Briatore Confident Schumacher Will Win Races
Flavio Briatore has expressed his belief that Michael Schumacher will be instantly competitive in the new Mercedes Benz, and likely to win races – if not the championship upon his return to F1.
Briatore, the disgraced former team principal who is now banned from Formula One following his part in the crash-gate scnadal, was boss of Michael, 40, during his time with the Benetton F1 team where Schumacher won two of his seven world titles in 1994 and 1995.
“I think it’s a good thing for F1 (that he’s returned),” Briatore told Gazzetta dello Sport. “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.
“If you have a race-winning car, it [age] doesn’t matter much.
“The last season demonstrates this clearly, because the driver who’s become world champion is certainly not the best on the scene.”
Briatore reitterated his belief that Schumacher retired too ealry in 2006, and would have been competitive last season with Ferrari if he had been fit enough to stand in for Felipe Massa.
“I’m convinced that, had he been physically fit, he would have come back last season already with Ferrari,” continued Briatore.
“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.”
Schumacher with Briatore
Mercedes To Launch New Car In Stuttgart
Mercedes Benz will launch their car at the end of January in a mega cermony in Stuttgart, German newspaper Bild reports.
In the revelation article, the Bild, says that the show will take place in the Mercedes Benz area of the German city, around Unterturkheim. Mercedes recently built their new museum there, next to their factory.
Dubbed the “Schumi Show” the cost of the event is unknown. Plans for a joint launch ceremony between teams was dropped earlier this week as smaller teams were concerned they would not recieve enough coverage.
Michael Schumacher will take his first drive in the new Mercedes in early February at the first proper test session.
Interview With Michael Schumacher Following F1 Return
A transcript of an interview released by Mercedes Benz after it was announced Michael Schumacher would be returning to Formula One with the team.
Transcript from BrawnGP.com and Autosport.
Q. What has motivated you to come back?
Michael Schumacher: The motivation I think is pretty straightforward – the call I got from Ross [Brawn] at the end of November concerning the chance in my hand to go racing. Having this phone call from him, and the circumstances of Mercedes-Benz being involved as the owner, I felt great.
I never left the race track. I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006…but after three years of absence I have been getting back all the energy that I am feeling right now. I played around with motorbikes, and I feel ready for some serious stuff now.
Q. What is the situation with your neck?
MS: It is obviously a topic where I understand the question, and I want to understand myself. Before I gave the final okay, I made sure that I worked it out myself to be sure myself. And I can say 100 percent that the neck is no further an issue.
Unfortunately it was too close to the accident in the summer when I tried for Ferrari, but time now is enough for it have healed completely. And everything I’ve done, I can do. I have used machines that I used to use with no problem.
Q. Do you feel that you have the same speed as before, and that single-minded purpose to race wheel-to-wheel with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
MS: I am absolutely confident on this one…when I got into a kart for the first time after my [motorcycle] crash I was straight away on the pace. I have to prove it in real terms, but going wheel-to-wheel with these guys will be thrilling and exciting. It is something I look for – and the great thing is to get support from the outside. They have no doubt about my ability.
Q. What does it mean for you to leave Ferrari and join Mercedes-Benz?
MS: This has not been an easy step, honestly. I have lots of friends at Ferrari after the 14 years that I have been working there, and have good memories of my Ferrari days.
I think the only reason I sort of seriously thought about my return was because of old friends who asked me. We also had a situation where Mercedes-Benz gave me the chance to enter F1 and over the years it was never possible [to race for them]. Finally now a combination of Ross and Mercedes makes it possible to work together and I am happy to be able to give something to Mercedes after the early days.
Q. You have a phenomenal reputation after all your success in F1. Do you not worry it will be put on the line next year, and people will not judge you on what you did before?
MS: I hope they will judge me on what we have done before – and I am going into this exercise with the same opinion. It [Mercedes GP} is a team that has won both championships this year - and we have Mercedes as a strong partner. Our aim can only be to fight for the championship. There will be strong competition, as we have seen, but I am thrilled to be back into this one.
Q. Did you ask your family about your F1 plans - did you consult your wife and kids?
MS: Obviously. It is natural that you have to sort out the personal situation before you enter this one. Everyone was thrilled - and the wife has always been keen to see everyone happy. She didn't really argue at all - she wanted to have fun.
Q. How long will you drive for Mercedes-Benz?
MS: We are talking about a three-year deal. It is not a one-off thing. We are obviously looking for continuation.
