News in brief

Michael Schumacher says he has no desire to return to F1. The seven-time world champion, who won 91 races from 248 starts, hasn’t been to a grand prix since retiring at the end of 2006. “I’m living a good life, and not missing the driving at the moment. I’m spending more time at home and watching the races on television with my family and friends,” said the 38-year-old.

LEWIS Hamilton’s amazing start to his F1 career hasn’t come as a big shock to McLaren, according to team CEO Martin Whitmarsh. “For us it’s not as surprising as it might be to others,” he said. “We’ve worked with Lewis for 11 years, and we set out to ensure that he arrived in F1 not only in a competitive organisation, but also as prepared as possible.”

JENSON Button is still backing Honda, according to his manager Richard Goddard. After finishing strongly in 2006, the Japanese team has failed to post a top 10 finish in this year’s opening three GPs, and neither Button nor team-mate Rubens Barrichello is happy with the outfit’s latest RA107.

On his personal website the Brazilian blamed those working in Honda’s new wind tunnel for the problems. But Goddard claims Button isn’t looking to move to another team. The Englishman signed a long-term deal with Honda after spending a rumoured £15million on buying himself out of an earlier contract with his former employer Williams in 2005. “Jenson is still supporting Honda,” Goddard insisted. “Clearly, the team is not where it should be – but we are not going to jump ship.”

ALFA Romeo’s BTCC stalwart David Pinkney has a new day job – he’s taken over as the chairman of Luton Town FC. “I love motorsport, I love my cars and I love my football,” said the recently installed boss of the Hatters, who have just been
relegated to Division One. “I’ve been a Luton fan ever since I was 14; now I just want the best for the fans and the club.”

REIGNING F1 champion Renault will rediscover its winning touch, says new driver Heikki Kovalainen.

Having bagged both drivers’ and constructors’ honours for the past two seasons, the company has struggled to compete with Ferrari and McLaren in 2007. Giancarlo Fisichella’s fifth place in Australia has been its best result to date.

Kovalainen – the Finn who replaced Fernando Alonso – said: “I haven’t any doubts at all that we can bounce back, and show people our real strength and calibre.”