F1 to One
with Ken Tyrrell - Tyrrell.
F1 Racing, February 1997.

Q: Will you ever win another grand prix?
A: To win in F1, you need to get the package right: the right chassis, engine and drivers. For 1997 we've got very good drivers, and I think the Ford V8 is going to be both reliable and powerful. Together, those two elements should take us nearer to winning races. As for our chassis, they've mostly been good; in 1996, I think our chassis was very good. But obviously, in recent years, something's been missing from our package.

Q: Last year, your Yamaha let you down.....
A: The Yamaha was new at the start of 1996, and it hadn't had enough running before we had to race it. And so we ran into reliability problems.

Q: So how will Arrows do with Yamaha in 1997?
A: I presume Yamaha have taken steps to put things right, and I hope for Tom Walkinshaw's sake that they've done it. Like everyone else, I was surprised that Damon chose Arrows. We shall have to see.

Q: Just how good are your 1997 drivers?
A: Judging by the number of teams that tried to sign him at the end of last year, it would appear that Mika Salo has become a driver in demand. He's good with the car, and the race engineers. So given the right package, he's a race winner. I was very impressed with Jos Verstappen when he joined Benetton in 1994, but he had an almost impossible task - suddenly thrown in to replace the injured JJ Lehto, and as Schumacher's team-mate. But we watched him very closely in '96, and were very impressed.

Q: Are you still involved in running Tyrrell?
A: Harvey Postlethwaite is in charge of everything technical; my son Bob's in charge of administration and sponsorship. And really I just keep an eye on them.

Q: How will Jackie Stewart fare as a team-owner in 1997?
A: When Jackie goes about something, he does it properly; so he will put together a sucessful team. It won't be easy, and it won't happen straight away. But he's got a five-year deal with Ford, and they know it'll take time. He says that if he earns just one point in 1997, he'll consider it a success. But I doubt he says that to potential sponsors!

Q: Who'll be 1997 World Champion?
A: Oh, it's reasonably easy to predict, isn't it? If the red cars are sorted out, then it'll be Schumacher; if they aren't, it'll be Villeneuve.

Q: Rather than Frentzen?
A: He'll be a worthy number two, but Jacques did exceptionally well last year. Williams will, again, be successful, and only Schumacher can beat them.

Q: Do you regard modern circuits as a necessary evil?
A: I understand the FIA's desire to lessen danger by removing fast corners, but it has taken something away from the racing. We want more overtaking, but you can't do that much with the cars to make that happen. You can do something with the circuits, though. If the cars have to brake from 200mph down to 50mph, then you'll see overtaking.

Q: In the light of the Senna trial, will you race in Italy?
A: All the teams ought to get together to discuss it - though it's a bit premature to make decisions. As for the charges against Williams, I think they'll be acquitted. Probably some justice official whats to make a name for himself, and so has called for a trial. If Italy wants international motor sport in the future, it cannot do what it's done to Williams.

Q: Does racing still excite you?
A: Yes, I get it just the same. It doesn't change.

Q: Did the six-wheel Tyrrell give you a lot of pressure?
A: Oh yes. After Sweden 1976, when we finished one-two with the six-wheelers, Luca di Montezemolo, who was team manager of Ferrari at the time, came up to me after the race, went down on his knees, and clasped his hands together. "Ken, that was absolutely fantastic", he said. Two years ago at Imola, I was talking to him in pits, and I reminded him of it and he said he didn't remember it. A bit difficult for the big boss of Ferrari to remember going down on his knees to Ken Tyrrell, I think!

Q: How long will you carry on?
A: This is my 30th year in F1, and I haven't missed a single race - so I'll carry on until someone here kicks me out! But as I'm the chairman, that might be a bit difficult. I'm the only one that can sack me, I think....