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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

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 !



Saturday, December 26, 2009

Thank you Ferrari !!

Having crossed the paddock from Ferrari to Mercedes after 14 years with the Italian team, Michael Schumacher has paid tribute to fans of the Scuderia.

The German, who won the World Championship five times with Ferrari, has written an open letter to Ferrari fans thanking them for their support.

"For 14 years I was a part of Ferrari and for 14 years Ferrari was a part of me," said Schumacher.

"A sizeable chunk of Ferrari will always stay in my heart. I will always think of the warmth, the strength and the dedication I received for so many years from Italian Ferrari fans.

"I have felt welcomed by you, and I have tried to give you joy and passion when I fought on the tracks and rejoiced with you after victories."

"I have found many friends and learned a lot in the years I spent at Ferrari," explained the 39-year-old

2010 marks the beginning of a new era for Schumacher, with the driver joining Mercedes GP, but the German admits he is hopefully that Ferrari fans will still support him despite his switch in allegiance

"I carefully observed the way to face things and have often underlined this attitude in Germany: no moaning but rather trying to see the beauty and the goodness in what's unavoidable, and rejoicing.

"Now a new chapter begins for me. I will race on the track against Ferrari with the utmost respect. I'm convinced these will be hard battles. Indeed, I'm certain Ferrari will be able to show its historical strength because I know what these guys are able to do.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me. I'd be happy if, besides the two Ferrari drivers, you'd carry on giving me a bit of your unlimited liking," he added.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Becoming too much of a news, but still no evidence !

Mercedes GP have so far remained silent about reports that Michael Schumacher is to make a return to Formula One for next season.

No official word was forthcoming from the team in the wake of a report that stated the seven-times world Champion had signed a one-year deal worth an estimated £6.25million.

Schumacher's spokeswoman, Sabine Kehm, also refused to confirm the news being run on German online newspaper website, bild.de.

The paper claims the German travelled to Mercedes' Brackley base on Tuesday to complete the deal.

Schumacher's possible comeback after a three-year absence has been a story that has persisted since the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in early November.

The German, who will turn 41 on January 3, was seen in talks with Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche and Brawn GP team principal Ross Brawn in the paddock of the Yas Marina circuit.

It was Brawn who was the genius behind Schumacher's seven titles during a glittering 16-season career, winning two championships with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and then five with Ferrari from 2000-2004.

The Schumacher era came to an end in 2006 after 249 grands prix and numerous records, most notably those titles and 91 race victories.

But Schumacher's natural racing instinct has never deserted him as over the intervening period he has competed in various karting and motorbike events.

It was during a bike test in Spain in February that Schumacher suffered a neck injury which prevented him from making a return to F1 with Ferrari in August.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo had managed to convince the 40-year-old to come to the aid of the team in its hour of need, in the wake of Felipe Massa's horrific accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of July.

In testing a 2007-spec Ferrari in preparation for his eagerly- anticipated 'second coming' at the European Grand Prix in Valencia, Schumacher surprised himself at the fact he had lost none of his speed and reflexes.

Yet it was with great sadness, as confirmed by Di Montezemolo, that Schumacher announced he could not return as his neck was not up to the rigours of competing in a grand prix.

However, the seed had been sown, with Mercedes turning to Schumacher after losing world champion Jenson Button to McLaren following their takeover of Brawn GP just over five weeks ago.

Di Montezemolo cleared one obstacle when he confirmed earlier this month he would not hold Schumacher to his contract as advisor to the team, and ambassador for Ferrari's road car division.

The only remaining hurdle is also understood to have been overcome as Schumacher's manager, Willi Weber, recently stated his charge was now "super fit".

"(His doctor) Dr Peil said he has made giant progress," added Weber.

Despite his age, the likes of world champions Niki Lauda, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill all believe Schumacher can make a winning return to the sport.
Nico Rosberg, who signed for Mercedes shortly after the Abu Dhabi GP, has warned Schumacher not to expect to comfortably slip back into the old routine.

"It will not be easy for him," said Rosberg in Stuttgarter Zeitung.

"When you stay away from F1 for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the test sessions again. It's not simple."

In what would be an all-German team, however, Rosberg is naturally thrilled at the prospect of Schumacher's impending return.

