World championship leader Lewis Hamilton suffered a frightening smash yesterday in qualifying for today's European Grand Prix.

Hamilton's McLaren hurtled into a tyre barrier at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany after a front-right suspension failure led to a puncture.

The 22-year-old Briton then careered across a gravel trap before burying the nose of his car into the tyres. The session was immediately red-flagged and brought to a halt with Hamilton soon attended to by stewards, while an ambulance was also quickly at the scene.

After 13 minutes Hamilton was eventually lifted into the back of the ambulance with his neck in a precautionary brace, while he was also on a drip. However, Hamilton was able to indicate he was okay with a 'thumbs-up' sign.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen qualified in pole position, McLaren's Fernando Alonso will start second, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa third.

ECCLESTONE LINKED WITH GUNNERS BID

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has refused to rule out the possibility of a takeover of Arsenal.

The club is also the subject of interest from American Stan Kroenke, who already owns 12.2 per cent of the Gunners. And now Ecclestone may enter the fray, although he admits he has yet to speak to anyone at the club. The 76-year-old said: "If somebody offers me something I think is good value, I will have a go. I'm interested in anything if it's cheap enough.

"(Renault boss) Flavio (Briatore) and I were interested in Chelsea not so long ago, " said Ecclestone. "I do go to Chelsea. Flav and I went to matches. I go when I've nothing else to do. What problem would I be in with Chelsea if I bought Arsenal?"

GAA TO LIMIT NUMBER OF TRAINING SESSIONS

The number of inter-county training sessions could be limited from 2008 if proposals at yesterday's Central Council meeting are passed.

The suggestion came as the GAA aim to limit the negative effect of the inter-county season on club championships.

It was also recommended that inter-county players should be released for club championship games and that from next season onwards there would be no junior and intermediate inter-county championships.

The moves came following a presentation by Player Welfare Manager, Pauric Duffy, on the playing of club fixtures and a better deal for club players. Presentations based on his views on the subject will be made to the CCCC and the provincial councils in the next few weeks and that counties and clubs will be given the opportunity to discuss the points raised.

MIXED FORTUNES FOR IRISH AT CELTIC CUP

The Irish men opened their Celtic cup campaign against holders Scotland yesterday in Wrexham with a 3-1 victory.

Ireland lead 2-0 at the break with goals from Eugene Magee and Irwin, while Steve Butler wrapped it up with the third in the 62nd minute. Ireland face France today at noon and Wales tomorrow at 3.30.

There was disappointment for the women's team as they were beaten 4-1 by the Scots. Ireland's goal was a late consolation by Nikki Symmons. The ladies also play France (today, 10.0) and Wales (tomorrow, 2.0).

CAPTAIN CAREY WINS AGAIN IN BJ TROPHY

Following Friday's disappointing result in the Swedish Nations' Cup, Irish riders bounced back yesterday, with the Army's Captain Shane Carey capturing his second win with Cashla Bay at Falsterbo in the BJ Trophy. Cian O'Connor took eighth place on a clear round with Complete. Meanwhile, a time fault relegated Marie Burke and Chippison to tenth overall, but still within the prize money bracket.

Carey piloted the 14 year-old chestnut gelding Cashla Bay to first place in Thursday's Derby Quali"er at the five-star Swedish show.

PRE-TOUR FAVOURITE CLIMBS TO NINTH

Pre-race favourite Alexandre Vinokourov jumped ten places as he won the first time trial in this year's Tour de France by more than a minute. The Kazakh rider was 74 seconds ahead of Cadel Evans on Stage 13, 54km from Albi to Albi, with Andreas Kloden one minutes 39 seconds behind in third place.

Denmark's Michael Rasmussen retains the yellow jersey, a minute ahead of Evans in second place, with Alberto Contador two minutes 31 seconds back in third.

Vinokourov, injured in a crash last Thursday, is up to ninth from 19th place.

LIMERICK'S DOYLE TWINS SHINE AT ANTWERP

The Doyle twins from Limerick continue to shine at the European junior swimming championships in Antwerp. Fiona broke her own Irish record in the 50m breaststroke yesterday and quali"ed for the semi"nal, while Eimear set a new personal best in the 100m breaststroke and also quali"ed for the semi-"nals. Earlier in the week they made history by becoming the "rst twins to swim against each other in a European semi-"nal.

JUMP SUCCESS FOR QUINN WITH QUAY

John Quinn netted one of the summer's most valuable jumps prizes as Kings Quay finished with a flourish to land the totescoop6 Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen.

News Of The Day made the headlines on her jumping debut with a front-running display for Peter Monteith in the toteexacta Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.

Paddy Brennan was reunited with Prestbury Knight in the DFDS Lys-Line Handicap Hurdle , with the 15-2 chance overhauling Mighty Fine jumping the secondlast and collecting by 11 lengths.

Iron Man made virtually all the running to win the totesport. com Summer Plate Handicap Chase.

Prominent from the outset in the hands of 3lb claimer Paddy Merrigan, the six-year-old stayed on strongly and came home eight lengths clear of the Paul Nicholls-trained Hoo La Baloo, with It Takes Time a further 12 lengths back in third.