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2010-03-28T00:51:00.001-07:00

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Practice 1

2010-03-11T23:31:00.001-08:00

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FIA reversed 2010 line up

2010-03-03T23:19:00.001-08:00

The official entry list for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship was republished by the FIA on Wednesday evening. Following weeks of speculation the sport’s governing body has confirmed the North Carolina-based US team will not compete, which means 12 teams will line up on the grid at next week’s season-opener in Bahrain.

A subsequent statement released by the FIA said: “The US team have indicated that they will not be in a position to participate in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship. Having considered the various options, the FIA confirms that it is not possible for a replacement team to be entered for the championship at this late stage.

“In the coming days the FIA will announce details of a new selection process to identify candidates to fill any vacancies existing at the start of the 2011 season.”

Other points to note are that Campos have changed their name to HRT following last month’s acquisition by Spanish businessman - and existing shareholder - Jose Ramon Carabante. The team are yet to reveal who will be team mate to already announced driver Bruno Senna.

The entry list also confirmed BMW Sauber’s place on the 2010 grid, with drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Kamui Kobayashi set to take up driver numbers 22 and 23.

The full entry list of constructors and drivers as published by the FIA is as follows:

McLaren Mercedes
1 Jenson Button (GB)
2 Lewis Hamilton (GB)

Mercedes Benz GP Limited
3 Michael Schumacher (D)
4 Nico Rosberg (D)

Red Bull Racing Renault
5 Sebastian Vettel (D)
6 Mark Webber (AUS)

Ferrari
7 Felipe Massa (BR)
8 Fernando Alonso (E)

Williams Cosworth
9 Rubens Barrichello (BR)
10 Nico Hulkenberg (D)

Renault
11 Robert Kubica (PL)
12 Vitaly Petrov (RUS)

Force India Mercedes
14 Adrian Sutil (D)
15 Vitantonio Liuzzi (I)

STR Ferrari
16 Sebastien Buemi (CH)
17 Jaime Alguersuari (E)

Lotus Cosworth
18 Jarno Trulli (I)
19 Heikki Kovalainen (FIN)

HRT Cosworth
20 TBA
21 Bruno Senna (BR)

BMW Sauber Ferrari
22 Pedro de la Rosa (E)
23 Kamui Kobayashi (J)

Virgin Cosworth
24 Timo Glock (D)
25 Lucas di Grassi (BR)

Herez - 2nd practice - day 1

2010-02-17T01:49:00.000-08:00

Hi all !

Welcome to the second practice session - Day 1 at Jerez

looks damp conditions, however, the sky has cleared up and stayed cleared.

Final timing shows as !!

1. S. Vettel Red Bull Racing RB6 1:22.593 99 laps
2. L. Hamilton McLaren MP4-25 1:23.017 +0.424 72 laps
3. F. Massa Ferrari F10 1:23.204 +0.611 72 laps
4. S. Buemi Toro Rosso STR5 1:23.322 +0.729 79 laps
5. P. de la Rosa Sauber C29 1:23.367 +0.774 76 laps
6. M. Schumacher Mercedes GP W01 1:23.803 +1.210 111 laps
7. A. Sutil Force India VJM-03 1:24.272 +1.679 28 laps
8. P. di Resta Force India VJM-03 1:25.088 +2.495 74 laps
9. V. Petrov Renault R30 1:26.237 +3.644 55 laps
10. R. Barrichello Williams FW32 1:27.320 +4.727 109 laps
11. F. Fauzy Lotus F1 T127 1:31.848 +9.255 76 laps
12. T. Glock Virgin Racing VR-01 1:32.417 +9.824 10 laps

Keep visiting for updates
Jerez time 13.59

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Dif	laps
1.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F60	1:23.204		50	pit
2.	S. Vettel	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:23.551	+0.347	60
3.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:24.367	+1.163	45	pit
4.	P. di Resta	Force India	VJM-03	1:25.463	+2.259	71
5.	S. Buemi	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:26.859	+3.655	42
6.	V. Petrov	Renault	R30	1:27.297	+4.093	22
7.	P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:27.825	+4.621	48	pit
8.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:28.256	+5.052	78	pit
9.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:30.273	+7.069	50
10.	F. Fauzy	Lotus F1	T127	1:34.396	+11.192	46	pit
11.	T. Glock	Virgin Racing	VR-01	1:34.453	+11.249	4	pit

13.01 Jerez time

	Driver	Team	Car	Timing	Dif	Lap
1.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:25.742		31
2.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F60	1:26.867	+1.125	44
3.	P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:27.825	+2.083	44	pit
4.	S. Vettel	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:27.871	+2.129	51	pit
5.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:28.256	+2.514	78	pit
6.	P. di Resta	Force India	VJM-03	1:30.080	+4.338	61
7.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:30.273	+4.531	50	pit
8.	S. Buemi	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:31.555	+5.813	37	pit
9.	V. Petrov	Renault	R30	1:32.752	+7.010	12	pit
10.	F. Fauzy	Lotus F1	T127	1:34.396	+8.654	46	pit
11.	T. Glock	Virgin Racing	VR-01	1:34.453	+8.711	4	pit

