Former IndyCar champion GIL DE FERRAN is undertaking an advisory role with the McLaren team that covers Formula 1 and a potential IndyCar project. De Ferran was brought in to advise driver FERNANDO ALONSO over the course of his Indy 500 program last year and, after attending this year's Bahrain GP, the Brazilian agreed to a new role with McLaren (MOTORSPORT, 5/24). ... EPL side Everton forward WAYNE ROONEY held talks in Washington, DC, with Major League Soccer side DC United on Thursday. The 32-year-old already agreed to a deal in principle with the club, "although he still has a year left on his contract at Goodison Park." The trip is understood to be a "fact-finding mission" (BBC, 5/24). ... Former French Open champion FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE remains on course for the main draw of this year's tournament, but EUGENIE BOUCHARD's "hopes were ended by injury in qualifying." Schiavone, who won the title in '10, overcame Canadian CAROL ZHAO 6-4 3-6 6-3, while '14 Wimbledon finalist Bouchard retired from her match against DALILA JAKUOPOVIC of Slovenia trailing 6-0, 2-1 (London DAILY MAIL, 5/24).