Prost proposition

(14-Jul-98) - Sauber driver Jean Alesi is said to have received an offer to
join the Prost team next season where he would be expected to partner
Italian Jarno Trulli.

Prost is obliged by engine supplier Peugeot to have at least one French
driver in the team, but having reportedly fallen out with current driver
Olivier Panis, Alesi is the only other top French driver available.

Prost is a close friend of Alesi, but a stumbling block for the signing
could be Alesi's reputation for being "fiery" and a poor test
driver.

Alesi, although contracted to Sauber next season, is unsettled at the Swiss
team and his relationship with team-mate Johnny Herbert has gone from bad
to worse.

"Next season it is either him or me," said Alesi.

Prost is expected to take up his option on Trulli, into whose contractual
situation Ferrari has enquired. The Italian is said to be resisting Prost's
attempts to sign him up for 2000 as well.

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