Kimi and Button to inform their future after Abu-Dhabi

Kimi Raikkonen may have just given McLaren the upper hands in negotiations after revealing that the Woking team is his "only" option to remain in F1.

Raikkonen is without a race-seat for next year's Championship having agreed to part ways with Ferrari a year earlier than expected.

And although Toyota have made it clear they want the former World Champ, Raikkonen says he's only interested in racing for McLaren.

"Toyota has not even been discussed," Raikkonen told Finland's MTV3. "If I want to drive (F1) cars, then McLaren in the only option. I should know the situation in the next few days."

The Finn was also asked about his future in Thursday's Abu Dhabi press conference, where he confirmed that leaving F1 for rallying is a possibility.

"Basically I have a few different options and we will see what is the best one overall and then make my decision," he said.

However, Raikkonen could also opt for a year on the sidelines, revealing that too is available to him.

"I can if I want. I can do whatever I want, but like I said before, I haven't made my decision what I want to do yet."

Meanwhile, on another note, Jenson Button is to wait until after this weekend's season-ending Abu Dhabi GP before finally laying to rest the speculation surrounding his future.

Since becoming Formula One World Champion 12 days ago the headlines have been as much about Button's contract saga as about his moment of glory in Brazil.

Button has made it clear he wants to stay at Brawn GP, while team boss Ross Brawn said earlier this week he is "99% certain" the 29-year-old will remain with the team.

Despite that, there have been stories linking Button to McLaren and forming an all-British 'dream team' pairing with Lewis Hamilton.

It is unsurprising given Button and Brawn are reputed to be haggling over his wages, as he is rumoured to be seeking a return to the £8million figure he enjoyed before Honda pulled out of the sport.

After Brawn emerged from the ashes, and in order to remain in F1, Button accepted a £5million pay cut, while he was even forced to pay for the flights and hotel bills for himself and his entourage.

Now, though, he is seeking a World Champion's salary, and if he does not get that from Brawn, there are other teams waiting in the wings.

But after enjoying a relaxing week in Dubai with his girlfriend in lingerie model Jessica Michibata, all talk can remain on hold as he wants to savour his first stress-free race of the season on Sunday.

"I've started discussions with Brawn, but we are not going to talk seriously until after this weekend," insisted Button.

"We can sit down and discuss it then, when we can focus on looking at the future.

"This weekend I am going to enjoy myself, which is going to be a nice feeling for sure.

"It has been a while since I've jumped into an F1 car and not felt stressed, or a little bit under pressure.

"It is the first time I can relax and go and do my thing because leading the World Championship every race was very exciting, but there were pressures involved with that.

"The last time I wasn't thinking of the World title would have been the final race of last year."

For now, Button is simply relishing the fact his name stands alongside some of the sport's greats in Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher.

"It is crazy, isn't it?" reflected Button.

"It is something I've dreamed about for many years, and it is a great feeling.

"But before you achieve it you never know what to expect, you never know how that is going to feel.

"As a kid I would have been 'wow' to have the possibility of having my name alongside all those great drivers.

"But because I have had to work so hard for it - and every driver has to work hard for it in their career - it is a case of 'I've done it,' but I don't get too excited.

"It is a difficult one to explain. It is very, very difficult.

"Having worked for something for so long, then to achieve it, it is difficult to know how it feels to have my name against those big drivers."

Rosy for Renault in 2010 !!!

Things are starting to look up for the Renault team. Fresh from securing Robert Kubica's signature for the 2010 season, the team have now also signed a sponsorship deal with TW Steel.

Renault lost title sponsor ING as well as Mutua Madrilena in the wake of the race-fixing scandal, but it seems the tide is starting to turn.

The Dutch watchmaker has will be the F1 team's official timing partner after signing a three-year deal. The company's logo will be plastered on the nose cone, front wing flags and sidepods of the R29 at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"The partnership brings great value for both the Renault F1 Team and TW Steel and confirms the team's positive outlook for the years ahead," Renault managing director Jean-Francois Caubet said.

TW Steel chief executive Jordy Cobelens believes it is an "exciting time to be involved in Formula One".

"I believe our partnership with the Renault F1 Team provides a tremendous global platform for TW Steel," he said. "Formula One has immense appeal for a young, ambitious brand such as ours and we look forward to activating our relationship with the Renault F1 Team and ultimately engaging the consumer worldwide through a targeted marketing programme.

"This is an exciting time to be involved in Formula One and we look forward to continued success both on and off track through our new partnership."

TW Steel used to be the official timing partner of the A1 Grand Prix series.

Oldest Face meets the Newest in 2010

Nico Hulkenberg's manager, Willi Weber, says the German will line-up
for Williams next season, partnering Rubens Barrichello.

Hulkenberg, who currently tests for Williams, won this year's GP2 title
with a round to spare, adding to his Formula Three Euroseries and A1GP
conquests.

And now the German is preparing to line-up on the F1 grid next season
with Weber revealing he will be partnering Barrichello at Williams.

Added to that, his manager believes Hulkenberg will have the measure of
the experienced Brazilian racer.

"I think he will have his new team-mate Barrichello in his grasp," Weber
told Germany's Bild am Sonntag.

Hulkenberg, who has previously been likened to Michael Schumacher in his
rise through the ranks, a comparison that Weber agrees with.

"Nico is insanely talented. He is also as hard-working as Michael," he said.

More recently, though, he's been compared to departing Ferrari driver,
Kimi Raikkonen, at least in looks.

Weber, though, says there is one marked difference: "Nico looks like
Kimi... but he doesn't not drink like him."

Mc hanging on to Button ?

Brawn may be 99 percent sure of securing Jenson Button's services for next season, however, reports claim the deal hinges on Mercedes buying in, which would give the team the money they need.

Button may have won the World title for Brawn GP in Ross Brawn's first season as a Formula One team owner but limited funds have resulted in the team failing to secure his signature for next year's Championship.

The newly-crowned F1 Champion is reportedly wanting to return to the EU 8million-a-year he was earning before taking a EU 5million pay cut when former team owners Honda pulled out last December.

And although the team are keen to hold onto the Brit, Brawn admits finances are the sticking point in contract negotiations.

"Jenson has a contract with us. But that contract is not the salary of a World Champion, not the salary of a team that is in a much stronger position than it was 10 months ago," he said.

"We're working with Jenson to find a balance between what we can afford and what he feels is fair for his status and the contribution he can make in the future."

Finances, though, are in general a sore point for Brawn GP.

'They have used up all, or nearly all, of theEU120m Honda left them with when they handed over ownership to Ross Brawn in March. That has been spent on running costs, development of this and next year's cars and laying off 200 staff,' claims the Daily Mail.

'Even with Virgin's name plastered over the car all season at a rate of 150,000 per race, it has yielded only EU 2.5m if, as many doubt, the arrangement has been paid up in full.'

