It was driven by Frenchman Olivier Panis, who was in his third season with the team, and Brazilian Pedro Diniz, who moved from Forti.

Panis also finished sixth in Brazil and fifth in Hungary, to place ninth in the Drivers' Championship with 13 points.

Diniz finished sixth in Spain and Italy, earning two points which placed him 15th in the Drivers' Championship.

The JS43 had a little lighter dark blue livery with a new major sponsor, Gauloises replacing its sister brand Gitanes.

At the Australian Grand Prix, energy drink brand Power Horse featured on the air box.