Stefano Domenicali says Ferrari was very disappointed to hear the news of Michael Schumacher's move to Mercedes GP, but the team boss reckons the German's comeback is great news for Formula 1.
Schumacher, who will turn 41 next month, will make a sensational return to the sport after having retired for the first time at the end of the 2006 season.
The German will join Mercedes Grand Prix after having signed a three-year deal that will see his 14-year relationship with Ferrari come to an end.
Domenicali admitted it was not easy to accept the news.
"A marriage is not based on formal aspects," Domenicali told La Stampa newspaper in an interview. "In his head he had the desire and he wanted to tackle a new sporting challenge, and Ferrari had no openings.
"We were very disappointed, needless to deny it, but we have to move on."
The Italian, however, is convinced that Schumacher's return is a huge boost for Formula 1.
"His return is great news for Formula 1: he will increase the interest in the championship, attract new audiences and improve the show," he added.
The Ferrari boss also reckons the Italian fans will not forget everything Schumacher achieved with the Maranello team come next year's Italian Grand Prix.
"I was surprised to receive so many letter from fans who were 'disappointed', to put it mildly. The Italian Grand Prix is far away: I'm sure that Ferrari fans will be grateful. History cannot be erased," Domenicali said.
And he insisted Ferrari has been boosted by the arrival of Fernando Alonso from next year.
"He was here last time in mid-December. Since then he calls every day to find out about the car's performance in the simulations. His arrival has been a boost for the boys."
News from Formula One in the Formation Lap.
Thursday 31 December 2009
Wednesday 30 December 2009
Wirth: Glock a huge asset to Virgin
Virgin Racing technical director Nick Wirth says he regards Timo Glock's faith in the team as a major endorsement of its potential.
Former Toyota driver Glock made an early decision to join the new squad rather than chasing vacancies with established teams.
Wirth said signing an experienced driver had always been a priority for him, having seen the positive effect that David Brabham had on the Acura sportscar project, in which Wirth Research designed the LMP cars.
"The day Timo signed I nearly burst into tears, I couldn't believe it," said Wirth.
"I stuck my whole company's reputation and our contract on the line at one particular moment during the Acura programme to get David Brabham to drive the car, because David was one of my F1 drivers [at Simtek], and I know as an engineer how critical it is to have a lead driver with lots of experience and who is someone you can trust, and who is quick and all the other bits and pieces.
"I said to management, I hope we're not forced to get two young, inexperienced drivers who help the finance by bringing budget.
"And when Timo came along, quite late on in the process, on his way to look at another Formula 1 team, and we spent three hours together and he saw the process, he understood this digital [design] process because he's got friends who drive my Acuras.
"So he phones them up and says 'what's this nutter like, is he any good?', and they told him whatever, and he just flew back with his manager and said 'we're going to do this'.
"I was just literally over the moon, because Timo to me represents all that I wanted - someone who has driven the slick tyres, he has two years' experience, he's a GP2 champion and he's so young, and so grounded."
Virgin has signed former Renault test driver and GP2 frontrunner Lucas di Grassi as Glock's team-mate, a choice that Wirth is also very happy with.
"We've got a lot of engineers from Renault who have joined us," he said. "Lucas has been a test driver there for two years. They were super-enthusiastic about Lucas's testing ability, feedback and skill."
Former Toyota driver Glock made an early decision to join the new squad rather than chasing vacancies with established teams.
Wirth said signing an experienced driver had always been a priority for him, having seen the positive effect that David Brabham had on the Acura sportscar project, in which Wirth Research designed the LMP cars.
"The day Timo signed I nearly burst into tears, I couldn't believe it," said Wirth.
"I stuck my whole company's reputation and our contract on the line at one particular moment during the Acura programme to get David Brabham to drive the car, because David was one of my F1 drivers [at Simtek], and I know as an engineer how critical it is to have a lead driver with lots of experience and who is someone you can trust, and who is quick and all the other bits and pieces.
"I said to management, I hope we're not forced to get two young, inexperienced drivers who help the finance by bringing budget.
"And when Timo came along, quite late on in the process, on his way to look at another Formula 1 team, and we spent three hours together and he saw the process, he understood this digital [design] process because he's got friends who drive my Acuras.
"So he phones them up and says 'what's this nutter like, is he any good?', and they told him whatever, and he just flew back with his manager and said 'we're going to do this'.
"I was just literally over the moon, because Timo to me represents all that I wanted - someone who has driven the slick tyres, he has two years' experience, he's a GP2 champion and he's so young, and so grounded."
Virgin has signed former Renault test driver and GP2 frontrunner Lucas di Grassi as Glock's team-mate, a choice that Wirth is also very happy with.
"We've got a lot of engineers from Renault who have joined us," he said. "Lucas has been a test driver there for two years. They were super-enthusiastic about Lucas's testing ability, feedback and skill."
Piero Ferrari: Schumacher not disloyal
Piero Ferrari has dismissed suggestions that Michael Schumacher is betraying Ferrari by making a Formula 1 comeback with Mercedes.
