Current permanent home of the AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX since 1997, the 4.319-km track is located near Spielberg in southern Austria. Jacques Villeneuve (Williams) and Mika Hakkinen (McLaren) have won the two races held there.

The use of hydraulic actuators in the suspension to control ride height during a race. Introduced by Lotus in 1987, it used computer software aligned to each track to control the actuators. It was banned by the FIA after the 1993 season.

Home to the AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX from 1985-95; this track wound its way through city streets, and included a purpose-built section in the middle of a horse-racing oval.

The science that relates to air in motion or how it passes over, under and around an object. In aviation, special design contours use aerodynamics to promote lift. In motor racing, bodywork design is used to promote DOWNFORCE - that is, the action of air in motion over the bodywork and other external components of a race car produces a force that presses the car down against the track at higher speeds.

Italian petrochemical giant that supplied FERRARI for more than three decades, up to 1995.

Track five miles north of Liverpool, staged the BRITISH GRAND PRIX in 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961-62. An attempt was made to convert the famous horse racing steeplechase track to motor racing, in a 4.828 km configuration. The legendary Stirling Moss was the only repeat winner at Aintree, in a Mercedes W196 in 1955 and a Vanwall in 1957.

Current permanent home of the AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX, since 1996, the 5.303-km track is located within the city boundaries of Melbourne, capital of the state of Victoria.

French telecommunications company and a major sponsor of the Prost Grand Prix team.

Famous, Milan-based car manufacturer, now part of the giant Fiat Group. The first two Formula One World Championships were won by Alfa Romeo drivers, Giuseppe Farina (1950) and Juan Manuel Fangio (1951). The last Grand Prix season for Alfa Romeo as a constructor was 1985, although an Alfa Romeo-powered Osella competed in the 1987 Formula One World Championship.

Town in southern Sweden, home of SCANDINAVIAN RACEWAY and site of the SWEDISH GRAND PRIX 1973-78. The first race in 1973 was almost won by Swedish star, Ronnie Peterson, in a Lotus. He led from the start, but was slowed by a punctured tyre, allowing New Zealander, Dennis Hulme, in a McLaren to take the lead on the last lap. Niki Lauda was the only double winner of the Swedish Grand Prix (Ferrari, 1975; Brabham-Alfa Romeo, 1978).

The centre point of a turn.

A Grand Prix in Buenos Aires run in three distinct eras: 1953-58 and 1960; 1972-75 and 1977-81; and from 1995-98. The first era was the exclusive preserve of Argentine F1 legend, Juan Manuel Fangio, who won four consecutive Argentine Grands Prix, from 1954-57. Brazilian driver Emerson Fittipaldi led the next assault on the Buenos Aires track, with a pair of wins in the 1970s (1973 and 1975), and Damon Hill won twice there in the 1990s, in 1995 and 1996.

One of the more experienced F1 teams, Arrows is headquartered at Witney, Oxfordshire, England, northwest of London. Arrows joined the F1 circuit in 1978, and had taken part in 321Formula One races entering the 1999 season. The team was created by former drivers, Jackie Oliver and Alan Rees, and debuted at the Brazilian GP in 1978. Tom Walkinshaw's TWR GROUP purchased the team from Oliver and Rees in 1996.

A national motorsport body approved by the FIA.

A combustion engine runs on a mixture of vaporised fuel and air. In a normally aspirated engine (atmospheric engine), the mixture is not forced into the combustion chambers; it enters the chambers at the normal atmospheric pressure.

Staged between 1985 and 1995 at Adelaide, and since then, at ALBERT PARK, near Melbourne. Ayrton Senna (1991, 1993) Alain Prost (1986, 1988) and Gerhard Berger (1987, 1992) are repeat winners of the event. Run as the final Grand Prix of the F1 calendar (November) until 1995, the race now is staged in March as the opening event of the Formula One World Championship.

Grand Prix racing returned to Austria in 1997, after a 10-year hiatus. The first Austrian Grand Prix took place at ZELTWEG in 1964, and the race ran from 1970-87 inclusive at the OSTERREICHRING, near Salzburg. The last two races have been staged at the new A-1 RING.

Head of the FOCA-TV service which broadcasts images around the world from each Formula One race.

The specially built TV compound for FOCA-TV at every Formula One race that broadcasts high-definition digital TV images around the world "live" via satellite. (Named after EDDY BAKER, head of the FOCA-TV services).

A specially treated (flame retardant) mask-like head covering worn by drivers, with openings for the nose, eyes and mouth.

The condition in the set-up of a race car when there is no oversteer nor understeer, so that the vehicle may smoothly negotiate the circuit.

Major Spanish city, near the Circuit de Catalunya, current home of the SPANISH GRAND PRIX.

Currently Technical Director with PROST GRAND PRIX, the highly rated British designer was for many years with Ferrari and McLaren. Barnard is credited with designing the first carbon fibre chassis used in Formula One.

One of the longest established Formula One races of the modern era, the Belgian Grand Prix has taken place every year since 1950, with the exception of four (1957, 1959, 1969 and 1971). SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, a track near the German border in northeastern Belgium, has been home to all but 12 races (1950-70, 1983, and 1985 to the present). Two races were run at NIVELLES (1972, 1974) and 10 at ZOLDER (1973, 1975-82 and 1984). Brazil's Ayrton Senna won five races (1985, 1988-91), while Jim Clark of Scotland won four in a row (1962-65). Britain's Damon Hill (1993-94, 1998) and Michael Schumacher of Germany (1995-97) lead the current crop of drivers with three wins each.

Headquartered at Enstone, Oxfordshire, 65 miles northwest of London, the Benetton Formula One racing team came into existence in 1985. Going into the 1999 season, the team had scored 27 victories in 209 Grands Prix and garnered three World Championships (Drivers' in 1994-95 and Constructors' in 1995). Currently configured as the Mild Seven Benetton Playlife Team.

President of the BENETTON FORMULA ONE RACING TEAM since 1988.

Executive Director of the BENETTON FORMULA ONE RACING TEAM, replaced DAVE RICHARDS near the end of the 1998 season.

An 8.3-km road course, one-time site of the GERMAN GRAND PRIX (1959). The race was won by Tony Brooks in a Ferrari 246.

Shown in conjunction with a white number to a driver for dangerous or non-sporting on-track conduct. The offending driver must stop at his team's pit within one lap and speak with the Clerk of the Course. A black and white diagonal flag is a "once-only" warning to a driver for non-sporting on-track behaviour, while a black flag with red spot shown in conjunction with a competitor's number indicates the driver's car has a mechanical problem and he is required to stop at his pit.

At all times: A stationary blue flag will be shown to a driver when exiting the pits to indicate other cars are approaching on the track at racing speed. During practice: Stationary - a faster car is following. Give way. Waved - A faster car behind is about to overtake. Give way urgently. During Grand Prix: Stationary - A car behind is about to lap you. Let the other competitor through. Waved - Let the following car through immediately. You now risk being penalised.

Munich-headquartered luxury car manufacturer responsible for producing prodigiously powerful, turbocharged F1 engines between 1982 and 1987; helped Brazilian driver, Nelson Piquet, to the 1983 World Drivers' Championship. BMW is set to return to Formula One with Williams Grand Prix in 2000.

Australian driver who won the World Championship in 1959-60 (Cooper Climax) and 1966 (Brabham Repco). He formed the team that carried his name in 1962, and it competed in 394 Formula One races before pulling out in 1992.

Team formed by Australian driver JACK BRABHAM in 1962, and with which he won the World Championship in 1966. Later purchased by current Formula One boss, Bernie Ecclestone, before closing its doors at the end of the 1992 season. The Brabham team contested 394 Formula One races in 31 seasons.

Town in Northamptonshire, England, close to the site of the new British American Racing factory. The location is also near the Silverstone circuit, home of the British Grand Prix.

Home of the BRITISH GRAND PRIX in even-numbered years between 1964 and 1986, and of the (occasional) EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX (1983 and 1985). The track is near Maidstone, Kent, southeast of London.

Annual Grand Prix since 1973, held either at the JACAREPAGUA (Rio de Janeiro) or INTERLAGOS (Sao Paulo) circuits. Alain Prost of France has been the most successful F1 driver there, besting an impressive array of Brazilian talent, including Nelson Piquet, Emerson Fittipaldi and Ayrton Senna (all won twice), by scoring an unprecedented six wins. Five of these victories were at JACAREPAGUA (1982, 84-85, 1987-88) and one at the current site, INTERLAGOS, in 1990.

