Holder Sebastien Loeb will be one of only 21 contenders in the opening round of the WRC in Ireland later this month.

How will the UK manage to meet renewable energy targets?

Next year's Rally Ireland will see World Rally Championship action in seven Irish counties, event organisers announce.

Key points and reaction to Gordon Brown's keynote speech to the Labour Party conference.

The Lib Dems distance themselves from rapid adoption of the euro, saying economic and political conditions are not right.

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe signs a historic power-sharing deal with the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.

The BBC's Jonathan Marcus chats about leadership, President Bush and smart power at the Aspen Institute's Ideas Festival.

The BBC News website looks at what could be dominating the headlines around the world this week.

News that McDonald's will offer "A-level grade" training courses has been met with jibes about "McDiplomas" and "McQualifications". But for journalist John Hand, learning the ropes in a fast-food restaurant was a grounding for life.

Matt Frei, presenter of BBC World News America, looks at how Hillary Clinton's display of emotion may have turned the campaign in her favour

A former teacher found guilty of the "Lady in the Lake" murder of his wife is appealing against his conviction.

Rapid treatment of mini-strokes slashes the risk of a major stroke by 80%, research shows.

Actress Keira Knightley discusses her role in Ian McEwan adaptation Atonement, already touting Oscar interest.

Pakistan's Red Mosque and Jamia Hafsa madrassa were highly controversial even before recent bloodshed, writes the BBC's Syed Shoaib Hasan.

The Hammersmith Palais, which closes this week, was immortalised by The Clash's (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais, a song Joe Strummer ended his gigs with right up to his death in 2002. But what's the song all about?

A year after President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf started the job of rebuilding war-shattered Liberia, her government has made a good start but still faces huge challenges.

The English language is the most widely taught and understood in the world, yet the origins of many of its words and phrases remain a mystery. Now word sleuths are hoping to employ the public's experience to help explain some common words.

Campaigners form an Amphibian Survival Alliance to carry through a $400m global conservation strategy.

An expert panel commissioned by the BBC gives its initial thoughts on James Lovelock's the Revenge of Gaia.

The BBC is to gather evidence on whether the Earth is in danger from climate warming, as James Lovelock believes.