Motor Sport: Nigel Mansell's British Grand Prix Masters homecoming turned into a damp squib at Silverstone yesterday. Mansell was forced to retire after spinning countless times early in the rain-hit race to see his unbeaten record in the series ended.

The 1992 world beater managed just three difficult laps as American veteran Eddie Cheever triumphed by more than 16 seconds from Belgium's Eric van de Poele.

Mansell knew he would be struggling after starting at the back following his problems in qualifying on Saturday. But any chance the 53-year-old had of climbing through the field were dashed when he spun on the warm-up lap behind the safety car.

Mansell twice attempted to return to the track during the 28-lap race but spun each time.

He said: "I thought I had lost all my talent. There should be a special prize for how many times you could spin."