The Benetton-Renault team have unveiled their 1997 car at London (England) today. The car has already had a lot of test kilometres and Gerhard Berger still holds the fastest testing time at Jerez (Spain). Berger commented: "We have done some good testing and we were at the top of the times, which was good, but more important we have shown we are reliable. Compared to last year we are much further ahead now and better prepared. It was very difficult for me last year because we had so many changes in the team but now we are more settled and the team feel very strong to me. I know this is only the launch and the truth will come later but I feel good. We are here this year to win the championship again and if we do not we will not have succeeded.''

the Benetton B197: photo by Benetton

Team boss Flavio Briatore added: "We feel prepared and able to pose a serious challenge this year to our main competitors. Williams, as usual, will be stable and competitive. But McLaren will be strong too - and so will we. It will be a very open and exciting championship.''

Jos Verstappen showed himself satisfied after his first test for the Tyrrell-Ford team. He had a trouble free session and did 35 laps on a wet Silverstone (England) circuit. Mika Salo was the first to test the new car yesterday and he also had a session without any problems.