BRNO READY FOR RACE WEEKEND
(18/08) After a four weekend break in the World Motorcycle Championships, the second half of the season gets underway at the Brno circuit this weekend for the Czech Republic Grand Prix which is round 10 of this year1s series. The track is one of the most popular with all concerned as it is wide, smooth and produces close racing with fast straights, fast corners, and a slower Estadium area for the riders to negotiate. After Brno, there are just two races left in Europe before Australia, South Africa, Brazil and Argentina.

18 YEAR OLD SARAH READY FOR IRL DEBUT!
(20/08) McClellan Motorsports is arranging a driving test for teenage racing phenom Sarah Fisher. Fisher, an 18 year old native of Commercial Point, Ohio, will test a Pep Boys Indy Racing League (IRL) car at Las Vegas Motor Speedway prior to the vegas.com 500 scheduled for September 26. Sarah is attempting to become the youngest female Indycar driver. "Sarah is a very intelligent driver with tremendous talent," said Mack McClellan of McClellan Motorsports. "Her success on pavement this season proves that she has the talent to become a fine IRL driver." "Our goal is to obtain an IRL license and compete in the vegas.com 500," added McClellan. "We are searching for sponsorship that will allow us to compete at Las Vegas, test during the off-season, and run a full IRL schedule in 2000."

FORD STRONGER IN CART MARKETING
(18/08) CART Licensed Products, Inc., the licensing arm of Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc., has announced a partnership with the Ford Motor Company on a cross-marketing licensing program. The announcement was jointly made by Jonathan Frank, president of CART Licensed Products, and Mickey T. D'Armi, merchandising and licensing manager for Ford Racing Technology. The term of the agreement begins immediately and carries through the end of 2000. The new relationship includes both promotions and merchandise using the trademarks of Ford Racing and CART.

BRIDGESTONE EXPECTS WET SPA GP
(20/08) The notoriously variable weather which afflicts the Ardennes even in late summer may well oblige the teams to call for Bridgestone's rain tyres. "We will have two specifications of wet-weather tyre for Spa," says Ichikawa, "one of which will be the new Heavy Wet variety which we developed after experience in the French GP. "Because the surface at Spa tends to retain water even after it has stopped raining, we expect the Heavy Wet to be suitable under cool temperatures even in the sort of light rain which is familiar from previous races here."

CONSTRUCTION WORKS CONTINUES AT INDIANAPOLIS!
(19/08) Construction at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is moving along at a 200-mph clip since the Brickyard 400 on Aug. 7. While framework for the new Formula One garages is going up, old buildings are coming down. "We're scooting along at a rapid pace," said Kevin Forbes, director of engineering and construction, as the claw of an excavating machine began to smash down the roof of the nearby media center. "We're right on schedule, but we've had a very aggressive schedule. As long as we can maintain that schedule, I think we should be complete on time."

MINARDI WITH '99 SPEC SUPERTEC
(19/08) Minardi team will be using in 2000 season the end-of-99 spec engines all year, whilst Arrows and Benetton will use both new units.

JORDAN OVER HONDA!
(18/08) Eddie Jordan has spoken about his worries about manufacturers influence in F1. Speaking to motoring news, he said that in talks with Honda the problem for full factory support was the Japanese concern wanting to rebrand the team. Eddie decided he wanted to be present in the sport more than get a huge cheque. He also spoke of his worries that teams would disappear when the heads of companies change "They should have to give an undertaking that a team will be allowed to be sold".

ALESI ACCEPTED ROSA APOLOGY
(18/08) Jean Alesi said that he received an apology from de la Rosa, which he accepted and said that he sees the matter as closed. He did take time however to point out what de la Rosa did wrong by saying: "He did three things wrong. First he was going slowly, second, he was on the line and, third, he lifted off. I had no chance to brake".

WILLIAMS WITH SAME DRIVERS!
(18/08) Schumacher told Williams boss Frank Williams that he was content driving for the team next season in spite of their disappointing performance in 99. Schumacher believes that the team will be revived in 2000 with BMW on board as both sponsor and engine supplier to the team. Team mate Alex Zanardi was said to have disappointed and hasn't lived up to expectations, but sources have indicated that he too will remain with Williams for the 2000 season in spite of speculations that he will return to the Champcar series.

NO TEAM ORDERS FROM McLAREN BOSS!
(17/08) McLaren boss Ron Dennis said he feels that both drivers need equal status in order to provide optimum performance in every single race of the season. David Coulthard, third in championship said: "Team orders could work against us if one driver dropped back to try and help out but then the one in front suddenly had a mechanical problem or something. That would only benefit our rivals". Ron Dennis only added: "My perception of a grand prix team is that you try to give your two drivers equal equipment and let them get on and race". Dennis fulfilled his comments by: "Sometimes you pay a price, but I think it is a small price to pay in a team such as ours which has a set of beliefs or philosophy".

GORDON HOPES FOR MORE SUCCESS
(18/08) This weekend, Jeff Gordon hopes for a clean sweep at Michigan Speedway by first winning the NAPA 200 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday in his Pepsi-sponsored Chevrolet, and then by winning the Pepsi 400 on Sunday in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. "This is a big weekend for Pepsi," said Gordon. "It's always extra special when you can win for your sponsor when they are also the title sponsor of the weekend. We won the Pepsi 400 here last year and we're going to work hard to have a good weekend in both the Busch and Cup races this year." (GORDON.COM)

NISSAN MANUFACTURERS CHAMPION!
(17/08) The dominant performance of the all-conquering Primera GT in this year's Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship finally wrapped up the manufacturers' title for Nissan at Knockhill yesterday. A win for BTCC rookie Laurent Aiello and a podium finish for team mate David Leslie ensured that with six rounds of the 1999 season remaining Nissan retained the crown it had won for the first time last year. (BTCC.CO.UK)

VALENCIA TESTING UNDER WAY - READY FOR BRNO!
(18/08) Criville rode alongside team mates Tady Okada, Sete Gibernau and Tohru Ukawa, all of them trying to recover the competitive sensations before the world championship restarts in the Czech Repsublic after a five week break. (DORNA.COM)

IRVINE FEELS BETER TO BE OVERTAKEN BY COULTHARD
(17/08) David Coulthard is dangerous driver according to Eddie Irvine. He said that he feels better when he lost out to Coulthard in order to prevent four points than nothing in case if both crashed and retired from race. Eddie: "His championship is over and with his record of hitting people in races this season, I was concerned about it happening to me - again. Don't forget, he banged into me trying to get past in Canada and almost ruined a great race for me. Too right I was worried that instead of six points I might end up with none".

NEW SPONSOR FOR STEWART TEAM
(17/08) The Marketing director for William Grant, Heather Graham elaborated on the deal: "The Grant's sponsorship of Stewart Grand Prix reflects the dynamism of the brand and creates an international property for Grant's which offers our customers around the world unrivalled excitement and prestige". Stewart added: "We are delighted to have Grant's as our official supplier and I am particularly pleased to welcome a world renowned Scotch whisky brand to the team."

