Source: IRS News
Date: January 24
Subject: Berger impressed with B197


Austrian Gerhard Berger, the oldest and most experienced driver in Formula One, said at his team's launch amid the glitz and glamour of the Planet Hollywood restaurant in London, that he had been impressed with the B197 car. Benetton and Williams will both use the Renault RS09, Renault's latest and lightest V10 engine.

Drivers, Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger have already had a 'taste' of the B197 at the Jerez circuit, Spain, over the past two weeks, and are both very excited and optimistic about the car's performance: "We have done some good testing and we were at the top of the times, which was good, but more important we have shown we are reliable," Berger said. "Compared to last year we are much further ahead now and better prepared. It was very difficult for me last year because we had so many changes in the team but now we are more settled and the team feel very strong to me. I know this is only the launch and the truth will come later but I feel good. We are here this year to win the championship again and if we do not we will not have succeeded."

Alessandro Benetton, President of Benetton Formula, and Managing Director, Flavio Briatore, praised the hard work of the team over the last few months which has enabled the B197 to be up and running before the other major teams' cars. "We feel prepared," he added "and will be able to pose a serious challenge to our competitors." Briatore tipped Ferrari to win the world title. "Williams, as usual, will be stable and competitive," said Briatore. "But McLaren will be strong too, and so will we. It will be a very open and exciting championship."