He said: "I have no idea if it (a comeback) is true or not, but if he did join that would be an absolutely fantastic move."

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Schumi to Win 8th title !

If you thought Michael Schumacher's impending return to Formula One was just a publicity gimmick, then you will be in for a shock next year.

The German is said to be ready to add 'to his unparalleled haul of seven drivers' titles' when he enters the 2010 World Championship.

The 40-year-old is reportedly just days away from signing a deal with Mercedes GP that will see him return to the sport more than three years after his retirement.

The Times claims that 'there are now no obstacles to Michael Schumacher's comeback next season with Mercedes Grand Prix and that his neck injury is not expected to be a problem.'

When he eventually signs on the dotted line, Schumacher will team up with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes. The younger German, though, has made it clear in recent weeks that he is not prepared to play second fiddle, saying "at Mercedes, there is no hierarchy. It has always been commonplace, that there are two equal drivers."

It appears there will be a genuine battle for top spot at team as Schumacher is also not ready to take a back seat.

'The impression gained is that the German wants to pick up where he left off with Ferrari when he retired in 2006,' the paper added. 'Those suggesting that he may see his role more as a mentor to Nico Rosberg, the 24-year-old who would be his team-mate, than a team-leading championship contender, are wide of the mark.

'He is said to be looking to add not only to his record 91 grand-prix wins, but also to his unparalleled haul of seven drivers' titles and he has already spent many hours discussing his new car with the Mercedes team.'

Monday, December 21, 2009

F1 to Rome !

Bernie Ecclestone has agreed a deal which would see Formula One come to the streets of Rome, according to course planner Maurizio Flammini.

A Rome grand prix, raced through the streets of the Italian capital much like that of Monaco, has been in planning for over a year and a half.
And Flammini, the creator of the idea, has revealed they have now been given the green light by the Formula One supremo.
"The agreement with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone to give life to the Rome Grand Prix has already been done and signed," he told Sky Italia.
"The appropriate course still has to be defined."
Italy already has a grand prix on the world championship circuit, in Monza.
There were fears when plans for a Rome grand prix were first mooted that it would replace the historic track which has been a more or less permanent fixture in the Formula One calendar since 1922.
However, the mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, insists it will serve as a second Italian grand prix.
"We think the Rome Grand Prix would be very important and we are in favour of it," he said. "And it's not true that it is an alternative to Monza.
"Monza is a grand prix on the circuit, and the grand prix of Rome is integrative to that of Monza, it's not a replacement.
"We have calculated that there will be an income of one billion euros a year with this grand prix and Rome needs to renew its tourist appeal.
"Not only the past, archaeology and monuments, but also the future, something which is aimed at families and youngsters."

Thursday, December 17, 2009

2010 will be full of surprises !!

At least at the beginning of the season. 2010 is promising to be full of surprises.

Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo has revealed that the Italian team will not stand in Michael Schumacher's way should he decide to join Mercedes GP.

Much of the off-season news has been dominated by speculation that Schumacher will come out of retirement to join Mercedes GP, with one stumbling block believed to be that the German is contracted to Ferrari as a consultant.
This no longer appears to be the case, with di Montezemolo telling Reuters that Schumacher's deal is 'not binding'.

Should the German decide to join his compatriot Nico Rosberg at Merc GP, he will end a 13-year association with Ferrari. 


Nico Rosberg insists that if Michael Schumacher were to join him at Mercedes GP that he would not be the former World Champion's number two.


The Brackley-based outfit have already confirmed youngster Nico Rosberg as one of their drivers for the 2010 season, and the former Williams man insists that even if a legend like Schumacher was to join the team he would not be the team's number two driver.

"At Mercedes, there is no hierarchy. It has always been commonplace, that there are two equal drivers," Rosberg told Bild newspaper.

Sir Richard Branson's love of Formula One today resulted in one of the world's richest men throwing the full weight of the Virgin brand behind one of the sport's new teams.
Manor GP, one of four new marques who will help make up an expanded 13-team grid for next season, have been rebranded Virgin Racing thanks to a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Branson.
Tycoon Branson confirmed one of F1's worst-kept secrets at a press conference in Notting Hill, London.However, his decision to leave Brawn / Mercedes for Manor leaves a huge question mark.

