The French Grand Prix, which was in serious doubt again due to telivision rights, may be back on track for next season.
Max Mosley had a talk with the French minister of sport which resulted in the statement by Mosley: "We have the impression that we are on the right track to resolving the problem. The difficulty consists in resolving, on the one hand, the demands of a great world championship and, on the other, the rights, recognised by all, to information."
The troubles started when a French court ruled that the national broadcasting stations are allowed to broadcast the Grand Prix raced on home soil. Although the agreement with the FIA clearly stated that the FIA had the sole rights.
The French minister said: "We are in a radically different position from where we stood a few weeks ago. (...) to elaborate, and not only for the Grand Prix of France but for all sporting events, a decree that allows these problems to be fixed."
Jordan Grand Prix and Prost Grand Prix are both negotiating with their current engine suppliers (Peugeot and Mugen respectively) to allow them to get out of their contracts early and start testing before the December testig deadline comes into play.
As the teams will be swapping engines, both suppliers are thought to be happy with the arrangement.
McLaren have taken delivery of their first Lola F3000 chassis and have started testing with Nick Heidfeld in preparation for their assault on the 1998 F3000 International Championship.
Both Prost and Jordan have said that they are considering creating F3000 teams to foster talent (and get contracts with the drivers).
The FIA is also apparently considering a change in the name of the championship in 1999 to the Junior Formula One Championship.
Following calls from the teams, the FIA have decided to allow "hot weather" testing at Kyalami in the off season. The Teams wanted to test the new tyres under warm conditions.
It is expected that Alain Prost will announce, in a couple of days, that Jarno Trulli will team up with Olivier Panis next season.
Jorg Muller will race in the Indycar Racing League next year. Muller was the test driver for the Arrows team and was promised a 1998 seat, but Walkinshaw saw more opportunities with Mika Salo.