2011 HUNGARY GP: RED BULL PREVIEW

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2011 GERMANY GP: WEBBER AND RED BULL WITH NEW POLE, GOOD FIGHT FROM LEWIS

Webber with another Pole position!!! Well done Hamilton!!!

Red Bull with a new pole, this time again for Mark Webber. Nothing new to these qualifications, except that Hamilton with McLaren bring some excitement and good speed, and super interesting battle for pole. Vettel for the first time will not start from the first row, and just a little ahead of Fernando Alonso on fourth starting position. Vettel did not seem too pleased with his performance as opposed to Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton are satisfied and happy for their performances.

Felipe Massa qualified a solid fifth but was never in contention with the front runners and was over 0.4s off his Ferrari team-mate. Nico Rosberg managed to break into the top six after edging out Jenson Button, who said he just could not find the grip from his McLaren on his final run. He was over a second off the pace of team-mate Hamilton and was clearly disappointed with how the session turned out.

Pos    Driver                Team                Time         Gap   
 1.  Mark Webber           Red Bull-Renault     1:30.079
 2.  Lewis Hamilton        McLaren-Mercedes     1:30.134   + 0.055
 3.  Sebastian Vettel      Red Bull-Renault     1:30.216   + 0.137
 4.  Fernando Alonso       Ferrari              1:30.442   + 0.363
 5.  Felipe Massa          Ferrari              1:30.910   + 0.831
 6.  Nico Rosberg          Mercedes             1:31.263   + 1.184
 7.  Jenson Button         McLaren-Mercedes     1:31.288   + 1.209
 8.  Adrian Sutil          Force India-Mercedes 1:32.010   + 1.931
 9.  Vitaly Petrov         Renault              1:32.187   + 2.108
10.  Michael Schumacher    Mercedes             1:32.482   + 2.403
Q2 FASTEST TIME: 1:30.998                                     GAP
11.  Nick Heidfeld         Renault              1:32.215   + 1.217
12.  Paul di Resta         Force India-Mercedes 1:32.560   + 1.562
13.  Pastor Maldonado      Williams-Cosworth    1:32.635   + 1.637
14.  Rubens Barrichello    Williams-Cosworth    1:33.043   + 2.045
15.  Sergio Perez          Sauber-Ferrari       1:33.176   + 2.178
16.  Sebastien Buemi       Toro Rosso-Ferrari   1:33.546   + 2.548
17.  Jaime Alguersuari     Toro Rosso-Ferrari   1:33.698   + 2.700
Q1 FASTEST TIME: 1:31.826                                     GAP
18.  Kamui Kobayashi       Sauber-Ferrari       1:33.786   + 1.960
19.  Heikki Kovalainen     Lotus-Renault        1:35.599   + 3.773
20.  Timo Glock            Virgin-Cosworth      1:36.400   + 4.574
21.  Karun Chandhok        Lotus-Renault        1:36.422   + 4.596
22.  Jerome D'Ambrosio     Virgin-Cosworth      1:36.641   + 4.815
23.  Tonio Liuzzi          HRT-Cosworth         1:37.011   + 5.185
24.  Daniel Ricciardo      HRT-Cosworth         1:37.036   + 5.210

107% time: 1m38.253s

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2011 GERMANY GP: RED BULL STRIKES BACK, WEBBER FASTEST ON FP2

Webber wants victory at Nurburgring

Mark Webber was quickest for Red Bull in the second Friday practice session for the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. Webber's time of 1:31.711 was nearly 0.168s quicker than Alonso's effort, as they were the only two drivers to go faster than Alonso's morning effort. Sebastian Vettel was third once again, 0.2s further back, while Felipe Massa was fourth on a 1:32.354 as Ferrari and Red Bull set the headline pace.

The two Mercedes made late jumps to complete the top six, Schumacher ahead of Nico Rosberg, showing some good pace. There was a scare moment for Scumacher and Alonso late in the session, as Spaniard tried to dive down the inside of Schumacher in to turn seven and lost the rear end of the car as Schumacher turned in. Alonso took to the grass and just avoided side-swiping the Mercedes in what was a close escape from some heavy damage.