Meanwhile, Kamui Kobayashi has been named as one of Sauber's drivers for the 2010 season - a much deserved race seat for the best rookie we saw in many years.

The Japanese driver made his F1 debut for Toyota earlier in the year, having replaced the injured Timo Glock for the final two races of the season.

It was believed that Kobayashi would have been given a drive at Toyota next year had the manufacturer remained in the sport, but he has secured a seat despite their exit, with impressive performances in Brazil and Abu Dhabi enough to convince Peter Sauber of his talents.





In Italy, Felipe Massa continued his return to full fitness with a practice run at Ferrari's Mugello track on Tuesday.

The Brazilian managed 30 laps in a F2007, his first genuine stint behind the wheel since his horrific accident in Hungary, having completing a handful of demonstration laps in an F60 at the Ferrari World Finals day.

Adverse weather conditions meant that Massa was only able to get out on the track in the afternoon, with his run cut short as darkness closed in.

Despite the disrupted day, the 28-year-old was delighted with the experience.

"I'm happy that I could get into this car and it's always a pleasure driving on a track like Mugello," said Massa.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Hikki Does get a seat :o !!

Lotus boss Tony Fernandes believes envious eyes are being cast in the direction of his team following the announcement of their driver line-up for 2010.
The Malaysia-backed marque will have Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli in the cockpit of their cars as Lotus returns to F1 for the first time since 1994.
As one of four new teams on the grid for next season, Fernandes admits he is still pinching himself at being able to lure two drivers of such calibre.
"We have not even finished our first race car, so to attract two race winning drivers to the team is a huge achievement and honour," reflected Fernandes.
"I think it is a testament to our ambition and long-term vision we have such talent on our books in year one.
"It is further proof we are serious about what we do, and I am sure the other new teams are looking at us with some envy right now."
Given the fledgling nature of the team, the CEO of AirAsia insists there will be no undue pressure placed on Kovalainen and Trulli to immediately score results and points.
Asked as to his expectations of the duo, Fernandes said: "It is more a question of what we all expect from each other rather than just from the drivers.
"Next season will be the first for Lotus F1 Racing and we have a lot to achieve in a short space of time.
"As with any new venture, it is a case of 'all hands on deck'.
"Everybody has a vital role to play, but it is about bringing a new team together and gelling.
"The drivers each bring different experience to the team and I think the combination of their skills will help us quickly establish ourselves as the ones to watch in 2010 and beyond."
Kovalainen, who has spent the last two years in the shadow of Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, is under no illusion as to the difficulties he and Trulli will likely face at a debut team.
The Finn, who has one race victory in Hungary and one pole to his name, said: "I always race to win and I will do everything as if I was preparing to put the car on pole.
"But of course we have to be realistic and keep the focus on developing the team to a state where we can operate like any other current top F1 team.
"It will not be easy and we will have tough times at the beginning, there's no question about it.
"But as long as we keep improving all the way through the year and have earned the respect of the other top teams on the grid, then we can be pleased about the first year."
Trulli, a veteran of 219 grands prix, also appreciates a degree of realism needs to be applied for the first year.
However, the 35-year-old Italian sees no reason why Lotus cannot be pushing for points towards the end of the year once they have established a foothold.
"We are one of the new teams, so we have to prove ourselves and to gain respect in the paddock," assessed Trulli.
"We have to establish ourselves as the best of the new teams and see what gap we have between us and the rest.
"Only then will we really understand what gains we need to make during the season.
"The points system has changed to reward the top 10 drivers, so I would like to see us making progress towards the top 10 by (the final race in) Abu Dhabi."
Malaysian Fairuz Fauzy, who has previously tested for Spyker and competed in GP2 and A1GP, has been handed the role of reserve and test driver.
Lotus have also unveiled their logo, a combination of green, white and yellow, and a definite pointer towards their livery as the team honours the historic name's prior racing heritage.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Top 10 finishers will get point in 2010 !!


The top ten finishers in a Grand Prix will score points next season under a new system expected to be ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) on Friday. The proposed amendment, put forward due to the expanded grid of 13 teams for 2010, was agreed by the F1 Commission on Thursday after it met for the first time in its new structure since the signing of the 2009 Concorde Agreement.

