Minardi defying test ban?

A team spokesman at Vallelunga this week has denied that Minardi is breaking a voluntary test ban that covers most of November.

Similarly Italian-based Ferrari has attracted the ire of observers, for contravening the plans of every rival by testing in Bahrain.

'Minardi', renamed Scuderia Toro Rosso, was formerly handed over to the Red Bull drinks company earlier this month.

However, asked about the test ban, the spokesman indicated that the extensive F1 tests near Rome, with young drivers like Katherine Legge, was a Minardi (not a Red Bull) affair.

''I guess (the ban) doesn't apply to a team that doesn't exist after this 'test' concludes, on Thursday afternoon,'' the spokesman said.