Pitstop: Stanaway all set to take title

Richie Stanaway. Photo / Herlad on Sunday

German Formula Three driver New Zealander Richie Stanaway has 10 wins from 14 races in his championship and is looking to clinch the title this weekend at Assen in The Netherlands. Stanaway has already won the rookie title and wants to wrap up the overall title with a round to spare.

Hartley needs change of luck

Formula Renault 3.5 litre hits the French Paul Ricard track this weekend and Kiwi driver Brendon Hartley will hope he has better luck than his recent GP3 outing at Monza, Italy. Hartley lies seventh in the series and hopes to push himself into the top five.

Paddon to contest Transnet

Not wanting to take time out from winning the Production World Rally Championship, Hayden Paddon has opted to get back behind the wheel and contest the Transnet Ashley Forest Rally sprint, September 24-25. He'll be driving a V8 Starion with previous champion Steve Murphy.

Stoner recovered for Spain

MotoGP series leader Casey Stoner said his third place at the last round at Misano, Italy was down to being physically drained. He was, however, at pains to state that he's back on his game for this weekend's 14th round in Aragon, Spain. The Aussie leads the championship on 259 points from Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso.

Red Bull extends contract

Red Bull has decided to give the Renault Formula One team wings for another five years having just signed up until 2016. The relationship started in 2007 and after a stuttering start the team won their first world F1 title in 2010 with Sebastian Vettel.

Under the hood

For those settling down to watch the first of the V8 Supercars endurance rounds, here's an explanation of some of the phrases the commentators may use. A box of neutrals - a missed gear change. Bottoming - parts of underneath the car hitting the track. Clean air - undisturbed air unaffected by the car in front. Diffuser - small section of underbody that aids airflow. Flat shift - 100 per cent throttle when changing gear. Short shifting - changing to a higher gear at lower than normal engine revs. Trail braking - continued braking after corner turn in point and at times past the apex.