Swiss town west of Zurich, the circuit was the home of the SWISS GRAND PRIX from 1950-54 inclusive.

Former Managing Director of BENETTON FORMULA, who left the World Championship-winning Formula One team at the end of the 1997 season. He is currently involved with the marketing of SUPERTEC SPORT (Mecachrome) engines.

Japanese tyre manufacturer that entered Formula One in 1997. With Goodyear's scheduled withdrawal from Grand Prix racing at the end of the 1998 season, Bridgestone will take over as exclusive tyre supplier in Formula One. Bridgestone won its first tyre championship in 1998 as the supplier to winning team McLAREN-MERCEDES.

New team, founded in 1997, which begins racing in March, 1999. British American Racing is the result of a partnership involving British American Tobacco, CRAIG POLLOCK (Managing Director), and Reynard Racing (ADRIAN REYNARD, RICK GORNE and MALCOLM OASTLER).

Run every year in the modern era of F1 racing (since 1950), the British Grand Prix has had several "homes": SILVERSTONE 1950-54, 15 times between 1956-86, and from 1987 to date; AINTREE, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961-62; and BRANDS HATCH in the even-numbered years between 1964-86.

An acronym for British Racing Motors, this staunchly British team competed in 197 Grands Prix between 1951 and 1977, its drivers scoring 17 victories during this time. Won the Drivers' (Graham Hill) and Constructors' Championships in 1962.

Capital city of Argentina and home of the ARGENTINE GRAND PRIX. The race is run on the 4.259 km Autodromo Oscar Galvez track just outside the city.

One-time site of the FRENCH GRAND PRIX (1967) near the La Sarthe circuit used for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Currently used primarily for French national-level motorsport events.

See GRAND PRIX OF CANADA.

Oil and lubricants supplier to and sponsor of the WILLIAMS FORMULA ONE team

Modern, purpose-built circuit near BARCELONA, home to the SPANISH GRAND PRIX since 1991. In its current configuration, the track is 4.728 km in length. The Circuit de Catalunya has an unusual distinction in that the father-son combinations of Graham Hill (1968) and Damon Hill (1994), and Gilles Villeneuve (1981) and Jacques Villeneuve (1997) have all scored victories there.

Points are awarded for the FIA Formula One Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in the following way per race: 1st-10 points, 2nd-6 points, 3rd-4 points, 4th-3 points, 5th-2 points and 6th-1 point.

The framework of a race car or any motor vehicle, including the suspension and wheels, to which all other elements of the car are connected. A modern F1 race chassis is constructed of carbon fibre composite material and provides a structure that is not only very light, but also very strong and durable.

A tight combination of corners inserted into a straight on a racing circuit, usually with the intention of slowing cars down.

The person ultimately responsible for all operational on-track issues related to the running of a motor race meeting.

Track, south of Paris, site of the FRENCH GRAND PRIX in 1965, 1969-70, and 1972. The circuit is still used for national races.

As in an aircraft, the area of the chassis, or monocoque, in which the driver sits. Once strapped in his custom-made seat (seat will be extractable as of January 1, 1999), he is effectively only able to move his head, arms and legs.

Deformable material positioned around the cockpit of a Formula One car, particularly around the driver's head, intended to provide protection and support when cornering hard or during an accident.

An agreement between the FIA and teams which have agreed to sign, in force from 1997 to 2001 inclusive. It consists of a series of provisions that govern the distribution of TV and race participation income as well as changes to the sporting and technical regulations. It was updated and signed by all teams in 1998.

The first rear, mid-engined Formula One car was developed by John Cooper's Cooper Car Company and fitted with a four-cylinder Coventry Climax power unit. This was the forerunner of all modern Formula One cars.

The number of cylinders in a Formula One race car may not exceed 12, and there can be no more than five valves per cylinder. Currently, all Formula One engines are of V10 configuration.

Site of a single US Grand Prix in 1984, the race was run in blisteringly hot conditions on a 3.9 km circuit and won by Keke Rosberg (Williams-Honda).

A former race mechanic, Ron Dennis has used his natural business skills to become a major player in Formula One and now heads the powerful, and highly successful, McLaren organisation.

Site of seven Grands Prix, five called USA-DETROIT, run in 1982-86, and two editions of the U.S.GRAND PRIX, in 1987-88. All seven races took place on the same 4.023 km downtown circuit. Brazilian Ayrton Senna won the final USA-DETROIT race, in 1986, and the two subsequent U.S.GRAND PRIX events, in 1987-88, to score a "hat trick" on the streets of "Motor City".

Mechanism, usually inside the gearbox casing, that drives and regulates both driveshafts, allowing them to rotate at different speeds, hence its name.

Digital TV uses digital signals to transmit broadcast information with CD-quality sound and much sharper quality images than those produced by traditional analog signals. FOCA has spent a considerable amount of money to buy and develop the equipment to produce DTV.

This 4.023-km race track outside Derby was a famous pre-war site of the British Grand Prix. In the modern era, it was host to the 1993 European Grand Prix, won memorably by McLaren's Ayrton Senna.

The force created by air flowing over and around the bodywork, wings and suspension of a race car that promotes adhesion to the track as speed increases.

Cars in a race produce a partial vacuum in their wakes. A trailing car will often "tuck in" to this area, and be pulled along behind the leading vehicle. Among other things, this promotes fuel efficiency.

See FLY-BY-WIRE.

Technical Director of the Prost Grand Prix team, who served in the same position with Renault Sport from 1980-97, winning five World Championships. Dudot is credited with introducing the turbocharged engine to Formula One in 1977.

See GRAND PRIX OF HOLLAND.

Name given to the Formula One cars developed by Dan Gurney's All-American Racers team and raced by him between 1966 and 1969. Powered by Coventry Climax and Weslake engines, Gurney's Eagle scored one victory, in the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix.

Indian Ocean resort city and home to the first three SOUTH AFRICAN GRANDS PRIX, in 1962-63 and 1965.

Head of the Formula One Constructors' Association (FOCA), Vice President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in charge of promotional affairs, former owner of the Brabham team - and now the undisputed boss of Formula One.

French-based lubricants company that has supplied and sponsored Formula One racing for many years.

Make of car driven to victory at the Indianapolis 500 in 1957 (Sam Hanks) and 1958 (Jimmy Bryan). As with all winners in the 11 Indy races that formed part of the World Championship, it was powered by an Offenhauser 4.5-litre, four-cylinder engine.

Town to the west of Lisbon, site of the PORTUGUESE GRAND PRIX, 1984-1996. The 1997 Portuguese Grand Prix was struck from the Formula One calendar when a governmental jurisdictional dispute arose over FIA track improvement demands. The 4.360-km track's tight turns and chicanes earned the enmity of many F1 drivers and led to the original request for improvements.

The name of an extra Grand Prix race run occasionally during the regular F1 season - Brands Hatch (1983, 1985), Nurburgring (1984), Donington Park (1993), Jerez (1994, 1997).

The organiser of an FIA-sanctioned event consists of a body approved and recommended by its ASN in accordance with the 1998 Concorde Agreement.

Dallas-based subsidiary of TELEGLOBE INC., main secondary sponsor of British American Racing. Excel provides long distance services to an expanding retail customer base.

The most famous of all Grand Prix teams, Ferrari has been part of the Formula One World Championship since the first race, in 1950. As of the beginning of the 1999 season, it had contested 603 Grands Prix, scored 119 wins and won the World Constructors' Championship eight times. Its drivers have secured nine World Championships.

Founder of the Formula One team that bears his name, the Commendatore was famous for his single-mindedness and complete lack of emotional attachment to his cars ("My best car is the next one I build," is one of his better-known comments). Enzo Ferrari moved into the building of road cars as a way of helping to finance his motor racing activities. Both operations are now part of the massive Fiat group.

Located in Imola, this is the home of the San Marino Grand Prix. The 4.930-km circuit, named after Enzo Ferrari and his son, Dino, has been the scene of dramatic, and occasionally tragic events over the years. It was the site of Gilles Villeneuve's last Grand Prix in 1982, and where drivers Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger lost their lives in 1994.

All F1 cars must be fitted with a fire extinguishing system that discharges into the cockpit and the engine compartment. The fire extinguishers must discharge 95 per cent of their contents within 10 seconds and 100 per cent no more than 30 seconds after engagement.

