Ankur Sengupta's Blog

FOTA hoping buyer can be found for Honda

2008-12-07T12:03:00.001+05:30

Following this morning's news that Honda will pull out from Formula One with immediate effect and put its operation at its Brackley headquarters up for sale, the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) is hoping that the team will be purchased as soon as possible in order to prevent grid sizes falling below the current level of 20 cars.

"The Chairman of FOTA, Luca di Montezemolo, has been informed by the Top Management of the Honda Racing F1 Team of the decision to retire from the FIA Formula One Championship in 2009," read a short statement issued by FOTA.

"FOTA wishes that the technologically advanced expertise of the Team based in Brackley is not dispersed and that the sporting challenge is resumed soon.

"Chairman Montezemolo, interpreting the feeling of all FOTA Members, expressed his greatest appreciation for the professional and human qualities of Ross Brawn, Honda Team Principal, and Nick Fry, Honda Racing F1 Team CEO."

Honda statement in full

2008-12-07T12:01:00.002+05:30

To the shock of the Formula One world, Honda today announced its immediate exit from F1, ending its short stint in the sport as a constructor since its takeover of BAR in 2006. At 14.30 Tokyo time (04.30 GMT), Honda CEO Takeo Fukui made the following statement.

"We, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.

"This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry, brought on by the sub-prime problem in the United States, the deepening credit crisis and the sudden contraction of the world economies.

"Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount. A recovery is expected to take some time.

"Under these circumstances, Honda has taken swift and flexible measures to counter this sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas. However, in recognition of the need to optimize the allocation of management resources, including investment regarding the future, we have decided to withdraw from Formula One participation. We will enter into consultation with the associates of Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale.

"In its third era of Formula One activities, Honda has been participating in Formula One races from the 2000 season, initially with BAR, by adopting a new format of jointly developing racing machines.

"Subsequently, in a move to meet the changing environment surrounding Formula One, we switched to running a 100 percent Honda-owned team commencing with the 2006 season.

"Surmounting many challenges, the Honda Team achieved a Grand Prix victory in 2006, enabling Honda to receive overwhelming support from Honda fans around the world that were looking forward to greater success. It, therefore, has been an extremely difficult decision for us to come to this conclusion without having been able to fully meet the expectations of our fans.

"By making the best of what we have learned during these times of economic turmoil, coupled with the spirit of challenge gained through active participation in racing, we intend to continue with our commitment in meeting new challenges.

"Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our fans and all those who have supported Honda's Formula One efforts, including everyone in the world of Formula One.

"Thank you very much."

Takeo Fukui
President and CEO
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda confirm immediate F1 exit

2008-12-07T12:01:00.001+05:30

As expected, at 13.30 Tokyo time today (04.30 GMT), Honda confirmed its immediate withdrawal from Formula One, as it looks to safeguard its long-term future amid the global economic downturn.

Although Honda will take no further part in Formula One, the team will continue to be funded until March 2009, giving the team three months to find a buyer. Should a buyer not be found, the team will be shut down.

"We, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation," said Honda's CEO Takeo Fukui. "This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry, brought on by the sub-prime problem in the United States, the deepening credit crisis and the sudden contraction of the world economies."

This morning's news has put further pressure on teams and the governing body to drastically cut costs and rubberstamp the future of the sport, amid fears that the grid could drop to 18 cars, should a buyer not be found for the Honda team.

"Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount. A recovery is expected to take some time.

"Under these circumstances, Honda has taken swift and flexible measures to counter this sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas. However, in recognition of the need to optimize the allocation of management resources, including investment regarding the future, we have decided to withdraw from Formula One participation. We will enter into consultation with the associates of Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale.

"Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our fans and all those who have supported Honda's Formula One efforts, including everyone in the world of Formula One."

