"Pretty sore but very happy" was how Iain O'Brien described NZ's bowling attack the day after they won the first Test against Pakistan.
Man-of-the-match Shane Bond and O'Brien were the stars on the final afternoon as they halted a Pakistan run-chase that at 165 for five at tea looked like it was going to get the 251 runs they needed to win at University Oval.
But Bond, minus the big toenail on his left foot, and O'Brien, who dislocated a finger during his crucial nine-over spell after tea, dug deep to turn the match the New Zealanders' way taking the wickets of the impressive Umar Akmal, his brother Kamran and Umar Gul.
Daniel Vettori then wrapped things up as Mohammad Asif edged to Ross Taylor before Mohammad Aamer spooned one straight back to the New Zealand captain.
O'Brien, who finished the innings with three for 63 off 23 overs, said there was never any chance of him relinquishing his bowling duties after having the finger on his right hand put back in.
In fact if anything, the injury appeared to galvanise the right-armer, who had gone wicket-less until the over before tea when Shoaib Malik gloved one to wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum.
"I'm not going to say it didn't because I'll never know. But I wasn't not going to bowl. I wanted to bowl. I wanted to be part of a Test win and to do something to change the game," said O'Brien, who will have his bruised, swollen finger assessed further on Monday.
"There was no way Dan (Vettori) was getting the ball out of my hand at that stage anyway."
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The 33-year-old admitted feeling under pressure heading into the second innings after a return of none for 98 first time round.
"If I didn't come out and bowl yesterday well that could have been me done for a while, if not for a long time," O'Brien continued.
"To go out and bowl well yesterday and play a part in a Test win is pretty good. It makes me feel better about my job and role in the team."
Bond marked his return to Test cricket after a two-year absence with a match-winning effort of eight for 153. He now has 87 wickets in 18 Tests.
"Having a guy who is a genuine wicket-taker and a genuine chance to take wickets is great for the whole line-up," said O'Brien.
"It is tough only having four bowlers though. It's tough on him, Chris (Martin) and myself. But we got the job done. We're pretty sore but very happy."
Chris Martin was something of an unsung hero. He removed Pakistan top order batsmen Khurram Manzoor and Imran Farhat early in the tourists' first innings and then helped Bond wrap up the tail early on day four.
He struck with the new ball again in their second innings to get Farhat once more and broke the partnership of Umar and Mohammad Yousuf when the Pakistan captain gloved one to McCullum to finish the match with five for 108.
All-rounder Grant Elliott, who replaced the retired Jacob Oram, is expected to ease the workload on the seamers and play a bigger part with the ball in the second Test in Wellington which gets under way on Thursday.
Pakistan, meanwhile, should have Misbah ul-Haq in their ranks by then to bolster their inexperienced batting line-up which - the Akmal brothers aside - struggled in Dunedin.
The 35-year-old had been on standby to join the 17-man squad as a replacement for absentee skipper Younis Khan after initially being dropped for the limited overs and Test series squads to face New Zealand.
He was described as a "tremendous slip fielder" by coach Intikhab Alam in the aftermath of their loss in Dunedin, and a below-par performance in that area - five catches were shelled in the slips - plus the need to shore up the batting line-up is likely to see the right-hander come straight into the side.
Lukewarm response for Mumbai Test
Public response for the final Test between India and Sri Lanka, to be played at the Brabourne Stadium has been lukewarm.
Test cricket is returning to Brabourne Stadium after more than three and a half decades and India are 1-0 up going into the final game of the three-match series but there are not many takers for the tickets.
According to sources in the Mumbai Cricket Association, there are very few takers for the tickets for the match with most clubs and gymkhanas affiliated to the MCA showing little interest in picking up their quota.
Around 330-odd clubs or gymkhanas are affiliated to the MCA.
A very small banner announcing the season ticket rates for the Test was found above the ticket counters at the premises of the Mumbai Hockey Association who are neighbours of the MCA situated within the confines of the Wankhede Stadium complex that's undergoing renovation.
