NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING SITE
Source: Minardi Team F1 Home Page
Date: December 18
Subject: Minardi sign Ukyo Katayama

Official Press Release

Ukyo Katayama will be driving the Minardi n° 20 in the 1997 F.1 World Championship. This agreement has been reached thanks to the important support of MildSeven.

The newly appointed driver will commence working at Minardi from 7th January 1997 and will be attending the new Minardi M197 press launch planned for mid-January.

"Ukyo can give a significant contribution to Minardi - commented Gian Carlo Minardi - he is a quick, experienced and highly motivated driver who always does his best in all circumstances. We’ll make sure that he will find a stimulating working environment in order to enable him to work in ideal conditions for competing in the highly competitive 1997 Formula 1 season".

"I’m delighted to join the Minardi Team with the sponsorship of Mild Seven for the 1997 season - said Ukyo Katayama. It is a new start to my career in Formula 1. With the new partners alongside Gian Carlo Minardi, the highly rated Hart V8 engine and Bridgestone tyres, I am confident that the Italian team will be one of the suprising revelations of the season".

Press Office

Minardi Team S.p.A.