Flash.(Briefs)(Marco Andretti to drive Formula One car at the Jerez Circuit in Spain)(Fox Sports to broadcast the U.S. and Canadian Grands Prix live)(Travis Pastrana to compete in Premier Racing Association's race)

Andretti, Bourdias testing F1

Marco Andretti was scheduled to drive Honda's Formula One car Dec. 15 at the Jerez Circuit in Spain. The test is a reward from Honda for Andretti's strong showing in Indy cars this year. Andretti was the IRL's rookie of the year, winning one race and finishing seventh in the final point standings.

In a surprising development, Red Bull's Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 team announced that Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais will test its car at Jerez. A brief press release issued by the team as AutoWeek goes to press noted the test "has been endorsed by the Newman-Haas team with whom Bourdais wants to defend his Champ Car title in 2007.''

It is unclear whether Bourdais is a candidate to drive for STR next year, but the team conspicuously failed to nominate its incumbent drivers, Scott Speed and Vitantonio Liuzzi, for the FIA's official 2007 entry list, released on Dec. 4.

ALMS signings

Stefan Johansson will race for the Acura-powered Highcroft Racing team in the 2007 American Le Mans Series, alongside David Brabham. Johansson has raced at Le Mans for Mazda, Porsche and Audi but has never contested a full year with a manufacturer team.

Further, IRL driver Dario Franchitti signed to drive alongside Bryan Herta in the AGR Courage-Honda, according to his management team. Franchitti will make as many ALMS starts as possible. His brother, Marino, will drive in the ALMS when Dario is not available (see Competition).