Ligier presented their new car today at ...

Published on 21 January 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

Ligier presented their new car today at Monaco. The Ligier JS-45 does not look that much different than it's predecessor. The differences can mainly be found in the updated Mugen-Honda engine and the braking system. As announced earlier Ligier will use Bridgestone tyres. Drivers Olivier Panis and newcomer Shinji Nakano were quite optimistic about their chances for 1997 and hope to score points on a regular basis. Olivier Panis didn't even rule out a single victory this season. The Frenchman gave the press some nice pictures by driving the new JS-45 through the streets of Monte Carlo, the scene of the team's only victory last year.

At Jerez TWR-Arrows and Ferrari again had problems with testing their new cars. This time it was not the rain but technical problems which played their part. Damon Hill had to give up on his first serious test with the new Arrows because of gearbox problems.
Michael Schumacher suffered from an engine failure again. The fourth since the launch of the new car. Obviously the German is not very happy with the progress of the new Ferrari F310B.