The BBC has appointed former F1 driver ALLAN MCNISH "to become its broadcast analyst for BBC Radio 5 Live's coverage of the '13 F1 season." The Scotsman will replace Spaniard JAIME ALGUERSUARI (MOTORSPORT TOTAL, 3/6). ... Chelsea CEO RON GOURLAY has emphasized that the club intends RAFAEL BENITEZ "to be in place as interim manager until the end of the season" (PA, 3/6). ... Shooting victim Sri Lankan batsman THILAN SAMARAWEERA retires from int'l cricket. Samaraweera will, however, player for Worcestershire in English county cricket this year. Samaraweera "was hit by a bullet in the left thigh when militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus, which was on way to the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore for a Test match." The attack left eight people dead (AFP, 3/7). ... Italian rubby captain SERGIO PARISSE "will be available for his country's Six Nations encounter against England at Twickenham on Sunday." Italy's Team Manager LUIGI TROIANI has confirmed that Parisse's "suspension for insulting the referee in a French league game last month had been reduced to 20 days on appeal" (PA, 3/6). ... Former Tour de France cyclist MICHAEL BOOGERD "has admitted using performance-enhancing drug for a decade." The 40-year-old admitted using the banned blood-booster erythropoietin (EPO), cortisone, as well as receiving blood transfusions" (AFP, 3/6).