Under the new system, the race winner will take 25 points, with 20 and 15 being awarded for second and third places respectively. The next seven finishers will score 10, 8, 6, 5, 3, 2 and 1 point respectively. It will replace the current structure of the top eight drivers scoring 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point respectively.

The F1 Commission also agreed the Brawn team will be allowed to change their chassis name to Mercedes. The team will continue to receive payments based on their historical performance. This has been granted on a one-off exceptional basis due to Mercedes-Benz’s long-term involvement and commitment to F1 racing.

The Commission also proposed a number of further amendments to the sporting and technical regulations, which will again be put to the WMSC for final approval on Friday morning. They include:

- A strong mandate has been given to the Sporting Working Group, a sub-committee of the F1 Commission made up of the FIA and F1 teams, to develop detailed proposals to improve the show. These will take effect from the 2010 championship.

- The FIA and FOM will further collaborate to enhance the communication and promotion of the championship to the media and its worldwide fanbase.

Thursday’s meeting was chaired by Commission President Bernie Ecclestone with FIA President Jean Todt in attendance. The F1 Commission is made up of key championship stakeholders from F1 teams, promoters, suppliers and sponsors. Its next meeting will be held on March 10 in Bahrain.

Joint Launch for 2010 cars and Schumi's Return to be facinating !

Formula One teams are planning an innovative joint launch ahead of the 2010 season.
In a further effort to cut costs, the move would see all 13 teams on show in a special event in Valencia at the end of January.
In the past, teams have either held their own special launches at their factories, or revealed their cars at one of the pre-season tests.
Mercedes-Benz GP chief executive Nick Fry outlined the initiative at the Motor Sport Business Forum in Monaco.
"I don't want to go into too much detail about what the plans actually are, but we have agreed between all the teams to do a joint launch and we do wish to turn it into a proper event," said Fry.
"We are getting a lot of help from the venue and investment in communication and marketing to do that.
"I wouldn't wish to spill the beans on what we are going to do, but it is going to be hugely innovative.
"It is going to be a clear demonstration of how we are going to be working together.
"We are not all going off and doing our own individual launches, so we can do something that is a lot more customer friendly."
It is understood the new teams - Virgin Racing, US F1, Lotus and Campos - may struggle to have their cars ready by then, but they would certainly be present at the event.


Meanwhile, Nick Fry believes Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One would be "fascinating".
Mercedes GP chief executive Fry, however, refused to confirm whether his team were talking to Schumacher about a drive for next season despite intense speculation surrounding the seven-times world champion.
With Nico Rosberg already on board at Mercedes, who took over this year's champions Brawn GP, Fry merely stated the team were in talks with "a number of different drivers" and that there would unlikely be a decision until early January.
The name of Schumacher, however, refuses to go away and neither the 40-year-old nor his manager Willi Weber have so far issued any kind of public denial as to a possible return after three years away.
Assessing the merits of a possible comeback from Schumacher or 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve who has been linked with a drive with one of the new teams, Fry said: "I think whether it be Michael or having another prior world champion, it just adds another very interesting element.
"Can someone who's 40 or 41 years old compete against someone who is 24 years old?
"In other sports people have proven they're very capable even at that age, and I think that would add another fascinating aspect.
"It's irrelevant whether it's Michael or Jacques. I was joking with Mika (Hakkinen) the other day that maybe he should throw his hat in."
Experience, though, is crucial for Fry, pointing to the fact that Brawn's success in the constructors' championship was down to the partnership involving Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello.
"We learned very clearly this year you've got to have two drivers capable of scoring points in every race," added Fry, speaking to autosport.com at the Motor Sports Business Forum in Monaco.
"The reason we won the constructors' championship is because we had that. Both drivers did a sensational job and they were both very similar to each other.
"We knocked in the points at virtually every single race, and you need that.
"With the lack of testing, it's very difficult to expect a younger driver to do that, so clearly highest on our list are people with F1 experience."
Fry, meanwhile, insists he has no axe to grind with Button despite the reigning world champion's defection to McLaren.
Fry appeared bitter after Button opted to sign for McLaren rather than remain with the team who had just helped him become champion.
Fry questioned Button's loyalty and added he was either brave or stupid in joining the Woking-based team and going up against Lewis Hamilton.
Reflecting on the situation now, Fry said: "I think it's going to be fascinating.
"I've had some nice chats with Jenson over the last few days at social functions and contrary to what people might think there's no hard feelings at all. We wish him all the best.
"We were disappointed that he left our team but we've got a good relationship."
Fry, though, still feels Button faces "a difficult task".
He added: "It's nothing to do with whether he's got the talent - which I think he has - it's all to do with going into a team where Lewis has been for a long time and knows the team very well.
"In my experience in Formula One, for a new driver to come into any team takes months or even most of the first season to really understand the lay of the land.
"That's quite difficult to do, and Jenson's a brave lad taking that on.
"He's got the raw skill to do it, but in terms of learning how the team works, he's going to have to accelerate himself up the line very quickly."

