Stewart in crisis?

Stewart Grand Prix has lost it's backing from the Malaysian Tourist Board following unsatisfactory results in 1997 and a second major sponsor, Texaco, are also said to be less than happy with the returns from the team in it's debut season.

Quite how this will effect Stewart it unknown, but although Ford would almost definitely make up any shortfall in the short term, it is doubtful they would continue to do this for a full season.

The throttle systems that have been introduced this season by teams such as Ferrari have been banned by the FIA from the start of next season.

The FIA decided that this was too close to the traction control systems that were outlawed for 1994.

In the same meeting it was decided that pre-programmed electronic brake balance changers may stay, but only alter the balance front to rear rather than side to side.

It was also decided that grooved tyres would be tested before, rather than after, use and the construction of the tyres would have to be such that no performance advantage could be gained fron running tyres with the grooves worn down.

New rules meaning that it would be almost impossible for a new team to enter F1 are set to be included in the Concorde Agreement, the document that sets down the rules for the governing of F1.

The new rule means that any new team would have to pay $24 million deposit before the start of the season and then wait until either their second or third year before they could earn money from the TV rights for the sport.

This all but rules out any entries that are not supported by a major multinational company.

Eddie Jordan has been recently quoted as saying that he thinks that Jackie Stewart and himself are going to be the last people able to create a new team from scratch.

In related news, Wim Eyckmans has called a halt to his plans of entering F1 for 1998. Citing financial reasons, he has chosen instead to participate in the Indy Racing League as a driver.

The test scheduled for the New Year at Kyalami is looking unlikely after several teams (Jordan and McLaren included) have refused to agree.

The FIA require the agreement of all the teams for the test to be permitted. The teams not in agreement do not feel they will have sufficient time to build up the spares for new cars to allow them to test properly.

Pedro de la Rosa, reigning Formula Nippon and Japanese GT Champion, has been offered a test drive with the Benetton team, but has not accepted yet. The Spanish driver has also been linked with test seats at Jordan and Williams and the vacant 1998 race seats at Minardi and Tyrrell.

Former F3000 Champion and Williams test driver, Jean Christophe "Jules" Boullion, has been linked to a drive at Tyrrell in 1998 in preparation for the team's use of the Mecachrome (nee Renault) engines in 1999.

Luca Badoer is thought to be one of the names at the top of the list for the Minardi team for 1998. Current driver Tarso Marques is thought to be out of favour following poor performances in 1997.

Rumours that have former Benetton and Sauber driver JJ Lehto joining Minardi for 1998 are apparently without foundation.

The Portuguese race in Estoril could disappear from the calendar next year. But the government is determent to have the race.

The problem now is that the countries financial 'watchdog', the Court of Accounts, have rejected the agreement between the owners of the circuit and the government.

The Economy Minister Joaquim Pina Moura told reporters: "Of course the grand prix is going to take place. We will ensure that all the conditions are met for Formula One to return to Estoril as planned in 1998."

The main objection was a clause in the contract, which stated that labelled the renovation of the track as 'emergency'. This is also the only way the Grand Prix can stay on the Calendar because the FIA wants the renovations done before spring.

The Grand Prix was moved to Jerez this season because of the same renovations. The renovations are to insure a saver track.

The European Union is to investigate the Television rights in Formula One. Formula One Holdings has the exclusive rights over all broadcasting rights, which is also necessary for the flotation of Formula One, expected next year.

The EU believe that this may be illegal by their anti trust laws.