Finally, and perhaps fittingly in light of this weekend's destination,
Formula One has confirmed two further additions to future calendars, both of which are street circuits, and the extension of Barcelona's current deal. After much speculation, both Valencia and Singapore have been handed dates for 2008, with the latter definitely set to host
F1's first night race. Both proposed circuits will have Monaco-esque waterfront settings, with Valencia making the most of its America's Cup harbour to tentatively stage next year's season finale.
But while the two new venues made positive headlines -
Bernie Ecclestone's unplanned excursion in Spanish political debate aside - two others were receiving more negative press. The hot topic of night racing could yet account for Albert Park, which appears vulnerable unless it agrees to switch its start time to accommodate European television schedules, while Shanghai International is on the look-out for a new general manager after previous incumbent Yu Zhifei was fired amid accusations of financial malpractice.
NEWS FROM THE TEAMS:
McLaren – Fernando Alonso (#1), Lewis Hamilton (#2):
McLaren arrives in Monaco having extended its lead in the constructors’ championship to nine points following a double podium finish in the Spanish Grand Prix, while second place on the road was good enough to confirm rookie Lewis Hamilton as outright leader of the drivers' standings, with team-mate Fernando Alonso in second spot.
Although Alonso broke his duck in the Principality with a comfortable win there last year, it is his team-mate who is expected to steal the limelight again this weekend, as he arrives in Monaco with an unblemished record, following wins in both F3 and GP2 in recent years.
