RELEGATION battles can be decided by many things. An ill-timed muscle tweak, a shot that kisses the post rather than embracing the net or a linesman's errant flag have all proved decisive in recent years. But never can the difference have been made by a pep-talk from an Egyptian septuagenarian who counts calling the Duke of Edinburgh “a Nazi” as one of his less outrageous remarks.

FERNANDO ALONSO wants to deliver another world championship to Renault as a parting gift after sealing his “dream” move to McLaren for 2007.

German supermodel Heidi Klum and singer Seal have married in Mexico, her father has confirmed.

Jarno Trulli has announced his decision to leave Renault at the end of the season.