The best of the McLarens was back in seventh in Lewis Hamilton's hands, while Jenson Button had to sit out the final 20 minutes with an issue on a development exhaust and was only 11th. McLaren was more competitive on the long, heavy fuel runs though, with Hamilton setting lap times comparative to those ahead of him.

Renault was another team to explore exhaust possibilities, with Nick Heidfeld testing a new rear-exiting system as opposed to Vitaly Petrov who was running the team's usual front-exiting solution. There was no big gain to be had for either driver though, as the pair finished the session just 0.040s apart.

Pos    Driver                Team                  Time        Gap  Laps
 1.  Mark Webber           Red Bull-Renault       1m31.711s          34
 2.  Fernando Alonso       Ferrari                1m31.879s  + 0.168  38
 3.  Sebastian Vettel      Red Bull-Renault       1m32.084s  + 0.373  28
 4.  Felipe Massa          Ferrari                1m32.354s  + 0.643  36
 5.  Michael Schumacher    Mercedes               1m32.411s  + 0.700  31
 6.  Nico Rosberg          Mercedes               1m32.557s  + 0.846  32
 7.  Lewis Hamilton        McLaren-Mercedes       1m32.724s  + 1.013  28
 8.  Nick Heidfeld         Renault                1m33.098s  + 1.387  17
 9.  Vitaly Petrov         Renault                1m33.138s  + 1.427  22
10.  Adrian Sutil          Force India-Mercedes   1m33.211s  + 1.500  34
11.  Jenson Button         McLaren-Mercedes       1m33.225s  + 1.514  17
12.  Paul di Resta         Force India-Mercedes   1m33.299s  + 1.588  34
13.  Sergio Perez          Sauber-Ferrari         1m34.113s  + 2.402  34
14.  Rubens Barrichello    Williams-Cosworth      1m34.344s  + 2.633  34
15.  Jaime Alguersuari     Toro Rosso-Ferrari     1m34.487s  + 2.776  37
16.  Kamui Kobayashi       Sauber-Ferrari         1m34.491s  + 2.780  35
17.  Pastor Maldonado      Williams-Cosworth      1m34.996s  + 3.285  35
18.  Heikki Kovalainen     Lotus-Renault          1m35.753s  + 4.042  42
19.  Timo Glock            Virgin-Cosworth        1m36.940s  + 5.229  32
20.  Karun Chandhok        Lotus-Renault          1m37.248s  + 5.537  33
21.  Jerome D'Ambrosio     Virgin-Cosworth        1m37.313s  + 5.602  33
22.  Tonio Liuzzi          HRT-Cosworth           1m38.145s  + 6.434  31
23.  Daniel Ricciardo      HRT-Cosworth           1m40.737s  + 9.026   5
24.  Sebastien Buemi       Toro Rosso-Ferrari     No time              3

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FIRST IMAGES OF MERCEDES GP W02

MERCEDES WO2

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FIA WITH NEW RULES

The WMSC approved the introduction of a new specification engine from 2013, underlining the FIA’s commitment to improving sustainability and addressing the needs of the automotive industry. Following dialogue with the engine manufacturers and experts in this field, the power units will be four cylinders, 1.6 litre with high pressure gasoline injection up to 500 bar with a maximum of 12,000 rpm.

The engines will deliver a 35% reduction in fuel consumption and will feature extensive energy management and energy recovery systems, while maintaining current levels of performance. In 2013, five engines will be permitted per driver, but each year after that the limit will be four.

