Disappointed Prost Vows 2001 will be Better

Alain Prost vowed that his Formula One team would spend more and do better in 2001 after they ended the season without a point on Sunday.

"I am confident for the future," said the French four times World Champion after the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"We are, I am certain, going to have a bigger budget next season and we will re-organise and improve. We have to remain optimistic. I know we can achieve it, but it will take a long time," he said.

Prost, winner of a record 51 Grands Prix as a driver, admitted it was a great frustration and disappointment to see his team fail to secure a single point.

Sunday's race saw young German Nick Heidfeld -- in his last race for Prost before joining Sauber -- crash out on the opening lap and Frenchman Jean Alesi finish 11th.

"We must be realistic. This is a business, not a sport. OK, it is a sport on Sundays, but the rest of the time, it is a business. I have to be back in the office on Tuesday and we will carry on working," said Prost.

"It has been a year of frustration and disappointment, yes, but a lot of things that have been happening around the team, on the outside, have not helped."

The team's engine suppliers Peugeot announced earlier in the season that they were pulling out at the end of 2000 and Prost has had to spend much time finding a replacement.

Prost will use Ferrari engines next season.

"We finished the race, but without being competitive enough. In such a situation this year, it was difficult to hope for a really strong result in the very last race. But, in a way, we are happy that the season is over," said the team owner.

"Now, all I hope is that we can prepare for the future with some calmness and serenity.

"Everbody at Prost Grand Prix is now ready to show up with a new face for the 2001 season and the big challenge of our reconstruction begins as soon as today is over."

Prost confirmed he was talking to Brazilian Pedro Diniz, currently with Sauber, about him joining the team next season and also that he was talking to Diniz's wealthy father about taking a shareholding in the team.

"It is a possibility, but they are two separate deals and they cannot be mixed up together," he said.

"For us, the main thing is new organisation. I know what we need to do. We will have a bigger budget, new sponsors and a bigger team with more people next year."