Minardi have signed the young talent of Esteban Tuero for next season. The team was impressed by his performance during tests. Tuero already stated he expected a drive last Sunday. Tuero raced formula Nippon last year.

The Tyre Company Michelin have again stated that they will not return to Formula One in 1999. Their name was mentioned immediately after GoodYear, the most successful tyre manufacturer to date in Formula One, announced their withdrawal after 1998. Some say the announcement of GoodYear is just a warning about the mounting costs.