NOVEMBER 23, 1998

Prost buys Apomatox

PROST GRAND PRIX has, as we predicted (INSIDE F1, ISSUE 98.44), bought the Apomatox Formula 3000 team. It will now be renamed GauloisesÊJunior and will act as a training ground for Prost drivers, engineers and mechanics. It will be based in the old Ligier factory at Magny-Cours and will run drivers Stephane Sarrazin and Andre Couto in 1999. This is not a surprise. Sarrazin had a good debut season in the series this year, winning at Ochersleben and should be a challenger for the title next year, while Couto learned about the series this year with the Prema Powerteam and is now looking for wins. His inclusion in the team is not unexpected as he is managed by Julian Jakoby, a longtime Prost advisor and friend.

Sarrazin has also been named Prost's official test and development driver.