Elf presents teams in Paris

Elf have presented their teams in Paris (France) today (e.g. Benetton, Ligier, Williams). Alesi was happy with the way the tests went at Estoril (Portugal) with the all new Benetton-Renault. He said there were some minor problems but everything is now under control and that they are ready for the first Grand Prix. Hill also showed his optimism about the tests: " I had a good time, the car went well and the engine was great." The new Williams has improved aerodynamics, resulting in more down-force thus a better grip, over last year's car. Damon Hill's team-mate Jacques was not so very optimistic he said that the competition with their all new cars have closed the gap the Williams car had last year.

The tests are over at Estoril so now a list of the fastest test-times of 1996 can be made up:

1. 02-22 Hakkinen McLaren MP4/11 1:19.65 
2. 02-23 Villeneuve Williams FW 18 1:19.85 
3. 02-13 Berger Benetton B196 1:19.90 
4. 02-12 Barrichello Jordan 196P 1:19.93 
5. 02-22 Alesi Benetton B196 1:20.26 
6. 02-21 Salo Tyrrell 024 1:20.45 
7. 02-21 Hill Williams FW 18 1:20.95 
8. 02-22 Schumacher Ferrari 412 T2 V10 1:21.08 
9. 02-21 Brundle Jordan 196P 1:21.17 
10. 02-24 Schumacher Ferrari F 310 1:21.61 
11. 02-22 Panis Ligier JS43 1:21.78 
12. 02-23 Coulthard McLaren MP4/11 1:21.86 
13. 02-22 Verstappen Footwork FA17 1:21.93 
14. 02-10 Katayama Tyrrell 024 1:22.30 
15. 02-02 Frentzen Sauber C15 1:22.68 
16. 02-11 Prost McLaren MP4/11 1:22.91 
17. 02-14 Lamy Minardi M15B 1:23.09 
18. 02-21 Diniz Ligier JS43 1:23.53 
19. 02-21 Rosset Footwork FA17 1:24.49 
20. 02-04 Herbert Sauber C15 1:25.48