Mark Webber ended his debut Formula One™ season in style at Suzuka on Sunday by recording Minardi's fifth top-ten finish of the season.

The two points Webber scored at the season opener in Melbourne, combined with the outcome of the Japanese event, mean the Faenza squad finishes ninth in this year's constructors' championship.

The team also had reason to feel pleased with the performance of Alex Yoong, who made a superb start to the race. Frustratingly, he spun off the track on lap 15 and he was unable to continue, but his pace up to that point was impressive.

"We had quite low grip all afternoon and that, combined with the fact Alex had a lost less fuel at the start of the race, meant he was able to get by at the beginning," explained Webber.

"I knew, though, it was a matter of time and I could get the place back. I just did my best this afternoon, and tried really hard in the last few laps to get even more out of the car, which was when I set my fastest lap.

"It wasn't easy for us today, but I'm really happy for the guys. We got another 10th place finish, which is important for us, and the guys have done a fantastic job all year."

Of his final race with Minardi, Yoong commented: "I caught the lights just right and made a great start, but then (Pedro) de la Rosa squeezed me and I wasn't able to gain as many places as I should have.

"I also had a small touch with Mark on the opening lap when I passed him, fortunately without any damage to either car. The chassis balance wasn't bad, but the track was quite slippery compared with this morning and, as a result, there was some oversteer in the car.

"Unfortunately, my car was not fitted with power steering this afternoon, and when you're correcting for oversteer all the time, it wears you out a bit. I had a small slide at turn two, but without the power assistance, I just wasn't able to catch it in time. It's a shame not to have finished, but considering this is very much a power circuit, I was happy with my lap times in the race."

Of his drivers' performance, team boss Paul Stoddart said: "Well done to the drivers and to the whole Minardi team. Finishing ninth in the world championship is no mean feat when you consider our budget and the political turmoil that has ruined most of the season for us.

"We derive a lot of pleasure, however, from the fact the team scored quite possibly the most popular two points in modern Formula One history in Melbourne this year.

"Our on-track performances, in the main, have been far better than the financial and technical resources available to the team should have permitted. Our thanks go our drivers this year, Alex, Mark and Anthony (Davidson), as well as to all our commercial and technical partners.

"I would particularly like to single out our engine partner, Asiatech, for a special mention. We have enjoyed a truly amicable and productive relationship with them all year long, and we genuinely wish them well in whatever they choose to do in the future."

Minardi, who have yet to announce their 2003 driver line-up, are expected to begin testing in Valencia, Spain in late November.