GREAT TRIP TO HUNGARORING!
(16/08) Now I am back from Hungaroring. I must say, third time I was there and that was definitely for me the best ever 'GP Live'. I was able to attend all ceremony and able to walk into the pit area. There was much interesting things to explore, only what I missed there was that no one was here to give me a signature. But, I was closer to all this show than ever in my entire life.
I am a Hill fan, and that was my last tribute to this great Brit. Anyone interested on information about Hungarian GP or more about that trip is welcome to mail me. I will replay 100%!
You can take a trip with my camera through Photo Gallery.
Regards, Matej Kuharic - SWC Webmaster. matej.kuharic@fov.uni-mb.si

REYNARD IMPRESSED BY MID OHIO PERFORMANCE!
(17/08) Reynard has stretched its Constructors Championship lead in the 1999 Fedex Championship Series with the top six finishers at this weekend's race in Mid-Ohio all driving the Reynard 99I Champ Car. It was also the third podium sweep in succession for the Reynard marque with Team KOOL Green featuring on all three occasions. Juan Montoya, Target Ganassi Racing, took the victory this weekend to close the gap on championship leader, Dario Franchitti, who finished third. Franchitti took one point for his pole position to keep him just one point ahead of Montoya, 152 - 151. Sandwiched between this duo, Paula Tracy, Team KOOL Green, took second place, with valuable championship points bringing him within 2 points of third placed contender for the Drivers Championship, Michael Andretti.

MONTOYA PUTS PRESSURE ON AFTER WIN
(16/08) Juan Montoya moved within a point of Dario Franchitti at the top of the series standings by winning the Miller Lite 200 at Lexington, Ohio. The 23-year-old Colombian rookie took the lead for the first time when he passed Paul Tracy on lap 57 of 83, and he pulled away to claim his fifth victory of a brilliant season. Canadian Tracy had to settle for second position just ahead of Scotsman Franchitti. 'I was quicker than them so I pushed and pushed,' said Montoya.
Result of Sunday's Miller Lite 200 at Lexington, Ohio: 1 J Montoya Col Reynard Honda 2 P Tracy Can Reynard Honda 3 D Franchitti GB Reynard Honda 4 J Vasser USA Reynard Honda 5 M Papis It Reynard Ford 6 G de Ferran Brz Reynard Honda 7 H Castro-Neves Brz Lola Mercedes

SPONSOR AND SAWYER WILL STAY IN NO. 98
(17/08) NASCAR veteran Elton Sawyer, a native of Chesapeake, Va., will pilot the No. 98 Lysol Ford Taurus again in 2000. Sawyer has been with Akins Motorsports since 1994 and will be starting his 18th consecutive year competing in the NASCAR Busch Series. (NASCAR.COM)

GORDON ON THE RIGHT ROAD AGAIN
(15/08) Jeff Gordon continued his mastery of road courses by winning the Frontier at the Glen race in New York. The 28-year-old American's victory was his fifth in succession on a road course - a new NASCAR record. He finished 10 car-lengths ahead of 39-year-old Canadian Ron Fellows, who pushed Rusty Wallace into third place. Gordon, though, heaped praise on Fellows. 'Ron's a great road racer. He put the pressure on me,' he said.
Result of the 90-lap Frontier at the Glen race at Watkins Glen, New York: 1 J Gordon Chevrolet 2 R Fellows Chevrolet 3 R Wallace Ford 4 D Jarrett Ford 5 J Nadeau Ford 6 T Stewart Pontiac 7 W Dallenbach Chevrolet

ALESI CALLS TIME ON SAUBER ASSOCIATION
(16/08) Frenchman Jean Alesi has revealed he will be leaving the Swiss-based Sauber team at the end of the season. 'Now it's finished with Sauber,' said the 35-year-old veteran of 160 races after a pit-stop problem forced him to retire from the Hungarian Grand Prix. 'Next year I will drive in another country for another team. I haven't signed for anyone but my life with Sauber is finished,' he added. Alesi's only Grand Prix victory came in Canada four years ago while with Ferrari.

HAKKINEN LEADS HOME McLAREN ONE - TWO
(15/08) Mika Hakkinen closed within two points of championship leader Eddie Irvine after turning the Hungarian Grand Prix into a procession in Budapest. The world champion made every metre of the running to come home almost 10 seconds clear of McLaren teammate David Coulthard. The Ferrari of Northern Ireland's Irvine came third. 'It was fantastic. I can't describe it any other way,' said Hakkinen. 'Our team set up the car so well for me and David it made it easy for us to win.' Eddie Irvine lost second place after spin but he survived and finished third.
Hakkinen - 1st: "It is a great feeling to be back on the winners podium once again. This race is a tough one, it takes a lot out of the car and the driver! By the time we had only ten laps left to go I thought if anything is going to go wrong it is going to be now so I was almost holding my breath."
Coulthard - 2nd: "I didn't pick up speed as quickly as the others around me and they managed to get passed. So, I had to bide my time and wait for the first pitstop in order to pass the two slower cars in front of me. After that I soon closed on Eddie Irvine. After the second pit stop, I obviously tried to put pressure on Eddie and I was glad to be able to take advantage of his mistake which allowed me to take second place today."
Irvine - 3rd: "This is a disappointing result, but at least I have come away with four points, the first time I have scored any here. My start was as good as it should have been on that side of the track, but after just two or three laps my tyres went off badly and I was having problems with the front and rear of the car, which was jumping all over the road. I think we got a couple of things wrong."
Frentzen - 4th: "We both finished in the points. The car was perfect for me, although I think the strategy could have worked better. Fisichella held me up a lot, but really I am happy with three points."
Barrichello - 5th: "I'm relieved to finally get back in the points. I'm sure we can pick up more points before the season is over if we produce performances like today's. I'm really looking forward to Spa now after this result. I think the car will be well suited there."
Hill - 6th: "Thestart went well, but though our strategy was ok we had not counted on Rubens making only one stop. I was able to catch him, but around here it is difficult to pass unless someone is blocked or makes a mistake. It was a tough race, but I am happy to score a Championship point."
Result of the Hungarian GP in Budapest: 1 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren One hour 46 minutes 23.536 seconds 2 D Coulthard GB McLaren +9.706 3 E Irvine NI Ferrari +27.228 4 H-H Frentzen Ger Jordan +31.815 5 R Barrichello Brz Stewart +43.808 6 D Hill GB Jordan +55.726 7 A Wurz Aut Benetton + l lap 8 J Trulli It Prost + 1 lap 9 R Schumacher Ger Williams + 1 lap 10 O Panis Fr Prost + 1 lap

