India Government Doesn't want Formula 1

The India Government has refused to provide financial support for Formula 1 racing in the country - as it doesn not believe that racing is a sport!!

This is the argument released by the government:

"Formula 1 racing would have no impact on the development of sports in the country. Formula 1 is not purely sports. It is entertainment and this venture by JKSP is a commercial initiative. It will not have an impact on Indian sports in terms of either participation, broad-basing or promotion of excellence."

Secret Meeting in London to Next year Formula 1 teams

A secret meeting was held in London yesterday between FIA president Max Mosley and eight dissident teams to posting unconditional entries.

Scuderia, along with Renault, Toyota and the two Red Bull-backed teams have been the most vocally-opposed to Mosley's budget cap plan, claiming that the technical benefits signing up to it may confer on rivals would lead to a two-tier split in the sport. The move has been proposed by Mosley in a bid both to cut the cost of competing in the wake of Honda's 2008 demise and, as a result, bring in new blood to swell the grid.

Reuters claims that various sources have suggested that one compromise could see the entry list published incomplete, with some entries unfilled pending further talks.

The news agency also claims that a letter, from Mosley to FOTA president Luca di Montezemolo, admits that the level at which the budget cap is set could be massaged to start at a higher level before following a 'glide path' to the FIA's desired £40m limit in future seasons. That, however, could alienate some of the ten or so organisations who have lodged bids to join the grid under tight cost-capping measures.

The First Totally Ecological Race Track in the World

A plan to build a new Formula 1 race track outside Paris that would be, according to the architect, the first totally ecological race track in the world has turned into a row between France's sports car-mad prime minister and two cabinet members who say it would be an ecological disaster.

Hundreds of environmentalists demonstrated over the weekend in Versailles against the track with banners saying: "F1: Non, Organic (farming): Yes".

Alain Prost, the former quadruple world champion who has lobbied for the Paris area track, said that it had become the victim of a "political problem".

"Things have to be clear at the government level," he told Le Journal du Dimanche. "It's typical of France." "A Grand Prix around Paris would be as strong (a message) as the football World Cup," he added. Mr Prost recently declared that France was "anti-cars".

Huge Conspiracy as Lewis Hamilton is Disqualified from Race

The doubts that there is a huge conspiracy going on to discredit Lewis Hamilton and McLaren has been proved without doubt as both the driver and the team have been disqualified from last week's Australian Grand Prix.

According to the race stewards the reigning world champion had deliberately misled them when providing evidence about an incident that saw him passed by Jarno Trulli during a safety car period. After a hearing yesterday, the stewards decided to reinstate Trulli's third place and to sanction Hamilton and McLaren by excluding them from the race classification.

They explained their decision in a statement, which read: "The stewards having considered the new elements presented to them from the 2009 Australian Formula One Grand Prix, consider that driver No 1 Lewis Hamilton and the competitor Vodafone McLaren Mercedes acted in a manner prejudicial to the conduct of the event by providing evidence deliberately misleading to the Stewards."

McLaren and Renault Threaten to Pull Out of Melbourne Race

Britain's Times newspaper reported that Renault team boss Flavio Briatore and McLaren Chairman Ron Dennis threatened to organise a boycott of Sunday's race unless Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone paid up.

Ecclestone in return has reportedly threatened to cancel the charter plane taking the cars to Melbourne. A statement posted on the official Formula 1 website (www.formula1.com) by his Formula 1 Administration accused FOTA of making "inaccurate and misleading" comments. "Neither CVC nor FOA owes any amount to any team," it said.

McLaren team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said that while he had not been at the meeting, he believed Ecclestone's version of events to have been "relatively theatrical".

"There is a lot of tension in this climate about lots of teams being owed lots of money," he said. "I think that is a business between the teams and Bernie that needs to be resolved urgently."

McLaren Does Not Have The Pace This Year says Lewis Hamilton

It seems everyone but the reigning champion himself is the only person who is not sure he will repeat his historic triumph this year, if his comments are anything to go by.

"We don't know what to expect this weekend," Lewis Hamilton said. "It will be a real challenge for everyone, so much has changed. It doesn't only affect drivers but the teams.

"People will be making adaptations and getting used to it."

"We'll have pretty much the same people up there as last year, except for us obviously," Hamilton said at a publicity event on Thursday.

"I've reset the targets again. I want to be world champion again, although it will be tough this year."