Toyota confirms F1 commitment

2008-12-07T12:00:00.001+05:30

Following the shock decision by Honda to pull the plug on its F1 operations today, Toyota have moved to return the sport to a state of calm, amid speculation that more large-scale car manufacturers could follow Honda out of the sport. In a brief statement issued this afternoon, Toyota confirmed its commitment to the sport, having joined as a complete constructor in 2002.

"Toyota is currently committed to succeeding in Formula 1 and to reducing our costs," read the statement. "We are contributing to the FOTA [Formula One Teams' Association] activities which will achieve significant cost reductions whilst maintaining the spirit of the sport."

Various cost-cutting talks have been taking place over the last few days, weeks and months in an attempt to bring the cost of competing in the sport down to a sustainable level, with those talks set to intensify to find a viable solution before the sport is threatened by further pull-outs.

"[We hope FOTA's proposals and activities will be given the widespread support they deserve as they provide the sound, stable base Formula 1 requires at this time," concluded Toyota.

FIA confirm Cosworth as standard engine supplier

2008-12-07T11:56:00.001+05:30

The FIA today confirmed that Cosworth has won the single engine supply deal, with the governing body now in exclusive discussions with the independent manufacturer along with Xtrac and Ricardo Transmissions (XR) to supply a complete powertrain to teams from 2010. FIA President Max Mosley confirmed the news to the Formula One Teams' Association in a letter today, just hours after Honda confirmed its immediate withdrawal from the sport.

With a pricetag of just £5.49m (€6.42m) per season, along with an initial payment of £1.68m (€1.97m), the standard engine would be significantly cheaper to independent teams than F1 manufacturers currently charge.

However, under these latest proposals, the FIA is offering the standard engine as an alternative to independent teams, while giving manufacturers the opportunity to continue building their own specification engine, albeit with performance parameters brought in line with the standard unit. Regardless of the teams' options to use a Cosworth-built of self-built unit, all teams will use the standard transmission, as designed and built by XR.

"We have completed the tendering process and are now in exclusive negotiations with Cosworth together with Xtrac and Ricardo Transmissions (XR) to supply a complete Formula One power train starting in 2010," said Mosley in his letter to FOTA and the Team Principals. "The engine will be a current Formula One engine while the transmission will be state-of-the-art Formula One and a joint effort by two companies which already supply transmissions to most of the grid."

The above prices are based on at least four teams taking up the option of the standard engine, meaning the current engine manufacturers will end up supplying only their works teams.

The FIA is also looking to push ahead with its cost-cutting plans, including the standardisation of chassis components, changing the race weekend format to reduce costs and restrictions on R&D. The target for the FIA is to reduce costs to enable teams fund their running on the money received from the commercial rights holder, the FOM, bar the cost of powertrain, drivers and marketing.

Teams intending to use the standard engine F1 engine from 2010 have until close of business on Thursday 11 December to notify the FIA of their plans. Should four teams not sign up to the Cosworth offer, the FIA may still proceed with their plans.

Sato secures third Toro Rosso test

2008-12-07T11:55:00.001+05:30

Takuma Sato has been recalled for a third Toro Rosso test, his management confirmed on Thursday morning. Having already tested for Toro Rosso in September and October of this year, the Japanese driver will take to the cockpit of the STR3 for two days at the upcoming Jerez test, reigniting his chances for a role within the team next season.

"We obviously see this as a positive step but still nothing is decided for the 2009 racing season," said a short statement.

Teams will test in Jerez from Tuesday 9 December, to Thursday, with Sato due to take to the cockpit on Wednesday and Thursday. Sato is one of five drivers who are reportedly in the frame for a race seat at the team in 2009, with Sébastien Buemi and Sébastien Bourdais being two other strong candidates.

