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Monday, November 30, 2009

The confirmed grid for 2010 as at 1st December 2001

Manor boss John Booth and Virgin supremo Richard Branson are due to announce the long-awaited sponsorship tie-up on Tuesday.

The news has effectively been confirmed by motor sport's world governing body, the FIA, as they have on Monday announced the 2010 entry list for the F1 World Championship.


Currently there are 12 teams, with the name Virgin Racing amongst the newcomers, joining Lotus F1 Racing, Campos Meta 1 and US F1 Team.

The issue of the 13th entry remains unresolved, although Sauber are widely expected to be granted a place on next year's grid following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Monaco on December 11.

Peter Sauber last week regained control of the team he sold to BMW four years ago after the German manufacturing giant's withdrawal from the sport.

"I am very relieved about that development," said the 66-year-old Swiss who is hopeful the FIA will now look favourably on the team's entry.

"It would have been a crying shame had one of the best Formula One factories closed down.
"Regarding the slot on the grid, I am very confident we will be given a final confirmation very shortly."

The Formula One Commission are due to discuss Toyota's fate next week, again in Monaco on Wednesday.

The Japanese manufacturer surprisingly pulled out of F1 at the end of last season, despite during the summer signing the new Concorde Agreement that bound them to the sport for the next three years.

Speculation has surfaced of late regarding a potential takeover, yet it is unclear whether a buyer would automatically be granted an entry on the basis of Toyota's signature on the Concorde.

In a statement, the FIA said: "Toyota Motorsport GmbH remains formally bound by the Concorde Agreement to put forward a team for participation, though it has indicated that it will not be in a position to do so.

"An announcement will be made regarding this entry in due course."


The Provisional Entry List
1 Jenson BUTTON (GB) VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES McLAREN MERCEDES
2 Lewis HAMILTON (GB) VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES McLAREN MERCEDES

3 Nico ROSBERG (D) BRAWN GP FORMULA ONE TEAM BRAWN MERCEDES
4 TBA BRAWN GP FORMULA ONE TEAM BRAWN MERCEDES

5 Sebastian VETTEL (D) RED BULL RACING RED BULL RENAULT
6 Mark WEBBER (AUS) RED BULL RACING RED BULL RENAULT

7 Felipe MASSA (BR) SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO FERRARI
8 Fernando ALONSO (E) SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO FERRARI

9 Rubens BARRICHELLO (BR) AT&T WILLIAMS WILLIAMS COSWORTH
10 Nico HULKENBERG (D) AT&T WILLIAMS WILLIAMS COSWORTH

11 Robert KUBICA (PL) RENAULT F1 TEAM RENAULT
12 TBA RENAULT F1 TEAM RENAULT

14 Adrian SUTIL (D) FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM FORCE INDIA MERCEDES
15 Vitantonio LIUZZI (I) FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM FORCE INDIA MERCEDES

16 Sebastien BUEMI (CH) SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO STR FERRARI
17 TBA SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO STR FERRARI

18 TBA LOTUS F1 RACING LOTUS COSWORTH
19 TBA LOTUS F1 RACING LOTUS COSWORTH

20 TBA CAMPOS META 1 CAMPOS DALLARA
21 Bruno SENNA (BR) CAMPOS META 1 CAMPOS DALLARA

22 TBA US F1 TEAM US F1 COSWORTH
23 TBA US F1 TEAM US F1 COSWORTH

24 Timo GLOCK (D) VIRGIN RACING VIRGIN COSWORTH
25 TBA VIRGIN RACING VIRGIN COSWORTH

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Renault out in 2010 ?

There are fresh doubts over Renault's continued participation in Formula One after the manufacturer's CEO Carlos Ghosn warned that there remain "lots of questions" about the sport.

Renault's F1 future has been in uncertain ever since the Singapore race-fixing scandal when they were a handed a two-year suspended ban.

The team insisted after the FIA hearing that it would stay the course only to reveal a couple of weeks later that a decision on its participation will not be taken until the end of the year.

With the year almost out, Ghosn has now added to the speculation that the French carmaker may yet follow Honda, BMW and Toyota out of the sport.

"F1 is one of the most seen spectacles in the world," he told Forbes India magazine.

"It is facing some challenges - challenges on how fair it is and how do you marry F1 with environmental concerns? Can you bring zero emissions through technology? There are lots of questions about F1...

"I don't think it is going to be very important for anybody, if it doesn't answer some of the concerns that surround F1. I notice that in the last year, three car manufacturers have bowed out of F1 - three in one year!