Sporting and Technical Regulations

A number of changes were made to the Sporting and Technical Regulations for 2011, including:

- The article forbidding team orders (39.1) is deleted. Teams will be reminded that any actions liable to bring the sport into disrepute are dealt with under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code and any other relevant provisions
- Amendments to the list of penalties Stewards are permitted to apply
- Revisions to driving and driver conduct
- A limit on the width of the fast lane in the pits
- The introduction of a regulation permitting the Race Director to close the pit lane during a race for safety reasons
- The re-introduction of intermediate tyres for 2011
- Penalties to be applied to any driver who fails to use both specification of dry weather tyre during the race
- An amendment requiring gearboxes to be used for five consecutive races, instead of four
- Clarification on when cars can overtake the safety car
- A refinement to the principles of the regulations already agreed concerning moveable rear wings
- A better definition of the reference plane, and reinforcement of bodywork deflection tests, especially at the front of the reference plane
- The allowance for anti-intrusion panels to protect drivers’ legs

Amendments to the 2012 Technical Regulations were made in the following areas:

- Team communications will be made available to broadcasters
- The inclusion of fuel compounds produced from biomass
- A limitation on suspension uprights

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VETTEL WANTS TO DRIVE FOR FERRARI

The new world champion enjoyed a dominant season in his Red Bull RB6, taking ten pole positions and winning five grands prix. Nonetheless, Vettel hinted he would like to drive for the legendary Italian team or Mercedes after seeing out his current contract.

"No question, it is my wish and goal to drive for Ferrari one day," Vettel told Sunday's Bild am Sonntag. "Or Mercedes, another legendary brand. But right now I'm happy. I have two more years of contract with Red Bull and we have big plans."

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RED BULL FAST AND WITH PIRELLI TYRES

Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel returned to his familiar place at the top of the timesheet on the first morning of Pirelli tyre testing in Abu Dhabi. The 23 year old German driver was fastest driver ahead of Felipe Massa, Ferrari, and Robert Kubica, Renault. Today`s results:

P.    DRIVER                TEAM           TIME      LAPS
1. Sebastian Vettel       Red Bull       1m40.861s    34
2. Felipe Massa           Ferrari        1m40.913s    29
3. Robert Kubica          Renault        1m41.032s    25
4. Kamui Kobayashi        Sauber         1m41.466s    33
5. Gary Paffett           McLaren        1m41.588s    49
6. Nico Rosberg           Mercedes       1m41.978s    40
7. Jaime Alguersuari      Toro Rosso     1m42.642s    33
8. Rubens Barrichello     Williams       1m42.655s    44
9. Adrian Sutil           Force India    1m42.859s    20
10.Timo Glock             Virgin         1m45.057s    41
11.Heikki Kovalainen      Lotus          1m46.201s    42
12.Pastor Maldonado       Hispania       1m46.534s    46

These are first official Pirelli tyre test sessions, and all 12 teams will get their first chance to test tyres of this Italian company. This will be two day test, and every team will get eight tyre sets, made of soft and medium component. Team are hoping that tests will give them opportunity to understand how new tyres will affect the cars.

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2010 JAPANESE GP: RED BULL DOMINANT, EASY 1-2 WIN AT SUZUKA

Sebastian Vettel finally returned to the top spot of the podium by taking a flawless victory in the Japanese Grand Prix for a second straight year. His Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber was a close second, and extended his championship lead to 14 points.
The pair's title rivals lined up behind with Fernando Alonso third, Jenson Button fourth and Lewis Hamilton fifth, but the weekend belonged to Red Bull. Vettel's solid performance leaves him level with Alonso in the title chase and just 14 points off championship leader Webber with just three races remaining.

The Japanese Grand Prix; Suzuka, Japan;
53 laps; 307.573km; Weather: Sunny.

Classified:
Pos  Driver        Team                       Time
1.  Vettel        Red Bull-Renault           1h30:27.323
2.  Webber        Red Bull-Renault           +     0.905
3.  Alonso        Ferrari                    +     2.721
4.  Button        McLaren-Mercedes           +    13.522
5.  Hamilton      McLaren-Mercedes           +    39.595
6.  Schumacher    Mercedes                   +    59.933
7.  Kobayashi     Sauber-Ferrari             +  1:04:038
8.  Heidfeld      Sauber-Ferrari             +  1:09.648
9.  Barrichello   Williams-Cosworth          +  1:10.846
10. Buemi         Toro Rosso-Ferrari         +  1:12.806
11. Alguersuari   Toro Rosso-Ferrari         +     1 lap
12. Kovalainen    Lotus-Cosworth             +     1 lap
13. Trulli        Lotus-Cosworth             +    2 laps
14. Glock         Virgin-Cosworth            +    2 laps
15. Senna         HRT-Cosworth               +    2 laps
16. Yamamoto      HRT-Cosworth               +    3 laps
17. Rosberg       Mercedes                   +    5 laps

