DECEMBER 15, 1997

Tyrrell's windtunnel is scrapped

THE Tyrrell team's plans to build its own half-scale rolling-road windtunnel have been scrapped following the takeover of the team by British American Racing. The original plan called for Tyrrell sponsor European Aviation to build the facility in a spare hangar at Bournemouth International Airport. The facility was also going to house a Tyrrell museum.

The sale of the team, however, left European Airlines's boss Paul Stoddart with a problem, as Reynard said that it intended to build a half-scale rolling road tunnel at the BAR base at Brackley. Stoddart has thus decided to scrap the entire project.

European Airlines is expected to continue as Tyrrell's Official Airline for the 1998 season, although it remains to be seen whether Stoddart can be bothered to continue with another team in 1999 - having been left rather in the lurch by Tyrrell.