The rates for the Test are fixed at Rs 1000, Rs 750 and Rs 200 for watching it for five days.
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The opening Test of the series at Ahmedabad's Motera Stadium, played on week days entirely, did not attract big crowds with the best response during a day not above the 10,000 mark.
Current indications are that the final Test in Mumbai, that starts on Wednesday and ends on Sunday (Dec 6), would also not attract a sizeable crowd, let alone a full house.
This would be in total contrast to the jam-packed arenas witnessed during the preceding seven-match one-day series between India and Australia.
Amla lauds 'awesome' de Villiers
England were dispatched for a ground record-equalling 354 in their ODI defeat at Newlands - and have been warned to fear more of the same, as long as AB de Villiers is in town.
South Africa's stand-in opener Hashim Amla has so far hit two half-centuries in as many attempts in this series, and it was his stand with captain Graeme Smith which helped lay the platform for a De Villiers special.
A breath-taking exhibition of strokeplay brought the hosts' number three 121 runs from only 85 balls, and England had no answer as South Africa levelled the series with two to play.
Reflecting on that and casting his mind forward to tomorrow's penultimate match at St George's, Amla said: "AB is such a fantastic player. It is difficult to contain such an awesome player.
"If he gets the right platform and gets going, scores of 350 are on the cards all the time."
Amla filled an enabling role with 86 at the top of the order in Cape Town, leaving him to recall a job well done as he continues his success as a batting replacement for injured all-rounder Jacques Kallis.
"Filling Jacques' boots is close to impossible; he's such a world-class performer, batting as well as bowling," Amla rightly pointed out.
"But it does give a lot of satisfaction - the fact that we set the game up.
"That is the openers' job, and it was lovely to contribute."
Amla's call-up came only at the last minute when Kallis was ruled out of the series with a broken rib.
"I didn't expect to play," he said.
"But I think over the last couple of one-day series, I've kept managing to get a few games through injuries.
"So when Jacques' injury came about - although it was unexpected - I suppose I had some experience to draw back on of getting into the team at short notice.
"Ever since getting my first opportunity opening the batting, I've always felt that spot was most suited to me and my style of play."
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South Africa arrive at another home venue where they have a formidable record, full of intent to consolidate their Newlands victory.
"We take a lot of confidence out of it, without a doubt," said Amla.
"Going 1-0 down was a setback, and you are always playing catch-up after that.
"But we came back really strongly - and we hope we can repeat the performance if not better it."
South Africa's one concern is over the likely absence of strike bowler Dale Steyn, who suffered a hamstring strain and did not complete his full allocation yesterday.
Amla admits there is a hole to fill but believes - with Wayne Parnell and Morne Morkel returning to take eight wickets between them in Cape Town, and Charl Langeveldt still available - South Africa have the necessary resources.
"If Dale doesn't play we will miss him dearly," he admitted.
"But the positive side is it gives someone else the opportunity to rise to the occasion."
Tennis News
Davydenko derails Fed-Ex
Nikolay Davydenko reached the finals of the ATP World Tour Finals with a stunning 6-2 4-6 7-5 victory over Roger Federer.
Federer, who won the title four times in five attempts between 2003 and 2007, had never lost to Davydenko in 12 previous meetings.
And the Russian's task was made even harder by the scheduling, which saw him take to the court less than 16 hours after beating Robin Soderling in his final round-robin match yesterday.
But, after Federer won the first six points, it was Davydenko - beaten by Novak Djokovic in last year's final - who gained the ascendancy.
The world number one could not take advantage of two break points in the second game and then played a terrible game, serving two double faults and throwing in two more unforced errors to hand his opponent the first break.
Federer had lost the first set in all his group matches and found himself staring down the barrel again when another double fault and a netted forehand gave Davydenko a shock 4-1 lead.
The Swiss star recovered one of the breaks immediately, his forehand suddenly firing again, but the respite was only temporary and Davydenko made it three breaks in a row before sealing the first set.
