News and rumour in brief
The prospect of a Grand Prix in Greece is heating up, with Athens` Press Time newspaper reporting that a Formula One circuit near the city of Theben will be built.
Brazil`s Rio de Janeiro, too, is getting excited about the sport, with Mayor Cesar Maia saying on Friday that the city would step in to replace the axed Belgian Grand Prix, according to AFP agency.
Woking based McLaren Mercedes gave the F1 fraternity a dazzling start to the weekend, by unveiling a striking new mirror-like chrome livery for 2006.

After seeing the paint job - with `Johnny Walker` prominent on the side pods, and red front and rear wings - Kimi Raikkonen said: ”If we can make the car as fast as it looks, we`ll be in good shape.”

Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer, however, grabbed the most attention, when he sped into the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Turin in a specially-liveried F1 car. He revved-up five `doughnuts` - an attempt to draw the Olympic rings onto the floor with Bridgestone rubber.

Badoer`s McLaren counterpart, Pedro de la Rosa, meanwhile joined Juan Pablo Montoya in the running for a 2007 Renault drive.

Spain`s Marca newspaper said likely 2007 Renault title sponsor Telefonica will push for at least one Spanish-speaking driver, but Fernando Alonso is off to McLaren.

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