"That means there are a lot of questions that we need to resolve."

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Schumi Again !


Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug has re-ignited rumours of Michael Schumacher's pending signing after refusing to deny that the German could race for Merc GP next season.

Following Mercedes' buy-out of the Brawn GP team and Jenson Button's defection to McLaren, reports surfaced that the German manufacturer would take an all-German line-up.

This soon led to rumours that Mercedes could pull of a surprise by signing seven-time World Champion Schumacher to partner Nico Rosberg next season.

However, earlier this week, team boss Ross Brawn attempted to put an end to the stories, telling the Bild: "The media are trying to put together a dream.

"Michael would have returned to the cockpit for Ferrari, but only temporarily. He has no ambitions to start a new career."

But despite Brawn's claims - and he is the man who has the final say on Rosberg's team-mate - Haug was coy when asked about Schumacher.

"I think that we have to live with these speculations," he said during Monday's press conference to announce Rosberg's signing. "What Ross pointed out, I think we have to respect that.

"I fully understand that these speculations are ongoing as long as we don't announce who is driving the other car but that's what we have to live with."

Pressed on the issue of whether Schumacher will drive for him next season, Haug added: "When will you ever say categorically anything in F1? Ross made it quite clear and I really have nothing to add."

Mercedes GP chief executive Nick Fry refused to weigh in on the matter. "I've got nothing to add to that," he said. "We are here to talk about Nico Rosberg and we should stick with that subject. Ross has answered the question extremely well."

Monday, November 23, 2009

It's Nico !

Mercedes GP have finally confirmed one of the worst kept secrets in F1: Nico Rosberg will race for them next season.

Even before announcing his departure from Williams back in October, Rosberg was being linked to a 2010 race-seat with Brawn GP.

However, instead of Brawn GP, he will be racing for Mercedes GP after the German carmaker purchased a majority stake in the team early last week.

It's a dream come true for German driver Rosberg as he gears up for the return of the Silver Arrows into F1.

"I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes," said Rosberg.

"No other brand in Formula 1 can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing. I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn.

"I am more motivated than ever and can hardly wait to start testing with the new Silver Arrow and for the first race of the new season at Bahrain on 14 March 2010."

Ross Brawn, who will continue in his role as team boss of Merc GP, has welcomed Rosberg to the team, confident that the 27-year-old will continue to grow as the team bids for back-to-back titles.

"We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him," said Brawn;

"Nico is a great talent, and with four years of experience in Formula 1, is a driver who will be able to make a valuable contribution to our team right from the outset.

"I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps.

"2009 was Nico's best season in Formula 1 to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year."

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug added: "I saw Nico racing karts alongside Lewis Hamilton and later in the support programme of the DTM events - I have known him since he was a young boy.

"Early on it was obvious that he would make his way as a race driver and we are glad that after four years with Williams he will now be one of our drivers at Mercedes.

"It makes our re-start even nicer, that we have as talented and sympathetic a driver as Nico in our line-up.

"Nico has positive ambitions, we have positive ambitions and together we want to achieve a great deal. I am really looking forward to working with him."

Meanwhile - in a nutshell, Schumi's Manager Willy Webber has confirmed talks with Brawn for the second seat, but Ross Brawn himself has denied the fact that Schumi will join him for the 2010 season. It anyway should be a tough ask as Schumi is contracted to Ferrari strong and will find it quite tough to get out of it. Ross himself feels that if at all Schumi returns, it will be with Ferrari for a short stint. Anyway, the season is getting hotter even before the first set of red lights go off. Keep tuned in to find out what would happen next.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Schumi back in 2010 !!!

Michael Schumacher has reportedly held 'preliminary talks' with Mercedes GP that could see him make a comeback next season.

The seven-time World Champion was set for a brief return with Ferrari during this year's Championship before a neck injury put paid to his plans. But that doesn't mean he's out for good.

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, 'Schumacher has been sounded out about a sensational return to Formula One next season' with Mercedes Grand Prix.

The newspaper claims that given 'Mercedes takeover of Brawn GP and World Champion Jenson Button's shock switch to McLaren, the possibility of a German dream team with Nico Rosberg is emerging.

'The associations would line up beautifully. Schumacher won all his World titles under the guidance of Ross Brawn at both Benetton and Ferrari, and Brawn will continue in the role of team principal at the newly minted Mercedes team.'

