 Following the Japanese Grand Prix on 12 October , the teams conducted testing sessions at various locations around the world . Williams , Benetton , Sauber , Jordan and McLaren conducted at a test session at the Silverstone Circuit . Williams , Sauber and Jordan tested using 1998 @-@ spec cars , in preparation for the 1998 season . Arrows conducted testing at the Circuit de Nevers Magny @-@ Cours circuit , performing wet weather tyre development with tyre suppliers Bridgestone with the circuit flooded to simulate wet weather conditions . Prost conducted testing at Circuit de Catalunya and performed tyre testing for Bridgestone , as well as testing their 1998 @-@ spec car . Ferrari remained at the Suzuka circuit testing an electronic <unk> used by their driver Eddie Irvine at the previous race . 
