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How much is SA Cricket Worth?
1970-01-01 00:59:59
The Sri Lankan board (SLC) has filed a claim in court for almost US$ 12 million against an insurance company following the cancellation of the one-day tri-series between Sri Lanka, South Africa and India in August. On August 14, less than two hours prior to the start of the first match of the tournament, there was a bomb blast in Colombo which killed four Army personnel and four civilians. Shortly afterwards, the South Africans decided to return home, citing security issues as the reason for their decision. SLC had an insurance policy with Ceylinco Insurance Company Limited which covered it for "loss of revenue that may result from the cancellation and abandonment of the limited-over tournament due to riot and strike, civil commotion and terrorism". The amount of the claim equates to the income lost from the sale of TV rights to Taj Television Limited. However, although the South Africans withdrew, India and Sri Lanka did try to continue with a one-day tournament but two matches were
Read more: Cricket , Worth

Mail from a fan
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Every now and again, I get a mail from peope who have strong opions about what is going on with the 2010 World Cup. Today's mail comes from Tina...Hi Jon I'm on my pet subject again! Although there appears to be a distinct lack of urgency in getting started with the stadia, the new super-duper, state-of-the-art SAFA House is nearly finished. I'm glad to see that SAFA/FIFA have their priorities in order! I was horrified to hear that schools and houses have been/are being demolished to make way for the new stadium in Nelspruit. Since when is a soccer stadium more important than schools and homes? I understand that temporary classrooms are being erected (and they will probably still be temporary in 2010 and beyond) but the evicted residents do not seem to know what will happen to them. You probably don't remember, but one of my earliest e-mails to you when we were awarded 2010 was my concern that everything would be sacrificed to the extravaganza and SAFA's ego and


SOUTH AFRICAN JUNIOR TEAM FOR PORTUGAL 2007
1970-01-01 00:59:59
The Board of Directors of Surfing South Africa have announced the South African Junior team which will compete in the 2007 ISA World Junior Championships in Costa Da Caparika, Portugal from May 6 to 14 next year.The Under 18 Boys team is made up of 2006 SA Under 18 Champion Kyle Lane (KZN), 2006 national junior team captain Klee Skei Strachan (KZN), current Under 16 national champion Chad Du Toit and 2005 SA Junior team memberLungani Memani (Border).SA Under 18 champion Nikita Robb (Border) heads up the Under 18 Girls group which includes Chantelle Rautenbach (Boland), WP Surfer of the Year Tarryn Chudleigh (WP) and former national Under 14 champion, Tanika Hoffman (WP),who is the only new cap in this group.The four surfers who represent South Africa in the Under 16 division in Portugal are 2006 ISA World Championship bronze medal winner Shaun Joubert (Southern Cape), SA Under 16 bronze medalist Brendan Gibbens (WP), new capNicky Godfrey (Southern Cape) and another Under 16 finalist


WESTWOOD SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT AT SAA OPEN
1970-01-01 00:59:59
English professional Lee Westwood took time out from his preparations for the SAA Open to conduct a clinic for players from the SA Golf Development Board (SAGDB) at Humewood this week. The clinic was supported by SAA, who are also sponsors of the SAGDB.The clinic was an opportunity for the SAGDB youngsters to meet a top professional and learn from the experience Westwood has gained during his impressive career.SAGDB manager for Eastern Province, John Bailey, said that Westwood interacted well with the kids and demonstrated a number of different techniques to show how important it is to be able to play different kinds of shots on the golf course."The most important thing for the kids was them seeing first hand what a pro does and how he goes about doing it," Bailey said. "It was great, and they enjoyed it.""They also asked a lot of questions," Bailey added, "and Lee spoke about things like education as well, so the kids can understand what it entails to become a pro one day. Lee spoke
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BECKHAM FAILS TO MAKE FERGUSON'S FIVE AS "WORLD CLASS" MAN UNITED PLAYERS
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Alex Ferguson named five "world class" players he coached during his 20 years at Manchester United.And David Beckham wasn't among them.Asked for the list for a club history published this week, Ferguson came up with goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, winger Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane.While he added that current winger Cristiano Ronaldo has the potential to join the list and that Paul Scholes was a possibility, Beckham didn't get a mention.That could have as much to do with the pair's personality clash as anything else.Former England captain Beckham helped United win nine league and cup trophies, including the 1999 Champions League, and looked on Ferguson as a strong influence on his 12-year spell at Old Trafford.However, the pair fell out.Ferguson was once so angry after a defeat that he kicked a soccer boot in the changing room and it hit Beckham above the eye, opening a deep cut. He sold him to Real Madrid in 2003.Ferguson also overlooked Ruud van Nistelrooy
Read more: FERGUSON , MAN UNITED