The son of company founder Enzo Ferrari believes the Mercedes move was a pragmatic one as Ferrari had no spare seats, rather than a snub to the team Schumacher had been with since 1996.
"It's true that we were a bit disappointed, because Michael had become our symbol," Ferrari told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I wouldn't use that expression [betrayal], even though obviously we would have preferred him to stay with us. But he wanted to race and the conditions weren't there for him to do it once again with Ferrari."
Ferrari is sure that Schumacher is still quick enough to make a successful comeback even though he is now in his forties.
"His competitiveness will depend on the car," said Ferrari. "Another great driver, Mario Andretti, had carried on racing until he was over 50. Schumi was and remains a phenomenon. Drivers like him come only once every ten years."
He insisted that Ferrari had no reason to consider moving either of its 2010 signings Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa aside to accommodate Schumacher.
"No, because I never believe in comebacks in sport, and I mean coaches and footballers who go back to a team where they had coached or played before. Time goes on," he said.
"And besides, we have hired Alonso who didn't become world champion by chance, and in fact he has already challenged and beaten Michael before. And then we have Massa, who has matured next to Michael himself.
"I'm convinced that, if we are able to build a good car - the 2009 one wasn't very good - we'll get some satisfaction. In other words, we won't lose races and the title because of the drivers."
Ferrari believes his legendary father would also have accepted Schumacher's decision.
"I'll take a step back in time: I was very close to Lorenzo Bandini and I suffered greatly when he died in Monte Carlo in 1967," said Ferrari.
"Right then, my father gave me some advice that was in line with his policy: 'You must never get too affectionate with racing drivers, because it either ends this way or they go race somewhere else. They are employees, even if very important ones.'
The son of company founder Enzo Ferrari believes the Mercedes move was a pragmatic one as Ferrari had no spare seats, rather than a snub to the team Schumacher had been with since 1996.
"It's true that we were a bit disappointed, because Michael had become our symbol," Ferrari told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I wouldn't use that expression [betrayal], even though obviously we would have preferred him to stay with us. But he wanted to race and the conditions weren't there for him to do it once again with Ferrari."
Ferrari is sure that Schumacher is still quick enough to make a successful comeback even though he is now in his forties.
"His competitiveness will depend on the car," said Ferrari. "Another great driver, Mario Andretti, had carried on racing until he was over 50. Schumi was and remains a phenomenon. Drivers like him come only once every ten years."
He insisted that Ferrari had no reason to consider moving either of its 2010 signings Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa aside to accommodate Schumacher.
"No, because I never believe in comebacks in sport, and I mean coaches and footballers who go back to a team where they had coached or played before. Time goes on," he said.
"And besides, we have hired Alonso who didn't become world champion by chance, and in fact he has already challenged and beaten Michael before. And then we have Massa, who has matured next to Michael himself.
"I'm convinced that, if we are able to build a good car - the 2009 one wasn't very good - we'll get some satisfaction. In other words, we won't lose races and the title because of the drivers."
Ferrari believes his legendary father would also have accepted Schumacher's decision.
"I'll take a step back in time: I was very close to Lorenzo Bandini and I suffered greatly when he died in Monte Carlo in 1967," said Ferrari.
"Right then, my father gave me some advice that was in line with his policy: 'You must never get too affectionate with racing drivers, because it either ends this way or they go race somewhere else. They are employees, even if very important ones.'
Tuesday 29 December 2009
Stefan GP aims to test F1 rookies
Stefan Grand Prix plans to fund its 2010 testing plans through a young driver development programme that will earn Formula 1 rookies valuable mileage, AUTOSPORT has learned.
The Serbian-based team, which is still pushing for a slot on next year's grid but will test instead if it does not get an entry, has already secured a preliminary agreement with the former Toyota team to use its car and other facilities.
Although details of the team's backers are not expected to be confirmed prior to an official launch in late January, team owner Zoran Stefanovich has revealed how his team intends to fund the expense of testing.
He claims that with F1's strict in-season testing ban in place, Stefan GP, because it is outside the restrictions imposed on competing teams, will be able to finance its testing through teams and drivers paying for the privilege of running with it.
"We will offer teams, who are changing drivers during the season, or even young drivers themselves, the chance to test our car so they can gain experience," he said. "It will be purely a commercial operation."
Stefanovich has said that the team's first car, based on the 2010 Toyota, passed the latest of its FIA crash tests last week - but that it may be submitted for the rear one again because it was found that the design in this area could be made lighter stil
The Serbian-based team, which is still pushing for a slot on next year's grid but will test instead if it does not get an entry, has already secured a preliminary agreement with the former Toyota team to use its car and other facilities.
Although details of the team's backers are not expected to be confirmed prior to an official launch in late January, team owner Zoran Stefanovich has revealed how his team intends to fund the expense of testing.
He claims that with F1's strict in-season testing ban in place, Stefan GP, because it is outside the restrictions imposed on competing teams, will be able to finance its testing through teams and drivers paying for the privilege of running with it.
