Today the Stewart team commenced it's three ...

Published on 01 July 1998 by Verstappen Info Page

Today the Stewart team commenced it's three day test session on the circuit of Silverstone. Rubens Barrichello has tested today for the team while Jos will be testing all day tomorrow. Rubens has had some engine problems today and the team has had to replace an engine. Tomorrow Jos will be driving: To be continued.

As an extra measure to reduce speed on Formula 1 cars the FIA is consulting the current tyre companies Bridgestone and Goodyear on the shape and angle of lateral grooves in F1 tyres next year. FIA president Max Mosley wants to keep speeds at the current level but the competition between Bridgestone and Goodyear has pushed speeds to the same level of last year despite the extra grooves that are already obligatory. Another possibility is a suggestion made by FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting to limit the width of the front wheels.

Williams will be introducing a new sidepod design on their cars shortly. Jordan yesterday announced a similar measure to increase downforce on their car. The new sidepods should give the Williams up to 4/10 seconds a lap. The team introduced a longer wheelbase version of their car last week in France and seems to be on the right track with these improvements.

Eddie Jordan has denied reports that the team will not pick up the option on Ralf Schumacher next year. Eddie said: "It's not true. I didn't say that. I never said whether he was a part of our 1999 plans or he wasn't." Willi Weber, Ralf's (and Michael's) manager, is talking with Prost though just in case...