The Williams team have unveiled their 1997 car, the FW 19, today. Patrick Head said about the new car looking similar to it's predecessors: "Although we have followed the same theme, the FW19 is a completely new car. It has a new transverse transmission, allows for the innovative Renault RS9 engine and satisfies the 1997 steering and rear impact test." Heinz-Harald Frentzen said it would be difficult to fill reigning World Champion Damon Hill's shoes, but he added: "People are expecting a lot. They are right. I am in one of the best cars in Formula One. People expect we will win races, and the world championship. We are well prepared. I am well prepared." Jacques Villeneuve, this year's title favourite, said: "I can't wait to get it on the track. I'm very excited."

The Williams-Renault FW 19

The Canadian also made some comments which may seem a little out of order at this time since Frank Williams and some others of the Williams team have to face manslaughter charges in Italy regarding the death of Ayrton Senna on May 1 1994. He may however also be right.

He said: "I think it's gone a little overboard on the safety side. If it had been anyone other than Senna who died, there wouldn't have been as much done. Formula One is safe enough. I would like to see us go faster."

Frank Williams was not at all worried about the trial ahead: "It will have no effect at all on myself, on Patrick Head or anyone else involved in the team or in our approach to the season. We will be racing, it will be business as usual."

He also added about the new car: "It's not our car I am worried about. It is not how good it is or isn't. It is how good the other teams are, how much they have improved, which worries me."

• Deadline French Grand Prix extended

The organisers of the French Grand Prix are given another three months to settle the dispute over the local television rights. The FIA said that the organisers are optimistic about solving the problem. The FIA also confirmed the last Grand Prix of the season at Estoril.

• New sponsor Williams

It is reported that the German digital Sports television DF1 is going to sponsor the Williams team. FIA boss Bernie Ecclestone is personally and financially engaged in the television station.

Black Tower will continue sponsoring Williams and Jean-Christophe Boullion will their test-driver in 1997.

• Blundell's condition listed stable

Former Formula One driver Mark Blundell's condition is listed stable in a Miami hospital after crashing at a speed of nearly 200 mph during practice at the Indy car spring training.

A spokeswoman said: "His vital signs are OK. He's still conscious, and it seems like he'll be fine."