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2006 NEWS: WORLD AUTO RACING

PRESS RELEASE

F1 GP: Sutil to partner Albers at Spyker (DEC 21, 2006)

• Spyker F1 Team is delighted to announce that Adrian Sutil will partner Christijan Albers in the 2007 FIA F1 World Championship after signing a long term contract today.
• Sutil, 23 from Munich, Germany, drove three Grand Prix Friday`s for Spyker in 2006 while concentrating on winning the tough and prestigious Japanese F3 Championship for the Tom`s Toyota team. In 2005 Adrian was runner-up to Champion and ASM team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the European F3 series.
• Destined to follow his Uruguayan-born father into a musical career, Adrian trained and practised as a concert pianist until he was 14: "when I discovered karting. From that moment on the sound of racing engines was the only music I wanted to hear."
• "I really enjoyed being in the F1 Paddock this year", continued Adrian, "and to be honest I thought I would be a test driver in 2007. Colin Kolles and Michiel Mol have been fantastically patient and supportive while this package became reality. I look forward to repaying their faith in me but right now I`m just going to enjoy the best Christmas present ever."
• Colin Kolles, Spyker F1 Team Principal: "This is a great signing for team but also a proud one for me personally. Adrian made his F3 debut with Team Kolles in 2004 and quite obviously had huge potential when he scored his first pole position in his third race. He has driven for two great teams since then and matured very quickly. Everyone at Spyker was hugely impressed when he drove for us in 2006 which is why we have worked long and hard to get him in the race team."
• Michiel Mol, Spyker Director of F1 Spyker Cars BV: "Being able to sign Adrian on a long term contract is yet another strong signal of Spyker`s vision and commitment to rebuild the team around young and talented people. Adrian will grow with the team and will be a major asset as we target success in years to come."

CHAMPCAR: PAUL STODDART JOINS CHAMP CAR RANKS (DEC 18, 2006)

• Paul Stoddart is today pleased to announce that he will field a multi-car team in the 2007 Champ Car World Series under the Minardi Team USA banner. The announcement marks the successful conclusion to negotiations that have resulted in the former Minardi F1 Team Principal purchasing a controlling interest in the Indianapolis-based CTE Racing HVM Team.
• "After taking a year off from motor racing following the sale of Minardi, we've had a chance to consider our options and examine how we might want to be involved with the sport in the future," says Stoddart. "After a lot of deliberation, we've come to the conclusion that Champ Car, with its blend of highly competitive, cost-effective racing and relatively level 'playing field', offers easily the best way forward. We've been in discussion with Kevin Kalkhoven (Champ Car World Series co-owner) and Keith Wiggins (HVM Team Owner) for some time now about a possible involvement, and I'm pleased to confirm today that we are proceeding with our plans.
• "In terms of the structure of the new organisation, HVM will become Minardi Team USA, and all the day-to-day management will continue under Keith and his highly skilled staff. This is obviously a new challenge for us, but one about which we are very excited."
• Keith Wiggins adds, "This is an exciting progression for our company, which will allow us to take it to the next level. It puts together all the elements we have established at HVM, continues the progress with the CTE programme, and adds the resources and talent that Minardi brings. The chemistry between Paul and myself is extremely good, and I'm looking forward to a stable, long-term future."
• The announcement comes two days before Minardi Team USA, along with the rest of the Champ Car World Series teams, takes delivery of its first Panoz DP01 chassis.
• "The addition of an owner with a proven racing background like Paul Stoddart only strengthens the series," says Champ Car President, Steve Johnson. "Combining his experience and resources with a team that showed last year it can win races provides even more reason to be excited about Champ Car's future."
• Further details concerning the formation of Minardi Team USA, including drivers and sponsors, will be released in the coming weeks, as the team prepares for the first open test of the 2007 season, which takes place January 23-25, in Sebring, Florida.

F1 GP: Au revoir Olivier Panis, adeus Ricardo Zonta (DEC 14, 2006)

• Panasonic Toyota Racing would like to express its thanks to Olivier Panis and Ricardo Zonta for their efforts during the year and throughout their time with the team.
• Both drivers come to the end of their contracts this year and will leave the team to pursue new challenges. The team wishes them the very best of luck for their future careers.
• Zonta, 30, joined the team in 2003 and has spent four years testing for Toyota, three of them in the role of third driver. It was in that position he made his race debut with the team in 2004, driving for three races as substitute for Cristiano da Matta. He came agonisingly close to scoring Toyota's first Formula 1 podium in Belgium before bad luck denied him his moment.
• As a farewell gesture, the team presented him with a cake, a car part and a Toyota flag signed by the whole team.
• Panis spent four years with the team, two as a race driver before retiring from Formula 1 competition to concentrate on testing duties for 2005 and 2006. In that time he worked hard to help Toyota move up the grid in Formula 1 and his experience has proved invaluable to a young team.
• But Panis announced his retirement from Formula 1 in September and the last test of the season at Jerez today marked the end of an era for the Frenchman, Toyota and the sport.
• The Frenchman has deservedly been the centre of attention since flying into Spain on Wednesday and he attended a dinner organised by Toyota in his honour in Jerez last night where he reminisced with the international media about his 12 years in Formula 1, a long and successful career at the top which has now come to an end.
• To celebrate Panis' contribution to Formula 1, Toyota Motor Europe handed over a piece of the Jerez circuit's asphalt as a permanent reminder of his many testing laps at the track. Close friend and Toyota colleague Jarno Trulli was also there to lend his support and he delivered a surprise gift, one of his racing helmets.
• The test team said 'adieu' to Panis by signing a rear wing end plate, which was presented to the 40-year-old at lunchtime. He already received an entire Formula 1 car as a present from Panasonic Toyota Racing at the 2005 French Grand Prix - now has a personalised spare part.
• Surrounded by team members, Panis posed for photographs and that proved to be his last act of the day in the Panasonic Toyota Racing garage when he stopped driving early as he was feeling unwell with a cold.

CHAMPCAR: RULE CHANGES FOR 2007 SEASON (DEC 12, 2006)

• INDIANAPOLIS (December 12, 2006) The 2007 racing season will be a landmark one for the Champ Car World Series with the genesis of the new Panoz DP01 Champ Car, a number of new race venues including an historic event in China, and the introduction of new teams and drivers to the nation's top open-wheel racing series.
• The changes will not affect the basic tenets of Champ Car racing, which include providing fair and equal competition for all teams as well as putting on a consistent and exciting event for the fans both at the track and those watching from home. In producing the 2007 Champ Car Rule Book, Champ Car Race Operations made a number of rule changes to ensure that those basic principles would be followed, while also setting the stage for some new and exciting advances for the series.
• "This is a very important year for Champ Car, and these rule changes will provide a competitive atmosphere that will allow our world-class teams and drivers to put on a great show for our fans around the world," said Champ Car President Steve Johnson. "We are always looking for new ways to bring excitement to the series and these rule changes are another positive step toward that goal."
• The series will introduce standing starts for the Champ Car World Series at venues where the starting procedure can be accommodated in a safe manner. For a standing start, the field will line up in their grid positions where the drivers will see a 15-second board once all cars are in position. A series of red lights will illuminate one-by-one until all the lights are lit, and the race will start once the red lights go out. The standing start is expected to be used in the season-opening Vegas Grand Prix Fueled by Visa.
• "This should provide a very exciting start to our races," said Champ Car Vice-President of Operations Tony Cotman. "Unlike Formula 1 where they have traction or launch control, the success of the standing starts in Champ Car will be up to the skill of the individual drivers. We will do the standing starts wherever the configuration of the track allows us to do so in a safe manner."
• In an effort to promote more on-track action in practice and qualifying sessions, the rules on tire usage during a weekend has been changed. Previously a team could only use four sets of tires during any qualifying session. Now the teams have unlimited use of their weekend allotment during a session, although the rules concerning the mandatory use of one set of alternate Bridgestone Potenzas during a race in still in effect.
• The use of spare cars by the teams has been changed as well. Teams now have the sole discretion to use their backup cars, but can only use one car in any practice or qualifying session. In addition, going to a spare car after the primary car has been qualified will result in the forfeiture of the qualifying time for that entry, meaning that a change after warmup on race day will result in that entry starting from the rear of the field.
• In 2007, all Champ Car races will be timed races. The event will begin and will run to a set time limit. As the elapsed time of the race approaches, a signal indicating one lap to go will be displayed to the field, with the race ending upon the next time the leader crosses the start/finish line. The white flag will not be shown from the starter's stand and will be used more in line with international FIA guidelines around the course.
• "As Champ Car grows into more of an international series and with the majority of our driver lineup coming from international road-course backgrounds, we want to update our flagging procedures in kind," Cotman said. "Not only will it be easier for our drivers to understand, but it will keep us from having to re-educate our course marshals when we conduct international events."

F1 GP: Team McLaren signs Lewis Hamilton (nov 24, 2006)

• LEWIS HAMILTON JOINS FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPION FERNANDO ALONSO AT VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES
• Friday, 24th November 2006: Long-term McLaren and Mercedes-Benz protgee Lewis Hamilton has been confirmed as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes racing driver and will make his debut at the opening round of the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship in Australia. 21-year-old Lewis will join World Champion Fernando Alonso racing the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 during the 2007 season with both Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett continuing as test drivers.
• The 2006 GP2 Champion, who also dominated the 2005 F3 Euro Series in a Dallara Mercedes winning 15 out of 20 races, will recommence his testing programme and the team's preparations for the 2007 season next week at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona.
• "It's a dream come true," said Lewis. "To be racing in Formula 1 with McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this opportunity is a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me. I have grown up with McLaren and Mercedes and wouldn't be where I am today without their continued support and guidance. However I'm aware that this will be a challenge and I know that there will be a lot of attention on me. However the team has told me just to relax, do the best I can and enjoy the opportunity. I will work hard to get good results."
• Pedro de la Rosa will revert to his role as test driver for the team. Pedro has been racing for Team McLaren Mercedes since the 2006 French Grand Prix in July and achieved a number of points-scoring performances as well as a podium finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
• "I have really enjoyed the opportunity to race for Team McLaren Mercedes for the last eight races of the 2006 season," commented Pedro. "However I have always been aware that the team might decide to give another driver the same opportunity, so the fact that Lewis will be in the car comes as no surprise. Obviously I would have preferred to race myself but also understand why the team has decided to put Lewis in the car. I wish him all the best and look forward to continue working with him."
• Gary Paffett will continue in his role with the team working on the test and engineering programme alongside Lewis, Fernando and Pedro.
• "I am delighted to be remaining with the team, it is a fantastic racing organisation and I am looking forward to working with my fellow teammates on our 2007 Championship challenge," said Gary Paffett. "As with any driver, there is always a desire to be racing in Formula 1, however this was not possible. We had a number of other opportunities available and have decided that this was the strongest option. I would like to congratulate Lewis on today's announcement."
• "Since 1998 Lewis has formed an important part of our long-term strategy and we are pleased that we are able to help him take another step and achieve his dream of becoming a Formula 1 racing driver," said Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO, McLaren Group. "Pedro has done an outstanding job for us this season but we felt it was the right time to provide Lewis with this opportunity. It's obviously going to be the biggest challenge of Lewis's career so far but it's one that we are sure he will be able to meet. He is coming into the paddock for the first time as a Formula 1 racing driver and will have to familiarise himself with the pressures of a Grand Prix weekend. However the confidence we have in Lewis's abilities and talent is clear from our decision to give him the chance."
• Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport commented how "Lewis is a gifted driver who proved his talent with two consecutive title wins - 2005 in the Formula 3 Euro Series in a Dallara Mercedes and this year in the GP2 Series. McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have supported Lewis already for nine years. He was half as tall as he is today when he started in karting. It's clear that Lewis has less experience in comparison to the other 21 Formula 1 drivers in Grand Prix cars. However extensive tests during the coming months will prepare him for his first season - I am very glad that a guy like him gets his deserved chance."
• Lewis has been involved with the McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Young Driver Support Programme since its inception in 1998. He moved through the ranks of karting winning various Championships including the 'McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future' karting series in 1998. Lewis dominated the 2003 British Formula Renault Championship winning 10 out of the Championship's 15 races. In 2004 Lewis competed in the prominent Formula 3 Euro series with Manor Motorsport, powered by Mercedes-Benz engines. In 2005, Lewis dominated the F3 Euro Series Championship, in a car powered by Mercedes-Benz. On 8th September 2006 Lewis won the GP2 Series Championship with the ART team at Monza in Italy, winning five out of 22 rounds, and on Wednesday 13th September Lewis tested the Team McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car for the first time at the Silverstone circuit in the UK.

