07.06.2004 Watched by a hugely enthusiastic crowd of 12,500 people at Kyalami, Minardi yesterday introduced South African motor racing fans to its unique two-seater F1 cars

Watched by a hugely enthusiastic crowd of 12,500 people at the AA Kyalami Grand Prix circuit, the Minardi team yesterday introduced South African motor racing fans to the excitement of its unique two-seater Formula One programme. 

In the course of an action-packed day, Wilux Minardi Cosworth drivers, Zsolt Baumgartner and Bas Leinders, and up-and-coming South African International F3000 Championship racer, Alan van der Merwe, took 20 breathless passengers for high-speed rides of the challenging 4.30-km track that was home to the South African Grand Prix until 1993.

Sunday’s activities concluded with a dramatic, side-by-side, standing-start run involving both Minardi F1 two-seater chassis appearing at the Johannesburg circuit this weekend. 

The purpose of today’s event was to publicise the Altech South African F1x2 Grand Prix, which will be held at Kyalami on Monday, August 9, and will feature the full Minardi F1x2 “fleet” of eight cars. Proceeds from what is certain to be a memorable weekend of motor racing and entertainment will directly benefit the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and Unite Against Hunger charities. All three drivers also took the opportunity on Friday to visit Soweto in order to see the work being done by these world-famous organisations.

ZSOLT BAUMGARTNER

“The whole day has been really well organised and was good fun. I think the drivers and passengers all enjoyed themselves, and I’m sure the spectators particularly enjoyed the start with both cars at the end of the afternoon. I’m sure the August event, though, will be even more exciting. All in all, it has been a great weekend.”

BAS LEINDERS

“I’m very happy to have driven at Kyalami, and it has been a great first experience for me with the Minardi F1x2 car. Now, I’m really looking forward to the Altech South African F1x2 Grand Prix in August. I was also very pleased that we were able to visit Soweto and see at first-hand what the Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund and Unite Against Hunger programmes are doing there, and to be able to contribute in a small way to this incredibly worthwhile work.”

ALAN VAN DER MERWE

“It has been an awesome experience. This kind of event really is a win-win situation, with the charities benefiting, the sponsors gaining exposure and the drivers all thoroughly enjoying it. I’m now really looking forward to coming back in August for the Altech South African F1x2 Grand Prix.”