Ferrari opt for short wheelbase

(21-Jul-98) - Ferrari has decided against using the long-wheelbase version
of its F300 at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, despite an encouraging
test at Monza last week.

The new car lapped 0.4s faster than the standard car in back-to-back tests
and was given a big thumbs up by Eddie Irvine.

"I am so happy with this car," he said. "It is more stable,
quicker, and the braking point into corners is much later."

Schumacher was understood to be keen to use the car in Austria this
weekend, but the team felt it needed more testing before it proves reliable
enough.

The car is expected to be used at the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, a
circuit which has similar characteristics to Monza.

"There is a 99% chance that we will use the new car the German
GP," said a Ferrari spokesman, "but the A-1 Ring is similar to
the Fiorano circuit where the car has already tested and the difference
there was negligible."

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