However, Virgin are set to walk at the end of the season, swapping their allegiance to newbies, Manor GP, while as yet rumours of a new title sponsor for Brawn GP have not been confirmed by the team.

But there is talk of Mercedes buying in, increasing their role from engine supplier to part owner.

The German carmaker, who currently owns a 40 percent stake in McLaren, are reported to be wanting a '75 percent share in Brawn', which would provide the team with the funds needed to secure Button's signature.

The newspaper added that 'there remains a great deal of negotiation to be carried out. It is also uncertain whether Mercedes, at boardroom level, support the idea of spending extra money on Formula One when the car industry is struggling in the global recession.'

And should Merc opt out of their Brawn plans, they would also walk Button over to McLaren...

It is Jean !!!

As predicted by Many former Ferrari Boss Jean Todt swiped to a great Victory in succeeding Max Mosley as the president of the FIA...... 

Jean Todt has been elected the new president of the FIA following a landslide victory over Ari Vatanen.

In a secret ballot at Paris' Intercontinental Hotel, former Ferrari team principal Todt claimed 135 votes compared to the 49 polled for former World Rally Champion Vatanen, with 12 abstentions/invalid votes.

Todt takes up the position vacated by Max Mosley whose 16-year reign finally comes to an end, and who had publicly backed the Frenchman as his successor.

The votes were counted in private by the FIA legal department, under the supervision of scrutineers proposed by the two presidential candidates and designated by the General Assembly.

The entire voting procedure was also supervised by an external Huissier de Justice, a French state-appointed public witness.

The margin of victory underlined a previously contentious remark made by Mosley in a letter to HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan, one of Vatanen's nominations as vice-president.

In the letter Mosley stated Vatanen "would lose the election and lose badly".

That sparked outrage from the Finn who last week threatened legal action given the apparent lobbying taking place behind the scenes within the FIA on behalf of Todt, only to withdraw it this week.

Although Vatanen argued he was the candidate for change, and that Todt would be nothing more than a Mosley clone, the latter always had the strength of support.

Alongside Mosley, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone voiced his backing for the 53-year-old, who began his motor sport career as a rally driver.

As part of Todt's team, Nick Craw, who is president of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, becomes president of the FIA senate.

The deputy president of automobile mobility and tourism is Brian Gibbons, the chief executive of the New Zealand Automobile Association.

Deputy president for sport is Graham Stoker, the council chairman of the UK's Motor Sports Association.

Who is the new President ??

There is a huge possibility that it is the welknown former Ferrari boss Jean Todt will be the next to replace Max Mosley. However.....

The FIA will elect its new president on Friday, with either Jean Todt or Ari Vatanen poised to take over as Max Mosley's successor.

Mosley bows out after 16 years at the head of world motorsport's governing body in typically controversial fashion, having been forced to defend himself following threats of legal action from Vatanen over his favouritism towards Todt.

The former World Rally Champion voiced concerns over apparent lobbying taking place withing the FIA on behalf of the former Ferrari team principal; however, Vatanen has now withdrawn the court application.

Campaigning has been overshadowed by such controversies, with Mosley and Formula One commercial rights controller Bernie Ecclestone both publicly backing Todt as their preferred successor.

Vatanen, meanwhile, has presented himself as an agent of change amid concerns surrounding governance and transparency at the governing body.

"We want to make the way the FIA works more efficient and more transparent," remarked Vatanen in his manifesto to the electorate.

"Now is the time to bring about much-needed change and for that I need help from all member clubs. I am confident that together we can achieve this.

"The election is not ultimately about who becomes president of the FIA, but about ensuring this great federation is the winner and takes the correct path for its future.

"The FIA is at a crossroads and you have the power to take it on the right road."

Either candidate requires a simple majority of the 221 votes to be cast, spread across motoring clubs in the 132 countries represented by the FIA.

There have recently been suggestions the election will be a close-run affair but Todt's camp are said to be "quietly confident", according to one source.

Todt has criticised Vatanen - who once drove for him when the Frenchman ran Peugeot's rally team - for "a negative tone" to his campaign.

"We would appeal to all FIA member clubs to concentrate on the real issues, and we hope that the personal attacks and false allegations will stop," urged Todt in a recent address to the member clubs.

"We will stick to our constructive and positive stance as we place the interest of the FIA at the core of everything we do.

"We are confident a majority of FIA clubs will recognise that our management skills and great professionalism provide the best option to meet the difficult challenges mobility and motor sport face in the future."

However, Friday is as much about the departure of Mosley himself as the election.

Although highly successful in improving safety within motor sport, notably in Formula One, Mosley has proved a highly divisive figure.

The son of former Fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley also hit the headlines last year over his involvement in a sado-masochistic sex session with five prostitutes.

2010 F1 - Official Calender !

Following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in Paris on Wednesday, the FIA has re-released its provisional calendar for the 2010 season. The slightly revised schedule sees next year’s Monaco Grand Prix move forward one week to May 16 from its original date of May 23.

The sport’s governing body also revealed that it has approved in principle a proposal to swap the dates of the Abu Dhabi and Brazilian Grands Prix, pending an agreement with the promoters of both events.

A final calendar will be adopted at the December meeting of the WMSC.

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar

14 March - Bahrain
28 March - Australia
4 April - Malaysia
18 April - China
9 May - Spain
16 May - Monaco
30 May - Turkey
13 June - Canada**
27 June - Europe (Valencia)
11 July - Great Britain*
25 July - Germany
1 August - Hungary
29 August - Belgium
12 September - Italy
26 September - Singapore
3 October - Japan*
17 October - Korea*
31 October - Abu Dhabi†
14 November - Brazil†

*Subject to the homologation of the circuit.
**Subject to the completion of contract negotiations with Formula One Management.
†The FIA has approved in principle a proposal to swap the dates of the Abu Dhabi and Brazil Grands Prix, pending agreement with the promoters of both events.

It is a worthy win afterall !

Newly-crowned Formula One Champion Jenson Button has revealed he paid for the majority of his flights from race to race this season.
 
