MAGNY-COURS, France — Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton did not make a pact to only talk about each other to the media when they were together. McLaren director Ron Dennis said as much in Indianapolis, but here in France Alonso told a news conference: “It is not true.”
Dennis said his statement at Indy had been too broad.
“The detail of what lies behind that conversation related to when one driver read something in a newspaper that was attributed to the other driver,” Dennis explained. “They agreed that before reacting they would discuss it. They never, ever said they would not talk about each other. They have a very positive relationship, (and) they have a healthy respect for each other.”

• Ferrari boss Jean Todt declined to discuss the legal proceedings against team member Nigel Stepney, who is alleged to have attempted to sabotage the cars.
“There is a legal case going on,” Todt said, “and as with every court case, I cannot allow myself to make any comment at the moment.”

• Alonso shot down rumors that he was going to leave McLaren before his contract ended.
“The situation is good,” he said. “Only rumors have been in the press, and I think this is impossible to stop. I have no problems and no intention to leave the team before I finish.”

• Robert Kubica, cleared to race after missing the Indy event because of his massive crash in Montreal, said that he had no fear or hesitation getting back in the cockpit of his BMW Sauber in France.

• Gearbox problems knocked Scott Speed out of the race.
“After the start I had a lot of graining on my front tires because I think our front-wing setting was not the best,” the Californian said. “This made the first 15 laps very difficult, after which it improved until it was not too bad. I had no warning about the failure.”
Toro Rosso raced with its new seamless-shift gearbox for the first time in France. “It is quite a big step,” Speed told NSSN. “It must be two to three tenths a lap.”

• Although Michael Schumacher is at some of the races this year, he refuses to talk to the media. He did attend a charity press conference in France, but Todt refused to let him answer any questions not concerning the charity.

• Several drivers, including Nick Heidfeld, had back problems after the recent Silverstone test because of the bumpy circuit. Heidfeld’s woes sent him to the hospital Friday in France. Sebastian Vettel was standing by, but the doctor said Heidfeld could race.

• Williams co-owner Patrick Head rode his motorcycle from England to Magny-Cours. He and some friends make the trip every year via a scenic route.

• Kimi Raikkonen, Rubens Barrichello, Kubica, Nico Rosberg, Tonio Liuzzi and Anthony Davidson took the FIA’s anti-doping drug test after Friday's practice.

• The French Grand Prix marked the 14th anniversary of Todt joining Ferrari.

• Spyker chief Colin Kolles sent a letter to the FIA and all the teams listing updates to the Super Aguris that he claimed were identical to the Hondas. It’s all part of the continuing dispute over the legality of customer cars.

• The updated Spyker, which will appear in Turkey, is basically a completely new car, according to Kolles.
“It will be the basis for the 2008 car,” he said, “and aerodynamically it will be a complete new update: basically new engine cover, sidepods, front wings, rear wings.”

• Giorgio Pantano won Saturday’s GP2 race that was red flagged for a long time following a nasty accident in which Ernesto Viso slammed upside down on a concrete wall. Viso was not seriously injured. Javier Villa won Sunday’s race.

• Asked to evaluate Alonso’s time at McLaren so far, former boss Flavio Briatore took a good-natured jibe at new boss Dennis. “You need to ask Ron Dennis,” Briatore said. “I am sure Ron knows everything. Ron is the kind of a guy who knows everything about everything. So you ask Ron.”

• Officials fined Christijan Albers $6,770 for tearing out his refueling hose when he left the pits before his crew signaled him to do so. Nobody was injured, and there was no fire.