Ukyo Katayama announced today that he will quit Formula One at the end of this season. It was expected that Mild Seven had persuaded Katayama to stay in Formula One. The Japanese driver stated however: "Throughout my six years in Formula One I have always lived by my philosophy of doing my best at all times and I have always been happy with my results, but the time has come to change direction and make room for younger drivers. I am resolved to do my best at this year's Japanese Grand Prix which will be my last Formula 1 race in Japan and at Jerez, my last Formula 1 race. I would like to thank all my sponsors and fans for their continued support and encouragement over the years. My thoughts go also to the Minardi team which has worked hard and been very supportive throughout 1997. I would like to wish them well in forthcoming F1 championships."

His best result was fifth.

Max Mosley has been re-elected FIA president in Paris today. This was stated by a FIA spokesman, he also said there was "a record attendance at FIA's Paris headquarters of delegates from 109 clubs representing 82 member countries."