Famous tyre manufacturer, founded in America, but now owned by the Japanese Bridgestone Corporation. Bridgestone currently uses the Firestone name for its North American Champ Car (Indy car) racing programme, but retains the Bridgestone brand for its Formula One involvement.

A series of 10 standard flags is used by track officials to convey important information to Formula One drivers when they are on the circuit.

More correctly known as "drive-by-wire", this electronic system involves the elimination of a direct mechanical link between the throttle pedal and engine. Throttle input is fed electronically to an on-board engine control unit (ECU) that then manages the behaviour of the engine accordingly.

Formula One Administration, Bernie Ecclestone's management company.

Abbreviation for Formula One Constructors' Association. This organisation, headed by Bernie Ecclestone, was formed to ensure the interests of the Formula One teams are strongly represented in any dealings with the FIA or outside bodies.

The TV service which broadcasts images around the world from each Formula One race (See BAKERVILLE).

Italian manufacturing company owned by Minardi partner Gabriele Rumi, perhaps best known for its range of desirable after-market alloy road wheels.

Second largest vehicle manufacturer in the world, Ford is the only company to be involved in motorsport's four major disciplines: Formula One, the World Rally Championship, Champ Car (Indy car) and NASCAR. Directly involved in Formula One with its "works" engine supply to Stewart Grand Prix. Also has a "non-works" engine programme via Cosworth Racing with customer teams (Tyrrell and Minardi in 1998).

A final "warm-up" lap taken by Formula One cars before they reposition themselves on the grid, in their qualifying positions, for the start of a Grand Prix. This is to allow drivers to make a last-minute check of track conditions and to ensure there are no major problems with their cars.

Company formed by Bernie Ecclestone to prepare for the flotation of Formula One television rights and promotional activities related to the sport.

Member of the British American Racing team board, owner of the Indeck group of companies and co-owner of Player's-Forsythe Racing teams, and the owner of the KOOL/Toyota Atlantic series in North America.

Short-lived Italian Grand Prix team formed by motor racing enthusiast, Guido Forti. Competed for a season-and-a-half in 1995-96.

Practice sessions are held two days before an F1 race (three days in Monaco) from 11:00 a.m. to noon, and from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. On the day before an event, free practice is scheduled for 9:00-9:45 a.m., and from 10:15-11:00 a.m. QUALIFYING PRACTICE follows two hours later. The interval between free practice and QUALIFYING PRACTICE may never be less than one hour and 30 minutes.

See GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE F1.

Piping devices with specially designed hatches or fittings which prevent spillage or leakage of fuel during refuelling, while the car is running. By regulation, fuel tank fillers may not protrude beyond the bodywork.

The fuel tank of an F1 race car must be a single rubber bladder, and must be made by an FIA-approved manufacturer. As well, the fuel tank must be surrounded by a crushable structure, which is an integral part of the carbon fibre "SURVIVAL CELL" in which the driver sits.

A race car's transmission, usually containing six forward gears and reverse.

American tyre manufacturer, based in Akron, Ohio, which plans to withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 1998 season following a highly successful involvement with the sport.

Commercial Director of BRITISH AMERICAN RACING.

See SPANISH GRAND PRIX.

See ARGENTINE GRAND PRIX.

See SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX.

See BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX.

The most famous Formula One race of them all, the Monaco Grand Prix was first run there in 1950, and won by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina in an Alfa Romeo 158. After a hiatus of four years, the race returned in 1955, and has been run through the streets of the Principality of MONTE CARLO ever since. The late Ayrton Senna of Brazil won six times (1987, 1989-93), while Britain's Graham Hill scored five victories (1963-65 and 1968-69). Michael Schumacher leads the current generation of drivers with three wins (1994-95, Benetton and 1997, Ferrari).

See BELGIAN GRAND PRIX.

The most "well-travelled" event on the Grand Prix calendar, the French Grand Prix has been held on seven different circuits in 48 years: REIMS, ROUEN, CLERMONT-FERRAND, LE MANS, DIJON, PAUL RICARD and MAGNY-COURS. Since 1991, the home of the event has been the 4.25-km Magny-Cours circuit in central France, south of Nevers. Multiple winners include Alain Prost (six wins), Juan Manuel Fangio, Nigel Mansell and Michael Schumacher (four wins each), Jackie Stewart and Jack Brabham (three each).

Currently the GRAND PRIX AIR CANADA, the event has been run at various tracks over the years, including MOSPORT and MONT-TREMBLANT. Home of the Canadian Grand Prix since 1967 is the CIRCUIT GILLES VILLENEUVE on ILE NOTRE-DAME, near Montreal.

Some 30 editions of the DUTCH GRAND PRIX were run from 1952 to 1985 at Zandvoort, a town on the North Sea. The legendary Scot Jim Clark won four races, while Scotland's Jackie Stewart and Austrian, Niki Lauda, recorded three victories each.

The lateral force generated when a car is cornering, the level of grip a chassis can generate is affected by such variables as tyres, suspension design and aerodynamics. The more grip a car can generate, the faster it should be able to corner.

Introduced at the beginning of the 1998 season in a bid to reduce cornering speeds and increase overtaking opportunities, the previous slick (treadless) tyres used for dry weather racing in Formula One were required to have longitudinal grooves (three at the front, four at the rear) moulded into the tread. These grooves reduced the contact patch area of the tyre (that part of the tyre in contact with the ground at any given instant) by 17 per cent. For the 1999 season, Formula One front tyres will feature an extra longitudinal groove.

See GERMAN GRAND PRIX.

See AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX.

The management of the airflow beneath a race car in such a way as to create a low-pressure area that effectively "sucks" the car down onto the track surface. This so-called "reverse-wing" effect increases the amount of aerodynamic DOWNFORCE that can be generated by a car, thus allowing it to corner at higher speeds than would normally be the case.

Very tight, slow corner that usually takes cars through a 180-degree change of direction. Most famous examples currently in Formula One are the Loews hairpin, at Monaco, and La Source, at Spa Francorchamps (Belgium).

Technical Director and designer at WILLIAMS, he joined LOLA in the early 1970s, before moving on to Wolf-Williams in 1976. A year later, he formed WILLIAMS GRAND PRIX ENGINEERING with FRANK WILLIAMS and they have been together since.

Circuit outside Mexico City, site of the MEXICAN GRAND PRIX on 15 occasions. Jim Clark (1963, 1967), Nigel Mansell (1987, 1992) and Alain Prost (1988, 1990) were all double winners.

Track in southwestern Germany, near Stuttgart, home of the GERMAN GRAND PRIX since 1986. Hockenheim, which played host to its first German GP in 1970, has been the regular site of the race from 1977 to present, with the exception of 1985, when the race was staged at the new NURBURGRING.

Famous Japanese vehicle manufacturer that first entered Formula One as a constructor in 1964, this programme ran until 1968. Honda re-entered Formula One as an engine supplier in 1983, and enjoyed particular success with the Williams and McLaren teams. Withdrew again at the end of 1992, but rumoured to be returning to Formula One as a full constructor in 2000.

This event has been staged on the 3.972-km HUNGARORING track, near Budapest, since 1986.

Home of the HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX since it was added to the FIA Formula One calendar (1986).

Site of the ENZO E DINO FERRARI CIRCUIT, home of the SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX since its inception in 1981. The track was the site of the Italian Grand Prix on a single occasion, in 1980. The city of Bologna is the nearest major centre.

The famed "Brickyard" oval in Indianapolis, home to the annual Indy 500, and was also the site of 11 Grands Prix, from 1950 to 1960 inclusive. (The Indy 500 races in those years counted toward the F1 World Championship.) All 11 winners drove U.S.-designed cars powered by Offenhauser engines.

Race track near Sao Paulo, home of the BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX from 1973-77, 1979-80, and since 1990. The South American races (Brazil and Argentina) may move from the beginning of the Formula One calendar to the end for 1999.

A "halfway-house" between grooved slicks, used in dry weather, and full wet pattern tyres. Intermediates are used in damp to drying conditions when there are not significant amounts of standing water on the track surface.

With one exception - the ENZO E DINO FERRARI circuit in 1980, the ITALIAN GRAND PRIX has been staged at the legendary MONZA facility from 1950 through 1998, inclusive. The earliest track configuration was 6.3 km in length, swelling to 10 km for races in 1955-56 and 1960-61. The current layout is 5.8 km long with a race distance averaging a little more than 295 km for 51 laps. Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina (1953-55), Sweden's Ronnie Peterson (1973-74, 1976) and Alain Prost of France (1981, 1985, 1989) have been the most successful drivers at Monza with three victories each. The unfortunate Peterson died as the result of injuries sustained in a crash at MONZA in 1978.