12.30 Jerez time

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Dif	Laps
1.	P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:27.825		37
2.	S. Vettel	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:29.053	+1.228	37
3.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:30.142	+2.317	65
4.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:30.273	+2.448	36
5.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F60	1:30.327	+2.502	27	pit
6.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:30.453	+2.628	24	pit
7.	S. Buemi	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:31.555	+3.730	37	pit
8.	P. di Resta	Force India	VJM-03	1:33.379	+5.554	40	pit
9.	V. Petrov	Renault	R30	1:33.607	+5.782	8
10.	F. Fauzy	Lotus F1	T127	1:35.777	+7.952	30

results as at 10.44 hours Jerez time

Keep visiting for updates

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Dif	Lap
1.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F60	1:30.327		17
2.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:30.549	+0.222	7
3.	P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:30.763	+0.436	14
4.	S. Buemi	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:32.024	+1.697	15	pit
5.	S. Vettel	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:32.761	+2.434	14
6.	P. di Resta	Force India	VJM-03	1:33.459	+3.132	11	pit
7.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:35.128	+4.801	22	pit
8.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:39.121	+8.794	7	pit
9.	F. Fauzy	Lotus F1	T127	1:39.823	+9.496	8	pit

Jerez - 1st test - Day 4 latest

2010-02-13T03:23:00.000-08:00

There is rain in Jerez and the time sheets indicate that there have been patches of rain.

End of day

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Diff	Lap
1.		L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:19.583		113	pit
2.		A. Sutil	Force India	VJM-03	1:20.180	+0.597	84	pit
3.		R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:20.341	+0.758	90	pit
4.		R. Kubica	Renault	R30	1:20.358	+0.775	85	pit
5.		M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:20.613	+1.030	84	pit
6.		S. Vettel	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:21.203	+1.620	90	pit
7.		F. Massa	Ferrari	F10	1:21.485	+1.902	160	pit
8.		P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:22.134	+2.551	105	pit
9.		L. Di Grassi	Virgin Racing	VR-01	1:22.912	+3.329	63	pit
10.		J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:24.072	+4.489	98	pit

Timing at 16.32 hours Jerez

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Diff	Laps
1.	A. Sutil	Force India	VJM-03	1:20.253		72	pit
2.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:20.341	+0.088	90	pit
3.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:20.613	+0.360	72	pit
4.	S. Vettel	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:21.203	+0.950	72
5.	R. Kubica	Renault	R30	1:21.563	+1.310	79	pit
6.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F10	1:21.566	+1.313	148	pit
7.	P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:22.134	+1.881	105	pit
8.	L. Di Grassi	Virgin Racing	VR-01	1:22.912	+2.659	54
9.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:23.365	+3.112	104
10.	J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:24.518	+4.265	96	pit

The latest results - 13.05 hours Jerez Time

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Dif	Lap
1.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:20.613		20
2.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:21.334	+0.721	53
3.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F10	1:22.641	+2.028	95	pit
4.	S. Vettel	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:22.752	+2.139	65	pit
5.	R. Kubica	Renault	R30	1:23.277	+2.664	40
6.	P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:23.796	+3.183	65	pit
7.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:24.063	+3.450	44
8.	J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:25.490	+4.877	82	pit
9.	L. Di Grassi	Virgin Racing	VR-01	1:27.389	+6.776	13	pit
10.	A. Sutil	Force India	VJM-03	1:27.606	+6.993	37	pit

11.00 hours Jerez time

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Dif	Laps
1.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:22.319		36
2.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F10	1:23.847	+1.528	73
3.	R. Kubica	Renault	R30	1:24.373	+2.054	14	pit
4.	P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:24.846	+2.527	39
5.	S. Vettel	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:25.681	+3.362	39
6.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:26.023	+3.704	19	pit
7.	J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:26.738	+4.419	50
8.	A. Sutil	Force India	VJM-03	1:27.606	+5.287	37	pit
9.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:29.768	+7.449	11	pit

sum up - Jerez - Day 3

2010-02-12T23:45:00.000-08:00

Toro Rosso’s Jaime Alguersuari led the times in a rain-hit session at Jerez on Friday as this week’s four-day test continued in Spain. Algueruari’s best lap of 1m 19.919s, set in the first hour before the weather worsened, put him eight-tenths clear of BMW Sauber’s Pedro de la Rosa. Conditions deteriorated as the day progressed, prompting many teams to wind up their programmes early.

For Alguersuari it was his first taste of this year’s rain tyres, the Catalan driver completing long runs on both intermediates and wets without error or any reliability problems with the STR5.

Commenting on De la Rosa’s progress, BMW Sauber’s head of track engineering Giampaolo Dall'Ara said: "We managed to do a baseline run in the dry and later focused on balancing the car in the wet. We scanned different set-ups and worked on the brake system. Pedro's comments on the car were quite positive in the wet. Nevertheless we certainly hope for better and dry track conditions tomorrow."

At Force India Adrian Sutil's programme followed on from Tonio Liuzzi's schedule of the previous two days, with systems checks, long runs and set-up evaluation. The heavy rain and frequent red flags compromised some of the schedule, however, and Sutil completed 48 laps before an electrical fault halted him on track some 90 minutes before the end of the session.

“The car is good and I think it's a positive place to start,” said the German, who was third fastest. “I'm very confident on the general speed of the car. Unfortunately the rain came in quite early and then it was really waiting for reasonable conditions to go out. We had a problem in the afternoon that caused us to miss a bit of track time, but considering it was so wet it would have been very difficult to get a lot of running in anyway. I'm pleased to at least have had some dry running and some more time in the car and am looking forward to getting started again tomorrow.”

Felipe Massa was on duty for Ferrari, having his third day at the wheel of the F10. The Brazilian was only able to complete around 20 laps on dry tyres before having to run only with rain tyres, both intermediates and wets. He completed a total of 72 laps on his way to fourth in the times.