The Brawn GP driver secured his first F1 title at the Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend when a fifth-placed finish opened an unassailable advantage over his rivals with just the final round in Abu Dhabi remaining.
It was a remarkable achievement for the rookie team, which rose out of the ashes of Honda's decision to pull out of the sport last December.
Button, 29, took a £5million pay cut to ensure his drive with the fledgling team and, on his return to Britain on Tuesday, admitted he had flown between Grands Prix on budget airlines paid by himself.
"I paid for pretty much all my travel this season," he said.
"I went on a lot of smaller airlines, but it wasn't a big deal. We all give up certain things when times get tough.
"And, to be fair, when you get a chance to drive the car I'm driving you'd give up pretty much anything."
Button enjoyed a rare extravagance following his title success in Sao Paulo after his Brawn team-mate Rubens Barrichello offered to fly the Briton back to his homeland to celebrate on his own private jet.
"I'm not that materialistic but it was nice of Rubens to let me use his plane," Button said.
"It was so I could spend some time with the team."
Button is yet to sign a new deal with Brawn but after meeting his fans at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent on Tuesday, he admitted he would like to defend his crown with Brawn GP.
"The most important thing in my career is to be in a great car that's competitive. This year is the first time I've really been in that position," he added.
"I'm not looking to join a new team who can pay me a bigger amount of money. I want to go out and win races again.
"I want to stay with Brawn, we just haven't discussed it during the season. Now we can sit down and discuss it."

Can't Pay Kimi !

Toyota Team President John Howett admits that Kimi Raikkonen is unlikely to join the team because the driver is asking for too much money.

Having admitted to approaching the Finn with what they believed to be a "serious offer in the current market", Howett seems resigned to missing out on the former World Champion's service unless he drops his wage demands significantly.

"He gave us back a figure that is much too high," the Briton told Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell.

"He says he has two options, so we are going to wait," he added.

It is believed that Raikkonen is also in talks with McLaren, the team he spent five years with before joining Ferrari, and that the 30-year-old is requesting 25 million Euros to secure his services.

Schumi Again !!

Michael Schumacher has refused to rule out the possibility of making a return to F1, revealing that his neck injury is on the mend.

Earlier this season, Ferrari fans let out a cheer as the Scuderia announced that Schumacher would replace the injured Felipe Massa in the European GP.

However, that joy soon turned to disappointment when it was revealed that the neck injury he had sustained in a motorbike accident earlier in the year meant it was not possible for him to race.

But with that injury finally healing, Schumacher says he could yet make a brief comeback.

"From now to the end of the year, my neck injury will be healed to the point where I could drive again," the seven-time World Champion said in an interview with Der Speigel magazine.

"I have nothing to prove to anyone, not even myself. I still slightly regret having retired three years ago but there's no reason whatsoever for me to definitively announce that I will not come back.

"The life I lead makes me happy but who knows that will happen a few months or a year down the line?"

Kimi for Toyota ??

Given Toyota's past records and inconsistancy, I doubt whether Kimi would take the offer. However..............


Toyota are continuing in their pursuit of Kimi Raikkonen with team president John Howett revealing that they have offered the Finn a contract for next season.
 

Raikkonen is without a 2010 race-seat after agreeing to part ways with Ferrari a year earlier than expect, earning the 2007 World Champion a hefty pay-off.

Subsequent rumours have linked him to a possible move to McLaren while Toyota have also expressed an interest. In fact, Howett says they've even put an offer on the table.

"We don't play too many games. We put on the table what we can afford and what we think is a serious offer in the current market," he told Reuters.

"I think genuinely we could work well with him, give him a car that's quick.

"We have had very good relationships with Scandinavian drivers in the rallying times that enjoy life and it works very well, so we could cope with it as a team."

As for existing drivers, Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock, neither driver is assured of a deal for next season. Howett did, however, admit that the team has made Trulli an offer, although they not sure if he will accept.

"With both drivers we are still maintaining a degree of discussion," said Howett.

"We have put an offer on the table with Jarno, I think that he himself is not dissatisfied with the financial offer, the bottom line to some extent is certain issues on the contract and I don't think they are negotiable from our side.

"He may well be in the car next year but it's not at all clear."

Another option available to the team is Kamui Kobayashi, who made his debut in Brazil, replacing the injured Glock.

"I thought he defended well, he retook Jenson," said Howett. "He's fearless and did a good job to get past Fisichella.

"He was a bit off the pace overall but it was very impressive. You have to say we have to give him serious consideration but still pace-wise he was a bit slow so we have to see."

Senna's Death - Good for F1 ??

Just when you thought Bernie Ecclestone couldn't sink any lower, he comes up with a little gem stating that publicity from Ayrton Senna's death in 1994 was "good" for F1.

Bernie is known for these kind of statements and most importantly, the media knows how to exaggerate the comments made by him to make it look ridiculous..  However, as much as we would have loved to see Senna retire than die at a GP, the statement is true...

Senna tragically died at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, just a day after the sport lost Roland Ratzenberger, both through accidents.

The two deaths, especially triple World Champion Senna's, sparked an out pouring grief amongst Formula One fans.

However, Ecclestone, who has previously praised Adolf Hitler's management style, says it was good for the sport.

"It was unfortunate. But the generated publicity was so much... It was good for Formula 1," he told Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo.

"It is a pity that we had to lose to Ayrton, but it happened. People who did not know anything about the sport knew more about Formula One because of the interest his death generated."

Championship is on Loan to Button !

Lewis Hamilton has not so jokingly warned Jenson Button that the Drivers' World Championship title is just going to him on loan.

Last season in Brazil, it was Hamilton's turn to celebrate a much-deserved World title as the Brit beat Felipe Massa to the crown by one point.

And although many expected him to defend his title this season, it wasn't to be as McLaren struggled throughout the first half of the Championship, condemning Hamilton to see spent wishing.

It wasn't all bad news for Britain, though, has Button and his Brawn GP team came to the fore, winning six of the opening seven races to give the Brit a lead that would prove to be unassailable.

Button's advantage over team-mate Rubens Barrichello ensured that his fifth-placed finish in Sunday's Brazilian GP was enough to give Britain it's second successive World title.

However, Hamilton has warned him that the title is just on loan because next year, it's coming home to McLaren.

"It's great for British sport at the moment," said the now former World Champion

"I would like to congratulate Jenson, but I'd like to say that he only has the title on loan."

Button Stronger !!

Ross Brawn believes Jenson Button will emerge a far stronger man for his Formula One World title triumph.

Button has admitted fighting for the Championship these past few months has been stressful, in particular as there were many who questioned whether he had the bottle to seize his moment of glory.

After winning six of the first seven races of the season, Button was in a class all of his own, only for those victories to dry up and the pressure begin to tell on the Brawn GP star.

The release came on Sunday with a thrilling fifth-place finish in a dramatic Brazilian Grand Prix, the four points enough to guarantee the 29-year-old a place amongst motor sport's greats.

In going through such angst, team principal Brawn, in particular, has witnessed Button grow as a driver and as a human being which can only bode well for his future.

"There is this persona people see," remarked Brawn.

"On Saturday (after qualifying 14th) he was destroyed. He knew that together with the team he had done a bad job, and it was a golden opportunity.

"But he went back and thought, how am I going to turn this around? How am I going to put myself in a position to win the world title?

"He came in Sunday really determined and I was impressed.

"Here's a guy who has never fought for a World Championship before, he had a big lead and everyone was chipping away at it.

