Benetton, Japan Tobacco renew deal

   Copyright c 1998 Nando Media
   Copyright c 1998 Agence France-Presse

TOKYO (Oct 28, 1998 - 12:32 EST) - Benetton's Formula One racing team has
secured title sponsorship money for two more years from Japan Tobacco Inc.
whose 'Mild Seven" brand has adorned the team for five years.

The title sponsorship agreement has been extended until the end of 2000
with options for continuation into the next millennium, Benetton said in a
statement Wednesday.

The sum involved was not disclosed.

"The continual support of our long-term title partner is vital for the
growth of our team," Benetton team chief executive Rocco Benetton
said. "It is a strong association and we are both totally committed to
success in the coming seasons."

Benetton, 29, took over from David Richards as chief executive last week
after disagreements over the team's future.

Italy's Giancarlo Fisichella and Austrian Alexander Wurz are under contract
to race for Benetton for two more years after the season-ending Japanese
Grand Prix at Suzuka this weekend.

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