HAKKINEN ON HUNGARIAN POLE
(14/08) McLaren's Mika Hakkinen scored another pole ahead of Hungarian GP on Sunday. He outpaced his main rival Eddie Irvine from Ferrari team. Hakkinen's team mate Coulthard finished qualifying on third spot, just few tenths ahead of very quick Benetton's Fisichella. Fifth place grabbed Frentzen, ahead of team mate Hill in Jordans. Wurz completed good day for Benetton finishing on seventh spot. Disappointment of day way Mika Salo in Ferrari, who finished lonely 18th fastest!
Top qualifying times: 1. M. Hakkinen McLaren 1:18,156 2. E. Irvine Ferrari 1:18,263 3. D. Coulthard McLaren 1:18,384 4. G. Fisichella Benetton 1:18,515 5. H.-H. Frnetzen Jordan 1:18,664 6. D. Hill Jordan 1:18,667 7. A. Wurz Benetton 1:18,733 8. R. Barrichello Stewart 1:19,095 9. J. Villeneuve BAR 1:19,127 10. J. Herbert Stewart 1:19,219

I AM HEADING FOR HUNGARIAN GP!
(14/08) It is about time to enjoy and watch live race in Hungary again, also this season. That's will be for me third time, as I was there in '96 and '97, now I am going for '99. As result of my trip to Hungarian GP, you will be able to enjoy Live Broadcast as ever, but all data at front page will be updated on Monday.
I will try to bring interesting photos from Hungaroring and maybe also few interesting rumors. So, don't miss this page, I am back on Monday!
Best regards, Matej Kuharic - Speed World Central Webmaster.

SCHUMACHER IN LINE FOR MONZA RETURN
(14/08) Ferrari owner Gianni Agnelli has revealed that injured driver Michael Schumacher will be fit to return for next month's Italian Grand Prix. 'The doctors have told us that he will be well and will be able to race at Monza,' said Agnelli, in Budapest for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix. Schumacher has been on the sidelines since breaking his leg at the British Grand Prix last month. In his absence, Ferrari team-mate Eddie Irvine has won both races in Austria and Germany.

McLARENS QUICKEST IN SATURDAY'S FREE
(14/08) McLarens drivers completed good Saturday morning practice as both topped time sheets ahead of Jordan's Frentzen and Stewart's Herbert. Jean Alesi survived heavy impact and will qualify today.
Top Free practice times: 1.Mika H{kkinen FIN 1:18,219 McLaren-Mercedes 2.David Coulthard SCO 1:18,890 McLaren-Mercedes 3.Heinz-H. Frentzen GER 1:19,012 Jordan-Mugen-Honda 4.Johnny Herbert GB 1:19,164 Stewart-Ford 5.Rubens Barrichello BRA 1:19,186 Stewart-Ford

MALIK OUT OF ARROWS TEAM?
(14/08) Rumours are that Prince Malik Ido Abrahim has been bought out of the Arrows team again. The Nigerian businessman was brought into the team in January. (F1TODAY.COM)

SHELL STAYS WITH FERRARI
(14/08) It was speculated that current sponsor Shell would be giving their backing to one of the other teams on the grid, but according to a spokesperson for the Italian outfit, they have no intention of ending their partnership with Shell in the foreseeable future. He furthermore stressed that Agip isn't currently under consideration.

FRANCHITTI ON PROVISIONAL MID OHIO POLE
(14/08) Dario Franchitti, fresh of last weekend's Detroit victory stormed to provisional pole position at Mid Ohio race circuit. He outpaced second best Brian Herta for almost half a second, third fastest was Mark Blundell, who is back in racing after two months of rehabilation. Montoya was unable to find good balance of the car and finished lonely ninth fastest after first day of racing. Gordon was best Toyota runner. "I love racing at Mid-Ohio," said Herta. "This track holds a lot of fond memories for me and is one of my favorite courses on the CART circuit. We usually run well at this track and I expect to be one of the top cars all weekend."
Friday's qualifying results from Mid Ohio: 1. D Franchitti Honda 65.347sec 2. B Herta Ford +0.477 3. M Blundell Mercedes +0.534 4. P Tracy Honda +0.561 5. T Kanaan Honda +0.639 6. J Vasser Honda +0.744 7. G Ferran Honda +0.786 8. H Castro-Neves Mercedes +0.790 9. JP Montoya Honda +0.827 10. M Papis Ford +0.969 11. R Gordon Toyota +1.005

DELAYED QUALIFYING - POLE FOR WALLACE
(14/08) Rusty Wallace celebrated his birthday by capturing the pole position for Sunday's Glen. This was Wallace's first pole on the 2.45-mile road course and his lap broke Dale Earnhardt's record of 73.054 seconds (120.733 mph). "I've always liked coming to Watkins Glen," he said.
Wallace will be joined on the front row by rookie Boris Said. "Second to those guys might not mean much, but to be a rookie team with a rookie driver it sure means a lot," said Said.
Starting grid for Sunday's Frontier at Watkins Glen, New York: 1 R Wallace Ford 121.234 miles per hour 2 B Said Ford 120.915 3 J Gordon Chevrolet 120.632 4 T Stewart Pontiac 120.242 5 M Martin Ford 120.234 6 J Nadeau Ford 120.077 7 R Fellows Chevrolet 120.018 8 B Elliott Ford 119.976 9 D Jarrett Ford 119.936 10 T Labonte Chevrolet 119.834

BRIDGESTONE TYRE INVESTIGATION
(14/08) Having closely examined what tiny remnants could be found of the tyre which failed on Mika Hakkinen's car during the German Grand Prix, Bridgestone and McLaren technicians have reached the followingconclusions: 1. There was no failure of the tyre consistent with incorrect or faulty construction. 2. There was no structural failure on the McLaren car. Several other possibilities remain which could explain the failure, although there is insufficient evidence to establish exactly whathappened. These possibilities include high temperatures in the tyre; tyre pressures; a cut in the tyre; or a blister due to some or all of the preceding circumstances. (BRIDGESTONE.COM)

IRVINE READY FOR HAT - TRICK
(14/08) "Until this year I had never won a Grand Prix," Irvine said, "and this year I have won three. As the song goes, 'The times, they are a'changin'.'" In Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix -- the 11th of 16 on the Formula One calendar. Irvine could have a chance of a hat trick of victories. "If I hadn't messed up my pit stop at Silverstone (at the British Grand Prix) that would already have been on the cards," Irvine said. "It would be great if I could do it, but Mika (Hakkinen) will be do everything he can to make sure it doesn't happen."