"In the end he has dealt with it. He has come through and he is World Champion and I think in that circumstance he is going to be so much stronger."

Brawn admits he recognised Button had talent in 2004 when he was the best of the rest behind the Ferrari duo of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello at a time when he was the team's technical director, albeit it was a "superficial opinion".

However, it was not until working with him these past two years he witnessed first hand just how talented a driver he is.

"He gave us a hard time at Ferrari," added Brawn.

"We had a sensational season, but he was always there nipping at our ankles. He impressed us then. He made a big impression.

"But until you work with people it is difficult, although last year it was very difficult for me to work with Jenson because of the poor equipment we had.

"Lots of guys in the team who I respect, though, said 'Stick with it because he is exceptional'.

"I think going through this experience of the terrific first half and very tough second half of the season is going to be quite a development in Jenson's character."

Congrads Button and Brawn !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Schumacher has congratulated Jenson Button and the Brawn team, saying they have his "full respect" after winning the double against the odds.

Jenson Button walked away with his maiden Drivers' Championship at Interlagos on Sunday while Brawn wrapped up the Constructors' title.

What makes the story even more remarkable is the fact that not so long ago they faced an uncertain future after Honda's withdrawal.

Seven-times World Champion Schumacher is impressed by what they have achieved.

"The fight for the world championship titles is over already one race prior to the finale," he wrote on his official website michael-schumacher.de.

"As a fan of F1 I would have wished for a decision at the last race obviously, but on the other side I know from my own experience that being involved you have a different view on that.

"Congratulations to Jenson and Ross and the whole team - what they managed to achieve this year has my full respect.

"I grant them the titles because if you only look at what they have been through you realise what an incredible story this is: just one year ago they did think everything is over. I am extremely happy for Ross who I know since such a long time now, he deserves this success."

Schumacher also has some words of comfort for compatriot Sebastian Vettel who up until the Brazilian Grand Prix stood a chance of becoming the World Champion.

"What a pity obviously for Sebastian, but he still has a lot of time," he added. "He had a fantastic season and showed that he has everything to become world champion. He must not forget that with all the disappointment now.

"Of course he will see that differently at the moment and will need some days to digest this weekend. But I am sure we will see and hear a lot of good stuff from him in the future."

Massa - We are freinds !

Felipe Massa is confident there won't be any problems between himself and Fernando Alonso when the duo team up at Ferrari next season.

Earlier this week, Massa accused the Spaniard of being in on Renault's race-fixing plans at the 2008 Singapore GP, insisting that "of course" Alonso knew.

It only took a few hours, though, before a mild retraction was published on Ferrari's website, where the Brazilian changed his "of course" to it was a "hunch I've had."

And while most will concede that this is not the best note on which to start a new partnership, Massa believes there'll be no issues between himself and Alonso after spending time chatting in the Interlagos paddock on Friday.

"We've just shaken hands. I asked 'how is it going here,' he said 'very difficult,' so no more than that," said the Brazilian, who is out of action as he continues his recovery from his horrific Hungarian qualifying shunt.

"We haven't really spoken about next year, but for sure we're going to have enough time to speak about next year and I hope that we can have a great team and we can have very good results for Ferrari."

Massa - Alsonso Cheated !!

I guess it is more of how the media twisted the story than what Massa said... 


Felipe Massa has made a sharp u-turn in the continuing fallout to the Crashgate scandal after accusing his 2010 team-mate Fernando Alonso of being in the know as Renault plotted to fix last year's Singapore GP.

Alonso, who recently signed a three-year deal with Ferrari that will see him partner Massa next season, benefited from Renault's shenanigans in Singapore when his then team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed, helping Alonso to the race win.

The scandal, which only came to light 12 months later, shocked many in the F1 community. A furious Massa subsequently claimed that the fix "robbed" him of the 2008 title.

While Renault were handed a two-year suspended ban and those involved banned from the sport, Alonso escaped sanctions after the FIA's World Motor Sport Council ruled that the Spaniard had been kept out of the loop.

But Massa is claimed to have disputed the court's verdict.

"It was the team and Nelson - but Alonso was part of the problem. He knew. We can not know it but of course he knew. It's an absolute certainty," he was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

With the remarks bound to sour relationship between the future Ferrari team-mates, the team have sought to lessen the damage by issuing a a statement of clarification from Massa. Tellingly, however, Massa has refused to categorically withdraw his accusation.

"What I've said is the outcome of a hunch I've had and is not based on any concrete evidence," the Brazilian told the team's official website.

"The FIA World Council announced there was no indication that Fernando may have been informed of what had happened and I respect this outcome.

"What is certain is that this episode will not mar in any way the relationship I'll have with Fernando when we will be team-mates."

That hope, though, may prove somewhat optimistic.

Renault going Black and Yellow

It could be out with the new and in with the old at Renault as the team will reportedly change their livery for this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Renault have been using a yellow, orange and white livery since 2007, but ING's decision to withdraw their sponsorship following the Singapore match-fixing scandal means the team are no longer required to use those colours.

The team used the livery sans the ING logos on their cars in Singapore and Japan, but it will apparently be all change at Interlagos.

Reports suggest that the team could revert to their traditional yellow and black livery at Interlagos. The French-based outfit started using the black and yellow colours during their inaugural season in F1 in 1977.

Schumi Speaks up - AGAIN !!

Michael Schumacher has issued a ringing endorsement of Jean Todt's credentials for the FIA presidential election.

The seven-time Formula One World Champion has taken the unusual step of writing an open letter to the presidents of all the FIA member clubs, extolling the virtues of the former Ferrari team boss.

With the election just nine days away and Todt firm favourite to succeed Max Mosley ahead of Ari Vatanen, Schumacher is hoping his words will sway any uncertain voters.

"I am deeply convinced Jean Todt is the right person to be the next president of the FIA," said Schumacher.

"Having worked with him for 15 years, I believe I am entitled to say this with such strong certainty.

"His characteristics - such as leadership, loyalty, commitment and knowledge - are beyond question, but in my view his outstanding skill is the encouragement of teamwork.

"In my active racing days, I have experienced his willingness to share and delegate to a great and successful extent."

Schumacher feels Todt will encourage change within the FIA, despite many believing the Frenchman's potential regime will be an extension of Mosley's time in office.

"I can only tell these people that they do not know Jean," added Schumacher.

"He has his own expert knowledge, agenda and leadership style. From my experience, he will implement his plans for the FIA in his own way - as a team player.

"Since I stopped driving in Formula One, I have followed the sport very closely and have read a lot of stories which have done our sport much harm.

"Having worked for the FIA and FIA Foundation on many projects for more than a decade, I may also claim that I am very familiar with the FIA.

