Mark Webber has announced his four-man team for charity trek through Tasmania.

Michelin's former competition chief Pierre Dupasquier is set to receive the prestigious Legion d'Honneur for his services to French motorsport. Dupasquier headed Michelin in its F1 years between 1977-1984 and since it returned to the sport a few years ago.

Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore came to Formula 1 having spent several years opening Benetton stores in the United States of America. In his time there Briatore opened something like 800 stores, which were all run by franchise-holders.

Australia's Ryan Briscoe will pilot a Rusport Champ Car in Surfer's Paradise, Australia on October 22 and in Mexico City on November 12. He will be replacing the injured Cristiano da Matta and partnering Justin Wilson.

There is no question that Formula 1 people like to visit the Suzuka Circuit. They have been visiting for 20 years. They know the place. They like the non-intrusive nature of the Japanese fans and the, despite Ron Dennis complaining about having a smelly hotel room, most people are happy to be there.

Bernie putting a brave face on things?

The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) has appealed the decision of the FIA World Motor Sport Council on September 19 and will be heard by the FIA International Court of Appeal in Paris on November 7.

Surely a conflict of interests?

The number of seats available for 2007 is small. At Spyker for example there is still one seat available. The various drivers that are named in the paddock who will partner Christijan Albers at the team are quiet a few. But the team won't rush themselves into a decision.

Renault will play it safe with Fernando Alonso's engine for the final race of the season. A failure for Alonso and Michael Schumacher winning the Interlagos race is the only way the Spaniard can lose the F1 title.

McLaren remains cagey over whether it will give Lewis Hamilton his first F1 drive at next week's Brazilian Grand Prix. Hamilton was impressive in his first official test for McLaren at Silverstone and since then the rumour has been that he could replace de la Rosa for the final round of the season.

Marc Gene topped the times on the first day of testing in Spain on Tuesday.