Formula 1

"I was seated at home feeling jealous of those going to Kenya and not me. It was very demoralizing considering how much I loved doing the Safari rallies and coming to Kenya ," said Waldegaard while taking a rest at the White Sands Hotel yesterday. The 66-year-old Swede said he was surprised when he got an offer from Igbal Sagoo to drive his Porsche in the Classic. "I had neither heard of him nor seen him but the offer was one that I could not turn down.  

Michelin, the world's second-largest tire maker, said Friday that revenue is unlikely to increase next year as the global economy remains subdued. Analysts had predicted a 4.3 percent increase, according to 18 estimates. Chief Executive Officer Michel Rollier said in an interview that he's cautious about growth prospects as high unemployment, low home prices and uncertainty about a recovery weigh on auto sales.

Today I say we would think about it   -Michel Rollier

 

AT least three "serious" groups are believed to have shown an interest in taking over the running of Donington Park. Administrators declined to say how many parties they were talking to but confirmed last night that there was "ongoing interest". It came amid reports that Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone said he would be prepared to discuss the possibility of hosting the British Grand Prix at Donington with new leaseholders at the track, formerly run by Donington Ventures Leisure Limited. Nigel ...

There is ongoing interest in the future of Donington Ventures Leisure Limited. But any discussions with potential interested parties are confidential and must remain so. We will make further announcements in due course.   -Nigel Price

 

Back in March, Juan Pablo Montoya barely could get Jamie McMurray to look in his direction. Now, with McMurray leaving Roush Racing for Earnhardt Ganassi in 2010, the two cannot possibly avoid each other. They will be teammates.

There were many skeptics in the garage doubting I would ever make it, but it was very important to make it to the end of the season   -Shannon Spake

 

N eatly crease the wrapping paper at the corners. Scotch Tape the end flaps. Get ready to tie the ribbon and add the fancy bow, probably in the colors of Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet.  

MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi was relishing the prospect of competing in his first endurance car race after Friday's practice with the Kessel team in a Ferrari 430 GT3. "In the first session I focused on getting to grips with the commands of the car, which is really quick," Rossi told the website of the Vallelunga track near Rome, where he will take part in a six-hour race on Sunday. "In the second I started to step on it and I really enjoyed myself trying to get the set-up right." "We ...

In the first session I focused on getting to grips with the commands of the car, which is really quick   -Valentino Rossi

 

If media reports are to be believed former champion Michael Schumacher may well be making a sensational Formula One comeback. It was reported that Mercedes are in secret talks with the former F1 great for some time. It was learnt that team principal Ross Brawn dished out a proposal to Schumacher in Abu Dhabi three weeks ago.  

Kimi Raikkonen's plans for a one year sabbatical from Formula One lasted less than 24 hours before his manager suggested that he might be open to offers from Brawn's new owners Mercedes. Steve Robertson told the autosport.com website on Thursday that the Finn, who failed to reach a deal with McLaren after leaving Ferrari, was not 100 percent certain to be absent next year. "This is Formula One," said the Briton, who manages the 2007 world champion with his father David.

There are not many teams that would appeal to Kimi because he is honest when he says he has got to have a car to win. He is not interested in the money.   -Steve Robertson

 

FORMULA One champ Jenson Button is entering the superhome straight - with a £6million bid for Robbie Williams' mansion. The Sun last month revealed that Robbie is selling his country pile in Wiltshire - less than a year after buying it. The singer paid nearly £8.5million for 18th-century Compton Bassett House, but is ready to accept a £1million loss on the sale.