Sebastian Vettel drove Red Bull’s 2010 challenger, the RB6, for the first time, as he took over from Mark Webber. The German, who will be in the car again on Saturday, finished fifth fastest.

“After three months, it was good to come back and drive the car - it felt okay and we didn’t have any big issues,” he commented. “Obviously the weather is not ideal for us to find out more about the car, but we knew the rain was coming so we didn’t mess around this morning and went straight out to do some laps. It then rained all day, but you could face these conditions in a Grand Prix, so it’s important to do laps in the wet. Overall, we didn’t do enough because of the weather, but I’m pretty happy.”

Renault adapted their programme to allow new driver Vitaly Petrov to complete 68 laps acclimatising to the R30 in the wet and to carry out some practice starts. The Russian finished sixth in the times.

"In the morning we managed to do a bit of dry running and the car felt good and well balanced,” reported Petrov. “Then, when the rain arrived, we did quite a lot of work as it was important for me to understand how the car behaves in the wet conditions and the characteristics of the wet and intermediate Bridgestone tyres. That went well and we also did a lot of practice starts as I learn the procedures and systems on the car."

Nico Rosberg, seventh, was back at the wheel of Mercedes’ MGP W01, evaluating intermediate and wet tyres, alongside race simulation exercises. Michael Schumacher will take over from his fellow German for the final day of the test.

"It's unfortunate that it was once again a wet day today but we still achieved some valuable testing working on our race weekend procedures such as pit stops and pit entries,” said Rosberg. “The positive side is that I felt very much home in the car and could attack on the half lap that I did in the dry so that gives me confidence and a good feeling for the test days ahead."

Rubens Barrichello was eighth fastest for Williams in the FW32. “We basically only had a few laps in the dry this morning but then the rest of our running was done in the wet, so it was hard to find where the limit was and evaluate our performance,” said the Brazilian. “I’m looking forward to getting back in the car tomorrow and getting some more mileage in.”

Technical director Sam Michael added: “We went straight into a race run on slick tyres in the morning as we knew we would only have a short window before the rain came. After that, it was a wet programme for the rest of the day. We spent the session working on control strategies, systems checks, race starts and a couple of small set-up changes. We had no mechanical problems.”

Lewis Hamilton, back in the cockpit for McLaren, was ninth. He used his only dry laps to conduct low-speed aero mapping runs, before the team switched to wet tyre evaluations, including some longer runs in the afternoon.

Finally, Virgin had another frustrating day after Thursday’s front wing problems. The spare parts they needed to remedy the problem did not arrive in time to get in any dry running and Lucas di Grassi managed just eight wet laps in the VR-01.

“This was particularly annoying given the great efforts by Wirth Research who, rather than just dispatching existing parts from our Bicester base, designed and manufactured new parts, R&D tested them and got them out to the circuit within a 24 hour period,” explained technical director Nick Wirth. “The drivers remain positive, the data we are gathering is as expected and we’re all keeping our heads down and just getting on with what we need to do at this early stage in our development.”

The Jerez test will conclude on Saturday, when more rain is expected.

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Diff.	Laps
1.	J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:19.919		76
2.	P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:20.736	+0.817	58
3.	A. Sutil	Force India	VJM-03	1:21.428	+1.509	48
4.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F10	1:21.603	+1.684	72
5.	S. Vettel	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:21.783	+1.864	59
6.	V. Petrov	Renault	R30	1:22.000	+2.081	68
7.	N. Rosberg	Mercedes GP	W01	1:22.820	+2.901	53
8.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:23.217	+3.298	120
9.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:23.985	+4.066	68
10.	L. Di Grassi	Virgin Racing	VR-01	1:37.107	+17.188	8

Jerez - Day 2 updated !

2010-02-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

A late charge from Kamui Kobayashi saw the Sauber driver steal the honours at Jerez while Jenson Button continued the latest trend of ending session five minutes early with a red flag.

Despite some concerns in the morning that the rain, which caused havoc to the teams' programmes on Wednesday, could again come down, only a few drops fell, leaving the drivers a dry track on which to test.

Buemi made the most of the conditions as the Toro Rosso driver posted a 1:20.026, the fastest lap time of the week, to top the timesheets ahead of Button.

It was an impressive showing from the Swiss driver as it wasn't just a one-off lap, he managed a few, each quicker than the other, to keep Button's challenge at bay.

And while it appeared as if Buemi would finish the day at the top of the timesheets, an extremely late charge from Sauber's Kobayashi had the Japanese rookie taking the honour.

While all eyes were fixed on Button's stricken McLaren, which had stopped out at Turn Six for as yet undisclosed reason bringing the session to an end five minutes ahead of schedule, Kobayashi crossed the line, the first driver to break into the 1:19s.

The Sauber rookie recorded a 1:19.950 to pip Buemi by 0.076s.

Button was therefore knocked down to third place while Nico Hulkenberg, whose running was cut short in the morning with a hydraulic problem, finished fourth place, ahead of Tonio Luizzi.

Michael Schumacher, who took over from Nico Rosberg for Thursday's action, finished in sixth place with a 1:21.304. However, the Mercedes driver was not concentrating on low-fuel qualifying stints.

Instead, Schumacher conducted a long run in the afternoon, completing 35 laps in one stint, during which the German was lapping in the late 1:24s.

Schumacher wasn't the only driver putting in long runs as Fernando Alonso, who finished seventh on the timesheets, put together a run of almost 50 laps.

