The sound of chatter and expectation as the crowds gather at the stadium to watch their beloved team, cheering and jeering as the line-ups are announced, and the referee's whistle engulfed in manic song. This idyllic description of football is about to be drowned out by the sound of a 750 brake horsepower V12 engine, housed in a sleek body shell donned in famous team colours. These cars will take the rivalries normally bound to the hallowed green turf, onto the solid black asphalt of motor racing venues worldwide, welcome to Superleague Formula.

Sebastien Loeb had never been beaten on Rallye Deutschland for the six years that it has been part of the World Rally Championship calendar. He was also riding high after his fantastic win on the Rally of Finland, so his rivals were fearing the worst as the first pure asphalt event of 2008 loomed.

Farbrizio Giovanardi went to Knockhill in Scotland, with a 44-point advantage over SEAT driver Jason Plato. Giovanardi's aim was to finish in the points, as often, and as high as possible, but without taking any risks, and also hope that the support from his team mates – former double British Touring Car Champion Matt Neal, and relative BTCC new boy Tom Onslow-Cole, would be strong and consistent.

A memorable Rally of Finland brought in the second half of the World Rally Championship season. High drama, big accidents and an unexpected victor all graced the 2008 instalment of the iconic gravel event.

V8 Supercar history was made at the Winton Raceway this weekend, as three drivers shared the same number of points for the round, and the winner was decided on the best results from the three races. The Ford teams had dominated proceedings at the Queensland meeting, and Mark Winterbottom was hoping that he would lead the Blue Oval charge once again.