2003

There have been many historic and memorable races in the eight-year history of the IRL IndyCar Series but next weekend's trip to Twin Ring Motegi marks the most historic of them all as the series makes its first ever trip outside U.S. soil.

Predicted to open the floodgates once his maiden grand prix victory was secured, Kimi Raikkonen racked up a second consecutive win when he was awarded the Brazilian Grand Prix on countback at a sodden Interlagos.

Rubens Barrichello: "I feel fantastic! Ever since I was a kid, all I wanted to do was to be here in a competitive car, waving at the crowd from pole position. It was great to see the reaction of the fans, even though I was keeping a close eye on Mark [Webber]."

Rubens Barrichello took pole position today in qualifying for his home Grand Prix at Interlargos atop an interesting grid for tomorrows race.

Reigning MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi will start tomorrow's 21 lap battle - in what is looking increasing likely to be a dry race - from pole position for the second year in succession, after rain ruled out any threat to his Friday pace.

For AMA Superbike champion and MotoGP rookie Nicky Hayden, Saturday was a day of frustrations, as he was deprived of a second chance to break into the top echelons of the starting grid. Still upbeat about his MotoGP debut, the Repsol Honda rider explained his qualifying ups and downs.

Mike Wallace and Phoenix Racing have landed a starting spot in Sunday's Aaron's 499 at the Talladega Superspeedway after Hendrick Motorsports driver David Green had his Bud Pole qualifying time disallowed following a rules infraction.

Full 125, 250 and MotoGP second qualifying times and grid positions from the season opening Japanese Grand Prix, at Suzuka.

Kelley Racing filed a third entry for the 87th Indianapolis 500, with rookie Tony Renna named as the driver and Cure Autism Now Foundation and HomeMed Pharmacy as sponsors.

Frontrunners Citroen and Ford face anxious waits for approval of their new cars ahead of next week's Propecia Rally New Zealand, but rivals Hyundai has already had the chance to test its latest creation.

British Motorsport Promoters Limited [BMP] today confirmed the launch of the 2003 British Superbike Privateers' Cup, with the first race due to take place at the first Oulton Park round [3-5 May].

In a long, drawn-out Bud Pole qualifying session at the Talladega Superspeedway Jeremy Mayfield emerged as the surprise polesitter for Sunday's Aaron's 499 with his first Pole Position in more than two full seasons.

Update: Fortuna Yamaha rider Marco Melandri suffered a huge crash in this morning's free practice at Suzuka, high-siding from his factory M1 on the exit of the fast right hander (turn 12), just after the hairpin, and being hit by his bike.

Penske Racing has filed four entries for the 2003 Indianapolis 500, including one assigned to two-time race winner Helio Castroneves, who will attempt to become the only driver ever to win 'the greatest spectacle in racing' three years in a row.

Swindon Speedway have today announced the signing of Lee Smart on the occasion of his fifteenth birthday, just in time to make his debut for the Sprockets at Carmarthen on Sunday.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation [MMC] announced this week that they have taken over control of Andrew Cowan Motorsports Ltd [ACMS].

The focal point of any Formula One team is its drivers.

Justin Wilson, Britain's fastest starting Formula One star, headlines ITV1's Formula One pre-race build up ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix this Sunday at 5.20 pm.

B.A.R-Honda's Barry Gough is Jacques Villeneuve's #1 mechanic, here he talks about his job - the good, the bad and the just plain ugly... Q: Barry [Gough], what do you love about your job?

Drivers: Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari) and Felipe Massa (Ferrari). Bridgestone: Hiroshi Yasukawa (Director Bridgestone Motorsport). Press conference:

Sussex-based Quantum Racing Services is aiming to continue its record of success with its distinctive purple suspension dampers in the 2003 British Formula Three Championship, which starts on Sunday at Donington Park.

The ACU have joined much of British two-wheeled motorsport by offering their sincere condolences to the friends and family of rising star Guy Farbrother, who died in a road accident on Monday.

MG XPOWER driver Warren Hughes topped the times yesterday at Brands Hatch at the afternoon test following the media launch day for the 2003 British Touring Car Championship.

Pedro de la Rosa has joined the West McLaren Mercedes team as a test driver to assist David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen and 'third driver' Alexander Wurz with the continued dual development of the MP4-17D and the new MP4-18.