MOTOR SPORT: Hockenheim and the Nuerburgring have agreed with Formula One organisers to alternate the German Grand Prix for the next four years. "We have agreed with FIA (Formula One Administration) it (the German Grand Prix) will be in 2007 at the Nuerburgring, 2008 in Hockenheim, 2009 at the Nuerburgring and 2010 Hockenheim," Hockenheim spokesman Hartmut Tessereaux said.
Next year's calendar has room for just one race in Germany and Italy, although the latter country could end up with two again if Imola's San Marino Grand Prix is reinstated. Teams have agreed to increase the number of races next year from 17 to 18, the same number as this season. Next year's race in Germany is scheduled for July 22nd.
Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher has vowed to pour all his energy into securing a final Formula One world title before retiring. Heading into Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix two points adrift of Fernando Alonso, Schumacher is determined to finish on a high and land an eighth championship. After winning four of the last six races, Schumacher is on a charge in his Ferrari, helping the team overhaul Renault in the constructors' championship and take a three-point lead.
With both titles up for grabs, the animosity between the two teams is likely to escalate over the closing three grands prix in Shanghai, Japan and Brazil.
Renault chief engineer Pat Symonds, who has previously worked with Schumacher, claimed this week Alonso handles pressure better than the German. "Throughout his career, there have been many instances of Michael not performing to his potential when he has been under pressure," remarked Symonds.
With Schumacher retiring in a month's time, Symonds added: "I think the pressure for him is greater than ever in these last three races." And, after Alonso described Schumacher as "the most unsporting driver in the history of Formula One", it would appear Renault are trying to get under Schumacher's skin.
World rally champion Sebastien Loeb has broken his upper arm in a mountain biking accident, throwing his plans to land a hat-trick of titles into disarray. Loeb was cycling near his home in Switzerland when he fell and fractured the bone in his right arm in four places.
He is out of the Rally of Turkey on October 13th - a strong finish could have seen him crowned champion - and doubts surround his ability to complete the rest of the season. The Kronos Citroen driver leads the standings after 12 of 16 events by 35 points from Finland's Marcus Gronholm.
