Any Formula 1 racing fans out there?

[MetroiD]

The "Private League" sounds doable, if not quite plausible. I'd give it time though. Remember, in the 90s, that's what Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex & Co. wanted as well - a separate league of the 20 top European teams. Did they ever get it? No, fortunately! The Prem League is still intact and as to the Champions League - despite its multiple transformations over the years, the basis is still the same. If anything, that idea has been applied as part of the former UEFA Cup's new format.

Anyway, back to F1 - I don't think anyone can make a sound judgement at this point in time. Especially not with F1 management changing this year. I think this will cool down in a few years' time, but until then we'll be in for a few rather interesting seasons...

Edited November 5, 2009 by TheOtters

[KimT]

First post updated.

Kinda interesting that Button is visiting McLaren's factories in the midst of his negotiations with Brawn.

Brawn can't pay what he wants and Virgin Records has left as a sponsor after they became part of Manor/Virgin F1.

The future looks grim for Brawn GP, does it not?

[MetroiD]

First post updated.

Kinda interesting that Button is visiting McLaren's factories in the midst of his negotiations with Brawn.

Brawn can't pay what he wants and Virgin Records has left as a sponsor after they became part of Manor/Virgin F1.

The future looks grim for Brawn GP, does it not?

Yeah, Button's conduct is not what I'd expected from him... I guess it's only fair that everyone should try and earn as much as they possibly can at any given time, but still...

As to Brawn GP - they'll cope with it, even if Button were to leave. Which I don't think he will - I have the feeling that he's just trying to play mind games, which is despicable bearing in mind he's doing that to the team which put him where he is now.

[KimT]

Mercedes buy Brawn GP and renames it Mercedes GP.

Timo Glock signs with Manor F1.

Jenson Button is said to have signed a 3 year deal with McLaren.

Nico Rosberg is rumored as one of Mercedes GP's drivers.¨

First post updated.

[MetroiD]

With McLaren supposedly getting ready to launch another road-going supercar, I guess Mercedes decided they too should start sticking their noses directly in McLaren's business...

[KimT]

And today it's been confirmed that Jenson Button will join McLaren for the 2010 season.

Let's hope he manages better than Alonso did when he tried to be part of the McLaren family

[5150 Lego]

Very interesting lineup for Mclaren. Will be interesting to see how two back to back world champions work toeghter. Also interesting to see how Nico works in the Brawn/Mercades car. I have alot more to coment, but its time to get ready for work!

[KimT]

Looks like Button messed up.

Brawn wont release him of his contract until 31st of December.

They are quite unhappy that he decided to visit McLaren.

They took their offer off the table.

It sure looks like he'll have to show his worth with McLaren or else he'll be out in the cold.

Brawn himself is mad that's for sure.

[KimT]

News flash:

Kimi signed with Mercedes GP after Button left.

Not confirmed yet, but it comes from the well known F1 journalist Lito Cavalcanti.

It's going to be hilarious if he kicks Button's and McLaren's megablocks

[MetroiD]

Yeah it would, but I seriously doubt it. I rate Jenson at least as good a driver as Heiki. But he's gone down in my estimation with that move. Should have stayed with Brawn / Mercedes for another year. He'll NEVER be a top dog over @ McLaren, we all know who's the leading driver there and there's a solid reason for that - Lewis possesses twice the talent of Jenson and ten times his potential. That said, Button is a good team player so it will be interesting to see how next season pans out.

Best thing is, I've got my two favourite drivers in my favourite team. What more could you ask for!

[KimT]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yeah right

I'll believe this when it happens.

[KimT]

The Force India team has confirmed it will retain both Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi as its racing drivers for the 2010 season.

It will be the fourth consecutive season that German Sutil drives for the Silverstone-based squad, while Liuzzi secures a full-time drive for the first time since 2007.

"We are very pleased to retain the services of both Adrian and Tonio for another season," said team boss Vijay Mallya.

"We have always maintained that consistency is key at this stage in the team's development and for the first time in many years we will have the continuity of not only the same drivers, but also the same engine and senior management.

"With this stability now in place I truly believe we have an excellent platform to build on and move forward on our strong 2009 performance. I am sure we have one of the most dynamic line-ups on the grid and I hope this will stand us in good stead in what we all hope will be a transitional year for the team."

Sutil said: "2010 will be my fourth consecutive year with the team. I feel good here, it feels like family, and when you feel at ease you can focus your energy 100% on getting it right on track. Next season I want to be in the points on a regular basis, maybe even challenging for the podium, and the team has exactly the same goals.

"We are going massively in the right direction so with our combined energies I'm confident we can achieve even more than last season."

Liuzzi, who was the test reserve driver for the past two seasons, was delighted to be able to secure a full-time seat.

