Berger leaves Benetton

"I will definitely not drive for Benetton next year" told Gerhard Berger today. The Austrian added that this means does not mean his Formula One career is over, or, that Benetton's decision to hire Giancarlo Fisichella has any bearing on his stance.

"I have a few options, also some outside of motor racing. I will remain in Formula One only if I can drive for a top team... It is a bad idea to make a decision when times are difficult." Berger is expected to make another statement on his 1998 situation within three weeks.

The Grand Prix of Germany will be Berger's first race after a three race absence because of sinus problems.

"Money is not the primary concern... It's a side issue almost," said Damon Hill today. It has been suspected that Hill would still be at Williams if he had not set such a high price on his salary after the 1996 World Championship.

"My aim is to find the most competitive package. I want to win races."

The statements forecasts a possible new team for the Briton.

After battling local French authorities, Alain Prost has been given the nod to move his team from Magny-Cours to Versailles. Previously, Prost had threaten to quit Formula One altogether if the powers that be managed to stop such a migration. The new location at Versailles will enable Ligier to locate near their 1998 engine supplier's headquarters: Peugeot.

In Autosport magazine today it was revealed Jacques Villeneuve may run without a conventional rear-wing on his Williams at Hockenheim.

The Williams driver tested a new super-low downforce version of the rear-wing, without the main top element on it. In addition to this, the end plates were also reduced in size. Both of these measures are designed to reduce drag on circuits that require minimal downforce (like Hockenheim and Monza).

Although Villeneuve was said to like the new-style wing, it is unlikely to be used, as the risk of tyre wear is too great.

Mark Blundell has reportedly been offered drives with both Sauber and Prost Formula One teams for 1998.

Having taken CART wins in the last 3 races, it is thought unlikely that Blundell would consider leaving his Pac West team unless an offer was tabled by a team with a realistic chance of winning.

Mark said "At the moment I am focusing all my attention on the Indycar scene. It is fantastic to be back in demand again."

Canadian CART driver Greg Moore has denied rumours that link him with a drive with McLaren-Mercedes in 1998.

Moore, whose Reynard chassis is powered by Mercedes, said "I haven't signed with McLaren or anyone else in F1. I want to win the Indycar championship before thinking about F1"

Moore is currently signed until 1999 by the Forsythe team.