NOVEMBER 29, 2000
Diniz senior buys into Prost
ABILIO DINIZ, the father of Brazilian driver Pedro, has bought into Prost Grand Prix according to reports.
Diniz senior owns Brazil's second largest supermarket chain Grupo Pao de Acucar and is said to have bought a minority share - believed to be 30 per cent - in the struggling French outfit.
Prost have been courting a new sponsorship deal after Gauloises withdrew their backing as they need to fund the costs of the deal to use Ferrari engines in 2001.
The Guyancourt-based team have yet to confirm a second driver to partner Jean Alesi next year but the purchase of shares by Abilio Diniz is expected to see his son move from Sauber.
But speculation is mounting that Diniz junior could be brought into the team in a management role rather than as a second driver.