Built on flat, drained marshland south of Rio de Janeiro, this 4.933-km race track that lies in the shadow of the Old Indian (a massive granite outcropping like Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio) was the home of the BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX in 1978, and between 1981-89.

Some 13 editions of the Japanese Grand Prix have been run since this race first appeared on the Formula One calendar in 1976. The first two events in 1976-77 were staged on the 4.359-km MOUNT FUJI circuit. After a 10-year hiatus, the event moved to its current home, at SUZUKA, near the major centre of Nagoya on Honshu island. This much-admired 5.864-km track has been a favourite haunt of Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher, the two former World Champions having alternated wins in the last four Japanese Grands Prix (1994 and 1996, Hill, and 1995 and 1997, Schumacher).

A circuit north of Madrid where nine SPANISH GRANDS PRIX (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974 and 1976-1981) were run.

Home of the SPANISH GRAND PRIX from 1986-90, and the EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX in 1994 and 1997. Jacques Villeneuve of Williams-Renault won the Drivers' Championship following a now-famous clash with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher at Jerez in 1997. The track, located in the sherry region of southern Spain, is 4.423 km in length.

South African metropolis and co-capital, nearest centre to the KYALAMI circuit that was home to 20 editions of the SOUTH AFRICAN GRAND PRIX.

Formula One team founded by Eddie Jordan in 1990, and based near the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire, England. Won its first Grand Prix after eight seasons of trying with a dramatic one-two finish for drivers Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher in the incident-packed 1998 BELGIAN GRAND PRIX.

Irrepressible Irish entrepreneur, Eddie Jordan, formed his own Formula One team in late 1990, after running cars in the British Formula Three and FIA International Formula 3000 Championships. Jordan was a moderately successful racing driver in his own right before becoming a team owner.

Make of race car which won five of 11 Indy 500 races (See INDIANAPOLIS GRAND PRIX) that counted toward the F1 World Championship (1950-51 and 1953-55). Johnnie Parsons (1950), Lee Wallard (1951), Bill Vukovich (1953-54) and Bob Sweikert (1955) were the winning drivers. As with all winners of the 11 Indy races, it was powered by an OFFENHAUSER 4.5 L4 engine.

Make of race car that won the 1952 Formula One INDIANAPOLIS GRAND PRIX, driven by Troy Ruttman.

Race track near Johannesburg, home of the SOUTH AFRICAN GRAND PRIX from 1967-85 (no race in 1981) and in 1992-93. The 1993 configuration of the track was 4.104 km in length, but since then the circuit has been extensively upgraded as South African interests seek to regain a slot on the Formula One calendar in the near future.

Nevada resort city, site of the two USA-LAS VEGAS Grand Prix races. These were run on a 3.64 km temporary road course within the city boundaries in 1981-82.

French race track, which is part of the famous 24 Heures du Mans circuit, it played host to a single edition of the FRENCH GRAND PRIX, in 1967. Jack Brabham drove to victory on the 4.442-km circuit.

Formula One team started by former French rugby player and motor racing enthusiast, Guy Ligier. At its most competitive in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the team scored eight Grand Prix wins. Purchased by former driver, Alain Prost, the team has run under the Prost Grand Prix name since 1997.

Highly successful British racing car manufacturer formed by engineer, Eric Broadley. Best known for a string of winning sports cars and, more recently, Indy cars, Lola dabbled in Formula One on various occasions and in different guises, including the Embassy Hill and Lola Haas teams. A disastrous foray into Grand Prix racing in 1997 resulted in Lola going into receivership and Broadley losing ownership of the company he founded.

Formula One pit crew member who holds a long-handled fluorescent board in front of a driver during a pit stop. The board is not withdrawn until he is satisfied the refuelling and tyre change operation have been successfully completed.

City on the outskirts of Los Angeles in southern California, site of the USA-WEST Grand Prix races between 1976-83.

Along with Ferrari, one of the most famous Formula One teams of all time. Founded by Colin Chapman, Team Lotus was famous for its engineering and technical innovation, its drivers claiming six World Championships. The team's last win came at the UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX at Detroit in 1987 (Ayrton Senna). Lotus closed its doors at the end of the 1994 season, after an illustrious 37-year history in Grand Prix racing.

Two editions of the Luxembourg Grand Prix (1997-98) have been held at the NURBURGRING race track in southwestern Germany. Canadian Jacques Villeneuve (Williams-Renault) and Finn Mika Hakkinen (McLaren-Mercedes) were the first two winners of the event.

Town in central France, south of Nevers, site of the FRENCH GRAND PRIX since 1991. The 4.25-km race track has been particularly kind to Germany's Michael Schumacher, who has won four of the last five races there (1994-95 and 1997-8), the first two with Benetton, the latter pair with Ferrari.

Home of FERRARI SPA, midway between Milan and Bologna in northern Italy.

British race car manufacturing company formed by current FIA President, Max Mosley, along with Robin Herd, Alan Rees and Graham Coaker. Produced highly successful cars for a range of formulas, including Formula One. Like Lola, had several tries at Grand Prix racing, the first in 1970 and the last in 1992, scoring three victories along the way.

Another famous Italian name, Maserati's Formula One history is tied to the early days of the sport. It competed for a decade, etween 1950 and 1960, and during that time, Maserati drivers recorded nine wins and two World Drivers' Championships (Juan-Manuel Fangio, 1954 and 1957).

French aerospace company that became involved in the design and construction of racing cars and engines, including entries for the Le Mans 24-hour race. Matra's greatest success in Formula One came when it collaborated with Ken Tyrrell's fledgling operation, in 1968 and 1969. Young Scottish charger, Jackie Stewart, finished second in 1968 and then won the World Drivers' Championship in 1969. A disagreement over the use of Matra's V12 engine saw Matra and Tyrrell go their separate ways the following year.

The maximum capacity of a current Formula One engine cannot exceed 3000 cc. The capacity is the displacement described by the bore and stroke of an engine times the number of cylinders.

Began as Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd in 1963, and made its F1 debut at Monaco in 1966, with BRUCE MCLAREN at the wheel. McLaren was killed in testing in 1970, and Team McLaren, as it was then called, continued through 1974, racing in Formula One, Indy car and the Can-Am series. A merger with Project Four Racing created McLaren International in 1980. John Watson won the new team's first Formula One race (BRITISH GRAND PRIX) a year later in a McLaren-Ford. Three years after that, the team dominated with 12 victories in 16 races, and then Alain Prost reeled off two straight World Drivers' Championships, in 1985 and 1986. In 1988, McLaren-Honda obliterated the competition, its drivers winning 15 of 16 races. The team went on to win the Constructors' as well as the Drivers' Championship three more times over the next three years (1989, Prost, and 1990-91, Senna). In 1995, McLaren signed a long-term agreement with Mercedes Benz. That association paid off in 1998 as Mika Hakkinen won the Drivers' Championship, and McLaren Mercedes the Constructors' Championship. The team's official designation is now West McLaren Mercedes.

New Zealander probably most famous for designing, building and racing a series of highly successful CanAm sports cars. McLaren branched into Formula One as a constructor and driver in 1966. He took one Grand Prix win in a car carrying his own name - the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix. Bruce McLaren was killed at Goodwood, England, in June 1970 while testing his latest CanAm car.

Engine preparation specialist which took over development and maintenance of Renault's Formula One engines when the French vehicle manufacturer decided to withdraw from Grand Prix racing at the end of the 1997 season.

Australian coastal city, capital of the state of Victoria, site of ALBERT PARK, current home of the AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX.

Famed German car manufacturer, first entered Formula One as a constructor in 1954, and promptly won the World Championship in 1954 and 1955 with Juan Manuel Fangio. Withdrew at the end of the 1955 season in the wake of anti-motor racing backlash resulting from a horrendous Le Mans accident earlier that year. Returned to Formula One with McLaren in 1995, and won

the 1998 World Championship with Finnish driver, Mika Hakkinen.

