NOVEMBER 15, 2000
Gene's future will be decided in next two weeks
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."