Deprived of cockpit time by the weather gods, Dutch F1 rookie ✨Christijan Albers has admitted that Minardi's final test of the winter has made him impatient for his grandꦗ prix debut.

The former DTM frontrunner managed to claw back the laps he lost to snow and fog at Misano earlier in the month by joining new team-mate Patrick Friesacher at Imola yesterday [Saturday], and completed a useful 47 laps at the wheel of a PS04B, evaluating new aerodynamic ideas that will initially feature on the car in Melbourne, before being fitted to the all-n🅷ew PS05, which is due to debut at Imola in April.

Although narrowly out-paced by Friesacher on the day, Albers was happy with the work that he had managed t❀o complete, but admitted that he was now champing at the bit to get to Melbourne.

"I am happy with today's test - but I cannot wait any longer to make my grand prix debut," he grinned, "I feel like I have done a good job today, and am confident that we have tested w🦋ell before we leave for the season opener in Australia.

"Due to the bad weather at Misano, we were not able to complete the entire programme [earlier in the month], but we collected valuable information regarding new components today, especially the new front and rear wings, which we t𒅌ested thoroughly. I also did some practice pit-stops and starts. The car felt great at this track, and the session was particularly positive, as we have not had any technical problꦺems today. I think this a good sign for our last test before Melbourne."

"Luckily, I leave early for Australia, in order to acc♒limatise and do some sponsor activities for the team. But I still can't wait for my first race for Minardi....."