Meeke signs for Mini WRC programme Thursday, September 2nd 2010, 08:55 GMT Kris Meeke has signed to drive for Mini in the World Rally Championship next year, this week’s AUTOSPORT magazine reveals.

Pirelli confirms WRC exit By David Evans Thursday, September 2nd 2010, 09:54 GMT Pirelli has elected to turn its back on the World Rally Championship next year in a move that will see it concentrate its efforts on Formula 1, AUTOSPORT has learned.

Honda: Plato tough to beat By Jamie O’Leary Thursday, September 2nd 2010, 10:14 GMT Jason Plato is the clear favourite to win the British Touring Car Championship this year, according to his title rival Matt Neal. Honda driver Neal lies third in the standings, 23 points behind Plato and five adrift of Tom Onslow-Cole after amassing only two podium finishes from the six races at Snetterton and Silverstone.

Massa says pressure is on Ferrari By Jonathan Noble Thursday, September 2nd 2010, 10:18 GMT Felipe Massa says the pressure will be on Ferrari to deliver a strong result on home ground in Italy next week - as it bids to get itself back in the hunt for the world championship. On the back of a disappointing Belgian Grand Prix, where Ferrari was no match for Red Bull Racing and McLaren, the outfit lost big ground in the points standings when Alonso crashed out. And with just six races to go, Ferrari needs to recover the lost ground quickly if it is going to keep its title hopes alive.

Petronas extends Malaysian GP deal Thursday, September 2nd 2010, 10:36 GMT Malaysia’s state oil company Petronas has signed a new five-year deal to title-sponsor the Asian country’s grand prix. The new agreement will see Petronas sponsor the Sepang race until 2015. The oil company has sponsored the event since it took place for the first time in 1999.

Pirelli ahead of schedule after test By Jonathan Noble Thursday, September 2nd 2010, 10:49 GMT Pirelli claims it is ahead of schedule with the preparations for its Formula 1 return following the latest test at Paul Ricard in France this week. The team has been using a TF109 and feedback from test driver Nick Heidfeld to bring on its development programme

Michelin bids for WRC return By David Evans Wednesday, September 1st 2010, 08:53 GMT Michelin’s competitions director Nick Shorrock has revealed to AUTOSPORT that the French firm is bidding to return to the World Rally Championship for the first time since 2005. Michelin departed the WRC at the end of that year, rebranding its headline rally involvement as BF Goodrich for the following two seasons, before Pirelli was awarded a sole-supplier contract from 2008 until the end of this season

Q & A: Michelin on WRC plans By David Evans Wednesday, September 1st 2010, 09:03 GMT Michelin has revealed to AUTOSPORT that it is looking to return to the World Rally Championship next year after a six-season absence, with the FIA’s decision to allow open tyre competition in the series again giving the French firm a new opportunity. The French firm’s competition director Nick Shorrock explained Michelin’s plans to AUTOSPORT. Q.

Jeffri becomes youngest F1 test driver By Steven English Wednesday, September 1st 2010, 17:47 GMT Lotus today made 16-year-old Nabil Jeffri the youngest ever driver of a Formula 1 car, in a straight-line test at Duxford airfield. The Malaysian teenager, who is currently fifth in this season’s Formula BMW Pacific series completed aero testing and pitstop practice for the British team, with drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Fairuz Fauzy on hand to help out. “I have had an incredible day, one of the best days of my life,” he said.

Rahal rejoins Sarah Fisher’s team By Matt Beer Wednesday, September 1st 2010, 09:36 GMT Graham Rahal is to rejoin Sarah Fisher Racing for a one-off race at this weekend’s Kentucky Speedway IndyCar Series round. The two parties worked together earlier this year, when the then drive-less Rahal joined SFR for the St Petersburg, Barber Motorsports Park, and Long Beach races - giving the team its best-ever result when he took ninth on his first outing. After a one-off appearance with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing at Iowa, Rahal subsequently returned to former team Newman/Haas for most of the rest of the 2010 season.