F1 GP: Adam Parr - new CEO of Williams (nov 18, 2006)

• WilliamsF1 today confirmed the appointment of Adam Parr as the company's Chief Executive Officer. Adam will take up his position on 27 November and will be a part of the Senior Management Group.
• Adam graduated from Cambridge and started his career at the Japan desk of Barclays Investment Bank before joining Rio Tinto, one of the world's leading mining companies, in 1990. At Rio Tinto, Adam held a number of senior executive positions, including that of Managing Director of its industrial minerals business. Adam has lived and worked in Africa, Europe, Japan and Australia and is also a qualified barrister.
• On his appointment, Adam commented, "I have followed Williams for many years and feel privileged to be able to work with the team. Next season marks the beginning of a new era for us and I am particularly excited about the opportunity to develop our partnerships with Toyota and the existing sponsor community."
• Frank Williams confirmed, "Adam has been known to me for a long time. He is a passionate supporter of Formula One and Williams and I am confident that, with his wealth of experience, Adam will make a considerable contribution to the future progression of the business."

F1 GP: STAFF CHANGES AT FERRARI (OCT 27, 2006)

• JEAN TODT BECOMES CEO OF FERRARI; Mario Almondo replaces Ross Brawn as Technical Director; Paolo Martinelli will leave the Engine Director position and take a role in the FIAT group.
• Jean Todt: "To see such an important chapter in the history of Ferrari come to a close has a special effect on me, even though I know that that's life and we have to accept it. These have been extraordinary years on both the professional and human front, with important achievements coming as a result of the values instilled in our family."
• "I thank Ross and Paolo for their unparalleled efforts and I wish them all the best in achieving the objectives they have set themselves in their new lives. As I said, a chapter closes but life at Ferrari moves onward and it is with pride and determination that we will tackle the next challenges, be they in the industry or in sport."
• Ross Brawn: "I wish to thank Ferrari for allowing me to be part of a wonderful period in the history of the team. . Everyone knows that Ferrari is a legend but more important are the people who work here. They have demonstrated extraordinary professionalism, loyalty, motivation and passion for their tasks. They are all exceptional human beings."
• "For some time now, we have prepared for this handover and I am pleased to be able to pass on my responsibilities to people whom I am convinced can do an even better job than me. I have great faith in all of them and I am sure they will bring many more successes home to Maranello."
• Paolo Martinelli: "I have spent my entire working life with Ferrari, first of all on the Grantursimo cars side, where I worked for sixteen years and then, as of January 1995, at the Gestione Sportiva. Both environments provided exceptional experiences that were fascinating and gratifying. President Montezemolo would often joke about the fact I joined the company when I was still in short trousers, but now I find myself about to take on a third personal challenge in the FIAT Group."
• "I will leave part of my heart at Maranello. These have been unforgettable times as part of a fantastic team made up of people who are exceptional in both professional and personal terms."
• Michael Schumacher: "I have to thank Ross Brawn as he has been on hand to help me with all my successes in Formula 1. His strong personality and his natural authority have been of fundamental importance for the team. Ross is able to prepare people for the work they have to do, to help and to stimulate them and to point them in the right direction. In my mind, he will always set the standard."
• "In the last six years of Formula 1, I have only suffered two engine failures and that says all there is to say about the quality of Paolo's work. It is not because of what happened at Suzuka that we have not been able to take the final title win, but in fact, the reliability of the engine has always been at the root of our success. I hold him in great esteem and wish him all the best on his new professional path."

F1: Franck Montagny to join Panasonic Toyota Racing (OCT 18, 2006)

• Panasonic Toyota Racing has reached an agreement for Franck Montagny to become its third driver.
• The team is delighted to add Franck to its driver line-up and he will complement race drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli, who are already confirmed for next season. He will begin his new role from the start of next year.
• Franck, 28, boasts five years of Formula 1 testing experience and has already established a good feeling with the team after making his debut in a Toyota TF106B at Silverstone on 19 September.
• Panasonic Toyota Racing Chairman and Team Principal Tsutomu Tomita said: "Franck is an experienced driver who knows the tracks and has a strong and successful record of developing Formula 1 cars. His outing at Silverstone was a good opportunity to familiarise himself with the team at a time when discussions were almost complete. He worked well within the team and his performance confirmed we have made the right decision."

WRC: Atkinson named in Subaru's 2007 line-up (OCT 3, 2006)

• Australia’s Chris Atkinson has been confirmed as the Subaru World Rally Team’s second driver for the 2007 World Rally Championship season. Atkinson and co-driver Glenn Macneall will contest every round of the series together with the team’s lead crew, Petter Solberg and co-driver Phil Mills. Atkinson, 26, became the first Australian to become a full-time WRC driver when he joined the works Subaru team in 2005 and embarked on a programme to develop his natural talent.
• After an impressive debut at Rally Sweden, Atkinson has continued to make excellent progress in building experience of the Impreza WRC and the 16 different rallies that make up the Championship, while collecting stage wins, world championship points and a podium finish along the way.
• The Gold Coast rally driver is delighted that his journey with Subaru will continue in to 2007. “It’s great news,” Atkinson said. “I’m happy to continue the relationship. I feel like I’ve really started to fit in and make difference to the team, so it’s good to know that Subaru is putting so much faith in my ability.” “The team is heading in a good direction now and I feel I can help them progress.” “I’m looking forward to next season, the strategies are in place to improve the overall package and I hope we can look forward to getting some better results.”
• Subaru Australia managing director, Nick Senior, is pleased that Atkinson will continue to build on the company’s long investment in Australian rallying. “Subaru is particularly proud to be associated with Chris and his World Rally Championship campaign,” Senior said. “His re-signing with the Subaru World Rally Team is testament to his skill and commitment, and his ability to knuckle down and get the job done.” “It has been a very, very difficult year for the team, but Chris has remained positive and focused on producing his best each time he has got behind the wheel.” “Subaru has a long tradition of rallying success. We were unbeaten in ten years in the Australian Championship prior to our withdrawal at the end of last year to concentrate our efforts on the more important regional and global championships.”
• “Cody Crocker has done a great job winning the Asia-Pacific Championship this year and now Chris will continue to fly the Australian flag in the WRC, the second most important Motorsport title in the world.”
• Subaru World Rally Team managing director, Richard Taylor, believes the best for Atkinson is still to come. “We’re very pleased to have Chris with us again next year,” Taylor said. “Our team has a reputation for recognising potential and, as Chris’s performances in Australia and the most recent events have shown, he has become an increasingly confident and able driver. With the benefit of more event experience and the full backing of our team I believe he has a very bright future ahead of him.” “Next season we intend to concentrate our efforts on running a two car team on each round of the championship. This means no third car and unfortunately no opportunity for Stephane Sarrazin to drive for us. We are sorry to lose Stephane and I am very grateful for the contribution he made, both on rallies, and as part of our test team over the past two seasons.”

F1: CHRISTIJAN ALBERS SIGNS FOR SPYKER MF1 TEAM (SEP 30, 2006)

• Christijan Albers will drive for the Spyker M F1 Team in 2007. The 27 year old Dutchman, affectionately known as 'Mr Noisy' by team due to his non-stop verbal assault on the world both in and out of the car, becomes the first Dutchman to drive for a Dutch-owned team in Formula 1.
• "This is just crazily exciting," said Albers. "First I get to keep my place in the team, then it becomes a Dutch team and, best of all, they've agreed to pay me! It doesn't get better than that going into the third year of my F1 career."
• "Originally we thought we would just keep his fiancé Liselore and ask Christijan to go to the other end of the Paddock," said Spyker Team Principal Colin Kolles, "but then he started going quicker than we thought the car was capable of and he gained the upper hand in negotiations! He will be a married man next season so he will have two bosses to make sure he delivers!"
• On a more serious note, Albers added: "Obviously I am delighted with the new ownership and their commitment to the technical development of the team with the arrival of Mike Gascoyne and the new engine package which will be announced shortly. We already have the basis of a great team that is highly motivated and I'm really excited for next year."
• Michiel Mol (Director of F1 Spyker Cars N.V): "Naturally as a Dutch team we are delighted and proud to have a Dutch driver. Christijan has definitely earned his place in the team with some stirring performances which have more than justified the faith both I and his other sponsors have had in him during his career."

F1: RENAULT TO POWER RED BULL FROM 2007 (SEP 16, 2006)

• The Renault F1 Team is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Red Bull GmbH for the supply of Renault engines for the 2007 and 2008 Formula 1 seasons.
• Renault has a strong tradition of Formula 1 engine supply dating back to 1983, when the French manufacturer first supplied customer engines to Lotus. Lotus, Ligier, Tyrrell, Williams and Benetton all raced with Renault horsepower at different times during the 1980s and 1990s, scoring a total of 80 Grand Prix victories.
• Red Bull GmbH will confirm at a later date which of its teams (Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso) will use Renault engines during the 2007 season.
• Renault F1 Team President Alain Dassas and Renault F1 Team Managing Director Flavio Briatore commented:
• "It is positive for Formula 1 to have another team racing with a top-line, competitive engine, and this agreement will also reinforce Renault's presence in the sport. We look forward to working with a dynamic, ambitious company such as Red Bull."

F1: PIQUET JR JOINS RENAULT F1 AS TEST DRIVER (SEP 16, 2006)

• Nelson Piquet Jr. will make his testing debut for the Renault F1 Team next week in Silverstone.
• After being announced as a 2007 Renault F1 Team test driver prior to last week's Italian Grand Prix, Nelsinho Piquet (as he is known in Brazil to distinguish him from his three-time world champion father) will get his first taste of the Renault F1 R26 next week at Silverstone during the final test of the 2006 season. Nelsinho will be driving alongside 2007 Renault F1 Team race driver Heikki Kovalainen.
• 2006 GP2 Series runner-up Piquet will participate in all three days of the Silverstone test, acclimatising himself to the Renault car, to the team and to its working methods. Although weather forecasts currently remain unpredictable for next week, should conditions allow he will also begin working on the team's technical development programmes.
• Prior to driving the car for the first time, Nelsinho today made his first visit to the team's Enstone base to conduct a seat fitting, learn about the car, and meet the team.
• Commenting on the prospect of his first test with the F1 world champions, Nelsinho said: "I am really looking forward to my first test next week with Renault. I like Silverstone very much and I have driven there a lot so it's good that I don't have to worry about learning the track, I can just focus on the car. I am happy that I am getting three full days of testing because it will be more car time than any other F1 car I've driven, and I am looking forward to driving a front-running car like the R26 for the first time. It will be a great chance to learn as much as I can and get to know everybody at the team.

