PepsiCo, the company which owns both Pepsi and Pizza Hut, announced today major restructuring which could have impact on the future of Rubens Barrichello's personal sponsorship by the two brands.
PepsiCo executives said that they are planning on pulling out from costly efforts to build market share in countries where Coca-Cola dominates. Brazil was mentioned as a prime example of the situation.
PepsiCo plans to refocus its efforts on rather untapped markets, including China, India and the former Soviet Union.
Nigel Mansell could be returning to Formula One next year with the new Stewart Grand Prix team. Stewart is still looking for a top name and Mansell said against the British newspaper the Daily Mirror: "If a good opportunity comes along I would seriously consider it."
Mansell could choose for the Indy Car World Series also.
Ferrari shook down all three cars to be used in the forthcoming Grand Prix of Japan at the Fiorano (Italy) circuit. Irvine drove 17 laps with a best time of 1m 02.91s in partially wet conditions. The cars will be flown to Japan tomorrow.
Ralf Schumacher had his last day of testing for the Jordan-Peugeot team at the Estoril (Portugal) circuit today. He improved a little bit over his fastest time so far with a 1m 22.58, 55 laps. "It went great, I'm very pleased," commented Schumacher after the tests.
Heinz-Harald Frentzen is according to 54 percent of the Germans the title favourite in 1997. This was the result of a survey done by Sports Live Magazine.
"It is nice that the people believe that I will do well in a top car," Frentzen commented.
Tests
Frentzen title favourite in 1997