The third most frequently run Formula One race in North America with 15 events staged to date (1963-70 and 1986-92). All 15 took place on the HERMANOS RODRIGUEZ circuit, just outside Mexico City, which was 5 km in length in the first eight years, then shortened to 4.421 km for the last seven races. Jim Clark (1963, 1967), Nigel Mansell (1987, 1992) and Alain Prost (1988, 1990) were all double winners in Mexico.

Small Italian Formula One team, founded by motor racing enthusiast, Gian Carlo Minardi, that has bucked the odds to remain in Grand Prix racing since first appearing in 1985. Has yet to score a win.

The minimum weight of an F1 car may not be less than 605 kg, including driver.

U.S. and European based oil and lubricants supplier, and sponsor of the WEST MCLAREN-MERCEDES team.

Principality on the French Riviera, east of Nice, annual site of the GRAND PRIX DE MONACO since 1955.

A 5.42-km track that was a one-time site of the PORTUGUESE GRAND PRIX (1959). Stirling Moss of Great Britain took pole position and won the race in his Cooper T51.

A 4.265-km circuit in the Laurentian mountains north of Montreal, played host to the GRAND PRIX OF CANADA twice (1968 and 1970). New Zealander Dennis Hulme won the first in a McLaren M7A, and Belgium's Jacky Ickx won in 1970 in a Ferrari 312B.

Municipal configuration of the Principality of Monaco and annual site of the Monaco Grand Prix.

Aristocratic Italian businessman who teamed with Niki Lauda to lead a FERRARI resurgence in the 1970s. The combination returned to Ferrari in the 1990s with the intention of taking up where they had left off, but found circumstances within the team had changed considerably with the arrival of former World Champion, Michael Schumacher, and engineers Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne from Benetton. Di Montezemolo took time off from Formula One to oversee arrangements for Italy's hosting of the football World Cup in 1990.

A 3.79-km track near Madrid, Spain, home of the SPANISH GRAND PRIX in 1969, 1971, 1973 and 1975.

Major Canadian city, situated in the province of Quebec, providing a permanent home to the GRAND PRIX OF CANADA since 1978 (the CIRCUIT GILLES VILLENEUVE on ILE NOTRE-DAME in the St. Lawrence River). Emotional winner of the first Canadian Grand Prix, in 1978, was Gilles Villeneuve, father of 1997 World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve.

Home of the ITALIAN GRAND PRIX for every race in the modern era (1950 to date) with the exception of 1980. Located south of Milan in northwestern Italy, the current Monza circuit layout is 5.770 km in length.

President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

Site of the JAPANESE GRAND PRIX in 1976-77, the race subsequently moved to Suzuka, near Nagoya, in 1987, where it has remained since.

Japanese motor racing company, specialising in engine design and development, run by Hirotoshi Honda. First entered Formula One in 1992; currently supplies Jordan Grand Prix with its V10 engines on an exclusive basis.

Esteemed engineer/designer generally regarded as having made a major contribution to the successful Williams teams in the 1990s before leaving to join McLaren at the end of 1997 leading the team to the Constructors' Championship the following year.

City south of Brussels, site of the BELGIAN GRAND PRIX in 1972 and 1974. Both races were run on a 3.724-km circuit and won by Brazil's Emerson Fittipaldi, in a Lotus 72D in 1972, and a McLaren M23 in 1974.

Strategic positions around a Grand Prix circuit where FIA observers are located in order to watch for driving infringements, the actions of corner/safety crews and the recovery of stranded vehicles.

An American-designed, turbocharged four cylinder engine that was for many years the power unit of choice for Indy car teams. Replaced by European and Japanese-designed turbocharged V8 engines.

Successful Formula One driver turned team owner, Oliver founded the Arrows team along with Alan Rees.

A track near Salzburg, Austria, home to the AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX from 1970-87 inclusive. France's Alain Prost was the most successful driver at the Osterreichring, scoring three wins on the 5.942 km track - in 1983 (Renault RE20) and 1985-86 (McLaren MP4).

Excluding rollover structures, no part of a Formula One car may be higher than 95 cm above a specified reference plane.

The situation that results when a car has more grip at the front than the rear. In mild form, this sort of chassis imbalance can result in dramatic "tail-out" slides; in extremis, such oversteer can result in the car going into a spin.

A Grand Prix held twice in Japan (1994-95) at the 3.703-km TANAKA INTERNATIONAL circuit near Aida. Benetton-Ford driver, Michael Schumacher, won both races.

The home of the Grand Prix at each circuit; this is a secure area from which the Formula One teams operate and where all motorhomes and transporters are parked.

The area at a Grand Prix where hospitality services are provided for VIPs and Special Guests, usually with direct access to designated grandstand seating. Drivers and senior team personnel often visit the Paddock Club to meet guests.

For a Formula One Grand Prix, grid size will be limited to 24 cars for 1999 (previously 26 cars).

Race circuit in southern France, midway between Nice and Marseilles, and site of the FRENCH GRAND PRIX in 1971, 1973, 1975-76, 1978, 1980, 1982-83 and 1985-90. Famous for its dauntingly long Mistral Straight.

Home of the first two editions of the SPANISH GRAND PRIX in 1951 and 1954.

May be assessed by FIA officials for any number of sporting or technical infringements by teams or drivers. These can range from a 10-second "stop-and-go" penalty to complete exclusion from the final results and a substantial fine.

A town in Abruzzi on the Adriatic coast of Italy and site of a Grand Prix in 1957. This was run on a 25.579-km road circuit and won by Stirling Moss in a Vanwall L4. Juan-Manuel Fangio of Argentina captured pole position in a Maserati 250F.

Brazilian-based provider of oils and lubricants, affiliated with the WILLIAMS GRAND PRIX team.

Malaysian state-owned oil company, sponsor of the the RED BULL SAUBER PETRONAS F1 team, and has naming rights to Sauber's Ferrari-supplied V10 engines.

French vehicle manufacturer, now part of the PSA Group, which experienced great success in the World Rally Championship before moving into Formula One with a "works" engine programme. Currently supplies its V10 engines exclusively to the Prost team.

Capital of the State of Arizona and site of the UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX in 1989-91. All three races, run on a 3.72-km street course, were swept by McLaren's MP4. Frenchman Alain Prost was victorious in 1989, with Ayrton Senna of Brazil the winner in 1990-91.

Crew of mechanics responsible for the successful execution of all of a Formula One team's pit stops.

Designated strip of tarmac, located immediately in front of the pit garages, which provides cars with access to and from the race circuit. A strictly enforced pit-lane speed limit is set between 80-120km/h (50-74mph), depending on the circuit.

A scheduled stop during a race when a driver brings his car into the pits for refuelling and/or the fitting of fresh tyres. The timing and number of pit stops is an integral part of a Formula One team's race strategy.

Choice position, at the head of a Formula One grid, allocated to the driver who records the fastest time in qualifying - a one-hour, 12-lap session staged on the Saturday afternoon before a Grand Prix.

Managing Director of BRITISH AMERICAN RACING, former business manager of Jacques Villeneuve.

Stuttgart-based manufacturer of highly successful roadgoing and racing sports cars, Porsche was responsible for designing the TAG-financed turbocharged V6 engine that powered McLaren drivers to three World Championships (1984, 1985, 1986). Porsche was also an F1 entrant in its own right between 1957 and 1964, Dan Gurney taking one victory for the German team, at the 1962 French Grand Prix.

City on the Atlantic (west) coast of Portugal that played host to the PORTUGUESE GRAND PRIX in 1958 and 1960, on a 7.5-km track.

Sporadically staged Grand Prix held on one of three tracks - PORTO, MONSANTO and ESTORIL. The first Portuguese Grand Prix took place at Porto in 1958, moved to Monsanto in 1959 and returned to Porto in 1960. The race was then dropped from the calendar for 25 years, returning in 1984 with a new home at Estoril. It continued there through 1996. The 1997 Portuguese Grand Prix was dropped from the FIA calendar when a governmental jurisdictional dispute arose over FIA track improvement demands.

One of the most highly respected designers in Formula One, Dr Harvey Postlethwaite has enjoyed spells with many of the top teams during a 27-year career in the sport. These include March, Hesketh, Wolf, and double stints with Ferrari and Tyrrell. Postlethwaite fulfilled the dual roles of Managing Director and Technical Director at Tyrrell in 1998, the team's final year of operation.

Former Formula One driver, Alain Prost, completed his takeover of Ligier three weeks before the start of the 1997 season and the name of the team was quickly changed to Prost Grand Prix. Prost switched from Mugen-Honda to Peugeot power for 1998, and retains its strong driver pairing of Olivier Panis and Jarno Trulli for 1999.

