News briefs from Monaco

(GMM) A new sponsor name and logo, that of the Angolan company Ridge Solutions, will appear on the nose of Williams' F1 cars from this weekend's Monaco grand prix.

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BMW-Sauber's engine covers on Thursday are to feature 'Happy Birthday Mini' signage, recognizing the fiftieth anniversary of the first Mini to roll off the Oxford production line in May 1959. The new-generation Mini, launched in 2001, is produced by the BMW Group.

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A mild and dry weekend of racing is forecast for Monte Carlo, whose practice action traditionally kicks off on Thursday morning, ahead of 'rest day' Friday.

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Likely to soak up the trackside glamour will be A-list actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who are in town for the neighboring Cannes film festival. It is also believed that Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic will be at Monaco.