The Briton's success has cast a greater spotlight on the latest driver to be signed up by the
McLaren team. Oliver Rowland is the first driver still competing in karts to be taken on by the Woking operation, and is already being tipped to follow in Hamilton's wheeltracks as he gets older. Still only 14, Rowland currently competes in the JICA class with the same Zip operation that launched Lewis' career. His tie-up with McLaren will provide not only technical and fitness advice, but will also come with a modicum of financial backing to help along.
McLaren continues to be linked to Prodrive's impending
Formula One entry, despite both sides denying the rumours. Interestingly, however, team boss Ron Dennis was quoted by one leading publication as being in talks with more than one team regarding a possible chassis/engine supply for next season.
The whole 'customer car' debate received a nudge in Spain last time out, as
Takuma Sato overcame
Giancarlo Fisichella in the closing stages to claim a first point for
Super Aguri F1.
The other team embroiled in the row, however, continues to struggle, as Toro Rosso recorded two more retirements with its STR2.
Scott Speed suffered his second blow-out of the season, but
Bridgestone claimed that the problem was due to a cut tyre after first lap accidents left debris on track. Toro Rosso, meanwhile, continues to attract stories regarding its possible sale - even though insiders insist that off-loading the operation is not on the agenda.
The Italian team ran Champ Car frontrunner
Sebastien Bourdais in the latest group test at Paul Ricard - where Hamilton was among those to set the pace - while Super Aguri added
Honda development driver James Rossiter to its testing strength, running two days at the French venue ahead of a prolonged relationship. Meanwhile, reigning World Series by
Renault champion Alx Danielsson got his prize drive with the
regie, albeit away from the group test as the team geared up for its latest 'roadshow' appearance with a 50-lap shakedown on
Silverstone's Stowe layout.
