F1 Test with Williams Renault in Barcelona - December 4th 1997

Minassian tests for Williams Renault

Following his impressive drives in British F3, Minassian soon caught the attention of the Williams F1 team, who invited him to test in Barcelona during the off season in 1997.

Williams F1 were evaluating a number of drivers at this time and F3000 stars, Juan Pablo Montoya, Max Wilson and Soheil Ayari were also present.

Prior to the test at the Macao F3 GP, Minassian had sustained a broken wrist in an impressive crash and he had the added pressure of performing at the top of his game against much more experienced drivers, at a track of which he had no knowledge.

The pressure was on for the young Frenchman and eventually Montoya was chosen for the role, but Minassian had proven his ability to compete and be compared to his much more experienced rivals.