Q. What have been the factors in you deciding to make an F1 comeback now? In the past you have said you did not have much interesting in returning.
MS: I was out of energy by the end of 2006. I needed this time off. I wasn’t thinking about coming back, and I could not have imagined what would happen. I played around in many areas and had a lot of fun. But due to the special combination [now], I thought why not?
Q. How would you rate your chances of being champion again – and who are your biggest rivals?
MS: Normally you have to mention the four teams that fought for the top positions this year. They will be the ones fighting again next year. It will be a tight fight – but people have trust in me.
Q. Do you think the competition in F1 is tougher now than it was three years ago?
MS: It is probably more tight. But tougher? No, why? There have always been tough drivers.
Q. Have you been in the Brawn GP simulator yet, and what are you expecting from the new generation of F1 cars?
MS: No, I have not been in the simulator, other than my personal one – the personal training machine that I have. The cars will be slightly different, but I have been in so many different characters of cars over the years, and a strong part of myself is that I am able to adapt to whatever the circumstances are.
Q. If there had been no space at Mercedes GP for next year, was there another option. Did McLaren offer you anything?
MS: I think there would have been no other teams seriously considered, no.
Q. If you do come back and win races and the title, do you think that will be your greatest achievement?
MS: It will be certainly a unique experience and a unique achievement. So let’s get behind the wheel first and talk later.
Brawn Denies Button Ousted So Schu Could Return
Ross Brawn jumped to defend the actions of Mercedes Benz in letting Jenson Button go to McLaren after he was accused to ousting the Briton to make way for Michael Schumacher.
Schumacher announced his return with Mercedes, the re-branded Brawn team with whom Button won the world title this morning.
And team principal Brawn says he would like to have kept Button but it was not to be.
“I don’t think that is the case [that Jenson went for Michael],” said Brawn. “We made a good effort to try to find a solution with Jenson and it didn’t work out. Jenson made his decision in the end not to stay. We made a big effort to keep him but it wasn’t possible in the end.
“It overlapped to be honest. I had a loyalty to Jenson but when that started to look difficult I started talking to Michael, and things developed from there.
“Michael and I kept very close over the years and I saw from his disappointment over the summer, when he couldn’t drive a Ferrari, how much passion he still has for the sport. We’re incredibly excited now about the prospect of Michael being part of the team.”
Full Story: Michael Schumacher Confirms F1 Return With Mercedes
Michael Schumacher’s Formula One return with Mercedes Benz has been confirmed today after an official announcement with the German driver.
Schumacher, who will be 41 at the season opener in Bahrain, has been signed on a three year deal.
He is known as the most successful F1 driver ever, with 7 titles and some 91 wins to his name and painted Formula One red with a highly successful period in the early 2000′s with Ferrari.
Ferrari as a team, and its fans will be bitterly disappointed on the announcement of Schumacher’s return with a rival team, and not with the Scuderia who make their 2010 title assault with Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.
“The motivation I think is pretty straightforward,” Schumacher said. “The call I got from Ross at the end of November concerning the chance to go racing, Mercedes being involved, I felt great.
“I never left the race track. I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006, but in three years of absence I got back all the energy that I am feeling right now. I played around with motorbikes and I feel ready for some serious stuff now.”
“It [Mercedes GP] is a team that has won both championships this year,” he said. “With Mercedes Benz as a strong partner, our aim can only be to fight for the championship.
“There will be strong competition, as we have seen, but I am thrilled to be back in this one.”
“I played around with motorbikes, and I feel ready for some serious stuff now.”
Schumacher returns to team up with Ross Brawn a man who helped mastermind many of his titles through the years with Benetton and Ferrari.
The unstoppable duo will be back, with German backing and Nico Rosberg too. Ross was understandably delighted that Schumacher is back.
“I asked Michael that question and he is the best judge of what he can do,” Brawn said. “I trust him explicitly and he told me he can do it.
“He has always been his own best critic, the man himself knows what he is capable of. I am very comfortable and confident and put my trust in Michael, and it won’t be misplaced.”
Alonso Says He Is At Career Peak Ahead Of 2010
Fernando Alonso has said that he is at the top of his form ahead of the 2010 season.
The Spaniard, who already has two world championships to his name is joining Ferrari for the forthcomin season, and he reckons he will be able to deliver title success to Maranello.
