Diniz confirms Sauber move

   Copyright c 1998 Nando Media
   Copyright c 1998 Reuters

LONDON, Britain (Oct 7, 1998 - 12:26 EDT) - Brazilian Pedro Diniz, who was
once better known for his lucky escape from a spectacular fire during the
1995 Argentine Grand Prix than his driving talent, ended weeks of
speculation on Wednesday when he confirmed his move to Sauber.

The 28-year-old, who has raced for Forti Corse, Ligier and Arrows in a
career spanning 65 Grands Prix, believes his change of teams will finally
enable him to prove his abilities as a driver.

"What tipped the scale in favour of joining them was the fact that
(team boss) Peter Sauber and his partners first of all rated me on my
performance in Formula One so far," said Diniz, who will line-up
alongside Frenchman Jean Alesi.

"I will do my very best to justify the confidence placed in me with
adequate results. The fact that there has always been a very good
atmosphere at the team has further helped my decision."

Diniz moved into Formula One with Forti Corse in 1995 on the back of a
rumoured $10 million sponsorship package.

But competitive performances at Arrows this season alongside highly-rated
Finn Mika Salo, after outqualifying former world champion Damon Hill on
occasion last year, have changed people's view of him.

Team boss Sauber added: "Compared to his highly-rated team mates, his
performance in the past two years has impressed us more than his regularly
mentioned relationship with strong business partners."

Diniz and Salo are joint 13th in this year's world drivers' championship
standings with three points.

His departure from Arrows leaves the British team searching for a new team
mate for Salo.

Brazilian Ricardo Rosset and Japanese Toranosuke Takagi have both been
linked with the drive.

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