Fastest lap: Webber, 1:33.474

Not classified/retirements:
Driver        Team                         On lap
Sutil         Force India-Mercedes         45
Kubica        Renault                      4
Hulkenberg    Williams-Cosworth            1
Massa         Ferrari                      1
Petrov        Renault                      1
Liuzzi        Force India-Mercedes         1
Di Grassi     Virgin-Cosworth              1


World Championship standings, round 16:      
Drivers:                    Constructors:    
1.  Webber       220        1.  Red Bull-Renault          426
2.  Alonso       206        2.  McLaren-Mercedes          381
3.  Vettel       206        3.  Ferrari                   334
4.  Hamilton     192        4.  Mercedes                  176
5.  Button       189        5.  Renault                   133
6.  Massa        128        6.  Force India-Mercedes       60
7.  Rosberg      122        7.  Williams-Cosworth          58
8.  Kubica       114        8.  Sauber-Ferrari             37
9.  Schumacher    54        9.  Toro Rosso-Ferrari         11
10. Sutil         47
11. Barrichello   41
12. Kobayashi     27
13. Petrov        19
14. Hulkenberg    17
15. Liuzzi        13
16. Buemi          8
17. De la Rosa     6
18. Heidfeld       4
19. Alguersuari    3 

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2010 JAPANESE GP: QUALIFYING POSTPONED DUE TO HEAVY RAIN

Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix have been postponed until Sunday morning after terrible storm hit the track Suzukа. The rain intensified in the last free training to the extent that drivers was reporting that on track is impossible to drive. So qualifications that should take place at 14:00 local time, Charlie Whiting, the director of the race, postponed for Sunday morning. If weather permits will be held at 10:00 am local time, ie 03:00 am European time.

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2010 JAPANESE GP: RED BULL LEADS THE WAY

Sebastian Vettel was fastest driver today at Suzuka. The only man able to head last year's Suzuka winner was his team-mate Webber. Red Bull dominated, leaving its championship rivals over 0.8 seconds off the pace heading into the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

Fernando Alonso can expect a slightly more competitive weekend, but even he was 0.897 off Vettel's best lap. Ferrari has tended to keep its cards close to its chest during Friday practice this year but a deficit of that size is nearly impossible to overcome in time for qualifying. On the plus side for Alonso, his long run lap times were much closer to Red Bull, so a competitive race is still possible even if qualifying goes Red Bull's way.

Lewis Hamilton seriously damaged his chances of fighting for victory this weekend after an accident in the morning session meant he missed over two hours of practice time. When he finally did hit the track it was with a reasonably heavy fuel load and his times were over two seconds off the pace, meaning he finished the session back in 13th. But Jenson Button's best time was still a second off the pace of Vettel, suggesting that McLaren is set for a very difficult weekend to keep its drivers in touch with the championship leaders.

Robert Kubica could be in a position to take points off some of the championship contenders after he recorded the third fastest time in the Renault. Team-mate Vitaly Petrov also looked impressive with one of his best practice performances of the season. Michael Schumacher looks set for a good weekend after he finished both sessions ahead of Nico Rosberg and in the top ten. When he headed out on a heavy fuel load he ran wide at the second Degner but, unlike Hamilton in first practice, managed to keep his car out of the barriers.