Alonso beat former Ferrari favourite Michael Schumacher in tight battles to the 2005 and 2006 titles. Ferrari achieved success in 2007 when Alonso jumped ship to McLaren from Renault, and then Alonso went back to Renault for a fairly barren spell, where Crash-Gate dominated the headlines.
However, Fernando was still regarded as one of the best drivers and he replaces Kimi Raikkonen in a team hungry for title success following a poor 2009.
“I’m really looking forward to the start of next year,” Alonso said during a Cajastur event in Asturias on Monday.
“I’m joining the best team in the world, Ferrari, and I’m arriving at the best moment of my career. Right now I feel like I’ve never felt before. I think I’m at my best moment as a driver and as a person.
“I hope that joining Ferrari means winning titles to share with Asturias and Spain.”
Fernando at the recent Ferrari World Finals event
Petronas Unveiled As Mercedes Benz Top Sponsor
Mercedes Benz have unveiled Malaysian petroleum company, Petronas, as their title sponsor for the forthcoming season.
The company, which has previously sponsored Sauber and BMW in F1, was widely linked with a title deal with Lotus, however this was all changed with Mercedes’ press release about the deal yesterday morning.
Mercedes have taken over Brawn GP, and are looking for more title success with Nico Rosberg and an as yet unnamed second driver, suspected to be Michael Schumacher.
“Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm out long-term agreement with Petronas,” said team principal Ross Brawn.
“Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger. We look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and Petronas livery at Valencia.”
Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug added: “Mercedes-Benz and Petronas will work together both on and off the track. Petronas’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is in a fast-growing region for the automotive industry, which makes this new partnership even more valuable.”
Schumacher Comeback Only Days Away From Confirmation
The comeback of Formula One’s most successful driver Michael Schumacher now looks to be just a matter of hours away.
The German driver will be racing for the Mercedes Benz GP team in a shock come back, the first time he will have raced since quitting the sport at the end of 2006.
Schumacher, who will be 41 at the season start, ended his career after a record number of World Championships, wins and pole positions. He has been working for his team, Ferrari, since retirement as a special consultant however it is understood he has been released from the role within the team.
He almost made a Ferrari comeback part way through last season, when it appeared he would drive in place of injured Felipe Massa but a motorcycle accident sustained earlier in 2009 put pay to that drive, Schumacher had injured his neck.
Now all Mercedes Benz are waiting for is a 100% health confirmation, which could come through within hours or just a matter of days and then announce a deal with Michael – a contract which could potentially have a record salary.
Fans of Ferrari will be no doubt disappointed that their prodigal son and hero Schumacher will be leaving the team, some have branded him a “traitor” already.
“I hadn’t spoken to him since Abu Dhabi but I spoke to him yesterday (Wednesday),” Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo told a news conference yesterday evening.
“He phoned me and he told me that there is a very, very, very strong possibility [of racing for Mercedes-Benz]. Having said that, it is not 100 per cent decided. But that is what he said yesterday morning.”
“A guy called Michael Schumacher told us at Monza (in September) he would renew his (Ferrari consultancy) contract,” Di Montezemolo said. “And it looked like his career would finish with Ferrari.
“But then there’s another one who looks like him, 40, 41 yrs old, German, same name and decided to do a new career.
“Everybody in life can do what they prefer, and I understand that there is somebody at 41 years who wants to try again.
“So I think it’s possible this twin, another Michael Schumacher, same age, same capability, some determination and spirit, will drive for Mercedes next year.”
Montezemolo added that as a friend, he was glad to see Schumacher return and would be rooting for him. He also part acknowledged the Ferrari fans unhappiness towards the move, but stated he was happy to see Schumacher in a Mercedes.
Kobayashi Confirmed At Sauber
Kamui Kobayashi, the promising Japanese youngster has confirmed he will be driving for the newly re-formed Sauber team next season.
The driver, who admitted his funds were so low no drive in 2010 would mean he would quit motorsport, ladnded the drive based on his subtitute races for Timo Glock last season when the German was injured.
Kobayashi won fans and admirers for his solid driving style, pace and attacking spirit.
“I am very happy that my two races in 2009 have earned me a cockpit place. I will do my very best for Peter Sauber’s team and I am proud to be able to carry on flying the Japanese flag in Formula 1.”
Sauber boss Peter Sauber said his decision had been fuelled by the fact that Kobayashi made such a strong showing in the last two races of the year – despite not having sat in an F1 car for several months before that.
“I’m very much looking forward to working together with Kamui,” said Sauber.
