News in brief, December 2006

Watson tried A1GP

Formula 1 star-turned-TV pundit John Watson drove Team Ireland’s A1GP car around Zandvoort on September 29. It was the first time the five-time grand prix winner had driven round the circuit since the ’83 Dutch GP where he finished third in a McLaren MP4/1C. “I experienced enough of the car to be impressed by it,” he said.

Illien’s new direction

Former F1 engine designer Mario IIlien has moved to MotoGP ‘bike racing. His new team made its debut at the Portuguese Grand Prix. Australian wild card Gary McCoy was nominated as rider and finished as the last runner. Illien built the Mercedes engines that gave Mika Häkkinen the 1998 and ’99 F1 titles. His V8s also powered 11 Indy 500 winners.

Coys auction offer

In association with Coys, Motor Sport is pleased to offer its readers half-price entry to the Coys ‘True Greats’ auction of British and continental sports and touring cars at the Royal Horticultural Hall, London, on Thursday November 30. The catalogue admits two at the special price of £10 (normall £20). Telephone 0208 614 788 and quote ‘MS reader offer’.