F1: RAIKKONEN TO JOIN FERRARI (SEP 10, 2006)

• With the retirement of Micheal Schumacher confirmed, Kimi Raikkonen has signed a 3 year deal with Ferrari. He'll leave McLaren Mercedes team after 5 years and will become the new lead driver for Ferrari from 2007.
• McLAREN STATEMENT: THANK YOU KIMI
• Kimi Raikkonen and Team McLaren Mercedes have enjoyed a successful relationship for the past five years achieving nine victories, ten pole positions and scored 321 World Championship points. Only two drivers in Formula 1 at the moment enjoy longer relationships with their teams than Kimi and Team McLaren Mercedes.
• The team has a number of options for the remaining seat alongside World Champion Fernando Alonso for 2007 and will make an announcement prior to the end of the year.
• Following today's announcement regarding his future, the Team would like to thank Kimi for his contribution and wish him the very best. Whilst Kimi's 2007 plans are now announced both Kimi and the Team recognise there is still a job to do this season and will continue to push hard.
• KIMI RAIKKONEN
• "Whilst I have taken the decision to leave Team McLaren Mercedes, I want to stress that I really enjoyed my time with the team. I have the deepest respect for everybody and will be giving my all in the remaining races."
• RON DENNIS, TEAM PRINCIPAL, TEAM McLAREN MERCEDES
• "I have enjoyed working with Kimi over the past five seasons and as a team we have achieved a lot of success. He is a very special driver and obviously everybody at McLaren wishes him all the best in his future career. Looking forward we remain confident that our 2007 line-up will be a strong and exciting one."
• NORBERT HAUG, VICE-PRESIDENT, MERCEDES-BENZ MOTORSPORT
• "We worked with Kimi for five years and during that time he has become a great racing driver. On behalf of DaimlerChrysler and our premium brand Mercedes-Benz I would like to thank Kimi for all that he has done for us and I wish him well for the future. I am sure we will continue to have great respect for each other and will remain friends."

F1: SCHUMACHER ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT (SEP 10, 2006)

• FERRARI STATEMENT:
• Michael Schumacher will retire from race driving at the end of the 2006 World Championship Whatever the final result of this year's championship, Michael leaves Formula 1 holding almost all the records. To date, he has taken seven Drivers' world titles and has contributed to the same number of team wins in the Constructors' Championship. He has taken part in 247 Formula 1 Grands Prix (178 of them at the wheel of a Ferrari,) won 90 (71,) been on pole 68 (58) times, setting 75 (52) fastest race laps. He has amassed a total of 1354 points, 1051 of them in a Maranello car. No one in the world of motor racing has done better.
• Following his decision, the only record that will elude him is the one for the number of race starts. He will be able to reach the 250 mark, just six short of the record held by Riccardo Patrese. Schumacher has been with Scuderia Ferrari for eleven seasons, a demonstration of loyalty without equal in Formula 1, to date securing five of his Drivers' titles here and contributing to six of the team's Constructors' titles. No other driver has ever won as much with the Scuderia.
• "I had always said that the decision to retire would be his alone, but now that decision has been taken, I feel a sense of sadness," commented Ferrari President and CEO, Luca di Montezemolo. "We have lived through some unforgettable times together, some good some bad, achieving results that will be hard to equal. To Michael goes the thanks of everyone in the company and supporters of Ferrari for all the dedication he has shown to our colours, for the determination and courage with which he has worked, which has provided immense satisfaction. He is both sincere and passionate and has earned the affection of all of us and of our fans. His relationship with Maranello will continue, albeit in a different form and I am very happy about that."
• "Michael has been the author of a unique chapter in the history of Formula 1 and of Ferrari in particular. It has yet to reach its conclusion and what he has achieved extends over and above the results obtained," added Managing Director, Jean Todt. "He is an exceptional man and will become a legend as a driver. For me personally, he is a great friend and together we have lived through unrepeatable experiences. Having had the opportunity to work alongside him has been and will continue to be a privilege."
• "Words are not enough and whatever I could say now will never fully express how much I love this fascinating world of motor sport and all it has given me," said Michael Schumacher. "From go-karting to Formula 1, I have lived through moments that I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful for everything I have had. I want to thank everyone who has accompanied me, supported and inspired me, right back to the days of my childhood. Above all, a special thanks goes to Corinna and our two children, who have given me the strength to do what I have done. All these years in Formula 1 have been amazing, especially those spent alongside my friends in the Scuderia. Soon my future will belong to my family, while I am happy to be still part of Ferrari. But for now, what matters is this world championship."
• At the end of the year, as is traditional, we will announce the new team organisation, which will also include a definition of Michael's new role.

VIEWS ON SCHUMACHER RETIREMENT:

• Niki Lauda (F1 Champion): "If the best guy in the world retires it is certainly a sad day. You can say whatever you want, he won seven world championships and he might win another one. There is nobody like him in the world, he is unique."
• Bernie Ecclestone (F1): "People have said to me that F1 is boring because he wins everything. So presumably when he's not here, people will be happy. But we'll miss him, because he is a superstar."
• Max Mosley (FIA): "Any top driver when he leaves will be missed. Michael's probably the furthest up the scale of anyone because he's got an unbeaten record. It won't damage F1 in any way but I think all of us who follow it will miss him clearly because he is an exceptional driver."
• Jean Todt, (Ferrari): "Michael has been the author of a unique chapter in the history of Formula One and he is a great friend."
• Stirling Moss: "He's done some fantastic drives, he's made some stupid mistakes. He's not a great in my mind like Fangio, but is one of the most talented drivers."

F1: MIDLAND F1 TEAM SOLD TO SPYKER (SEP 10, 2006)

• Midland F1 has been sold to a Dutch consortium to become Spyker MF1 Racing from next season. Former Renault and Toyota Technical Director, Mike Gascoyne will join the new team.
• Alex Shnaider. (Midland F1): "The decision to sell the team has been one of the most difficult I have ever faced ... It is never easy to relinquish something into which one has devoted so much energy and passion."
• MIDLAND F1 STATEMENT: Midland Group Sells MF1 Racing to Spyker
• The Midland Group of Companies wishes to announce the sale of 100% of its shares in Midland F1 Limited to Spyker Cars NV ("Spyker").
• Prior to the sale, Midland F1 Limited headed all Midland Group motorsport activities, including ownership and operation of the Midland F1 Racing team ("MF1 Racing"), which competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
• "The decision to sell the team has been one of the most difficult I have ever faced," stated Midland Group Chairman Alex Shnaider. "It is never easy to relinquish something into which one has devoted so much energy and passion. However, as much as I had hoped to witness the continuing growth of the team under our ownership, I truly believe this transaction is in the best interests of everyone involved - Midland Group, Spyker, and the team.
• "I am proud to be leaving the team in a much better state than it was when we acquired it 20 months ago. Not only is it more financially stable, it is also more competitive at the track, and getting stronger all the time. The creation of the 2007 car is well underway, as are major upgrades to the wind tunnel facility. Investment into the team's technical development has continued unabated throughout the season.
• "At the moment, Formula 1 is a much more mature and understood sport in Holland than it is in Russia. I believe the new owners will be well placed to exploit the commercial and nationalistic aspects of a Dutch identity, and this is something that can only benefit the team.
• "My partner, Eduard Shifrin, left the decision entirely up to me, since he knows how important it is for me to see the team not only survive, but succeed. With this in mind, the new owners have demonstrated their ambitious plans to take the team forward to the next phase of its rebuilding programme.
• "Spyker, headed by Victor Muller and Michiel Mol, consists of a strong group of investors with the resources, planning and capacity to further develop the team. I am confident that under their leadership, the future of the team rests in good hands, and I would not have agreed to this sale under any other circumstances.
• "Midland Group and I have been committed to the team's success from the moment we decided to take it on. We have always been, and will continue to be, Formula 1 fans, and we wish the sport, the team and its new owners the greatest success in the future."
• In October 2004, Midland Group`s involvement in Formula One began when Mr. Shnaider confirmed his plans to lodge an entry for the 2006 season.
• Although initially committed to the idea of creating a completely new team for the 2006 season, Midland instead signed an opportunistic deal to buy the Jordan Grand Prix team shortly prior to the 2005 Formula 1 season. As a result, the team competed as Jordan Grand Prix in 2005, and re-branded itself as MF1 Racing for 2006.
• "The time-line was tight, but by buying Jordan, we benefited from having a ready-made team: the people, the facilities, the know-how - all the elements we were previously looking to piece together from scratch," recalls Mr. Shnaider. "Entering the sport a year ahead of schedule was easier to execute with an established team, although it still presented us with a steep learning curve in 2005. But that's OK; we learned a lot during the transition."
• At the time of its acquisition by Midland, there were few tangible assets in place to ensure the participation of the Jordan team in the 2005 F1 World Championship, which commenced in March 2005 in Melbourne - barely two months after the purchase was completed.
• Therefore, the first goal was to ensure that Jordan would participate in Melbourne with three cars, complying with the 2005 FIA regulations. Within a very short timeframe, MF1 Racing managed to fulfill the provisions of Jordan's prior agreement with Toyota, thus enabling receipt of engines. The team also undertook the task of modifying the chassis to accommodate the Toyota V10 in place of the previous Cosworth powerplant; designing a new gearbox to mate with the new engine; acquiring sponsorships and signing new drivers. In less than two months, the first goal - participating with three cars in accordance with the 2005 FIA regulations - had been achieved.
• The next goal was to establish the reliability of the race cars while improving the team's cost efficiency. Existing supplier relationships were examined and replaced where appropriate and where a satisfactory cost/quality correlation would be ensured. In addition, more work was brought in-house at MF1 Racing to enhance flexibility and cost efficiency. As can be evidenced by both cars' combined race finish ratio of 84% in 2005 and progress to date in 2006, the team's mechanical reliability and consistency of performance has been successfully established.
• Phase 3 was the evolution of the 2005 car, the EJ15, and increasing its competitiveness. The EJ15B aerodynamic package, which debuted at the 2005 French Grand Prix, introduced a number of performance gains. More importantly, these concepts set the stage for the development and construction of the 2006 car, the M16, and allowed the team to significantly reduce the gap to its rivals. The team is now, on average, some 2 seconds per lap closer to the front of the grid than it was a year ago.
• Off the track, the team's facilities and equipment have been completely refurbished. The paddock hospitality centre has been redesigned and three state-of-the-art technical trailers have replaced the aging fleet of transporters. Investment has also been made in improving the team's factory and wind tunnel facilities, which are in the process of being upgraded in scale from 40% to 50%.
• "Our plans for the team were right on target. 2005 was tough, as expected, but we relished the challenge and got on with the job," says Mr. Shnaider. "In 2006, our plans had begun to yield improved results. The team is now a whisker away from the middle of the pack - and getting closer at every race - and its reliability is better than that of a few teams higher up the grid. At the factory, everything has been reorganized and the team is poised to break through to the next level. Spyker recognizes that, and we have recognized in Spyker the ability to attract sponsorship from a robust and enthusiastic F1 market. We feel that these sponsor dollars, with an owner's investment similar to ours, will bring the results quicker than it would have under our plan."
• "I have experienced the highs and lows of being a team owner, and for the most part, I've enjoyed it immensely. But I do have a number of other business interests apart from F1, which are much more significant in monetary terms, even if they are not as high in profile. I generally found time to attend only 5 or 6 race weekends in each of 2005 and 2006, and hopefully I will be able to keep it at that level. Michiel Mol has invited me to come and visit the team whenever I like, and I am looking forward to watching the action and relaxing with my guests in the paddock. "
• "I would further like to thank everyone who helped us achieve so much in this challenging environment in such a short time: our drivers, mechanics, engineers, designers, factory staff and team management, as well as our suppliers and sponsors. They have all done a wonderful job, and their future in this sport is deservedly bright."