Good call.

Now who's taking the rest of the seats?

[KimT]

Looks like this is the end of the Renault team as we know it

Ecclestone: Renault considering four bids

By Jonathan Noble Monday, December 7th 2009, 14:55 GMT

Renault is considering bids from up to four parties interested in taking over the team, claims Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

AUTOSPORT revealed last week that Prodrive and Luxembourg businessman Gerard Lopez were vying to take control of the team, with a decision due to be made at this week's Renault board meeting.

Ecclestone has said he expects the matter to be sorted in the next few weeks, and has interestingly said Prodrive and Lopez are not the only people involved.

"Richards is up against more than somebody," Ecclestone told The Times. "There is the Gerard Lopez group, there is David Richards and then there are another two people.

"I don't think there is any big rush to get something done. But the sooner the better for everybody.

"I hope it can be done within the next ten days and before everybody breaks up for Christmas."

[5150 Lego]

Looks like this is the end of the Renault team as we know it

Sorry to hear KimT. But whom ever buys them is sure to keep the Renault engines and chassis right?

...Well now that i think about it, Ross Brawn didn't keep Honda engines or chassis. So the same could happen for Renault.

[KimT]

Only time can tell what'll happen to Renault

German tabloid magazine "Bild" says that Schumi will be driving for Mercedes GP nxt season.

Trulli has been confirmed as one of the drivers for Lotus.

The other seat will be named Monday - probably Sato or Kovalainen.

Plus it seems that Abu Dhabi will finish next year's season as well.

They can't be happy about that in Brazil.

[KimT]

Jarno Trulli & Heikki Kovalainen confirmed at Lotus next season.

[5150 Lego]

Renault has confirmed they are staying in F1. You guys think Shumi will drive for Mercades?

[The Cobra]

If he's still (nearly) as good as he was, sure he should! I don't care if he's "dumping" Ferrari, let's see some action!

[KimT]

Renault has confirmed they are staying in F1. You guys think Shumi will drive for Mercades?

Yup, Renault has signed a partnership with Genii

We're so gooing to kick some next season

If he's still (nearly) as good as he was, sure he should! I don't care if he's "dumping" Ferrari, let's see some action!

Yeah, getting Schumi back in next season would add that little extra which is needed at the moment.

Wether he comes back or not is still to be seen.

Kobayashi joined the Sauber Petronas team.

Good for him.

He did well when driving for Glock and he clearly deserves a chance in F1.

First post updated...

[KimT]

Wow

From autosport.com

Michael Schumacher has told Ferrari that there is a "very, very, very strong possibility" that he will race for Mercedes-Benz in Formula 1 next year, team president Luca di Montezemolo has revealed.

Although there has not yet been any official word from the Schumacher or Mercedes-Benz camps about the progress of talks in relation to an amazing comeback for the seven-time world champion, di Montezemolo has given away just how far advanced the situation now is.

Speaking to selected media, including AUTOSPORT, at Ferrari's Christmas lunch in Fiorano on Thursday, di Montezemolo shed fresh light on the Schumacher developments.

"I hadn't spoken to him since Abu Dhabi but I spoke to him yesterday (Wednesday)," said di Montezemolo about Schumacher's Mercedes-Benz situation.

"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."

Di Montezemolo confirmed that Ferrari had agreed to release Schumacher from any remaining commitments he had to the Italian team so he could make the switch to Mercedes-Benz in the event of a deal coming off.

Sources have told AUTOSPORT that a deal between Schumacher and Mercedes-Benz has been agreed in principle, but that the matter cannot move forward until the German has been told by medical experts that his neck is 100 per cent ready for an F1 return.

Schumacher hurt his neck in a big motorbike accident earlier this year, and it was the legacy of that injury which forced him to abandon a comeback for Ferrari in the middle of last year.

Once Schumacher has got the medical news that he and Mercedes-Benz need, then it will be a matter of finalising his contract prior to an announcement being made.

Di Montezemolo said that he believed that it was a 'new Schumacher' who was pursuing a future with Mercedes-Benz.

"The real Michael Schumacher always told me he would finish his career at Ferrari," he said.

When asked what he had said to Schumacher during their conversation, di Montezemolo paused before saying: "Don't forget that when you start collaboration with a driver as long ago as we did with Michael, in 1995, over 14 years ago, you are also a friend.

"You can agree and disagree but you remain friends. I won't forget what he did for Ferrari and he won't forget what we did for him."

Di Montezemolo also spoke at length about the struggles Ferrari faced during 2009, having been unable to take the challenge to title rivals Brawn GP and Red Bull Racing.

"All our car architecture - the dimensions of the gearbox, everything - was based on a different interpretation of the rules and, also, we were pushing very hard until the last corner of the last race of '08," he said.

