Prost agrees PSN deal.

Speculation surrounding Gaston Mazzacane's role with the Prost team next season will take another leap forward following the announcement today [Thursday] that the French team has agreed a marketing and sponsorship alliance with his sponsor PanAmerican Sports Network [PSN].

The multi-faceted agreement will provide PSN prominent exposure on Prost's cars and team next year, and establishes plans for joint marketing, promotional and business development initiatives.

Broadcasting simultaneously in Spanish and Portuguese, PSN provides a 24hour, sports cable and satellite digital television network throughout Latin America. Since its launch last February, the company has secured live and exclusive coverage of Formula One in the region - with the exception of Brazil - and the sport has been among the cornerstone of the network's rise in awareness and popularity, with approximately 10million households currently subscribing.

"We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Alain Prost and his team, and are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship," said company president and CEO Jacques Kremer, "This innovative partnership is based on the commitment of Prost Grand Prix and PSN to use their proprietary attributes to contribute to each other's success.

"PSN's top priority is to satisfy its viewers' passion for sport, while creating a feeling of proximity between them and their favourite sports. The alliance with Prost Grand Prix enables PSN to enhance its in-depth coverage of Formula One, while strengthening PSN's brand image in one of sport's most important venues.

"PSN's presence throughout Latin America, the network's US launch in 2001 and our on-line extension PSN.com give Prost Grand Prix access to a unique combination of resources to help develop their business interests, while increasing their awareness and enhancing their image in different regions of the world."

Whether PSN is the big sponsor that Alain Prost has been looking for after the withdrawal of Gauloises is unlikely, but the three-time world champion sees the new relationship as a vital cog in the team's business wheel.

"I have been in close contact with Jacques Kremer for several months," Prost explained, "and it was soon clear to us that an alliance between PSN and Prost Grand Prix was a good match, with huge potential.

"PSN becomes not only an important sponsor for the team, but comes to join and strengthen the solid structure Prost Grand Prix forms with its partners, Pedro Diniz, Ufa Sports and LMVH. Our strategy is to work in total synergy with the objective of developing worldwide, innovative commercial and marketing opportunities, and establishing a presence in new markets."

The team has only confirmed one driver for 2001 so far, with an announcement on Jean Alesi's team-mate not expected until some time in the New Year. Prost tested both Enrique Bernoldi and Oriol Servia at Barcelona last week, with the Brazilian thought likely to get the nod for a full race drive. PSN's arrival on the scene, however, is likely to strengthen claims that Gaston Mazzacane, whom it placed at Minardi this season, will partner the volatile Frenchman instead.

Mazzacane had been touted for a testing role with the team, but was prevented from trying the Peugeot-engined AP03 at Barcelona by an apparent shortage of suitable powerplants. A return to Minardi had been rumoured before today's announcement.

PSN's F1 absence from Brazil is not conducive to Bernoldi landing a seat, although its Portuguese language network may receive a boost from his presence in the team.

A definite announcement on the second driver is mooted for the first ten days of the New Year.