The 2007 driver line-ups took a little more shape as news emerged of Telefonica taking over as the Renault title sponsor from Mild Seven when the Japanese tobacco company withdraws from F1. That would give Telefonica a definite say in the drivers signed by Renault for ’07 and at the top of the list is Columbian Juan Pablo Montoya – a perfect spokesperson for a company looking to market extensively in South America. With Fernando Alonso moving to Vodaphone sponsored McLaren, Telefonica would still have a Spanish speaking (and way more charismatic) figurehead in JPM.

That leaves Kimi Raikonnen with the option of sharing top billing with Alonso (unlikely) or replacing Schumacher at Ferrari should he retire (more likely, especially if the 248 F1 is not competitive).

We shall see sooner rather than later.