After four years out of the sport since 1997, Renault returned to supply engines to the Benetton team, while Michelin's comeback as a tyre supplier provided Bridgestone with competition for the first time since Goodyear left the sport at the end of the 1998 season.
Logo de catro anos fora do deporte, Renault volveu a fornecer motores o equipo Benetton, mentres que o regreso de Michelin como provedor de pneumáticos trouxo competencia a Bridgestone por primeira vez desde que Goodyear deixara o deporte ao final da tempada 1998.