The American tyre company has decided, rather ...

Published on 19 November 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

The American tyre company has decided, rather unexpectedly, to retire from Formula 1 racing at the end of the 1998 season. According to William Sharp, President of international operations at Goodyear, the company has two main reasons to retire from Formula 1. The first is the FIA decision to change the design of racing tyres. The other reason are the ever growing costs of competition in Formula 1.

Last year Bridgestone stepped into the Formula 1 arena and with the retirement of Goodyear nothing seems to be in the way of Michelin to also take the plunge. Michelin has been mentioned before as possible new entrant in Formula 1. Goodyear has been active in Formula 1 since 1965 and has had 361 victories up until now.

The Formula 3000 champion and vice champion, Ricardo Zonta and Juan Pablo Montoya are both in for test seats in Formula 1. Brazilian Ricardo Zonta has had a week of testing with Jordan but according to his manager Geraldo Rodriguez negotiations are mainly with Ferrari. After a meeting with Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo he said: "Negotiations are well under way but nothing has been decided yet". Juan Pablo Montoya has been spotted at Stewart and Prost but the expectation is that he will find a test seat at Williams next year. Montoya likes to combine his testing with another season in Formula 3000.