RESULTS OF FIRST FREE PRACTICE

P.  DRIVER                ТEAM                  TIME        GAP  LAPS
1.  Sebastian Vettel    Red Bull-Renault      1m32.585s            23
2.  Mark Webber         Red Bull-Renault      1m32.633s  + 0.048s  23
3.  Robert Kubica       Renault               1m33.129s  + 0.544s  23
4.  Adrian Sutil        Force India-Mercedes  1m33.639s  + 1.054s  13
5.  Lewis Hamilton      McLaren-Mercedes      1m33.643s  + 1.058s  9
6.  Rubens Barrichello  Williams-Cosworth     1m33.677s  + 1.092s  21
7.  Nico Hulkenberg     Williams-Cosworth     1m33.707s  + 1.122s  24
8.  Michael Schumacher  Mercedes              1m33.739s  + 1.154s  20
9.  Nick Heidfeld       Sauber-Ferrari        1m33.791s  + 1.206s  23
10. Nico Rosberg        Mercedes              1m33.831s  + 1.246s  9
11. Felipe Massa        Ferrari               1m33.929s  + 1.344s  25
12. Jenson Button       McLaren-Mercedes      1m34.042s  + 1.457s  19
13. Fernando Alonso     Ferrari               1m34.169s  + 1.584s  23
14. Kamui Kobayashi     Sauber-Ferrari        1m34.271s  + 1.686s  19
15. Vitaly Petrov       Renault               1m34.373s  + 1.788s  24
16. Vitantonio Liuzzi   Force India-Mercedes  1m34.379s  + 1.794s  21
17. Sebastien Buemi     Toro Rosso-Ferrari    1m34.991s  + 2.406s  26
18. Jaime Alguersuari   Toro Rosso-Ferrari    1m35.684s  + 3.099s  22
19. Heikki Kovalainen   Lotus-Cosworth        1m36.949s  + 4.364s  25
20. Timo Glock          Virgin-Cosworth       1m37.329s  + 4.744s  17
21. Jarno Trulli        Lotus-Cosworth        1m37.388s  + 4.803s  23
22. Jerome D'Ambrosio   Virgin-Cosworth       1m37.778s  + 5.193s  23
23. Bruno Senna         Hispania-Cosworth     1m38.814s  + 6.229s  28
24. Sakon Yamamoto      Hispania-Cosworth     1m39.443s  + 6.858s  26

RESULTS OF SECOND FREE PRACTICE

P.  DRIVER           TEAM                   TIME        GAP   LAPS
1.  Vettel         Red Bull-Renault        1:31.465            31
2.  Webber         Red Bull-Renault        1:31.860  + 0.395   29
3.  Kubica         Renault                 1:32.200  + 0.735   32
4.  Alonso         Ferrari                 1:32.362  + 0.897   34
5.  Massa          Ferrari                 1:32.519  + 1.054   35
6.  Button         McLaren-Mercedes        1:32.533  + 1.068   28
7.  Petrov         Renault                 1:32.703  + 1.238   32
8.  Schumacher     Mercedes                1:32.831  + 1.366   27
9.  Sutil          Force India-Mercedes    1:32.842  + 1.377   26
10. Hulkenberg     Williams-Cosworth       1:32.851  + 1.386   26
11. Rosberg        Mercedes                1:32.880  + 1.415   26
12. Kobayashi      Sauber-Ferrari          1:33.471  + 2.006   31
13. Hamilton       McLaren-Mercedes        1:33.481  + 2.016   8
14. Barrichello    Williams-Cosworth       1:33.564  + 2.099   16
15. Heidfeld       Sauber-Ferrari          1:33.697  + 2.232   33
16. Buemi          Toro Rosso-Ferrari      1:34.005  + 2.540   32
17. Alguersuari    Toro Rosso-Ferrari      1:34.055  + 2.590   37
18. Liuzzi         Force India-Mercedes    1:34.310  + 2.845   33
19. Kovalainen     Lotus-Cosworth          1:36.095  + 4.630   37
20. Trulli         Lotus-Cosworth          1:36.333  + 4.868   33
21. di Grassi      Virgin-Cosworth         1:36.630  + 5.165   28
22. Glock          Virgin-Cosworth         1:36.834  + 5.369   28
23. Senna          HRT-Cosworth            1:37.352  + 5.887   33
24. Yamamoto       HRT-Cosworth            1:37.831  + 6.366   34

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2010 JAPANESE GP: WEBER SAYS HE IS NOT FAVORITE FOR TITLE

All 5 drivers are even at this moment

Mark Webber says he does not see himself as the favourite to win this year's championship despite his lead in the standings. Australian is 11 points ahead of Fernando Alonso with just four races(or 3) to go. Webber also admitted he is treating the Japanese Grand Prix as any other race, hoping to get the best possible result.

