EUROPEAN Minardi's showcase annual event for its two-seater Formula One cars is going to be bigger and more impressive than ever.

Thunder at the Rock will take place at the stunning Rockingham motor racing facility in Northamptonshire this weekend with practice runs today (Friday).

Among the drivers are: Jos Verstappen - Formula One), Bryan Herta (Indy Racing League), Nicolas Kiesa (Formula One), Giorgio Pantano (F3000), David Saelens (F3000), Gianmaria 'Gimmy' Bruni (Formula One/F3000) and Paul Stoddart (European Minardi).

Following the success of last year's entertainment programme, Thunder at the Rock will feature an even stronger musical element.

Headlining the list of bands scheduled to appear at Rockingham during the weekend is The Darkness, one of the hottest properties in the rock music world.

There will also be a round of the exciting ASCAR Days of Thunder racing series for V8 American saloons on Rockingham's 1.5-mile, high-speed, banked oval, Formula One pit-stop demonstrations, autograph sessions, a fun fair and other activities.

European Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart said: "I think it's fair to say that everyone has an enjoyable time in a very relaxed atmosphere, and when you consider the whole weekend benefits charity, it's a great package, which just seems to get better and better each year.

"Everyone at European Minardi is looking forward to meeting as many of the fans as possible."