Kovalainen slams McLaren for heavy fuel loads

2008-12-07T11:54:00.001+05:30

Heikki Kovalainen believes McLaren's approach to the 2008 season cost him race wins. We reported recently that the Finn, 27, was seeking winter talks with the British team's bosses, after he usually went into the decisive 'Q3' phase of qualifying with a higher fuel load than his teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Now, in a candid interview with the Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell, Kovalainen has confirmed that some behind-the-scenes goings-on during his first season with McLaren often made "good results impossible". "Only once was I lighter [on fuel] than Lewis," said Kovalainen, referring to qualifying, "and that was at Silverstone, where I was on the pole. In all the other qualifyings I was fuelled more heavily. I was often the heaviest guy in the top six or seven. Obviously this has an effect also in the race," he insisted, pointing out the compromise in track position, tyre wear, and time lost in traffic.

When rumours began gathering pace that Kovalainen's seemingly lacklustre performances this year might threaten his seat for 2009, the Finn said he had no doubt about his position. "The team knew exactly what was taking place," he said. "If I had been at the front more often, then I would have won more frequently. So that's something we have to look at for the coming year," Kovalainen said.

Ferrari contract would be a dream - Vettel

2008-12-07T11:52:00.001+05:30

Sebastian Vettel has admitted racing in formula one with Ferrari would be "a dream". The German driver, who won September's Italian grand prix from pole, was among the standouts of the 2008 season. After just 26 career grands prix, the 21-year-old is moving up from Toro Rosso to the main Red Bull Racing team in 2009.

Asked by the Spanish newspaper El Pais if he would rather become world champion or achieve a Ferrari contract, he answered: "Be world champion. But, being realistic, you can't do that unless you are in one of the best cars, and Ferrari has shown that it knows how to make them. Of course, it would be a dream to race one of them," Vettel said.

Vettel is known for being among the friendliest competitors in the paddock. But he laughed to El Pais: "If you want to find a good friend in the paddock, bring your dog."

Barrichello wins Massa kart race in Brazil

2008-12-07T11:51:00.001+05:30

Rubens Barrichello, who is fighting to remain in formula one, on Sunday won the charity 'International Challenge of Go-Kart Champs' race. The 2008 Honda driver won the event, organised by Felipe Massa in the southern city of Florianopolis, by beating Lucas di Grassi in race one and finishing the other race in fifth place.

Fellow Brazilian di Grassi, also in the running for the Honda race seat next year and having secured pole position, finished the event second overall, just a single point behind 36-year-old Barrichello. "Can we quickly send this tape to Honda?" Barrichello joked to Globo TV. He also complained about 24-year-old di Grassi's driving. "Everybody wants to win this," Barrichello said, "but we can't go around hitting other people on the track, this is a charity event."

Barrichello's former Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher finished fourth in the first race and retired from the second. Barrichello, also critical of the German's style, said: "It seemed like Schumacher thought he was in a war. Maybe he forgot that he is in Brazil now."

12,000 spectators attended the event, also contested by F1 faces including Luca Badoer and Vitantonio Liuzzi, and former drivers Luciano Burti and Antonio Pizzonia. In the southern region of Brazil, massive flooding and mudslides have cost more than 100 people their lives. Massa, who won race two, donated 50,000 Brazilian Real ($22,000) to the cause. "I am giving 50,000 Real from my pocket, plus a signed suit to be auctioned. It's the least we can do for these people," the Ferrari driver said.

LG becomes official F1 partner

2008-12-07T11:49:00.001+05:30

LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, today announced that it has signed an agreement to become a Global Partner of Formula 1™ and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top level association LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official Consumer Electronics, Mobile Phone and Data Processor of Formula 1™. The multi-year agreement runs from January 2009.

"Formula One represents the absolute peak of technological innovation and style, which is also our vision for the LG Electronics brand," said Dermot Boden, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of LG Electronics. "We feel the excitement and electricity of F1 is unmatched by any sport, and we feel the same passion and energy here at LG."

