Report from
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According to reports coming out of Malaysia, European Minardi boss, Paul Stoddart together with the team's sporting director, Rupert Manwaring will be participating in a meeting with Malaysia's Sports Minister sometime in the next week to discuss a possible deal between the country and Minardi Formula One. It was also said that the Minardi team principle might even have a meeting scheduled with the Prime Minister of Malaysia who has taken a keen interest in Alex Yoong's participation in Formula One.
Recent Formula One activity in the home of the Malaysian Grand Prix has linked Formula Nippon driver, Alex Yoong with a possible future drive for the small outfit and the country's Sporting Minister, Dato' Hishammuddin is known to be in full support of helping the young driver achieve his long term goals of becoming a Formula One driver. Minardi have had their eye on Alex's progress for some time now and Manwaring stated several weeks ago that he believes Alex is ready for the giant step up into the pinnacle of Motorsports.
While some may be disbelieving of the situation, Malaysian Motorsports manager Mr. Nanthan confirmed to us exclusively yesterday that they have already received and forwarded Alex's application for a super license to the sports governing body and they expect a response from the FIA sometime in the next week. One of the requirements necessary to obtain the highly sought after license is that the driver must have the offer of a current contract with a Formula One team as either a test or full time driver.
There has been speculation for some weeks now that Tarso Marques' days are numbered with the team, something Minardi have denied repeatedly, however while the team have confirmed Fernando Alonso for next season, Paul Stoddart did admit that Tarso is on a race to race contract and can be replaced at any given time.
"Tarso is on a race-by-race deal," he said recently. "And if anybody comes along who we believe will be an incredible asset to the team, then we have the right to change him."
However at this stage, while the team has confirmed to us that Stoddart is in Malaysia for a meeting with the Minister, the only information they were willing to disclose was that he is there to discuss potential sponsorship deals, but there was no official confirmation or denial regarding Alex Yoong's future with the outfit.