Jorg Muller, the 1996 European Formula 3000 champion, has made a deal with the TWR F1 team to be their test-driver. This was already speculated about a month ago but Muller wanted to try and get a seat with the team or any other team.

Team-boss Tom Walkinshaw said: "We have been impressed by Jorg's lap times and the quality of his feedback and also by the speed with which he has gelled with other members of the team. He has slotted seamlessly into out test programme and is doing much to ease the burden our heavy test schedule places on Damon and Pedro Diniz."

Current World Champion Constructors Williams have served a writ against Adrian Newey, the team's chief designer, over a dispute involving the terms of his current contract.

Newey has been linked on several occasions with a possible move to McLaren after a falling out over the driver choice of Williams for 1997. German driver, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, has replaced Damon Hill who is thought to be held in very high regard by Adrian Newey.

Williams have issued a prepared statement to the effect that Newey was "currently on leave" and the dispute was "an internal matter".

Newey, had designed this years successful challenger, and was well advanced in the design of the 1997 car together with Patrick Head.

Martin Brundle saw his debut rally bid, in the Network Q/RAC Rally, go up in flames when his Ford Escort Cosworth caught fire at Myherm in Mid-Wales today. Brundle and co-driver Roger Freeman escaped serious injury.

A Ford spokesman said: "The car hit something hard and stopped within inches, turning on the side. The turbo was still running and flames started coming from the engine prompting Martin and Roger to clamber out of the car as quickly as possible.

Brundle commented on his crash on the 19th stage: "I have certainly learned rallying the hard way but would love to come back and do it again. We were running beautifully through the stage and were catching the car in front when we reached a corner. I did not know the stage very well and drove into a deep culvert and hit vertical face. We got out pretty quick and the car is now looking pretty sad."

Brundle was one of many drivers craching on the icy stages.

Jacques Villeneuve outpaced his next years team-mate on the Estoril (Portugal) circuit today. The Canadian posted a fastest time of 1m 20.7s. Frentzen came in with a 1m20.9s., while Hakkinen put his McLaren Mercedes third with a 1m 21.5s.

Allesandro Nannini has his return to Formula One in the Benetton-Renault. The Italian, who suffered a helicopter crash near the lovely Italian town of Sienna six years ago, drove 44 laps with a best time of 1m 24.28s.

Nannini commented after the test: "I am very happy with this first drive. Honestly, I thought it would have been more difficult after such a long break from Formula One. As I drove more laps, I became more and more confident and I feel that, with some set-up changes, I can improve further tomorrow. Physically, I had no problems and enjoyed the experience thoroughly."

Benetton boss Flavio Bratore added: "Alessandro has always had a special place with the team. After the accident, I promised him that the moment he would be fit enough to drive a Formula One car, it would be a Benetton. I kept my promise and I am delighted that this test was a success and proof of Nannini's skill and determination."