IRVINE KEEPS UP THE PRESSURE
(13/08) Briton Eddie Irvine maintained the pressure on defending champion Mika Hakkinen by clocking the fastest time in free practice for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. Irvine, top of the drivers' standings after two successive victories, is aiming to be the first Ferrari champion for 20 years. He clocked one minute 19.47 seconds late in the afternoon session, with McLaren pair Hakkinen and David Coulthard second and third fastest. Free practice was also full of spins and accidnets, including Hakkinene, who finished his run into gravel trap, as well as Ralf Schumacher in Williams and Diniz in Sauber car. Damon Hill lost control in last corner before finish straight and colided into tyre barrier. Also Fisichella survived few spins. Both Ferrari drivers were free of all those problems.
Leading times after the free practice for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest: 1 E Irvine GB Ferrari One minute 19.47 seconds 2 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:19.79 3 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:20.11 4 R Barrichello Brz Stewart 1:20.54 5 M Salo Fin Ferrari 1:20.98 6 H-H Frentzen Ger Jordan 1:21.18 7 A Zanardi It Williams 1:21.25 8 A Wurz Aut Benetton 1:21.45 9 R Schumacher Ger Williams 1:21.48 10 J Herbert GB Stewart 1:21.48

VILLENEUVE HINTS AT BAR DEPARTURE
(13/08) The 1997 Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve has hinted that he may quit the BAR frustrated by a catalogue of problems which have blighted F1's newest team. 'I may have no choice but to leave next year or the year after if things don't transform,' said the Canadian. He will, however, wait and see whether the Honda engine to be used next year will changes things: 'I want to win BARs first race next year. I think we have the ability.'

GORDON READY FOR NEXT ROAD COURSE VICTORY AT WATKINS GLEN
(12/08) Now, going into this Sunday's Frontier at the Glen at Watkins Glen International, Gordon will be working towards an unprecedented fifth consecutive road coarse win. "It's pretty amazing to me that we've won the last four road course races," said Gordon. "Especially with competition like Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace and even Bobby Hamilton who came on strong last year on the roadcourses. "This DuPont Automotive Finishes team has worked real hard on our road course program, and it has definitely paid off." Gordon tested at Watkins Glen just after the last race at Pocono last month, trying out the concrete that has been added to the corners. Gordon was pleased with the results. (GORDON.COM)

FERRAN BASEBALL PLAYER?
(13/08) Championship Car driver Gil de Ferran got the Florida Marlins off to a strong start on Tuesday, Aug. 10, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in the Marlins' 8-7 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Pro Player Stadium. Picking up a baseball for "the second time in my life," the CART FedEx Championship Series driver of Walker Racing's Valvoline Reynard/Honda had some pre-game encouragement from Giants' coach John Yandle, and then fired a strike to open the contest. "I think it was great, " said de Ferran. "It's a big honor to be here throwing the first pitch. My family enjoyed the experience, which made it an even better experience. It was quite an exciting game."

VILLENEUVE AND ZANARDI MAY RACE SOON!
(12/08) Andrew Craig, Cart series boss, stated that the four wild card entries won't be restricted to current CART drivers as previously said and thus both Jacques Villeneuve and Alex Zanardi will be eligible to take part, provided that they have permission from their current F1 team bosses.

DOOHAN DELAYS COMEBACK FROM INJURY
(12/08) Five-times 500cc world champion Mick Doohan says he is not ready to make his comeback from injury and will miss the Czech Grand Prix on 22 August. 'This is the race I had been aiming for to start racing again, but we are going to have to wait a little longer,' the Australian said. 'At the moment my arm isn't strong enough for racing, although generally my recovery has been good. There is no reason to panic, I just need more time,' he added.

SCHUMACHER BACK IN THE GYM
(13/08) Two-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher has resumed work in the gym, four days after undergoing a second operation at a hospital in Geneva. The 30-year-old German broke his right leg in two places when he crashed at Silverstone in July. His manager said the driver planned to work very hard as he bids to resume testing before the end of the month and has targeted the Italian Grand Prix on 12 September for his return.

IRVINE ABOUT SCHUMACHER
(13/08) Eddie Irvine was quoted as saying: "He's the fastest. With equal cars no one can beat him. Speed is not enough. You need to avoid mistakes and he makes a lot. Too many".

HUNGARORING CIRCUIT CHARACTERISTICS
(12/08) Twisty and tight with a low grip surface as the track is notoriously dirty. Maximum downforce required for cornering power. There are no fast corners and few overtaking opportunities - the only real opportunity is under braking for the first corner - so the race has been known to produce rather processional, flag-to-flag racing. The circuit is situated in a natural amphitheatre so it's good for the spectators!

IRVINE WILL NOT STAY AS NUMBER TWO
(12/08) Eddie Irvine has said that he is not prepared to continue at Ferrari as their number two driver next season. In an interview with Famiglia Cristiana magazine he said his future with the Italian team would depend on the status of colleague Michael Schumacher next year. 'If he's the number one driver again I'm leaving,' said Irvine, who has won two Grand Prix in the absence through injury of Schumacher.

IRVINE BOUYANT FOR HUNGARIAN GP
(12/08) Eddie Irvine leads in championship's standings and is hoping to maintain his good run also in Hungary. "Finishing the race is going to be hard work. If I can take another finish on the podium I will be happy. If I scored another win that would be great. Tactics and tyres are going to be important here. If the team gets things right, which they usually do, another 10 points is not impossible".

SALO TO SIGN NEW CONTRACT!
(12/08) Mika Salo has been offered contract from Ford, Sauber, Prost and Ferrari. Sources have indicated that Salo's first choice would be Ford to possibly drive alongside Eddie Irvine, although the rumoured offer from Sauber also holds some appeal with Sauber's engine supply from Ferrari for 2000, which will most likely see them running with customer engines. Mika Salo commented on his imminent decision on Wednesday and said: "I haven't signed anything yet, but I will before Hungary in case I screw it all up there!"

BMW AND WILLIAMS READY FOR MORE TESTING
(11/08) BMW and Williams are finalizing the first 1999 FW21 chassis for it's testdrive in September with a BMW V10 engine. Ralf Schumacher and Alex Zanardi will take over some of the test from testdriver Jorg Muller. (F1TODAY.COM)

KANAAN READY FOR MID OHIO
(12/08) "I am excited about Mid-Ohio. We had a couple of very good tests there, and I believe we have a competitive car. The Mid-Ohio track is a fun track but very tough. This is a track where you really have to drive. It comes down to you as much as the car. People show their skills there for sure. It is one of the most difficult physically, and one of my favorites. This is also an important weekend for the team because it is our hometown race, and for Honda as well because of the Marysville plant. The team has never won this race, and it would be great to bring it home for them. I tasted a Champ Car win once and it feels good. Now I would like to do it a little bit more often!"

McLAREN TEAM FOCUSED VERY MUCH
(10/08) McLaren's team chief, Ron Dennis issued a warning to main rival Ferrari ahead of Sunday's Hungarian grand prix. "The team are more focused than ever," he said. The team has had bad luck in recent races, robbing them of vital championship points. "We have had a run of disappointments recently but as a team we do not dwell on these things," Dennis said. He had the following to say about Sunday's race: "We will go to Hungary even more determined to achieve a good result." For world champion Mika Hakkinen, who lost the championship lead at the German grand prix, it is a special race. He explained by saying: "This is also a special race for me as so many Finnish people attend that it almost becomes a home Grand Prix."

McRAE NOT IN F1 CAR?
(10/08) Ford boss, Wilford said: "We had hoped to do the test next month but that is no longer possible. Colin has a two-year contract with the Ford rally team with an option to move on after one year, so he could have made the switch. He is very important to the rally organisation and it now looks certain he will drive in the world championship for another year and test at Silverstone in the spring."

