the Ligier JS 45: photo by Ligier

The Ligier team have unveiled the JS-45 at Monaco today. First driver Olivier Panis said: "To win one race or more and to finish regularly in the points will be our goal this season. Ligier managing director Bruno Michel said: "Improvements have been made in some sections. We were not happy with the brakes and that's one thing that has been worked on but the engine is also more powerful."

Frenchman Alain Prost is coming closer to getting his own team (read Ligier). Team owner Flavio Briatore said: "A lot of progress has been made and I believe we can go even further. We are talking and I hope we will reach an agreement but I don't know when. If there is an agreement, very well, but if not, we will continue to work. Ligier is now almost a top team and can still improve."

He added: "Whatever happens the future of Ligier is assured."

Michael Schumacher covered a Grand prix distance in his Ferrari F310B before his engine went up in smoke. There has only been a few days when Schumacher didn't have an engine problem. Schumacher was not disappointed however: "Despite the problem with the engine, I am quite satisfied with the work we have accomplished. The car proved to be well balanced and its handling is consistent, in terms of both tyre and brake wear. It is also encouraging to have covered 1200 km in six days."

Damon Hill watched the other teams test from the pit wall after he suffered a gearbox problem just a few laps into his session.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen was fastest today followed by David Coulthard.