02/03/2005
NEWS STORY
Despite reports elsewhere, the situation regards Minardi's participation in this weekend's Australian Grand Prix has not changed.
Pitpass spoke to the FIA on Wednesday morning and a spokesman confirmed that Minardi is still due to take part in this weekend's race, despite reports to the contrary.
That said, the car needs to pass scrutineering on Friday, mainly on safety grounds, though the spokesman doesn't believe that this will be a problem.
Furthermore, Minardi must also have permission from all nine teams, if it is to be allowed to use the PS04 in Melbourne and the next four races.
Contrary to reports elsewhere, Ferrari has not refused to give its support, but then neither has it given its approval, at this precise time the PS04 is not high on Ferrari's list of priorities.
Speaking to Pitpass recently, Ferrari's spokesman, Luca Colajanni, said: "The only body entitled to give a team the permission to use a car which does not comply the current technical regulations is the FIA."
It's unlikely that will know anything more until scrutineering.