Minardi will use Michelin tyres in 2001 and hope to have a new engine deal agreed by mid-season.
"Final negotiations are being completed," Australian team owner Paul Stoddart said in an interview when asked about Michelin. An announcement is expected next Friday.
The team will join Williams, Jaguar, Prost and Benetton in switching to the Formula One newcomers from Bridgestone.
Stoddart said Minardi, who will use renamed Ford engines this year, were negotiating a new engine deal for 2002 with two interested parties. "By the middle of the year we should be able to announce our engine deal for next year," he said.
Stoddart bought the team last month, saving them at a time when they had no engines or drivers. Since then, Minardi have signed 19-year-old Spaniard Fernando Alonso on a one-year loan from Benetton. Stoddart said Minardi hoped to extend that deal.
Stoddart also said the team hoped to announce their second driver soon.
Reuters