Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/659044
21 Sport maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH 2016 FORMULA 1 FOOTBALL Lewis Hamilton questions 2017 rule changes LEWIS Hamilton says it should not be down to drivers to float potential chang- es in Formula 1, but has questioned the sport's planned 2017 regulation overhaul, claiming that it "won't deliver better rac- ing". Formula 1's proposed changes for next season, focused on new bodywork, are aimed at creating "more exciting cars, de- livering additional downforce to increase speeds and lower lap times." Hamilton, however, feels that making cars faster will only reduce overtaking possibilities, and feels the sport should be targeting reduced aero interference and greater mechanical grip. His comments follow on from an open letter issued by the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, which described Formula 1's rule-making process as "obsolete and ill- structured". "There's been a lot of talk about the rules and whether the drivers should be more involved in decision making," said three- time World Champion Hamilton. "It's not our job to come up with ideas and we all have different opinions anyway. "But personally, I think we need more mechanical grip and less aero wake com- ing off the back of the cars so we can get close and overtake. "Give us five seconds' worth of lap time from aero and nothing will change – we'll just be driving faster. "I speak as somebody who loves this sport and loves racing. I don't have all the answers – but I know that the changes we're making won't deliver better racing." The F1 Commission recently postponed the 2017 rules deadline to April 30. Lewis Hamilton Alonso 'can't wait' to get back in car MCLAREN-HONDA driver Fer- nando Alonso says he "can't wait" to get back behind the wheel and move on from his dramatic acci- dent at the Australian Grand Prix. Alonso flew over the rear of Esteban Gutiérrez's Haas under braking and flipped over multiple times before landing upside down in the gravel trap at the season opener. Although shaken by the inci- dent, Alonso was cleared of any injuries at the circuit's medical centre, and is raring to go again as the next round in Bahrain ap- proaches. "Firstly, I'm very pleased to be heading to Bahrain after the crash in Australia," said Alonso, who will take on a brand new power unit, after Honda confirmed that no parts survived. "I've spent some time resting and I can't wait to get back in the car. "Although on paper Melbourne wasn't a great race for us, before the crash I'd been having some good battles and the car felt pret- ty promising, so I hope in Bahrain we can experience more of the same. "I really enjoy racing in Bahrain. It's been a good circuit for me in the past – I've had three victories there – and there are quite a few good opportunities to overtake. "There are lots of variables and it's one of the longest races, which usually produces some kind of drama. "Hopefully we can enjoy some close racing and keep ourselves out of trouble." Alonso's team-mate, Jenson Button, is also positive heading to Sakhir. "Our package felt very good to drive [in Australia] and the team worked really hard to bring a step forward in driveability from test- ing to the first race," Button com- mented. "Bahrain is definitely a tricky track for us as it's high-speed, but we have a solid platform and im- proved deployment, so there are some positives to look forward to." Fernando Alonso was lucky to escape without injury at the Australian Grand Prix Four clubs fined for breaking third-party rules Gazza back on track FOUR clubs have been fined for breaching FIFA rules which ban third parties from inf luencing transfer policy or from owning players, foot- ball's world governing body said on Tuesday. Dutch club FC Twen- te were fined 185,000 Swiss francs (132,948.85 pounds), Brazil's Santos 75,000, Belgium's St Truiden 60,000 and Spain's Sevilla 55,000 by FIFA's disciplinary committee. All four clubs were also issued with warnings while FC Twente, St Truiden and Santos were giv- en reprimands, FIFA said. In all cases, FIFA said the clubs were "found to be liable for en- tering into contracts that ena- bled third parties to inf luence the club's independence in em- ployment and transfer-related matters." FORMER England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has said he is "back on track " after suffer- ing "one blip" in his struggle with alcoholism. The 48-year-old was said to have had "a bad week " as pictures emerged of him with cuts to his face, appearing to carry a bottle of alcohol and being accompanied by a po- lice officer. Gascoigne was not admitted to hospital or rehab according to his management A1 Sport- ing Speakers, after reports in The Sun newspaper that he had relapsed last week. In a Facebook message, the former Newcastle, Totten- ham and Rangers player said: "Thanks so much for all your support. u would think they would leave me alone but it is good sometimes being fa- mous. "I've done really well for 11 mths, I have one blip and I get hammered for it. I'm back on track now. "I'm not perfect and don't want to be either but I am trying my best always. I love YOUS all." His management posted a picture showing him with some small cuts on his face - taken on Saturday morning. They said: "Paul has had a bad week. This photograph is of him at 8.10 this morn- ing. The Sun photos were bad but this is two days later. He wasn't admitted to hospital as they said in their interview. "He went home where he is recovering. He told me he's been working out and getting stronger and he is determined to get back on track."