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Formula One
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CART
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IRL
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NHRA
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| Friday, February 2 |
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| Driver considers level of 'prestige' Reuters | |||
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MADRID -- Spanish driver Pedro de la Rosa,
replaced this week at Arrows by Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi,
looked unlikely on Friday to accept a drive for Minardi this
year.
Minardi is considering an all-Spanish team of the
29-year-old and Fernando Alonso but de la Rosa has made it clear
that planning for the 2002 season is a higher priority than
securing a drive for this year.
"I thank Minardi for their interest, but I am not sure if it
is the most interesting offer at the moment," de la Rosa was
quoted as saying in Spanish newspapers on Friday.
"Right now I don't have a drive for 2001, but that doesn't
mean I am going to take the first thing that comes my way. I
consider that I have a certain prestige and I want to make the
most of it."
The Spaniard, who has also been linked with the Prost Team,
said he may opt for the post of test driver this season in the
hope of guaranteeing a drive in 2002.
"What really matters to me is securing a place in the 2002
championship," he said.
De la Rosa said that sponsorship behind Bernoldi had been
the key to Arrows' decision to replace him.
"If a sponsor comes along prepared to invest more money and
the team boss believes that getting a sponsor is more important
than having a quality driver, then there is little I can do
about it."
The driver was also upset that Arrows' announcement left him
so little room for maneuver.
"This situation has occurred only a month before the
beginning of the season. Announcing their decision so late is
what has really hurt me. And that is my main complaint."
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ALSO SEE Minardi interested in de la Rosa Bernoldi joins Arrows but dreams of McLaren Arrows confirm talks with sponsor Chello New Minardi owner promises driver surprise Australian businessman buys Minardi for undisclosed sum | |
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