Ferrari looking to Dump Kimi Raikkonen

Stefano Domenicali, the Ferrari boss, has given strong indications that Kimi Raikkonen's future with the team may be in doubt.

Raikkonen's contract with Ferrari expires only at the end of the season but rumours persist that Renault's double world champion Fernando Alonso could replace him if his agreement is bought out.

Incidentally, Domenicali was full of praise for Felipe Massa, who easily outperformed Raikkonen last year, winning more races than the eventual world champion Lewis Hamilton.

New Changes Are Unilateral Claims Ferrari

Ferrari is leading the opposition against the latest changes announced in Formula 1 racing.

Among the most contentious rules agreed to by the FIA on Tuesday is the move to award the world championship to the driver with the most race wins for the year rather than the most points, starting at this month's season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Ferrari boss and Formula One Teams' Association chairman Luca di Montezemolo says "The framework of the regulations as defined by the FIA, to be applicable from 2010, runs the risk of turning on its head the very essence of Formula 1 and the principles that make it one of the most popular and appealing sports".

More Cost-cutting in Formula 1 racing

More cost-cutting measures are due in Formula 1 racing if reports from the International Automobile Federation are to be believed. Formula 1's governing body is due to present a further round of cost-cutting measures overnight and vote on whether to change the scoring system for this year's championship.

While no details have been given, they are likely to involve more standardisation of parts and the possible imposition of a budget cap on top of significant steps already taken.

The Formula 1 Teams' Association has put forward cost-cutting proposals it says will halve the expense of competing next year compared with last year.

Queen Elizabeth Will be Watching Lewis Hamilton

Last week, Lewis Hamilton was at Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Elizabeth II who told the driver she had watched the closing stages of his win in Brazil.
"The pressure's on now. She'll be watching as I go into the first race," he said.

Everything is going great for the boy from Stevenage. He is in a long-term relationship with Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls after previously dating Miss Grenada. He must be feeling good since the end of the last season when the knives were out with Hamilton facing accusations of arrogance and aloofness with rivals suspicious of his driving technique and his judgement.

Bernie Ecclestone - Most Powerful Man in Formula 1 Gets Divorced

Formula 1 tycoon Bernie Ecclestone was divorced by his wife yesterday on the grounds of "unreasonable behaviour". Slavica Ecclestone, 50, was granted divorce by a judge in central London. So, Slavica will be taking home a lot of money as Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is all set to pay the world’s most expensive divorce settlement to his wife of 24 years. The settlement could amount to almost £1 billion, according to legal experts. So, Slavica will be taking home a lot of money as Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is all set to pay the world’s most expensive divorce settlement to his wife of 24 years. The settlement could amount to almost £1 billion, according to legal experts. Most of the property owned by the racing boss is in the name of his ex-wife because of tax reasons. It includes a hotel in Switzerland and ownership of the Queens Park Rangers Champions League soccer team, apart from Alpha Prema, the holding company of Formula 1 racing.

It is interesting to learn that Bernie, often called “Mr Formula One”, had to pursue his future bride before winning her. In 1984, at the age of 54, Bernie met the 26 year old Croatian model, Slavica Radic, during a Formula 1 event. Despite being nearly a foot shorter than the 6′ 2″ Slavica, Bernie fell for her and chased her relentlessly. At the time Bernie spoke no Croatian and Slavica spoke only her native tongue and Italian, so the courtship must have been a bit difficult.
Yet, in true determined Ecclestone fashion, Bernie won his bride and they were married. They have two daughters, Tamara and Petra, and the marriage had lasted for more than twenty years.

Formula 1 technology used in cycle

It's possibly the world's most advanced bicycle, in fact, and it's been officially unveiled yesterday at the Science Museum in London as part of the "Fast Forward" exhibition which covers 20 ways F1 tech is changing the world.

It's made out of carbon fiber which gives it excellent structural rigidity as well as being very light--the entire machine weighs less than 7 kilos, and was designed using the same modeling and analysis tools used to create the F1 cars. It's specifically designed to help athletes train, so the entire machine is laced with different sensors.

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Malaysian Grand Prix to provide variety

The 2009 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, which celebrates its 11th edition next month, has marked the beginning of a new era as Sepang International Circuit (SIC) promotes the F1 event differently.