And although the Spaniard finished behind Schumacher on the timesheets, he was quicker than the German on his long runs, lapping in the 1:23s and early 1:24s

Robert Kubica, who was called up to replace Vitaly Petrov as Renault wanted their lead driver in action on what many believe will be the only dry day of testing for the week, was eighth overall ahead of the morning's early pace-setter, Mark Webber.

Timo Glock completed the timesheets in tenth place, almost ten seconds off the pace. The German, though, only amassed 11 laps before a problem with the mounting of his front wing saw it fall off onto the track during the morning session.

Unfortunately for Glock and his Virgin team, a lack of parts meant they were forced to sit out the remainder of the day. "We're missing one or two spare parts which will hopefully arrive this evening, so we won't be able to run for the rest of the day," said tech boss Nick Wirth.

Unofficial Times
1. K. Kobayashi Sauber C29 1:19.950 103 laps
2. S. Buemi Toro Rosso STR5 1:20.026 +0.076 121 laps
3. J. Button McLaren MP4-25 1:20.618 +0.668 83 laps
4. N. Hülkenberg Williams FW32 1:20.629 +0.679 67 laps
5. V. Liuzzi Force India VJM-03 1:20.754 +0.804 80 laps
6. M. Schumacher Mercedes GP W01 1:21.083 +1.133 124 laps
7. F. Alonso Ferrari F10 1:21.424 +1.474 129 laps
8. R. Kubica Renault R30 1:22.003 +2.053 103 laps
9. M. Webber Red Bull Racing RB6 1:22.043 +2.093 99 laps
10. T. Glock Virgin Racing VR-01 1:29.964 +10.014 11 laps

Post - 1 Hour prior to finish of test

It has been a funny second day of testing. The names went up and down the order many a times and still is kind of moving around. But one name that never changed was that of Buemi and his Torro Rosso - Is this the Brawn of 2010 ?? They seem to be having the consistency at the top of the order.

However, it is still too early to call shots. We do not know the fuel loads each car is carrying. But several things can be fathomed.

Torro Rosso are fast.

The top will consist of Merc, Mc Learen and Ferrari for sure.

Red bull seem to have an issue or two.

Virgin is too far behind - even on a full tank, 9 seconds is way too slow.

Anyways, hopefully we will see more improvements in days to come - few more laps to go as at now. Hopefully I will get a chance update the time sheets one more time today !

	Driver	team	Car	timing	differ	laps
1.	S. Buemi	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:20.026		83	pit
2.	J. Button	McLaren	MP4-25	1:20.618	+0.592	45	pit
3.	N. Hülkenberg	Williams	FW32	1:20.637	+0.611	42	pit
4.	F. Alonso	Ferrari	F10	1:21.673	+1.647	92
5.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:21.907	+1.881	68	pit
6.	R. Kubica	Renault	R30	1:22.003	+1.977	72	pit
7.	M. Webber	Red Bull Racing	RB6	1:22.087	+2.061	74	pit
8.	K. Kobayashi	Sauber	C29	1:22.764	+2.738	69
9.	V. Liuzzi	Force India	VJM-03	1:22.886	+2.860	60
10.	T. Glock	Virgin Racing	VR-01	1:29.964	+9.938	11	pit

The latest from Jerez !! Keep visiting for updates during testing.

2010-02-10T02:18:00.001-08:00

Nico Rosberg was the early pace-setter at Jerez on Wednesday morning, however, it was last year's runners-up Red Bull who caught the eye.

Debuting Red Bull's 2010 challenger at the Spanish circuit, Mark Webber put the new RB6 through its paces, completing just five laps in the opening hour.

The Aussie was slowest of the nine drivers in action although given that it's the car's first run, that's to be expected.

At the end of day's work, Nico Rosberg may officially be the winner of the opening day of testing at Jerez but it was Nico Hulkenberg who won the bigger - and longer - battle.

Wednesday marked the first of four days that the Formula One teams will be testing this week and with heavy cloud cover overhead it was only a matter of time before the rain came down.

But before it did, Rosberg put in 11 laps during which he clocked a 1:20.927, putting him at the top of the leaderboard.

The Mercedes GP driver's time proved to be unbeatable for the remaining seven hours of play as the constant rain meant his rivals were unable to get the grip or speed needed to challenge him.

But while Rosberg may be the official winner of Day One, one could argue that Hulkenberg was just as big a winner.

The Williams driver set the fastest lap time on a wet track, clocking a 1:28.606, four-tenths up on Fernando Alonso's best.

Jenson Button was third quickest in the wet, some 1.5s off Hulkenberg's pace. Button's day began with some concerns about his MP4-25, which was fitted with a special device used to measures aerodynamic flow structures.

This prompted some speculation that McLaren were having aero problems, a claim denied by the team, who also ran Button's MP4-25 without the device attached.

Mark Webber, whose newly-launched RB6 suffered an oil leak that kept him off the track for over four hours, was fourth quickest in the wet, although only ninth in the dry. The Aussie also brought out the day's first red flag when his car stopped out on track.

He finished, at the wet timesheets at least, ahead of Kamui Kobayashi and Rosberg. Rosberg was responsible for the only other red flag, bringing the session to an end with eight minutes left on the clock. Initial reports claim it was a mechanical failure that caused Rosberg to stop out on track.

Tonio Liuzzi, testing Force India's VJM01 for the first time, finished in seventh place ahead of Sebastian Buemi, Vitaly Petrov and Timo Glock.

