Benetton Maintains Japanese Line.

Benetton has ensured that Japan will have a Formula One driver presence in 2000, after signing rising star Hidetoshi Mitsusada as test pilot for the coming season.


The 29-year old Mitsusada finished third in last season's Formula Nippon campaign, taking two wins and a pole position, and previously raced in the International F3000 series. A return to the latter formula is on the cards for 2000 as a complement to his F1 duties and, although a team has yet to be announced, Benetton's links with the Astromega outfit suggests that this may be his destination.


"I am pleased to welcome Mitsusada-san to our team," said Benetton boss Rocco Benetton, "His appointment as test driver continues our team's strong links with Japan, and Hidetoshi shows all the right qualities of determination and professionalism which we expect from our drivers. I am sure his appointment will be beneficial to both parties."


With the recent departures of both Shinji Nakano [CART] and Tora Takagi [FNippon], Formula One looked likely to be left without Japanese representation for the first time since Satoru Nakajima made his debut in the mid-1980s. Mitsusada appears unconcerned that the eyes of a nation will now be on him.


"I am very excited at the prospect of driving for the Benetton Formula One team," he said at the team's Barcelona launch, "Combined with my racing programme, [the testing role] will allow me to gain valuable experience of competing at the highest level on European tracks, with the ultimate goal of racing in Formula One."