MotorMad

Alonso Finishes First in French Grand Prix

This time, 20 cars started the race, 15 cars crossed the finish line, and the five that dropped out did so through the "natural causes" of mechanical problems well into the event. Two weeks after the fiasco at the U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis when only six cars raced before 120,000 paying spectators, the series put on a bigger show for a smaller crowd of 80,000 at the French Grand Prix on Sunday.

Michelin Offers Tickets to Fans

Michelin, the world's largest tire-maker, said a lack of on-track testing and an insufficient computer model caused the design problems that forced seven teams to withdraw from the disastrous US Grand Prix at Indianapolis. The tyre manufacturer has offered to buy 20,000 tickets for the 2006 race to be given to fans who bought tickets for this year's US Grand Prix. It is hoped that Michelin's gesture may reduce the risk of the teams being heavily sanctioned by Formula One's governing body, the FIA. A statement released by the company read: "Michelin deeply regrets that the public was deprived of an exciting race and therefore wishes to be the first, among the different groups involved in the race, to make a strong gesture towards the spectators."

However Max Mosley, the chairman of the FIA, has reacted angrily to claims from Michelin that it did everything in its power to prevent the fiasco. In a letter to Michelin chief executive Edouard Michelin, Mosley reportedly wrote: "You failed to bring a back-up tyre to the event and your representatives apparently refused to countenance any solution other than a chicane."

Three Lap Race For BAR

Jenson Button was left seething after engine problems forced him out of the race in Malaysia. After coming third in Malaysia last year and securing the first podium position of his Formula One career, Button was angry that he had to retire with a smoking engine. BAR, runners-up to Ferrari in the championship last season, have yet to score a point in two races. Button made no attempt to hide his frustration and launched a scathing attack on the BAR-Honda team because neither he nor his team mate lasted more than 3 laps.

Former Model Sets Sights on Formula One

A former Japanese race-track model wants to crack the male dominated world of motorsport. Keiko Ihara swapped high heels and makeup for a racing suit and helmet in 1999 at age 26. She will now race for the Carlin Team in the F3 Championship. Her goal is to race in Formula 1 and beat Germany’s seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher. Ihara is only the second Japanese woman to race outside her home country, following on from Tomiko Yasikawa, who raced at the famous Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race in 1992.

Schumacher Not Shocked at Australian Grand Prix Result

A downcast Michael Schumacher has left Australia while Giancarlo Fisichella is flying high after his victory in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix triumph. Although dissapointed by the result, Schumacher took heart from team mate Barrichello's performance.

BAR Exploit Loophole

Under new Formula One rules introduced this season, drivers must make their engines last for two whole race weekends rather than just one. Any unscheduled replacement brings a loss of 10-places on the starting grid. However, a driver can replace an engine without penalty if he retires from a race.

Ferrari Is the Star?

Ferrari's Jean Todt has claimed that the world champion team deserves to be paid more than its rivals to compete in Formula 1. "Ferrari has always been special and tied to Formula 1 as Formula 1 is tied to Ferrari," said Todt. "It is like in the movies when the stars are paid more – Ferrari is the star and wants to be paid like a star."

Villeneuve Movie Production Team Named

Capri Films has announced that a director and a screenwriter have been signed to start work on the new feature film Villeneuve. The film, based on Gerald Donaldson's best-selling biography Villeneuve, The Life of The Legendary Driver is now set to begin production in 2006, with Christian Duguay directing the movie and Emmy award winner Malcolm Clarke named as screenwriter. Gabriella Martinelli will produce the film. The film is set to begin production in 2006.

Concerns Over McLaren’s Whiskey Sponsorship

The McLaren Formula One team will end decades of tobacco sponsorship after signing a controversial three-year deal with whisky manufacturer Johnnie Walker. The McLaren team's deal was immediately condemned by alcohol concern groups who fear the move will signal the start of alcohol replacing tobacco advertising as a major source of revenue for the sport.

LG Electronics Sponsors Formula 1 Season

ITV Sales has announced that LG Electronics is to sponsor Formula One coverage on ITV1 and ITV2. The deal includes broadcast sponsorship of all race and qualifying programmes on ITV1 and highlights on ITV2 as well as sponsorship of itv.com/f1 and online viewer competitions.