News in brief

18th February 2008

Khalid leaps to collect Mac prize
Factory BP Ford Focus driver Khalid Al Qassimi won the first-ever Colin’s Crest award on the Swedish Rally. He netted his trophy after his Focus flew for 36 metres over the spectacular jump on the Vargasen stage. The prize for the longest leap on the stage was created as a memorial to Colin McRae.

Montagny nets Champ Car seat
Grand Prix refugee Franck Montagny is ready to race in the US. The Frenchman topped the time sheets at a Champ Car session at Sebring, and is now likely to drive for Forsythe/Pettit Racing beside Canadian Paul Tracy. Montagny spent last year as reserve driver for Toyota in F1, following a handful of races for Super Aguri in 2006.

Thommo testing gets underway
James Thompson has finally got behind the wheel of his 2008 World Touring Car challenger. The Brit completed three days of testing in the all-new Honda Accord in Valencia, Spain. The car will be run by the Italian team N.Technology. Last year, it prepared an Alfa Romeo 156, which Thompson took to third position in the series.