Tyrrell signes Katayama; Schumi denies tax-dodging; Premature end tests Ferrari

Tyrrell signes Katayama; Schumi denies tax-dodging; Premature end tests Ferrari
©

January 11, 1996

Tyrrell signes Katayama

The Tyrrell Yamaha team has signed Ukyo Katayama for next season. The Team will start testing soon now both drivers are known. Katayama also drove for the team of Ken Tyrrell in 1995 but he didn't score any points. His best place was 7th at the Grand Prix of Germany. He started a total of 15 Grand Prix in 1995 and finished four. Ukyo had a huge crash at the Grand Prix of Hungary but didn't suffer major injuries. The best result of his career was a fifth place. His debut was the Grand Prix of South-Africa in 1992.
Katayama said about his oncoming fourth season in a row with Tyrrell: "It's a great honour to drive for Ken Tyrrell again. I'm looking forward at testing the 024 and the new Yamaha-engine." Ken Tyrrell said about the deal: "We are delighted to continue working with Ukyo. He was a revelation in 1994 and put in some great performances." With this seat gone Mark Blundell is almost certain of the end of his Formula One career for now.

Schumi denies tax-dodging

Michael Schumacher turns away the latest accusations made of him dodging taxes. Schumacher had to say about the accusations: "It's an old case. The villa in the South of France concerned belongs to my manager Willi Weber." Hopefully he doesn't have anything to do with it, like he says. We don't like to see another manhunt like German tennis-star Steffi Graff had to suffer a while ago.

Premature end tests Ferrari

It was raining cats and dogs at the circuit of Le Castellet (France). This was the reason why Michael Schumacher had to end the tests prematurely on Wednesday. The German tried to start the session four times but with just nine laps driven he was forced to park his Ferrari in the pits. This was also the case on Thursday. He could now only drive 44 laps, but the engine worked fine. Because this session was ended so soon the Ferrari car can't get enough test-miles to start the new season in Melbourne with a good developed car and engine: "It is sure we will not end all the races." Schumacher will try to complete the total Grand Prix distance on Friday. Maybe he has better luck with the wether then.