The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Brazilian Racing News Bits: Zonta, Barrichello, Castro Neves, and Kanaan

9 October 1997


Ricardo Zonta Aims for F-1 Ride in 1998


Ricardo Zonta is the champion of F-3000 in 1998.  He took the title in
Mugello, Italy in the last weekend of September.  Zonta won the race and
 now has a 11 points lead over Juan Pablo Montoya.  Zonta is testing
for Jordan and has great chances of getting a place at the Silverstone
based team as a test driver for 1998.

"It is like a dream for me to race in F-1, but I dont want to make a
step that is too big for my legs.  I want to be a test driver for next
season, so I can learn a lot for 1998.  I will have the opportunity to
work with Damon Hill, already world champion in F-1, and I hope to
learn a lot with him." said the brazilian from Curitiba.

"F-1 is a very closed world, there are only the 22 top drivers in the
world. Imagine this, there are so many great drivers running in lower
series, and only 1 or 2 get the chance to enter this world.  Next
season it will be only Alexander Wurz that will be new, all others are
older drivers with more experience".

The last race of the F-3000 season will be in Estoril, October 25th.

by Adriana Rodrigues



Barrichello renew his contract with Stewart


Rubens Barrichello renewed his contract with Stewart today and will be
partner of Jan Magnussen for 1998.

"I am very happy with the work that Rubens has done this season. I knew
he was a great driver, but he surprised me with his great maturity,
experience and speed. Jan had a bad start of season, but recovered very
well in the last 5 races and deserves the chance to drive again in 1998,"
said Jackie Stewart, team owner and triple F-1 world champion.

by Marc Zimmermann



Helio Castro Neves and Tony Kanaan


Tony Kanaan is still in Brazil and talking to his sponsors and future
sponsors to get the money to race next season in CART, alongside Andre
Ribeiro in the Marlboro Tasman.

Helio Castro Neves hasn't yet made any announcement about his
future. Emerson Fittipaldi, his manager, is talking to some teams and
is trying to get the best package for Helio in 1998.

by Adriana Rodrigues