SCHUMACHER TO BE IRVINE'S NUMBER TWO
(09/08) Ferrari have confirmed that when the injured Michael Schumacher returns to racing it will be in a supporting role to his former number two Eddie Irvine. Since the German broke his leg in the British Grand Prix in July, Irvine has won consecutive grands prix to move into world championship contention. And Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo said: 'The day Schumacher gets back, it will be to help Ferrari. At that point he will have no chance to contend for the title.'

HONDA FOR PROST TEAM ?
(09/08) Sources indicated that Alcatel, one of the Prost team's sponsors, has confirmed that Alain Prost has been in discussions with Honda since the Austrian GP and speculations are that Honda would be supplying the engines in turn for Jacques Villeneuve to drive for Prost with Jarno Trulli being linked with Jordan for the 2000 season.

FERNANDEZ ALSO ON INJURY LIST
(09/08) 'The most important things are that he receives the best medical care possible and that he has a full recovery.' Fernandez will be allowed back in his racecar after he receives the all-clear from CART's chief orthopedic consultant Dr Terry Trammell.

FRANCIS SELECTED IN!
(09/08) David Francis, Jr., who has compiled an impressive record in just a few short years of open-wheel racing, was named today as the first driver selected for a comprehensive test session in Championship Auto Racing Teams' African-American driver developmentprogram.

STEWART OPTIMISTIC FOR WATKINS GLEN
(10/08) Tony Stewart: "Although I've never even seen the road course at Watkins Glen, I've been told that it's going to be one heck of a ride this weekend. We only see these road courses twice a year so I'm looking forward to making a few right-hand turns in the Home Depot Pontiac." "We'll be drawing on our notes from Sears Point. The Home Depot team had a pretty good run there, especially when you consider it was our first race on a road course. There's definitely an art to driving these big cars on a road course."

LJ RACING NAMES NEW DRIVER, SPONSORS
(10/08) MCI WorldCom will sponsor LJ Racing's No. 91 Chevrolet for the Frontier @ The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 15. Road race specialist Jack Baldwin will be in the driver's seat for the race.

WENDLINGER - BERETTA TOO STRONG
(09/08) Olivier Beretta and Karl Wendlinger, with their fourth win of the season, are now eight points clear in the Driver’s Championship, while Oreca are sure of winning the Team’s Championship. Belloc and Duez were second after qualifying seventh. Sascha Maassen, starting from pole in the Eschmann Porsche, put in a strong drive for the first hour, leading until he made his first pit stop.

DRIVERS EXPECTATIONS FOR HUNGARIAN GP
(09/08) Damon Hill, Jordan: "I really like Hungary. All the corners are really good. Turn 1 is particularly tricky because there is a big drop from the straight in the braking area so you are actually braking downhill and turning into a corner which drops away from you which makes the car lighter. You can get on the power quite early there and 'sling-shot' out of the corner into the next one.
Eddie Irvine, Ferrari: "I think our car should go quite well in Hungary and I like the track as well. It's a track where you can really drive the car and throw it around. A fun place to drive."
Mika Salo, Ferrari: It's a fun track to drive and I am looking forward to it. Qualifying will be very important because like Monaco, if you don't get a good starting position, you can get stuck behind a slower car and soon lose touch with the race for the points."
Ralf Schumacher, Williams: "The Hungaroring is one of the slowest racetracks in our calendar, with regards to the average speed. Just like in Monaco, the engineers must try to get as much aerodynamical downforce as possible, although mechanical grip is also important."
Alex Zanardi, Williams: "The Hungaroring is a very mixed circuit and also very demanding, where overtaking is naturally difficult. Therefore, it is not really exciting to race there."
Alexander Wurz, Benetton: "Given the fact that aerodynamics is an important factor on this track our team does not have a lot of reasons for high hopes there."

SCHUMACHER TARGETS ITALY FOR RETURN
(08/08) Twice world champion Michael Schumacher hopes to return for the Italian Grand Prix on 12 September after undergoing a minor operation in Geneva. Spokesman Heiner Buchinger said Italy was a 'realistic objective' for the German, who broke his right leg in two places in the British Grand Prix last month. The operation,to remove pins inserted in the leg, was a success and the German should start testing between 1 and 4 September.

FRANCHITTI WINS DETROIT FOR CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD
(08/08) Dario Franchitti produced great run on Sunday in Detroit, and a little bit of luck of him also enabled him to take over CART points lead as Montoya retired from race, despite leading most laps of the race in Detroit. Second place goes to another Green Team KOOL driver Paul Tracy, third to Greg Moore, who signed for Penske team. Ferran retired from race. Target team made mistake and did not pit with Montoya and that drop Colombian later on to seventh place. Colombian was unable to match for podium, as he colided with Fittipaldi's stand in Moreno. Later on he was bump out in (yellow!!!) situation by Neves, who hits Colombian car into the back! Race was also affected by heavy crash between Gugelmin and Carpentier. Carpentier suffered light injury, but is OK according to reports from medical center.
Result of the Detroit Grand Prix at the Belle Isle Raceway: 1 D Franchitti Sco Honda 2 P Tracy Can Honda 3 G Moore Can Mercedes 4 M Andretti USA Ford 5 J Vasser USA Honda 6 T Kanaan BRA Honda

JARRETT KNOWS ONLY ABOUT WINNING!
(07/08) Series leader Dale Jarrett extended his overall lead after another great victory, this time at great Indianapolis raceway. He completed 400 miles long race ahead of very quick Bobby Labonte and pole sitter Jeff Gordon. Jarrett is on winning way, while Gordon slowely looses his Winston Cup title.
Result of the 160-lap Brickyard 400 at Indianpolis Speedway 1 D Jarrett Ford 2 B Labonte Pontiac 3 J Gordon Chevrolet 4 M Martin Ford 5 J Burton Ford 6 W Burton Pontiac 7 T Stewart Pontiac 8 R Wallace Ford 9 R Rudd Chevrolet 10 D Earnhardt Chevrolet

FERRARI CHIEF PRAISES SCHUMACHER
(08/08) Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemelo has said that even if Eddie Irvine wins this year's drivers' championship, he still rates Michael Schumacher the better driver. 'Don't forget, with total respect for Irvine, Schumacher has finished 51 times out of 54 ahead of him in practice.' He said Ferrari were thrilled that Irvine had big possibilities but added: 'Schumacher's contribution is fundamental.'

BRIDGESTONE STILL QUIET
(08/08) Martin Whitmarsh, the managing director for the McLaren team, commented by saying: "We have reached no conclusion, and it would be unwise to speculate, but the Bridgestone engineers have told us that they could find no cuts on David Coulthard's tyre. It has also been confirmed by a Bridgestone engineer that they do not believe that a rear wing failure caused the subsequent tyre problem on Hakkinen's car during the race."

