At Suzuka today, Bridgestone and Arrows confirmed that they have reached a deal which will see the end of Goodyear's monopoly in supplying tires to Formula One in 1997. Bridgestone has entered Formula One 12 months earlier than originally planned, after an intensive test program at Suzuka and Silverstone. A Bridgestone spokesman indicated that Bridgestone are in discussion with two or three other teams for supply of tires in 1997.

The driver to partner Damon Hill at Arrows was not announced, but is expected to be know before the weekend is over.

Reports have reached Atlas News, that Honda is currently building a new V10 engine separate from the Mugen effort which currently powers the Ligier team. Benetton has been linked repeatedly with a Honda deal for 1998.

Nicola Larini was testing at Monza (Italy) for the Ferrari team. He will be trying out some new aerodynamic features on the test F310.