SIC spokesman Azhar Ghazali said with the new approach, SIC wants to showcase itself as an entertainment venue as well, and not just a racing circuit.

Met at the F1 Roadshow in Gurney Plaza here today, he said with an aim of bringing the fans closer to the F1 fraternity and SIC, among new programmes incorporated to inject further excitement for the fans and spectators included a meet-and-greet session with the F1 drivers where fans can meet and get their autographs in one special session at the spectator areas.

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Button and Barrichello to remain as Honda F1 team sold to Ross Brawn

Honda F1 Racing Team has been sold by its owner, Honda, to rescue it from a crippling financial crisis to former team principal Ross Brawn. The two team drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello would keep their seats as their experience would bring benefits to the new team. "The vast experience and knowledge that both drivers bring to our team will prove invaluable as we aim to get up to speed in the shortest possible time to be ready for the first race of the season," Ross Brawn said. The new team will now be known as Brawn GP Formula One Team. The Honda team had been struggling to stay afloat after falling victim to the global economic crisis. The new team will have to face a lot of hurdles in this year's championship where they make their debut and is heavily counting on the vast experience of the two drivers as well as Ross Brawn to help them carry forward.

Major Desicions Expected at FOTA meeting in Geneva

The senior management of the FOTA affiliated Formula One teams are meeting at the FOTA headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland for finalising their proposals aimed at increasing the stability, sustainability, substance and spectacle of the sport. Among those participating in the meeting include Mario Theissen from the BMW Sauber F1 team, Flavio Briatore from the Renault F1 team, Christian Horner from the Red Bull Racing team, Luca di Montezemolo from Ferrari and Ron Dennis from the McLaren group.

The absence of Vijay Mallya, the flamboyant owner of Team Force India, was conspicious by his absence.

A press conference will be held today to announce the decisions of the meeting.

FOTA [Formula One Teams Association]is a group of Formula One teams that was formed in 2008.

19 years 350 days - Sebastian Vettel youngest to score a point in F1

Its Baby Boom in the Formula One world. After the wonder boy the new young sensation is Sebastian Vettel of the BMW Sauber Team who, at 19 years and 350 days, became the youngeat ever driver in F1 to score a point.

Vettel broke the record held by Jenson Button of Honda who scored a point at the age of 20. The German has already named him 'baby Schumi.

He finished 8th at the United States Grand Prix.Mike Thackwell remains the youngest driver to compete in a championship Grand Prix race; Nico Rosberg the youngest to drive an F1 car in private testing[1]). He also became the quickest driver to get a fine in F1, being fined $1,000 nine seconds into his career, after speeding in the pitlane.[2] He also became the sixth youngest driver to start a Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton hits bulls eye in US Grand Prix

"What a dream !" claimed Lewis Hamilton after his stunning victory in the United States Grand Prix over McLaren team - mate Fernando Alonso and certainly what a dream it has been for the young Brit. A reminder to the classic beauty of F1, the race produced some moments of old-fashioned rivalry that makes F1 such a wonderful spectacle.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso claimed the team’s third one-two finish of the season at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the third consecutive win for the team. After 73 laps, Fernando finished second 1.5 seconds behind Lewis. Both drivers were on two-stop strategies. Lewis came in on laps 21 (8.8 seconds) and 51 (7.1 seconds) whilst Fernando made his stops on laps 22 (7.6 seconds) and 50 (6.5 seconds). In the Drivers’ Championship, Lewis extended his lead to 58 points ahead of Fernando with 48 points. After four wins in seven out of the season’s 17 races, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes heads the Constructors’ table with 106 points ahead of Ferrari on 71.

LEWIS HAMILTON

“It just keeps getting better and better - what an amazing week this has been. I can’t believe that I have won and am so incredibly grateful to the team who have worked to hard to continue the development which has seen us taking one-two here today. Everything went right; start, pitstops, strategy and I’m really happy. I was under pressure all the way from Fernando and we were both pushing as hard as possible. I made a good start to maintain the advantage but Fernando was right there. In the second stint Fernando managed to get really close when my tyres were graining, and he had a go at the end of the straight, but I was able to keep him behind. It’s been a long and hot day, but I have really enjoyed myself and the support from the fans. “

Frank Williams has never seen anyone like the 22-year-old Hamilton

Frank Williams says that Hamilton never seems like an ordinary 22-year-old man.
Lewis is clearly a very special driver. We have never seen anything like this in F1 before.The 22-year-old leads the championship by eight points over world champion Fernando Alonso much to the delight of Williams.

