Ayari splits as teams struggle to score points

Ayari made moves to change to the ailing World Racing Team after Friday's qualifying session, but Coloni prevented him from doing so, citing that he was its contracted driver. The 30-year-old has since signed to race with the Durango team - with which he contested the 1998 F3000 series - in the Sports Racing World Cup, while he assesses his options.

Ayari was to be brought in to the WRT squad in an attempt to kick-start its season, as it has still to trouble the scorers and is in danger of being relegated. The bottom three teams in the championship could be demoted to the Italian F3000 series.

WRT boss Gabriele Rafanelli dropped British driver Marc Hynes after the Magny-Cours race and brought in the more experienced Dino Morelli. However, the Rafanelli/Morelli union has yet to bear fruit as the Ulsterman failed to qualify at the A1-Ring due to a brake problem and was forced to retire in Germany after suffering burns from a fuel leak.

It wasn't too bad at racing speed," said Morelli of his injuries, "but when the safety car came out it was agony." He is hoping to stay with the team for the final two races at Hungary and Spa.

Kid Jenson Racing is another team that has struggled to score this year, but managed to break its season duck at Hockenheim with three points from Andrea Piccini's fourth place.

"It's a good breakthrough," said team manager Simon Barker, "but it is not enough. We needed third." The points could be instrumental in keeping the team in the series for next year.