The Ligier-Mugen team have singed Shinji Nakano. The Japanese driver has been offered a one year contract and will take up the second seat at Ligier next to Frenchman Olivier Panis. Engine supplier Mugen had already stated they wanted a Japanese driver in the team.
Nakano ended sixth in this year's Formula Nippon Championship, the Japanese Formula 3000.
Team owner Flavio Briatore said: "The tests Shinji has done for us in Japan, France and Spain have allowed us to gauge his potential."
Oil company Castrol will sponsor Williams in 1997 according to reports. Williams needs an oil sponsor after Elf quits Formula One at the end of this year.
Toyota may be on the verge of entering Formula One. They have already entered Indy series this year. A Toyota executive said: "You can expect a formal announcement some time soon, perhaps early next year." He also stated that entering Formula One will be within a 'few years'.
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The rumour has it that Nigel Mansell is set to meet Eddie Jordan on the Silverstone (England) circuit on Wednesday to start the talks to get him back into Formula One. The Jordan team was unable to comment.