Damon Hill has said that Jacques Villeneuve has to do his best to grab the championship now at Suzuka (Japan). He stated: "Jacques wants to polish it off here because when you have to go into the last race the tension is unbearable." And Hill should now, he has been there twice.

Hill also added: "He is pretty well on course. I cannot see him being uncompetative here."

The Minardi team have signed a deal with Ford for next season. They will use the V10, which Stewart will use during the last race. Stewart will be again using a newer engine.