SMS, Video and Cricket. It's a hatrick.
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Here is someting fun if you hve NOTHING to do while the cricket is on. You can even do it at the ground. What have you got to lose but R3.Thats right direct on your phone! From the 15th of December you will be able to receive Howzit Cricket directly on your mobile phone. It's a series of fun, behind the scenes interviews with the Proteas. If you want to subscribe and be in the loop, simply SMS "cricket" to 35970.(SMS charged at R3)You will receive a movie download of the latest Howzit Cricket Mobisode - (it should take you about 90 seconds to download.)The series has been developed by former International Cricketer Neil Johnson and well known journalist Neil Manthorp and is produced together with the South African Cricketers Association and Cricket South Africa.How to download:1.SMS 'cricket to 359702.Wait for the response - this will be a WAP link and look something like this http/www.operatelecom/content/49495033.Click on the link, a GPRS connection will be established and your


ALONSO TESTS WITH MCLAREN FOR FIRST TIME
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso made his McLaren debut on Friday with a surprise drive on the final day of winter testing at Jerez.Sporting a plain white helmet and overalls, the 26-year-old Spaniard completed several laps in an unbranded MP4-21 at the 4.42-kilometer (2.748-mile) circuit."I have a strong relationship with the Renault F1 Team and I would like to thank Flavio (Briatore) and Renault, who have agreed to my request to test one day with my new team," Alonso said.McLaren had previously asked Renault to release the defending champion from his contract, which runs to Dec. 31."Fernando asked me to test one day with his new team to acclimatize himself to the car," Briatore said. "We enjoy a very good relationship and considering his work and his fabulous achievements these past two years with the double world titles in 2005 and 2006, we decided to give him this opportunity"Alonso is scheduled to test with McLaren at the Cheste circuit in Valencia from Jan. 14-16.
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The Goose is the MAN!
1970-01-01 00:59:59
What is better than an eagle on the golf course? Shooting an eagle after shooting an 11 on the same hole the day before....Our very own Retief Goosen did a 'Gericke' on the 17th hole at Humewood yesterday and hit a few balls into the rough and then played the wrong ball and did what every golfer has nightmares about. THEN the officials found out what he did and charged him even more shots.Today, the Goose EAGLES the same hole. That's the way you do it, boys.


CRICKETS 438 GAME TO BE REPLAYED ON DEC 24
1970-01-01 00:59:59
The complete video recording of the most amazing cricket match ever played will be broadcast on SuperSport 2 on Christmas Eve.Every one of the 872 runs scored and every ball bowled in what has become known as The 438 Game will be shown in a December 24 replay of more than eight hours, starting at 11:00.The match, in which South Africa scored 438 runs to beat Australia by one wicket in a one-day international in Johannesburg, produced a list of unbelievable records.Played on March 12 at the Wanderers, the contest produced memorable centuries by Ricky Ponting and Herschelle Gibbs. The spectators and television viewers in many countries saw 87 fours and 26 sixes.Australia made an "ungettable" 434/4 off their 50 overs, becoming the first team to score more than 400 runs in an ODI. South Africa replied with 438/9, winning with one ball to spare.Ponting hit 13 fours and nine sixes as he made 164 off 105 balls. Then SA captain Graeme Smith hammered 90 off 55 balls (13 fours and two sixes) and


