By Huw Alban
November 24 2005

Are we seeing history here me thinks ? Is this finally the time that F1 finally does go really global and start attracting names from new countries ? As long as they are quick, MFO is happy to see it happen. News sources available to this site indicated yesterday that a Russian driver was present at the Jordan factory near Silverstone, and that a seat fitting exercise was being carried out. Today all of that has been confirmed by the team. Roman Rusinov had a seat fitting yesterday, and will join the team in Jerez on the 10th of December.

Team Managing Director, Collin Kolles, believes that there is a lot of sense to have a Russian face present in a Russian team. It's true that the team have not wasted any time in making that happen either. "MF1 Racing will compete in the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship under the Russian flag, so it makes perfect sense for our team to test a Russian Driver and we are looking forward to working with him at Jerez," Kolles was quoted as saying.

Rusinov is under no illusion that this is simply a chance to have a go, but is keen to use the opportunity show what he is capable of. "It would not be an exaggeration to say that I have been waiting my entire career for this moment! This test is the first but crucial step on my way to F1. At this point, my aim is to learn the peculiarities of an F1 car and familiarise myself with the way an F1 team works. My arrival in F1 depends on numerous factors, but the most important thing for me right now is to concentrate on driving the car quickly and properly. I believe I have shown this ability throughout my career and I am positive that I will perform well this time. I would like to express my gratitude to MF1 Racing, Midland Group and personally to the team's founder, Alex Shnaider, for allowing me this opportunity."

With so many names getting test opportunities with Midland in Decmeber, it'll be interesting to see which of the new talent shines, and perhaps forges a future place for themselves in the sport.