The Mild Seven Benetton Playlife team has appointed the 25 year old French driver Laurent Redon as test driver for 1999.

Laurent won the Formula 3 French Championship in 1995 and was test driver for the Minardi Formula One team in 1998. In 1996 and 1997 Laurent competed in the Formula 3000 Championship finishing 8th and 9th respectively.

"We are delighted to have signed Laurent Redon as our test driver for 1999." said Joan Villadelprat, Operations Director of the Mild Seven Benetton Playlife team. "He is an extremely talented driver and his previous experience as a Formula One test driver means he will be a great asset to our test programmes."

Laurent Redon will be attending the Mild Seven Benetton Playlife B199 launch on Saturday 16th January at the Enstone factory and will be available for interview there.