Last year's Japanese Grand Prix saw one of Minardi's best performances of the season. And after their competitive showing at the last round in Indianapolis, 2002 drivers Mark Webber and Alex Yoong are hoping to go even better at Suzuka this weekend.

In 2001, Fernando Alonso qualified 18th for the team and went on to finish 11th. Yoong, meanwhile, came home in 16th to complete his first Grand Prix. This year, the Japanese event could be Yoong's final F1™ race appearance. Nevertheless , the Malaysian insisted he is looking forward to the race.

"I've done a few races there (Suzuka) in recent years, and I think it's probably the most physically challenging circuit we visit, as well as being the best on which to race," he said. "Like most teams, we are likely to run our cars in full-downforce configuration because of the predominance of quick corners. It's just possible 130R might be flat this year, but somehow, I doubt it.

"After the US Grand Prix, I headed back to Malaysia for a few days before flying to Japan. While there, I took the opportunity of having discussions with several of my sponsors concerning possible plans for next year. These were productive, and we will continue them once I return to Kuala Lumpur from Japan."

Webber may only be in his first season of Formula One racing, but the Australian, who is reportedly in contention for a 2003 Jaguar seat, also has prior experience of the Japanese Grand Prix circuit. "I'm really looking forward to driving a Formula One car at Suzuka," he said.

"I drove there in a sports car in 1998, and although that was a while ago, I remember it as being a very good, but very tough circuit. It is going to be a demanding track, because you need a lot of efficiency in terms of downforce, but if we can achieve a good balance in the car and the tyres are working well, then we could have a nice result there."

Minardi's best performance at Suzuka came in 1992 when Christian Fittipaldi qualified 12th on the grid before going on to finish in sixth place.

This year the team will at least arrive in Japan refreshed. While Webber and Yoong have visited their respective homes in the two weeks since Indy, the rest of the Minardi squad have enjoyed an end-of-season break in Hawaii.