HOCKENHEIM, GERMANY, July 26, 2001 - The European Minardi F3000 team announced today that one of its two regular drivers, David Saelens, will be sitting out the Hockenheim round of the FIA International F3000 Championship. The Belgian driver was injured 12 days ago in an accident at Silverstone during the closing minutes of qualifying, and although having made an excellent recovery, has decided, on medical advice, not to participate in this weekend’s race. His place in the team will be taken on this occasion by South African, Tomas Scheckter, who is currently competing in the Formula Nippon Championship in Japan. 

“As we guessed might happen, David has recovered very quickly from the back and wrist injuries he suffered at Silverstone,” commented Richard Salisbury, European Minardi F3000 Team Principal. “By his own assessment, physically he is 90 per cent back to normal, but after discussing the situation with his doctor, physiotherapist, and the team yesterday, he has decided that it would be wiser to stand down from this weekend’s race and give himself that little bit of additional recuperation time to ensure he is completely fit for Hungary. He is obviously disappointed not to be competing here at Hockenheim, but wishes Tomas the best of luck and is looking forward to being back in the cockpit again as soon as possible.” 

- Ends -

For information contact
Graham Jones 
European Minardi F3000
Tel: INT +44 (0)1531 638105
Fax: INT +44 (0)1531 634525 
Mob: INT +44 (0)7767 301303

For more team information and the latest photos, visit www.euroav.com