“In the final two Grand Prix of last season he was granted an unexpected chance to show his skills, and he made impressive use of it.
“Particularly in the Abu Dhabi race he demonstrated not only that he can drive fast and aggressively, but also his ability to successfully implement a strategy. I am convinced he has a great deal of potential and will be able to make the most of it in our team.”
Renault Confirm Genii Capital Investment
Renault have confirmed that Luxembourg based investment company Genii capital have invested into the team.
The widely predicted move comes as Renault look to distance themselves a little from Formula One investment following the crash-gate scandal which deeply affected their image during last season.
The manufacturer will retain a portion of the company, and its name and brand will still be used on the cars. However it is widely believed Genii Capital hold a controlling stake within the team which will continue to be based in Enstone, Oxfordshire. Genii are being described by Renault as a strategic partner.
Renault engines will still be supplied to Red Bull Racing, the takeover will not affect their customer engine supply.
Bernard Rey, Renault’s F1 team president, said: “I am delighted to welcome Genii Capital as our new strategic partner as I am sure that their enthusiasm and business expertise will create a new dynamic for the team, the staff, and our partners.
“Altogether, we look forward to competing again at the highest level in Formula 1. Today’s announcement also confirms Renault’s commitment and trust in the sport’s governing bodies to improve the green credentials of Formula 1.
“With the ongoing evolutions of the Formula 1 regulations, Renault will be able to entertain its fans, while promoting a leaner and sounder championship.
“We will show Renault’s skill when it comes to developing high- performance, fuel-efficient cars.”
Eric Lux, CEO of Genii Capital, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as Renault’s strategic partner for the Renault F1 Team. Our long-term vision for this challenging venture aims to return Renault to the forefront of Formula 1.
“Together with Renault, we intend to run the team with the same values as any of our other investments, prioritising ambitious performance targets without neglecting cost efficiency. We strongly believe that on-track performance can be compatible with business performance, and we will use all our entrepreneurial spirit and commercial know-how to achieve this goal.”
Renault will be looking to the future after their reputation was tarnished
Stand-In Drivers To Get Test Time As FIA Announce Rule Tweeks
Stand in or replacement F1 drivers will be allowed a single day of testing in an up to date car ahead of their debut according to new rule tweeks announced by the FIA today.
It means that new drivers, and ones who might have to stand in because of an injured race driver can have some time and experience to acclimatise themselves to the new car. Jaime Alguersuari for example replaced Sebastien Bourdais last season having not driven the Toro Rosso car other than in a straight line, potentially dangerous.
The rule states that a driver who has no recent mileage can have a single day of testing at a track not currently on the F1 calendar.
The new regulation reads: “If a team declares that one of its current race drivers is to be substituted by a driver who has not participated in an F1 race in the two previous calendar years, one day of track testing will be permitted between the start of the week preceding second Event and the last Event of the Championship.
“The following must be observed:
“Any such day may only be carried out by the new driver and may not take place on a circuit hosting a race in the current Championship year.
“Any such day may only take place within a period 14 days prior to the substitution and 14 days after the substitution has taken place.
“If a team, having declared the driver’s substitution and performed the test, does not then enter an Event with the new driver, the team will be penalised by a reduction of one day from the pre-season track testing days available in the following year.”
Another interesting tweek is to garage space. It states that all teams now have even amounts of garage room, whereas before the more successful teams had larger garages and lower teams had more cramped conditions.
Algersuari only did a straightline test before jumping on the F1 bandwagon last season
Virgin Racing Gets Official Launch As Di Grassi Confirmed As Driver
Virgin Racing has officially launched its new F1 programme in London today.
The team, originally known as Manor GP, will be backed heavily by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. The British born businessman was very interested in brand exposure through F1, following a successful sponsorship year with the Brawn GP team.
The “worst kept secret” in the world as it was joked was confirmed as the team took the opportunity to show off their drivers, logo and also have a chat with the world’s media at a lavish morning in Notting Hill.
Timo Glock was confirmed as a driver some weeks ago, but Lucas Di Grassi comes to the team with a deal penned in the past few days – he tested with Renault recently at Jerez.
He comes from success in GP2.
“It feels great to be here, it’s a dream come true for me after two years of being a test driver, and from that and from GP2 I feel I’m ready and am very confident in this team,” said di Grassi.
“We’re here to race, not to do politics or mess around, we’re here to race.”
