Tom Kristensen

Lore & Background

Tom Kristensen was one of a number of drivers who tested the Minardi M197 during the 1997 season. Him alongside Luca Badoer as drivers who utilized the car in test sessions. This places Kristensen in the orbit of a Minardi team that had recently been acquired by a consortium led by Flavio Briatore, with Gabriele Tredozi serving as chief engineer. The M197 itself was a car that underwent extensive redesign after a late decision to use Hart V8 engines, and it was not the last Minardi to use a naturally-aspirated V8; Minardi continued with V8 engines through the 1999 season before switching to V10s in 2000.

Reader's Guide

Tom Kristensen's connection to the Minardi M197 is limited to his role as a test driver during the 1997 Formula One season. His presence is recorded alongside other test drivers including Esteban Tuero, Luca Badoer, Laurent Redon, and Oliver Martini. The M197 itself was developed by chief engineer Gabriele Tredozi, head of the drawing office Mauro Gennaro, and lead aerodynamicist Mariano Alperin, with significant wind tunnel work at Fondmetal's facility in Ferrara. The car was launched on February 4, 1997, and featured a return to Minardi's black, yellow, and white color scheme. The team finished the season unclassified in the Constructors' Championship with no points, though they were classified ahead of the Lola team which withdrew after the first Grand Prix.

Did You Know?

• Minardi's 1997 drivers were Ukyo Katayama and rookie Jarno Trulli, with Tarso Marques as test driver and later race driver.
• The M197 was developed heavily at Fondmetal's wind tunnel in Ferrara, Italy.
• Minardi used Mild Seven logos except at the French, British, and German Grands Prix.