AUGUST 30, 1999

Alesi and Heidfeld at Prost

PROST GRAND PRIX has confirmed that its drivers in 2000 will be Jean Alesi and the Formula 3000 Champion Nick Heidfeld.

PROST GRAND PRIX has confirmed that its drivers in 2000 will be Jean Alesi and the Formula 3000 Champion Nick Heidfeld. Both the deals are believed to be for one year with options to continue in 2001. The news means that OlivierÊPanis is going to have to look elsewhere for employment next year. Panis is expected to be signed up to lead the Arrows team next year and he will probably be partnered by Japan's Tora Takagi. Spain's Pedro de la Rosa is expected to move on to a new Spanish team, which will be formed from the remains of Minardi.

The Prost announcement was interesting in that both announcements mentioned that the Gauloises Prost Peugeot alliance will continue. "Before I made this decision I wanted a clear review of the technical plans of the team," said Alesi, "and I am satisfied with the program." Alesi and Prost are no strangers having been team mates together at Ferrari in 1991.

We believe that Heidfeld will remain under a longterm contract to McLaren.