F1 News

BAR to know fate this week

British American Racing are expected to know whether they can run in dual liveries tomorrow. The announcement has been delayed after the meeting on Saturday.

Jordan launch 1999 car

Jordan have launched their 1999 car. The team has high hopes for the car, and Damon Hill says that the team has a chance of beating their single win last year.

The car is a re-engineering of last years car, and features a lower nose and revised aerodynamics.

Ferrari launches F399

Ferrari have unveiled the Ferrari F399.

The team has lost Asprey sponsorship, but has additional funding from Mattel and Tic Tac.

Williams tops testing

Ralf Schumacher has set the fastest times on the final day of testing in Spain. The team admitted that it was difficult to judge progress as McLaren left the test early. Ralf was a second faster than Zanardi who was in last years FW20.

Todt says Ferrari on diet

Jean Todt has said that the new Ferrari will benefit from a substantial reduction in weight, and improved gearbox and suspension. They have also looked at the aerodynamics.

Volvo gets counterbid from GM

The takeover of Volvo by Ford is not as certain as initially announced yesterday. Volvo has been reported by PA as offering GBP 9.3b for the entire Volvo operation. Ford had offered GBP 3.9b for the cars operation.

Brands bids for Silverstone

Brands Hatch Leisure is believed to have made a firm bid to buy Silverstone from the BRDC.

BMW test team based in Munich

The Williams BMW test team will be run from Munich, and not from Williams' Grove headquarters. The two are keen to keep a distance between the F1 effort (which has limited testing allowed in 99) and the test team developing the engine for next season.

Williams name change refused by FIA

The FIA have refused an application by BMW to call the Williams FW22 in 2000 the BMW Williams. The rules state the name is the car maker before the engine manufacturer.

Ford buys Volvo

Ford has purchased Volvo Cars for $6 billion. The Swedish car maker had been thought to be under offer from Ford and Fiat.

The move may have the biggest implications on Volvo's touring car program. Ford has a policy of only one marque per series, and now both Ford and Volvo are represented in touring cars. It also knocks TWRs hopes of getting Volvo to badge the Hart F1 engine.

-- Stephen M Baines

"[The Autosport sticker] started to peel off in the middle of Eau Rouge and it distracted me. In fact it was the first thing to hit the barrier" Tiff Needell - Jaguar XJR-15 Challenge - Interview with Autosport

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