F1: RENAULT ANNOUNCE 2007 TEAM - Kovalainen TO MAKE F1 DEBUT (SEP 7, 2006)

• The Renault F1 Team today announced the beginning of a new era for the reigning world champions, from the start of the 2007 season. Under the continued, dynamic leadership of Flavio Briatore and his senior technical staff, Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen will lead the French manufacturer's challenge in the 2007 season, aided by a team of test drivers composed of Brazilians Ricardo Zonta and Nelson Piquet Jr.
• A Stable Management Structure
• The Renault F1 Team is delighted to announce that Managing Director Flavio Briatore, 56, has renewed his contract for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Having led Renault's Formula 1 operations since 2000, when it purchased the Benetton team, Briatore is perfectly placed to manage the team into its next competitive cycle.
• Furthermore, Briatore has reconfirmed the current technical management structure, which has championship-winning credentials. This will ensure continuity at the team's technical centres of Enstone (UK) and Viry-Châtillon (FR) under the respective leadership of Bob Bell and Pat Symonds, and André Lainé and Rob White. This stability will be crucial as the team adapts to significant short-term technical changes: the transition to a single tyre supplier from 2007, the introduction of homologated engines and the brand new Technical Regulations that will come into force in 2008.
• Renault President Carlos Ghosn commented: "Under Flavio's leadership, the team achieved a remarkable double in 2005 by winning the Drivers' and Constructors' championships, and maintaining that competitiveness in 2006. I am counting on the determination, talent and effectiveness of Flavio and the entire Renault F1 Team, under the Presidency of Alain Dassas, to once again take Renault to the forefront of Formula 1."
• Flavio Briatore said: "I am delighted to continue to lead Renault's Formula 1 challenge. It is an honour to be working for one of the top global companies, and with one of the world's leading managers. The commitment and enthusiasm Carlos Ghosn has shown for the Formula 1 project over the past year has been a key factor in my decision.
• "It is now important for the Renault F1 Team to begin a fresh cycle of development from 2007, with a reinvigorated driver line-up and several major new commercial partners. This is the key to performing at the top level in the medium and long term.
• "We begin this new cycle on the platform of a stable management structure, headed by team President Alain Dassas, with whom I enjoy an excellent working relationship, and myself. We know how important it is to manage change in an organisation, and we have a close-knit, dynamic team capable of fighting for victory. I am confident Renault will be a major force in Formula 1 in the years to come."
• Blending Youth and Experience in the Cockpit
• Having confirmed Giancarlo Fisichella as a 2007 race driver last June, the Renault F1 Team is pleased to announce that current test driver Heikki Kovalainen, 24, will race alongside him in 2007. The latest in a proud tradition of Flying Finns, Heikki has completed over 28,000 km of testing for the Renault F1 Team since 2004, and was vice-champion of the GP2 Series in 2005. He is now ready to make the step up to a Formula 1 race drive, and will have the unique opportunity to do so in a top-line team.
• Heikki Kovalainen commented: "I am thrilled to get the opportunity to race with a world champion team like Renault. I have been a member of the Renault Driver Development programme since 2002, when I had the distant ambition of one day becoming an F1 driver. It is a fantastic feeling to have finally achieved that. My two seasons testing for the team, as well as my time in GP2, have allowed me to build my technical knowledge and to understand what it takes to win in Formula 1. I have also had the opportunity to show the team what I can do, and it is a great motivation to know that they believe in me. It will be a fantastic feeling to line up on the grid in Melbourne, but that is still a long way off. At the moment, I am totally focused on helping Renault win the 2006 championship."
• The race drivers will be joined by a team of test drivers for the 2007 season, composed of Brazilians Ricardo Zonta and Nelson Piquet Jr.
• Ricardo Zonta, 30, possesses eight seasons of Formula 1 experience, both as a race and test driver. His proven track record, combined with extensive technical knowledge, will be major assets in the development of the 2007 challenger and its adaptation to the new tyre regulations. He will join the Renault F1 Team after four seasons at Toyota.
• Nelson Piquet Jr., 21, has marked himself out as man of the future during the 2005 A1 Grand Prix and 2006 GP2 Series championships. Son of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, Nelsinho has shown both speed and guile in GP2, taking four race wins and five pole positions so far to put him second in the championship, with two races remaining. His role with the Renault F1 Team will allow him to develop his credentials in motorsport's leading discipline.
• Flavio Briatore commented: "Everybody at Renault is very optimistic about our driver line-up for 2007 and beyond. We have taken the conscious decision to build for the future, without compromising the stability of the team in the short term. Giancarlo is a proven force in Formula 1 and Heikki is already fully integrated into the team. After seeing performances in testing this season, we have very high hopes for him. It is also a pleasure to welcome Ricardo and Nelsinho, who each bring different qualities to the team: Ricardo will have a key role to play in preparing for 2007, while Nelsinho has shown this year that he deserves his place in Formula 1. 2007 is the start of something new for Renault, and we believe it will be an exciting season."

F1: 2007 PROVISIONAL CALENDAR RELEASED (AUG 30, 2006)

• 2007 CALENDAR - No more San Marino GP and European GP

CHAMPCAR: Cristiano da Matta's Condition Improving on a Daily Basis (AUG 16, 2006)

• RuSPORT driver removed from ventilator, may be moved out of intensive care soon
• LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 16, 2006, 4:15 pm EDT -- Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) has not yet fully regained consciousness, but his condition continues to improve as he recovers from a serious head injury at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc. Da Matta was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., on August 3, and has been at Theda Clark ever since, with his family at his side.
• Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski flew back to Wisconsin today to monitor the condition of da Matta. The following statement is an update from Pinderski on da Matta's medical status.
• "Cristiano still continues to show daily improvement while in the intensive care unit at Theda Clark Medical Center. His is becoming more alert each day and has been removed from the ventilator that was providing respiratory support since his accident. It is anticipated that he will be transferred from intensive care to a step-down unit in the next 24-48 hours where his recovery will continue."
• Further updates on da Matta's condition will be issued by RuSPORT as they become available.
• During the past weekend's Grand Prix of Denver, fans of da Matta and RuSPORT turned out en masse to show their support. The team received a substantial amount of cards, gifts and well-wishes throughout the weekend.
• "We were overwhelmed by the concern and support for Cristiano that we saw in Denver," said RuSPORT president Jeremy Dale. "RuSPORT would like to thank all of the fans for the support they have given to Cristiano and his family though this difficult time. It's very comforting to the team and to the da Matta family to know that the fans care so much about Cristiano."
• Since da Matta's accident on August 3, RuSPORT and Champ Car have received many messages of support for da Matta. In response, RuSPORT also announced that, in lieu of sending flowers and gifts, anyone wishing to express their support for da Matta during his recovery is asked to please make a donation in his name to Hole in the Wall Camps, an official charity of the Champ Car World Series. Donation information can be found by visiting www.holeinthewallcamps.org, or by calling 203-562-1203.
• Get well cards for da Matta can be sent to:
  Cristiano da Matta, patient
  Theda Clark Medical Center
  130 2nd St.
  Neenah, WI 54956

F1: RED BULL DRIVERS 2007 (AUG 8, 2006)

• Red Bull Racing has confirmed today that David Coulthard will continue to drive for the team in 2007 and that his team-mate will be Mark Webber.
• Christian Horner: "I'm very pleased to be able to confirm our driver line up for next year. David has continued to lead the team well and demonstrate the form he showed during 2005. This season he achieved the team's first podium in Monaco and has shown commitment, determination and motivation to deliver at the highest level in Formula One. It was therefore an easy decision from both sides to extend the relationship for 2007. He's still one of the best drivers on the grid and we're delighted to have him in the team.
• "Looking to Mark, we chose him for a number of straightforward reasons. One, he obviously has undoubted speed and ability, and two, he appears to have the determination and motivation needed to succeed. We're entering an exciting new phase in the short history of Red Bull Racing and Mark was an obvious candidate for us. He's got a good track record in F1 and we're delighted to have secured his services for next year. We believe that together he and David will form a very solid partnership, which will give us one of the strongest driver line-ups in the field.
• "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Christian Klien for all his hard efforts for the team over the last two seasons. He will remain a Red Bull Racing driver until the end of the 2006 season, and we will continue to give him all the support that we can during that time."
• David Coulthard: "I'm delighted to continue with Red Bull Racing for a third season. I can feel that the team is really beginning to gel as a group. I'm looking forward to raising the performance of the team and the car and to see Red Bull Racing become a regular points scorer, in with a good shout for achieving podiums and wins."
• Mark Webber: "It's fantastic to be joining Red Bull Racing. It's clear that the team is very hungry for long- term success, it has a very talented group of personnel and there seems to be a real sense of team spirit and unity. I believe I'm joining the team at exactly the right time for success in the future.
• "After I left Jaguar Racing at the end of the 2004 season and discovered that Mr. Mateschitz was taking over the team, I said that I felt the team had been placed in very good hands and had an assured future. As a team, it seems to be very realistic and knows the challenge that lies ahead. I hope to bring good experience to the team and to assist it by being a fast and consistent driver and scoring as many points as possible.
• "I hope that with Red Bull Racing I can have my best F1 season to date and believe that we can be very, very strong together. I'm looking forward to some great times with David and the rest of the Red Bull Racing team."

F1: VILLENEUVE LOSES HIS BMW DRIVE (AUG 8, 2006)

• 35 year old fromer world champion Jacques Villeneuve has lost his BMW drive. He missed the Hungarian GP over the weekend because of injury. His contract has been terminated with immediate effect.
• VILLENEUVE: "This is really disappointing as I was looking forward to working with BMW in the long term - going into next season capitalising on our common experiences."
• BMW: "after Jacques' accident in the Hockenheim race, the team decided to review its options for next year, including assessing Robert Kubica in a race environment. Our decision to look towards evaluating our driver line-up has naturally impacted Jacques' position for the remainder of the season. We fully understand it is difficult for Jacques to maintain his natural level of commitment in circumstances of uncertainty ..."We respect his position and wish him well for the future."

F1: WEBBER JOINS RED BULL (AUG 8, 2006)

• 29 year old Australian Mark Webber will drive for Red Bull Racing in 2007. He will partner David Coulthard and replace Christian Klien. Webber's current contract with Williams was not renewed last week.
• WEBBER: "It's fantastic to be joining Red Bull Racing. It's clear that the team is very hungry for long- term success, it has a very talented group of personnel and there seems to be a real sense of team spirit and unity. I believe I'm joining the team at exactly the right time for success in the future. After I left Jaguar Racing at the end of the 2004 season and discovered that Mr. Mateschitz was taking over the team, I said that I felt the team had been placed in very good hands and had an assured future. As a team, it seems to be very realistic and knows the challenge that lies ahead. I hope to bring good experience to the team and to assist it by being a fast and consistent driver and scoring as many points as possible. I hope that with Red Bull Racing I can have my best F1 season to date and believe that we can be very, very strong together. I'm looking forward to some great times with David and the rest of the Red Bull Racing team."

CHAMPCAR: MEDICAL REPORT ON DA MATTA CONDITION (AUG 4, 2006)

• Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) was injured Thursday when his car collided with a deer on-track during today's Champ Car Open Test at Road America.
• Da Matta was airlifted to Theda Clark Memorial Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma. The following is a statement released by Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski.
• "After arriving at Theda Clark Medical Center a head CT scan showed Cristiano had suffered a subdural hematoma. He was urgently taken to the operating room for surgical removal of the hematoma and is now being observed in the intensive care unit."
• The series will continue to closely monitor the situation concerning the 2002 series champion and will issue immediate updates as they become available.

CHAMPCAR: DA MATTA INJURED (AUG 4, 2006)

• RuSport Champcar driver and former F1 driver, Cristiano da Matta has been badly injured after a freak accident during testing. A deer had run onto the Lake Elkart track and collided with Da Matta's car.
• CHAMPCAR MEDICAL DIRECTOR (Chris Pinderski): "Cristiano da Matta continues to recover from a serious head injury sustained yesterday during Champ Car Open Testing at Road America"

F1: WURZ TO REPLACE WEBBER AT WILLIAMS IN 2007 (AUG 2, 2006)

• Test driver Alex Wurz will partner Nico Rosberg as a full time Williams driver from 2007. Mark Webber's contract with Williams has not been renewed. He
  FRANK WILLIAMS: ""I must commend Mark for his contribution to the team over the past two seasons as he is a credit to himself and Williams ... He has never let up in his pursuit of competitive success and I know Mark will give his all until the end of the season. We wish him well in his future arrangements."
  ALEX WURZ: " I couldn't be happier to have received Williams' vote of confidence for this job next season ... Of course I know the team well having been a part of the race programme at every grand prix this season, but now my role takes on additional responsibility and I am really looking forward to this."

