Lewis Hamilton grabbed a late pole for tomorrow’s German Grand Prix just outpacing Felipe Massa to the top of the grid.
Heikki Kovalainen will start in 3rd, alongside him Jarno Trulli. Behind them is Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen who has been seriously struggling.
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Rubens Barrichello has claimed he is unconcerned about rumour surrounding his future at the Honda Formula One Team.
The Brazilian’s boss, Ross Brawn claimed in an interview with Formula1.com that both he (Rubens) and British team mate Jenson Button would be staying with the Honda team for next season and into the foreseeable future.
The most experienced F1 driver says he has not signed a contract, and is not worried about the future and prefers to concentrate on the present rather than the future.
He had a tough pair of sessions, struggling to get his RA108 working in Germany.
Asked for a reaction about Brawn’s comments, Barrichello said: “I actually haven’t seen that. I haven’t signed anything.
“Obviously we are talking but right now, especially on my side, I’m concentrating very much on what I’m doing. I’m enjoying the moment.
“The car is not capable but I could only achieve the podium last week because of the enjoyment. You really have to take the best out of everything and work on it.
“Of course I want to stay for next year - I think it’s going to be one of best places to have for next year.
“When I came out of Ferrari I tried to build something here. The first year we had the Michelin tyres and I had to get used to them, the second year, the car was no good and this is the third year that I am proving a little bit better.
“If I am not in Formula One next year it will be sad not to use my services because I’m quicker than I’ve ever been and with that experience that is useful. I hope I’m staying here but I cannot confirm I have signed anything because I haven’t.”
Lewis Hamilton put a commadnign gap between himself and the Ferrari’s in the second session of testing practice at Hockenheim, Germany.
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Lewis Hamilton edged out his team mate and both Ferrari’s to take the fastest time of a damp FP1.
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Michael Schumacher, the world’s greatest Formula One driver and all round sporting legend has claimed in Swiss newspaper, the Blick, that he saved Felipe Massa’s career by retiring and that he would be unfazed by facing Kimi Raikkonen.
The 7 time world champion was jeered by some in the paddock by leaving Ferrari just as Kimi Raikkonen arrived, the critics claiming he was scared of facing the Iceman. Schumacher said at Hockenheim that he would have given Raikkonen a run for his money, and likely beaten him in the F2007; incidentally a car Schumacher showed pace in during testing.
Schumacher cited that he wanted his friend Felipe Massa to be kept in a job so he took the decision to leave while the going was good.
“I stopped because I didn’t want my friend Felipe Massa to be unemployed,” the 39-year-old is quoted as having said by Blick.
“I would have had no problem going up against Kimi Raikkonen.”
Sebastian Vettel was unveiled today as Red Bull Racing’s choice to replace David Coulthard for the forthcoming 2009 season.
The young German has been part of the Red Bull project for a very long time, and was sponsored heavily during his time at BMW Sauber. He made the jump across to Scuderia Toro Rosso for the end of 2007 and this 2008 season.
With David Coulthard retireing there was rumour Fernando Alonso would join the Milton Keynes based squad, but instead Vettel who is tipped to be the next Michael Schumacher will race with them.
“We are delighted that Sebastian will be joining us next year,” said team principal Christian Horner.
“With David Coulthard announcing his retirement as a Formula One driver a fortnight ago at the British Grand Prix, after careful consideration, it seemed natural to announce his replacement here at Sebastian’s home race in Hockenheim.
“As he was already part of the Red Bull family, choosing Sebastian as Mark Webber’s team-mate was not a difficult decision. However, we have always stated that our aim is to have the strongest available driver line-up and Vettel’s selection also matches these criteria.
“Having only turned 21 at the last race and with only 17 Grand Prix starts to his name, he is still on a learning curve, but it is clear that he has plenty of ability and speed. We are confident that Red Bull Racing will make the most of these attributes and believe that, in Mark and Sebastian, we have a very competitive driver line-up for 2009.”
David Coulthard has said he would welcome Fernando Alonso to join Red Bull Racing, to take the seat he is vacating.
The retiring Scot believes that as a double world champion he could bring invaluble advice to the team who are getting podiums and aiming for that race win.
“I’ve been asked several times who I think should take over my seat next year,” Coulthard wrote on his column for the ITV website.
“That’s a decision for the Red Bull management, but the common sense answer is that it should go to the quickest guy with a proven track record who is available.
“That might be Fernando Alonso for instance; if the team could get him that would make sense because he has great credentials as a double world champion.
“But if we assume he’s not available, then it’s completely logical to take Sebastian Vettel, who is within the Red Bull family, is performing well at Toro Rosso and naturally wants to progress to the larger team. I’m confident he would do a very good job for our team.”
Nick Heidfeld has declared himself very excited ahead of his home Grand Prix this weekend at the Hockenheim Circuit, Germany.
Heidfeld is racing with the BMW Sauber team, who have become more and more competitive taking multiple podiums and their first race win this season.
Heidfeld is aiming for a win at his home event.
“I’m really looking forward to my home grand prix,” Heidfeld said.
“Hockenheim is a very special race for the whole team, while a lot of Swiss fans have traditionally made the trip across the border to give their support. I personally have a lot of good memories of the Hockenheimring, especially the old circuit with its long straights through the forest.”
“Those sections were really unmistakeable, but the new track is, of course, significantly safer and better for the spectators - and I appreciate it for those reasons,” he added.
“Plus, a good overtaking opportunity has been created in the Parabolika. I’ve driven at Hockenheim in Formula Ford, Formula 3, Formula 3000 and Formula One, and can’t wait for this grand prix.”
Donington Park’s plans to get the track ready for 2010 have been unveiled, with pictures being published in this week’s Autosport magazine.
The Leicestershire track are going to spend a lot of money completly reconstructing the pit area, bringing it up to International specifications with new garages, a new media centre and race control building.
David Fern, Donington’s spokeman said “There will be a totally new complex will be built with all of the pits fitted out to the latest specifications.”
Also the track is to be lengthened to 4.8km. The bosses joked at Silverstone on Sunday about removing Craner Curves, before reassuring fans that the historic turns WOULD be staying, instead plans would be focussed further around the track.
These plans involve a brand new sweeping curve, something spectacular Fern said. A lap should take 77 seconds, with cars being able to reach speeds of 200mph.
Donington have only held 1 F1 race, the European Grand Prix in 1993, a rain sodden event which was won by Ayrton Senna in the Marlboro Mclaren.
Listen to an Interview with the spokesman for Donington: Interview with David Fern
According to popular German magazine Sport Bild, it would seem that Spanish bank Santander would be moving from sponsoring McLaren to become one of Ferrari’s top sponsors from 2009 onwards.
The big bank would have their adverts on the front and rear wings, alongside lettering on the drivers overalls.
Ferrari have been touting for a new top sponsor since cigarette advertisers were not allowed in many countries, Marlboro being the major backer for many years. With a contract with Marlboro still in place, hash markings would still be on the cars.
For the Scuderia though, Santander have said the major condition of their deal is that former World Champion Fernando Alonso would drive for the team. He won’t confirm his future, and will not comment until September.
Sport Bild and AS claim that Alonso would race alongside Kimi Raikkonen.
“I don’t know if the rumours are true,” Ferrari test driver Marc Gene told sport.es, “but I don’t see there would be a problem having Kimi with Alonso.”
It would certainly be interesting to see how two world champions worked together at a team, would they create the ultimate car and be 1st and 2nd every week, or would there be a fall out on a Hamilton scale proportion. Its a risk, but I think it could pay off for the team.