Four-time World Drivers' Champion, nicknamed "The Professor" for his cerebral approach to motor racing, the little Frenchman drove for Renault, McLaren, Ferrari and Williams, but will probably be best remembered for his battles with arch-rival (and one-time teammate), Ayrton Senna. Leads all drivers with 51 career victories.

See AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX.

A special practice session that takes place between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. on the Saturday preceding a Formula One race. Each driver is allowed a maximum 12 laps of qualifying practice, his best time establishing his position on the race grid with the fastest drivers at the front, the slowest at the rear. Should a driver exceed 12 laps, all of his lap times are cancelled.

See BRITISH GRAND PRIX.

Each Formula One car must carry the number published by the FIA at the start of a season. This number must appear on the side and nose of the car and be at least 25 mm in height, so as to be clearly visible.

FIA-appointed race officials responsible for the reviewing of on-track eventsduring a Grand Prix weekend involving teams and drivers and, wherenecessary, assessing penalties.

The weight of an F1 car in race trim with driver installed and fuel tank full.

Thirty minutes before the scheduled start of a Grand Prix, the cars leave the pits and cover a single reconnaissance lap. At the end of the lap, they are aligned on the STARTING GRID in qualifying order. Those drivers who wish to cover a second reconnaissance lap must travel down the pit lane at greatly reduced speed, and may not in any circumstances drive through the STARTING GRID.

Shown at the start-finish line and simultaneously at the marshals' posts when the decision has been taken to stop the race.

Specially designed piping apparatus designed to safely refuel cars during pit stops. See FUEL TANK FILLERS.

City northeast of Paris, home of the first two FRENCH GRAND PRIX races (1950-51) and 10 others (1953-56, 1958-61, 1963, 1966). The triangular track was 8.3 km in length in its most common configuration.

French car and commercial vehicle manufacturer with a strong motorsport heritage. First entered Formula One in 1977, and is credited with introducing the turbocharged engine to the sport. Renault chassis/engine combinations scored 15 Grand Prix victories between 1979 and 1983.

The motorsport arm of Renault; V10 engines designed and manufactured by Renault Sport had powered 75 Grand Prix winners between 1989 and the beginning of the 1998 Formula One season, accounting for six World Constructors' Championships (Williams in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997, and Benetton in 1995).

Spanish-based oil and lubricants supplier and sponsor of the JORDAN GRAND PRIX team.

Founded in 1977 by Adrian Reynard, Reynard Racing Cars has been hugely successful in a wide range of formulas. Reynard-designed cars have won numerous championships and the company is perhaps best known in recent years for producing a string of winning Champ Car (Indy car) designs.

A successful racing driver in his own right, Adrian Reynard turned his engineering skills to the business of designing and building race cars with devastating effect. Founded Reynard Racing Cars in 1977, and with long-time partner, Rick Gorne, turned the company into one of the most successful constructors of the last 20 years. Reynard now launches into Formula One as Technical Director of British American Racing.

Chief Executive of the BENETTON FORMULA racing team from September 1997 to October 1998. A former rally co-driver, he created the highly successful motorsport engineering consultancy, Prodrive, in 1986.

California city, east of Los Angeles, site of the second running of the UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX in 1960. The race, won by Britain's Stirling Moss in a LOTUS, was run on a 5.27-km track.

Currently, every F1 car must have two rollover structures (rollbars) that stand above a reference plane (higher than the driver's head). The first must be in front of the STEERING WHEEL, but no more than 25cm forward of the top of the steering wheel. The second must be positioned behind the driver, and at least 94cm above the reference plane. Both rollover structures must be designed and fabricated in such a way that the driver and his steering wheel are at least 70mm below their highest points at all times.

Major centre in northwestern France, site of five editions of the FRENCH GRAND PRIX (1952, 1957, 1962, 1964 and 1968). The circuit varied between 5.1 km and 6.542 km in length.

Each driver must wear the following restraint belts for safety: two 75 mm wide shoulder straps, one abdominal strap and two straps between the legs, all securely fixed to the car.

An automobile clearly identified as a Safety Car and carrying flashing yellow lights on its roof, it must be driven by an experienced circuit driver and contain an FIA-approved observer who is in radio contact with race control. Thirty minutes before race time, the Safety Car takes up position at the front of the grid and remains there until five minutes before race time, when it covers a whole lap of the circuit and enters PIT LANE. The Safety Car is brought into operation to "neutralise" a race on the instruction of the CLERK OF THE COURSE. When the order is given for deployment, YELLOW FLAGS are displayed at all OBSERVER POSTS and "SC" is displayed on nearby boards. When the Safety Car is deployed, all race cars must form up behind it, no more than five car lengths apart, and overtaking is forbidden. Each lap completed while the Safety Car is on the track counts as a racing lap.

Quebec village, 120 kilometres north of Montreal, near the CIRCUIT MONT-TREMBLANT, site of the GRAND PRIX OF CANADA in 1968 and 1970.

Chief engineer of MUGEN HONDA, who has been involved with a variety of F1 teams, including TYRRELL, ARROWS, LOTUS, PROST and JORDAN.

A Grand Prix race held every year since 1981 on the 4.93-km ENZO E DINO FERRARI circuit at IMOLA, in northeastern Italy, midway between Bologna and Ravenna.

Owned by former sports car manufacturer, PETER SAUBER, this team began F1 competition in 1993, and was the official FORD works team in 1995-96. The team is based in Switzerland.

Still looking for its first Grand Prix victory, the latest incarnation of PETER SAUBER'S persistent Swiss-based Formula One team showed real signs of progress in 1998. Main sponsor, PETRONAS (Malaysian state-owned oil company), also has naming rights to Sauber's Ferrari-supplied V10 engines.

Swiss-born founder of the RED BULL SAUBER PETRONAS Formula One team, Peter Sauber began building and racing sportscars in 1970. By 1988, his company had effectively become the MERCEDES racing department, and it captured the World Sportscar Championship in 1989 and 1990 with its turbocharged V8 "Silver Arrows".

Largest motor racing circuit in Scandinavia, this 4.025-km track near ANDERSTORP, in southern Sweden, was home to the SWEDISH GRAND PRIX from 1973-78.

Town in south central Florida, equidistant from St. Petersburg in the northwest and Fort Lauderdale to the southeast, site of a famous road racing track used for the running of the first UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX in 1959. BRUCE MCLAREN, in a Cooper T51, won the race.

Site of a new auto racing track in Malaysia.

Multinational petrochemical giant, replaced AGIP as supplier of fuel and lubricants to Ferrari in 1996.

Current home of the British Grand Prix (since 1987) and site of the first five British Formula One races in the modern era (1950-54). Silverstone alternated with AINTREE from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s, and then played host to the race in odd-numbered years between 1963-86, with BRANDS HATCH the site in even-numbered years.

Formula One team founded by ambitious young engineer, Nick Wirth, in 1993. The death at the 1994 SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX of Simtek driver, Roland Ratzenberger, and a serious lack of sponsorship, saw the little team struggle on through the first five races of the 1995 season before withdrawing after the MONACO GRAND PRIX. Wirth is now Chief Designer at BENETTON.

Treadless racing tyres, used in dry conditions, replaced at the start of the 1998 season by "grooved" slicks intended to reduce Formula One cornering speeds.

Grand Prix held between 1962-85 (with the exception of 1964, 1966 and 1981) and in 1992-93. The first two races were run on a 3.919-km circuit in the resort city of EAST LONDON, on the Indian Ocean north of Port Elizabeth, with the remainder at KYALAMI, near Sandton, just outside JOHANNESBURG.

Famous circuit just outside the resort town of Spa, near the German border in northeastern Belgium, has been home to the BELGIAN GRAND PRIX in the following years: 1950-70, 1983, and 1985 to present. Circuit layout in the first 20 years was 14.1 km in length, while the current track has fluctuated between 6.94 km and 7 km since 1983. Ayrton Senna of Brazil won five races (1985, 1988-91), while Jim Clark of Britain won four in a row (1962-65). Damon Hill of England (1993-94, 1998) and Michael Schumacher of Germany (1995-97) lead the current crop of drivers with three wins each.

