Midland invite Markus Winkelhock to test in Jerez

By Huw Alban
November 22 2005

Midland are working hard in the off-season to find and snare new driver talent, and their latest target is the 2005 World Series Renault Driver Markus Winkelhock. The team have apparently invited him to a one day test on the 10th of December in Spain.

Colin Kolles, Managing Director of Jordan Grand Prix, poured praise on the young German. "Markus Winkelhock is one of the most promising driving talents in Germany at the moment and I am delighted that we are able to offer him his first F1 test drive next month. I saw him compete in F3 a few years ago and was already impressed by his driving. His first season in the World Series in 2005 has been very successful and we are looking forward to working with him at Jerez."

Markus believes that his experience in single seat racing will act as a solid background for this test, and is looking forward to following his Father’s F1 footsteps. "This is a fantastic chance for me to drive a Formula One for the first time. This opportunity does not put too much pressure on me. I finished 3rd in the World Series this year so I think I have quite a good feeling for single seaters. I hope I will be able to do a good job for the team. I should like to thank my manager, Volker Zeh, who has given me great support. When I was struggling a bit in DTM last year with an old car, he encouraged me to return to single-seaters and now, a year later, I will be testing a Midland F1 car. Twenty years ago, my father, Manfred Winkelhock, also drove in F1, so this will be a great and unforgettable experience for me."