Flash.(Briefs)

Schumacher might return

Seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher might be leaning toward extending his career with Ferrari through 2008. Schumacher's manager Willi Weber told the German DPA press agency, "The decision will be made as planned halfway through this season, and it's not an easy decision. There are very strong personal aspects. Michael's family is playing a major role because he is away so much and has a lot of stress. But I expect him to continue his career. If he does decide to stay for another two years, the deal will take five minutes to finalize.''

No Masters at Monza

As expected, the decision by a local judge to impose noise restrictions at Monza in Italy caused the cancellation of the circuit's June 18 Grand Prix Masters event. The venue could not accommodate the GPM weekend within the 30-day exemption granted a couple of weeks ago (Competition, May 1). GPM will announce soon that Spa in Belgium will fill the gap, most likely on Sept. 17. Spa lost its 2006 F1 race.

IRL won't hit with Dodgers

The Indy Racing League had a brief flirtation with folks in Los Angeles who wanted a temporary street race circling Dodger Stadium, but that is history for now.

Costs were projected at about $3 million, a price deemed too steep by locals. IRL officials continue to express optimism that the series will return to Southern California, either to California Speedway or to a downtown street circuit that is being discussed.