It seemed inevitable Federer would improve - he could hardly get any worse - and he was certainly making fewer errors at the start of the second set.
He gradually began to look more like his old self, playing his best game to date to move 4-3 ahead with a series of winners.
And, after escaping a potentially sticky situation at 4-4, he claimed the crucial break to win the set, taking it on his second chance following one of the best rallies of the match.
Federer had the advantage of serving first in the decider and at 4-5 the match came alive.
A lucky net cord gave him the opening point and an outrageous shot off a Davydenko smash put Federer in sight of the final.
But he could not take his chance as Davydenko held his nerve to level at 5-5.
And the Russian capitalised fully by creating a break point in the next game, which he took with a stunning backhand return.
Two big serves took the world number seven to 30-0 but Federer was not finished, a brilliant rally resulting in a break point.
This time Davydenko excelled, though, blasting a forehand winner, and one big serve later he was at match point, which he took when Federer netted a forehand.
Davydenko facing quick turnaround
Nikolay Davydenko admits he will not have enough time to prepare for his semi-final clash against Roger Federer at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
The Russian will take to the court at London's O2 Arena only 15 and a half hours after finishing his final round-robin match, where a 7-6 (7/4) 4-6 6-3 victory over Robin Soderling booked his semi-final spot.
The world number one, in contrast, has not played since losing to Juan Martin del Potro on Thursday night.
Davydenko, who is also struggling with a leg injury and breathing problems, said: "I have no time. Today I play night session and tomorrow at 2pm. It's not my mistake. I hope I'll be fit for tomorrow."
To add to the 28-year-old's worries, he goes into the match having lost all his previous 12 meetings with Federer.
Davydenko, though, is hopeful he will at last be able to better the world number one and reach a second consecutive final.
He said: "Every 12 times I was coming and believing I can win. But I know Federer is older, I'm also older. Maybe I start to play better and Federer not so good? We'll see."
After Thursday night's confusion, Group B also ended up being tight, with Soderling, Davydenko and defending champion Novak Djokovic - a 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 winner over Rafael Nadal yesterday - all ending up winning two matches and losing one.
To the relief of the tournament organisers, though, there was a clear difference in sets ratio this time, with Soderling winning the group courtesy of the set he took against Davydenko and Djokovic the unlucky man.
The Swede has almost 24 hours to recover before he returns to the O2 for his semi-final against Argentinian Del Potro, and he said of the match: "It's going to be tough. He plays really well. He serves big. He's hitting his forehand very well and plays fast.
"He doesn't give you many chances. He's probably very confident now, beating Roger. So I have to step it up at least one level. But I think I can do it. I played good this whole week."
Djokovic had battled hard to put himself in contention despite the strain of a year in which he has played nearly 100 matches clearly catching up with him.
He said after beating Nadal: "Unfortunately for me, the exhaustion came in the tournament where I should have been the freshest. But, still, I managed to get two out of three wins.
"If I finish today the season, I will be very happy to finish in this way, and just hope to rest well for 2010."
Nadal, meanwhile, is determined to end the year on a winning note at the Davis Cup final next weekend, when Spain take on the Czech Republic in Barcelona.
The Majorcan, who did not win a set in three matches in London, said: "I am confident. I know it's going to be a difficult final. The change (to playing) on clay is going to be a big change. It's going to be difficult in the beginning.
"But that's a big motivation for me, to finish the year winning. And I have the opportunity there to play well, to play good tennis on clay, and to win, to win something important for my country and for my friends."
Golf News
Police to interview Woods
Florida Highway Patrol officers were preparing to interview Tiger Woods today as they continue their investigations into the car accident which left the world number one golfer with facial lacerations.
Florida Highway Patrol officers were preparing to interview Tiger Woods today as they continue their investigations into the car accident which left the world number one golfer with facial lacerations.
Woods received the injuries in the early hours of Friday morning, in an accident described by his spokesman in a statement on Friday as "minor", when he lost control of his sports utility vehicle and reversed into a fire hydrant outside his Isleworth, Orlando, home.
