NOVEMBER 2, 2000

Minardi dismiss speculation

MINARDI have dismissed speculation that backers PanAmerican Sports Network are about to pull the plug on its deal to buy a majority stake in the team.

Speculation gathered pace recently, suggesting that PSN will put out of its agreement to buy a stake in the Italian marque due to the team's difficulties in their attempts to secure a engine deal.

"There are some problems," said team spokesperson Stefanea Torelli. "But the contract PSN signed was not conditional on the engine or anything else."

Mugen has been linked with Minardi in recent weeks although it will need Honda's permission to supply the Italian team.

But Torelli is optimistic that PSN will be announced as the new sponsors and said that if the deal goes ahead as expected it is likely Spaniard Marc Gene will remain with the team.