The deal, which would net Schumacher the same salary that Button turned down at Brawn GP in favour of McLaren, would finally see the German teaming up with Mercedes, who were in the past unsuccessful in their bids to lure him away from Ferrari.

'Talks are understood to be at an early stage,' claims the Telegraph. 



The latest on this thread of rumors also includes what the Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has to say. He believes Michael Schumacher will replace Jenson Button at the newly-named Mercedes team for next season.

World Champion Button joined Lewis Hamilton at McLaren earlier this week after the Brawn team with which he won the Drivers' title was renamed Mercedes.

Speculation has mounted that seven-time Champion Schumacher, who could not replace the injured Felipe Massa on a short-term deal at Ferrari last season because of a back injury picked up racing motorcycles, could be drafted into the team run by former Benetton and Ferrari colleague Ross Brawn.

Jordan, who ran an F1 team under his own name, told Radio Five Live: "I believe the Brawn team will have Michael Schumacher in it next year.

"And my reasons for believing that is that at Abu Dhabi, the grand prix, the last race Dr (Dieter) Zetsche - (chairman of the Daimler board) - Ross Brawn and Michael Schumacher were deep in conversation and I believe it was to do with possibly joining the team as driver for the 2010 Championship."

Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher's spokesperson Sabine Kehmn has denied reports that the German is talking with Mercedes GP about a possible comeback next season.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that Mercedes, who recently purchased a 75.1 percent stake in Brawn GP, are keen on Schumacher joining them for next year's Championship.

'Talks are understood to be at an early stage,' claimed the Daily Telegraph.

However, Schumacher's spokesperson says that while a link up between the seven-time World Champion, the German car manufacturer and Ross Brawn would be a fairytale story, there has been no talk of it.

"The whole story with Mercedes is a beautiful one with so many things fitting together with Michael and Ross, but it is a full season next year and there are no negotiations going on," Kehm told The Times.

However, Kehm did give Schumacher fans a glimmer of hope when asked the same question by The Guardian. "You can never say never in this sport but to me it is highly unlikely at the moment."


Wednesday, November 18, 2009

It is official !

McLaren have officially confirmed that Jenson Button has joined the team. However, this would more or less be Button's downfall than a rise, as, the whole of F1 community knows that Lewis is a better driver than Button. Now the question rises whether Button will play second fiddle to Lewis as Hikki did or whether he would try to get closer to Lewis. However, a load of respect is at stake for Button with this new found deal.
 


Hailing his partnership with Lewis Hamilton as a 'sensational double', the team have announced that Button, who was crowned World Champion with Brawn just a month ago, has signed 'multi-year deal'.

Button's partnership with Hamilton is the first pairing of British World Champions since Graham Hill was Jim Clark's team-mate at Lotus in 1968 and marks the first occasion in F1 history that has started the new season with a line-up featuring the most recent two successive World Champions.

In a press briefing, Button declared:

"It's always a difficult decision to leave a team when you've been there for so long. But life is all about challenges - and, most important of all, it's about challenging yourself. So, although I won the World Championship with Brawn GP last year, and I'll never forget that, I was always adamant that I wanted to continue to set myself fresh challenges.

"So that's why I've decided to join Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. You can't help but be affected by this team's phenomenal history. McLaren is one of the greats of world sport, and its achievements and list of past champions read like a Who's Who of Formula 1 - Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and of course my new team-mate Lewis Hamilton. I've followed the McLaren team ever since I was a small boy, and it feels unbelievable to finally be a part of it.

"When I visited the McLaren Technology Centre earlier this month, it wasn't simply the technical resources and the incredible standards of excellence that impressed me. No, I was equally struck by the ambition, the motivation and the winning spirit that flow through everybody there. And then there's the team's epic history: put it this way, the trophy cabinets seem to stretch for miles.

"From a personal point of view, it's also a great pleasure to be joining a fellow British World Champion. Lewis has achieved an incredible level of success in a very short period of time, and he's a wonderfully gifted driver who has earned the respect of every Formula 1 driver. I'm sure there's plenty that we can learn from each other, and I'm really looking forward to using our combined knowledge to push the team forward.

"Also, I think it's fantastic that we'll be forming an all-British line-up. I know that we both fly the flag with pride, and I sincerely hope we can make the whole of the United Kingdom, as well as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes fans across the world, proud. Nothing means more to me than to be able to represent my country, and I'm looking forward to both of us painting Formula 1's circuits red, white and blue for many years to come.

