FEW people would be brave enough to give an EIGHT times champ a passenger ride - but that's exactly what I did this week when I took BTCC driver Fabrizio Giovanardi for a spin round Brands Hatch in HIS car . . .

I've had more passenger rides than you could shake a stick at, so to have the tables turned and actually be let loose behind the wheel myself was an opportunity not to be missed.

Like many armchair enthusiasts I have always believed, that given the chance, I would make an awesome racing driver.

Jumping into the 325bhp VX Racing car I was overconfident, flat out into corners, over-braking, under-steering, running-wide and well, just generally rubbish.

A little coaching from the charming Italian, a mini-masterclass and a few stern words I soon got to grips with mastering the track with some degree of finesse and didn't do bad at all.

Now back to business, and after my on-track antics which scared the life out of poor Giovanardi, we had chance to catch up for much needed mug of tea and a good gossip.

With Brand's Hatch circuit hosting the title-deciding season finale next weekend and Giovanardi 13 points behind current leader Colin Turkington, the Vauxhall ace is looking to swipe his third consecutive championship.

He said: "Sure it is going to be tough but it is possible and I have nothing to lose. I like this circuit and I believe we have a good set-up and a good car. You can only turn up on the day and see what happens as there are many other factors."

When the 42-year-old mentioned 'other factors' I had a sneaky suspicion he was referring to his much reported on-track scuffle with guest driver Johnny Herbert last month.

"Sure other factors could mean Johnny Herbert," he said laughing. "Johnny ruined my race at Rockingham and he could have eased up as he is not fighting for the championship. He would argue that he is racing but it would be a shame if he decided to get in on the action next weekend."

With Vauxhall pulling out of all motorsport activities next year, Giovanardi is on the hunt for an alternative drive.

He said: "Who knows what is going to happen, I have talks and negotiations taking place but nothing is confirmed. It would be great if I could continue with Triple Eight, but the decision is entirely up to them because my contract is with Vauxhall and they're are the ones withdrawing at the end of the season.

"WTCC could be an alternative, but looking at it now with manufacturers pulling out, it doesn't seem like there are many options for me, who knows if the championship itself has a future. I love rallying and really enjoy it, it is different to circuit racing and is great fun, but I don't think there is too much practice allowed these days, so for someone inexperienced just to turn up and race it would be ridiculous. I have competed in two rallies before but this is not an option for me now."

When asked his thoughts on the Renault Crashgate scandal he said: "Who cares about F1? Politics, politics, politics! I don't have any interest, sorry!

"Deliberately crashing though, I have heard of this many times before in motorsport. People outside the sport will be outraged I'm sure, but I have been in motorsport and racing for a long long time and you hear of these things. When people want to win they will go to desperate measures. It is not as uncommon as people think."

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RENAULT LOSES SPONSORS

AS PREDICTED several sponsors associated with shamed race-fixing squad Renault are keeping their distance from the team - with immediate effect.

In the wake of the Crashgate scandal the Oxford-based outfit has seen two of its main sponsors terminate their contracts, leaving the prospect that the disgraced outfit will struggle to find financial replacements.

Dutch-based banking giants ING were already scheduled to leave the Renault team at the end of the season but decided to pull the plug on their £40million contract four races early after the French car giant was handed a two-year suspended ban for race-fixing during last year's Singapore GP.

Spanish insurance firm Mutua Madrilena have also jumped ship and severed its yearly £5m sponsorship deal but confirmed they will continue to back Fernando Alonso, who is reported to be off to Ferrari next season.

Just hours after the announcements, Renault mechanics stripped all traces of the sponsors from its cars, motorhomes and trucks causing further embarrassment for the team who are keen to sweep the matter under the carpet. It is also believed the current livery of the orange and white ING branding is likely to be repainted back to its original blue colour, leaving a bare decal-free chassis for the Japanese GP.

Sponsorship expert David Lister believes this is the beginning of the end for the team.

He said: "Renault has built up a great reputation over the years but now it is tarnished. Realistically how many companies will want to be involved in a team that has been associated with race-fixing?

"The team would argue that you can't let a few rogue employees who made bad decisions be the downfall of what is essentially a massive organisation.

"But this is the real world and in the real world it will be Renault F1 team that people and companies hold responsible.

"I have massive doubts if we will see the Renault on the grid next season, we might see them as engine suppliers but as a team I don't think it will happen, although I hope I am wrong."

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STIGGY SLASH TEAM

FINANCIAL gloom has hit the WSBC Stiggy Racing Honda team who have been forced to slash their team in half.

The Sweden-based squad, who cited budget issues and rider injuries among deciding factors, have cut their four-rider line-up back to two entrants for the World Superbike and Supersport Championships.

WSB rider John Hopkins, who suffered serious injuries after crashing-out in Germany last month, and Supersport rider Gianluca Vizziello, who has been given the chop after failing to deliver results, will not be replaced for the remaining three rounds due to a massive shortfall in finances.

Team manager Johan Stigefelt said: "After long discussions with our partner S2 Racing, who are the financial provider for the team, we have finally decided to let Gianluca go. We need to do everything we can to survive the remaining three races and had no other option then to cut the costs dramatically.

"This is by far the worst year for me as team manger in the five years I have been active in this championship. I know a lot of the teams out there are struggling due to global the economic crisis, but it is never easy to tell a rider that he will have to stay home.

"I know how much they want to be out there and do what they like doing best. As a rider, I have been through it myself and know how tough it is. I wish Gianluca all the best for the near future and hope he can ride the last races in another team and find himself a good ride for next year."

A dejected Gianluca Vizziello issued a statement saying: "I´m obviously very sad and disappointed that this decision has been made. The team is in a bad financial position right now, and struggled to support for the remaining races of the championship. I knew it was coming, but nevertheless it still hits me like a rock.

"I had my focus on these last rounds and it just feels like I am being robbed of my chances. Still a big thanks to my crew and team for the great work this year. I have nothing more to say than to hope for a better solution in the future for me."

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