Jean Alesi's first lap accident was not caused by contact with another car as first was speculated. Alesi had once again made a great start, and found himself between both Ferraris on the inside.
"I just did not have enough space to move. I hit the kerb with my left rear wheel and at that point I spun off and hit the wall." Alesi said. Alesi was un-injured in the crash.
Satoru Nakajima, the first Japanese driver to race full-time in Formula One, announced during the course of the Suzuka weekend, that he will be a new financial partner for the Tyrrell Team in 1997. Nakajima previously raced for Tyrrell in 1990-91.
Ukyo Katayama's future with the team is uncertain with an announcement by him: "I will give my seat to a younger driver", then after retiring from the race on Sunday: "I will run next year".
Toranosuke Takagi, currently sitting 4th in the Formula Nippon series, has been mentioned as a possible driver for Tyrrell next year.
One Arrows car will be left behind at Suzuka for tire tests starting this week. Jos Verstappen was asked to do this even though he doesn't have a contract with the team any more, he declined. Other teams expected to be involved in the testing are Ligier and Tyrrell.
Driving for Ligier will be Shinji Nakano. Hirotoshi Honda, President of Mugen, has indicated his desire to see Nakano driving for Ligier next year.
Damon Hill will get more money next year now he has won the World Championship. This money, which will certainly double his 4.5 million pounds sterling deal with TWR F1 team, will come from sponsorship and advertising deals. Hill commented: "I'll be World Champion all year and I am going to enjoy it."
The reports that Zantvoort will not be able to expand to allow Formula One races to be held on the circuit are not true. Zantvoort will most likely get the permission to modify their current track to make it suitable for Formula One races.