"This is why I feel it is time for some changes, but these changes must be managed carefully by someone as skilful as Jean who has formed the right team of people to, on the one hand, appreciate the great achievements of the FIA, and on the other hand, really make change happen."

Schumi has other ideas !

Michael Schumacher has implored his countryman, Sebastian Vettel, to give it his in all the remaining races this season, with a world title not out of reach.

Jenson Button leads the driver's standings with 85 points, 14 points ahead of his Brawn GP teammate Rubens Barrichello on and 16 points ahead of Vettel's Red Bull.

With only two races remaining Vettel can still come out on top, with Schumacer optimistic the German is up to the task.

"He (Vettel) still has the chance to win the title. This alone is already a big success. I am sure he will make everything possible to show a good performance in the next two races," Schumacher commented on his website.

Two year's ago Kimi Raikkonen piloted his Ferrari to World Championship glory having overcome a 17-point deficit in the final two races of the season.

"It is not over until it is over; you have to fight until the end. At Ferrari, we live that experience very successfully since many years, and I am convinced it will be like this again this time. Sebastian as well will probably share this view," said Schumacher.

"This F1 season turned out to be extremely attractive again, and as probably all motorsport fans I am looking forward to seeing what will be happening in the last two races," the seven-time World Champion added.

Rubens Williams !!

Rubens Barrichello will leave Brawn GP at the end of the season after agreeing a deal with Williams according to a report in the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper.

The paper stated that the Brazilian "has already signed a contract with Williams for the 2010 season with a mutual option to extend for another year."

Barrichello, who currently earns a reputed annual salary of two million dollars with Brawn will be paid "some four times more" by Williams.

The newspaper went on to say that German Nico Hulkenberg, Williams' current test driver, would pilot the second car in Frank Williams' fleet.

Lucky Little Kamui Kobayashi

Toyota have announced that driver Timo Glock will not participate in this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix due to injuries he suffered during qualifying at the Japanese race earlier this month. Third driver Kamui Kobayashi will fill in for Glock at the Interlagos event.

Glock was initially diagnosed with only a minor cut to his leg following his accident in Suzuka, but subsequent medical checks in Germany have revealed a cracked vertebra. Doctors have therefore ruled him out of competing in Brazil.

Toyota team president John Howett said: "Obviously everyone in the team is very disappointed and feels for Timo; we wish him a very speedy recovery. Based on the initial diagnosis, we fully expected Timo to return in Brazil but unfortunately a different injury has been revealed which prevents that.

“He will remain in Germany to recover and we hope he can recuperate in time for Abu Dhabi, although at this stage the situation is not clear."

Kobayashi is the reigning GP2 Asia champion and recently completed his second GP2 Series campaign. He has been Toyota's third driver since the beginning of 2008. The 23 year-old replaced Glock at Suzuka when a heavy cold prevented the German from running in Friday practice.

“Kamui was the natural choice to step in and he proved in Suzuka that he is capable of holding his own,” added Howett. “It is a difficult task for him but he knows the team will give him its complete support and we know he is motivated to make the most of this unexpected opportunity."

Toyota also announced that a decision on whether Glock will be able to participate in November’s season finale in Abu Dhabi will be made in due course.

McLearen on Kimi !!

I really would like to see Kimi at McLearen and specially him kicking the swollen butt of Lewis Hamilton !


McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh has remained coy about rumours that Kimi Raikkonen is set to return next season, saying the Finn would be a good fit at the team if they "choose to go down that route."

Last week, Ferrari announced that Fernando Alonso would be taking Kimi Raikkonen's race-seat, leaving the former World Champion without a 2010 driver.

Rumours immediately emerged, suggesting that he could make a return to McLaren, the team he raced for prior to his Ferrari contract while Raikkonen's own comments that he'll only sign for a Championship-winning team added fuel to the rumours.

McLaren, though, are keeping their cards close with Whitmarsh once again stating that no decision has been made and that Heikki Kovalainen could yet keep his race-seat for 2010.

"The answer is simple. We have not determined a driver line-up yet and we haven't set a timetable for doing so," he told the official F1 website. "We now have clarity about Ferrari's drivers and we know now that other drivers are available.

"We try and give Heikki every opportunity to do a good job, Heikki is a very committed driver and a lovely chap, and we would like him to get some good results over the rest of the season. We are focusing on that and are not announcing a driver line-up for the moment.

"We have not made a decision on timing. We will continue to review the situation and, once we know, we will announce it."

The odds are hedging in Raikkonen's favour, though, as Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug has said he would welcome the Finn back at McLaren. Haug added that he's confident McLaren could handle having two star drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Raikkonen, on the payroll.

This is a sentiment backed up by Whitmarsh, who reckons Raikkonen would be a good fit at McLaren, especially given his future desire to beat Ferrari.

"Kimi is a fantastic driver, and I like him and know him well. He was with the team for five years," Whitmarsh said.

"He is quick, he is committed and I think he probably would be very committed to beating Ferrari in the future - knowing him.

"All these are attractive things with Kimi. He is not political. He is absolutely straightforward - what you see is what you get with Kimi. And on top of that everyone knows that he is a winning driver.

"I think he has been underestimated technically. He is a very good racing driver and I think he would fit well in this team, if we choose to go down that route."

Added to that, Whitmarsh admits that team harmony is a criteria when choosing Hamilton's 2010 team-mate as McLaren look to avoid the controversy that befell them in 2007 when Hamilton teamed up with Alonso.

And that's a factor that plays into current driver Heikki Kovalainen's hands.

"I think we are very fortunate at the moment as there is tremendous harmony in the team. Both our current drivers aren't political. They are very open to one another and they genuinely like each other.

"Team-mates don't necessarily like each other - that is not a prerequisite. They have to be honest and open and not political, that is part of the ingredients needed this year.

"We started in a very poor state with a slow car and then we had other controversies at the beginning of the year. I have to say I am personally proud of how the team pulled together during the year.

"I credit that to the genuine harmony among people who enjoy working together. And for the future, whatever driver line-up we have, you want to have that."

An Interesting Article I found ont he net !!

The discussion of driver moves before the grand prix year has reached its halfway stage is known as the "silly season". In years gone by, barely have four races been run before there is talk of a driver's new destination for the following season.

This year has been unique. It's the year of the anti-silly season. Instead of drivers' moves being made, deals being done and everyone struggling to keep the rumours under control till October, the reverse has happened.

Fernando's move to Ferrari - who already had two announced and contracted drivers for 2010 - was on and off and on again dependent on the Scuderia tying up a deal with Kimi Raikkonen to leave. Until that deal was done, nobody knew who was getting arguably the third best driver (Kimi) on the grid.

With Ferrari having reached down the back of all the sofas in Maranello to find enough loose change to keep the Finn in beer, mullets and tattoos, they have been able to welcome Fernando to the fold - much to the relief of 2010 sponsor Banco Santander.

