Here is the first of my F1 preseason reports. The season kicks off on March 7th at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia.

First up is one of last year’s back markers Minardi. This team based in an industrial park in Italy scored no points last year in the World Championship chase. With drivers Jos Verstappen, Nicolas Kiesa and Justin Wilson the team struggled at nearly every track. This is a seriously under funded effort run by Paul Stoddart. In fact since it’s first F1 race nearly 20 years ago this team has struggled.

This year, and especially at this time the team is optimistic. With two new full time drivers in Zsolt Baumgartner and Gianmaria Bruni, Minardi has been pleased with the evolution of their PS04B, the Cosworth power plants and even the Bridgestone tyres.

Recent tests in Italy have gone smoothly as both Baumgartner and Bruni have been more than 2 seconds under the times they last posted at the Autodromo Santamonica in Misano.

The team seems excited for the start of the season and thinks they have a chance to “claw” their way up the F1 ladder. Funding, as usual is a concern. Once again this season Minardi will sport the European Aviation colors as their main sponsor. But team principal Stoddart is always trying to find more money. F1 Kingpin Bernie Ecclestone has chided Stoddart for his actions calling him a beggar. But who give a shit what Bernie says.

Regardless, Minardi will probably find the going difficult with basically two rookie drivers who are each 23 years old and a budget more suited to a NASCAR effort. But at this time of the season, hope springs eternal and Minardi seems to have plenty of that.

Next up: Jordan