Motorsport

The final test sessions of 2007 have taken place at Jerez in Spain with most teams taking the opportunity to try out the ‘slick’ tyres that will be used and also to get the feel of their cars without many of the electronic aids banned for 2008.

Out goes ‘traction control’ the gizmo that allows a driver to simply floor the throttle and allow the computer to sort out the required power for any given track condition. Makes driving in the rain a lot easier. From now on a driver will need to judge things for himself and this should help separate the men from the boys.

One man who may well benefit more than most is Jenson Button as he has smooth driving technique, whereas some may struggle to adjust to adjust, it should be an interesting start to the season – especially if it rains.

Following the FIA’s decision not to penalise Renault for being in possession of confidential information belonging to McLaren, the French team must be very relieved as the threat of a fine similar to that imposed on the British concern may well have caused their withdrawal from the sport. With the threat lifted it may well tempt Fernando Alonso to re-sign for them despite wanting only a 12 month contract, whereas Flavio Briatore is insisting on a minimum of two years, but with few options remaining open the Spaniard has little choice.

Last week in my piece on Athenium Racing and Tom Ingram, I mentioned the Kart manufacturer AVM! This should have read AMV a company based in Venice who make high quality components for Karts and it is their FR01 that Tom will use in Athenium’s campaign next year. Apart from Ingram the team will also run Tom Harris (Stevenage), Mitchell Bayer-Goldman (Welham Green) and Alex Sharper (Milton Keynes).

Where's the grass gone?!

Wembley is the place to be for the motorsport fan this weekend as the annual Race of Champions takes place on the ‘hallowed turf’ or perhaps that should be the hallowed tarmac!

This event brings together champions from a variety of disciplines who will race head-to-head over a purpose built track in series of knock-out heats using Ford Focus rally cars, Aston Martin Vantage, Fiat Grand Punto, Solution F Touring car and the RoC Special.

At the end of the day there will be two Championships decided, the Nations Cup for teams of two representing their country and the Individual Champion. Michael Schumacher and Toro Rosso’s, Sebastien Vetel go for Germany and Jenson Button and three times World Touring Car Champion, Andy Priaulx will uphold Englands honour. A crowd of 80,000 is expected to roar on their heroes with people coming from all around the world to watch what promises to be a spectacular event.