Formula One News — July 2001

TOYOTA confirmed on Tuesday that they will begin their Formula One adventure backed by Panasonic after securing a five-year sponsorship deal.

FLYING Finn Kimi Raikkonen has said that he is looking to maintain the progress of his Sauber team and help the Swiss marque retain their current status in the constructors' championship.

THE Williams team were hampered by problems during testing at Barcelona on Tuesday, but test driver Marc Gene still topped the times at the hot Spanish track.

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA has denied that there are any comparisons between himself and Briton Jenson Button, the man he replaced in the Williams car this year.

MCLAREN team insiders are predicting it is 50-50 whether twice world champion Mika Hakkinen retires from racing at the end of what has been a crushingly disappointing season.

FERRARI technical director Ross Brawn remains cautious over Michael Schumacher's chances of landing a fourth world title, despite the German's healthy 31-point lead leaving him 50-1 ON to win the drivers' championship.

JACQUES VILLENEUVE has admitted that he is considering alternative options should he be forced to leave British American Racing at the end of the season.

DAVID COULTHARD has vowed to put the pressure on Michael Schumacher at the British Grand Prix in 13 days as rumors continue that the Scot has signed a deal which will keep him at McLaren next season.

BRIDGESTONE have today confirmed they will remain a tire supplier in Formula One indefinitely.