HARRIS IN TEST SQUAD, MORKEL ON STANDBY
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Titans and Warwickshire spin bowler Paul Harris has been called up to the national cricket team, and Titans all-rounder Morne Morkel has been placed on standby for the injured Dale Steyn.Convenor of the national selection committee Haroon Lorgat said after South Africa's 123 run defeat by India in the first Castle Lager Test at the Wanderers on Monday that Paul Harris had been called up to replace Nicky Boje, who retired from international cricket two days before the Test."We announced the squad for all three Test matches, but Nicky Boje announced his retirement so we had to look for a replacement spinner," said Lorgat. "We decided on Paul Harris after Claude Henderson let us know he was not available. Also, what we've done is to ask Morne Morkel to be on standby in case Dale Steyn or Andrew Hall are not fully fit, because I do have a preference for playing 100 per cent fully fit players. Jacques Rudolph and Paul Adams, who were released to play for their franchises, will also rejoin
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MAJOLA AND KALLIS MEET ON ANTHEM
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Cricket South Africa's CEO, Gerald Majola and Proteas Vice-Captain, Jacques Kallis, have met to discuss the issue surrounding the singing of the national anthem.Majola said in a statement issued today: "Jacques has explained why he is silent during the singing of the anthem before international matches and his explanation is completely acceptable to Cricket South Africa."Jacques recently lost both his parents, and he was particularly close to his father who was his cricket mentor. They would often sing the anthem together, and his father was very proud of his son playing for South Africa."Jacques told me that he sings the anthem in his heart in a quiet moment in remembrance of his parents and in gratitude for what they did to allow him to be good enough to represent his country."He has great respect for the anthem and cherishes every moment he has represented South Africa around the world."All the Proteas' players understand the importance of the anthem, and they each pay tribute in
Read more: ANTHEM

Over Priced Wanderers
1970-01-01 00:59:59
For the 1st time in years and for the 1st time in his life, my son and I head off to a test match. Not all of it, mind you, just the morning session of the 4th day of the 1st test between South Africa and India in Johannesburg. Remember, please, that South Africa are fighting a lost cause. Five wickets down, needing 300-odd. And this is after making just 84 in thier 1st innings a couple of days ago.After parking my car very very far away from the ground; although I must say that it wasn't as far as it could have been as there weren't many people going to watch the cricket on that day; we walked down to the stadium. No que for tickets and I asked the lady if I could just walk in. Surely there would be no charge for us. After all, South Africa needed all of the support they could get. Also, the Wanderers is massively sponsored by LIberty Life and Highveld et al."Nope." Said the lovely lady behind the ticket desk, "Full price today."I couldn't believe my ears. If we were lucky, we woul


Ernie Els and his 3 year plan
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Ernie Els has laid out a three-year battle plan to challenge Tiger Woods as world number one.Buoyed by his triumph at the South African Open on Sunday, a victory that allowed Els to maintain his record of winning at least once a year since 1991, he said his sights were now firmly set on his American rival."I see 2007 as the start of a three-year plan where I totally re-dedicate myself to the game," the South African told his official Web site. "I want to win more majors and start giving Tiger a run for his money."If you look at where he is at the top of the rankings, it's a big lead so no one is going to get near him any time soon. I've got to give myself a three-year stretch to try to approach him and I really believe I can do it."Woods has 20.41 ranking points and a huge advantage over countryman Jim Furyk (8.88) in second place. Els is fifth on 6.05.Three-times major champion Els said he was in better physical shape than he had been for a long time."I'm fitter than I have been si
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Dusi fills up after heavy rains
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Participants in the Hansa Powerade Dusi 2007 received an early Christmas present this last weekend. As storms lashed Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding areas, the Dusi river filled up dramatically threatening to burst its banks in places."There were a number of paddlers down there this last weekend and they say they had fantastic river conditions - probably a little high" said Cameron Mackenzie, chairman of the organizers."These are the rains that we have been waiting for, this will ensure that the traditional third day of the Dusi will have lots of water spilling between now and the race which starts on January 18" said Mackenzie.Although entries have closed, organizers are still taking late entries subject to a late entry fee until just before the race. Entry forms are available from the official web site www.dusi.org.za"I will stick my neck out now and say that I am confident that we will have a record entry."The Dusi office has been overrun with people who have seen


