AN Arabic driver could be soon making his debut in Formula One if if things work out for Ledbury's European Minardi.

The Minardi team announced last Friday that it has entered into a contractual agreement with Algerian driver, Nassim Sidi Sad, to evaluate the possibility of assisting the racing career of a Arab competitor with a view to an eventual debut in Formula One.

The team has traditionally been at the forefront of discovering and encouraging talented young racing drivers, many of whom have subsequently become established stars of the Grand Prix scene.

It is for this reason the team has welcomed Sidi Sad's plan to promote motor racing in his native Algeria, as well as in other Arab countries, through a young driver training scheme.

Under the arrangement, he will take charge of devising a suitable training and evaluation programme to facilitate the selection of the most promising Arab drivers and to assist them to progress into careers in motor racing.

As a result of this new co-operative venture, Nassim Sidi Sad may, in the future, be offered the opportunity to test a Minardi Formula One car.

Sidi Sad, aged 30, is an ideal partner for Minardi in this important project. He is currently the only Arab driver competing at a high level of professional motor racing, and hence has first-hand knowledge of the challenges and requirements of the sport.

European Minardi Cosworth team principal, Paul Stoddart, said: "The team is pleased to have entered into this significant alliance with Nassim Sidi Sad. We are very conscious that the launch of the inaugural Grand Prix of Bahrain, in 2004, will generate a notably increased awareness of, and interest in, Formula One in the Arab world.

"We also look forward to providing Nassim with the chance to become the first Arab driver to gain first-hand experience of Formula One."