NOVEMBER 26, 2000
Mazzacane linked to Arrows and Prost
MINARDI driver Gaston Mazzacane has been linked to both the Arrows and Prost teams as he seems prepared to follow former team-mate Marc Gene out of the struggling Italian team.
Gene joined BMW-Williams as a test driver this week and Mazzacane has reportedly been in contact with Arrows and Prost, who are both still to confirm their driver line-ups for next season.
Mazzacane, who is backed by Miami-based media company Pan American Sports Network (PSN), is reported to be ready to test for Arrows at Jerez on December 5.
But an Arrows spokesperson said: "We cannot comment on this. Tom Walkinshaw (Arrows chairman) deals directly with all drivers and as far as we know there have been no discussions with Mazzacane."
Mazzacane's future at Minardi is in doubt as the team battle to find an engine deal and new sponsor for the 2001 season. PSN pulled out of a deal to back the team earlier this month and Cosworth, the Faenza-based team's engine supplier in 2000, do not want to supply 'works' engines any longer.
The Argentine driver's best chance of a drive for next season would be with French team Prost, who are looking for a driver to partner Jean Alesi next season. The Guyancourt-based team are also in need of new sponsors and could be attracted to Mazzacane's PSN backing.
Arrows drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Jos Verstappen have both said in recent weeks that they expect to be with the team next season, although no official announcement has been made by the team yet.
Mazzacane could join the team as a test driver, however, after Mark Webber left Arrows last season to test for Benetton.