According to Portuguese officials everything possible will ...

Published on 27 November 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

According to Portuguese officials everything possible will be done to stage the 1998 Grand Prix there. Yesterday we already reported that necessary construction works to the circuit had been stopped. Joaquim Pina Moura, the Portuguese minister of Economic affairs said today: "Ofcourse the Grand Prix will go ahead. We will make sure that all conditions are met to return Formula 1 according to plan to Estoril in 1998."

After Flavio Briatore had already been replaced at Benetton he has now also quit at Minardi. Flavio told Italian journalists today that he likes to break up with Minardi after Giancarlo Minardi and Gabriel Rumi, director of sponsor Fondmetal, didn't go for his proposed deal with BAT. Flavio's ties with Formula 1 have now dimished. He now only has his pupil, Jarno Trulli, left who will drive for Prost next year.

Earlier on this month we reported that F3000 champion Ricardo Zonta was on the verge of signing a test-deal with Ferrari. Now it looks like the Brazilian is about to sign up with McLaren as test driver and as driver for the GT team of McLaren. According to manager Geraldo Rodriguez they are still negotiating with 3 teams.

Due to disappointing results in the 1997 season both the Malaysian Government and Texaco have withdrawn as sponsors of the Stewart team.

Tomorrow Jos Verstappen will attend the stand of F1 Racing at the Motor Show in Essen. This car & motor exhibit is staged from November 28 to December 7.