F1 news bits on Wednesday

(GMM) Nine heavy JCB machines used to move stricken formula one cars at the recent US grand prix will now be deployed to Iraq. The US government has bought the lifters and will shortly transport them to the war-torn Middle East via Kuwait.

–

Strongly resembling a F1 single seater, the new Dallara-built GP2 car for 2008-2010 was this week revealed and tested for the first time by Renault test driver Nelson Piquet Jr at Paul Ricard in the south of France.

–

BRDC president Damon Hill this week warned at a promotional event in London for the upcoming British prix that organizers cannot rely on the 'Lewis Hamilton factor' to safeguard the race at Silverstone beyond 2009. "We should take his (Bernie Ecclestone's) threats seriously," said the 1996 world champion.

–

Michael Schumacher in Stuttgart late next month will play in a re-enactment of football's World Cup final of 1982 between (West) Germany and Italy. The match will feature many of the original players. Italy won the tournament after beating Germany 3:1 in the final.

–

Giancarlo Fisichella's GP2 team has ousted former Jaguar and Williams driver Antonio Pizzonia ahead of this weekend's race at Magny Cours. The Brazilian scored just one point in his five outings in 2007 and is succeeded by Ulsterman Adam Carroll, who has impressed at the wheel of a two-year old Audi this season in the German (DTM) touring car series.