The F1 driver Esteban Tuero - who has a contract to drive for the Minardi Team until the 31st December 2000 - has, in the last days, informed the Team that, due to irrevocable personal grounds, he intends to cease his activity as an F1 driver.

With deep regret, the Team has taken note of this decision which interrupts the co-operation carried out in the last three years with mutual satisfaction and which has allowed the Team, moreover, to achieve 10th place in the 1998 F1 Championship Constructors' Chart.

Therefore, in the next few days the Minardi Team will finalize the situation with regards to driver line-up, in order to face the '99 season in the best condition.