F1 News 98-03-13

Following the Australian Grand Prix, Ron Walker, the boss of the Australian Grand Prix has complained to the FIA about the race fixing. The FIA, whilst not critisising McLaren, has said that the issue is to go before the World Motor Sport Council soon. McLaren have said that the system of first into the corner wins will continue at Brazil. The major response so far has been from William Hill the bookmakers who are now taking bets on teams as well as drivers....

Ron Dennis has complained about a certain 'other' team using spies to try and find out about it's technology. He says that he has proof to back up his claims.

Mercedes have confirmed that they will not be supplying BAR with customer Mercedes engines next year. Other options for BAR include Mecachrome if Benetton no longer use the engine, or if Williams bring the BMW on stream early, or a lower spec Mugen Honda engine.

Nobuhiko Kawamoto has confirmed that Honda are seriously looking at entering F1 full time again, though this time with a full factory team of its own. They have been linked with purchasing Benetton.

Goodyear are to bring on stream a new tyre for Brazil which it hopes will close the gap to Bridgestone.

Max Mosley, president of the FIA, has announced that the FIA will consider evidence of a link between tobacco sponsorship and smoking. He has said if the evidence is there, he will see that tobacco sponsorship is banned world wide sooner rather than later.

McLaren has solved the problem of which of its drivers wins at a race. It is building a two seater version of its F1 car - the MP4-98T - for long term supporter of the team Mansour Ojjeh. The car will give non-drivers the chance to see what it is like to go in a F1 car.

-- Stephen M Baines