening day to this test," confirmed senior engineer Andy Tilley, "The team has concentrated on evaluating electronic systems, aerodynamic components and suspension parts for its 2004 car, using an interim chassis. We also carried out some assessment work on engine parts for Cosworth.

"Gianmaria drove throughout the day, completing 76 laps, and, apart from a non-damaging spin early on, the programme has gone exactly as planned. Zsolt has also been here today, working with his engineers and taking a great interest in everything that is happening in preparation for his first run in the car. We will carry on with our scheduled technical programme tomorrow, and also hope to carry out some tyre testing with Bridgestone."

Team boss Paul Stoddart admitted that it was good to be back in action after a prolonged lay-off over Christmas and the New Year, and said that the opening day of the team's 2004 campaign had been satisfying.

"It's pleasing to be back on the track again for the first time since our December test at Vallelunga," the Australian confessed, "The opening day of this week's test has gone well, with Gimmi putting in some solid laps and providing his usual excellent level of feedback. The engineers also report they have collected a useful amount of data in the course of the day.

"Aside from the information gathered, which will help us finalise the specification of a number of components destined for the 2004 European Minardi, the test also provides Gimmi and Zsolt with the opportunity to start settling in with the team prior to the first grand prix of the season, which is in just over five weeks' time."

Minardi's appearance in Valencia means that all ten of this year's entered teams have now begun pre-season testing.