F1: TRULLI RESIGNED TO TOYOTA (JULY 28, 2006)

• Panasonic Toyota Racing is pleased to confirm that Jarno Trulli has today signed a three-year contract extension and will drive for the team through to the 2009 season.
• On concluding the arrangement, Trulli said: "I am 100% sure of Toyota's potential and of its chances of challenging for the Formula 1 World Championship. I am therefore more than happy to continue my excellent relationship with the team into the longer term and to try to achieve our common goals."
• Chairman and Team Principal Tsutomu Tomita added: "When you are developing a team and car and working towards the ultimate aim of winning, it is always helpful to have continuity among your drivers. Jarno has played a key role in improving our performance during the two years that he has already been with us and we are delighted to continue the relationship."
• Next season, Trulli will again be partnered at Panasonic Toyota Racing by Ralf Schumacher, who is already under contract to the team.

F1: Williams & Toyota agree Formula One engine supply (JULY 27, 2006)

• 27 July 2006, Oxford & Köln. WilliamsF1 and Toyota Motorsport GmbH today confirmed that an agreement has been reached yesterday evening between the two parties for a three year Formula One engine supply partnership. The agreement will see WilliamsF1 powered by Toyota engines commencing with the 2007 season.
• Under the terms of the agreement, WilliamsF1 will use the same specification of engine as Panasonic Toyota Racing. Both Williams and Panasonic Toyota Racing see significant benefits from a relationship based on robust on-track competition and close off-track co-operation.
• On the announcement of the agreement, Toyota's Executive Vice President Kazuo Okamoto said, "We are delighted to be supplying Williams with engines from 2007 and working alongside a team rich in history and Formula One spirit."
• John Howett, President of Toyota Motorsport, added: "We are pleased to be selected as the engine provider to Williams and look forward to establish a strong relationship with them. We look forward to both teams using each other as a comparative benchmark from which each can improve its own performance and to competing with each other at the front of the grid."
• For his part, WilliamsF1's Team Principal, Frank Williams commented, "This agreement is the cornerstone of Williams' challenge for the World Championship. Toyota is an impressive and remarkable industrial giant, with the most phenomenal reputation for achieving the goals it sets itself. We are proud to have secured their support in our efforts to return to our competitive best."

F1 / NASCAR: MONTOYA TO SWITCH TO NASCAR IN 2007 (JULY 10, 2006)

• Juan Pablo Montoya has decided to switch from Formula 1 to try NASCAR racing in USA from 2007. He will rejoin his former team owner - Chip Ganassi, and become the first ever F1 driver to race NASCAR full time. Montoya won the Champcar title in 1999 and made his F1 debut in 2001. He has won 7 F1 GP races so far.
• MONTOYA: "I am so happy to be entering the fastest growing racing league in the world ... I've thought about this for quite some time but the opportunity had to be right. I've known and worked with Chip for a number of years and this situation could not be better for me"
• CHIP GANASSI: "Juan Pablo is one of the best race car drivers in the world. He is a former CART Champion, Indy 500 winner and Formula 1 driver that will bring a much needed veteran presence to our team ... We'll run him in Busch and Nextel Cup next year to try and get him as much experience as quickly as possible ... We'll also try to work in some selected Busch events near the end of this season"
• Montoya to Join Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and Drive No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge
• CONCORD, N.C. (July 9, 2006) Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has signed a multi-year deal with the organization to compete in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series beginning in 2007. Montoya will become the first Formula 1 regular to ever join the NEXTEL Cup ranks when he assumes the driving duties of No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger next season.
• "We are thrilled to be getting a driver of this caliber to put into the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge," said Chip Ganassi. "Juan Pablo is one of the best race car drivers in the world. He is a former CART Champion, Indy 500 winner and Formula 1 driver that will bring a much needed veteran presence to our team."
• "We are very happy to have such an accomplished driver behind the wheel of the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge" said Mark Nelson, president of Chevron Global Lubricants. "His impressive CART, IndyCar and Formula 1 record is sure to translate into success on the NASCAR circuit as well."
• The 30 year old Montoya joins CGRFS with impressive open-wheel credentials. He has made 137 starts between the CART, IndyCar and Formula 1 Series' where he's tallied 18 wins, 26 poles, 60 top-five and 79 top-10 finishes. Over his five complete seasons in Formula 1, Montoya has finished sixth or better in the standings. He will become the first Formula 1 driver in the 58-year history of NASCAR to compete on the circuit full-time.
• The Colombia native and Team Owner Chip Ganassi are no strangers. Montoya drove for Ganassi's open-wheel team during the 1999 and 2000 CART seasons. Montoya captured the CART Championship and Rookie of the Year honors in 1999, becoming the youngest champion in the history of the series. The following year he visited victory lane three times for the Ganassi team, including a win at the prestigious Indianapolis 500. He and legendary British driver Graham Hill are the only two drivers in history to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the Grand Prix of Monaco (2003). Following his two years with Ganassi, Montoya made the jump to Formula 1.
• "I am so happy to be entering the fastest growing racing league in the world," said Montoya. "I've thought about this for quite some time but the opportunity had to be right. I've known and worked with Chip for a number of years and this situation could not be better for me. I have a lot of confidence in my ability as a race car driver and in Chip and Felix as owners. I know the transition will not be easy but I can't wait to get behind the wheel."
• Montoya began racing karts in 1981 at the age of six and by nine he won the Children's National Kart Championship. In 1986 he won the junior division of the National Championship and finished his karting career by taking the Kart Junior Championships in 1990 and 1991. In 1998 won the prestigious Formula 3000 Championship.
• Montoya will pilot the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger while running for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Rookie of the Year title along with an assortment of NASCAR Busch Series races. Texaco/Havoline will also be celebrating its 20th season as a primary NASCAR sponsor in 2007. (CHIP GANASSI RACING)

F1: BRIDGESTONE TYRE WINS EXCLUSIVE CONTRACT (JULY 7, 2006)

• From next season, the Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone will become the sole tyre supplier for Formula 1 GP. The contract is for 3 years. Michelin which supplies tyres for most of the teams this year decided not to tender for the contract due to rule changes.
• MICHELIN: "The change of Formula One rules bringing about a monopoly in tyres is completely contrary to principles. Formula One should be a place were advanced technologies compete as a means of improving motorsport"

WRC: 2007 PROVISIONAL CALENDAR (JULY 6, 2006)

• FIA has released a provisional calendar for 2007 World Rally Championship. It features 3 new rallies - Ireland, Norway and Portugal. They replace Rally Cyprus, Australia and Turkey.
• Peter Hain (State for Northern Ireland): "As a motorsport fan, I am delighted with this decision made by Max Mosley and the FIA ...Having seen at close hand the impact that Rally Ireland has made to date, I am excited by what hosting a full WRC round will be able to contribute to the economy and the development of social cohesion."
• Even Wiger (Rally Norway): "At last we have succeeded. This is fantastic news for sports fans as well as service and tourist businesses in Norway. We expect at least 100,000 spectators from Norway and abroad. It will be the largest public event in Norway since the Olympic Games in 1994"

WRC: PETTER SOLBERG RE-SIGNS WITH SUBARU TILL 2009 (JUNE 22, 2006)

• Subaru World Rally Team has announced that Petter Solberg will continue to drive for the team until at least 2009.
• The 31-year-old Norwegian and his 42-year-old Welsh co-driver Phil Mills joined Subaru during the 2000 World Rally Championship season. Since then, Solberg has claimed 13 WRC rally victories, 30 WRC podium finishes and the 2003 FIA Drivers’ Championship title.
• Subaru World Rally Team managing director Richard Taylor said: “We’re delighted that Petter will remain at Subaru, it is great news for the team."
• "Over the past six seasons we’ve developed a very strong relationship with Petter and he has become a great ambassador for Subaru and the sport in general."
• “We’ve had a difficult start to this WRC season and our recent performance has fallen below the standards we set ourselves, but Petter’s decision is the clearest endorsement of our ability to get things back on track."
• "We are confident that we’ve got the right technical direction now. We have a good plan and are looking forward to making ourselves fully competitive again over the next few months and then developing a new car for the longer term. "
• "Petter believes, like we do, that we can give him the best opportunity of winning his second and hopefully his third World Championship titles in the near future.”
• Solberg said: “Well, first of all the aim is to win - that’s the main thing."
• "That’s what I want and the team wants too. Okay, it’s been a difficult situation recently and we haven’t won as much as we want, but I’ve seen the plan and the strategy and how things are going to work out."
• "That’s why I’m feeling very positive about signing for Subaru again - I know that they have always been in the top of this sport and they will be back at the top and start to win rallies again very soon."
• "It is a difficult situation at the moment but that’s how it is sometimes, there are ups and downs and when things are going badly it’s very easy to run away, but that’s not me. I want to stay and get back to the top again with the people I was on top with before.”
• Subaru manufacturer principal Toshi Azuma said: “It is very important for Subaru to have another three seasons with Petter and we are very positive about our future prospects in the World Rally Championship."
• "Petter developed his driving career with Subaru, in 2003 he became the WRC drivers’ champion with us and now we want to give him the opportunity to develop further. He has also been closely involved in Subaru’s road car development over the years. Because he understands what it takes to develop road cars, he performs his role perfectly."
• "His enthusiasm and personality has a positive effect not only to the rally team but to Subaru supporters around the world.”
• Q and A with Petter Solberg
• Q: Why have you chosen to stay at Subaru?
  PS: “At Subaru I have a very good team of people behind me, that’s everybody including the mechanics, engineers, management and those at Subaru in Japan. Okay, I had some problems in my career when I started at Subaru but the team supported me very much and since then we have always stood together, through good and bad things. But the most important thing about this career is winning. Now I know it’s difficult at Subaru just now, and there was talk that I might change teams, but I know that Subaru has all the abilities and all the qualities and the best people to handle this situation. I am very, very confident that we will start winning again soon. I would not have signed if I felt the team wasn’t ready to win very soon.”
• Q: What about the current car, what sort of potential has it got?
  PS: “It has much more to give. Already it’s working much better and I have tested a lot of things that have shown improved speed but still there are some things missing. The engineers have found out some of the reasons, we have a good direction now and we will work together so that I am 100 per cent happy with it. Hopefully we can unlock more of its potential very soon.”
• Q: How soon before we can see you winning rallies again?
  PS: “It all depends on how quickly we can get the car truly competitive. As soon as that is done we will start winning again.”
• Q: What do you think you can achieve between now and 2009?
  PS: “I want to say some big words, I really want to say I’m going to win all the Championships but that would be stupid. What I can say is I have a lot of confidence in my ability as a driver. A lot depends on how quickly we can improve the performance of the car in general but I don’t think it’ll be too long. Once we’re able to start pushing again then I think there will be some very, very good times ahead.”