We will miss you Shane
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Daryl Cullinan says, "Cheers."Thanks for making spin bowling cool again.
Read more: Shane

More 2010 troubles in Cape Town
1970-01-01 00:59:59
A war of words broke out yesterday between Cape Town mayor Hellen Zille and Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool over the proposed Green Point 2010 stadium. An angry Rasool earlier in the day called on Zille to summon an urgent council meeting to rectify what he said was an error threatening the already-fragile construction timetable for the R2.5bn project. He told journalists that instead of itself giving formal consent for the building of the stadium, the council had incorrectly referred the decision to provincial planning MEC Tasneem Essop. Last week chairperson of the 2010 Local Organising Committee Irvin Khoza warned that if construction did not start in January, Cape Town could kiss its World Cup semi-final goodbye.


IT'S ONLY LOGICAL, GERMANY WOULD HAVE WON WORLD CUP WITH ME: KAHN
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Former German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, relegated to the bench during the 2006 World Cup, insisted Friday it was only logical that they would have been world champions if he had been in goal.With Jens Lehmann in goal hosts Germany finished third in the competition after being knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual champions Italy.But 37-year-old Kahn believes that logically he should have been first choice keeper."I'm not criticising what Jens Lehmann did, but with me Germany would have been world champions," Kahn, 37, told weekly magazine Stern."I'm convinced of it because the way my career has evolved points in that direction," said Kahn, who retired from the national side after sealing the bronze medal with a 3-1 win over Portugal."In 1994 with Karlsruhe I reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup - two years later I won this trophy with Bayern Munich," he explained."In 1999, I lost the Champions League final in the harshest circumstances (losing 2-1 to Mancheste


What F1 Drivers want for Christmas
1970-01-01 00:59:59
They all must have included a Formula One drive on their Christmas wish-list at some point. But now they have what thousands of others dream about, what do the Formula One drivers hope to find under their tree this Christmas?Giancarlo Fisichella, Renault:"I do not believe in Santa, but my kids do, so I must stick with the tradition. I would like Santa to give me the best Formula One car in 2007, I'll do the rest!"David Coulthard, Red Bull:"That Michael (Schumacher) doesn't change his mind and return to racing!"Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari:"My wish for my Christmas stocking, or rather, in this case, parked in my garage, would be a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorana."Ralf Schumacher, Toyota:"Of course, I hope the best for Toyota and our team but even more important for me is my family - Cora and my five year old son, David. He is now starting school and I want to spend as much time as I can to be with him and help him to develop into a strong personality."Jenson Button, Honda:"I've got everything I w
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HOGGARD MAKES LIGHT OF STOLEN ENGLAND PLANS
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Matthew Hoggard was able to see the lighter side of it, but England team management has launched an investigation into how team plans fell into the hands of an Australian media outlet.In another blow for the embattled tourists, copies of England's bowling plans for the Australian batsmen were apparently emailed to ABC Radio during the second day of the fourth Ashes Test here Wednesday and were subsequently broadcast during the station's cricket coverage.England team management said it was unclear whether the plans had been removed from their rooms, or had been inadvertently left somewhere and found by a member of the public, although the ABC claimed the latter.England media manager Andrew Walpole confirmed an investigation into the source of the leak was underway, but a cheeky Hoggard was more blunt."We've got seven plans up in the changing rooms and one of them has ended up in the opposition media's hands and someone has leaked the document," Hoggard said after Wednesday's pla


SA Surfers Shine in Oz
1970-01-01 00:59:59
South African surfers shone in the Aloha Hornet contest at Curl Curl in Sydney, Australia.Beyrick de Vries (U14) and Chad du Toit (U16) both won their heats convincingly to get through to the quarter finals on Thursday.Contest organizers remarked on the quality of the surfers from South Africa who competed against surfers from different countries in the highly competitive competition which is the last competition in Australia in 2006."I am chuffed - I only arrived yesterday in Australia and went into the surf a little unprepared, but I got into the groove quite early to take the heat" said du Toit.The Aloha attracts the cream of Australian surfers as well as a number of surfers from countries like Hawaii, Tahiti, Reunion, NZ, Japan, Australia and others from the Pacific Rim."I cracked a second place in the Rip Curl Gromsearch in Gold Coast, Australia earlier this month" said Beyrick de Vries from Umhlanga."I really believe that us South Africans can show the Aussies a thing
Read more: Surfers , Shine