Di Montezemolo also admitted that the season had marked the closest point in his experience to seeing Ferrari quit F1.

"This year was the only one moment since I became chairman in 1991 that I was really minded to stop F1," he said. "It was the unanimous decision of the board that there was too much credibility being lost, too much polemics over the rules and not enough research.

"Now I say thank God that everything is over although we paid a big price because not to have Toyota and BMW and to have Renault in a different situation is not good for F1."

[5150 Lego]

Its official. Shumi is back for 2010'

http://planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5794625,00.html

Next year will be very, very intetesting

[Lord Of Pies]

The new Lotus f1 logo was revealed a few days ago:

This raises my hopes that the 2010 lotus will have the lovely dark green and gold livery. Though it won't be a true Lotus - it is Malaysian owned.

As for that pesky Shumacher returning, I personally hope the British boys at Mclaren will show him a thing or two about racing next season! :P

[KimT]

As for that pesky Shumacher returning, I personally hope the British boys at Mclaren will show him a thing or two about racing next season! :P

We'll see about that.

Hopefully McLaren & Mercedes will be fighting hard

And noone will notice the Genii Renault Racer overtake them

(Ferrari? Who knows? I'm sure Alonso can bring them back to their former glory - he works wonders with the car setup.

They call him the CarWhisperer )

[KimT]

2010 season changes Though not as dramatic as the rule changes introduced for the 2009 season, the revisions for 2010 could still have a significant impact on the teams’ relative performance…

Refuelling

The biggest change for the 2010 season is the banning of refuelling during races for the first time since 1993. Pit stops will not become a thing of the past, however, as drivers still have to use both dry-weather tyre compounds during a Grand Prix. Of course, those stops will now be much quicker, quite possibly under four seconds.

The change requires cars to possess a much larger fuel tank - up from around 80 litres to something nearer 250 - and has a major effect on race strategy, with drivers having to pay more attention to tyre and brake conservation. To accommodate the bigger tank, the cars are likely to feature wider rear bodywork and a longer wheelbase. As a result, the weight distribution will be quite different to that of a 2009 car.

Points system

In place of the previous structure, which saw the top eight drivers scoring 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point respectively, from 2010 the top ten finishers in a Grand Prix score points. The change has been introduced as a result of the expanded grid of 13 teams. Under the new system, the race winner takes 25 points, with 20 and 15 being awarded for second and third places respectively. The next seven finishers will score 10, 8, 6, 5, 3, 2 and 1 point respectively.

Weight

The minimum weight of the car has been raised from 605kg to 620kg. The initial thinking behind this was to offset the disadvantage faced by taller, heavier drivers in KERS-equipped cars (the additional weight of the KERS system meant they were left with less flexibility in terms of weight distribution than their lighter rivals). By mutual agreement, however, teams are now not expected to run KERS in 2010.

Narrower front tyres

When slick tyres returned to Formula One racing in 2009, the tyre size remained unchanged. In terms of contact area, this meant that the fronts gained proportionally more grip than the rears. This has been addressed for 2010, with front tyre width reduced from 270mm to 245mm, thus helping to bring back a better grip balance. Also, the ban on refuelling means cars will be around 100kg heavier at the start of a race than in 2009, so Bridgestone will use slightly harder tyre compounds to compensate.

No wheel fairings

Teams are no longer allowed to use the wheel rim covers that became so commonplace in 2009. Their removal means one less thing to go wrong when pit crews are trying to change of set of tyres in less than four seconds, and could also aid overtaking by making the airflow immediately behind cars less turbulent.

More teams

Thirteen teams - 26 cars - will feature on the grid in 2010. This means a slight alteration to the knockout qualifying session, which will now see eight drivers (as opposed to five) eliminated in Q1 and Q2, leaving ten to fight it out for pole in Q3. The ban on refuelling means that cars will qualify on low fuel in all three phases of the session.

Testing

If a team declares that one of their 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 now be permitted, on an approved circuit not being used for a Grand Prix in the current season. This is to avoid scenarios such as that seen in 2009 when Jaime Alguersuari made his Formula One debut with Toro Rosso having only previously driven an F1 car in straight-line testing.

In another minor change, teams will be allowed six rather than eight days of straight-line aero testing per season. They will also have the option of substituting any of these days for four hours of wind tunnel testing with a full-scale (rather than the normal 60 percent-scale) model.

[KimT]

Sauber Petronas: Kobayashi & Pedro De La Rosa

Man am I glad to see him finally given a chance to show his worth.

He's been a great 3rd driver for McLaren and now it's time to show what he can do on the track in real races.

Best of luck.

Now who's getting that 2nd seat at Renault?

Grosjean anyone?