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| Benetton continued their recent form for change today when they unveiled their 1998 challenger, the B198. In a less than unexpected move, they announced the end of their 6 season partnership with Goodyear and the formation of a new partnership with Bridgestone. They have also signed a two year deal with engine supplier Mecachrome. |
"I hope sincerely that we will be able to provide Bridgestone with their first victory in Formula One" said David Richards, the team principal. "Tyres are the critical element to success and it is a very important decision for us. Bridgestone have been competitive in everything they have been involved in and they have gone on to win."
Both Alex Wurz and Giancarlo Fisichella have tested the new car at Silverstone and Jerez and are staisfied with their new mount. In addition, Fisichella has also commented that the new Mecachrome (nee Renault) engine is better than the one used last season.
The new car is the first from the new Benetton technical team of Pat Symonds (technical director) and Nick Wirth (chief designer).
Benetton's technical director Pat Symonds said: "I am confident that we have everything in place to return to the top. We have a pair of excellent young drivers, a car designed by Nick Wirth, a new and exciting philosophy behind it and the rekindled enthusiasm and commitment of a terrific team."
The Ferrari team have cancelled the tests scheduled for the new F300 today. Spokesman Claudio Berro commented: "No practice today. Our technicians have decided to have a long think about what's going on with the car. Based on the information received over the past few days, they are considering a few changes which require a break from practice. So there'll be nothing today and only 50 percent chance on Friday. But we'll definitely be practising on Saturday."
The software of the car also needs adjusting to the new gearbox.
"We're going to analyse the complaint as seriously as other complaints," a source close to Competition commissioner Van Miert said.
The FIA has threatened F1 organisers in Belgium that they have to resolve tobacco sponsorship problems or next year's Grand Prix will be cancelled. The complaint was filed by a group of F1 fans. They have taken up Jean-Louis Dupont as their lawyer. He represented Jean-Marc Bosman against the soccer federation in regards to transfers. Dupont argues that the FIA are using their dominant position to get what they want.
The organisers are given until February 15 to give guarantees that the anti tobacco legislation will not affect the race. Such legislation will come into play in Belgium in 1999 while the whole European Union will follow in 2006.
The McLaren team have announced a new sponsorship deal with the soft drink company Schweppes.
The Arrows team have received help from the University of Oxford Business School to attract sponsors. In return their name will be on the cars and driver suits for free.
Michael Schumacher does not believe that last year collision with Jacques Villeneuve has damaged his reputation.
He said: "I certainly do not feel that my reputation has gone down. I believe most people do not reduce the season down to one race. I am well aware of the season ended badly for me but I have to look to the future. I have said I made a mistake."