Minardi spirits not dampened by rain at Portland test

Indianapolis, IN (May 4, 2007) - Inclement weather conditions didn't stop Minardi Team USA from a successful test this week at Portland International Raceway. Drivers Dan Clarke and Robert Doornbos completed nearly two full days of testing despite the rain, and made the most out of an important testing event.

For Robert Doornbos, this was his first taste at one of Champ Car's few permanent road courses, and the Dutchman acclimated himself well. He had the seventh fastest time on Tuesday (58.8 seconds), and the sixth fastest time on Thursday (58.34 seconds). Robert is still riding the wave of his remarkable two podium finishes in three races, putting him third in Championship standings after his finish at Houston.

Keith Wiggins, Co-Owner of the team said, "Due to the weather, most teams didn't get in as much testing as we would have liked. Overall, though, we accomplished a lot, and we were able to evaluate set-ups with the new car, and allow for Robert to learn the track. We are happy that we got as much benefit out of these days as everyone else, and we gained good knowledge to prepare for the race here in a month."

Minardi Team USA will return to Portland International Raceway June 8-10 for Round four of the 2007 Champ Car World Series season.

More Robert Doornbos news

Other motorsport news