After two abortive attempts at PEDRALBES in 1951 and 1954, the Spanish Grand Prix was successfully staged at JARAMA and MONTJUICH PARK from 1968 to 1981. After a five-year hiatus, the event moved to JEREZ for five races, and finally settled at its current site, the CATALUNYA circuit just outside BARCELONA, in 1991. The track is 4.728 km in length and is renowned for its hairpin curves and chicanes.

Aerodynamic device, affixed to the trailing edge of an exposed surface, designed to create turbulence, and with it, DOWNFORCE.

That area of the track where the cars are aligned in staggered pairs, according to their qualifying times, and from which they start the race.

Formula One steering wheels now incorporate virtually all instrumentation and controls that used to be located on the dashboard. The steering wheel of an F1 car must be fitted with a quick-release mechanism. This requires a driver to pull on a circular flange installed behind the wheel to release it from splines on the steering shaft.

The brainchild of racing legend, JACKIE STEWART, and his elder son, Paul, the decision to form Stewart Grand Prix was announced in January 1996, and the team officially entered competition 13 months later, at ALBERT PARK. A little more than two months after its debut, Rubens Barrichello scored a scintillating second-place finish at the rain-soaked MONACO GRAND PRIX for the team's first F1 points. The team is headquartered in a state-of-the-art, 80,000 sq. ft. facility at Milton Keynes, in Buckinghamshire, near SILVERSTONE.

A legendary race driver, the diminutive Scotsman won three Drivers' World Championships between 1965 and 1973, recording 27 victories and 17 pole positions in 99 Formula One races. After a successful debut in F3 racing, Stewart joined the BRM team in 1965, recording his first win at MONZA in only his eighth race. His greatest success (including 25 Grand Prix wins) came when he teamed up with KEN TYRRELL and the TYRRELL RACING ORGANISATION in 1968. Jackie Stewart is currently Chairman of the STEWART GRAND PRIX team, which debuted in 1997, and is headquartered at Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, near SILVERSTONE.

Elder son of JACKIE STEWART and Managing Director of STEWART GRAND PRIX. Paul Stewart raced in Formula Ford 1600 and 2000, F3 and European F3000 between 1985-93 before retiring from competition to concentrate on motorsport management at Paul Stewart Racing, a company formed with his father. Three years later, he and JACKIE STEWART announced the arrival of STEWART GRAND PRIX, which entered F1 competition in March, 1997.

Penalty that may be assessed at the discretion of the race stewards for such infringements as jumping the start or exceeding the pit lane speed limit. It requires the driver to come into his pit and remain stationary for 10 seconds. He may then rejoin the race.

A method of forcing the fuel/air mixture into the combustion chambers of an engine at a level above atmospheric pressure (forced induction), a supercharger is normally driven directly from the engine rather than indirectly, by the exhaust gases (TURBOCHARGING).

Marketing and distribution company for Mecachrome engines (manufactured by Renault Sport). Former Benetton boss, FLAVIO BRIATORE, is Managing Director.

As per FIA regulations, a continuous, closed structure on an F1 car containing the FUEL TANK and COCKPIT.

Those components on a car between the chassis and wheels that allow it to ride over a variety of surfaces and corner efficiently. Currently favoured suspension layout in Formula One involves upper and lower wishbones with pushrods activating chassis-mounted spring/damper units.

A 5.864-km race circuit near Nagoya, on Honshu island, permanent home of the JAPANESE GRAND PRIX since 1987.

The SWEDISH GRAND PRIX was run on the SCANDINAVIAN RACEWAY in the southern centre of ANDERSTORP between 1973-78. The first race, in 1973, was almost won by Swedish star Ronnie Peterson in a LOTUS who led from the start, but was slowed by a punctured tyre and had to let New Zealander Dennis Hulme in a MCLAREN take the lead on the last lap. Niki Lauda was the only double Grand Prix winner at Anderstorp, in a Ferrari in 1975, and a Brabham-Alfa Romeo in 1978. Interest waned in Sweden after Peterson's death at the ITALIAN GRAND PRIX later that year, and the race was never again staged.

In the first five years of the modern era, 1950-54, the SWISS GRAND PRIX on the 7.28-km track at BREMGARTEN, west of Zurich, was a regular fixture on the Formula One calendar. A SWISS GRAND PRIX was also run in 1982, although the circuit was outside the French wine centre of DIJON. International motor racing was banned in Switzerland in 1955, following an horrific accident in that year's Le Mans 24-hour race.

BENETTON engineering stalwart, Symonds assumed the role of Technical Director at the Anglo-Italian team following the departure of Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne to Ferrari at the end of 1996.

Long-time MCLAREN sponsor, Swiss-based manufacturer of professional sports watches and timing systems and Formula One's official timekeepers since 1992.

Japanese circuit, near Aida and MT. FUJI, site of the PACIFIC GRAND PRIX, a one-time event, held April 17, 1994 and won by BENETTON's Michael Schumacher.

Main secondary sponsor of British American Racing, the Montreal-based international telecommunications and satellite services provider competes in the global marketplace. Through its subsidiary Teleglobe Communications Corporation, the company develops and supplies global connectivity services to carriers, Internet service providers, multinational corporations and broadcast customers worldwide.

The science of transmitting data electronically from a moving object to a stationary central location.

All F1 race cars are fitted with two television cameras, two camera housings, or one of each at all times. All cars must be equipped with five positions to which cameras or camera housings can be fitted.

U.S. and U.K.-based oil and lubricants supplier and sponsor for the STEWART GRAND PRIX team.

Critical to any form of motor racing, Formula One enjoys state-of-the-art timing capabilities courtesy of technical specialists TAG-HEUER and Siemens.

All F1 race cars must be fitted with a timing transponder, an electronic device supplied by the officially appointed timekeepers which can transmit or receive a signal from trackside timing recorders.

The diminutive 52-year-old Frenchman has risen from being a rally co-driver to FERRARI Sporting Director. Much of his motor racing career was spent with PEUGEOT, but following a move to Ferrari in mid-1993, he has been one of the prime movers in the resurgence of the famous Italian team.

Computer-controlled electronic system that senses the onset of wheelspin and rapidly controls the power output characteristics of the engine to eliminate the developing wheelspin. Ideally, works in conjunction with an electronic "DRIVE-BY-WIRE" throttle.

A large, articulated van (tractor and rig) which moves cars and all of their equipment from circuit to circuit.

So called because of its shape, the cockpit area of the chassis, or monocoque, in which the driver sits.

Another method of "forced induction", turbocharging is also known as "exhaust gas supercharging". It harnesses the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine to spin up a compressor that then pressurises the fuel/air mixture being fed into the combustion chambers.

Team formed when determined Scot, TOM WALKINSHAW, took over the reins at Arrows during the 1996 season. A highly successful racing driver, his TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) concern was responsible for designing, building and racing the Jaguars that won European Touring Car Championship and World Sports Car Championship titles. Walkinshaw stunned the Formula One world at the end of 1996 when he signed newly crowned World Drivers' Champion, Damon Hill. The Englishman only stayed for one season, and although the team appeared to have an effective chassis in 1998, it was hampered by the lack of a "works" engine deal (Walkinshaw decided to build his own engines) and limited operating budget.

TOM WALKINSHAW'S impressive technical operation, based at Leafield, Oxfordshire, is capable of taking on a wide range of automotive engineering projects, whether motorsport-based or manufacturer commissioned research and development work. The client list over the years has included Mazda, Jaguar, Holden (GM) and Volvo.

Special "electrified slip covers" designed to keep new tyres warm at trackside, prior to being mounted on a car during a PIT STOP. The warmth or higher temperature in the rubber compound promotes better track adhesion during a race.

British Formula One racing team, founded by KEN TYRRELL, which grew out of Ken Tyrrell Racing, founded in the early 1960s to run Cooper chassis in Formula Junior and Formula Three. The team has been based at the same site, in Ockham, Surrey, since it was established. Driver JACKIE STEWART took three World Drivers' Championship titles for the team (1969, 1971, 1973), while Tyrrell won one Constructors' Championship as a manufacturer in its own right (1971) and one with MATRA (1969). Tyrrell withdrew from competition at the end of the 1998 Formula One season following its purchase by BRITISH AMERICAN RACING at the end of 1997.

