A price tag with Alonso's test? - Stoddart preparesFernando Alonso's eleventh-hour release to test for McLaren last Friday came with a hefty price tag, according to reports.
Germany's Bild-Zeitung claims that although Flavio Briatore said he and the Spaniard still
enjoy 'a very good relationship', the Italian probably still demanded that McLaren pay for the privilege - according to speculation - of using a Renault employee for the Jerez test. The sum of (US) $2.6m was mentioned.
Meanwhile, Paul Stoddart is expected to announce on Monday that he will bring the famous Minardi name to America's Champ Car scene next year.
Champ Car has organised a teleconference for 'an ownership announcement regarding one of its teams,' amid speculation that Stoddart, the controversial former F1 team owner, has struck a deal with the Keith Wiggins / Cedric 'The Entertainer' owned squad.
Australian Stoddart, 51, bought Minardi just before the 2001 Grand Prix season and sold the Faenza-based team to Red Bull late last year.
Source GMM
