2003

After two consecutive 70,000 strong sell-out events and one of the most thrilling final 20 laps of any open-wheel race anywhere in history last year, Chicagoland Speedway and the Delphi Corporation have reached a deal to continue the firm's title sponsorship of the track's Indy Racing League even

As well as establishing new rules to cover the likes of a revised qualifying procedure, the use of spare cars and the controversial parc ferme, the FIA has also moved to ensure that there is little pit-lane secrecy in a season when allegations of cheating could be rife.

"It's a challenge and if it wasn't challenging, we'd probably go find something else to do. It will be a long season. If we win some down the road, that will be great.

Slide King Garry McCoy was left slowest of all at the end of the Estoril IRTA test, but admitted he'd ridden cautiously after breaking his leg in similar conditions last year.

Australian Formula Three international Will Davison recently completed four days of rigorous pre-season testing in Spain, as well as two days at Donington Park, in preparation for his assault on the 2003 British F3 Championship with defending champions Alan Docking Racing.

The Australian Grand Prix next weekend will see the introduction of sweeping rule changes designed to bring competition and excitement back into Formula One, even if some of the teams would rather have been left with the status quo .

The long road west to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway was made even longer for some of the Winston Cup teams this week with several outfits delayed by snowy conditions across America's midwest.

"I think there are going to be a lot of drivers coming into the first race who are ready to win it. It is going to be very competitive. I can see five or six drivers able to walk away with it at the moment. It is so close." - Mark Taylor

From the ice and snow of Monte Carlo, through more of the white stuff in Sweden, the World Rally Championship embarks on a relative unknown at this weekend's inaugural Turkish Rally.

Foster's Brewing International has announced that it has taken title sponsorship of the San Marino Grand Prix from 2003, adding the Italian-based race to a portfolio that already includes some of the best events on the Formula One calendar.

While his team-mates were busy enjoying the impressive performance of the Kawasaki ZX-RR in the wet at Estoril yesterday, Japanese test rider Akira Yanagawa wasn't allowed to join them out on track, due to the tricky nature of the conditions.

The FIA has laid out its initial rules and regulations governing the period of time between qualifying and race during a grand prix weekend, even though several teams are still fighting to get the new parc ferme clause overturned.

HRC's three-day test at Phillip Island ended today with the Honda engineers and rider's happy with the results and data gathered, despite a thunder storm interrupting the proceedings.

Coloni Motorsport, the most successful Italian team in Formula Three, has confirmed that it will return to the category this season, participating in the Italian Championship with two of the most promising talents to emerge from the national scene in recent years.

Randy de Puniet proved his pre-season potential further by topping the 250cc IRTA test at Estoril on his new Safilo Oxydo LCR Aprilia.

The FIA has laid out its initial rules and regulations governing the period of time between qualifying and race during a grand prix weekend, even though several teams are still fighting to get the new parc ferme clause overturned.

Hosting its fourth World Superbike/Supersport event, Valencia's modern and spectator-friendly facilities provide an ideal venue for the first round of the 2003 season.

Despite the absence of an official press release, FIA F3000 newcomers Brand Motorsports has confirmed that it will be fielding Gary Paffett and Nicolas Minassian in its debut season.

The Minardi Formula One Team today [Wednesday] undertook its final test prior to the beginning of the 2003 season.

The Victor Chandler Coventry Bees have completed their 2003 Elite League line-up with the signing of 19-year-old American Ryan Fisher. Fisher, who made his British debut with the Bees last season, settled his deal for this year in a meeting with boss Colin Pratt on Monday.

Triumph, Britain's only remaining major motorcycle manufacturer, has announced its return to competition after an absence of 30 years.

Kelley Racing have been bolstered in their bid to field a third Dallara-Toyota for Tony Renna later in this year's IRL IndyCar Series by confirming that Kruse International will stay with the team as an associate sponsor for 2003.

Bobby Rahal may no longer have ties with Jaguar but his eponymous Champ Car outfit will be closely linked with another member of the 'Big Cat' family this year with sports company PUMA coming on board to supply the team with footwear.

The all new Lola-Dome F106 set the pace in the first head-to-head test with Italian rival Dallara at Motegi late last week, with Team Tigre driver Shinya Hosokawa beating 2002 British F3 Championship runner-up and former Jaguar test driver James Courtney into second place.