EXTRA.(Briefs)(Tony Georges view on Formula One returning to Indy in 2009)(Ferrari running its Formula One cars without Marlboro cigarette logos in the Grand Prix)(Bridgeston evaluating ways to allow fans to distinguish between hard and soft compounds in anticipation of the return of slick tires )

DIFFERENT LOOKS

Indianapolis Motor Speedway boss Tony George has not decided if Formula One will return to Indy in 2009, but if it does, the road course it uses won't look the same as the new MotoGP layout ("Indy Riders,'' AW, March 3).

The two series would not race on exactly the same layout, no matter what, since the bikes will travel around the track counterclockwise, in the opposite direction of travel for the F1 cars. But according to Mel Harder, senior vice president of operations for the Speedway, F1 might not use the new turns designed for motorcycles in the infield's southwest corner.

MORE INDY PARTICIPANTS

As the 92nd Indianapolis 500 approaches, ABC has named outspoken former driver Eddie Cheever to its broadcast booth, joining Marty Reid and Scott Goodyear.

Julianne Hough, who partnered with Helio Castroneves to win last fall's Dancing with the Stars contest, will sing the national anthem before the race. And Jim Nabors, who traditionally sings "Back Home Again in Indiana,'' is expected to return after missing last year's 500 because of health issues.

SMOKE OUT