Woods' Cadillac then hit a tree in a neighbour's garden with police reporting that officers found the golfer lying in the road being tended to by his wife Elin but drifting in and out of consciousness.
As part of an ongoing investigation, troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol were set to interview Woods today to hear the 33-year-old's version of events, police spokesman Sergeant Kim Montes told Press Association Sport.
"A couple of troopers were sent to the hospital to talk to Mr Woods on Friday to get his side of what happened as the driver of the vehicle," Sgt Montes said.
"He had already been discharged so we went by the house and Mrs Woods invited us in and when she went to go back, Tiger was sleeping.
"So we agreed to come back today, though that's not preferential treatment. We've done that on other crashes.
"The schedule for today is that the troopers come back on duty at 3pm (8pm GMT) and shortly thereafter they will go over to the Woods residence and give Mr Woods an opportunity to tell us what happened."
Sgt Montes added that the troopers were specifically interested in the particulars of the accident.
"There's a lot of rumours and scenarios that are being thrown out there about all kinds of different things that may have happened but right now the only evidence that we have is that this is just a traffic crash," she said.
"If our investigation takes us in a different direction then we'll let the media know. We will investigate every part of this and that's just a normal part of our investigation to help us figure out why he lost control and struck the fire hydrant and the tree."
Sgt Montes also said investigators had not yet reviewed the tape of the emergency 911 call made after the accident but the content would be released once those reviews had taken place.
World number one tennis player Roger Federer, who like Woods is sponsored by Gillette and has appeared in TV ads along with him and footballer Thierry Henry, said: "I haven't spoken to him. And I heard it's not too serious, which is a good thing."
Tiger out of hospital after crash
Tiger Woods was released from hospital in "good condition" today following a car crash outside his home.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said Woods' car struck a fire hydrant and then a tree in the early hours of this morning in Isleworth, an exclusive suburb in Windermere, Florida.
The 33-year-old was taken to Health Central Hospital in Ocoee.
A joint statement from the hospital and Woods' office read: "Tiger Woods was in a minor car accident outside his home last night.
"He was admitted, treated and released today in good condition."
Woods' agent Mark Steinberg was quoted by US TV station CNBC as saying his client "is fine".
The FHP said Woods was driving a 2009 Cadillac sport utility vehicle and the crash was not alcohol-related.
However, a spokesman added that the incident was still under investigation and charges were pending.
The Orange County Fire Rescue said it received a call about the accident at 2.28am ET (7.28am GMT), but the Florida Highway Patrol did not report it until 2pm ET (7pm GMT).
The Mayor of Windermere, Gary Bruhn, told CNN: "An accident occurred about 2:30 this morning and Windermere police were first upon the scene because basically we're right there and can arrive within a minute and a half.
"I understand that there were some facial lacerations and he was taken to Health Central Hospital where he was treated and then I'm told he was released."
Bruhn said he did not know the specifics of the incident but added that the fact that charges were pending was a routine part of any accident investigation.
"Something like this would be just an ongoing investigation," he added.
"I think it's nothing more than an accident but from that standpoint they've got to let everything run its full course and do the investigation to see what was involved.
"I'm told that could take a number of days to come to its conclusion."
Bruhn said there was nothing about the situation which appeared unusual.
"Absolutely not, nothing that I'm aware of," Bruhn told CNN. "An accident occurred, we responded and as I understand it there were facial lacerations and nothing that serious."
Woods recently returned to America after winning the JBWere Masters in Melbourne by two shots.
The 14-time major winner is scheduled to host his own tournament, the Chevron World Challenge, next week in California.
It remains to be seen whether Woods, who previously won the event in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007, will be fit enough to attend or compete.
He also missed last year's tournament while recovering from knee surgery which he underwent shortly after a remarkable victory in the US Open at Torrey Pines.
The 18-player field will compete for a first-place prize of USD1.35 million. For the first time since the tournament's inception in 1999, world ranking points will be awarded.
