The Portuguese Grand Prix has been dropped ...

Published on 14 January 1998 by Verstappen Info Page

The Portuguese Grand Prix has been dropped from the official FIA Grand Prix calendar for 1998. This statement has been done by the FIA today after Portuguese Minister of Economic Affairs, mr. Joaquim Pina Moura, stated yesterday that the necessary repair works might not be finished in time. Possible replacements for the Portuguese Grand Prix are China and South Africa. Staging of the Belgian Grand Prix is also still uncertain. The organisers have until February 15 to resolve the problem's with the country's tobacco advertising ban.

Jordan Mugen Honda has a new large sponsor. For next year Jordan has signed a partnership agreement with Pearl, a British insurance company. This company that was founded in 1864 is now part of Australian Mutual Provident. The Pearl logo will be shown on the car and driver's overall's for the first time at the Jordan presentation on January 19 in the Albert Hall in London.