F1 News 1999-08-18

Arrows to face new shake-up

Arrows is believed to be facing yet another major shake-up, following Prince Malik ado Ibrahim's absense from the pit at Hungary. It is believed that Tom Walkinshaw will be in control of the team before too long. It is understood that his deal with TWR-Arrows requires certain financial requirements being met by the end of this month - it is believed that these have not been met.

Jordan speaks out on manufacturers

Eddie Jordan has spoken about his worries about manufacturers influence in F1. Speaking to motoring news, he said that in talks with Honda the problem for full factory support was the Japanese concern wanting to rebrand the team. Eddie decided he wanted to be present in the sport more than get a huge cheque. He also spoke of his worries that teams would disappear when the heads of companies change "They should have to give an undertaking that a team will be allowed to be sold".

Ferrari to sign Barrichello and Salo

According to stories in the paddock, Rubens Barrichello and Mika Salo are both to be contracted for next season - in case Michael Schumacher does not return, or does not return at full strength. The driver who does not race, if Michael does continue, would be the teams test driver.

Merry go-round continues

The driver market is especially fluid this year, though some seats are looking as if they've been sewn up.

Jarno Trulli is understood to have signed a 2-year contract with Jordan after Prost failed to move into the top 6 at Hungary. His place at Prost is expected to be taken by Jean Alesi who announced at the weekend that he is quitting Sauber. The second berth at Prost is expected to be taken by Nick Heidfeld. Prost is believed to have had assurances it required from Peugeot over the weekend.

Sauber wants to hold onto Pedro Diniz, who has out-performed Alesi for most of the year, but now has at least one vacancy. Diniz is an attractive option for teams, as he appears to have talent, and a sizeable sponsorship pot.

Prost refuge, Olivier Panis, meanwhile is thought to be in contention for a drive with either Arrows or Minardi. Details of Minardi's Supertec deal have also started to emerge, with the team using the end-of-99 spec engines all year, whilst Arrows and Benetton will use new units.

Bridgestone to use different tyres at Monza

Bridgestone has decided to take a different construction of tyre to Monza in September, despite earlier stating that the same spec tyre would be used at both circuits. Bridgestone and McLaren have both stated that the failure was not on their parts. The most likely cause has been put at tyre damage caused by debris on the track leading to a puncture and delamination.

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