"While I'm fully aware that there's a tremendous amount of hard work ahead, I'm absolutely certain that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will be able to deliver where it matters: on track. I'm already looking forward to starting work with the engineers at the McLaren Technology Centre as we begin our preparations for the 2010 season - and the defence of my world championship. This is a team that always goes racing to win, and I'm looking forward to being part of that.

"Last but very far from least, I want to say that the 2009 season will always have a special place in my memory, and I'm absolutely sure that everybody at Brawn GP who worked so hard to achieve our World Championship successes feels exactly the same way about it. Equally, I want to thank the guys at Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines, without whom we'd never have been as competitive as we were. I'm so pleased that I'll still be using their engines in 2010 and beyond.

"So I wish all my old Brawn GP mates well in their new Mercedes Grand Prix adventure, just as I hope they'll wish me well in my new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes adventure."

F1 messed up ?

One of the best (top 3) drivers of F1, Kimi the "Ice Man" Rikkonnen" will not participate in 2010 if he doesn't get the deal at McLearen who claims to have signed Button. However, Brawn still Urges button to stay with the newly formed Merc team (Former Brawn F1)... But it is very likely that it would be so and we could see Kimi kick sorry ass of Lewis this season... :(.. The sad situation is that we miss a good driver for 2010 where as some loonies still continue to get race seats.


Kimi Raikkonen will not participate in the 2010 Formula One campaign according to reports in the Finnish press.

Local newspaper Turun Sanomat quoted Raikkonen's manager, Steve Robertson, as saying that following the breakdown of talks with McLaren the Finn would no be perusing a race seat with any other team, preferring not race at all rather than race in a car that could not challenge for the title.

"The options in F1 were with McLaren next season or not at all," said Robertson.

"Kimi and McLaren were unable to reach an agreement, so he will not drive at the F1 level - at least not next year."

"A gap year means nothing for Kimi. He is more interested in fighting for wins and the world championship. F1 will miss Kimi. He worked hard over the summer - doing things in a Ferrari that only the best drivers are capable of," he added.

The sabbatical could see the 30-year-old focusing his efforts on the World Rally Championship.


Ross Brawn has urged Jenson Button to remain with the team that helped him claim this year's World Championship, despite reports that the Brit has already agreed a deal with McLaren.

Brawn GP have been locked in talk's with Button's representatives regarding the World Champion's future, with both parties unable to agree on an appropriate salary for the Briton.

The deadlock alerted McLaren to Button's possible availability, with the Woking-based team reportedly wasting know time in agreeing terms with Button.

Despite these developments Brawn remains confident that Button will stay with the team.

"Negotiations [with Button] are continuing and the reports that he has already agreed terms with McLaren are not helpful. I would be amazed if that were the case," Brawn told The Independent newspaper.

"His best future is with our team, where he has a good group around him, and there's a lot to be said for that. The logical thing would be for him to stay with us, but of course logic doesn't always prevail," he added.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Massa is Back !!

Felipe Massa was back behind the wheel of the Ferrari F60 on Sunday, his first outing in the team’s 2009 machine since his life-threatening crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix meeting back in July. Massa wowed the crowds at Spain’s Valencia circuit, where Ferrari were celebrating the end of their motorsport season with the annual Ferrari World Finals.

It may not have been his first time back in an F1 car - he tested an older machine at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track last month - but it was a very special day for the Brazilian, back in front of his beloved fans less than four months after his skull was fractured by a loose spring from a rival car.

“I am very happy to be here, that I can work with the team,” said Massa. "It’s true that I’ve been with them in Sao Paulo and in Abu Dhabi, but driving is really extraordinary! Today I also want to thank all the fans, who were really close to me over the last months. The messages I received were wonderful."

Massa drove around 20 laps, first with his test driver team mates Marc Gene, Giancarlo Fisichella and Luca Badoer and later on, after a couple of pit stops, alone - an experience he described as almost as good as a race win.

"It was fantastic and I am so happy,” he said. “Although I could drive just a little, I really enjoyed being here. I am very motivated: this today for me is like victory. It was just like before the accident at the Hungaroring."

Massa is due to make his competitive Formula One comeback at the 2010 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, where he will line-up for the first time alongside new team mate Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard was also present in Valencia, hosting its first World Finals, though not driving as he is still officially contracted to Renault.

“Let’s hope that we can give our fans some satisfaction in 2010,” added Massa. “Fernando and I really want to be the best couple in Formula One."

So, we don't see Kimi kicking sorry Lewis Ass soon !!

