Brits on Pole

Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mate at McLaren is to be Heikki Kovalainen, the team revealed yesterday. Pedro de la Rosa, the other serious contender for the seat, is to remain as the team’s third driver while Gary Paffett will continue as a test driver.

McLaren has today published a statement apologising for the extent to which Ferrari data was disseminated throughout its organisation. And Max Mosley has reportedly written to members of the World Motorsport Council asking for consent to cancel the February hearing into the legality of the team’s 2008 car.

Lewis Hamilton – new racing star to rival Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna? Or one-season wonder who’s blown his best chance and will now never cut it?

Renault has announced its driver line-up for 2008 – Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr – but there’s no indication that the double world champion intends to remain at the team for more than a year.

Martin Brundle has hit back in his Sunday Times column against the FIA and its decision to issue a libel writ over a piece he wrote in September questioning the impartiality of its actions.

McLaren should expect to start the 2008 season “critically handicapped” due to the “vengeance” of Max Mosley, according to an article in today’s Scotland on Sunday.

News just in from William Hill on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. It’s a two-horse race, with the horse being ridden by Lewis Hamilton roughly half a length in front. The Boy Wonder is odds-on at 4/7 with legendary boxer Ricky Hatton, due to take part in the fight of his life…