MARCH 30, 1998

Verstappen to test for Benetton

DUTCHMAN Jos Verstappen, out of work since he was dropped by Tyrrell in favor of pay-driver Ricardo Rosset, is to test for the Benetton team this week at Silverstone although it is by no means certain that he will be signed up as the team's test driver this year.

DUTCHMAN Jos Verstappen, out of work since he was dropped by Tyrrell in favor of pay-driver Ricardo Rosset, is to test for the Benetton team this week at Silverstone although it is by no means certain that he will be signed up as the team's test driver this year. He is, however, the logical choice as he has more experience than both the Benetton drivers. Also in the running for the Benetton test drive are British Formula 3 Champion Oliver Gavin and Formula 3000 hotshoe Jason Watt, who comes from Denmark.

Verstappen is believed to have around $750,000 of sponsorship available for the test drive. Verstappen started out as a Benetton test driver in 1994 but was promoted to JJ Lehto's drive after the Finn was injured in a testing crash. He later drove for Arrows and Tyrrell.