MINARDI DRIVERS READY TO ROCK

Published on 19 August 2003 by Huub Rothengatter

There are now less than three weeks to go to European Minardi’s showcase annual event for its two-seater Formula One cars, and this year the “Thunder Storm” is going to be bigger and more impressive than ever, with a title sponsor, new venue, top driver line-up, chart-topping music and a raft of celebrities in attendance.

Trust presents Thunder at the Rock will take place at the stunning Rockingham motor racing facility in Northamptonshire, on August 30 and 31, with practice runs on Friday, August 29. Among the drivers who have already confirmed their attendance are:

• Jos Verstappen - Formula One
• Bryan Herta – Indy Racing League
• Nicolas Kiesa – Formula One
• Giorgio Pantano – F3000
• David Saelens – F3000
• Gianmaria “Gimmy” Bruni – Formula One/F3000
• Paul Stoddart – European Minardi Team Principal

There will be further exciting additions to the list, which will be announced as confirmations are received.

Following the success of last year’s entertainment programme, Trust presents Thunder at the Rock will feature an even stronger musical element. Headlining the list of bands scheduled to appear at Rockingham during the weekend is The Darkness, currently one of the hottest properties in the rock music world. The band supported Robbie Williams during his mammoth Knebworth concert a few weeks ago, and their much-anticipated debut album, “Permission to Land”, is tipped to make No 1. Further information on the entertainment line-up for Trust presents Thunder at the Rock will be available shortly.

There will also be a round of the exciting ASCAR Days of Thunder racing series for V8 American saloons on Rockingham’s 1.5-mile, high-speed, banked oval, Formula One pit-stop demonstrations, autograph sessions, a fun fair and other activities, combining to make this a real family weekend.

“Minardi’s Thunder events have always been a chance for the team to give something back to the sport in which it competes, while allowing the people who really matter – the fans – the opportunity to get closer than normal to the cars and drivers they support,” comments European Minardi Team Principal, Paul Stoddart. “I think it’s fair to say that everyone has an enjoyable time in a very relaxed atmosphere, and when you consider the whole weekend benefits charity, it’s a great package, which just seems to get better and better each year. Thunder at the Rock is undoubtedly going to be the best yet, and everyone at Trust and European Minardi is looking forward to meeting as many of the fans as possible during the weekend.”