Wednesday December 22nd, 1999

Benetton Formula Ltd has today announced that Joan Villadelprat will be leaving his role as Operations Director and Team Manager at the end of 1999.

Joan said, "I have really enjoyed my 10 years at Benetton but feel that, in spite of the excellent relationship between myself and the management, the time has come for me to move on to new projects. There are many talented people in the company and I know that the team has the capability and resources to get back to the top. I wish everyone at Benetton Formula 1 the very best of luck in achieving their goals next season."

Rocco Benetton commented, "Joan has been a strong and committed member of the Benetton Formula 1 team for over a decade and as such has had a valuable part to play in our history. I would like to thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best with his future."