"I think that has helped us attract the best field we've ever had," Woods said recently.
"It should be an exciting week for the fans and I'm looking forward to competing."
George O'Grady, the chief executive of European Tour, said everyone involved in golf would be relieved Woods' injuries were not serious.
He told Sky Sports News: "For the whole world of golf we wish him well and hope there's no real damage and he recovers very soon."
He added: "He's a role model for the world of golf, not just the European Tour.
"I think everybody will de delighted the injuries are not serious.
"What a relief, for everyone in the world of golf."
Tiger Woods: The biggest name in golf
Tiger Woods has been the dominant figure in golf for the past 12 years and with 14 majors to his name is only four short of the all-time record held by Jack Nicklaus.
By Mark Garrod
The 33-year-old American was not able to add to his major collection this season, but he still regarded it as hugely successful given that he underwent reconstructive knee surgery in June last year and was out for eight months.
Woods won his third tournament back and has had six more victories since then, most recently at the Australian Masters only two weeks ago.
The one real blip in his comeback was The Open at Turnberry, where he missed the halfway cut in a major for only the second time in his professional career.
But, to nobody's surprise, he won his following two events and was in position to make the US PGA Championship his 15th major until South Korean YE Yang came from behind on the final day to pull off a huge upset.
Woods' first major victory was the 1997 Masters, the first he had played after leaving the amateur ranks.
After going to the turn in 40 on the opening day paired with defending champion Nick Faldo, he went on to win by a record 12 shots and with a record 18 under par total.
Although he was the centre of attention wherever he went after that - "Tigermania" was born - it was not until the last major of 1999 that he triumphed again, holding off Sergio Garcia to capture the US PGA title.
What followed the following season was nothing short of sensational. At Pebble Beach he won the US Open by a record 15 strokes and a month later he took The Open at St Andrews by eight.
By retaining the US PGA after a play-off with fellow Californian Bob May he went to Augusta in April 2001 with the chance to achieve golf's first ever clean sweep of the majors - and did it to complete a "Tiger Slam".
Two more majors came the following year and two more in 2005, including another triumph at St Andrews by five over Colin Montgomerie.
His 14th major was perhaps the most remarkable of them all, though.
It came in the US Open at Torrey Pines last year when he beat Rocco Mediate despite being in obvious agony with his knee.
Only after the play-off did Woods reveal to the world just how bad he was. As well as needing immediate surgery on his knee he played with two stress fractures in his leg.
His lay-off meant he missed the last two majors of last season and the Ryder Cup.
That is the one competition in which Woods does not have a great record, but although America won comfortably without him in Louisville he is top of the list new captain Corey Pavin wants for Celtic Manor next October.
Off the course, naturally, Woods has coined it in. It is estimated that he earns over USD100million annually from endorsements and appearances fees.
His recent trip to Australia cost the organisers USD3million, it was reported, and yet such was the interest created that it was generally considered money well spent in Melbourne.
Woods takes a lot of the credit for golf's increased popularity.
Prize money has gone through the roof in the past decade and television viewing figures rocket whenever and wherever he is playing.
His Foundation charity has already raised many millions and his background - his late father was an African American and his mother is Thai - has helped to take golf to a new audience.
Introduced to his Swedish wife Elin eight years ago by European Ryder Cup player Jesper Parnevik, they were engaged in 2003 and married in 2004.
Daughter Sam Alexis was born in June 2007 and son Charlie Axel arrived this February.
Football News
Everton vs Liverpool: Let’s get ready to rumble!
It’s the 212th Merseyside derby, and Liverpool travel to Goodison Park to take on cross-city rivals Everton in a time both clubs are struggling mightily.
In the Blue corner, hosts Everton spot a four-win, three-loss and six-draw record, which sees them just hovering over the drop zone in 16th place on the Premier League table.
Liverpool, a perennial title-contender, haven't been convincing this season, taking on the Toffees with a 6-2-5 record and they are seventh in the table so far.