Jenson Button has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with McLaren that will see the reigning World Champion earn £6m per year.

According to the Guardian, Button 'has agreed terms to join McLaren on a £6m-a-year deal and could sign his formal three-year contract to partner Lewis Hamilton in an all-British line-up within the next few days.

'The Guardian understands that the World Champion has turned his back on Brawn following protracted negotiations and will almost double his salary with the Woking-based team. '


'For Button the prospect of going head-to-head with a close friend and the man regarded by many in the pit lane as possibly the fastest of all will just be part of the challenge of defending his title.'

And although current McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has said he would welcome Button, the newspaper was quick to point out that McLaren would not have given the 2008 Champ a say in the matter.

'It is unlikely either Hamilton, who earns about £12m a year at McLaren, or his father Anthony, who has managed the 2008 World Champion since his days as a teenage kart racer, will have been consulted on this beyond the normal deployment of good manners,' claimed the report.

'McLaren have always had the resources and philosophy required to field two fully competitive cars and have always sought the strongest possible driver line-ups they could engage.'

Button's reported signing comes just hours after Mercedes let go of their 40 percent stake in McLaren in favour of a take-over at Brawn GP, prompting speculation that the team would take on an all-German line-up, leaving Button out in the cold.

However, Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug was quick to downplay the rumours.

"I read some speculation and I understand this because we could not give this information earlier. But this will be an international team for Mercedes-Benz is a global player," he said.

"We want to have the best ones and we definitely do not want to have the pure German team - it's an international Silver Arrows team and we want to have the best drivers in the car."

Haug's comments were followed by Mercedes GP chief executive Nick Fry stating that the team is still keen to hold onto Button, although not at any price.

"I hope Jenson is still with us next season," Fry told the BBC. "We've been together for a good few years now and we have succeeded in winning the World Championship together and we want Jenson to be with us."

But despite the statements by both Haug and Fry, the Daily Mail claims that 'an exasperated source close to Button dismissed the comments as 'lip service.'

The newspaper also says that 'Button is expected to sign for McLaren before the end of the week rather than risk ending up without a team after Mercedes' buy-out of Brawn yesterday pushed him closer to the exit door.'

Monday, November 16, 2009

Very Big News on F1 !!

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed their take-over of Brawn GP but refused to comment on Mercedes GP's driver line-up.

Brawn GP started their relationship with Mercedes at the start of the season when they signed the German carmaker as their engine supplier.

A successful first season, which saw Brawn GP win both World titles, led to rumours that Mercedes were to become further involved in the F1 team, buying a 75 percent stake.

Those rumours were finally confirmed on Monday when Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche held a press conference to announce the team deal, which will see Brawn GP's name changed to Mercedes Grand Prix ahead of the 2010 season.

"Mercedes will compete in the F1 World Championship next year starting with its own factory team," said head of Mercedes cars, Dr Dieter Zetsche.

"This is possible by the agreed acquisition of 75.1 per cent of Brawn GP, 45.1 per cent from Daimler and 30 per cent from our partner Aabar Investments. The rest will be with the current share - Ross Brawn, Nick Fry and other members. The interests of Daimler are aligned therefore it will be a true Mercedes-Benz team.

"Ross Brawn will continue to be the team principal and thereby we are maintaining his strength. Just like the engine team at Mercedes Benz High Performance Engines, the new Mercedes Benz grand prix team will be co-ordinated by Mercedes Benz Motorsport which is as everybody knows headed by Norbert Haug."

Zetsche also revealed that Mercedes would be giving up its 40 percent share of McLaren, however, that did not mean an end to their relationship.

Mercedes will continue to supply McLaren with engines as this makes remaining in Formula One "more efficient" by reducing costs by almost a quarter.

"I want to thank McLaren for a successful collaboration over the last decade and a half," Zetsche said.

"For the benefit of both Mercedes and McLaren, we will continue our partnership cooperation in future. We will be rivals on-track but, off-track, we will cooperate with McLaren and the other teams in order to create the best possible product for spectators worldwide."

Meanwhile, Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug was full of praise for the "peaceful solution" that had been found in the ending of Merc's stake in McLaren.

As for Mercedes Grand Prix's driver line-up, Haug refused to give anything away, saying it would "still take a while" to finalise, adding "we have to address this with care."

