Benetton keep options open

(15-Jul-98) - Benetton could use Ford engines in the year 2000, despite
announcing a two-year extension of its deal with the Mecachrome last
weekend.

A Benetton statement said that the team will use the Renault-built V10s in
1999 and 2000. But sources insist that the possibility of a link-up with
Ford in either 2000 or 2001 is still a very real possibility.

The stories have gathered strength following the deal for Prodrive, owned
by Benetton boss David Richards, to run Ford's touring cars in the BTCC.

Stewart has an exclusive works Ford deal contract until the end of the year
2000, but Benetton could strike a high-level customer deal, before a full
works deal came on stream in 2001.

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