"LG is a leader in its field, it pioneers cutting edge technology, delivering innovation and excellence in a stylish package, which is what Formula 1 is about too," said Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Formula One Group. "We have so much in common, I am very excited to begin our association and look forward to the technology solutions they can bring to us also." As the Official Data Processor of Formula 1™ LG will be identified and credited on the official live timing service at Formula One events and in the associated timing and data TV graphics. They will also enjoy a comprehensive package of premium marketing rights worldwide in association with the Formula 1™ brand.

Boden added, "In today's economic climate, all organizations need to be strategic with their expenditures. Here at LG we can think of no more important investment than our brand. After having carefully researched marketing and sponsorship opportunities, I am confident that this exciting partnership will best highlight and enhance the profiles of both global organizations over the long term."

Ferrari and Renault yet to test KERS

2008-12-07T11:47:00.001+05:30

Major formula one teams Ferrari and Renault are yet to track test KERS systems, ahead of the energy-recovery technology's introduction next year. It was believed that 2008 constructors' champions Ferrari had now begun circuit trials of its system, when the F2008K development car featured a conspicuous addition to the top of its right sidepod at last week's Barcelona test. But the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reveals that the sidepod bump concealed only ballast and a cooling mechanism for a so far absent KERS system. It is suggested that Ferrari may finally get a KERS system, developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli, up and running at the forthcoming Jerez test.

Renault is also benefitting from the input of Magneti Marelli, a Fiat subsidiary, and will begin KERS testing in January, with the introduction of the 2009 car. The French team's engineering boss Pat Symonds said Renault never intended to build an interim car to accommodate a KERS system.

Santander to switch to Ferrari for 2010

2008-12-07T11:46:00.002+05:30

Spanish sponsor Banco Santander will move its backing from McLaren to Ferrari after the 2009 formula one season, the bank's boss Emilio Botin has confirmed. "Santander will be with Ferrari in 2010, yes," he is quoted as saying by the Spanish newspaper Diario AS.

Botin also made clear his desire to reunite the Santander logo with the car driven by Fernando Alonso, after the former double world champion left McLaren at the end of last year. "Alonso is the best driver in the world and we would like to work with him, but that's not something that depends only on us," he insisted.

Ferrari's current race drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Räikkönen are both contracted to the Italian team for 2009 and 2010.

BMW to do overtaking tests in Jerez

2008-12-07T11:46:00.001+05:30

It is possible the aerodynamic rule changes for 2009 will make overtaking in formula one easier, BMW-Sauber test driver Christian Klien has said. During tests with the German team's heavily modified interim car at Barcelona this week, the Austrian revealed that he noticed the 2009-specification wings make it easier "to drive closer to the rear" of the cars in front.

"Even more important is the air turbulence made by the car in front," he is quoted as saying by motorline.cc. "This should be clearly less [in 2009] because of the smaller rear wing. But since most teams were still using 2008 aerodynamics (in Barcelona), it is still hard to say," he said.

Klien, 25, revealed that at next month's Jerez test, BMW plans to further investigate the effects of the new bodywork on overtaking by staging a mock race between the occupants of two modified F1.08 cars. He also played down his widely reported comments this week that the interim car is the ugliest he has ever seen in formula one.

"I should probably explain that a racing car does not need to be beautiful," Klien said. "If it works and it's fast, it doesn't matter at all how it looks and the driver will love it. Beauty and elegance are pretty important for a road car. In racing, only speed counts."

Berger, Tost and Ascanelli to Force India?

2008-12-07T11:44:00.001+05:30

Gerhard Berger could be set for a rapid return to formula one, mere days after it was announced he has pulled his 50 per cent share out of the Toro Rosso team. According to speculation in the German-speaking press, the 49-year-old Austrian, and his countryman and Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost, have been linked with Force India.

Force India, led by the Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, recently inked a wide-ranging technical partnership with McLaren-Mercedes, and ousted chiefs Colin Kolles and Mike Gascoyne. The Munich newspaper TZ said Berger, a former McLaren driver, has met several times with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone in the past few weeks. It is suggested that Berger could bring with him from Toro Rosso, which is likely to be sold or closed down by Red Bull, the highly experienced engineer Giorgio Ascanelli.

