In brief, May 2014

* The future of the Nürburgring has been saved after a new group took over the company that operates both the modern Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife. The Capricon Group, an automotive parts specialist, has paid €100 million (£83 million), of which one quarter will be invested in the facility.

* Former Grand Prix driver Nelson Piquet Jr will race in the Blancpain Sprint Series this year. The one-time Renault driver will dovetail an assault in the US-based Global Rallycross series with selected outings in a BMW Team Brazil Z4.