Contrary to reports over the weekend, a Minardi spokesman has refuted rumours that the team plans to test ex-CART racer Townsend Bell at Mugello after the Italian Grand Prix next week.

Although a representative for Bell is believed to have spoken informally to Paul Stoddart, the team's principal, in Hungary three weeks ago it is not thought that they came to a firm agreement.

"Minardi will be testing Sergey Zlobin for a second time following his successful test at Fiorano last week, probably to be joined by Matteo Bobbi," the spokesman stated. "But there are no firm plans at this point to test Townsend Bell."

However, he admitted that there was a possibility that Bell could appear at the wheel of a Minardi later in the year: "It is possible he could be tested later in the year."

Bell, who is currently without a drive following his dismissal from the Patrick Racing CART team, had been expected to be the second American, after Bryan Herta, to drive the Faenza-based squad's car.

Minardi will be testing at the Italian track on 17, 18 and 19 September.