Former racing driver and founder of the TYRRELL RACING ORGANISATION in 1968, Ken Tyrrell bowed out of Formula One team ownership in early 1998, after selling his team to BRITISH AMERICAN RACING. Inspired by a visit to a SILVERSTONE race meeting in 1951, Tyrrell served a brief spell as Team Manager of the COOPER Formula Two team before setting up his own business in Ockham, Surrey, to run the works Formula Junior Cooper-BMC entries. Tyrrell moved into Formula One in 1968, with MATRA chassis powered by Ford's DFV V8 engine. The team started designing and manufacturing its own cars three years later, and undoubtedly enjoyed a halcyon period between 1969 and 1973, when young Scottish charger, JACKIE STEWART, won the World Drivers' Championship three times (1969, 1971, 1973) and Tyrrell won the Constructors' Championship in 1971. The 1998 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX marked the final Grand Prix for Tyrrell.

See UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX.

The situation that results when a car has more grip at the rear than the front. Depending on the severity of the understeer, the car can either run slightly wide when cornering or, in extremis, go off the road, nose-first. This sort of handling imbalance usually extracts a heavy toll in front tyre wear.

Despite spells when it appeared to have found its natural "home", the United States Grand Prix has had a chequered history. To date, it has taken place at six different venues, not including the USA GRAND PRIX WEST, staged at LONG BEACH, California, between 1976 and 1983. The first United States Grand Prix was run in 1959, at SEBRING, in Florida. In 1960, the race moved across country to RIVERSIDE, California, before settling in upstate New York, at WATKINS GLEN, near Syracuse, from 1961-80. There followed two largely unsuccessful attempts at running the race in LAS VEGAS (1981-82) before it was moved to DETROIT and given the title USA GRAND PRIX EAST (1983-1988). There was also a one-off US Grand Prix run in the stifling heat of DALLAS, Texas, in 1984. The final site of the United States Grand Prix in recent times was PHOENIX, Arizona between 1989-91. The Dallas and Phoenix races were both run on temporary, downtown street circuits. The most successful drivers have been Ayrton Senna, who won four races (1987-88 and 1990-91), Graham Hill (1963-65) and Jim Clark (1962 and 1966-67), who won three apiece. It seems likely the United States Grand Prix will return to the Formula One calendar in the near future, possibly on a purpose-built road circuit within the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A one-off Grand Prix that took place in the Texas metropolis in 1984, it was run on a 3.9-km street circuit and won by Keke Rosberg (Williams).

Six Grands Prix, dubbed the UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX EAST, run in the downtown core of "Motor City" from 1983-88 inclusive. These races took place on the same 4.023-km temporary street circuit.

Two Grands Prix run on a 3.64-km temporary course in the Nevada city in 1981-82, they were won by Alan Jones (Williams) and Michele Alboreto (Tyrrell) respectively.

Eight events held on a temporary street circuit in LONG BEACH, California, just south of Los Angeles, from 1976-83 inclusive.

Staunchly British Formula One team that competed in the Formula One World Championship between 1954 and 1960. Vanwall drivers scored nine wins during that time and the team won the World Constructors' Championship in 1958 as a result of the efforts of drivers Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks.

Situated on Ile Notre-Dame in the middle of the St. Lawrence River facing downtown Montreal, the challenging circuit has been the home of the Canadian Grand Prix since 1978. The site was named after legendary Quebec-born FERRARI driver, Gilles Villeneuve, in 1983, a year after his death during final qualifying at the BELGIAN GRAND PRIX.

Owner, ARROWS GRAND PRIX INTERNATIONAL and Managing Director of the TWR GROUP, founded in 1976. TWR is capable of designing and manufacturing race cars of all types and also carries out extensive research and development work on behalf of a number of vehicle manufacturers. Scottish-born Walkinshaw raced in Formula Ford, F3, F2 and Formula 5000 before joining Ford in 1973 as a design engineer. He continued his racing career in touring cars over the next decade, winning the European Touring Car Championship in 1984. He retired from active competition two years later to concentrate on the Jaguar race programme which TWR ran until 1993. TWR work on such road cars as the Aston Martin DB7, Jaguar XJ220 and Volvo C70 established the company as a major force in automotive engineering and earned him the title of Autocar Man of the Year in 1997.

A free Formula One practice session that takes place on race day. It lasts 30 minutes and occurs four hours and 30 minutes prior to the scheduled race start time.

Centre in upstate New York, southwest of Syracuse, home of the United States Grand Prix from 1961-80 inclusive. The race track at Watkins Glen featured two configurations for Grand Prix racing, a 3.701- km track in 1961-70, and a larger 5.435-km circuit to which five turns were added (1971-80). Britons Graham Hill and Jim Clark both recorded three victories at Watkins Glen.

Make of race car that won three editions of the Indianapolis Grand Prix, in 1956 (Pat Flaherty), 1958 (Rodger Ward) and 1959 (Jim Rathmann). As with all winners in the 11 Indy races, it was powered by an Offenhauser 4.5 L4 engine.

In the new 1999 regulations, cables will be fitted to prevent the wheels becoming separated from a car in an accident.

Headquartered in Wantage, Oxfordshire, the Williams Formula One team is controlled by Managing Director, FRANK WILLIAMS, General Manager, Dave Williams and Technical Director, PATRICK HEAD. Williams Grand Prix Engineering has been a force to be reckoned with on the Formula One scene since the company was founded in 1977 by Frank Williams and designer, Patrick Head. Since that time, it has captured nine Constructors' World Championships and seven Drivers' titles: Alan Jones (1980), Keke Rosberg (1982), Nelson Piquet (1987), Nigel Mansell (1992), Alain Prost (1993), Damon Hill (1996) and Jacques Villeneuve (1997). Associated with RENAULT SPORT for most of the 1990s, Williams raced Renault-based MECACHROME engines in 1997, and has signed an agreement with BMW for the exclusive supply of engines from the year 2000. The team's official designation in 1998 was Winfield Williams.

Motor racing enthusiast, former driver and founder of WILLIAMS GRAND PRIX ENGINEERING, one of the most successful Formula One teams of the last 20 years. Despite being confined to a wheelchair as the result of a road accident, Williams still attends Grands Prix and remains heavily involved with the running of the team that bears his name.

A tunnel-like structure through which air can be forced at various speeds in order to test its effects on racing cars, as measured by special wind gauges and electronic devices. This is especially valuable in measuring DOWNFORCE and other GROUND EFFECTS.

Wealthy Austro-Canadian businessman, motor racing enthusiast and founder of Walter Wolf Racing, which competed in Formula One between 1977 and 1979. Rumoured to be considering a comeback to the sport.

Formula One team founded by wealthy Austro-Canadian businessman, WALTER WOLF, in 1976. The team's first car, the HARVEY POSTLETHWAITE-designed Wolf-Ford WR1, had the distinction of winning its first-ever event, the 1977 Argentine Grand Prix, with Jody Scheckter at the wheel. Walter Wolf Racing competed in Formula One between 1977 and 1979, and recorded a total of three victories during that time.

Small, midships-mounted wings, also dubbed "wing towers" and "candleabra". These were introduced by Tyrrell on its 1997 car, the 025, and were intended to provide additional "clean-air" DOWNFORCE near the centre of the car to compensate for the loss of aerodynamic downforce from the front wing experienced when travelling close to another car. This innovative piece of design was banned by the FIA on safety grounds prior to the 1998 SPANISH GRAND PRIX.

Stationary: Warns the driver to proceed with caution and avoid overtaking since there is a hazard close to the track. Waved: Warns the driver to slow down, avoid overtaking and be prepared to deviate from the racing line since there is a hazard on the track. Double-waved: Warns the driver to slow down, avoid overtaking and be prepared to stop since the track is completely or partially blocked.

Town on the North Sea, southwest of Haarlem, site of all 30 rounds of the DUTCH GRAND PRIX run between 1952 and 1985. In its configuration for the final six races between 1980-85, the track was 4.252 km in length. The legendary Jim Clark won four races there (1963-65 and 1967). Scotland's Jackie Stewart and Austrian, Nicki Lauda, scored three victories each (Stewart in 1968-69 and 1973, Lauda in 1974, 1977 and 1985).

A village in south central Austria, site of the first-ever AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX. A single race was held there in 1964, and won by Italian driver, Lorenzo Bandini, in a Ferrari 156 Aero.

New auto racing facility in China, home to future Formula One races.

A town in northwestern Belgium, near Hasselt, site of 10 editions of the BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (1973, 1975-82 and 1984). In its final Formula One configuration, the track was 4.262 km long. Gilles Villeneuve was killed there in qualifying prior to the 1982 race. Zolder has not staged a Grand Prix race since then.