Sports briefs: Renault put F1 future on hold
Friday November 06 2009
Renault have put their future in Formula One on hold.
The French manufacturing giant held a board meeting on Wednesday to discuss whether to continue in the sport just hours after Toyota confirmed they were pulling out with immediate effect. However, Renault chief executive Carlos Ghosn yesterday called for patience as there will be no immediate decision.
"I can assure you before the end of the year we'll announce our strategy regarding the participation of Renault in Formula One," Ghosn said.
It is understood three options are open to Renault: to continue in F1, to become an engine supplier, or to withdraw completely.
Renault have endured their worst season since returning to the sport in 2002 as a fully fledged team in their own right, both on and off the track.
Eight second-half goals illuminated an entertaining game as Ireland drew 4-4 with England yesterday in Lilleshall.
Twice the English, reigning European champions, took the lead only to be pegged back at penalty corners converted by Conor Harte and Alan Sothern.
Then it was the turn of the Irish to set the pace, as a second from Sothern put them ahead. Their hosts levelled, only to be opened up by the combination of Chris Cargo and Peter Caruth, with Caruth tapping home for Ireland's fourth on 65 minutes.
However, Richard Mantell powered home the final leveller with just a minute left on the clock.
The Irish squad, who lost 4-2 to the same opponents on Wednesday, are preparing for their World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires. They depart for Argentina on Monday.
A remarkable innings of 175 in 141 balls by Sachin Tendulkar proved in vain when Australia took a 3-2 lead in the series with a thrilling three-run win over India in the fifth one-dayer yesterday.
Chasing 351 for victory, the home team were bowled out for 347 with two balls left after Tendulkar became the first man to reach 17,000 ODI runs.
He put on another master class to add 137 for the fifth wicket with Suresh Raina (59) but Clint McKay struck the all-important blow for Australia when he removed Tendulkar with India needing 19 from 18 deliveries.
Earlier, a maiden century by Shaun Marsh (112) and 93 from Shane Watson helped the visitors compile 350 for four after opting to bat.
Caster Semenya has received an unconditional apology from Athletics South Africa for their role in the row over the athlete's gender.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) president Leonard Chuene, the board of ASA and its members have been suspended by South Africa's Olympic governing body.
The 18-year-old won gold in the women's 800m at this summer's World Championships, but her triumph was overshadowed by speculation over her gender.
Irish Independent