The final rumour, meanwhile, is that Berger could become the rising German talent Sebastian Vettel's manager. The pair collaborated closely at Toro Rosso in 2008 and are said keen to remain united. Vettel has previously insisted he does not need a manager, but told TZ: "If the right person comes along, I would not say no."

Nakamoto leaves Honda

2008-12-07T11:42:00.001+05:30

Shuhei Nakamoto, Ross Brawn's technical predecessor, has left the Honda F1 team. After becoming senior technical director in 2006, the 51-year-old Japanese is therefore arguably most responsible for the last two Honda single seaters, which in 2007 and 2008 finished the constructors' championship in respectively eighth and ninth positions.

Nakamoto, who lives in England, will now return to the Honda Racing Corporation as vice president, reportedly to focus on the marque's motorcycle racing operations. Initially working on Honda's motorcycle racing programme, Nakamoto joined Honda in 1983.

FOTA to meet for cost-cutting talks in Geneva

2008-12-07T11:41:00.003+05:30

Formula one team bosses have travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, for Thursday's meeting of the FOTA alliance. We previously reported that the sport's ten teams intend to discuss Bernie Ecclestone's proposed 'medals' scoring system for the first time, as well as a possible shake-up for the qualifying format.

More pressing on the agenda, however, is cost-cutting, under the threat that FIA president Max Mosley will impose draconian measures if the teams cannot themselves propose worthwhile money-saving proposals. With Mosley already threatening to proceed with engine standardisation, the pressure is on FOTA to put together a cohesive package before next week's meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council.

"A lot has been defined for 2009, more is to come for 2010 and 2011 to reduce costs and improve the show. These are the leading principles," Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni confirmed to The Guardian newspaper.

Believed to be the most radical of the proposals for discussion is a move from 2.4 litre V8 engines for 2011 to fuel-efficient turbo 1.8 litre engines. This specification, using about 30 per cent less fuel than the current engines, could pave the way for a ban on mid-race refuelling.

Barcelona to re-lay paddock surface

2008-12-07T11:41:00.001+05:30

Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, home of premier formula one and MotoGP races, is to undergo renovations to its paddock. The works are slated to take place after both 2009 events, with the Spanish grand prix scheduled for May, and MotoGP's Catalan grand prix in mid June, according to Catalunya Radio.

Circuit boss Ramon Praderas said the bulk of the work inside the venue would be on the 40,000 square metres of asphalt otherwise known as the 'paddock'. "We are going to pull up the paddock and make it again," he confirmed, explaining that the task will take two or three months.

Praderas said it will be the first time the paddock has been re-laid, at an estimated cost of $6 million, since the circuit was constructed in 1991.

New Renault to debut on 20 January

2008-12-07T11:40:00.001+05:30

Renault's 2009 car, the R29, will make its test track debut on January 20, team driver Fernando Alonso said at a sponsor event on Tuesday. He also declared at the Madrid charity event, organised by Renault title sponsor ING for UNICEF, that he is scheduled to drive the 2008 car with slick tyres at Jerez on December 10.

Alonso pointed out that the January car, to feature a KERS system for the first time, will be very different to the final configuration that will be taken to Melbourne in late March. "The later you get the car ready, the better," he told reporters. "In fact, the car we will unveil on January 20 will have nothing to do with the car that arrives in the first race."

2008 Title Contenders: Robert Kubica

2008-12-07T11:39:00.001+05:30

In the second series of our 2008 season review, we take a look back at the 18 rounds from the perspective of the four title contenders - Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa, Kimi Räikkönen and Robert Kubica, recounting their steps and looking at where the title was won and lost. The first such driver who's season we look back on is BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica, who ultimately finished fourth in the championship table.