Glock was in action for Virgin Racing today, putting their new challenger through its paces up against rivals for the very first time. However, he joined the action late in the day, only hitting the track after lunch, which meant the German wasn't able to put in a single lap on a dry track.

Unofficial Wet Times
1. Hulkenberg Williams 1:28.606
2. Alonso Ferrari 1:28.7
3. Button McLaren 1:30
4. Webber Red Bull 1:30
5. Kobayashi Sauber 1:31
6. Rosberg Mercedes GP 1:32
7. Liuzzi Force India 1:32
8. Buemi Toro Rosso 1:33
9. Petrov Renault 1:34
10. Glock Virgin Racing 1:38

Unofficial Dry Times
1. N. Rosberg Mercedes GP W01 1:20.927 57 laps
2. S. Buemi Toro Rosso STR5 1:21.031 +0.104 84 laps
3. N. Hülkenberg Williams FW32 1:22.243 +1.316 118 laps
4. F. Alonso Ferrari F10 1:22.895 +1.968 88 laps
5. K. Kobayashi Sauber C29 1:23.287 +2.360 55 laps
6. J. Button McLaren MP4-25 1:24.947 +4.020 68 laps
7. V. Liuzzi Force India VJM-03 1:24.968 +4.041 71 laps
8. V. Petrov Renault R30 1:25.440 +4.513 27 laps
9. M. Webber Red Bull Racing RB6 1:26.502 +5.575 50 laps
10. T. Glock Virgin Racing VR-01 1:38.734 +17.807 5 laps

Day 2 and 3 Test results from Valencia

2010-02-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Click here for Day 1 Results

Day 3 Test results

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Difference	Laps
1.	F. Alonso	Ferrari	F10	1:11.470		100
2.	P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:12.094	+0.624	71
3.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:12.438	+0.968	82
4.	J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:12.576	+1.106	88
5.	J. Button	McLaren	MP4-25	1:12.951	+1.481	79
6.	V. Petrov	Renault	R30	1:13.097	+1.627	72
7.	N. Hülkenberg	Williams	FW32	1:13.669	+2.199	126

The interesting fact is that Schumi after returning from 3 years break is doing great. So is Massa after a considerable break and life threatening injury.

Several things to note

1. Ferrari are Fast
2. Sauber is a dark horse
3. Schumi is definitely Back
4. Alonso and Massa means business
5. Lewis has stuff to worry about ( He has mentioned in an interview that the car is similar to last years)
6. Button will definitely be out done by Lewis.

Day 2 Test results

	Driver	Team	Car	Time	Difference	Laps
1.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F10	1:11.722		124
2.	K. Kobayashi	Sauber	C29	1:12.056	+0.334	96
3.	L. Hamilton	McLaren	MP4-25	1:12.256	+0.534	108
4.	R. Kubica	Renault	R30	1:12.426	+0.704	119
5.	N. Rosberg	Mercedes GP	W01	1:12.899	+1.177	119
6.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:13.377	+1.655	102
7.	S. Buemi	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:13.849	+2.127	107

The New Cars Testing in Valancia - Schumi Beats Nico

2010-02-01T04:38:00.000-08:00

The following pictures were captured today during the 1st Practice session in Valancia.

Check out the new Babes !

Also the day ended with Filippe Massa taking the honors of being the fastest on Track followed by De La Rosa and guess who follows - the man after the break - Schumacher. The amazing fact is that the master beat his young rival Nico who followed in 4th place. Check out the timing at the bottom of the post.

The New Willians with Rubens Barichello

Ferrari with Massa

BMW Sauber with De La Rosa

Garry Paffet did the had the honors of having the first drive at McLearen

Nico in the new Merc (Former Brawn)

The New Renault with Kubica

Schumi was seen back on track and will take the wheels in the afternoon session.

The results till now goes as

	Driver	Team	Car	Time		#
1.	F. Massa	Ferrari	F10	1:12.650		91	pit
2.	P. de la Rosa	BMW Sauber	C25	1:12.784	+0.134	68	pit
3.	M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP	W01	1:13.321	+0.671	29	pit
4.	N. Rosberg	Mercedes GP	W01	1:13.543	+0.893	39	pit
5.	G. Paffett	McLaren	MP4-25	1:13.846	+1.196	83	pit
6.	R. Barrichello	Williams	FW32	1:14.449	+1.799	75	pit
7.	R. Kubica	Renault	R30	1:15.298	+2.648	69	pit
8.	S. Buemi	Toro Rosso	STR5	1:16.333	+3.683	14	pit

The New Cars - Ferrari F10

2010-02-01T04:08:00.000-08:00

Await pics of other beauties released.

Who is launching What ? When ?

2010-01-23T02:54:00.000-08:00

With March’s season-opener drawing ever closer and the first official test of the year set to kick off in just over a week's time, the teams are currently closeted in their factories, busily preparing for their 2010 campaigns. Over the coming weeks, however, they will all break cover and unveil their new cars to an expectant public.

After months of waiting, it’s always an exciting time, and with four brand new squads also joining the fray, you can guarantee there’ll be some surprises in store…

First up are Ferrari, who will take the wraps off their as-yet unnamed 2010 challenger at their Maranello factory next Thursday. Although they’ve already provided a sneak peak of an updated livery, complete with new sponsors Santander, their new car will be unveiled on January 28, with drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa both in attendance.

McLaren’s Mercedes-engined MP4-25, which will be driven by reigning world champion Jenson Button and 2008 titleholder Lewis Hamilton, will be revealed on January 29 at the UK headquarters of team sponsor Vodafone in Newbury.

