Formula One News — January 2001

EVER since the Formula 1 authorities crossed swords with the British government a few years ago about just how important the British motorsport industry has become, there have been question marks.

THE Benetton team has confirmed that Jordan's former chief designer Mark Smith has joined Mike Gascoyne's crew at Enstone.

THERE has been some questions about the future of Worldcom in Formula 1 following the expected announcement that AT&T is joining Jaguar Racing.

WE hear that Ford may soon join Honda and Renault to create structures which will help nurture young drivers from the start of their careers right through to Formula 1.

FORMULA ONE tire suppliers Bridgestone have announced that their president, chairman of the board and chief executive officer Yoichiro Kaizaki will retire.

FORMER world champion Jody Scheckter has backed BMW-Williams to end Ferrari and McLaren's dominance of Formula One, but said it could be three years before the big two are toppled.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER is more determined to achieve success this season - despite capturing his third world title last year.

JACKIE STEWART is approaching all three main political parties in Britain in an effort to convince politicians of every persuasion that the country's motor racing industry is worthy of additional support from those who wield the levers of power - and may do so in the future.

SAUBER have confirmed that they are continuing to test their C20 car at Ferrari's Fiorano circuit today (Thursday).

RUBENS BARRICHELLO has kicked off the round of Ferrari press conferences during the traditional Marlboro week at Madonna di Campiglio in the Italian Dolomites by announcing that he is ready to give battle in 2001.

EDDIE IRVINE believes he will find it hard to win another grand prix as he prepares himself for a second year of turmoil at Jaguar Racing.

BRITAIN's Motor Sport Industry Association seized the initiative on the opening day of the Autosport International Show, by announcing the initial results of a survey on the scale, scope and future of the sport in the UK.

ARROWS unveiled their new three-seater concept on Thursday, with the promise that it will be the closest Formula One fans will get to the experiences of the sport.

BRITISH AMERICAN RACING have announced their test driver line-up for the 2001 season with Briton Darren Manning retaining his position alongside French development driver Patrick Lemarie.

ROCKINGHAM SPEEDWAY has this week taken firm steps to secure its future after management and building problems have threatened the future of the first British CART oval track which is scheduled to hold a round of the US Champcar series this year.

TRIPLE WORLD CHAMPION Jackie Stewart has said his dream of turning Silverstone into the best motorsport venue in the world will not happen unless the British Government help with the £110 million (pounds) funding for the project.

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA, in his Benetton-Renault, topped the times after the third day of testing at the Jerez circuit, Spain on Wednesday.

BENETTON confirmed on Wednesday the signing of chief designer Mark Smith from the Jordan team.

GASTON MAZZACANE has plunged the Minardi team into further crisis after confirming a move to the Prost Grand Prix team for the 2001 season.

THE Jordan team confirmed on Wednesday that they have signed a deal with German based athletic equipment company Puma.

BRITISH AMERICAN RACING became the first Formula One team to run their 2001 car at the Silverstone circuit on Wednesday.

JAGUAR RACING Chief Executive Officer is continuing to play his cards close to his chest as Luciano Burti prepares to give the team's new R2 challenger its first shakedown run at Silverstone today (Wednesday).

BRAZILIAN Luciano Burti wants to match the performance of Jaguar team-mate Eddie Irvine, but is not confident of achieving his goals.

DATA communications company AT&T have agreed a major three-year global sponsorship deal with the Jaguar team.