PSL Kicks off, again
1970-01-01 00:59:59
It seems as if those lazy PSL payers have had months off during the festive season, but it has only been 13 days since the last match. Two weeks isn't that long to have a break? While managers are ranting and raving about too many games in too short a time, the PSL takes a break. That makes TOTAL sense. While England are playing games every 2nd day, we take a break. WHY????Anyway, here is the schedule for the weekend, if anyone still cares.FridayAjax Cape Town v Benoni Premier UnitedSaturdayWits v Maritzburg UnitedGolden Arrows v Silver StarsKaizer Chiefs v SuperSport United SundayAmaZulu v Jomo CosmosBloemfontein Celtic v SantosMoroka Swallows v Black Leopards
Read more: Kicks

MOODIE, DE VOEST CONFIRMED FOR SAA OPEN
1970-01-01 00:59:59
South Africans Wesley Moodie and Rik de Voest are among the first acceptors for the R875 000 South African Airways Open to be played at Westridge Park Tennis Stadium in Durban from January 22 to 28. This is the first ATP Tour sanctioned tournament to be staged in South Africa since 1995.Moodie, currently ranked 122, and De Voest (135) will be joined by wild card Izak van der Merwe to ensure there will be at least three South Africans in the main draw of the tournament. "I've never played an ATP Tour tournament in South Africa so it will be fantastic to play at home, particularly as it will be in Durban where I live," said Moodie. "I've always loved playing Davis Cup in front of the South African fans so this will be special"In fact Moodie has scored some of his best wins in South Africa, including a Davis Cup victory over German Tommy Haas in 2005 at a Davis Cup tie in Johannesburg. Among the overseas entrants are Swiss George Bastl, Giles Muller of Luxembourg, Ivo Minar o


Loveday good for Duzi
1970-01-01 00:59:59
The paddling world was shocked in December when one of South Africa's top paddlers, tipped to be on the podium again in the 2007 edition of the Hansa Powerade Dusi, was assaulted in his home in the Valley of a Thousand Hills in KZN. Loveday Zondi was assaulted by a man who threw a rock at him resulting in a dislocated shoulder. Doctors at the time were of the opinion that the injury would put paid to his chances of competing, let alone winning, the Dusi which takes place on January 18, 19 and 20. All doubts were allayed when Zondi put in a record performance at the weekly Umzinyathi time trial at Shongweni dam yesterday. Canoeing pundits who watched the amazing performance were stunned that anyone could break world canoe marathon champion, and multiple winner of the Dusi, Hank McGregors best time. "My sponsors, Kayak Centre, delivered my new boat and wanted to see me test it. I didn't know the way and followed Kevin White on the first lap. It was only on the second lap that I


England awakes to final Ashes humiliation
1970-01-01 00:59:59
England cricket fans awoke on Friday to the news they had dreaded.The Ashes were lost and in the most humiliating way possible -- a 5-0 hammering by Australia in a whitewash not seen between the two countries for more than 80 years.The euphoria that surrounded the England triumph in 2005 began to fade early in the series with a 277-run thrashing in the first test in Brisbane.The first ball bowled by England paceman Steve Harmison, wide, wayward and ugly, remains etched in the memory.But open any England supporter's heart and you may well find the word Adelaide engraved.In hindsight, they could have batted the Australians out of the match there instead of declaring the first innings at 551 for six and gone to the third test at least only one down knowing the Australians would have to win two of the last three matches to regain the Ashes.Instead, the home side fought back brilliantly and then blew the opposition away for just 129 in their second innings. It was a textbook example by Eng
Read more: England , humiliation

