Gulf Air, BMW, Honda, Alonso and Schumacher
Airline `Gulf Air` has signed a new contract to remain title sponsor of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The 2007-2010 deal was struck between the airline and 66-year-old Paddy McNally`s giant `Allsport` company, which exclusively controls track sponsorship and advertising at F1 races.

BMW`s relationship with Sauber is already more amiable than the six-year Williams collaboration, according to Mario Theissen. The motor sport director said workers at Hinwil (Switzerland) `eat at the same table` as newcomer German engineers, who originate from BMW in Munich. "That didn`t happen with Williams," Theissen told the Hamburger Abendblatt `paper.

Mechanics up and down pitlane are uniting to support an injured colleague. Chris Mays, a truckie for Honda, is in intensive care after a motorbike crash, according to the Telegraph newspaper, and his insurance company is refusing to pay out. Mechanics from many rival teams are donating a day`s pay, with some drivers contributing race suits and helmets to be auctioned.

In 2001, world champion Fernando Alonso nearly became a Ferrari tester.
Jean Todt revealed to Gazzetta dello Sport that lawyers were already `writing the contract` when someone else - Renault`s Flavio Briatore - scooped up the future Spanish star.

Jean Todt has dismissed theories that Michael Schumacher will become a team owner, or perhaps a Western horse rider, when he finally retires. "I really do not know," the Ferrari principal told Gazzetta dello Sport, "but I wouldn`t be surprised if he just disappeared. I cannot imagine him watching Grand Prix on TV, or becoming a commentator."

Former team owner Eddie Jordan, 57, is to become a television presenter, with a documentary about criminal youth presently being filmed in the UK.

Tags: grand-prix,