Ward to challenge Todt

David Ward has resigned from his position of Director-General of the FIA Foundation as he prepares to stand against Jean Todt for the presidency of the governing body.

Rumours of 'Max Mosley's former right-hand man' putting himself forward in the forthcoming FIA election first surfaced in July this year, with The Times reporting 'talk of pushing Ward's candidacy dominated the back rooms of FIA conference held at Goodwood House in the week before the British Grand Prix last month.'
In a statement issued by the FIA Foundation, Ward said: "After much careful thought I have decided to stand as a candidate in the 2013 FIA Presidential election. The election period begins in September and it will be necessary for me to approach FIA members to secure nominations. In these circumstances

Ecclestone: No Michelin return

Bernie Ecclestone has dismissed reports Michelin could return to Formula 1 in 2014, insisting FOM have a contract with Pirelli.

Talk of the French firm's interest in supplying F1 tyres next season has gathered pace in recent weeks and during the Belgian GP weekend Director of Michelin's Competition Department Pascal Couasnon said they were ready to open talks with the FIA.
However, when asked about the chances of seeing Michelin return, Ecclestone told US Broadcaster Speed: "FOM and Pirelli have a contract."
Whilst that may be the case, Pirelli's Paul Hembery has admitted they are yet to agree a deal with the FIA, but Ecclestone does not see that as an issue.

Armstrong settlement reached

The Sunday Times has reached a settlement with disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, the newspaper has confirmed.

The newspaper had launched legal action against the American seeking to recover damages and costs relating to his libel claim, settled in 2006.

In 2004, the Sunday Times printed an article written by then deputy sports editor Alan English, based on chief sports writer David Walsh's co-authored book LA Confidentiel, containing allegations about Armstrong and performance-enhancing drugs.
Armstrong sought damages from the Sunday Times, Walsh and English. The suit was settled out of court after London's High Court ruled that the

Moreno surges to Vuelta win

Daniel Moreno claimed victory on stage four of the Vuelta a Espana with an impressive late burst as Italy's Vincenzo Nibali moved back into the leader's red jersey.Moreno (Katusha) launched a searing attack 600m out from the uphill finish at Fisterra and held off a strong counter from second-placed Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Leopard) and third-placed Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEDGE).
Nibali (Astana) finished 16th, on the same time as Moreno, and now returns to the top of the general classification after previous leader

Robson relishing Li Na clash

Laura Robson admits she is expecting a tough third-round rematch with Li Na at the US Open following her impressive victory over fellow teenager Caroline Garcia.

Twelve months ago Robson followed up her defeat of Kim Clijsters by beating former French Open champion Li to reach the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time.

"It's definitely going to be a really tough match. She's playing super well at the moment. I watched a bit of her match this morning and I thought she played really well."
Laura Robson on Li Na

Rain held up Robson and Frenchwoman Garcia for almost five hours but the 19-year-old produced a very

Positive start pleases Murray

Andy Murray was pleased with his performance as he opened the defence of his US Open title with a masterly 6-2 6-4 6-3 thrashing of France's Michael Llodra.
 
The third-seeded Scot struck an impressive 35 winners and made just five unforced errors in the one-sided encounter as he demolished Llodra on Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

Murray's only lapse was when he allowed the Frenchman to break his serve in the second game of the second set.

The 26-year-old admitted he just wanted to get through the match following four hours of rain delays at Flushing Meadows earlier in the day.

 

Today at the US Open

Britain's Dan Evans hopes to continue his fairytale run at the US Open when he takes on Bernard Tomic in the second round on Thursday.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakout year in 2013 and his improvement culminated with him winning the first grand slam match of his career on Monday.He stunned 11th seed Kei Nishikori in straight sets in the first round and will now take on rising Australian star Bernard Tomic for a place in the last 32.
Evans is third up on Court 17 and although he is again an outsider, the in-form qualifier is a real threat against an erratic opponent who needed five sets to get past Albert Ramos in the opening round.
Evans is the only Brit in singles action on day four of the tournament, which sees former champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal play their second round matches.