News From the Paddock

Friday July 23rd, 1999

Ford will use the new Series 3 version of their V10 engine for both Saturday and Sunday on both cars. It is reckoned to improve top end performance and also provide a wider spread of power.

Ferrari shut the door on the rumoured early return of Michael Schumacher, using a hand-controlled accelerator fitted to the steering wheel. "The throttle on our cars is controlled electronically, so we could easily reduce the spring pressure in the throttle foot pedal," said the spokesman. "Michael brakes with his left foot, so there's no problem there either. The limiting factor would be the discomfort to his leg caused by the high lateral forces during cornering. But at the end of the day, what would stop him driving before he is fully fit is the difficulty in getting out of the cockpit unaided in under five seconds, as required in the rules."

The Williams team has signed an agreement with next year's engine partner which gives BMW the right to name the team. It will thus be called BMW-Williams and the German car company will be able to recover some of the costs of its partnership by selling space to commercial sponsors. At the moment, there are no apparent plans for BMW to buy shares in Frank Williams' team.

There are rumours that Budweiser Beer could be about to sign a deal to become title sponsor of the US Grand Prix. The event which returns to the calendar next year at the famous Indianapolis track is looking for a company to take on the race on a five year deal.

Jordan and former driver turned F1 TV expert, Martin Brundle, have teamed up to give ITV viewers a unique insight into Formula One driving techniques. Formula One enthusiasts will find themselves virtually in the driving seat of the Jordan Mugen-Honda 199 when they watch a series of features to be broadcast on ITV. Brundle, who drove for Jordan in 1996 put the team's race winning car through its paces on the Silverstone circuit to show viewers what it takes to be an F1 driver.

Three on-board cameras, the in-car radio and some clever use of technology will enable viewers to see the 'Dos' and 'Don'ts' of Formula One driving. How do you control the car around the corners and how does it feel to spin off? What is the driver's view in a pit stop and how does it compare with that of his mechanics? What is it like to power off the start line? All this and more will be revealed in a series of special features entitled 'Martin Brundle's F1 driving school'. His lessons will run in ITV's race show from the German Grand Prix onwards.

"Many of our viewers dream about having a go in a Formula One car, and thanks to the work of Martin and the ITV team with Jordan Grand Prix, the dream becomes virtual reality," says ITV director Dave Lewis. Commenting on his day with the Jordan team Brundle said, "It was such a pleasure to drive the very latest Formula One car and I am sure our viewers will have an even better inside knowledge a Grand Prix drivers' life behind the wheel."

Silvana Barrichello, wife of Stewart-Ford driver Rubens, was presented with a gold Rolex Oyster watch by Jackie and Paul Stewart two weeks ago. Jackie had made a pledge to Rubens that he would gladly hand over the luxury timepiece to Silvana as a reward for Rubens putting the car on pole position during the 1999 season.Rubens duly obliged with pole position for the French Grand Prix.

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