Peña, Sy join Minardi Team Asia

Minardi Team Asia has named Filipino drivers Eduardo "Dado" Peña and Tyson Sy to the team that will compete in the 2004 Formula BMW Asia Series, April 4. Italian-based Minardi Formula One Team supports Minardi Team Asia.

Mark Goddard, Minardi Team Asia manager, said the team was looking for drivers who can produce better results.

"Minardi is looking for the future Grand Prix stars and Formula BMW is an important step for young drivers on their way to Formula One," Goddard said.

The two 16-year-old go karting champions raced in last year’s Formula BMW Asia Series where they showed impressive performances. Sy, who finished second in the Asian Formula BMW-Rookie Class, will start the season as one of the favorites to win the 2004 Driver’s Championship.

Dado Peña regaled the team with his speed by finishing fifth in the same Asian Formula BMW-Rookie Class. Peña is also considered one of the strongest drivers in the series.

"Minardi F1 boss Paul Stoddard will be keeping a closer look on our drivers–which gives Dado and Tyson a fantastic opportunity to impress him with their performances," Goddard said. "It is possible for them to become the first Filipino Formula One drivers."