Now, the questions is, what's going to happen next? Let's go through the runners and riders.
Robert Kubica Is confirmed as Renault's lead driver, but the team will have to step up a gear next year now they've lost Alonso. Their position in the Constructors' table is slightly artificial because Fernando has hauled them up there by the bootstraps. It's going to be a very tough call given that both Pat Symmonds and Flavio Briatore have gone. Both were part of the fabric of the team and they'll have to hope for some more engine equalisation

Romain Grosjean Still has a lot to prove at Renault but being French has its advantages. Along with Kubica, they can become The Wild Ones.

Jenson Button Will most likely stay at Brawn, even though negotiations aren't going as well as he'd like. The second he becomes World Champion he has a lot more negotiating power, because Ross would dearly love to have a No.1 on one of his cars.

Nico Rosberg In the eyes of many Nico has been pencilled in alongside Jenson Button at Brawn. Certainly if Mercedes are going to take a major stakeholding in the team then he is the likely arrival.

Nick Heidfeld I've got nothing against Heikki Kovalainen, who comes across as one of the most likeable characters on the grid (unlike Rubens who comes across as laughing, jovial Mr.Jocular when he's winning and Mr Snotbag when he's not happy). Sometimes you think Heikki is just too damned nice for F1. But... It would be good to see Nick Heidfeld in the second McLaren. Heidfeld has matched Kubica and beaten him on occasion at BMW and Heidfeld has been a contracted Mclaren driver in the past. And he's German.
If not McLaren, then Toyota. If Rosberg goes to McLaren then maybe Brawn.

Rubens Barrichello The fact that Rubens Barrichello's name hasn't been connected with the Brawn team for 2010 would seem to indicate that
a) They believe Jenson will clinch the title and...
b) Mercedes future involvement is determining the selection of the second driver.
Rubens is believed to be in serious discussions with Williams for a 2010 drive. The Grove team look keen to promote Nico Hulkenberg to a race seat and Barrichello's brilliance at setting up a race car will be the perfect match.

Timo Glock Something that Timo Glock does very well - that's rarely needed in the refuelling era of F1 - is nurse his car along on big fuel loads. That ability will come to the fore next year. Right now, though, he hasn't had the most impressive of years and if he can secure himself a seat at Renault, or better, he'll have got a result.
If Trulli is truly leaving Toyota, then Timo has an outside chance to stay on.

Jarno Trulli Following John Howett's comments this week, there doesn't look any possibility of Trulli continuing at Toyota. What the team needs and wants is someone of the calibre of Massa/Alonso/Hamilton/Raikkonen/Kubica/Vettel, someone who can get a result despite the car. Which means Trulli will be off somewhere - and someone like USF1 could really do with his experience.

Kazuki NakajimaHaving dropped Toyota engines, Kazuki Nakajima will be leaving Williams. Right now the Toyota team need results, so it's not really the time for taking back their prodigy. If the Toyota engine supply goes to a smaller team, then who knows.

Giancarlo Fisichella Hindsight's a wonderful thing and Giancarlo must be wondering now if his fervor to get into a red car has been at the expense of a 2010 drive. His exact contractual arrangements haven't been made public, but Tonio Liuzzi looks to be doing a fair old job in his place.

Nelson Piquet After Manor Motorsport boss John Booth described Nelson Piquet as a 'good little driver', he quickly backed away with an assertion that his comments didn't mean they were thinking of running him in 2010. Certainly if Virgin are going to be taking a major investment in Manor - their mantra seems to be image over substance. Romain Grosjean's results compared to Alonso's are proving that Piquet probably wasn't as bad as people thought he was, but no sponsor wants their brand to be associated with him. And that's Piquet's massive miscalculation.

Mark Webber There's been an odd rumour floating around that Kimi Raikkonen could move to Red Bull to replace the Flavio Briatore-managed Webbo. From a marketing point of view I can't see a soft drinks firm hiring F1's most famous alcohol drinker.

Heikki Kovalainen
The longer that Mclaren take to announce their 2010 line-up, the greater chance that Kovalainen has in staying where he is. If Martin Whitmarsh wants to use his second driver as a 'data gatherer' for Lewis then he has the perfect arrangement at the moment.

Flavio Still Can Return !

Bernie Ecclestone says Formula One will not see Flavio Briatore again unless he finds a way to prove his innocence.

Last month, Briatore was banned from F1 and all FIA activities for his role in Renault's race-fixing scandal. The Italian, though, has always protested his innocence, even saying that one day the truth will come out.

But until it does, Ecclestone says he will not be permitted to enter the F1 paddock.

"Who knows?" he told the official F1 website when asked if the sport will ever again see Briatore.

"For the moment not, because it is part of the verdict that he is not allowed to attend races. If you see it differently that's your own private opinion. The verdict at the moment is like that.

"At the moment it would not make any sense for Flavio to attend races. Everybody would just think: there's the guy who didn't follow the rules. Why should he want to run the gauntlet?"

Ecclestone revealed he also "would say no" if Briatore asked for a pass, adding "until he's proved that he is innocent."

Asked whether that will ever happen, Ecclestone said: "If he has clear proof that he is, sure."

Massa Drives an A1 car !

Felipe Massa’s recovery from the fractured skull he sustained at July’s Hungarian Grand Prix picked up pace on Tuesday, with the Brazilian completing six hours behind the wheel of Ferrari’s simulator in Modena. Massa has journeyed to visit the Italian team this week as he continues preparations to return to his Formula One cockpit.

“We worked very well, without any problems,” Massa told Ferrari’s official website. “The simulator uses an A1GP single-seater, so it’s not exactly like Formula One, but pretty close. I ‘drove’ on the track in Barcelona to avoid creating an even bigger test atmosphere.

“The work was more than anything else a way to get back in contact with a car. Obviously I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a real single-seater. I miss Formula One a lot. It’s my passion more than my job.”

With the FIA granting Ferrari permission to run Massa in an older car on GP2 tyres, the 28 year-old may not have to wait much longer. Although Ferrari have said there will be no test this week, the team and Massa are hopeful it will be sooner rather than later. He will continue to run in the simulator on Wednesday.

Kubica to fit in to Alonso's Boots !!

Renault have confirmed that Robert Kubica will be taking over from Fernando Alonso, with the Pole promising race wins and World titles.

Last week, Ferrari announced that after years of rumours Alonso would finally be joining them, leaving Renault a driver short for next season.

The rumourmill quickly linked Kubica to Alonso's vacated race-seat, a move that was finally confirmed on Wednesday by interim team boss Bob Bell.

"Ever since Robert made his grand prix debut in 2006, he has been on our radar as one of the most naturally talented drivers of his generation, and he has delivered on that promise so it's great to have secured him in one of our cars next season," said Bell.