Next up are BMW Sauber and Renault, who will unveil their 2010 cars at Spain’s Valencia track on January 31, the day before the first official test of the year kicks off. Although both have chosen to forgo the traditional glitz and glamour of a factory launch, team management and drivers will all be present.

Next in line are Mercedes. The former Brawn squad plan to showcase their rebranded ‘team’, and all-new driver pairing of Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, on Monday January 25 at Mercedes’ Stuttgart museum, before unveiling their new car at Valencia when testing gets underway on February 1. Williams are also planning to debut their new car at the same test.

Red Bull and Force India are both expected to reveal their new challengers at the second official test of the year, at the Spanish circuit of Jerez on February 10.

As one of four new teams joining the 2010 grid, it’s understandable that Lotus are to wait until the second week of February to unveil their car. Technical officer Mike Gascoyne has revealed they plan to fire up their car’s engine for the first time on February 5, before launching it on February 12. It will then make its track debut at Jerez a few days later.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the new US team, have decided to break with convention and are planning to give their car it’s first run on home soil in the United States. The machine will make a low-key test debut at the Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama at some point in early February.

There’s still no official word yet from fellow newcomers Virgin or Campos. Toro Rosso are also yet to announce launch plans.

Current launch line-up at a glance:
January 28 - Ferrari, Maranello, Italy
January 29 - McLaren, Newbury, UK
January 31 - BMW Sauber/Renault, Valencia, Spain
February 1 - Mercedes GP/Williams, Valencia, Spain
February 10 - Red Bull/Force India, Jerez, Spain
Early February - US, Barber Motorsport Park, Alabama, USA
February 12 - Lotus

Few more gossip from the F1 platform !

2010-01-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

Michael Schumacher is adamant he will win a World title with Mercedes GP but concedes that it may not be in his first year back racing.

The seven-time World Champion is making his return to Formula One this season, having signed a three-year contract with Mercedes, the new owners of last year's Championship-winning Brawn GP team.

And although many are expecting Schumacher to excel upon his return, just as many believe the German will find the going tough.

Schumacher, however, reckons it's only a matter of time before he wins an eighth Drivers' Championship title.

"In our long-term targets with Mercedes, we have established a clear objective," the 41-year-old told the Bild newspaper.

"I want to become World Champion again. Perhaps that will not happen in my first season back, but it is a realistic possibility over the three seasons."

Schumacher's confidence is echoed by Mercedes GP team boss Ross Brawn.

"I do not believe that Michael will win at his first race. He will need a few races until he's accustomed to the car and the new drivers.

"But I hope in the long-term (he can). That was always his strength: he can adapt and learn unbelievably fast."

Fernando Alonso reckons that it will be difficult to match Michael Schumacher's record of seven World titles, if not "impossible."

Having clinched two titles with Benetton, Schumacher's move to Ferrari produced an era of dominance during which the German claimed a further five crowns, coming out on top from 2000 to 2004.

The German's reign was unprecedented, easily surpassing Juan Manuel Fangio's tally of five F1 World titles.

The most any of the current drivers, excluding the returning Schumacher, have amassed is Alonso's two, leaving the Spaniard to concede that Schumacher's record may stand for many years to come.

"Winning seven Championships would be tough, if not impossible in today's Formula One," the Ferrari driver said, "but I will attempt to win as much as possible in the coming years."

Felipe Massa is adamant he has cleared the air with new Ferrari team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Massa caused a stir towards the end of last year, following the confirmation of Alonso's appointment, by claiming the Spaniard was aware of the 'crashgate' plot that resulted in his victory in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

It was not the first time views had been aired between the duo as they twice had differences of opinion following races in Spain and Germany in 2007.

Such past confrontations led to suggestions their Latin temperaments would continue to clash at Ferrari, yet Massa maintains he and Alonso have so far managed to start off their new partnership on the right foot, in stark contrast to his previous relationship with Kimi Raikkonen.

"Things have started extremely well," said Massa. "We've already started to speak a lot about the car and what to do to have a competitive car.

"I've spoken more to Fernando now than in three years with Kimi.

David Coulthard reckons F1's youngsters could be in for a surprise this season when they come up against 41-year-old Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher is making a return to F1 after signing a shock deal with Mercedes GP. The German, though, will be the oldest driver on the grid, leaving some to question whether he still has what it takes.

Coulthard believes they could be in for a surprise.

"Well, Michael is an incredible Champion in F1. He has won 90-odd grands prix and seven world championships. So I would be surprised if he is surprised that F1 is difficult," he told Autosport.

"I actually think it will be more the other way. I think the young generation will be surprised just how ruthless Michael can be to achieve his goals.

"That is the thing I am curious to see - does he still have that last little killer instinct that made Michael such a dominant force in F1 before?"

However, the Scot, who had many a battle with Schumacher before the seven-time World Champion hang up his helmet, admits he was surprised by Schumacher's decision to return.

"I am surprised," he said. "Three years out of F1. He has been off doing motorbikes and all sorts of other things, but to come back and sign a three-year contract to comeback at 41 years old - that is tremendously exciting for motorsport in general.

Between Seasons !

2010-01-13T01:14:00.000-08:00

The ban on winter testing has actually made the in between Seasons period boring in a way though we get to talk of lot other things this winter. The main reason behind us getting more and more news and interesting articles is due to the fact of the driver changes that occurred, the new regulations that are coming in and most importantly the come back of one of the greatest in the sport - Michael Schumacher. to summarise what happened during the past week,

Fernando Alonso made his first appearance in Ferrari red, arriving in Madonna di Campiglio on Monday evening for the start of 'Wroom' week.

