AUGUST 4, 1997

Morbidelli back in action

GIANNI MORBIDELLI was back in action last week for the first time since he suffered a broken arm after a testing crash six weeks ago at Magny-Cours. The Sauber Petronas driver completed a day of testing at Ferrari's Fiorano circuit, preparing for the twisty Hungaroring circuit.

Morbidelli is expected to continue with the team for the rest of the season despite rumors that attempts were being made to get Alexander Wurz to drive the car at the Austrian Grand Prix in September.

Sauber could, in theory, change drivers again as the regulations permit three different drivers to use the second car. Sauber started the year with Nicola Larini but decided to replace him with Morbidelli. When he was injured Norberto Fontana was drafted in but this second change could be considered "force majeure" which would mean that another change is possible.

Sauber, however, knows the value of stability and having achieved very little with the inexperienced Fontana will be keenÊto have Morbidelli back up to speed quickly to mount a more effective World Championship campaign alongside JohnnyÊHerbert.