Motor Sport: Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has re-signed for British American Racing for a further three years. The Canadian, who had been tipped to make a £20 million switch to Benetton, has ended weeks of speculation about his future by keeping faith with the Honda-powered outfit.
Villeneuve could be joined at BAR next season by Jenson Button with Williams expected soon to confirm that the Briton is being replaced by Champ Car star Juan Pablo Montoya.
Villeneuve's new three-year deal - reputedly worth £25 million - is a massive boost to the Brackley-based team which failed to score a point in its debut season last year.
"It was a difficult decision, but I am happy to stay with the team after two years of hard work," said the 1997 champion, who has finished fourth in the last two races. "It is rewarding to see progress. I would like to continue with the team and to continue with that progress."
Managing director Craig Pollock said: "We are absolutely delighted with Jacques' decision and the fact he has registered a significant vote of confidence in British American Racing.
"Jacques has been an integral part of the team since its formation two years ago, and his commitment to stay indicates that he shares our belief that this is an organisation with which he can win races, and ultimately the World Championship, in the future."
Villeneuve's recent fourth-place finish has helped the team to fifth in the constructors' championship this season with 12 points, one point ahead of Jordan - who will also be powered by Honda next year.
BAR, which is funded by about £40 million a year by British American Tobacco, did not confirm Ricardo Zonta as their second driver for 2001 last night. The Brazilian could be released - Arrows are one of the favourites for his signature - with Button being lined up as a replacement.
Button's other options will be Benetton - who are set to ditch struggling Austrian Alexander Wurz - and Jordan, if they lose Jarno Trulli to Benetton.
Olympic Games: International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Juan Antonio Samaranch said yesterday that Greece was taking the right measures to combat terrorism ahead of the 2004 Games in Athens.
Greece has come under increased international pressure from its western allies to step up its anti-terrorism efforts after a British diplomat was killed in Athens by urban guerrillas last month.
"(Terrorism) is an issue for Athens and all the organising committees of the Olympic Games," Samaranch said. "I think the government is taking the right measures to solve this problem."
Samaranch, who was in Athens for the inauguration of an Olympic truce centre, said he had met Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and was satisfied with his responses over security issues.
Britain's military attache to Athens, Brigadier Stephen Saunders, was assassinated on June 8th by a group claiming its 23rd victim in 25 years. Greece, which is trying to play down commercialism in the Olympics, hopes the truce centre which was inspired by a peace pact among nations competing in the ancient Games, will help resolve international conflicts.
Swimming: China's fallen female swimming star Wu Yanyan has denied taking drugs and plans to sue national swimming authorities for banning her after saying she tested positive for steroids, state media said yesterday. The Chinese Swimming Association (CSA) imposed a four-year ban on Wu, the world record holder in the women's 200 metres individual medley, after she tested positive for an anabolic steroid at the national championships in Jinan province in May.
"She has denied using any illegal substances and said she planned to go to court to sue the CSA," the China Daily newspaper said.
In addition to suspending Wu, the CSA has fined her 8,000 yuan (US$967) and slapped a one-year ban and 4,000 yuan ($483) fine on her coach, Wu Jicai.
The China Daily quoted a CSA spokesman as defending the suspension of Wu - the minimum required under international rules for an anabolic steroid offence - as reasonable.