The team also confirmed their test drivers as Alvaro Parente and Luiz Razia.
“I’m going to do my best to do a good job. It’s great to be with this team and there’s going to be a lot of success.” Parente said
The team’s sporting director John Booth said he was delighted with the line-up.
“I have 20 years’ experience working with drivers,” he said. “I have been privileged to work with some fantastic drivers in that time and I hope that’s helped in giving me an eye for a good driver.
“The four drivers we have here are the four we wanted in our line-up, they’re the perfect drivers.”
The colours of the team appear to be black with white and dashes of red.
Branson at the launch
Trulli and Kovalainen Confirmed At Lotus
Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen have been confirmed as the Lotus F1 Team’s drivers for the forthcoming 2010 season.
The pair, both refugees from their former teams will join up with the newly formed, Malaysian backed team.
Trulli comes from Toyota who have left Formula One for good, and Kovalainen comes from the end of his contract at McLaren where he was replaced by current World Champion Jenson Button after some largely unimpressive seasons.
Fairuz Fauzy, a Malaysian driver will be the teams third driver.
“Trulli will bring us a lot of experience to develop the team. Heikki is a young driver with a lot of experience so I think we have fantastic drivers, with Fairuz as well. It is a wonderful mix of experience, youth and passion.”
Jarno Trulli will work with Mike Gascoyne again at Lotus, the third different team the Italian has worked with the British technical chief.
“I have been impressed by the long-term vision of the team management and technical staff,” Trulli said in a statement. “Tony has set out very ambitious plans and I am ready to help the team achieve these high targets.
“I am also pleased to be back working alongside Mike Gascoyne, someone with whom I have enjoyed previous success at other teams. I get on very well with him and I respect his working style.”
Kovalainen admitted he was very happy with the progress of the new team.
“I recently visited our factory and was so impressed by seeing how far the team has come in such a short time since it was launched in September, and by how determined everyone is to meet Tony’s ambitious targets.
“I knew immediately it would be a fantastic opportunity to help them achieve their goals.”
Trulli and Kovalainen have been on opposing teams for the past few seasons
New Points System Confirmed
The FIA have confirmed that from the 2010 season a new points system will be in place.
The new points will give drivers the opportunity to score right down to 10th place. The system will take the following denominations:
Position:
- 25 Points
- 20 Points
- 15 Points
- 10 Points
- 8 Points
- 6 Points
- 5 Points
- 3 Points
- 2 Points
- 1 Point
“Due to the expanded grid of 13 teams, and further to the recommendation of the F1 Commission, a new points system will be in place for the 2010 season.” The FIA wrote on their website
The changes were announced at the annual Business Forum in Monte-Carlo
PM Praises Button And Silverstone Efforts
The Prime Minister of Great Britain, Gordon Brown has praised Jenson Button and the efforts of the people behind Silverstone in a special awards ceremony today.
Brown, a man under intense pressure, took time out to give an award to Jenson Button at the annual BRDC awards ceremony. Brown praised his efforts with the BrawnGP team, and also in becoming a great ambassador for the sport.
“We have a world champion in whom we have so much pride, who fought back against all the odds, who achieved something when some people thought at the beginning of the season it was impossible: Jenson, the whole country is proud of you,” said Brown.
“You are a brilliant ambassador for British sport.”
He also took the time to praise the people who masterminded Silverstone regaining the British Grand Prix for the next 17 years.
Gordon Brown (centre) with Button (right) and 1996 Champ Damon Hill (left)
Ecclestone Would Love Schumacher Comeback
Bernie Ecclestone has said he would absolutely love it if 7 time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher made a comeback to Formula One.
Schumacher is being linked with a drive with the new Mercedes Benz team and both are refusing to deny a comeback is on the cards.
“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,” said Ecclestone in respected British newspaper The Times.
“It would be magic [If Schumacher returned to F1]” Ecclestone said. “You saw the interest he created when he was going to come back after Felipe Massa had his accident.”
He added: “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.”
Silverstone Secures British GP
Silverstone have secured the rights to host the British Grand Prix for the next 17 years.
The circuit in Northamptonshire has been the host of the Grand Prix for many years, but its future looked in doubt when Bernie Ecclestone announced the race would be moving to Donington Park.
However Donington, usually the home of motorbike and sportscar racing did not have the required funds to complete their regeneration project, and now have a half finished building site of a race circuit that was formerly a majestic venue. Anyone who has ever seen touring cars screaming down the craner curves, door bashing will agree it was perfect as it was, but no longer.