Although Alonso attended Ferrari's World Finals meeting at Valencia late last year, the Spaniard was unable to do so in Ferrari gear due to the fact that he was still contracted to Renault.

However, the change into the new year meant a change into new colours for the double World Champion.

Alonso arrived in the village in the Northern Italian region of Trentino, which traditionally plays host to the Scuderia's annual media event, together with his new team-mate Felipe Massa.

And although there were a few pictures taken, the real action will only begin on Tuesday when the Spaniard and the rest of his team hit the slopes.

Red Bull Racing will not be present at the first test session of the pre-season, according to team boss Christian Horner.

Red Bull, who finished second in last year's Constructors' Championship having claimed five victories, have revealed that their 2010 challenger, the RB6, will not be ready in time for the Valencia test.

The team will therefore wait until the second test, which takes place at Jerez from February 10-13, before turning a wheel in anger.

"As in 2009, we have elected not to run at the first test with the new car, so we will join at the second test," Horner told Autosport.

The decision to delay the first outing will ensure that the team has more time to conduct wind tunnel tests, even though Horner added that the car is an evolution of last year's RB5.

Michael Schumacher was back "on full alert" on Tuesday as he prepared for his Formula One return, even if bad weather put a dampener on his progress.

The seven-times F1 World Champion has been allowed to assist the GP2 Series in their development of a car planned from 2011.

That saw Schumacher back on track at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain, with the German completing 52 laps, albeit in predominantly wet conditions that ultimately forced a halt to the day's running.

Nevertheless, Schumacher was happy with his day's work as he closes in on a comeback after three years in retirement.

"Today was good, especially because after a long time I could drive again in a car that came close to a current Formula One car," said the 41-year-old on his personal website.

"Despite the weather not being what we all would have liked all my senses were nevertheless on full alert. This alone was worth it.

"Unfortunately, it was always just too wet to go out with slicks. I tried them twice, but had to go back to the box (pits) immediately.

"But still, I am gaining a lot from being here because even if you cannot reach F1 level in terms of g-forces, you are still able to practice communication with the engineers.

"I felt comfortable out on the track from the very beginning, and naturally I'd like to thank our team and the GP2 Series very much for the opportunity to drive."

Schumacher will spend another two days behind the wheel, with his drive today defended by Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug.

In other news, Corsworth is all ready for the F1 comeback ensuring the partners who opted for their engines that the engines are ready. Crosworth if we remember right, was some of the fastest engines that were on track next to BMW in the early 2000 seasons.

While Lewis Hamilton is eagerly awaiting for what he calls 'the best season ever", his former team mate at Mc Learen Hekki Kovalainen believes Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso will battle it out for the top honours in the 2010 F1 season.

"My guess is that it is between Lewis and Alonso - but I don't know how Mercedes GP will get on with Michael [Schumacher] and Nico [Rosberg]," he told Autosport

"They might have a very good car and it will be interesting to see how the drivers get on, and Jenson - how he finds McLaren and how that starts to work out there and how the races are going. But my gut feeling is that it is between Lewis and Alonso.

"But it doesn't matter to me too much, to be honest. If Lotus have a quick enough car then hopefully we will be there! But I think that is a bit unrealistic, and certainly I am not expecting it.

"If we are able to build a car that is at the front of the grid just like that, then something is wrong. Other teams must have done something really bad, or it is not realistic. That is my feeling what is going to happen at the front."

Some Gossip

2010-01-07T01:26:00.000-08:00

Flav will be back. The Former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has won his appeal against his lifetime ban from motorsport.

The FIA handed the former Renault team principal the stringent suspension in September for his role in the 'crashgate' scandal.

The 59-year-old Italian took his case to the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris claiming the FIA did not have legal grounds to issue him with a wholesale ban.
Renault's former director of engineering, Pat Symonds, has also had his five-year suspension quashed by the TGI.
However, Briatore and Symonds have only received 15,000 and 5,000 euros apiece (£13,500 and £4,500) in damages after initially seeking one million and 500,000 euros (£900,000 and £450,000) respectively.
The FIA now have 15 days to pay the duo, otherwise they will be liable to a penalty of 10,000 euros (£9,000) per day.

After this possitive verdict, Flavio Briatore is considering taking legal action against Nelson Piquet Snr and Jnr following his court triumph in Paris on Tuesday.
Motor sport's world governing body are currently looking into their options and considering whether to launch an appeal, a course of action Briatore has advised them against doing.
"I wouldn't do it after such a verdict," remarked the former Renault team principal in Gazzetta dello Sport.
Briatore, however, may now go gunning for the Piquets as it was they who blew the whistle on the 'crashgate' scandal.
Asked if he would now take action against the Piquets, Briatore replied: "That's very likely. The bad that has been done to me won't be forgotten in one day."
Briatore's problem, however, is the Tribunal merely stated the FIA sanction was "irregular" as it did not comply with their statutes.
At no stage has the TGI reversed the FIA's finding that both Briatore and Symonds conspired to cause an intentional crash.
Clearly in a feisty mood, however, Briatore may also take action against those drivers who opted to break away from his management company, notably Heikki Kovalainen and Lucas di Grassi.
"Except for Kovalainen and di Grassi, my relationship with the other drivers has never changed," added Briatore, who also oversees the likes of Mark Webber.
"In fact, now we'll analyse the situation with the lawyers to see whether we should take legal action against anyone who has broken the contracts with us."
Briatore's main source of anger, though, remains directed at former FIA president Max Mosley who he once described as "complainant, investigator, prosecutor and judge" in the case against him.
"It was a case of vengeance from Mosley, who has always managed the FIA and the World Council as if it was private property," remarked Briatore.
"He had reassured me, telling me they understood I didn't have anything to do with that story. Then came that verdict. It was an ignoble thing after 18 years of F1."