Who will prevail? Ladies and gentlemen: Let's get ready to rumble!
Liverpool news heading into the derby:
Rafael Benitez insists he understands the distress of Liverpool's fans at the club's current plight, while re-affirming his commitment to the club.
The Liverpool manager has vowed to stay with the Reds and restore the club to their place in Europe's elite. Benitez added that he does not feel under added pressure following Liverpool's recent Champions League exit.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has demanded a united front as Liverpool seek the top-four finish required to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Lucas Leiva believes he will never win over all of his detractors as he prepares himself for the Merseyside derby, while Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina have moved to offer their support to Benitez.
Everton news before the Merseyside showdown:
Everton manager David Moyes believes his players are having a crisis of confidence which has contributed to their recent poor form.
The Toffees' manager has admitted they are on the brink of a relegation battle and the clash with Liverpool makes little difference to that.
Meanwhile, Everton great Howard Kendall is against the idea of a groundshare with Liverpool, but admits it may be the only solution.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: Best of British?
North London giants Arsenal host Chelsea, knowing a victory against the Blues will dent their title aspirations, and place them above rivals Tottenham.
Arsenal go into the bout with a 8-win, 1-loss and 3-loss record, and are sitting pretty in fourth on the Premier League table.
Visitors Chelsea have eleven wins and 2 losses so far, and will be looking to add another three points to their tally of 33.
So who will win the battle of London?
Arsenal news ahead of the London derby:
Robin van Persie has urged his Arsenal team-mates to keep "believing in themselves" as he prepares to spend the next five months recovering from surgery on his injured ankle. The 26-year-old suffered torn ankle ligaments during Holland's goalless draw against Italy in Pescara on November 14.
Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has reiterated his commitment to the Gunners, saying: "I don't want to fail here."
Arsene Wenger insists the "moment has come" for his Arsenal side as they prepare to face Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners boss also feels Nicolas Anelka still "loves" Arsenal, even if the Chelsea striker will be out to dent his former club's title hopes.
Chelsea news before the Emirates Stadium showdown:
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole insists all the pressure will be on Arsenal when the two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti insists that the Premier League showdown with Arsenal will not decide the title or rule the Gunners out of the race.
Finally, Chelsea captain John Terry admits the best is yet to come in Europe as the Blues gear up for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal.
La Liga Saturday Review
Valencia paid the price for some poor finishing and were held to a disappointing draw after conceding a late penalty.
Unai Emery's side dominated from the outset but were wasteful in front of goal, with David Villa particularly off form.
Villa did put Valencia ahead early in the second half, but stopped his side from scoring a further two and also missed a good chance early on.
Mallorca were barely in it but won a penalty with six minutes left when Bruno fouled Gonzalo Castro and Borja Valero converted.
Sevilla missed the chance to close the gap on Barcelona and Real Madrid when they were held 2-2 at home by bottom side Malaga.
The visitors took a shock 2-0 lead at the interval thanks to goals from Fernando (23) and Patrick Mtiliga, but Sevilla deservedly hit back in the second half with a brace from Luis Fabiano.
Mate Bilic struck the winner as Sporting Gijon continued their excellent recent form with a 1-0 win at home to Villarreal.
The Croatia striker was alert to the rebound and scrambled the ball home from close-range after Alberto Rivera had seen his penalty parried by Diego Lopez 15 minutes from time.
Villarreal defender Gonzalo Rodriguez was sent off for the foul on Miguel De Las Cuevas and there was no way back after that for the 10-man visitors.
Motorsport News
Force India retain driving duo
Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi have been retained by Force India for the 2010 Formula One season.
The team have opted for continuity as Sutil has driven for Force India since they entered the sport at the start of last year.
The 26-year-old German faces his fourth season in F1 after starting out in 2007 with Force India's predecessors Spyker.
Italian Liuzzi, who stepped up from his role as third driver for the final five races of 2009 after Giancarlo Fisichella moved to Ferrari, has also been given another chance to prove himself.
