Formula One News — January 1998

JACQUES VILLENEUVE told the German magazine Das Bild last week that contrary to the impression which he says is being created by Michael Schumacher the two drivers are not and will never be friends.

THE Sauber Petronas team has announced that it has reached agreement for German Jorg Muller to be its test driver for the coming season.

THE Formula 1 teams have agreed that they will be allowed to go testing at Kyalami in South Africa if they choose to take advantage of the opportunity to do warm weather testing with the new grooved slick tires.

DESPITE a crushing drop in share price and legal actions against the company and its management Danka Business Systems - the title sponsor of the Arrows team in 1997 - says that it is planning to continue to support Tom Walkinshaw's team in 1998.

A Belgian court ruled during the holiday period that it could not overrule the country's tobacco advertising ban.

THE European Commission has warned the International Automobile Federation (FIA) that it intends to take action against the existing contracts between the governing body of the sport and Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Holdings regarding the promotional rights to Grand Prix racing.

DANKA BUSINESS SYSTEMS, the title sponsor of the Arrows Formula 1 team, continues to experience serious financial difficulties and it is extremely unlikely that the American company will continue to support Tom Walkinshaw's team.

WITH eight weeks to go before the start of the 1998 FIA Formula 1 World Championship in Melbourne, Australia, there are only two drives still officially open in the Grand Prix field, which will comprise 11 teams fielding 22 cars.

THE Minardi team has signed up Argentine teenager Esteban Tuero for the coming season. Tuero is expected to be partnered by Brazilian Tarso Marques.

THE Christmas period has seen several of the Formula 1 teams reaching decisions about their test drivers for the coming season with Williams nominating Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya as the replacement for Jean-Christophe Boullion and Ferrari announcing that Luca Badoer will replace Nicola Larini.

WORLD CHAMPION Jacques Villeneuve ended 1997 with a bang when he crashed heavily while skiing at the resort of Pra-Loup, near Barcelonnette in the French Alps.

THE Michelin tire company has officially announced that it will not be entering Grand Prix racing in 1999.

BENETTON may have been the first team to have had a 1998 car running, but Ferrari was not far behind.