News in brief

Pitlane minnow Super Aguri has overtaken parent team Honda in the title standings. The squad was only formed at the end of 2005, but took its first point in Spain, with Takuma Sato (image) beating Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella to eighth. “I can’t describe how happy we are. A point means more than anything else for us,” Sato said.
Spain double as Valencia gets GP

THERE will be two grands prix in Spain from next year. The contract for the race at Barcelona has been extended until 2016, while a deal has also been signed for a round at Valencia. It will be on a street course which, like Monaco, will be based around the harbour – and for added drama, it will include a section over a bridge at the harbour’s entrance.

FERRARI might be establishing a winning streak this season, but it’s undergoing personnel upheaval behind the scenes. A couple of top technicians are rumoured to be leaving for McLaren, while chief aerodynamicist John Iley is said to be on the verge of quitting after ex-McLaren aero man Nick Tombazis returned to the squad last year.


GRAND prix veteran Jos Verstappen may make a comeback, driving for the Dutch Spyker squad. The former Benetton, Tyrrell, Stewart and Arrows driver is still hugely popular in Holland, and bosses want him to test for publicity – and also to put Christijan Albers under pressure. For the third time in four races, Albers was outqualified by rookie team-mate Adrian Sutil at Barcelona.