Alesi to stick with Prost

Jean Alesi has announced he will continue to drive for Prost Grand Prix in 2001, indicating that team boss Alain Prost is to stay at the helm of the team beyond the end of the season

The Frenchman's future has hung in the balance as Prost sorted out the troubled team's future and Alesi had said he would only stay on if Prost stayed. At Monza the veteran of the paddock said he had been given assurances by the four-time world champion that he would be competing for a 12th season with the team - probably powered by Ferrari V10 engines.

Sunday is Alesi's 180th Grand Prix, more than any other driver in the paddock and only seven drivers in history have contested more. Finishing in the points for the first time this year on his favourite track would be the best way to celebrate, according to the 36-year-old.

"I would love to get a good result here but we are struggling a bit with the car at the moment," he said after finishing the day's free practice sessions at the bottom of the time sheets. "We have not had a good time here so it would be nice to get my first points here. Monza does mean a lot to me."

Alesi has finished only three races this season but failed to score any points.