It's difficult to believe that 2008 was only Robert Kubica's second full year in the sport, such has his impact been. It's even more difficult to believe that the Polish driver was in with a fighting chance of winning the drivers' title up until the penultimate round of the season, despite having won just a single race. Over the course of the season however, his consistency was second to none. While Hamilton, Massa and Räikkönen were all falling off the road and dropping points regularly, Kubica's string of strong points finishes kept him in the fight.

After a dreadfully poor pre-season with the F1.08 reliability-wise, few people expected a strong or reliable BMW package for the first race of the season, however, the doubters were to be proved wrong, with both Kubica and Heidfeld performing strongly. Things started off well for Kubica, with him securing his first front-row in second place, albeit with a lighter fuel load. However, his chances of a points finish were robbed when Kazuki Nakajima punted him up the race as the safety car was about to pull in.

However, he made up for his disappointment in spades over the course of the summer, starting off with a strong second place in Malaysia behind Räikkönen. Pole position and third place was the reward from Bahrain, while fourth place in Spain elevated him to fourth in the championship. Another fourth in Turkey and an impressive second place at Monaco saw Robert head to Canada with just six points between him and the championship lead.

But, it was at the Canadian Grand Prix that Kubica's championship challenge would ultimately begin to turn. At the beginning of the season BMW Sauber had set the ambitious goal of winning their first race in 2008, and with the third fastest car in the field, all they needed was for circumstances to fall their way. Those circumstances fell perfectly for them in Canada. Second place on the grid got the ball rolling for Kubica on Saturday, before an out-of-control Lewis Hamilton took out Kubica's main race rivals only 18 laps into the race.

However, even with Hamilton and Räikkönen by the wayside, the race was far from over. Emerging in tenth after his first stop, Kubica found himself behind slower traffic, and losing time to the one-stoppers ahead. Once clear of slower traffic, Kubica put together an impressive qualifying-style stint, which saw him build a sufficient gap to team-mate Heidfeld to emerge comfortably ahead, leading home the first ever BMW 1-2 finish, and their first win. With those ahead of him in the championship failing to score decent points, Kubica jumped into the lead, and seemingly in with a shout of claiming the crown.

Unfortunately for him though, with BMW's goal of a race victory now secured, focus at the team's Hinwil factory switched to the 2009 season, and its raft of aerodynamic regulation changes. In hindsight, with both a drivers' and constructors' championship at stake, the decision could have robbed the team of additional glory.

In France, Kubica battled through a tough race to claim another four points in fifth, before recording his second retirement of the year when he spun off in the torrential rain at Silverstone, robbing him of the chance to retake the championship lead. In both Germany and Hungary, the BMW again failed to perform with Kubica scooping just three more points.

Once back on form in Valencia however, Kubica again showed his strength, and was only beaten to the flag by Massa and Hamilton, finishing on the podium for the fifth time. Sixth place in Belgium was to be followed by another podium finish in Italy, coming from eighth in the opening stages to third at the end. In Singapore two weeks later, circumstances that fell so nicely for him in Canada in June seemed to turn against him, as he was forced to pit under the safety car and incur a 10-second stop-go penalty. Thanks to that, a probable sixth place disappeared, and he took the flag in 11th, now a full 20 points behind the championship leader.

Although things took a turn for the better in Japan, where Kubica led the first stint of the race, before dropping behind Alonso where he stayed to take second, it proved to be a false dawn. At the final two races in China and Brazil, Kubica suffered a loss of grip in his BMW in qualifying, meaning he qualified outside the top ten on both occasions. A valiant drive to sixth in China wasn't enough to keep him in the championship hunt. Things went further downhill for him in Brazil, when eleventh place meant he slipped behind Kimi Räikkönen in the standings, dropping him to fourth place, 23 points behind world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Since breaking into the sport in 2006, few people have dared to question Kubica's talent, and after performing so strongly yet again this year, it's only a matter of time before he becomes world champion. With BMW having invested time and resources in their 2009 project since mid-2008, Kubica's maiden title glory may be sooner than expected, but should BMW not deliver, there will be no dearth of teams knocking on Kubica's door, Ferrari included.