"Renault has high ambitions and hopes for the future of the team and we feel that Robert can play a big role in fulfilling them."

The 24-year-old Pole, who has spent the last three and a half years at BMW, had been on the lookout for a new team after the German manufacturer announced they were pulling out of Formula One.

And although Renault have struggled since Alonso claimed back-to-back World titles in 2005 and 2006, Kubica believes they can return to winning ways.

"I'm very happy I will be joining Renault in the 2010 season," he said.

"I feel I have a special connection with this team because in 2005 I won the World Series by Renault.

"This gave me the chance to test with the team in Barcelona, which led to my debut in Formula One.

"I share with Renault a strong winning mentality and feel comfortable with their friendly and open attitude.

"I'm highly motivated and optimistic that together we can be at the front of the grid next year, and hopefully fighting for the World title."

Kubica's team-mate for next year's Championship has yet to be named although rumours suggest Romain Grosjean, who replaced Nelson Piquet Jr mid-season, could hold onto the second race-seat.

Massa to drive in Abu Dhabi !

Felipe Massa is refusing to rule out the possibility of making a comeback at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Massa has been out of action for the past two months after suffering career-threatening injuries in July's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 28-year-old had to undergo emergency surgery after suffering skull fractures and a brain concussion when he was hit on the helmet by a piece of flying debris during qualifying.

On the road to recovery, Massa took part in a brief karting test at the end of last month, while earlier this week he headed to Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello.

Over the course of the next few days he is expected to work with the Scuderia's simulator before putting in his first laps in a F1 car since the accident as he tests Ferrari's F2007.

Such is his recovery that Massa is refusing to rule out competing in the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, although he concedes it's still too early to consider racing in his home grand prix in Brazil.

"It would be too close to the limit," Massa told the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper when asked if he'll be in Brazil.

"We'll see for Abu Dhabi, we'll need the FIA's authorisation. It depends on this test.

"I perfectly remember how to drive. My worry isn't to immediately get a good lap time, but just to run again. In any case you need a good car and a good set-up."

Speaking about his accident and the severity of his injuries, Massa admits he was lucky to walk away.

"The damage could have been very serious and, considering the way I feel now, I have no doubt: I was very lucky," he said.

"I've often seen again the crash on TV and also myself with the injured eye immediately after. It's shocking, but I was asleep and couldn't feel anything."

The Brazilian, who will remain at Ferrari next season after president Luca di Montezemolo opted to sack his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen to make space for Fernando Alonso, also welcomed the Scuderia's decision to sign the Spaniard.

"He's a really good driver. We'll be a good pairing and I hope to finish in front of him!"

Frank says OK !!

Sir Frank Williams has come out in support of the FIA's decision to allow Felipe Massa to test drive a Ferrari later this month.

Massa is on the road back to Formula One after suffering a career-threatening head injury in July's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Just two months after the accident, the 28-year-old is already building up his fitness and headed to Maranello earlier this week in preparation for simulator work.

The next step is a test drive in Ferrari's Championship-winning F2007, which is scheduled for later this month.

Massa's test has been welcomed by Williams, who came in for a bit of stick earlier this year when he said no to Michael Schumacher testing Ferrari's F60 in preparation for his aborted comeback.

"I would like to wish Felipe well with his return to a Formula 1 car next week," Williams said in a statement.

"It is a tribute to the safety standards of Formula 1 today, and of course to Felipe's characteristic determination and drive, that he is making his return so soon.

"I hope that the test proves a successful step in his rehabilitation."

Massa is back !

After a two-month absence, Felipe Massa returned "home" to Maranello on Monday as the Brazilian took yet another step towards his Formula One comeback.

Massa has been out of action since suffering head injuries in qualifying for July's Hungarian Grand Prix, which resulted in the Ferrari driver being placed in a medically induced coma.

The Brazilian underwent surgery on the injured the area around his left eye and later had a metal plate inserted in his head. But despite the career-threatening injury, Massa is already working hard to ensure he will make a successful return to F1 racing.

The 28-year-old, who recently took part in a brief karting run, arrived at Ferrari's HQ in Maranello on Monday to meet with team boss Stefano Domenicali.

"I'm finally back home," he told Ferrari's official website. "This is my second family and I couldn't wait to see them again, all the people I've been working with for many years and who have been close to me these days.

"Now I can really say that I start working again. There's lots to do, but I'm happy. I like the way in Maranello."

Over the next few days, Massa will work with the simulator, have technical meetings with the engineers and concentrate on his general fitness.

"It's good to have Felipe back with us, and I'm happy that I can embrace him again. We called Chairman Luca di Montezemolo together and he was happy to say hello to Felipe, wishing him well for his work, while they took an appointment for the next days," said Domenicali.

"We'll have some technical meetings and mainly physical exercise. Felipe has to get back on top: he has a demanding period ahead of him with constant activities, but he knows that we're not in a hurry."

On Sunday, Ferrari announced that the FIA had granted permission for Massa to take the F2007, although the date for the Brazilian's run has yet to be set.

Ferrari, though, have confirmed that "it will anyway not be this week."

So - what's with KIMI ??

Kimi Raikkonen has reiterated that he'll either race for a Championship-winning team next season or walk away from Formula One.

Ferrari's decision to sign Fernando Alonso as Felipe Massa's team-mate have left Raikkonen without a drive for next season. But the Finn is already being linked to several outfits with McLaren reportedly on the verge of securing his services.

Toyota have also expressed a desire to sign the former World Champion but look set to fail in their bid as Raikkonen has made it clear that he'll only race for a team capable of winning World titles.

"There are many different choices that you want," Raikkonen told Autosport.

"But first of all, you want a contract you are happy with, and a car that you have a chance to win the Championship with. There is no point to go to a smaller team and just drive. I get nothing from that.

"Like I said, if I want to race, I want to have a car that is ready there next year to win the Championship.

"I want to have at least given myself the chance - and then it is up to me and the team to see what happens. But at least you have to have a car in the first part that gives you a chance to win.

"I have no interest to drive around just in 10th place. I get nothing from that. I would rather stay home and do something else.

"If I cannot have the proper team, with a proper winning car, then I will think about it."

Asked whether an announcement could be expected in the next few days, Raikkonen said: "No.

"Like I said, I have no contract for next year. I am looking at different options and we will see what happens in the future. I don't know when we are going to tell anything - or if we have anything to tell."

Latest rom Alonso, Massa and Kubica

Although Flavio Briatore is no longer his manager, Fernando Alonso says the Italian played a role in his decision to move to Ferrari.
 

Following the confirmation of his Ferrari deal on Wednesday, Alonso hinted that Briatore's departure from Renault was behind his premature move to the Italian marque.

