Lack of tyre deal hampers Wilson's test

Great Britain's Justin Wilson was left with no alternative but to use Formula 3,000 tyres in Minardi's first Formula One test of the year yesterday after the team arrived in Spain without a tyre deal.

Wilson, who makes his Formula One debut in Australia in March, was at least familiar with the slick Avon tyres as he is the 2001 F3,000 champion.

Minardi used Michelin tyres last season but the deal with the French manufacturer expired and they have been talking to Ferrari's suppliers, Bridgestone, since. Under the terms of the Concorde Agreement, the Japanese company is bound to supply Minardi but the team also have to pay for the tyres.

Jos Verstappen, Wilson's Dutch team-mate, is to join up with Minardi today but a deal looks some way off.