McLaren to launch MP4-24 on 16 Jan

2008-12-07T11:38:00.001+05:30

McLaren will launch its 2009 car on 16 January, the British formula one team has confirmed. Wearing the number 1 for 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton, the Mercedes-powered single seater is to be designated MP4-24. The launch will take place at McLaren's Technology Centre in Woking (UK).

Briatore wouldn't sign Rossi for F1

2008-12-07T11:37:00.003+05:30

Renault boss Flavio Briatore says he would not offer Valentino Rossi a formula one race seat. "I would not give him a car," fellow Italian Briatore confirmed to the newspaper Il Riformista.

Rossi, 29, flirted seriously with a switch from MotoGP to F1 with Ferrari a few years ago. Recently, after another Ferrari test to celebrate his latest title, he left the door open to racing in formula one after he retires from motorcycles, perhaps in 2011.

Briatore said: "He belongs to the world of bikes. There, he is without an equal, and some say that without him MotoGP would not be half of what it is." Briatore, however, confessed that Rossi's flamboyant personality would be "very good" for formula one. "He appeals to everyone, as a rock star does."

McLaren drivers prepare for winter training

2008-12-07T11:37:00.001+05:30

Engineers from the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes are busily preparing for the 2009 season in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart. Meanwhile, the test team has been readying two cars for December outings to Jerez, Spain, and the new Autodromo Internacional do Algarve circuit in Portugal.

Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen, Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett are preparing for an outing of a different kind; limbering up for a five-day pre-season training camp at the Kuortane Sports Institute in western Finland.

The human performance partner of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Kourtane has helped train some of the world's top athletes, including Finland's Olympic hopefuls, for more than 40 years. The training camp also acts as a useful team-building exercise, with mechanics and engineers joining the drivers for group exercises and tests at the Kuortane campus.

Lewis Hamilton:
"Travelling to Finland for our winter training camp is one of the best weeks of the year for me; it feels like you're miles from anywhere and totally cut off from the outside world. It allows me to focus solely on my training, which is great.

"It's certainly not an easy week: Finland in the winter is cold and icy and we're pushed hard for day after day. We spend the first part of the week doing tests to monitor our core strength and flexibility and spend the rest of the time building on specific exercises that will help us once we're back in the car.

"After Brazil, it's good to get a proper rest because it's the one time of the year when you can relax your training a little. But Finland is when it all starts again in earnest. Brazil already seems a long time ago and I'm now focusing 100 per cent on 2009. I had my seat-fitting at MTC earlier this month and while the plan at the moment is to start testing in January, I'm really keen to get going.

"After Finland, I'm looking forward to a couple of big events in the UK. I'll be attending the Autosport Awards, the Race of Champions and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event. They're all fantastic events and they give me a lot of energy because I get to spend time with some of my peers in a relaxed environment and also to meet the British fans, who are always fantastic.

"Before Christmas, I plan to take a holiday and return fresh and positive to kickstart our winter test programme with the MP4-24. I've already had a close look at the new car and the engineers have explained the philosophy behind it and just how different things will be next year.

"I've been watching testing with a lot of interest, I think the new cars will make next year's championship wide open and I'm really looking forward to tackling the new regulations."

Heikki Kovalainen:
"The end of the season is a very important time for me; it's the best time of the year to properly rest and recharge before everything begins again. That's why it's so important for your fitness. It's vital to start the year with very good core fitness because it's difficult to train as much as you'd like during the season. That means the basic fitness level you reach over the winter is what keeps you going for much of the year.

"That's why our training camp in Seinajoki is so important: it's just for the team and there are no distractions. It's a hard schedule; up early, and training all day - often outside in the cold - but it's always fun. Of course, it helps that it's in my home country of Finland, which makes it especially relaxing and rewarding for me.

