New Car And New Partner For Prost.

The Prost team today unveiled both its new AP03 chassis and a new commercial partner in the form of internet company Yahoo!


The launch of the team's 2000 season took place at the Montmelo circuit in Barcelona this morning [Tuesday], and was witnessed by over 300 guests and members of the international press corps. A further ten thousand people were estimated to have watched the event live via the internet, bring Prost into the digital age at a time when it announced a new technological sponsor.


The AP03 - which will be powered by the new Peugeot A20 engine - was described as an 'evolution plus' over the preceding AP02, with every mechanical and aerodynamic element subjected to improvement. At the forefront of its revised design is a combined engine and gearbox package which, the team believes, will give the new car a significant advantage over previous models.


The unveiling of the AP03 also confirmed suspicions that Prost was to tie the know with Yahoo! - one of the internet's largest portals. Contrary to popular rumour, however, the new addition has not replaced long-time sponsor Gauloises, which remains the title sponsor of the team.


"We are delighted to have attracted a partner with the stature and reputation of Yahoo!," said team boss Alain Prost, "It is with a new spirit of confidence that we tackle the challenge of the 2000 season, and I am sure that the dedication of the whole team, the loyalty of our long-time partners, and the hopes of the new ones, will be rewarded in the coming season."


"Yahoo! is a dynamic, fast moving global business - attributes that are epitomised by Prost Grand Prix," pointed out the sponsor's chairman Tim Koogle, "This new partnership will enable us to broaden our reach to F1's wide and growing audience."


Prost drivers Jean Alesi and Nick Heidfeld are scheduled to stay in Barcelona following the launch for an intensive three-day test with the AP03.


"Our two new drivers complement each other," Prost added, "Jean brings remarkable experience and motivation, and Nick is a talented driver, from whom we are expecting impressive results this year. With Stephane Sarrazin, who we have retained as test driver, we have a solid team, capable of giving a high level of performance."


Further news and pictures of the launch to follow.....