Formula One News — May 2002

Charles Nickerson, one of the people behind the Phoenix Finance Ltd. bid for Prost Grand Prix, says that Phoenix has not given up yet.

Alistair Watkins has been appointed the corporate marketing director of British American Racing.

The latest whispers in the Formula 1 paddock is that Orange may be planning a major presence in the World Rally Championship next year rather than continuing to support the Arrows F1 team.

On January 8, 1297 Francois Grimaldi, an Italian pirate disguised himself as a monk and wangled his way through the gates of the fortress of Monaco. As a result the castle was overrun by pirates.

The FIA has announced that it has discovered a serious problem with the current sports car and sports prototype designs - and that could have a dramatic effect on the sport in the months ahead.

The Ford Motor Company is in negotiation with the Dallas Cowboys NFL team over a giant sponsorship deal.

The American Honda Company has announced that it will be entering the Indy Racing League next season with engines designed and built by Ilmor - which is part-owned by DaimlerChrysler, Honda's rival in Formula 1.

You want to go to Monaco for the Grand Prix?

Jacques Villeneuve has never been backwards in coming forward and the 1997 World Champion did not miss the opportunity to make his feelings known about the recent Ferrari team orders "scandal" in Austria.

The case between Phoenix Finance Ltd. and the FIA, FOM and FOA was heard in the High Court in London at the start of last week by the Rt Hon Sir Andrew Morritt.

Toyota Motorsport announced Wednesday a that they have agreed to a multi-year deal with Avex that names the Japanese record company a sponsor partner of Panasonic Toyota Racing.

The new Dadford Road dual carriageway was opened yesterday by Formula 3000 Champion Justin Wilson driving a Jordan-Honda F1 car.

Tom Walkinshaw is to retire from his role as chairman of Premier Rugby.

Vincent Gaillardot has joined Jaguar Racing.

The supporters of Albert Park have something to shout about - in fact rather more than those who have been shouting about how the park needs to be saved.

Phoenix Finance Ltd. has lost their case in the High Court in London against the FIA and FOM.

The Motorsport Industry Association is to hold a two-day technology program on June 5-6 at the Jaguar Cars plant in Coventry.

The Williams team is not admitting it officially at the moment but there will be a "B" version of the FW24 which the team will introduce later this year.

The Monaco Grand Prix will have one well-known paddock figure missing.

The Minardi team has been forced to cut back on its staff numbers because of the squeeze in finances for the F1 teams.

Some of those who were involved in the now defunct Reynard Motorsport operation have got together to form a new company called Apollo Racing Design Limited.

Monaco has revealed details of its plans to upgrade its outdated pitlane.

Yesterday we ran a story about the plan to host a Grand Prix in Beirut. The locals are optimistic and have even gone as far as to advertise their race in Bernie Ecclestone's Formula 1 Magazine.

This week is the biggest of the year in motor racing.