Jean Alesi began his Formula1 career with Tyrrell in 1989 before moving to Ferrari, where he spent five years. During this spell he recorded his only victory - at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1995. From there he went to Benetton and, after two difficult years, moved to Sauber for the start of the 1998 Championship, his tenth season in Grand Prix. A third place in the carnage at Spa was one of only four points scoring appearances that year, and his frustration expressed itself in his dissatisfaction at team mate Johnny Herbert.

1999 was also not kind to the French Sicilian and it culminated in a typically emotional outburst after the Hungarian Grand Prix announcing that he would be leaving Sauber. It was a frustrating year of non-finishes and disappointing performances, indeed he retired from half the races of the season, and his best result was sixth place in San Marino and Japan. His move to Prost represents a clean break for the longest serving driver on the grid and the chance to move up the Championship standings in 2000. His experience will also be of great help to the team where he will need to