From Luca to Ralf and Flavio - a Summary as at 28/12/2009 !

Luca di Montezemolo insists Formula One needs to adopt positive changes if Ferrari are to commit their long-term future to the sport.

The Italian manufacturer is committed to F1 until the current Concorde Agreement expires in 2012, but di Montezemolo maintains that should the current unhappiness regarding cost-cutting measures and rules changes persist, the Maranello-based outfit will look to exit the prestigious motorsport.

"I want F1 to improve between now and 2012, when we sign a new Concorde Agreement, and if not we will have motivation somewhere else," di Montezemolo is quoted by Autosport as saying at a Christmas function.

However, the former Ferrari Boss and now FIA president has vowed to continue cost cutting at F1 siting the loss of giants Honda, Toyota and BMW. He also mentioned that he wishes to see greener F1 where the new developments that would come in that would not only reduce costs, but, ensure that new environment friendly technologies are developed in F1.

Also in other news, Ferrari test driver Marc Gene has revealed that Ferrari pushed hard to have three cars on the grid next season, and that Michael Schumacher would have driven the third car.

Writing in his column for the El Mundo newspaper, Gene insists that the Italian team did not want to end their 14-year association with Schumacher, but that a limit of two cars per team prevented them from signing the German as a driver.

"Without a doubt, it hurts us at Ferrari to see him in different colours, because he was part of our best history," wrote Gene.

In the mean time, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has backed Christian Klien to join Kamui Kobayashi at Sauber.

The Austrian has served as BMW-Sauber's test driver for the past two seasons, and with the Hinwal-based team no owned solely by Peter Sauber, the former Jaguar driver has been linked with a race seat.

"It would be super if Christian Klien got the Sauber cockpit," Ecclestone told Austrian broadcaster ORF.

"I've always supported Christian and Sauber would be a good team for him," he added. Kobayashi impressed with the 2 races he had in 2009, and would immensely benefit if he could get the input of the veteran Klien, a good driver him self with 48 F1 starts under his belt.

Elsewhere, in Germany we guess, Ralf has come in to the act. Hot on the heels of Michael Schumacher's decision to return to F1, his younger brother Ralf has announced he is also looking to make a comeback.

The 34-year-old spent eleven seasons in Formula One, retiring in 2007 after enduring a poor third year with Toyota.

Commenting on his brother's return, Ralf enthused that the former World Champion had been offered a wonderful opportunity, one that he himself would not have turned down.

"This is even a real highlight," Ralf told Bild.

"I can understand Michael completely. Honestly, I wouldn't have hesitated for a second.

"Racing was and is our life and we have always looked for new challenges," he added.

Another who has been out of the scene, may be not as much as Ralf has, Flavio has made a statement on Schumi's comeback. Michael Schumacher would not have returned to Formula One if he didn't believe he could challenge for the World title, according to Flavio Briatore.

The former Renault boss was at the helm of Benetton when Schumacher secured his first two World Championships, and is of the opinion that given the right machinery the German superstar could still challenge for top spot.

"Knowing him, I think he's reflected on it for a long time, and if he's decided to come back it's because he's convinced he can still be quick," Briatore told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Michael belongs to that category of racing drivers who just can't have a normal life, who can't stay away from racing.

"And besides, I'll repeat an old idea of mine: when he quit three years ago, he wasn't ready to retire, he could have been competitive for two or three more seasons," added the Italian.
While Schumacher may be confident he can challenge for the Driver's crown, Briatore is slightly less optimistic, suggesting that the 40-year-old's ability alone will not be enough to propel him to the front of the grid, with the strength of the Mercedes GP outfit key to the winning equation.

"Well, I don't know [if he can win the title]," said Briatore.

"For instance I believe that Ferrari will be extremely strong next year with Alonso and Massa.

"I'll just say that Ross [Brawn] knows him well and that Mercedes has always chased him. But then I repeat: the car is fundamental," he added.

The 2010 season has already promised a lot for us - the fans and we will have to see how the top teams perform with their quite able driver line up. Imagine, Alonso, Massa, Lewis, Schumi, Vettal all in good cars... Will be too awesome to imagine and 2010 could be the best season ever in F1. Only man we will miss on grid is Kimi. Wish he was behind the Mclerean instead of Button !