RALLY: HENRI MAGNE LOSES HIS LIFE AFTER A TRAGIC ACCIDENT IN RALLY OF MOROCCO (JUNE 6, 2006)

• Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart withdrew Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret from the Orpi Rally of Morocco after the final 222 km selective section, as a mark of respect to team co-driver Henri Magne, who lost his life in a tragic accident between the first and second passage controls at the 60.30 km point of the event’s final selective section. Peterhansel had been leading the event when he crossed the finish line of the final stage, unaware of what had happened behind them, but the crew were officially withdrawn for the rally by MMSP Team Director Dominique Serieys at the arrival control.
• Henri Magne, winner of the Rally of Morocco in 2000, 2001 and 2002, had been co-driving Spaniard Joan ‘Nani’ Roma when the accident happened before the assistance point on the day’s special. The crew collided with a concrete wall front side. Magne was officially declared dead by event medical staff at 10.02 hrs (local time), less then five minutes after the accident. Driver and Team-Mate Nani Roma is not injured.
• Team mates Hiroshi Masuoka and Pascal Maimon stopped at the scene of the accident to offer assistance and did not continue from then on.
• “For over 25 years Mitsubishi has been competing successfully in this sport without any tragic incident of this kind,” said MMSP’s Team Director Dominique Serieys. “Today, tragically, Henri ran out of luck. In the name of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and MMSP I give my deepest sympathy to Henri’s wife and family.
• “Henri was a good friend and colleague. He was a gentile man, always smiling, always cheerful. We worked together when I was a co-driver. Henri was a true professional, without any desire to end his career. The next goal for us will be dedicated to Henri. My heartfelt sympathies are also with Nani after this awful day. It will not be easy for him to get over this, but we will all support him all the way.”
• HENRI MAGNE
• Henri Magne was born in France in March 1953. He first took part in the Dakar Rally in 1982 and finished 21st overall and first in the diesel category. In 1985 he co-drove a rapid support truck for the official Mitsubishi team and finished ninth in the Trucks class. His career began to move forward rapidly and he and Kenjiro Shinozuka finished second overall in the 1988 Dakar.
• Henri Magne won the Dakar for the first time with Kenjiro Shinozuka and Mitsubishi in 1997 and repeated the feat on the Paris-Dakar-Cairo Rally in 2000 with Jean-Louis Schlesser. He finished fourth with Carlos Sousa in 2003 and in a similar position with Luc Alphand in 2004. Both he and Sousa also won the 2003 FIA World Cup title and the 2004 European Baja Cup.
• After taking part in the 2004 UAE Desert Challenge with Andrea Mayer, he joined Joan Roma for the first time in the 2004 Qatar Baja, finishing second overall, and then in the 2005 Dakar Rally and onwards through last season - the highlight being a maiden win together in the Baja Spain Aragon. The pair began this season with a superb third overall in the Dakar Rally, second in the Patagonia-Atacama Rally and a second place in the Transiberico Rally.
• Magne is survived by his wife Lucette and two adopted children. MMSP offers their deepest condolences to all members of Henri’s family at this time. (Mitsubishi Motors Motor Sports)

F1: DEATH OF EDOUARD MICHELIN (MAY 27, 2006)

• Edouard Michelin, the 43 year old CEO of Michelin tyre company has died in a boating incident.
• Franch Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy: "He had a passion for his business and he knew how to make other people experience that passion."
• RENAULT: The Renault F1 Team last night learned with great sadness of the death of Edouard Michelin. The team wishes to express its sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in this difficult time. Renault F1 Team President Alain Dassas commented: "The links between Michelin and Renault are strong and long-standing, and we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Edouard Michelin. His dynamic, modern style of leadership set an example for French business throughout the world as he drove his company to global competitiveness. He will be greatly missed."
• Renault F1 Team Managing Director Flavio Briatore continued: "Our memories of Edouard Michelin are of a fantastic competitor. He was always extremely supportive of the team, and delighted by last year's world championship victory."
• F1 CEO (Bernie Ecclestone): "It is very sad that he is dead obviously and it's sad the way it happened ... He was a supporter of Formula One and Michelin have been for a long time. It's a big shame."
• AMERICAN LE MANS: The American Le Mans Series extends its condolences to the family of Edouard Michelin, CEO of Michelin, on his passing Friday. "The American Le Mans Series expresses its deepest sympathies to the family of Edouard Michelin and all our colleagues at Michelin Motorsports - both in Europe and North America," said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series. "As a founding corporate partner of the American Le Mans Series, Michelin has set the standard for Series involvement," Atherton continued. "Edouard Michelin's vision and contributions to motorsports and the auto industry were second to none, and he will be sorely missed."
• Frank Williams (Williams F1): "WilliamsF1 has worked with the Michelin tyre company during two very successful periods in Édouard's career. The relationship with Édouard Michelin himself developed in the year 2000 when he maintained a close interest with our team. He was a far-sighted born leader and extremely approachable. The WilliamsF1 Team offers their condolences to Édouard's wife and children and to his entire family."

WRC: ATKINSON SET TO SHOW SPEED IN SARDINIA (MAY 15, 2006)

• Subaru rally driver Chris Atkinson is in Sardinia this week preparing for the seventh round of the World Rally Championship, Rally d’Italia-Sardegna, which gets underway with a ceremonial start in the exclusive tourist resort of Porto Cervo on Thursday 18 May.
• It will be the second time that Atkinson has taken part in the Sardinian round of the championship. Last year he climbed as high as third overall, winning one stage, but issues on both of the first two days ruined his chance of a good outright result. He finished the three day event in 18th place but has set himself for a top five finish in 2006.
• “My goal is a top five result,” Atkinson said. "We set some good stage times last year and were running as high as third at one point, so there’s no reason why we can’t achieve this target.”
• “Sardinia is a challenge as it’s very technical and narrow and you have to drive cleanly to do well here.”
• “It’s a good drivers’ rally and I really enjoy it. Over half the route is new this year so a lot will depend on making good pace notes on the recce.”
• Atkinson tested for two days in Greece after returning from his sixth placing in Argentina at the end of April.
• After the test he returned to the UK to work on set-ups for Sardinia with his engineers and has travelled to the island early to continue his physical training program.
• Subaru World Rally Sporting Director, Luis Moya, is hopeful of a good performance from the young Queenslander.
• “Chris’ aim is to be consistent and deliver an acceptable pace with zero errors,” Moya said.
• “Chris has tested in Sardinia before and he’s just come back from a two-day test in Greece so his confidence in the car is high. We know he has the speed to finish in the top five.”
• Rally d’Italia-Sardegna will be the third gravel rally of the year, following Mexico and Argentina. (Subaru Motorsport)

F1: 12 TEAMS IN 2008 F1 SEASON - DEBUT OF PRODRIVE (APRIL 29, 2006)

• The former head of BAR team, David Richards will return to F1 in 2008. His Prodrive team has been accepted as the 12th team beating rival bids from Paul Stoddart, Alain Prost, Eddie Jordan and Craig Pollock.
• MOSLEY (FIA): "Prodrive was chosen mainly because of its financial position, capabilities and experience .... Prodrive has the best combination of financial backing, technical capability and motor sport experience and is well known to the FIA through its participation in the World Rally Championship .... also ... David Richards, has experience as a Formula One team principal."
• RICHARDS: "This is wonderful news for everyone in the company. We always wanted to be in Formula One with our own Prodrive team and now we are one step closer. We now have less than two years to build a team and put two competitive cars on the starting grid. The task is enormous but we relish the challenge."

CHAMPCAR: ANTONIO PIZZONIA TO MAKE CHAMPCAR DEBUT (APRIL 1, 2006)

• ANTONIO PIZZONIA EAST LANSING, Mich. (March 29, 2006) - After a long off-season with all efforts predominately on securing a solid sponsorship package and competitive driver line-up, Rocketsports Racing is proud to announce that Antonio Pizzonia has been signed to drive the #8 Rocketsports Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone Champ Car in Long Beach with sponsorship announcements to be forthcoming.
• The overall performance of Rocketsports Racing throughout the 2005 season led to Timo Glock's consistency and running for Rookie-of-the- Year honors. Rocketsports has chosen to run another rookie, but rookie is no way to describe this young, vibrant Brazilian. Pizzonia is a well- experienced open-wheel racer. He has a solid racing pedigree that has brought him to the ranks of Formula 1. The 25-year-old joins Rocketsports with great anticipation to extend his racing resume by entering the Champ Car World Series in search for a new challenge in his extensive career.
• Pizzonia will rendezvous with the team in Houston on Saturday, April 1 for some more time in his Lola in preparation to make his first Champ Car start in Long Beach, California for the Champ Car season opener, April 7-9.
• "I am very happy about the opportunity that Rocketsports has given to me,” said Pizzonia on his upcoming test and making his debut in Champ Car. "The test this weekend will be very important for me and the team as we prepare f or the first race. I obviously need to get more familiar with the car, as it was my first time in the cockpit of a Champ Car when I tested with the team in Houston a couple of weeks ago. So the extra time will be good for me to learn more and really prepare for Long Beach. I am really looking forward to Long Beach; it will be a new experience for me, a new ride, and a new challenge. That is what I was looking for and I am thrilled to be with the Rocketsports team. I really enjoyed working with them in Houston when I tested with them, so I am looking forward to working with them again.”
• Pizzonia started racing karts when he was 10 and after winning the local championships he began to commute to Sao Paulo on the weekends to race in more competitive Sao Paulo championships. By the time he was 15, he had won the Brazilian national title. This led to the decision to go to the United States to compete in the Barber Dodge series and then in 1997 he moved to Britain to race in Formula Vauxhall Junior. He was the champion in 1998 and moved up to Formula Renault and won the title in 1999. This led to a test with the Williams F1 team. He raced in Formula 3 the following year, winning the title during his rookie season and earning another F1 test with the Benetton team. In 2001 he signed a long-term deal with Williams becoming a member of the Petrobras Junior Team in Formula 3000 and in 2002 his responsibility with the team expanded making him also a test driver in the Williams F1 machines. In 2003 he ran part of the F1 season, under a new squad, Jaguar, before returning to Williams in 2004 as a test driver and replacement in some of the races for Ralf Schumacher. He retained his duties for the team in 2005.
• "Formula 1 was a great experience,” said Pizzonia when asked about his switch from F1 to Champ Car. "Every day you learned something new in that car because there was so much money invested in t he teams. But I am a racing driver, and I want to go racing not just testing. Champ Car is really a great series. The races are great, there is passing and battles on the track, it is exciting and that is exactly what I need and desire. I can't wait to get to climb into the #8 Rocketsports car and go racing!”
• Pizzonia recently ran a two-day test with the Rocketsports team down in Houston, Texas at the MSR Houston road course. With only a few hours of seat time, he was running laps close to the best times that were posted by other Champ Car teams at that venue, which resulted in a very positive test and left a strong impression with the Rocketsports team owner, Paul Gentilozzi.
• "Pizzonia demonstrated a great understanding of open-wheel cars through his quick learning skills and performance during the Houston test a few weeks ago," said Gentilozzi on his overall impression on Pizzonia's driving talent. "He showed us that he could run at the same level with former series championship drivers, which goes to show he will be able to run up front with these guys in competition. I am happy to have him on board; he will bring a lot to the team with his previous knowledge, his wonderful personality and winning spirit."
• In 2003, Rocketsports Racing team owner Paul Gentilozzi expanded his racing program to compete in the Champ Car World Series. With popular veteran driver Alex Tagliani at the wheel, the team was set to make a statement. In their first year, the freshman Champ Car team had many successes, including two pole positions and three podium finishes. In 2004, the Champ Car operation was further enhanced with the addition of a second car. Round 8 at Road America on August 8th was the pinnacle of the season for Rocketsports Racing with the sophomore team's first victory. In 2005 Rocketsports continued to demonstrate its ability to produce reliable race cars for their drivers, as Champ Car rook ie Timo Glock finished second in most laps completed to two-time Champ Car Champion Sebastien Bourdais. Crowned Rookie-of-the-Year, Glock finished eighth overall, one of only two rookies to finish in the top ten of the championship standings

DANISH TOURING: Markko Märtin’s first Danish test (MAR 29, 2006)