DOOHAN TO HELP CRIVILLE LAND TITLE
(06/08) World champion Mick Doohan has vowed to help Honda team mate Alex Criville clinch the 500cc rider's crown when the title is within the Spaniard's grasp. But Criville remains a rival until then, the injured Australian suggested. 'If we were both in a championship- deciding race, then I'd help him out and wouldn't finish in front of him,' the champion said. 'But at this point in time, he's just got to take control of the championship and the races themselves,' he added.

ARROWS WITH NO TESTING
(07/08) The Arrows team was the only team who didn't test this week in preparation for the upcoming Hungarian GP. In stead the team opted to concentrate on preparing their cars for the race and Takagi will conduct the shakedown of the three chassis for the race on Saturday at Santa Pod.

SCHUMACHER MUST WAIT FOR TRACK RETURN
(07/08) Ferrari has ruled out a swift return to the track for former world champion Michael Schumacher, who is still recovering from the broken leg he suffered at Silverstone last month. The German has been told he must rest for a 'few more weeks' before even contemplating getting behind the wheel following a series of tests in Geneva. 'The clinical evaluation is very good at this time, but it is too early for him to get back into Formula 1 racing,' the Italian team said in a statement.

VILLENEUVE ABOUT SCHUMACHER SITUATION
(07/08) If Michael Schumacher were to return in the 99 season he finds himself in quite a dilemma as Jacques Villeneuve explained by saying: "Whatever he does, Michael can only lose. If he returns he has to help Irvine win the title. And by doing that he ruins his reputation of being the only man who can win a title for Ferrari". Villeneuve elaborated by saying that Michael showed Eddie for three years how to win and that Irvine has taken this to heart and that this is Irvine's chance to show that Ferrari can win the title without Schumacher behind the wheel.

MONTOYA SCORED ANOTHER POLE AT DETROIT
(08/08) Juan Pablo Montoya produced another stunning lap at Detroit circuit to score his fifth pole of season ahead of Sunday's race. Youngster, Rookie of the year beats Friday's pole sitter Paul Tracy, third placed was Gil de Ferran, fourth Franchitti and fifth Fittipaldi's set in Roberto Moreno. Montoya said about his race on Sunday: "I'm really looking forward to the Detroit race, mostly because it's not 500 miles long. The U.S. 500 was fun, but, wow...it's a lot of work. I watched the Detroit race on television last year and it looks like a good course. Not a lot of room for passing, but I think I'll be able to find one or two places to get by people."
Starting grid for Sunday's Detroit Grand Prix at the Belle Isle Raceway 1 J Montoya Col Honda 1 minute 13.58 seconds 2 P Tracy Can Honda 1:13.61 3 G de Ferran Brz Honda 1:13.78 4 D Franchitti Sco Honda 1:13.79 5 R Moreno Brz Ford 1:13.86 6 T Kanaan Brz Honda 1:13.95 7 G Moore Can Mercedes 1:14.02 8 M Andretti USA Ford 1:14.03 9 P Carpentier Can Mercedes 1:14.09 10 M Papis It Ford 1:14.21

UNSER OUT, MOORE AND FERRAN SIGNED FOR PENSKE
(08/08) Al Unser scored last victory for Penske team in 1995 season and from there on all things went just down. He will be replaced next season by Ferran and Moore, who will join Penske team from Walker and Patrick racing. Team owner Penske said, ‘We're excited about this. Both of these guys have been pursued by other teams.’ They're both at the very top of their games, Penske said. ‘They're certainly the type of drivers we'd like to have driving for us.’ Unser said of his departure, ‘We've had great success with Marlboro Team Penske. It really wasn't that hard of a decision, because Roger is a friend of mine and supports me. This is another corner we're taking.’

WHAT THEY WERE TESTING FOR HUNGARY
(06/08) Hill and Frentzen in Jordans busied himself with back to back tyre testing as well as practicing 13 starts. In addition he concentrated on aerodynamic modifications, which the team are planning to introduce at the Hungarian GP, including the evaluation of three new types of brakes.
Irvine and Salo in Ferrari work on general set up as well as with brake testing on the F399, but Irvine had to abandon his session ahead of the scheduled time when the engine reached its mileage limit in the early afternoon.
Prost team was working on general set up as well as the testing of different aerodynamic solutions. They managed to complete a suspension programme and in addition tested different shock absorbers. They also work on Peugeot powerplant.
The Sauber team concentrated on general set up including the testing of different aerodynamic configurations.
Williams was also testin in Silverstone. James Robinson, the Senior Operations Engineer for the team gave his thoughts on the session by saying: "The aim of this test was to make sure we were ready for the next race and we have been working on modifications to the FW21's to help the cars cope with the expected high ambient and track temperatures in Budapest."
Stewart team worked on general set up for Hungarian GP, but they also encountered many problems with SW car, also one Ford engine exploded.

McLAREN'S TYRES HEADING INTO JAPAN FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION
(06/08) After a preliminary inspection, the Bridgestone engineers determined that a full examination was required at the Bridgestone Technical Centre in Kodaira-Tokyo, Japan, where the necessary dedicated equipment is located. Accordingly, Mr. Hirohide Hamashima returned to Japan on Monday with the remains of the tyre in his luggage.

KANAAN FASTEST MAN IN DETROIT
(06/08) Tony Kanaan was quick through twisty Detroit circuit. In fact he was over six-tenths of a second quicker on his best lap than anyone else. Bryan Herta was second quickest in the session. Next up were the Newman/Haas pair of Andretti and Moreno. They were separated by less than a tenth of a second, a testament to the equality of the cars. Everyone knows the level of driving Andretti brings to the party, and Moreno’s showing he’s up to that level too. Max Papis was the final driver in the top five.

DETROIT EVENT PREVIEW
(05/08) 1999 marks the 18th running of the Tenneco Automotive Grand Prix of Detroit. Originally a Formula One Series race, the event was established in 1982 by Detroit Renaissance, Inc. It transferred to the Indy car format in 1989, and has spent the past seven years as a part of the CART FedEx Championship Series. In 1992, the race moved from the streets of downtown Detroit to the scenic Belle Isle Park. The event was sold to IMG Motorsports in August, 1993. Tenneco Automotive became the title sponsor in 1999, making the official name of the race the Tenneco Automotive Grand Prix of Detroit. (WALKER RACING)

GORDON SETS NEW RECORD FOR POLE
(07/08) A day after celebrating his 28th birthday Jeff Gordon had another big day on the oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He set an Indy stock car qualifying record with a lap of 179.612 mph, grabbing his third pole in six tries on the track where he is the only two-time winner of NASCAR's Brickyard 400. 'This is a special place,' Gordon said. 'I love coming here. And the fan reaction makes it even more special.'

IRVINE DENIES JAGUAR SIGNING
(05/08) World championship leader Eddie Irvine and Ford has denied a report that he has agreed to leave Ferrari to race next season for the Ford team. Autosport magazine had reported that the Briton, winner of the last two grands prix, had signed for Ford, who had also decided to change the name of their team from Stewart to Jaguar. But a source close to Irvine said that the Northern Irish driver laughed out loud when told of the report and flatly rejected it.