The entire future of the British race looked in doubt, but Silverstone managed to find the required funding to continue their deal and please Bernie Ecclestone with proposals to change the track.
“The title of Silverstone as home of motorsport has come true,” said BRDC president Damon Hill.
“It is a place for all motorsport. Everyone in the BRDC loves motorsport and we are looking forward to the MotoGP as well as the British Grand Prix.
“It is not easy to enter into a contract of this magnitude and you have to take on a lot of responsibility, but the BRDC wanted this relationship to continue.
“Everyone was well aware that the British GP is not just a sporting event, but it is dynamo of the industry in this country. Losing it would have been damaging and perhaps there would have been no coming back.”
Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 F1 World Champion was equally delighted.
“Firstly, it’s fantastic news that the British Grand Prix will stay on the calendar for 2010,” said Hamilton after Silverstone announced a 17-year deal to host the race.
“Secondly, it’s great that the race will be at Silverstone.
“The place has an atmosphere that money can’t buy, and I have some fantastic memories of the track – winning both races in GP2 in 2006, getting an incredibly emotional and satisfying pole in ’07 and winning in the wet in my championship year.
“Most importantly, those achievements have all been underlined by the reaction and support of the Silverstone crowd, which has always been fantastic. British fans are the greatest Formula 1 supporters in the world – and this must be the best Christmas present they could ever ask for.
“I can’t wait to come home to the Santander British Grand Prix next year: both Jenson and I will be flying the flag for Britain and doing our best to win the race,” added the Briton.
Fisichella Could Take Sauber Race Seat In 2010
Giancarlo Fisichella, the perennial Italian driver has said he is in the running for a potential race role with the newly reformed Sauber F1 Team.
Fisichella moved to Ferrari for the end of the 2009 season to replace Luca Badoer, Felipe Massa’s injury replacement. He has been signed as the Italian teams reserve driver for 2010, but they have said he can be released for race drives, but if they need him back he must return. Ferrari also signed youngster Jules Bianchi, and could potentially call on Badoer, Marc Gene or Michael Schumacher if necessary.
The Italian marque will be providing engines and powertrain to the Sauber team, based in Hinwil, Switzerland, reminiscant of their partnership in the early 2000′s.
Fisichella drove for Sauber in 2004, before a good season launched him into a race drive with Renault partnering Fernando Alonso, scoring race wins and helping the team to two constructors titles.
“First of all I’m happy that they (Sauber) can participate in the championship and I would like to be able to collaborate with a team I know, and I got on very well with them: together with Ferrari we’ll see if that will be possible,” he said at the Bologna motor show.
Christian Klien is likely to be one of the race drivers, and Betrand Baguette could become the teams official test driver after a mildly successful test at Jerez last week.
Parente Set For Campos Drive
A Portuguese journalist has broken the news that countryman Alvaro Parente is on the verge of being confirmed at Campos Meta alongside Bruno Senna.
Parente, heavily backed by investment from Portugal, would benefit from driving for the Spanish team who are expecting drivers to come with big sponsorship packages.
Parente, currently a GP2 driver, drove a Renault F1 car in a test for winning the Renault World Series.
“Some of the companies have interests in Spain so it would be very positive for Alvaro’s sponsors to be with a Spanish team,” said the journalist Jorge Girao.
Vitaly Petrov is also said to be in the running, but the Russian is losing the patience of Campos as he struggles to get the required financing together for the race seat.
Yoong Confirmed In Lotus Non Driving Role
Former F1 driver Alex Yoong has been confirmed to a track side role with the new Lotus F1 Team it was confirmed today.
Yoong, who competed with little success in F1 with Minardi, will head up the Asian arm of the Lotus teams driver development programme. He is said to be very excited about working with the team, which has majority backing from his homeland of Malaysia.
Formula 3 team principal Nino Judge will be in charge of the European part of the development programme, while Mia Sharizman Ismail will be head of Asian operations.
Lotus F1 CEO Riad Asmat said: “The young driver development scheme will play a key role in finding and developing future Malaysian drivers and it is great that Litespeed can play such an important role in that process.
“There is a lot of raw motorsport talent in Malaysia and as the country’s national F1 team, it is our responsibility to bring that to the fore.”
Toyota Cut 500 Jobs In Cologne
Toyota have cut 500 jobs at their Cologne racing headquaters.