Williams says Hamilton is like no other driver he has ever seen
Alonso shows Hamilton how it's done

Frank Williams has hailed McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton's achievements this season as "remarkable" and says he has never seen anyone like the 22-year-old.

Hamilton was second-fastest in the second practice session for the Indianapolis grand prix behind team-mate Fernando Alonso and Williams believes Hamilton is unique.

He said: "In my opinion I've never seen anyone arrive and be so successful so quickly.

"That is to say from his first race. It is quite remarkable."

Williams, who has worked with Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna, says he cannot think of any other driver with who Hamilton can be compared.

"I am looking hard to find fault with him and he is very nice, which is quite unusual, too," said the Williams supremo.

The British rookie leads the drivers' world championship standings by eight points from Alonso and remains confident of his prospects at the US grand prix.

Although it is a new track to Hamilton he was still towards the top of the timesheets in practice on Friday.

He said: "We have a pretty good idea of where we are going, and it looks like we should be competitive, but as always Friday is only the start of the weekend - there is a long way to go."

The McLaren driver said he took his time getting to know the track and found some of the section quite tricky.

Alonso will hope to close the gap with his team-mate after this weekend's grand prix and is also hopeful of doing well at Indianapolis.

"This track has never been kind to me, but I really want to do well this weekend," said the Spaniard.

Fernando Alonso Dominates Opening Practice in Indianapolis

Fernando Alonso dominates opening practice in Indianapolis on Friday (15th June) with the fastest laps in each session ahead of Sunday's United States Grand Prix.
Alonso dominates both practice sessions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The temperatures at Indy were amongst the highest experienced so far this season but despite the tough conditions for the seventh round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, the Bridgestone Potenzas performed admirably. Alonso’s time on the first day of running was only 1.1 seconds off last year’s pole time. The medium and soft tyre combination has only been previously used at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.


Alonso set his times on Bridgestone’s soft compound Potenza whilst BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld and Alonso’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton were second and third fastest in the morning session. In the afternoon session, held in even hotter conditions, Hamilton and Ferrari’s Felipe Massa were the second and third fastest. Sebastien Vettel, standing in for Robert Kubica at BMW Sauber, impressed through the day with the fourth fastest time in the morning, and he completed the greatest amount of laps of any driver.

Kees van de Grint, Bridgestone Motorsport Head of Track Engineering Operations said:

“It was a very good session today with no tyre issues to report. The circuit was not at its best which is normal due to this being the first day of running, but despite this both compounds of Potenzas performed well. If we are critical we could say that more grip would be advantageous, but in terms of graining and consistency I am very satisfied. More grip should come as the circuit improves but competitive lap times were already set despite the circuit’s condition.

The soft Potenza was faster, as expected, with a minimum four tenths advantage over the medium Potenza. The temperature levels are not an issue to me as it is the high speeds and the banking here which are the crucial aspects. Although we have had a good day today, we should never be complacent at this circuit. ”

Stats of the Day

Total amount of laps completed by all drivers: 1366

Average number of laps per car: 62 laps

Most laps by a driver: 83 – Sebastian Vettel

Fastest lap: 1min 11.925secs – Fernando Alonso

Compounds: Medium and soft

Qualifying in 2006

Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa made up an all-Ferrari front row with Schumacher on pole position by over four tenths with a time of 1min 10.832secs. Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault) and Rubens Barrichello (Honda) made up the second row.

Massa Vows to overcome McLaren

Ferrari star Felipe Massa has vowed to bridge the gap on Formula One frontrunners McLaren, starting at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis.

Ferrari won three of the first four races of the season with Kimi Raikkonen taking the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and Massa winning in Bahrain and Spain.

Then the Ferrari campaign hit the skids, with the team drubbed in Monaco as McLaren’s Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton secured their one-two finish.

Then Massa was disqualified in Canada last weekend as the Brazilian ran a red light exiting the pit lane and Raikkonen was outpaced by BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld, the Williams of Alexander Wurz and Renault’s Heikki Kovalainen as the Finn had to settle for fifth behind race winner Hamilton.

McLaren have a 28-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, the sort of dominance enjoyed by the Italian team at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 2000, with Michael Schumacher winning six of the seven Grands Prix at the venue.