McLaren Formula 1 co-Owner Mansour Ojjeh said that the Woking team's split with F1 engine partner Honda will be good for both parties, "likening the situation" to a marriage that did not work out. Ojjeh believes that "Honda tried as hard as it could." He said, "I don't think I have to explain it's been tough. It's been tough for them also. I don't think it was a lack of effort, and I don't think it was a lack of effort on our part. It just didn't work. It's like irreconcilable differences in a marriage or something. I think it's the right decision that we go our ways" (MOTORSPORT, 10/17).
Middlesex County Cricket Club lost its appeal against the two-point penalty imposed by the England & Wales Cricket Board following its abandoned game against Surrey. It means its relegation stands and the '16 county champion will start the '18 season in Division Two. Middlesex was relegated by a point after losing its final match of the season against Somerset. However, Middlesex claimed "there were grounds for an appeal" against the penalty after the match against Surrey "was stopped when a crossbow bolt was fired into the Oval" (London GUARDIAN, 10/17).
Man City announced the launch of a new fan experience at its City Football Academy. The club’s new first team experience tour "will give fans an insight into the inner workings of the facility and how players train and prepare for matches." Fans will be guided through the players’ changing rooms, boot room, gym areas, pitches, private lounge and "analysis theatre," where tactics and gameplay are discussed (BDAILY, 10/17).
