Zanardi received Ferrari offer

(14-Oct-98) - After three years of success in the US CART series, Alex
Zanardi makes his return to Formula One next season with the Williams team.
But the Italian recently admitted to have also received offers from other
teams. Not only British American Racing showed interest in the highly rated
the driver but also Ferrari was interested in Zanardi. They offered him the
place of Eddie Irvine and become the second driver of the team next to
Michael Schumacher.

But although the Italian was flattered by the offer of Ferrari he choose to
become the first driver in the Williams team. The Italian had his first run
in a Williams FW20 during a test in Barcelona on September 29th and said
that the car was much more difficult to drive than a CART car.
"Compared to Formula One, CART is a kindergarten. Maybe not on an oval
where CART cars do over 350 km/h, but Formula One cars are much more
advanced and more demanding for the drivers.".

Zanardi is expected to start his preparation for his Formula One return
early December when the teams are allowed again to test for the first time
after the Japanese Grand Prix.

--- Msged/386 4.20 beta 4