CRICKET: ENGLAND KEEN TO USE WARNE AS SPIN DOCTOR
1970-01-01 00:59:59
England coach Duncan Fletcher said Saturday he would like Shane Warne to cross the great cricket divide and work as a spin doctor for Australia's old Ashes enemy.The champion leg-spinner played his 145th and final Test in Australia's 10-wicket victory over England in the fifth Sydney Test Friday to claim an 86-year-old 5-0 Ashes clean sweep.Fletcher, who faces fall-out over England's performance in the series, is keen for Test cricket's leading wicket-taker to impart his skill, knowledge and experience to England spin bowlers."I'd be happy with him to speak to anyone, there's no doubt about it," Fletcher told reporters here Saturday."Someone of that calibre would be very useful for England to use his experience, at any stage during the (northern) summer or at any stage of a player's career."Not only of a young spinner. Imagine the help he could give to a very, very experienced spinner in the side."Although finished with Test cricket, Warne is committed to playing out the rema


CLARK COULD BE BIG WINNER OUT OF ASHES SUCCESS
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Stuart Clark is set to be a major financial winner out of Australia's thumping Ashes series win as Cricket Australia prepares for its biggest contractual shake-up in a decade.Clark took the most wickets in the series with 26 at 17.04, pushing his career tally to 47 wickets in nine Test matches.Press reports Sunday said that as many as seven Cricket Australia (CA) contracts are up for grabs this year following the retirements of Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn.The Sunday Telegraph said former international stars Jason Gillespie, Simon Katich and Michael Kasprowicz are also in danger of slipping off the 25-man contract list.They were axed from the Test and one-day sides in the past year.The seven contracts are worth an estimated 2.3 million Australian dollars (1.8 million US) in total earnings, the newspaper said.Clark's CA contract is set to be improved substantially. He was named man-of-the-match in Australia's 10-wicket win in Friday's final Test, whi


Charity Trust Golf Round, The Day After The day ...
1970-01-01 00:59:59

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WARNE SAYS HE'S HAPPY TO HELP POMS AFTER ASHES DRUBBING
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Shane Warne said Monday he would not be averse to helping England recover from their Ashes drubbing, after coach Duncan Fletcher said he would like to enlist the skills of the legendary spinner.Writing in The Times newspaper, the champion leg-spinner said he had no specific plans on his future career after retiring from Test cricket at the end of Australia's 5-0 whitewash of England last week.He admitted that the lure of the commentary box was "very attractive" but would love to stay in the game, preferably helping the Aussies remain at the top of the world game."Beyond that, I also want to make sure that cricket stays healthy worldwide. So I would not have a problem helping in England, New Zealand, South Africa or anywhere else," he added. "We live on a small planet these days."But Warne, who admitted it was "strange" to refer to himself as "Shane Warne, the former Test cricketer", said he had received no specific request from Fletcher or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).


Charity Trust Golf Round, The Day After
1970-01-01 00:59:59
The day after the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City, the Sport Trust hold a charity event to raise funds and it seems as if it is very successful, so successful that the Trust was given a check for R2 000 000 at the awards dinner after the round. But what is it like to play the Gary Player Country Club, the day after twelve of the best gofers in the world have done the very same thing? In a word, tough. In two words, very very very very tough. In four rounds at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, winner, Jim Furyk shot a total of 276 shots, walked 24km, braved 38 degree centigrade heat and won $1.4 Million for the effort.I am by no means a great golfer; in fact, I can't even claim to be a good or average golfer. I am a true beginner. My handicap has just jumped to 23, which is a huge effort I might add. Walking the Gary Player Country Club with my team-mates on the Monday afternoon has got to be one of the greatest golfing days of my life. But let's start at the start. I won the m
Read more: Charity

See the Toyota F1 Launch, LIVE!!!
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Motor sport enthusiasts around the world will be able to watch the unveiling of a new Toyota Formula 1 car live on their computers this week. This launch of the new TF107 takes place at the Expo XXI site in Cologne, Germany, home of the Panasonic Toyota Racing F1 team, from 12:00 noon to 12:45 on Friday, January 12.The webcast will be carried on Toyota's public website, www.toyota-f1.com.
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