In Austin, F1 team Sauber driver Felipe Nasr was "forced on more than one occasion to deny speculation that he is on the verge of signing to switch from the Swiss team to Force India" for '17. Multiple "authoritative" sources said that the 24-year-old, "who is lucratively backed by the Banco do Brasil," even received F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone's support in "seeking a more competitive seat." But "according to rumours emerging from Brazil, Sauber doesn't want to lose Nasr -- and his key sponsorship" (GRAND PRIX, 10/26).
E-SPORTS: Nathan Nayagom from Epsilon eSports is the first player to join Ligue 1 side AS Monaco's e-team. He will represent the club at professional FIFA tournaments this season. Monaco's Stade Louis-II will host several FIFA tournaments this season. The partnership also includes plans for activating and sharing content on the social networks (AS Monaco).
BOTTLE TOSS: La Liga side Valencia has been fined €1,500 ($1,635) "after a water bottle was thrown from the stands at Barcelona's players" during Saturday's match. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) "warned Valencia that it may close its Mestalla Stadium if similar incidents happen." The RFEF criticized the Barça players for their "exaggerated reaction" and for celebrating in front of home fans, but added "nothing justified" the reaction of the Valencia supporters (BBC, 10/26).