Ferrari will use the short version of the F300 for the final race of the season at Suzuka. The car has undergone slight modifications. At tests carried out this week by Eddie Irvine and Schumacher at Fiorano, both drivers expressed confidence in the car's performance. Ferrari has been testing throughout the last couple of weeks and will continue testing next week at Mugello.

Amidst preparations for Suzuka, the team has also denied reports by foreign newspapers which claimed Ferrari wants to drop Irvine in favour of ex-Ferrari driver, Jean Alesi. "I have read some unbelievable things about Irvine in the papers," commented Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, "and they don't even deserve to be denied. It's like talking about things which happen on the moon. But then in 20 years with Ferrari, it's always been like this. And I would be surprised if it wasn't." Schumacher also denied this, saying "I admire Alesi, we are friends, but I don't think Eddie can go, he's got a contract for next year and I work well with him."