F1 News 4th August

Prost in engine drama

The Prost team is in an uncomfortable situation over engines for 2000. The team and Peugeot are not getting on, leading to speculation that the French concerns will terminate their partnership early, but that then leaves Prost with an engine problem. Supertec is now committed to Benetton, Arrows and Minardi, and is highly unlikely to supply a fourth team; Ford are no longer offering customer engines, whilst other factory concerns are on exclusive supply basis to their teams. The only option at the moment seems to be a deal with Brian Hart.

Minardi in engine deals

Minardi hit the news over engines in Germany. The team was prevented from using a newer spec Ford engine due to some financial problems, whilst Gabrielle Rumi has said that the team has a deal to run Supertec engines next season.

F1 will stay on terrestrial

Bernie Ecclestone has given his biggest assurance yet that F1 will remain on normal television screens and not go exclusively PPV. "We're talking to Sky and OnDigital. I'd like to do a deal before the end of the year. Once the public understands it, the take up should be very high, but we will never stop free broadcasting."

No 12th team in 2000?

Bernie Ecclestone has said that it is unlikely that a 12th team will enter F1 next season, but he's in no rush to fill the space. It is thought likely that Toyota will take the slot in 2001.

Changes to GP calendar

Bernie Ecclestone has agreed to changes to the F1 calendar. Malaysia will no longer have the season opener that it didn't want, and Australia will become the first of the season, as it wanted.

The deal to run the South African GP is now awaiting for the promoters to feel happy about the international currency exchange situation with the Rand said Bernie.

Bridgestone investigates tyre failures

Bridgestone have launched an urgent investigation to find out why McLaren suffered two tyre failures over the weekend of the German Grand Prix.

Irvine targetted by Ford

Eddie Irvine is believed to have been offered a contract worth £16m over 3 years to drive for Stewart next season. He is also believed to have been offered deals by both Jordan and Ferrari. The Ulsterman is unlikely to remain at Ferrari due to the lack of visible support from Jean Todt.

Stephen M Baines http://www.motorsport.org.uk