BERNIE WANTS TWO QUALIFYING SESSIONS
(05/08) Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone wants a return to two days of Grand Prix qualifying. One session is held at present, a second official timed period was discontinued four years ago. Ecclestone said aggregate times over the two sessions could decide grid positions. 'We have the technology to calculate the time a driver would need on a Saturday to add to his Friday time so that viewers could understand it easily enough,' Ecclestone said.

NEW DRIVERS FOR PROST TEAM IN 2000
(05/08) Sources have indicated that the Prost team's announcement on their driver line up for the 2000 season is imminent and their new drivers are rumoured to be Stephane Sarrazin, their current test driver and Nick Heidfeld, a F3000 driver. If any of the above drivers decline the offer, indications are that Olivier Panis will be given a second chance for the 2000 season.

BURTI AGAIN IMPRESSED STEWART TEAM
(05/08) Luciano Burti completed a total of 85 laps with the series 4 engine and commented afterwards by saying: "Covering that many laps gave me a real chance to become accustomed to the car. From my experience at the Monza test and here, the SF3 is a very good car to drive. It's very forgiving which allows you to push hard when you need to. I was also able to make a lot of progress with set-up to assist the team's preparations for Hungary".

SUPERTEC READY FOR MINARDI
(04/08) The owner of the Minardi team Gabriele Rumi has announced that his team will be making use of Supertec engines for the 2000 season. He said that a contract between himself and Supertec for the supply of such would be signed shortly. He elaborated on the new partnership by saying: "We will have Supertec engines and with them the possibility to show our potential. The contract will shortly be signed, but I certainly feel a lot calmer about the engine situation now."

SALO RESERVED SEAT FOR 2000!
(04/08) Jean Todt, Ferrari boss explained: "Salo might have handed over his victory, but he guaranteed someone will give him a job in F1 next year. I'm very pleased for him - the way he handled the situation was impressive and in good spirit. He good driver and a good human being."

MORENO TO REPLACE INJURED FITTIPALDI
(04/08) Roberto Moreno is the most serious contender for empty seat inside Newmann Hass team after Brazilian Fittipaldi heavy crash at Gateway. Roberto Moreno stepped in for Mark Blundell at the PacWest team after the Englishman crashed in testing at Gateway International Raceway - the same track where Fittipaldi crashed yesterday and delivered great results for the team in Brit's absence.

DAVIES AND BURTON CONTINUES TOGETHER
(05/08) Nascar team owner Bill Davis announced Wednesday he had signed three-year deals with driver Ward Burton and sponsor Caterpillar, keeping seven-year veteran Burton in No. 22 Caterpillar Pontiacs through the 2002 season.

RICKY RUDD IN BIG TROUBLES
(04/08) Ricky Rudd has a lot more to worry about than a 16-year winning streak in the country's premier racing series. Rudd is trying to right a season that has gone terribly wrong. Rudd has made a variety of personnel changes and withstood miserable racing luck. He's even lost his primary sponsor and is now involved in a search for a replacement for the Indianapolis weekend, for the race he won last time in his entire career. (NASCAR.COM)

COPE FREE FOR 2000 SEASON
(03/08) Derrike Cope, one of only nine active drivers to win the Daytona 500, is free to negotiate with any team regarding driving opportunities for the year 2000. Cope is under contract to drive for Bahari'-Eel River Racing the remainder of this season. Eel River Racing, owned by Jack Birmingham, announced earlier the purchase of the Bahari' Racing team owned by Chuck Rider, which fields the No. 30 Pontiacs.

FITTIPALDI IN HOSPITAL AFTER CRASH
(03/08) Christian Fittipaldi will miss this weekend's CART race in Detroit after being taken to hospital following a crash in testing. The Brazilian was knocked unconscious for around 10 minutes in the Illinois accident. He was then airlifted tohospital in St Louis, where he was admitted to the neurological intensive care unit for testing. A hospital spokeswoman said Fittipaldi was is in serious but stable condition and was expected to remain overnight.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER IN WORST EVER SITUATION!
(04/08) True or false, there might be a lot of truth for Schumacher, double champion. Michael did not find himself in worst condition as racing driver. Also Ferrari team is now officially in daily contacts with German driver, but unofficially there is new Italian hero, Eddie Irvine. All those news, about possible return of Michael back to the racing car are just completely out of near reality, either for Italian team or Schumacher. ‘I will undergo a medical examination on Friday and if the doctors say yes, then I will test on Saturday,’ said Schumacher. ‘But I don’t think it is likely that I will be testing. I would say my chances are only about 5%.’
Under those words can be describet big scare from Schumacher's side, he is the best paid driver, out of action and after three seasons of unsuccessful fighting for world title there come's his all time second driver and may grab even title for Italian's. And that means not just cut on his salary, but also he will not be only choice for the best one in F1. Eddie can deliver, why we are going to pay so much for German may say many Italians, also those close to Fiat company.
And as Schumacher wants stay no.1 in Italian team, Ferrari can lost no.1 car for the next season, as Irvine already signed contract with Ford company, new team will be named as Jaguar, so under new livery old good Stewart team.
And Barrichello may be lessrespectable for German hero as well.
It is somewhat sorowful, but at decline of Damon Hill, there may be also decline of Schumacher's super driving abilities. What will happen with German, if Eddie really deliver no.1?
Simply, Schumacher will not be able to earn so much any more, even other drivers can be in contention for his seat in short time. There will not be much of love for Schumacher, if he failed to deliver next season, in 2000, whatsoever car will be good or bad. That's Italy, only Champonship Title counts for whole Fiat - Ferrari group, including all those tifossi.

HILL PLANNING TO SEE OUT THE SEASON
(03/08) Jordan driver Damon Hill will see out the season despite pulling out of the German Grand Prix complaining that his car was too dangerous to drive. Former world champion Hill, unhappy with his braking set-up, parked in the pits after 14 laps, sparking rumours he would quit ahead of his anticipated retirement at the end of the season. But Jordan's commercial director Ian Phillips said: 'Damon has stated that he is going to drive to the end of the season and that is what he will do.'

SCHUMACHER COULD TEST DRIVE AT WEEKEND
(03/08) Michael Schumacher could take part in Ferrari testing at the weekend if a medical checkup proves positive, according to his manager Willy Weber. And Weber hinted at a return to racing for the German double world champion just over a month after his heavy smash at the British Grand Prix on 11 July. 'If there are no medical objections, we will test on Saturday,' said Weber. 'Michael must confirm that he has no problems and then we will think about the Hungarian GP (on 15 August)'.

FISICHELLA OPTIMISTIC FOR BENETTON
(03/08) One week ago many criticised Benetton team designer for bad contribution to team success in last four seasons, but there moght be turn arround very soon according to their drivers. Fisichella said the following on his expectations for the second half of the 99 season: "I think the second part of the season will be much better than the first one, the car is more reliable, we improved the aerodynamics, and if you'll keep cross the finger for us then we will go better for sure."

