The M198 had a FordV10 engine, allowing representative horsepower after several years using V8s, but many of the chassis component designs had not been changed from previous seasons, prompting former designer Gustav Brunner to start work on the team's car, the Minardi M01, within a month of rejoining the team. Despite their problems, the team was able to hang onto the rest of the field and was involved in a season-long battle with Tyrrell, beating the British team on occasion.
However, the team was still unclassified in the Constructors' Championship, with no points.