"I think we are all pretty even at the moment. It can change quickly, in a good way for me and in a bad way for me. It can change very quickly. It's on a knife's edge. But I'm very, very relaxed. It's another race for me. I will do my best and the points will look after themselves." I'm not even thinking about it. It's just another car race," he said. "I will do my best and the other stuff will take care of itself. If it was a 15-race championship I'd be champion now, but I'm not. There's four races to go and you need to lead the championship at the end, not now."

"Well, I went very quick in Turkey and then I was pretty strong at Silverstone(similar tracks to Suzuka). The cars have changed massively since the middle part of the championship. Everybody's moved forward. Ferrari I expect them to be right in the hunt. All three teams will be quick."

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2010 JAPANESE GP: VIRTUAL CIRCUIT GUIDE (HD AVAILABLE)

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KOREAN GRAND PRIX: READY OR NOT, THAT`S THE QUESTION NOW

The Korean GP organizers respond to what was said on Monday about the inaugural Grand Prix of Korea and the possibility of a cancellation. The F1 team, the media and all relevant staff are concerned that (despite the FIA rules require an inspection of the track at least 90 days before the event) the uncertainty in Korea is still growing, just three weeks before they depart to Asia.

The final inspection of the circuit is getting ridiculous literally, a Korean official says a final decision will be taken after 11 October, long after the F1 sport equipment leave Suzuka. There is also the question of the world championship, with five contenders who do not yet know whether there will be three or four races to the end of the season. The main fears regarding the cancellation of the race, came from F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, who had admitted on Sunday for the first time his concern about the GP of Korea.

Spokesman of Korea GP insisted that the track will be ready for inspection by Charlie Whiting, on 11 October.
"We will have no problem in hosting the race on 24 of Octomber. We are doing our best to complete all necessary work before official FIA team lead a complete final inspection in two weeks time. We take seriously the claims of Ecclestone as a message that we must further intensify the final preparations for the race."

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ALLIANZ NEW SPONSOR OF SAFETY & MEDICAL CAR

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FIA: No penalty for Ferrari

FIA president Jean Todt did not attend the hearing, which was chaired by the deputy president for sport, Graham Stoker.

FIA Statement:
"On July 25 2010, at the grand prix of Germany, the stewards of the meeting found an infringement by the Scuderia Ferrari to the prohibition of team orders interfering with a race result and then decided to impose a fine of $100,000 and to forward the dossier to the World Motor Sport Council for further consideration.

The Judging Body of the World Motor Sport Council held an extraordinary hearing in Paris on September 8, 2010 to examine this matter. After an in depth analysis of all reports, statements and documents submitted, the judging body has decided to confirm the stewards' decision of a $100,000 fine for infringing article 39.1 of the sporting regulations and to impose the payment of the costs incurred by the FIA."

"The judging body has also acknowledged that article 39.1 of the sporting regulations should be reviewed and has decided to refer this question to the Formula 1 Sporting Working Group."

In a press release Ferrari said:
"Ferrari has taken note of the decision of the FIA World Council, relating to the outcome of this year's German Grand Prix and wishes to express its appreciation of the Council's proposal to review article 39.1 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, in light of what emerged during today's discussions. Now, all the team's efforts will be focussed on the next event on track, when the Italian Grand Prix takes place at Monza this weekend."

Before this hearing FIA announced that none of the organisations bidding to become Formula 1's 13th team in 2011 have met its requirements, and that the grid will therefore stay at 24 cars.

Also FIA's World Motor Sport Council has released the provisional race calendar for the 2011 Formula 1 season, which sees Interlagos regain the season finale for the first time since 2008.