"For me, the 2009 season started as soon as I got home from Brazil. I spent two days at the McLaren Technology Centre having my seat-fitting in the 2009 chassis - which already looks like a very promising car for next year, I went to Stars & Cars in Stuttgart, then I went on a short holiday.

"After the training camp, I'm really looking forward to getting back in the car after a month out of the cockpit. I'm testing in Jerez and Portimao later this month and then preparing over Christmas for my first taste of the MP4-24.

"For me, 2009 can't start soon enough and I'm really looking forward to beginning I'm really looking to getting back in the car and understanding how the new regulations will affect the drivers. I can't wait to get started."

F1 in Germany in doubt beyond 2010

2008-12-07T11:36:00.001+05:30

Hockenheim is unlikely to be able to host the German grand prix in 2010 or beyond, the circuit's boss Karl-Josef Schmidt has been quoted as saying. He told Sunday's Der Tagesspiegel newspaper that the loss-making event will cease to be organised unless the state Baden-Wuerttemberg government pledges financial support. "Without grants from the state there will be no more formula one in Hockenheim," said Schmidt. Earlier this year, a spokesman for the state's ministry of economic affairs said it is "not the task" of the public to fund events at the Hockenheimring. It is understood the position has not changed.

The Nurburgring, which alternates the hosting of Germany's annual race date with Hockenheim, is scheduled to stage the 2009 event. Nurburgring general manager Walter Kafitz responded to the news about Hockenheim by saying the circuit is not in a position to host the grand prix every year. "We can not afford that," he told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa, admitting that - like Hockenheim - the Nurburgring also loses a single-digit million dollar sum per grand prix.

Schmidt warned: "Formula one will disappear not just from Hockenheim but from Germany as a whole. Then it will only be run in Arab countries."

100,000 watch Renault roadshow in Sao Paulo

2008-12-07T11:35:00.001+05:30

After Johannesburg, Kiev, Lisbon and most recently New Delhi, the ING Renault F1 Team visited Sao Paulo, Brazil at the weekend to demonstrate its cars in the final Roadshow of the team's 2008 programme.

After several weeks of preparation in close collaboration with Renault Brazil, the ING Renault F1 Team travelled to the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo at the weekend for a special demonstration with recently confirmed 2009 race driver, Nelson Piquet. The event was a first for Renault in Brazil and for the residents of Sao Paulo who are more used to following F1 at the Interlagos circuit on the outskirts of the city. There was therefore a big turnout of fans who were keen to watch this exciting spectacle.

In all more than 100,000 people came along to enjoy Nelson's demonstration of the R27 in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The display included donuts and burnouts, much to the delight of the fans.

The 1.1km track was especially designed for the event in Sao Paulo's Ibirapuera Park. Nelson also drove onto the Pedro Alvares Cabral Avenue, which brought his R27 out in front of the Das Bandeiras monument.

At the end of the demonstration, Nelson Piquet commented: "I'm really happy to have been able to do this demonstration here in Brazil. The atmosphere was very special and I hope that my compatriots enjoyed the event as much as I did. These Roadshows give a rare chance for fans that follow the sport to see and hear an F1 up close."

FOTA to discuss medals system this week

2008-12-07T11:34:00.001+05:30

Formula one teams will discuss Bernie Ecclestone's 'medals' scoring system for the first time this week, according to BMW-Sauber chief Mario Theissen. The German said Ecclestone, who insists the new system will be in place for 2009 having achieved the support of the teams, had been premature in his declarations.

"[This week] will be the first time this topic has been discussed by the teams at all," he told reporters at BMW's end of season party in Munich, referring to the forthcoming meeting of the FOTA alliance.

Theissen said there is a chance the proposal will be supported, but indicated there are arguments "for and against" its merits. More likely to gain the support of teams is a shake-up for the qualifying system, including a possible point for pole position.