• The Estonian sampled a wet FDM Jyllandsringen for the first time. On Wednesday Markko Märtin could for the first climb aboard his Honda Accord Euro-R and roll out to test at a Danish circuit. The place was FDM Jyllandsringen, which due its many corners is known to shock new drivers. But that was not exactly what bothered the new Hartmann Honda Racing driver.
• ”There are many corners, that’s for sure,” the Estonian DTC newcomer said. “It was quite slippery today, so it is not easy, but okay, we have to work on a set-up for the car. It is the first time for me in Denmark, so we got some ideas about what we want to do, and hopefully we can do it next time.”
• The test took place in just 6 degrees, and even though there were some small showers, the circuit stayed damp throughout the day. It meant that Markko Märtin was seen pressing the car over its limits in the double left hander leading the cars from the main straight to the spectators straight. “It was not only in that corner that it happened. It happened in many corners,” Markko Märtin admitted afterwards. “It was so slippery and I was sliding in many places. We didn’t have much grip at all, it was difficult to hold the lines and it was easy to loose the back end.”
• The professional rally driver has no race experience, but he does not yet feel any need to change his driving style. ”There is no big rush to change any things, because I have to understand what is going on first. I will try to do as many laps as possible and try as many different things as possible and see what happens. That is the only way to do it, so I don’t know what to change at the moment.”
• Other teams at the test were Den Blå Avis Fleggaard Racing, who was running one of their brand-new BMW 320si E90s for the first time in Denmark. Both Jan Magnussen and Henrik Lundgaard drove the car, while Pontus Mörth was reunited with the Volvo S60 that saw the Swede score his and the marque’s first win back in 2004. Finally series newcomer Michael Outzen was also running, but unfortunately got little mileage due to a suspension breakdown. (Danish Touringcar Championship)

INDYCAR: LOSS OF INDY CAR DRIVER PAUL DANA AT HOMESTEAD (MAR 26, 2006)

• HOMESTEAD, Fla. (March 26, 2006) IRL IndyCar® Series driver Paul Dana suffered fatal injuries Sunday in a practice crash prior to the 300- mile IndyCar Series event on the Homestead- Miami Speedway's 1.5- mile oval track. Dana, a St. Louis native who lived in Indianapolis, was pronounced dead shortly before noon (EST) at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, a Level 1 trauma center.
• Dana, 30, driver of the No. 17 Team Ethanol Honda Panoz Firestone car for Rahal Letterman Racing, was involved in a two-car incident in a practice session in preparation for the season- opening IndyCar Series race. Ed Carpenter's car spun high in Turn 2 and made contact with the outside wall just after 10 a.m. Carpenter's machine then slid down the track's banking and was slowing when Dana's car struck Carpenter's car in the left-rear section at high speed.
• Both Dana and Carpenter were airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital trauma center. Carpenter is listed in stable condition, according to Dr. Henry Bock, Indy Racing League director of medical services.
• Dana was preparing for his first race with the Rahal Letterman Racing team after recording a career-high ninth place in Saturday's qualifying.
• "It is a black day for us, and on behalf of Rahal Letterman Racing, our sponsors and associates, our prayers and sympathy go out to the entire Dana family," said team co-owner Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner.
• "This is a great tragedy. As a result, and in honor of Paul, we will not run the team's No. 15 (with driver Buddy Rice, the 2004 Indy 500 winner) and No. 16 (with driver Danica Patrick, the 2005 Indy 500 and IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year) cars in today's event."
• Dana, who helped bring the Team Ethanol sponsorship to the Indy Racing League in 2004, finished second in the 2004 Indy Pro Series standings, with a victory at Milwaukee. He debuted in the series in 2003, finishing ninth in points. Dana moved up to the IndyCar Series in 2005 with Hemelgarn Racing but competed in only three races due to a season-ending back injury suffered in May during practice for the Indianapolis 500.
• "Paul was a very special guy," said David Vander Griend, president and CEO of ICM, a primary sponsor on the Team Ethanol car. "He demonstrated his belief in what ethanol can do for all of America through his racing. He helped us with so many things in bringing ethanol to the IndyCar Series. He will be missed tremendously. Our thoughts are with his family today."

F1: Fuji Speedway to Host the 2007 Japanese F1 Grand Prix (MAR 24, 2006)

• FUJI INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY CO., LTD. (Fuji Speedway: Dr. Akihiko Saito, Chairman & CEO) and FORMULA ONE ADMINISTRATION LIMITED (FOA: Mr. Bernard Charles Ecclestone, Chairman & CEO) agreed that Fuji Speedway will host the 2007 Japanese Formula One Grand Prix, which will be held in October 2007, of the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1).
  
  Since the commemoration of its opening nearly 40 years ago in 1966, Fuji Speedway as one of the fastest circuits in the world has been the stage for numerous international and domestic car races of sport cars, grand touring cars, and formula cars.
  
  Fuji Speedway used to host the first and second Japanese F1 Grand Prix in 1976 and 1977. The 2007 Japanese F1 GP will mark the thirty years anniversary.
  
  In 2005 Fuji Speedway completed its overall renovation of the international racecourse and related facilities. When opening the renewal circuit, Fuji Speedway became certified to hold F1 races since it earned "Grade 1" license from the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile).
  
  FOA: Mr. Bernard Charles Ecclestone's comment: "We, at FOA, have the pleasure that Fuji Speedway, as the brand new venue nestled at the foot of the most majestic Mt. Fuji, will be the new home of Japanese F1 Grand Prix. We also have a good expectation that the F1 event there would be the opening of new era of Formula One history."
  

DTM: Audi Takes Vanina Ickx Into DTM (FEB 22, 2006)

• For the first time since 1995, a woman will star in the world’s most popular touring car race series. Belgian born, Vanina Ickx will contest the 2006 DTM in an Audi A4 DTM in the new DTM team run by Dr David Kolles, Managing Director Midland Formula 1.
• Vanina is not the first female Audi works driver to give the men a run for their money - Michèle Mouton was the first, and to date, the only woman to win a World Rally Championship round in her Audi quattro, narrowly missing winning the World Championship title in 1982. In the 90’s, Tamara Vidali created quite a stir with her Audi A4 quattro in the Super Touring Car series.
• "Michèle Mouton and Tamara Vidali demonstrated that a woman can come out on top in a sport dominated by men. We are convinced that Vanina Ickx possesses all the skills to be just as successful,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.
• Daughter of former Formula 1 driver and six-time Le Mans winner, Jacky Ickx, Vanina started her career in 1996, at the age of 21. She caught the attention of the public following a class win and podium position at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. To date she has competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the Dakar Rally and narrowly missed winning the Le Mans Endurance Series (LMES) title in an LMP 1 sports car last year.
• "I’m absolutely delighted about the prospect of starting for Audi in the DTM,” said Vanina.
• Despite her petite figure, the qualified biologist weighs in at a little over 55 kilograms and stands 1.55 metres tall and is anything but timid.
• Vanina thrives on speed and competition. She loves to parachute, was the first woman to cross the English Channel in an Ultra-Light plane and holds, at 136 kph, the speed record on skis down a ski jump. (AUDI)
  

A1GP: Six former F1 drivers and Four Champ Car drivers Line Up For Mexico (FEB 21, 2006)

• A1 Grand Prix field is getting stronger by the day
• Patrick Friesacher, Minardi F1 race driver in 2005, will replace Mathias Lauda in this weekend's Mexico A1 Grand Prix round, A1 Team Austria announced yesterday.
• ChampCar winners, Patrick Carpentier and Bryan Herta have also been announced to drive for Team Canada and USA respectively in Mexico for the first time.
• The A1GP drivers lineup is looking increasingly stronger by the day as there are now 6 former Formula 1 drivers (Jos Verstappen-Ned, Tomas Enge-Cze, Ralph Firman-Irl, Christian Fittipaldi-Bra, Friesacher-Aut and Alex Yoong-Mal) and 4 ChampCar drivers (Carpentier-Can, Herta-USA, Marcus Marshall-Aus and Salvador Duran-Mex) not to mention F1 tester, Neel Jani of Switzerland as well as F1 hopes Alex Premat of France, Robbie Kerr of GBR and Timo Scheider of Germany.
• So, how can Max Mosley, FIA's President, say that the A1GP driver lineup is weak?
• The competition in A1 Grand Prix is second to none bar Formula 1 and arguably ChampCar, AND it is mere fear of it going to greater heights that draw this sort of criticisms.
• Meanwhile, it was reliably learnt that A1 Team India will not be at Mexico as it continues to be embroiled in a management tussle over driver choice. Rumours also have it that the management will be changed and a more experienced driver be appointed for the USA round. (Max Revson)

CHAMPCAR: LEGGE TO BECOME THE FIRST FULL-TIME FEMALE DRIVER (FEB 14, 2006)

• LOS ANGELES (February 14, 2006) After completing a record-setting campaign in 2005 where Katherine Legge became the first woman to ever win a major open-wheel race in the United States, the young Brit is preparing to reach even greater heights.
• Legge will become the first woman to ever compete full-time in the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford in 2006, as she takes over as one of the drivers for the two-car PKV Racing team. Legge, who won three Atlantic events on her way to securing third place in the 2005 championship , both landmark accomplishments for female drivers in a U.S. open-wheel series.
• "I am extremely proud to become a part of the PKV Racing Team," Legge said. "It is a great honor to work with people like Jimmy Vasser, Jim McGee and all the members of the team. I want to especially thank Mr. Kalkhoven, Dan Pettit and Jimmy for giving me this opportunity. I know that it will be a challenge to make the transition form Atlantics to Champ Cars. The Champ Car World Series is the most competitive series in the world and I am looking forward to the journey."
• Legge followed up her milestone season by taking each and every opportunity to test different race cars during the offseason. Legge ran in three separate Champ Car test sessions at Sebring, piloted a Formula 1 car in a Minardi test and also ran a A1GP car under the watchful eye of British racing great John Surtees.
• "Katherine did a fantastic job last year in Atlantics and has been impressive in her tests this off-season," said PKV Racing co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. "Based on her Atlantic results, her Champ Car tests and frankly, her Formula 1 test, we believe Katherine is ready to make the jump to Champ Cars. We recognize that, as with any young driver, there is a large learning curve in making the jump from Atlantics to Champ Cars, but we are firm in our conviction that Katherine's skill and determination will be up to the task. The 2006 season will be a learning and developmental year for Katherine, however, we are confident that she will continue to grow and improve as a driver, which will make her very competitive in 2007 when there will be a new Champ Car chassis."
• The native of Northampton, England will be the first woman to race in North America's top open-wheel racing series since Lyn St. James competed at Michigan in 1995. She will be the first woman to ever attempt a full-season run in the Champ Cars, with St. James' six events in 1993 serving as the series' high-water mark for races in a season by a woman.
• "We watched Katherine become one of the rising stars in all of racing last year, and are very excited about her prospects for success in Champ Car," said Champ Car President Steve Johnson. "Today's announcement is significant not only for Champ Car, but for all forms of motorsport and we look forward to Katherine competing in the series for many years to come." (CHAMPCAR)

INDYCAR: MEIRA SIGNS WITH PANTHER RACING (FEB 11, 2006)

• Panther Racing announced Friday the signing of IndyCar Series veteran Vitor Meira as the driver of the team's No. 4 Pennzoil Panther Dallara Honda. Meira, who finished second last season in the Indianapolis 500, becomes the fourth driver to pilot the team's No. 4 entry and the first that will be powered by Honda engines.
• "We are so excited to sign a world class "A-list" driver like Vitor Meira," Panther co-owner John Barnes said. "Any team would be lucky to have him, and we're excited to have him part of the upcoming 2006 season. Our goal for the past nine years has always been to win races, and I believe with Pennzoil, Vitor and Honda power, we will do just that."
• Panther will continue it's nine-year relationship with Pennzoil Lubricants, which has helped define the team's place in open-wheel racing history. The team is lining up new sponsors for the 2006 IndyCar Series season, and information will be released as soon as details are finalized.
• "This is a fresh start for me and for Panther Racing," Meira said. "And now we are going to make it a quick start. Everything comes full circle; the Panther No. 4 is the first Indy-car I ever drove. They gave me my rookie test in Texas in 2001 and now we're going racing together. It's been a long offseason and I'm happy that everything has come together the way it did because I'm excited to be with the team and all the potential that we have."
• "Pennzoil has been a wonderful partner through the past nine years," Panther co-owner Mike Griffin said. "And we look forward to continuing our relationship with that organization. We're proud to be associated with such a great company and a historic piece in open-wheel racing history. As we always have at Panther, we're going to devote all of our resources and energy to winning races for Pennzoil. We've liked Vitor as a driver and as a person, and we're really excited about having him in the cockpit."
• Meira finished seventh in the 2005 IndyCar Series standings, which was best among a talented Rahal Letterman Racing lineup that included the former Indy 500 champ Buddy Rice and last season's Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick. Including the Indianapolis 500 a year ago, Meira has collected four second-place finishes, including the second-closest finish in league history at Kansas Speedway in 2004. In 45 career starts he has collected 15 Top Five and 26 Top Ten finishes.
• "One of the things I'm happy about is that I've never really been the main driver with a team," Meira explained. "When I was at Team Menard (in a one-car operation) I was still learning, and this is going to be my first experience of being on a team with 100% attention and focus on my car. And lucky for me it's Panther; ever since I've been in Indy-cars Panther has been winning races and they're a top team."
• Panther has accumulated 15 race victories in its eight seasons in the Indy Racing League, which is second most in league history. The team won back-to-back IndyCar Series Championships in 2001 & 2002 with Sam Hornish Jr., and is the only team to win two league titles with the same driver. Meira is set to become the 12th driver to start in the IndyCar Series for Panther.

