THE most anticipated round of the World Rally Championship, the Rally Italy in Sardinia, has enormous Irish interest with the competition debut of the Mini John Cooper Works WRC.

Lewis Hamilton declared himself happy with the pace of McLaren’s 2009 challenger after getting behind the wheel of a Formula One car for the first time since claiming the world title in November.

Sebastien Buemi is poised to become the youngest driver on the Formula One grid this season following his appointment today by Toro Rosso.