But, according to rumours, Mercedes' take-over of Brawn GP spells the end of Jenson Button's days at the time while Nico Rosberg and Nick Heidfeld will make an all-German line-up.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Massa - "I am no Second Fiddle"


Whilst Fernando made his first official appearance for Ferrari on the 15th of November, Felipe Massa insists he won't be playing second fiddle to Fernando Alonso when the two team up at Ferrari next season.

After years of rumours, Ferrari finally confirmed Alonso's signing back in September with the double World Champion replacing the ousted Kimi Raikkonen.

And with his two World titles behind him, many are expecting Alonso to automatically take the role of number one driver, leaving Massa to play second fiddle.

The Brazilian's chances of asserting dominance over the Spaniard also haven't been helped by his recently lay-off as he's been out of action since July's Hungarian GP after a life- and career-threating injury.

Massa, though, is confident he can match Alonso, who he rates as a "great driver...one of the best in Formula 1", as he says Ferrari work as a team and that the situation in the past where Michael Schumacher was the clear number one was because the seven-time World Champ had earned that honour.

"Whoever comes to Ferrari is always going to be a very strong driver, because they always have the best ones," crash.net claims he told Brazilian radio station Jovem Pan FM.

"I will do as I always have done - try to win.

"The work within a team is always collective. Schumacher carried a great influence at Ferrari because he earned it; he arrived, worked and created a competitive team.

"To have that position you have to work hard and achieve results."

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Schumi on Sale !

Do you have a couple of million euros lying around not knowing what to do with it? Why don't you bid for Michael Schumacher's 1994 Championship-winning car?

Schumacher won the first of his seven World titles in the Benetton B194 and the car has been put up for auction on eBay's German website.

The German won the 1994 Championship by one point from and the final race of the season was remembered for the duo's collision.

A brief description from the current owner states: "This is a B194 made by Benetton equipped with a Ford-Cosworth Zetec-R 3.5 litres V8 engine.

"The car is in condition as in the 1994 Formula One season with paddle shift and traction control. The car is in racing condition, with the painting and sponsoring scheme as in 1994.

"The engine was overhauled by Langford Performance Engineering / Wellingborough (UK) and was since then just running a few minutes for test and check reasons."

Bidding has already passed the 2.5m euro mark and the final offers will need to be made before midnight on November 16. The winning bidder will have to fork out an extra 10,000 euros to pay for shipping costs.

The car is located in Toronto, Canada, and bidders are welcome to head there to view their potential purchase.

Senna on Track !

Bruno Senna hopes to quickly shake off the tag of being the nephew of one of the greatest grand prix drivers of all time when he makes his Formula One debut next season.

Senna, whose uncle Ayrton won 41 races and three world titles in a glittering F1 career, has signed for the new Spain-based Campos Meta team for 2010 and is determined to become his own man during the course of his debut season.

"I hope, in a short time, that everybody remembers me for being Bruno, myself, and not for my uncle's surname," Senna told reporters at his official presentation by Campos in Murcia.

"I've learned to live with it and although it helped me at the beginning to find sponsors and find contacts, to be a driver you need to have a natural talent."

The 26-year-old cut his teeth in Formula BMW and Formula Three before marking out his undoubted talent by finishing as runner-up in the GP2 series in 2008.

He was strongly linked with a seat at new world champions Brawn GP prior to the start of the 2009 season but lost out to fellow Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, and Senna is determined to make up for lost time by getting the Campos home in the points during his maiden campaign.

"I want to score points for my new team and to be the best of all the new teams," he said.

"Long term, I would like to be Formula One world champion, it's not enough just to get there."

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Look who is Pissed about Kimi not being at Ferrari !!

Some one is really pissed off that Kimi is not at Ferrari. I told you that Off Season is more fun than during races - Enjoy !!


Monday, November 9, 2009

Anthony Wants Lewis to Get his Ass Kicked !!

Anthony Hamilton has denied reports that his son Lewis Hamilton is against Kimi Raikkonen joining McLaren next season.

Raikkonen is without a 2010 race-seat after being released a year early from Ferrari contract. According to speculation, the Scuderia have agreed to pay Raikkonen either his full salary if he sits out next year's campaign or half if he signs a deal with another Formula One team.

However, his options for next season are limited, even more so by his statement that the only F1 he will race for is McLaren.

But, according to speculation in the British media, current McLaren driver, Hamilton, is not in favour of the Finn rejoining the team that he spent four years from 2003 until heading to Ferrari in 2007.

Hamilton's father, though, has denied these rumours, even going as far as to say that Raikkonen is the best option for McLaren

"First of all I must say that neither Lewis nor I have any influence to the driver situation at McLaren," he told Turun Sanomat.