CHAMPCAR: ‘SPEEDY’ DAN CLARKE MOVES CLOSER TO 2006 CHAMP CAR SEAT (FEB 10, 2006)

• Dan Clarke is expected to finalise his Champ Car deal within the next few weeks and is preparing for his move with an intensive training programme. Clarke has been courted by a number of top race teams for participation in European and British motorsport series’, but is totally committed to a stateside move.
• The 22 year-old racer, a BRDC Formula Ford Champion, Formula Ford Festival Winner and a rookie F3 winner, says, “It’s very flattering to have such a high level of interest in my future career and everyone has an opinion on what’s best for me. Champ Cars is getting my vote and with the Champ Car community showing plenty of faith in me, I’m focusing on being ready for the start of the season at Long Beach.
• “This year will be my learning year, ahead of the revised Championship in 2007 with the new lightweight Panoz chassis and Cosworth engine power levels exceeding those in F1. I expect to be challenging for wins when the new package comes onboard.”
• Clarke was privileged to spend time with David Coulthard and Red Bull Racing in Barcelona last week, as a guest of Adrian Newey, one of Clarke’s mentors, and he said of his time trackside, “I thank Adrian for inviting me to the F1 test with the Red Bull F1 team and my experience in that environment will definitely help me; it was very educational and a good opportunity for me to learn from some of the best in the business.”
• Newey and Clarke’s close friend Johnny Herbert, Sporting Director, Midland F1 team, have both supported Clarke in his decision to join the top American single-seater racing series. Herbert wished Clarke well saying, “I understand Dan’s dream to compete in Champ Car and I support him wholeheartedly. I’d have liked to have seen him test in an F1 car, but he’s showing great maturity in single-mindedly focusing on his goal.”
• Dan is currently concentrating on his fitness programme, training in London with Nick Russell, a renowned driver trainer with a client list which has included David Coulthard, Eddie Irvine, Justin Wilson, and Christian Klein. Nick said of the regime that he’s developed for Dan, "It’s a two month boot camp for him. I have promised to get him as fit as DC in time for Long Beach. I will be working him very, very hard. His fitness won't be a problem".

F1: SPA RACE CANCELLED (FEB 8, 2006)

• 2006 Formula 1 schedule has been reduced from 19 to 18 races. The Belgian GP at Spa has once again been cancelled due to delay in track improvement
  ECCLESTONE (F1): "I'm both disappointed and happy ... Disappointed because we didn't want to miss a race at Spa but happy because the reason its not being run is to have improved infrastructure than before."

F1: MIDLAND F1 Racing Unveils 2006 Challenger (FEB 3, 2006)

• Silverstone, UK - MF1 Racing – the Formula One team owned and operated by Midland Group – today unveiled the car with which it will compete in the 2006 FIA F1 World Championship: the Midland MF1 Toyota M16.
• The all-new car – adorned in striking grey, red and white livery – represents the first entry in the 56-year history of the World Championship to race with a Russian motorsport license.
• "It has been an exciting, sometimes bumpy ride since we accelerated our plans and became involved in F1 a year earlier than expected," said Colin Kolles, Managing Director of MF1 Racing. "But through all the ups and downs, we maintained a clear vision of where want to be and, step by step, we are getting there.
• "We have restructured the company and refurbished our headquarters as the first stage of our long-term plans. The M16 car is 100% a product of MF1 Racing – solid proof of our serious intentions. But even though we have invested a great deal into building a brand-new car, we remain realistic about the challenge we face as a private team against the world’s top motor manufacturers.
• "At this stage in our development, we are excited to give opportunities to the young men and women who will become the future of Formula 1. Technical Director James Key and his team of engineers, who have designed and built the M16, are those people. Their car, like the company as a whole, is a platform for the future and will be continuously developed. Our target for 2006 is consistent and visible progress compared to our rivals, while maintaining the superb reliability record that highlighted 2005. Special thanks should be given to our technical partners, Toyota and Bridgestone, whose continued support has made today possible.
• "MF1 Racing’s drivers for the 2006 FIA F1 World Championship season were confirmed as 2005 F1 Rookie of the Year Tiago Monteiro from Portugal and Dutchman Christijan Albers. Germans Markus Winkelhock and Adrian Sutil, as well as Roman Rusinov from Russia, were introduced as the team’s test drivers.
• "Both Tiago and Christijan had outstanding rookie years in 2005 and we believe this tandem forms a strong, competitive partnership that will benefit us in our first season as MF1 Racing," added Kolles. "Our three test drivers have all achieved considerable success in other formulae and we are confident they have the potential to develop into successful F1 drivers."
• "The M16 is a completely new car," said James Key, Technical Director of MF1 Racing. "Obviously, the information we have gained from developing the EJ15B has gone into building the M16, but it is significantly improved in so many ways – mechanically, aerodynamically, even the way it is packaged. We are very optimistic about the progress that lies ahead."
• "With the M16, we have made a significant leap forward in every respect," said team owner Alex Shnaider, Chairman and co-founder of Midland Group.
• "I am very proud of the passion and ingenuity demonstrated by our workforce and partners, who are the lifeblood of this team. Everyone has worked extremely hard to make this car a reality and I am confident that if we maintain this level of commitment, we will continue to make further and more frequent leaps forward in the years to come."
• Shakedown testing of the Midland MF1 Toyota M16 is due to take place at Silverstone on 03 Feb., followed by a four-day test at Jerez beginning 07 Feb.

F1: VALENTINO ROSSI TESTS AGAIN FOR FERRARI F1 (FEB 2, 2006)

• Speculation is growing that 5 times world motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi will switch to Formula 1 next season. For the first time he took part in normal pre-season F1 test among regular F1 drivers at Valencia. Driving a Ferrari, Rossi conpleted 53 laps today and was 12th quickest at 1:12.362 (in comparison M Schumacher was 5th; 1:11.640; Rossi's time is +0.722 sec). Yesterday Rossi finished 11th quickest. If Rossi makes his F1 debut, he has the chance to become the only rider/driver other than John Surtees to win both world motorcycle and F1 championship.
• ROSSI: "It has been a very interesting test, as it was the first time I lapped in a Formula One car with other drivers ... I did not come here to show anything to anybody but simply to broaden my understanding of a Formula One car and I thank Ferrari for continuing to give me this opportunity"
• Last year Ferrari's Technical Director Ross Brawn said: "We'd like to have him with us, because we believe the Ferrari-Rossi pairing is very alluring ... It depends on him. If he wants to seriously begin a career in Formula One he will have to undergo tests."

CHAMPCAR: Bourdais receives Driver of the Year nomination (FEB 1, 2006)

• 2005 Champ Car Champion Sebastien Bourdais highlights SPEED Channel's driver of the year voting. In 2005 Sebastien Bourdais has added several awards and accolades to his impressive resume including a second Vanderbilt cup, a third Bridgestone Passion for Excellence Award, a Bridgestone Pole Award and he also helped France win its first Nation's Cup in the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford. Now, Bourdais has a chance to add another award to that list having been nominated for SPEED Channel's Driver of the Year.
• Bourdais is very familiar with being a candidate for this prestigious award, having been nominated in all four quarters of 2005 season. Last season he was nominated three out of four quarters and lay claim the title of people's champion in the SPEED Channel Driver of the Year standings, capturing top honors in the fans' vote.
• During the 2005 Champ Car season Bourdais led the series in wins, poles and laps completed recording six wins and five poles on his way to the title. More important to his championship hopes was the fact he scored nine consecutive top-five finishes and completed more than 99 percent of the scheduled race laps last year. Bourdais became the seventh driver in the last forty years of Champ Car World Series racing to record back-to-back championships. Even more impressive he is only the third driver to accomplish this feat in his second and third years of competition, joining the ranks of Champ Car Champions Mario Andretti and Alex Zanardi. In 2005 Bourdais also became the first Champ Car driver in eight years (Al Unser Jr., 1997) to win a race in International Race of Champions (IROC) competition when he took the checkered flag in Texas.
• Bourdais will be dueling for the Driver of the Year honor with fellow champions Tony Stewart (NASCAR), Dan Wheldon (IRL), Steve Kinser (World of Outlaws), Greg Anderson (NHRA) and Tony Schumacher (NHRA).
• In its 39th year, the Driver of the Year Award will be determined by an independent vote of an 18-member panel of blue ribbon auto racing journalists and broadcasters. Drivers' achievements are evaluated using the following criteria: Track Performance, Sportsmanship, Humanitarianism, and Fan Recognition.

F1: KARTHIKEYAN BECOMES 2ND TEST DRIVER FOR WILLIAMS (JAN 27, 2006)

• 28 year old Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan who was dropped by Jordan/Midland F1 team will act as 2nd test driver for Williams F1 team in 2006.
  KARTHIKEYAN: "having tested for Williams late last year, joining the team was the best option for me and I am delighted that we can finally confirm this ... I am looking forward to testing the FW28 and making a contribution to Williams' competitiveness this season."

Grand Prix Masters 2006 calendar (JAN 19, 2005)

• 19th January 2006 (LONDON): Following on from the spectacular success of the inaugural Grand Prix Masters race in Kyalami (South Africa) just over eight weeks ago, the series organisers are today delighted to announce the 2006 race calendar. The series will kick-off at the Losail International Raceway Circuit in Qatar -- the first time ever a racing car event has ever been held in the country!
• Hosting the Grand Prix Masters series alongside the state-of-the-art Losail circuit are a collection of motor racing's more traditional and classic circuits including Monza (Italy), Silverstone (UK), Kyalami (South Africa) plus a fifth venue which will be announced very shortly.
• Scott Poulter (CEO, Grand Prix Masters): "Following the success of our inaugural event in South Africa last November, the public demand for 'more' has been simply fantastic! This is testament to the tireless efforts of everyone involved in the series and it gives us all great pleasure today in announcing a calendar which will see the series visit some spectacular racing venues across the world.
• With the exception of the recently-opened Losail International Raceway in Qatar, the other circuits have provided the setting for so many of Grand Prix racing's historic moments and with the likes of Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi and many other legends, re-creating that magic is what Grand Prix Masters is all about. Our ambition for this year is to build upon the success of our debut event and to ensure the highest level of satisfaction for both trackside and TV viewing race fans."
• Nigel Mansell O.B.E.: "To add more chapters to the history we made at our sell-out event in South Africa is sensational news and I for one cannot wait to get back into action! For me personally, the special one will of course be Silverstone. Racing a thoroughbred grand prix car in- front of a home crowd at Silverstone will be a surreal and mighty experience. My last grand prix race there was back in 1992 and was one of many victories that season that culminated in both the Drivers' and Constructors' World Championship.
• Racing in front of the Italian 'tifosi' will also be very special for me and if we can deliver anything like the spectacle we succeeded in doing in South Africa, the fan's will absolutely love it."

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