Jacques Villeneuve wants to become World Champion this year and is going to increase the pressure on his team-mate Damon Hill, when he now is sure of a Williams drive next year and Hill is not sure of a drive at all: "It is one less thing for me to think about than Damon. The battle is on and all I can do is be aggressive."

The Williams team have promised to give both drivers equal support in the remainding three races.

Stewart Grand Prix have confirmed that they had 'informal contact' with Hill.

Paul Stewart, the manager of his father Jackie Stewart at Stewart Grand Prix, said: "If Damon is interested in us and the price is right, it would be nice to do something with him. We have had informal contact but nothing is at an advanced stage. It would be nice to have British drivers but it's not critical, motor racing is a global sport."

The Jordan-Peugeot team also stated that they are interested in Damon. However they are interested in a lot of drivers right now.

The 'Suddeutsche Zeitung' reported today that Heinz-Harald has already signed with the Williams-Renault team for the amount of 10 million German Marks (~ $7 million). It is also said that the German will became the number 1 driver for the team. Villeneuve would remain second.