Team principal Vijay Mallya said: "We have always maintained that consistency is key at this stage in the team's development.
"For the first time in many years we will have the continuity of not only the same drivers, but also the same engine and senior management.
"With this stability now in place I truly believe we have an excellent platform to build on and move forward on our strong 2009 performance.
"I am sure we have one of the most dynamic line-ups on the grid and I hope this will stand us in good stead in what we all hope will be a transitional year for the team."
Sutil, who finished a career-high fourth in the Italian Grand Prix in September after starting from the front row for the first time, believes further success is possible next year.
He said: "2010 will be my fourth consecutive year with the team.
"I feel good here, it feels like family, and when you feel at ease you can focus your energy 100% on getting it right on track.
"Next season I want to be in the points on a regular basis, maybe even challenging for the podium, and the team has exactly the same goals.
"We're going massively in the right direction, so with our combined energies I'm confident we can achieve even more than last season."
As for Liuzzi, the 28-year-old is ready to show what he can do in F1 after what was a two-year absence prior to finally being given his chance from September onwards.
"It was always my goal to be back racing in 2010 and I've finally achieved it," said Liuzzi.
"I feel the five races I did in 2009 were a bit of a warm-up, to get back racing, learn the car, get the feeling back.
"Now I've done that I feel ready to really push next season.
"We were pretty strong in the last part of the 2009 season so if we pick up where we stopped I think we could be in for a good year."
Canadian GP back on track
The Canadian Grand Prix will return to the F1 schedule next season after the government helped land a five-year deal to stage the race in Montreal.
The race had been dropped from this year's calendar but months of speculation over the future of the event were ended when the government announced its intervention at a press conference.
A total of £8.5million per year for the next five years will be invested in staging the race after the governments of Canada, Quebec and Montreal, along with Tourisme Montreal, came together to secure the event.
The five-year deal will begin on June 13, 2010 and the backers will each receive 30% of the profit on ticket sales for the race.
Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay said: "The return of Formula 1 to Montreal attests to our sustained efforts and determination.
"This win-win deal falls in line with the terms we set and the taxpayer's ability to pay and will create stability for the next five years.
"I am very pleased that our metropolis is bringing back this crucial stage in the Formula One series for fans from around the world and an outstanding opportunity in terms of the event's international reach."
Raymond Bachand, the Quebec minister of finance and minister responsible for the Montreal region, said: "For Quebec, this event by itself results in annual tax revenues of more than £5.5million, for a £2.2 million investment, minus revenues from ticket sales.
"All three levels of government have worked together tirelessly over the past few months to bring the grand prix back to Montreal, while acting in a financially responsible manner.
"With this agreement in hand, I am delighted that our efforts have finally succeeded."
Manager: Schumacher ready to race
Michael Schumacher has recovered from the neck injury that kept him out of Felipe Massa's race-seat, his manager has revealed.
Following Massa's life-threatening head injury sustained in Hungary, Ferrari announced that Schumacher would make a brief comeback, replacing the Brazilian until the end of the season.
The dream, though, was short-lived as a week later Schumacher announced that a neck injury he has suffered in a motorbike accident had not healed sufficiently for him to race.
Four months later, Schumacher is once again in the news, this time it's Mercedes GP who are reportedly wanting the German to race for them next season.
And the good news is that if the deal does come to fruition, Schumacher's neck will not keep him out of the cockpit.
"His neck is completely fine - like his entire psyche," Willi Weber told German weekly Bunte.
The seven-time World Champion's manager also downplayed fears that Schumacher's reputation could suffer if he returns and is not able to fight at the front of the pack.
"He could race for victories," said Weber.
However, reports of Schumacher's possible return could be little more than fairytales as for every positive comment a denial is issued.
Weber, though, reckons a driver of Schumacher's caliber would be wanted by most teams, especially Ferrari, with whom he has a history.
"If Ferrari could start the 2010 season with three cars, Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo would naturally put him in one of the cockpits," Weber said.