In other news,

Sauber are the first of the 13 Formula One teams to announce the unveiling of their car ahead of the new season.

Team principal Peter Sauber and director Willy Rampf are to take the wraps off their challenger at the Valencia circuit on January 31 ahead of the first test session that runs from February 1-3.

The team claim both drivers will also be on hand, although as yet Sauber have only confirmed Kamui Kobayashi, with a number of names in the frame for the second seat.

A rejuvenated Kimi Raikkonen has revealed winning the World Rally Championship would be of far greater significance than his Formula One title.

After nine years in F1, the Finn is certainly invigorated ahead of the opening rally in Sweden that starts on February 10, admitting to "finding a bit of the young Kimi in me again."

Speaking to the Red Bulletin magazine, asked what a WRC crown would mean to him, Raikonnen replied: "More than my F1 World Championship title."

Assessing his chances, he added: "I'm just starting out and I can sense what a long journey it would be to get to that point.

"It's definitely the biggest challenge yet. I've got to learn everything from scratch.

"But I want the challenge. I have to get to know the car, the rallies, how to work with my co-driver, everything.

"I'm looking forward to it, and you've got to set yourself some competition if you really want to know how good you are.

Meanwhile, Ross Brawn is confident Michael Schumacher has lost none of the talent and ability that saw him win an unprecedented seven World titles.

His comeback means the German will be the oldest driver on the 2010 grid as he turned 41 last Sunday.

But despite his age, Brawn is confident Schumacher still has what it takes to beat the best, citing his recent results in the Race of Champions and Felipe Massa's karting event as proof of this.

"I have got no doubts that the talent and the ability are still there," Brawn told Autosport.

"You see little flashes of it when he takes part in competitions like the Race of Champions and karting races.

"They are not an absolute measure, but always the same guys win in them that win in F1. The guys that Schumacher beat in those events says a lot."

But it's just talent and ability that Schumacher has in abundance, as Brawn insists the seven-time World Champion still has the motivation needed to succeed at the very top.

"We saw last year when he had the opportunity to drive for Ferrari that it re-lit the passion," said Brawn.

"I asked him whether he really wanted to do it (come back) and he said that he did."

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

2009-12-29T02:05:00.000-08:00

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 !

Thank you Ferrari !!

2009-12-26T06:25:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2009-12-23T00:50:00.000-08:00

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."

Schumi to Win 8th title !

2009-12-22T02:40:00.000-08:00

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.'

F1 to Rome !

2009-12-21T00:26:00.001-08:00

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."

2010 will be full of surprises !!

2009-12-17T01:03:00.000-08:00

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.

Hikki Does get a seat :o !!

2009-12-14T21:17:00.001-08:00

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.

Top 10 finishers will get point in 2010 !!

2009-12-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

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 !

2009-12-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

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."

Schumi Might come where as Fisi might be at Sauber

2009-12-08T00:05:00.000-08:00

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.

We will see Kimi in 2010 !!

2009-12-04T00:10:00.001-08:00

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."

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

2009-12-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

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 !!

2009-12-03T03:47:00.000-08:00

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."

The confirmed grid for 2010 as at 1st December 2001

2009-11-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

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

Renault out in 2010 ?

2009-11-26T00:00:00.001-08:00

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."

Schumi Again !

2009-11-24T20:36:00.001-08:00

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."

It's Nico !

2009-11-23T03:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Schumi back in 2010 !!!

2009-11-20T00:29:00.000-08:00

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."

It is official !

2009-11-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

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 ?

2009-11-18T00:03:00.000-08:00

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.

Massa is Back !!

2009-11-17T20:26:00.001-08:00

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 !!

2009-11-17T01:52:00.000-08:00

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.'

Very Big News on F1 !!

2009-11-16T20:17:00.001-08:00

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.

Massa - "I am no Second Fiddle"

2009-11-15T22:32:00.000-08:00

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."

Schumi on Sale !

2009-11-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

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 !

2009-11-11T19:42:00.001-08:00

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."

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

2009-11-10T00:16:00.000-08:00

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 !!

Anthony Wants Lewis to Get his Ass Kicked !!

2009-11-09T01:35:00.000-08:00

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."

Getting Better off Season !!

2009-11-06T02:32:00.000-08:00

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?"

F1 - It is still happening !

2009-11-04T01:52:00.000-08:00

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."

20 Grand Prix in Calender

2009-11-03T04:07:00.000-08:00

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."

Bridgestone Out !!

2009-11-02T04:27:00.000-08:00

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."

Kimi and Button to inform their future after Abu-Dhabi

2009-10-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2009-10-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

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 ?

2009-10-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2009-10-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

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 ??

2009-10-23T01:46:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-22T00:09:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-21T23:52:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-10-20T22:30:00.001-07:00

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 ??

2009-10-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

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 ??

2009-10-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-10-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-10-15T04:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-15T00:31:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-10-15T00:27:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-10-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-10-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-10-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-10-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-07T00:27:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-10-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

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 !

2009-10-06T04:45:00.000-07:00

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 ??

2009-10-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-02T00:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

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...