03.12.93

McLaren have confirmed Finland's Mika Hakkinen in their team for the 1994 World Championship. Hakkinen has been rewarded with a three-year contract after replacing Michael Andretti for the last three races of last season. McLaren, who have a new engine agreement with Peugeot, plan to contest the championship with three drivers next year. But the names of Hakkinen's teammates are not expected to be confirmed until next month.

07.12.93

Benetton Formula One have announced that German driver Michael Schumacher has signed a new three year contract.

08.12.93

Ayrton Senna and Eddie Irvine are due to give evidence to FIA today following their fracas after the Japanese Grand Prix in October. The Brazilian confronted Irvine in the Jordan camp to complain about his driving and apparently a blow was struck by the McLaren driver. But no official report was made and the sport's governing body will only use the drivers' evidence. Senna admitted he regretted the incident but Britain's Derek Warwick offered support having also been a victim of Irvine's driving.

09.12.93

Ayrton Senna has been given a two race ban by the sport's governing body, the FIA, for striking Irish driver Eddie Irvine. But the ban has been suspended for six months because of the Brazilian ace's "positive attitude". Senna hit the Jordan driver during a fracas after the Japanese Grand Prix in October. The former world champion was furious over the way Irvine was driving and the McLaren driver confronted him although admitted later he regretted the incident.

Team Lotus have confirmed Alessandro Zanardi as their test driver for 1994 alongside Johnny Herbert and Pedro Lamy.

13.12.93

The Footwork Formula One team will use the Ford HB engine to contest the 1994 FIA World Championship. The team has reached agreement with Cosworth Engineering for the supply of Ford engines next season. Footwork will have the use of the air valve engines that took McLaren to five victories in 1993.

22.12.93

Martin Brundle is considering a switch to join Nigel Mansell in Indy Cars next year after failing to land a top Formula One drive. The Briton was seventh in a Ligier in the 1993 F1 World Championship and is frustrated he has not been signed by one of the major teams. He told BBC TV that the growing prestige of the Indy Car series appealed to him. And he added: "The teams have to find less money to be competitive and the cars are much more equal."