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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you Ferrari !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schumi to Win 8th title !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F1 to Rome !

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

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

2010 will be full of surprises !!

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hikki Does get a seat :o !!

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

Top 10 finishers will get point in 2010 !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schumi Might come where as Fisi might be at Sauber

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We will see Kimi in 2010 !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surprising Note on Kimi !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The confirmed grid for 2010 as at 1st December 2001

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renault out in 2010 ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schumi Again !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's Nico !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schumi back in 2010 !!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is official !

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

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

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

In a press briefing, Button declared:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F1 messed up ?

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Massa is Back !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Very Big News on F1 !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Massa - "I am no Second Fiddle"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schumi on Sale !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senna on Track !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anthony Wants Lewis to Get his Ass Kicked !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Better off Season !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F1 - It is still happening !

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

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

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

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