Late Racing News.(Lola Cars International names Rupert Manwaring managing director; automobile racing updates)

Joest will run ALMS

* The Joest Audi team looks almost certain to bid for a fourth straight American Le Mans Series title in 2003, despite the withdrawal of Audi's factory support (AW, Dec. 2). Multiple Le Mans winner Reinhold Joest's team, the German marque's partner since it started in sports car racing in 1999, is on the verge of tying up a deal to return to a series it has won with Allan McNish, Emanuele Pirro and Tom Kristensen. Audi said last week the R8 would, as expected, only be raced by ``customer teams supported by Audi importers'' in what will be its fourth year of competition. Audi officials said the company ``planned to continue'' in the ALMS with Joest, a campaign that would be backed by Audi North America. The boss of the U.S. importer, Len Hunt, said a deal was ``very close.'' He explained he hopes it will be finalized before the end of December. The only hurdle appears to be completing the financial package for a program for which the factory is believed to be providing little beyond the supply of the cars and technical assistance. Extra sponsorship is still needed in addition to the funds provided by Audi North America and Infineon, which has sponsored the factory R8s for the past three years.

How many cars?

* Joest is working on the assumption it will be running two cars in the ALMS, but who will drive is not yet clear. Audi has taken up its options on Kristensen and longtime drivers Pirro, Rinaldo Capello and Frank Biela and will make the drivers available to Joest. Infineon, however, has suggested Joest sign Philipp Peter and Marco ...