"But if World Championships are needed, then Kimi is also needed by the team, in my opinion.

"Kimi is the best driver that is available. Lewis and Kimi would surely goad each other in the best way to improve their performances."

Raikkonen, though, is reportedly struggling to close the deal with McLaren as the Finn is demanding more money than the Woking team is willing to pay.

And should he fail to sign on the dotted line, McLaren could yet opt to retain Heikki Kovalainen, a decision that Hamilton Sr is not against.

"If I myself made the choice between Kimi or Heikki, I would take Kimi but I'm not against Heikki continuing," he added.

"We have always liked Heikki. He is a shining team-mate who does his work well. Kimi, however, is such a cool type. In my option he is the best driver that could join Lewis at McLaren next season."

Friday, November 6, 2009

Getting Better off Season !!

Renault have called for patience as the French manufacturer weighs up the pros and cons of following Toyota out of Formula One. Meanwhile the looser of the FIA presidential campaign Ari Vatanen has said that Renault would be right to quit F1 - Now thanks God he didn't get elected. With such pessimism, F1 would never have survived.


On Wednesday, Toyota announced their immediate withdrawal from Formula One, citing the "current severe economic realities" for their decision.

Hours later another team, Renault, appeared to be facing the same fate as the French carmakers held an extraordinary board meeting to discuss its future plans.

And with the recent Singapore race-fixing scandal fresh in the minds as well as the two-year suspended ban hanging over their heads, many are predicting Renault will be the next team to walk away.

However, Renault Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn has revealed that no decision was made on Wednesday, although one will be forthcoming before the year is out.

"You will have to be patient," Ghosn told Reuters.

"We will make an announcement on our participation in Formula 1 before the end of the year."

Should Renault quit Formula One, they will become the fourth major manufacturer to leave, joining Honda, BMW and Toyota.

Ferrari have joined the fun too. Ferrari now blame "those who managed Formula 1 over the past few years" and not the economic crisis for Toyota's decision to leave Formula One.

Toyota announced their immediate withdrawal from the sport on Wednesday, bringing the number of manufacturers to have walked away to three in the past year as Honda and BMW also quit F1.

The Japanese manufacturer cited the "current severe economic realities" for their decision, however, Ferrari reckon the blame rests with former FIA President Max Mosley.

"It could be seen as a parody of "Ten Little Indians," the detective novel by Agatha Christie, first published in England back in 1939, but the reality is much more serious," said the team's website.

"Formula 1 continues to lose major players: in the past twelve months, Honda, BMW, Bridgestone and Toyota have announced they are leaving the sport.

"In exchange, so to speak, we will now have, Manor, Lotus (at least in name only, as this incarnation has little to do with the team that gave us Colin Chapman, Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna to name but a few,) USF1 and Campos Meta.

"Can we claim that it's a case of like for like, just because the numbers sitting around the table are the same? Hardly and we must also wait and see just how many of them will really be there on the grid for the first race of next season in Bahrain and how many will still be there at the end of 2010.

"The reality is that this gradual defection from the F1 fold has more to do with a war waged against the major car manufacturers by those who managed Formula 1 over the past few years, than the result of any economic crisis.

"In Christie's work of fiction, the guilty party was only uncovered when all the other characters died, one after the other. Do we want to wait for this to happen or do we want to pen a different ending to the book on Formula 1?"


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

F1 - It is still happening !

I would keep you updated on the latest happenings on F1 in between the seasons as this is where most of the interesting things happen. Some of the highlights in the recent past are,



If he doesn't land a Toyota race-seat for next year's Championship, Kamui Kobayashi could be working in his father's sushi restaurant instead of racing.
 

Having been called up to replace the injured Timo Glock, Kobayashi impressed in his two F1 races, fighting wheel-to-wheel Championship winner Jenson Button in Brazil and later claiming his first F1 points in Abu Dhabi, beating his vastly-experienced team-mate Jarno Trulli.


Now the above statement sounds reality and we will catch Kamui in his father's Sushi shop from next year on as Toyota made the following shocking announcement yesterday.

The stage of Formula One was rocked by yet another withdrawal after Toyota announced that it is quitting the sport with immediate effect.

Toyota, the only Japanese automaker in F1 in 2008 following Honda's withdrawal last year, is expected to post an operating loss for the six months ending in September and it hopes the move will help the company to slash costs.

