Britain's Justin Wilson had to use Formula 3000 tyres in Minardi's first Formula One test of the year on Wednesday after the team arrived in Spain without a tyre deal.

Wilson, who makes his Formula One debut in Australia in March, was at least familiar with the slick Avon tyres as he is the 2001 F3000 champion.

Minardi used Michelin tyres last season but the deal with the French manufacturer ended at the end of 2002.

"There's no deal yet and they [Michelin and Bridgestone] are not about to do anything to help us this morning," said a Minardi spokesman.

"In order to run, Justin had no option but to use Avons. It's not an ideal situation."

Justin Wilson will debut in Australia in March

Michelin now expects Minardi to switch to Japanese rival Bridgestone, the only other recognised supplier in the sport.

The spokesman added that Minardi, the smallest and poorest team on the grid, had been talking to world champion Ferrari's supplier Bridgestone since October.

Under the terms of the Concorde Agreement, Bridgestone, which currently supplies four of the 10 teams, is bound to supply Minardi but the team still have to pay for the tyres.

"We have received a request to supply Minardi and talks are taking place," said a Bridgestone spokeswoman.

"As yet a contract has not been agreed and it is not possible for anyone to run on tyres that have not been signed for."

Wilson is due to be joined at the Valencia circuit on Thursday by Dutch team-mate Jos Verstappen but Minardi are unlikely to have finalised a deal by then.