JULY 29, 2000
Minardi close to being sold, says owner
"We can't continue like this," Rumi said. "A Formula One team can no longer be owned by an individual. It needs to be owned by a company involved in communication, because Formula One is all about communication.
"We are very close to doing a deal but we have to find an engine partner, and there aren't many of those. I can't sell the team without an engine."
Rumi added that he was chasing deals with Mugen-Honda and Renault but Ford have advised the Italian team that it cannot continue to supply parts.
Rumi is believed to be negotiating with PSN, the Miami-based PanAmerican Sport Network which is already a sponsor of the team and sends crews to Grands Prix.
Once the deal is done, Rumi insisted the team would expand, initially with a test team and, later, with an entire new factory.