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FORMULA ONE: Prost lands Ferrari power for 2001-2002

23 September 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

INDIANAPOLIS-- The Prost team has reached an agreement to use Ferrari customer engines in 2001 and 2002, it was announced Friday at the SAP United States Grand Prix.

The team has run Peugeot power since 1998, but Peugeot is withdrawing from F1 at the end of the 2000 season.

"This gives the team a boost for the future," Prost said when he made the announcement between Formula One practice sessions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "I can find new motivation now. We are not going to be able to fight for the championship, but its nice to have a new challenge."

The engines will be one specification behind that used by the Ferrari team. Like Sauber, which also uses Ferrari customer engines, Prost will pay for the use and servicing of the V10s. The deal is for engines only and does not include gearboxes.

"Its expensive," Prost said, "but this is the most important investment we can make for the future. Our potential is much greater than we have shown in the last few years. We have a long way to go, but I expect a step forward next year."

The engines will not be branded Ferraris but carry the name of a sponsor yet to be announced.

Prost did not announce anything about his drivers or sponsors for next season, nor did he comment on the possibilities of selling some shares of his team.

"No matter what happens," he said, "I will remain as team principal."

Text Provided By Paul Kelly

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