Nigel Mansell had his first taste of ...

Published on 11 December 1996 by Verstappen Info Page

Nigel Mansell had his first taste of F1 again since more than a year on the first day of his 2 day Jordan test session at the Circuit de Catalunya. He completed 49 laps in a Jordan and clocked a best time of 1:22.89. Teammate Ralf Schumacher, who already made 3000 test kilometers, clocked a best time of 1:22.59, only 0.3 seconds faster than Mansell. Mansell afterwards told he was 60 percent sure of returning in either F1 or Indycars next year. Jordan hasn't made a financial offer yet to Mansell and Eddie Jordan told with as many words that he wasn't prepared to pay what Nigel is asking.

Today the Malaysian government approved of the, 8.2 million dollar a year, sponsorship deal with Stewart for two seasons. Malaysia is the first country to become directly involved in sponsoring F1 and the country is preparing for the hosting of a Grand Prix in 1999 for which a 400 hectare site near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport is set aside.

Canadian federal government might pass on new legislation on prohibiting tobacco advertising. This might endanger the Canadian GP which is sponsored by tobacco company Player's.

Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo expects the 1997 Ferrari to be ready on January 7, he told the press at the Bologna motor show. Ferrari tries to avoid another late showing. Last year the new car was presented on february 6 and it suffered from unreliability at the start of the season. Luca expects to grab the world title in 1997 or 1998.