GREG RAY DOMINATED DOVER DOWNS
(02/08) American Greg Ray captured another victory at Dover circuit ahead of Buddy Lazier and Kenny Brack.
Dover Downs results: 1 G Ray 200laps 2 B Lazier +0.757 3 K Brack +1.132 4 B Boat +2.814 5 S Schmidt +8.642 COPE FREE FOR 2000 SEASON
(03/08) Derrike Cope, one of only nine active drivers to win the Daytona 500, is free to negotiate with any team regarding driving opportunities for the year 2000. Cope is under contract to drive for Bahari'-Eel River Racing the remainder of this season. Eel River Racing, owned by Jack Birmingham, announced earlier the purchase of the Bahari' Racing team owned by Chuck Rider, which fields the No. 30 Pontiacs.

SCHUMACHER PREPARED TO BACK IRVINE
(02/08) German Michael Schumacher says that if he races again this season he is prepared to act, in effect, as No 2 to Ferrari teammate Eddie Irvine and help the Northern Irishman's title bid. Schumacher, sidelined by a broken leg, said: 'I could live with it because he has driven often enough for me.'

FERRARI TEAM WITH LUCK ON THEIR SIDE
(02/08) Whole Ferrari team was ecstatic after another great weekend for them without Schumacher inside the car. Jean Todt said about German GP: "This was a great race. Sunday was really our day. Mika Salo was absolutely fantastic and displayed a great team spirit. Eddie drove a perfect race which is necessary on this track which is a hard test of reliability, brakes and engine. There are six races remaining in the championship. We always believed we could win the championship and it is still possible. I felt it was the right thing to do to send Chief Mechanic Nigel Stepney onto the podium to represent all the mechanics who have worked so hard, both day and night."

MORE TESTING THIS WEEK
(02/08) Testing will take place at Silverstone where McLaren, Williams, Jordan, Arrows and Stewart will be present while at Mugello the Prost and Sauber teams will be doing their preparations. Ferrari will be in action at the Fiorano circuit.

NISSANS CAPTURED TWO WINS
(02/08) Nissan's drivers completed a clean sweep of BTCC race victories at the Hampshire circuit. Laurent Aiello took the chequered flag in the Sprint race, but his lead at the top of the drivers' championship was ultimately cut to just ten points by team mate David Leslie who recorded his third win of the year in the later Feature race. Leslie: "I had a very good start, but didn't want to risk taking either of us off and came out third. After Rickard's retirement, I thought we'd be on for a Nissan 1-2, but Laurent got himself into trouble and I was presented with the win. The title race is getting very exciting."
Hampshire results - R1: 1 Aiello Nissan 20m 47.191s 2 Rydell Volvo +3.105s 3 Radermecker Volvo +11.420s 4 Leslie Nissan +12.089s 5 Plato Renault +22.605s 6 Neal Nissan +23.197s
R2: 1 Leslie Nissan 46m 05.796s 2 Radermecker Volvo +16.057s 3 Menu Ford +19.603s 4 Plato Renault +19.808s 5 Aiello Nissan +26.159s 6 Muller Vauxhall +30.861s

MERCEDES CONSIDERS CHAMP CAR OUTFIT
(02/08) Sources inside the German manufacturer Mercedes claim the marque is looking at buying an existing CART team and turning it into a works outfit. In contention are Penske or Bettenhousen team, also completely new team is not out of question. Possible drivers may be Nick Heidefeld and current Champ car driver Helio Castro Neves. Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug did not want to confirm all those rumors.

HONDA TAKE ONE AND TWO
(01/08) Colin Edwards completed a memorable double at Brands Hatch by winning the second race at the British circuit. The American followed on from his triumph ealier in the day, once again leaving Honda team-mate Aaron Slight of New Zealnd to take second place. Three times World Champion Carl Fogarty of Britain improved on a dismal showing ealier to finish fourth. He still leads the series by 48 points from Troy Corser and Edawrds is third overall.
Brands Hatch results R1: 1 C Edwards USA Honda 36 minutes 51.715 seconds 2 A Slight NZ Honda 36:53.144 3 P Chili It Suzuki 36:59.594 4 J Reynolds GB Ducati 37:03.489 5 T Corser Aus Ducati 37:05.941 6 A Yanagawa Jpn Kawasaki 37:06.013
R2: 1 C Edwards USA Honda 36 minutes 52.715 seconds 2 A Slight NZ Honda 36:52.981 3 N Haga Jpn Yamaha 37:02.249 4 C Fogarty GB Ducati 37:04.339 5 A Yanagawa Jpn Kawasaki 37:08.064 6 S Emmet GB Ducati 37:10.474

HILL MAY LOSE JOB!
(02/08) Damon Hill's future is again in doubt after the Briton ignored Jordan orders to continue and retired after 14 laps saying he did not feel it was safe to carry on because of brake problems. 'I nearly went into the back of Wurz a couple of times - I just could not stop the car. It was impossible for me to carry on because my braking foot had gone dead,' said Hill after the race.

IRVINE - 'I OWE IT TO TEAMMATE MIKA'
(01/08) Eddie Irvine paid fulsome tribute to his new stand-in teammate Mika Salo after winning the German Grand Prix to take the world championship lead. 'He got the trophy today, it was his race really,' he said in a clear reference to Salo obeying team orders to make way for him to take the lead.

STEADY EDDIE WINS GERMAN GP
(01/08) Eddie Irvine won the German Grand Prix to move ahead in the world championship and complete a great weekend for Ferrari, as Mika Salo finished second. Rivals McLaren had a nightmare race, with world champion Mika Hakkinen crashing out at high speed into a tyre wall, luckily emerging unhurt. Hakkinen was leading the race, but McLaren team made mistake into the pits and Finn dropped down to fourth, passed Frentzen for third and than crash happened as his rear tyre exploded. David Coulthard suffered a time penalty late on to further dent his title hopes after cutting the corner. Jordan team continued their fine form with German Heinz-Harald Frentzen finishing third. Ralf Schumacher was fourth for Williams, Coulthard fifth for McLaren and Panis sixth for Prost team.
Final results from German GP: 1 E Irvine GB Ferrari 1 hour 21 minutes 58.59 seconds 2 M Salo Fin Ferrari + 01.00s 3 HH Frentzen Ger Jordan + 05.19s 4 R Schumacher Ger Williams + 12.80s 5 D Coulthard GB McLaren + 16.82s 6 O Panis Fr Prost + 29.87s

MCLAREN DUO SIGN NEW DEALS
(01/08) World champion Mika Hakkinen and teammate David Coulthard have signed new deals with McLaren for the 2000 Drivers Championship. Finn Hakkinen had always looked set to remain with the team, but the news end speculation that Coulthard would be forced out, after a string of bad luck in races this season. The Scot has the full backing of team chief Ron Dennis, after he helped win the Constructors' Championship from Ferrari last year.