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Schumi Might come where as Fisi might be at Sauber

Bernie Ecclestone has added fuel to the fire in the ongoing Michael Schumacher comeback saga, stating that the German's possible return is 'a bit stronger than a rumour.'

The seven-time World Champion has been consistently linked with a return to the sport for some time, and was set to replace Felipe Massa following the Ferrari driver's crash in Hungary.

Injury prevented that particular comeback but the rumour-mill continues to link the German with a return, with latest reports linking him to Mercedes GP.

"I would personally doubt that he's going to make a comeback but, having said that, it's maybe getting a bit stronger than a rumour," Ecclestone told The Times.

The F1 supremo admits that the 40-year-old's return would be a major boost to the sport.

"Oh, it would be magic," said the Briton. "You saw the interest he created when he was going to come back after Felipe Massa had his accident."

Following the departures of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, Mercedes GP have snapped up Nico Rosberg from Williams but still have one free seat, with the latest speculation suggesting that either Schumacher or Nick Heidfeld will fill the void.

Ask which of the German pair he would choose, Ecclestone had little hesitation in making a decision.

"Well you'd have to pick Michael wouldn't you?" he said. "There's no discussion about that. It's the obvious thing. Whether or not this is going to happen, I don't know. If I was Michael I wouldn't do it, but I'm sure he knows he could get the job done."


Giancarlo Fisichella admits he would enjoy making a return to the Sauber team if it ensured he had a race seat next season.

Fisichella has been confirmed as one of Ferrari's test drivers for the coming season but the experienced Italian has not given up hope of securing a starting berth with Sauber reportedly interested in his services.

Having driven for Sauber in 2004, the 36-year-old is upbeat about a possible return.

"I would be delighted, of course, with a team to work together, which I already know and with whom I have been perfectly well," Fisichella said at the Bologna Motor Show.

"Besides, I am naturally very pleased that the team will be at the start," he added.

Friday, December 4, 2009

We will see Kimi in 2010 !!

Kimi Raikkonen's F1 career is over, at least for now, after Citroen confirmed that the Finn will compete with their Junior Team in next year's World Rally Championship.

Having failed to secured a race-seat with McLaren for next year's Championship, Raikkonen announced that he would be taking a year out of Formula One, admitting that a season spent rallying could be on the cards.

That was finally confirmed on Friday when Citroen revealed that the 2007 F1 World Champ will contest next year's WRC in a Red Bull-backed Citroen Junior Team car.

"I always wanted to compete in rally, especially in the World Rally Championship at some point in my career," said Raikkonen.

"Thanks to Red Bull, I have the opportunity to drive the best car of the series with the Citroen C4. This is a new but very exciting challenge."

But just because he's off rallying next year it doesn't mean Raikkonen's F1 career is over for good as the Finn revealed that he has only signed a one-year deal with Citroen.

"For the moment we have a one-year contract and we will see how it goes for the future," he said. "I am really looking forward to testing the car and taking the start of the first rally."

Citroen team boss Olivier Quesnel added: "It is with immense joy that we welcome Kimi Raikkonen to our ranks. We are very proud that he has chosen Citroen."

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Renault to Pro-Drive and Sauber's 9 lives !

