Ferrari has taken an interest of fifty percent in the car manufacturer Maserati. Maserati has been having financial difficulties for some time now. The company has not got six months to come up with new car models.
Maserati competed in 69 Grands prix between 1950 and 1960 and became world champion with Juan-Manuel Fangio in 1957.
Jean Alesi was again the fastest man on the track followed, again, by Giancarlo Fisichella.
Ferrari and Sauber were testing here. Johnny Herbert was fastest in the Sauber-Petronas. He worked on new aerodynamic and mechanical solutions for the next Grand Prix in Montreal (Canada).
Eddie Irvine was second. He worked on the differential and set-up. His Ferrari was fitted with the 046/2 engine.