Ferrari President Sergio Marchionne "is hinting that a deal between Haas and Maserati could be closer than ever." Last month, Ferrari signed a deal for a Formula 1 sponsorship between Fiat Chrysler brand Alfa Romeo and Sauber. At that annoucement, Marchionne suggested a deal with Ferrari "B team" Haas and Fiat Chrysler-owned Maserati was something he was just "thinking about." Marchionne said last week of possibly sending Maserati to Formula E, "I'm not so sure. In terms of a possible cooperation, it is maybe better to try to organize a joint project with Haas in Formula 1" (AUTOWEEK, 1/20).
Manor F1 CEO Graeme Lowdon is "not ruling out a return" to the circuit. He told Finnish newspaper Turun Sanumat, "If nothing changes -- if there is no cost cap and the costs stay the same -- then we cannot go back because it's impossible to race against the big teams. But we have heard from the FIA and Liberty [Media] that work is being done to reduce the cost for private teams. In that case, we are interested in returning" (AUTOWEEK, 1/22).
Four more former Chelsea academy players plan "legal action against the club over racist abuse" they say they were subjected to by coaches Graham Rix and Gwyn Williams. The players, who prefer to remain anonymous, came forward after reading claims made "by three of their contemporaries." Those stories also concern then-youth team coach Rix, and Williams, who held a number of roles at the club. Both coaches deny wrongdoing (London GUARDIAN, 1/22).
Premier League side Swansea City "vowed to fund the purchase of defibrillators for grassroots football in the city following the death of a fan." Mitchell Joseph collapsed and died last weekend while playing football. The club also vowed to spread the defibrillator program "throughout all the local football leagues in the area." Swansea will supply one new defibrillator for every goal Carlos Carvalhal's side scores "between now and the end of the season" (WALES ONLINE, 1/21).
Bundesliga side Hamburg is "planning an entry into competitive gaming, with a focus on the FIFA scene." During a business event prior to the club's match against Cologne on Saturday, Hamburg Head of Sales & CRM Oliver Poppelbaum said that the club's management "approved the creation of an esports department" (THE ESPORTS OBSERVER, 1/22).
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