2011 F1 calendar:

13/03 Bahrain
27/03 Australia
10/04 Malaysia
17/04 China
08/05 Turkey
22/05 Spain
29/05 Monaco
12/06 Canada
26/06 Europe (Valencia)
10/07 Great Britain
24/07 Germany
31/07 Hungary
28/08 Belgium
11/09 Italy
25/09 Singapore
09/10 Japan
16/10 Korea
30/10 India*
13/11 Abu Dhabi
27/11 Brazil

* Subject to the homologation of the circuit

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PIRELLI CONTINUES WITH DEVELOPMENT OF F1 2011 TYRES

Pirelli continues this week with the development program of the Formula 1 2011 tyres. After last week Mugello tests with Nick Heidfeld, Pirelli continues to test this time for two days at Paul Ricard in France.

"We are very pleased with the progress made so far, which currently puts us a bit 'more' forward to what we expected," said Pirelli's motorsport director, Paul Hembery.

The next test Pirelli will be held in Spain in two weeks.

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Bernie wants US driver in Formula 1

Bernie Wants Danica Patrick in F1

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone and event promoter Tavo Hellmund are sure that the addition of an American driver on the grid would also be a good thing for the sport, ahead of 2012 US Grand Prix at Austin, Texas. F1 has been without an American driver since Scott Speed left the Toro Rosso team in 2007.

"Regarding an American driver, we have tried that lately but obviously what's missing is the right attitude. You can race successfully in the US without the huge effort you need to succeed in Formula One. But to have someone like Danica Patrick in F1 would be a perfect advert," Ecclestone told the official F1 website.

"Of course it would be fantastic to have an American driver, but there is that young Mexican driver Perez who is doing a great job in GP2 right now. For him the 2012 US Grand Prix could be a sort of home race: the distance from Austin to Mexico is a mere 250 kilometres," Hellmund added.

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Schumacher: I`m having a lot of fun

Record breaking multiple F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher has admitted that compatriot Nico Rosberg is the strongest team-mate he has ever had in the top flight, as Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Vice-President Norbert Haug mused that the younger of the two Germans could even be the best of them all.


“I am still motivated to achieve my goals in the three years. There's nothing to add. I'm not entirely happy with the results, but I didn't expect to drive everyone into the ground. Basically, I'm feeling good and having a lot of fun.”

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NEW TESTING RULES

F1 teams reached agreеment to tweak regulations about testing in promotional and marketing purposes. With this agreement is forbiden to test new part on cars during this days.This ban comes after Ferrari recently used this lack of regulations for testing new exhaust system. Before it was done in the Mercedes GP team to promote the new design for the cover over the engine.



These tests have caused concern among rival teams, and teams in the last few weeks was trying to determine regulations in this area, to prevent gain of benefits by some teams. McLaren team
director, Martin Withmarsh confirm this, and is happy that now everyone knows what is and what is not allowed.

"I personally did not feel there was any ambiguity, but others argued that there was," he said. "But that is pressure, and when people are under pressure they try and take a different view. Now everything is clear."

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KUBICA EXTEND HIS DEAL WITH RENAULT

Robert Kubica has extended his deal with Renault through to the end of 2012, the team has announced.

Robert Kubica:
"It was a straightforward decision for me to continue with a team where I feel at home. What's important for me is to be in the right atmosphere, with a good group of people, where everybody is pulling in the same direction. This is what we have tried to build from the beginning of my time with Renault. I think we have already achieved a lot together, and I believe that with plenty of effort, time and the right approach, we can move even further forward. That is certainly our target, so we will keep working hard and pushing on every front, not just for the rest of this season but also for next year when there are more big rule changes on the way. I am really looking forward to the challenge."

Eric Boullier:
"We are delighted that Robert will remain with us for the next two seasons and I would like to thank him for the faith he has shown in this team. There have been many rumours surrounding his future in recent weeks, which were a tribute to how well he has driven this year, and we are very happy to have agreed a multi-year deal. Our clear goal is to become title contenders over the next two years. To do so, we need a driver of Robert's calibre: somebody who is fast, totally committed and doesn't make mistakes. His performances during the first half of the 2010 season were flawless, and we hope to achieve great things together in the future."

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