Benetton boosted by the early arrival of Gascoyne.

Mike Gascoyne has joined the Benetton team earlier than expected after signing for the outfit back in April.

Jordon initially wanted him to stay until the end of his contract. However Honda objected as they thought he could take their secrets to Renault.

The two teams have thus reached a compromise and Benetton are to pay Jordan ?200,000 for a 'early release'.

Gascoyne, who will now have extra time to work on the 2001 Benetton car told BBC news: "Normally Benetton have their car out pretty early in the new year, but this time the car won't be running until the end of January. I will be able to have a pretty big input."