NOVEMBER 15, 2000

Gene's future will be decided in next two weeks

MINARDI driver Marc Gene's future in Formula One will be decided in the next two weeks, according to his manager Blanca De Foronda.

Spaniard Gene has been linked with a move away from Minardi after his major sponsor Telefonica withdrew their backing from the Italian team, pitching the doughty little operation from Faenza into a fight for survival after 15 years in F1.

Gene reportedly held talks with BMW-Williams team chief Frank Williams at the weekend in England about a test-drive role with the team for 2001 and is believed to have put pen to paper on a testing deal.

De Foronda refused to confirm Gene had met Williams but insisted that the driver's future will be decided before the start of pre-season testing in December.

"I cannot confirm anything at the moment," said De Foronda. "He will definitely be in Formula One, but for who I cannot tell you at the moment.

"We will be able to say more in a couple of weeks. Then we will be able to make an official announcement."