The factory in Germany was used mainly as their Formula One headquaters, and now the team have pulled out of F1 job cuts were expected.
Andy Fuchs of Toyota told DPA last night that the staff had to go but 150 would be kept on for sports tuning and non F1 projects. The staff laid off will be paid some salary and given a good redundancy package.
Toyota announced they would not be selling their F1 programme as a package earlier this week, allowing Sauber to take the final available grid slot.
Prodrive Faces Competition From Luxembourg Investors For Renault Team
The Renault F1 Team are today looking and analysing competing bids from Prodrive and an investment company based in Luxembourg.
The original thoughts following an article in L’Equipe were that the investment company were providing Prodrive with funding to buy the team but it now appears they are rivals.
The investment fund Genii Capital is run by Gerard Lopez, and funding is also coming from Eric Lux according to a large article in Le Parisien today. They are also major investors in the Gravity Motorsport driver programme, and have told Renault they plan to keep the Renault Young Driver Programme going if they take over.
The Gravity management company manage Ho-Pin Tung who tested a Renault earlier this week.
An article in The Times today reckoned Prodrive however were on the verge on signing on the dotted line for the ailing French team, and Bernie Ecclestone claimed to the newspaper that a deal was close.
“We’ve got to get the whole Renault thing sorted out,” he said. “We are in the middle of doing it now. I feel confident that we’ll see Renault next year in Formula 1 under the name Renault and the year after and the year after that.”
Sauber Confirmed In Final Grid Slot
The Sauber F1 Team will make a return to the Formula One grid for the first time since their owner sold the team to BMW at the end of the 2005 season.
Toyota pulled out of F1 and made a grid slot available, which was desired by Sauber – but could have been taken away if someone had bought Toyota.
With the Japanese manufacturer confirming last night that they had returned their entry to Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA, it looked ever more likely Sauber would be confirmed on the grid, and now they have been.
“This is excellent news for the workforce in Hinwil,” said owner Peter Sauber.
“After many weeks of uncertainty, we have finally secured our place on the grid for 2010. Now we can enter into concrete negotiations with drivers and sponsors.”
A statement issued by the FIA said: “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 and the teams involved over recent weeks and is grateful for their support in achieving the best outcome for the sport.”
The team are already working on their 2010 car, codenamed the C29 which is likely to be powered by Ferrari engines, and Christian Klien is currently favourite for a race seat.
Ricciardo Ends Jerez Rookie Test As Fastest Man
Daniel Ricciardo helped his chances of getting the Scuderia Toro Rosso second race seat by ending the final day of rookie testing in Jerez as the fastest driver at the wheel of the Red Bull.
The young Australian is being speculated as driving with Toro Rosso, the Red Bull junior team instead of Jaime Alguersuari in 2010.
Paul di Resta had another satisfying day slipping the Force India into second, ahead of Gary Paffett and Mike Conway.
New Williams driver Nico Hulkenberg put in over 100 laps on his way to 5th, in front of Betrand Baguette who made his Sauber debut on the day in which they were confirmed to have a grid slot. Consistent performances from the Belgian must help his chances of a possible race or test role within the Hinwil based team.
11th to 13th were Ferrari youngsters, while Brendon Hartley and Mirko Bortolotti ended the day almost last for Toro Rosso only beating Ho-Pin Tung who only completed 4 laps in the Renault.
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Ricciardo Red Bull 1m17.418s 77 2. Di Resta Force India 1m18.736s + 1.318s 53 3. Paffett McLaren 1m18.746s + 1.328s 59 4. Conway Brawn 1m19.096s + 1.678s 77 5. Hulkenberg Williams 1m19.226s + 1.808s 106 6. Baguette Sauber 1m19.356s + 1.938s 70 7. Turvey McLaren 1m19.358s + 1.940s 32 8. Ericsson Brawn 1m19.382s + 1.964s 49 9. Di Grassi Renault 1m19.602s + 2.184s 123 10. Hildebrand Force India 1m19.873s + 2.455s 41 11. Sanchez Ferrari 1m21.147s + 3.650s 39 12. Zampieri Ferrari 1m21.279s + 3.861s 42 12. Zipoli Ferrari 1m21.725s + 4.307s 41 13. Hartley Toro Rosso 1m22.493s + 5.075s 50 15. Bortolotti Toro Rosso 1m23.271s + 5.853s 34 16. Tung Renault 1m32.477s + 15.059s 4
