Friday September 24th, 1999

British American Racing today confirmed that Ricardo Zonta has renewed his contract to drive for the team for the 2000 F1 season. He thus continues as team-mate to 1997 Formula One World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve, as British American Racing enters the first year of a new technical partnership with Honda.

"We are very pleased that Ricardo has affirmed his intention to stay with the team next season," said British American Racing Chairman, Craig Pollock. "He has done a great job for us this year in sometimes difficult circumstances and I'm sure he has learned a lot in the process. He will undoubtedly be able to build on that experience. From our standpoint, the fact we are retaining our current driver line-up for next season helps to provide the team with useful continuity and stability."

The 23-year-old from Curitiba, Brazil, made his Grand Prix debut with the Brackley-based team this season after winning the FIA International Formula 3000 Championship in 1997 and the FIA GT Championship in 1998. He missed three races early in the year after injuring his foot in an accident prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix, but has shown an impressive turn of speed on a number of occasions since returning to the cockpit.

"It has not been an easy year," confirmed Zonta, "but then I never expected Formula One would be. Despite all the difficulties we have had this season, it has been a very interesting time for me and I have learned a great deal. I also have been really impressed with the hard work and the dedication shown by everyone at Brackley. It is the sort of commitment that convinces me British American Racing will become a winning team and that I want to be part of it."