Bruni concludes Minardi's first run with 2004 car.

The Minardi F1 Team successfully completed its two-day test at Misano's Autodromo Santamonica this afternoon, Gianmaria Bruni taking over from Zsolt Baumgartner, who drove yesterday.

The young Italian put another 64 laps on the Minardi-Cosworth PS04B chassis during Wednesday's morning and afternoon sessions, making a total of 128 trouble-free laps for the new car over the two days.

Bruni recorded an excellent fastest lap of 1 minute 09.627 seconds, while carrying out a tyre assessment programme.

"I think we have had a positive test," commented Bruni, "The new chassis is very good, and I'm happy with the small innovations the team is making with the Minardi PS04B. We were able to concentrate on carrying out some useful tyre comparisons as part of today's programme, and I feel happy with the time I set. I'm looking forward to Imola now."

The team's engineers meanwhile were again very pleased with the excellent reliability of Cosworth's CR3L engine, which has made a significant contribution to the success of this initial test of the PS04B.

"A combination of good weather and excellent mechanical reliability allowed us to complete our technical programme successfully with Gimmi today," added team manager, Massimo Rivola. "The team continued with its development of a number of new mechanical components, and in the afternoon, we also carried out some tyre evaluation runs, working with technical staff from Bridgestone. Gimmi's best time was very respectable, so overall, we feel confident that we are going in the right direction with the new chassis, and making steady, consistent progress."

Paul Stoddart, team principal, concluded: "It's always a pleasure to see a new car running for the first time, but it is particularly pleasing to have enjoyed two trouble-free days with the PS04B, and covered almost two race distances in the process.

"Reliability is something that all F1 teams will be striving for in 2004, so the indications from this test are very positive. Gimmi drove faultlessly today - as Zsolt did yesterday - and his time was very encouraging! With our final pre-season test of the PS04B next week at Imola, where there will be a number of other teams in attendance, we hope to continue with the progress we feel we have made so far. We will then look forward with great anticipation to Melbourne."

Minardi personnel will be at Imola on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week, for the final pre-season test of the new car.