An official statement said: "TMC, which had viewed its participation in F1 as contributing to the prosperity of automotive culture, remained dedicated to competing at the pinnacle of motor sports, even in the face of the abrupt economic changes that started last year. However, when considering TMC's motor-sports activities next year and beyond from a comprehensive midterm viewpoint reflecting the current severe economic realities,TMC decided to withdraw from F1."

The Cologne-based outfit made their Formula One debut in 2002 and participated in 139 grands prix. They failed to win race in the seven-year period, but claimed three pole positions and several second and third-place finishes.

Their 2009 line-up of Jarno Trulli, Timo Glock and Kamui Kobayashi scored 54.5 points to help the team to fifth in the Constructors' Championship.

BMW-Sauber also withdrew from the sport earlier this year while Bridgestone announced after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that it will quit F1 at the end of the 2010 season.

The Sauber outfit, who has since been bought by Qadback Investments, may yet find itself racing next year as Toyota's withdrawal opens a space on the 13-team grid.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso says he has "peace of mind" about his decision to join Ferrari despite their dismal 2009 Championship.




"You have to try to be optimistic by nature," he told Cadena Ser radio. "I think what makes me calm is that going to Ferrari is a synonym of quietness, because you know they are giving their best.

"It's a team and a marque born for competition and so you know they are going to give it all for their car, and you know that Ferrari is usually among the first.

"Sometimes they win titles, sometimes they don't, but they never have a year that's too bad. I think going to Ferrari is the safest option for any driver.

"Out of the 20-22 drivers no one knows what things will be like next year, it's all again a big question mark and we'll see how the new cars perform.

"But I think being at Ferrari, or McLaren, or in good teams, gives you more peace of mind than at any other team because anything can happen."


Tuesday, November 3, 2009

20 Grand Prix in Calender

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes it's only a matter of time before the Formula One calendar is extended to 20 grands prix.


While this year's Championship comprised just 17 races, next year there could be as many as 19 with Canada seeking its return and South Korea gearing up for its debut.

But with more countries wanting a place on the calendar, Ecclestone believes the schedule could be extended to include 20 race weekends in the near future.

"I always said that it is possible and obviously now there are more and more people falling for that idea," he told the official F1 website.

"Nobody needs testing. It was always, in my opinion, that testing costs money while racing brings money. Or let them test on Monday after the race when everybody is at the track, the hotels are paid for and that huge logistical effort is eliminated."

Monday, November 2, 2009

Bridgestone Out !!

Bridgestone have announced that they are to withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2010 season, citing the need to redirect resources.

Bridgestone entered F1 in 1997 and had been the sole supplier since Michelin withdrew at the end of the 2007 Championship. The Japanese manufacturer has claimed 156 wins in their 223 grands prix.

However, the company's association with Formula One will reach its conclusion next season with Bridgestone Motorsport director Hiroshi Yasukawa announcing their departure.

"It is with deep regret that Bridgestone Motorsport confirms that at 10.00am Sunday, the Bridgestone Corporation announced its decision to not enter into a new tyre supply contract with the FIA Formula One World Championship series," Yasukawa said in a statement.

"The current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2010 season. The decision made by the Board of Directors of Bridgestone comes after considerable and lengthy evaluations and has been based on the company's need to redirect its resources towards the further intensive development of innovative technologies and strategic products.

"While we understand and respect the reasons for this decision, it has nevertheless come as a great disappointment. Bridgestone's relationship with the FIA Formula One World Championship stretches beyond being a tyre supplier. Formula One has been of strategic importance to Bridgestone in developing its technologies, raising the company's brand awareness and providing its strategic business units around the globe with promotional and marketing tools that are intrinsically linked to our company's core products.

"It was a great honour for Bridgestone to be awarded the 2008-2010 contract as Official Tyre Supplier by the Fédération International de L'Automobile (FIA) to the pinnacle of single-seater racing and we would like to thank them for their continued support and for entrusting us with this privileged role which has seen us working at the heart of the Formula One community.

"Our sincere appreciation is also extended to Mr Bernie Ecclestone and Formula One Management, the Formula One teams with whom it has been an honour to have worked alongside, and the many Formula One fans who have followed our activities over the past 13 years.

"I would also like to thank the staff of the Bridgestone Motorsport team for their professionalism, dedication and hard work, and for their passion for excellence. It remains only to reiterate that Bridgestone continues to be wholly committed to the provision of safe tyres of the highest quality to the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2010 and to the running of its tyre servicing operation at the highest level."