Meanwhile, Felipe Massa has hit out at Nelson Piquet Jr, saying his fellow countryman's antics in Singapore cost him the 2008 Drivers' Championship title.



Massa had been leading last year's Singapore GP before Piquet's deliberate crash brought out the Safety Car. The ensuing pressure heaped on Massa's shoulders resulted in a botched pit stop and a P13 finish for the Ferrari driver.


He went on to lose the World title to Lewis Hamilton by one point.


"All of what happened was robbery - but regarding the race nothing has happened, the result remains the same," Massa told Globo television in Brazil.


"This is not right. The robbery changed the outcome of a Championship and I lost (the title).

"I have seen in football how a referee took money to throw a game and all the suspect results were annulled.
In Italy, Juventus were relegated. But here they just sent (Flavio) Briatore home. I don't get it and I don't think it was right."


As for Piquet's future in Formula One, Massa reckons he does not have one and nor should he have waited until after he was dropped by Renault before telling the truth.


"In general it was a very ugly attitude for a team to come up to you and say that you have to crash in order to renew your contract," he said. "A driver who knew he was going to be fired.


"Nelsinho knew he was going to be fired. I believe that admitting a mistake is a good thing, because the guy told the truth. He shouldn't have waited so long to tell the truth. He told [the truth] because he was fired, this is not cool.


"He is in a very difficult position in Formula 1. You can be certain that if someone from a team says, 'Let's hire Nelsinho', it won't go down well. I don't think I would do this. I think that I would have to think very hard about it [and] I think that I wouldn't be able to do it." 


After all the saga, Toyota have revealed that they are still intent on signing Robert Kubica for next season.
The Toyota garage has already been a hotbed of news this weekend in Japan with boss John Howett insisting that the team is committed to remaining in the sport, revealing that Williams have officially requested to be released from their engine deal for next season, and confirming that both of their current drivers, Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock, will be dropped at the end of the current campaign.

While Kubica has been widely tipped to join Renault, Howett still believes that the team can sign the Pole to fill one half of the line-up for 2010.

"I think there are going to be some surprises [in the driver market]," he predicted. "We think we are still in the race for Robert along with Renault and Sauber."

On Thursday, Kubica said that his future was "95% decided" but declined to give any further indication as to his plans.

What about the Driver Market for 2010

Everyone's been waiting for Fernando to be announced at Ferrari. Now that he has, the driver market can open for a manic few weeks of business...

It won't be just F1 news reporters, long weary of publishing yes-he-will-but-it-is-not-official-yet briefings, who will be relieved that Fernando Alonso's transfer to Ferrari has finally been announced. Following the overdue confirmation that the Spaniard will definitely be clad in red next season, the rest of the 2010 driver market, which has effectively been closed down pending the announcement from Maranello, can finally declare itself open for business.

And with time pressing, and a staggering number of deals still to be finalised, business will be brisk.

The first major upshot of Alonso's switch to Ferrari will be the transfer of the driver he is replacing, Kimi Raikkonen, back to McLaren. Though his imminent return to Woking will be depicted as something as a surprise - not least as it contradicts the impression that McLaren are now a one-driver team - the move makes logical sense for both parties. McLaren are the best option available to the jilted Raikkonen and, such is the potential strength of the Alonso-Ferrari partnership, McLaren have no option but to pursue the best available replacement for Heikki Kovalainen regardless of the complications that might ensue.

While 2010 will inevitably be billed as Hamilton v Alonso, Raikkonen has the obvious potential to capitalise on their rivalry by sneaking up on the rails - just as he did so to win the 2007 championship.

Raikkonen is familiar with the McLaren surrounds and working practices, too laidback to be bothered by any concerns of pro-Hamilton leanings, and will have a point to prove against Ferrari. At the very least, he will be the inspiring in-house competition for Hamilton that Kovalainen couldn't be.

Like many of his peers, Kovalainen's future is unclear and, if he is to stay in the sport, he'll be hoping to land either at Williams or Renault before falling to the depths of one of the three new teams joining the 2010 grid.

With Nico Rosberg widely expected to replace Rubens Barrichello at Brawn in order to smooth Mercedes' association with the team, Williams will surely have two new drivers for 2010. With Toyota's supply of engines being withdrawn, the team have no reason to retain the deeply disappointing Kazuki Nakajima.

As Robert Kubica is believed to have agreed to join Renault, Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg are the favourites to take over driving duties at Grove. However, as well as Kovalainen, Jenson Button has also been linked with Williams and it is by no means certain that he will remain at Brawn for another season despite his position at the top of the drivers' standings.

Negotiations are still ongoing over a new deal after Button took a 50% pay cut at the start of the season and a week ago his manager, Richard Goddard, was quoted as saying: "When we signed the revised contract last year, we did so in the knowledge that if things went well for the team, they would go well for Jenson for next year. We are not being greedy by looking to get what they are paid. All we expect is for Jenson to be paid on the scale that he was last year before Honda left."

The smart money remains on Button and Brawn reaching a compromise but the situation is certainly intriguing. As the World Champion (as he will almost certainly be), he'll be a considerable catch. Could he return to Williams despite the unedifying and costly legal fight over the validity of his contract for the 2004 season? It's doubtful but stranger things have happened in F1.

Meanwhile, the departure of Flavio Briatore has removed one obstacle from Kovalainen's path back to Renault, though much the same could be said of Jarno Trulli if he exits Toyota. Either way Roman Grosjean looks set for a demotion when Renault make their announcement next week.

Nor should Nick Heidfeld be forgotten. Unless the current BMW-badged team are given an unexpected reprieve, the veteran German will be watching intently how the pieces fall together at Brawn, Renault and Williams. So too will Timo Glock following renewed speculation about Toyota's future in the sport. His podium in Singapore couldn't have been better timed. It's certainly not inconceivable that, with some prompting from Mercedes, two Germans will appointed at Brawn.

Not that the driver market needs the added complication of nationalistic considerations. With 14 teams aiming to be on next season's grid and only two, Red Bull and Ferrari, so far confirming their 2010 driver line-up, there remains a bewildering number of permutations yet to be settled. Among those drivers looking to make a return to the sport are Taku Sato, Anthony Davidson, Christian Klien, Tonio Liuzzi and Jacques Villeneuve. The 1997 World Champion was advertising his availability in the Singapore paddock last weekend but sounded perplexed by what he encountered.

Asked to rate his chances of making a comeback by Autosport, Villeneuve responded: "I don't know. Some days it is very high and some days it is very low. It is a moving sand right now. It is really strange." With the market in an unprecedented state of flux, the Canadian's confusion and uncertainty will not be unique.

And there's one other remarkable potential twist in the tale to be pondered: Nelson Piquet junior.

He couldn't return, you say? Well, this is called the silly season for a reason...