Benetton announced today that Giancarlo Fisichella would be one of their drivers for the 1998 season. Benetton Formula One Managing Director, Flavio Briatore, said "Giancarlo has been on loan to Jordan for 1997. We have been impressed by his performance and had no hesitation in exercising our option so that he can drive for us next year. We think he will have a very bright future."

Fisichella commented that "I am very pleased that I will be driving for the Italian team. The people at Jordan have been great and I will do my best for the rest of the season. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am looking forward very much to next season."

There is no announcement on who will partner Fisichella in 1998. Gerhard Berger returns to the team this weekend in Germany after an absence due to sinus problems, after being replaced by fellow Austrian, Alexander Wurz.

Benetton has failed to win a Grand Prix since the end of 1995, when Michael Schumacher left the team.

No Portugese GP for 1997

The FIA announced today that the Formula One teams had failed to come to an unanimous agreement to add an extra race to the 1997 season.

"Following consultation with all the competing teams, it is clear there is no unanimous agreement to add an extra event to the 1997 FIA Formula One World Championship. The proposed event on November 9 1997 will therefore not take place, " said the FIA in a prepared statement.

The Portugese Grand Prix had been first cancelled, then postponed, due to problems with the track meeting safety standards. The final race of the season will now be held at Jerez, Spain, on the 26th of October.

The majority of teams were thought to be in favour of an additional event this season, but it is believed that McLaren, Ferrari and Sauber were opposed to the addition of the race.