Renault are understood to be again debating their future in Formula One.
A month ago the French manufacturing giant held a board meeting to discuss whether to continue in the sport, that coming hours after Toyota confirmed they were pulling out with immediate effect.
At the time Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn called for patience, insisting a decision would be made before the end of the year.
In a recent interview Ghosn questioned Renault's involvement in F1 at a time when three manufacturers - Honda, BMW and Toyota - have pulled out of the sport in the last 12 months.
The situation would appear to be drawing to a close, with rumours rife David Richards' Prodrive organisation are poised to acquire Renault's F1 team.
Renault's withdrawal would not be lock, stock and barrel as it is believed they would continue to supply engines through to the end of the 2012 season.
Part of the deal with Prodrive would see the Banbury-based company use Renault engines.
Former BAR team principal Richards has twice tried to return to F1 with his own team in recent years.
Richards was due to enter Prodrive as a customer team in 2008 using a McLaren chassis and Mercedes engine, only to be thwarted on that occasion.
Earlier this year Prodrive appeared set for one of the three new places on the grid for 2010, but their reluctance to use Cosworth engines after agreeing a deal with Mercedes apparently cost them dear.

Meanwhile, Peter Sauber seems to be making merry off the 9 lives he's got where his team Sauber have been granted the final place on the 2010 grid, the FIA have confirmed.

The decision by motor sport's world governing body comes after Peter Sauber agreed a deal with BMW last week to take over the team.
After the German manufacturing giant announced their withdrawal from F1 in the summer, they initially signed a contract with Qadbak Investments Ltd.
However, that was shelved in favour of the team returning to the hands of 66-year-old Swiss Sauber who ran his own marque for 13 years prior to selling 80% of his company to BMW in 2005.
With the team now in safe hands, although Sauber is in the process of trimming the workforce down to 250 employees from 388 as per the takeover agreement, the FIA have moved swiftly to grant them their entry for next season.
A statement read: "The FIA has written to inform BMW Sauber AG that their application for an entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship has been successful.
"Subject to their signing the Concorde Agreement, BMW Sauber will be awarded the 13th entry in the championship, taking the place of the departing Toyota team.
"The FIA has worked closely with the commercial rights holder (Bernie Ecclestone) and the teams involved over recent weeks and is grateful for their support in achieving the best outcome for the sport."

Surprising Note on Kimi !!

The demise of Kimi Raikkonen's relationship with Ferrari and his apparent lack of motivation have, according to an unnamed Ferrari team member, been highlighted by Fernando Alonso's recent visits to Maranello. Actually, this is nothing new as we always knew that he was a Driver and not a Developer like Schumi was or Alonso is suppose to be. Kimi was and will always be a good Driver. 
 

Despite winning the World title in his first season with Ferrari back in 2007, Raikkonen's relationship with the Italian marque soon began to deteriorate.

The downward spiral first saw the powers-that-be question the Finn's motivation and his commitment. They later progressed to publicly casting doubts about Raikkonen's future at the team and whether he suited being a Ferrari driver.

"It's a matter of personality, because Kimi is the type of person that shows little emotion, he keeps everything inside," said Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo. "These things don't help with the exchange of information inside the team."

The end result was a mutual agreement between Ferrari and Raikkonen to end his contract a year early, allowing Ferrari to sign double World Champion, Alonso, as his replacement.

And although he's still contracted to Renault, Alonso has already paid two visits to Ferrari's Maranello headquarters, the most recent being last week when he spent two days there talking with the team's engineers and familiarising himself with the Fiorano circuit.

Alonso's second visit led to a thinly-veiled dig at Raikkonen's absence during his time with Ferrari.

"In the two days he (Alonso) has seen more of the Maranello factory than others in two years," a team member told Marca.

The Spaniard, though, knows he still has a lot of work to do to earn the respect of his new team members.

"I have to earn the trust and gain the confidence of the team and begin a good relationship with the engineers and mechanics," he said.

"That is what I am trying to do in these months, in order to arrive at the first race with a good understanding with the team so that we all feel comfortable together."

Meanwhile, new team-mate Felipe Massa, who will return to racing next season after an injury lay-off, said in a separate interview with Marca that he is not afraid of being upstaged by Alonso.

"Alonso is a great driver, everyone knows that, and I think we will have a good relationship off the track," he said.

"I think we can form the strongest partnership in the Championship. I think his arrival will change nothing in my career or within Ferrari: we are two great drivers, and his recruitment is good for the team."