Flintoff spared ban for speeding

ANDREW 'Freddie' Flintoff has escaped a driving ban for speeding in his Bentley after arguing "exceptional hardship" to magistrates. Flintoff, 36, was already on nine points for speeding and in danger of an automatic ban with another three points after admitting being behind the wheel when flashed by a camera doing 87mph on the M6, near Linstock, Cumbria on January 28 this year, Carlisle Magistrates' Court heard. But JPs accepted a ban would amount to exceptional hardship because of the effect on others who rely on his extensive charity work and the privacy of his three children.

Puncture-proof car tyres 'within five years'

FORGET run-flat tyres – soon we'll be driving on un-puncturable tyres with no air in them at all. Tyre maker Bridgestone has announced plans to have its AirFree concept tyre installed on road-going cars within three to five years. The company made the announcement at a special event at its headquarters in Tokyo.

Audi A1 prices start at £13,145 in UK

Audi’s new A1 supermini has gone on UK sale today, priced from £13,145 for a 1.2 TFSI SE trim model to £18,280 for a range-topping 1.4 TFSI auto. That pitches the A1 slightly above the Mini, whose boggo First three-door kicks off at £12,620. But study the two rival supermini ranges from Audi and  BMW more closely and you’ll see they’re quite evenly matched.