"We will offer teams, who are changing drivers during the season, or even young drivers themselves, the chance to test our car so they can gain experience," he said. "It will be purely a commercial operation."
Stefanovich has said that the team's first car, based on the 2010 Toyota, passed the latest of its FIA crash tests last week - but that it may be submitted for the rear one again because it was found that the design in this area could be made lighter stil
Monday 28 December 2009
Button and Brawn a fairytale among nightmares
By David Tremayne, Motor Racing Correspondent
In a genuine fairytale, Brawn GP were the phoenix that rose from the ashes after Honda shocked everyone with their sudden withdrawal in December 2008, winning eight races and the drivers' and constructors' World Championships at their first attempt.
Jenson Button's succession to Lewis Hamilton's throne was one of the sport's rags-to-riches fables. He was crowned Britain's 10th world champion after another season characterised by some excellent racing and controversy, including a race-fixing scandal that saw Renault chief Flavio Briatore thrown out on his ear.
It was the season of the "'double diffusers" and Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS), a return to slick tyres, and a sadly ineffective attempt to generate more overtaking with some radical aerodynamic changes. What the latter did achieve, in conjunction with an in-season ban on testing, was to give teams such as Brawn and Red Bull the chance to steal the limelight as traditional heavy-hitters McLaren and Ferrari stumbled.
At Silverstone in July, the threat of a Formula One Teams' Association breakaway championship was narrowly averted and it was announced that the Grand Prix would go to Donington Park for the next 17 years. BMW then dropped a bombshell by announcing they would quit at the end of the year. Countering the bad news, Lotus, Campos Meta, Virgin and USF1 confirmed they would swell the 2010 grid.
The mid-season death of former world champion John Surtees' young son Henry in a Formula Two race at Silverstone was followed a week later in Hungary by Ferrari's Felipe Massa being hospitalised after also receiving serious head injuries from being struck by a spring from Rubens Barrichello's car. Thankfully the Brazilian recovered, but his accident triggered a media frenzy of speculation about a possible return by Michael Schumacher. It so nearly happened, until the seven-time champion's neck injuries, sustained in a motorcycle racing incident, ruled him out. But last week it was confirmed he would return with Mercedes (née Brawn).
The race-fixing scandal hit F1 in Belgium. In Hungary, Renault had been lucky to escape suspension, only a week after Surtees' death, when Fernando Alonso's crew knowingly released him from a pit stop with an improperly secured right front wheel. They were fined $50,000 and suspended from Valencia, but won their appeal against exclusion. However, at Spa it transpired Renault were being investigated for fixing the result of the 2008 Singapore GP following allegations from former driver Nelson Piquet Jnr, whom Briatore had fired in July, that he had been told to crash deliberately there to give Alonso the safety-car intervention that helped him through to victory. Briatore was banned from the sport for life, and technical chief Pat Symonds for five years as the racing world was rocked.
In October, Jean Todt crushed Ari Vatanen to succeed Max Mosley as president of the FIA, and shows signs of promise. After Toyota and Bridgestone also indicated their intentions to leave, Button hopped from Brawn – who were to be purchased by Mercedes-Benz – to join Hamilton at McLaren, whom Mercedes were divorcing. In December it was finally confirmed that the British GP will stay at Silverstone after all.
On the track the racing was strong and unpredictable, with Button starring, fading, then coming back to beat team-mate Barrichello and interlopers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber in the emergent Red Bull team. Hamilton also had several starring roles as McLaren recovered. Next year all of them will be quick.
Three to watch
Fernando Alonso: He will be back from the wilderness and in a decent car at Ferrari alongside the returning Felipe Massa.
Kamui Kobayashi: The 23-year-old Japanese grabbed a Sauber ride after three sensational performances for Toyota at the end of 2009.
Tonio Liuzzi: The Italian, now 28, is back full-time with Force India, and with a lot to prove.
In a genuine fairytale, Brawn GP were the phoenix that rose from the ashes after Honda shocked everyone with their sudden withdrawal in December 2008, winning eight races and the drivers' and constructors' World Championships at their first attempt.
Jenson Button's succession to Lewis Hamilton's throne was one of the sport's rags-to-riches fables. He was crowned Britain's 10th world champion after another season characterised by some excellent racing and controversy, including a race-fixing scandal that saw Renault chief Flavio Briatore thrown out on his ear.
It was the season of the "'double diffusers" and Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS), a return to slick tyres, and a sadly ineffective attempt to generate more overtaking with some radical aerodynamic changes. What the latter did achieve, in conjunction with an in-season ban on testing, was to give teams such as Brawn and Red Bull the chance to steal the limelight as traditional heavy-hitters McLaren and Ferrari stumbled.
At Silverstone in July, the threat of a Formula One Teams' Association breakaway championship was narrowly averted and it was announced that the Grand Prix would go to Donington Park for the next 17 years. BMW then dropped a bombshell by announcing they would quit at the end of the year. Countering the bad news, Lotus, Campos Meta, Virgin and USF1 confirmed they would swell the 2010 grid.
The mid-season death of former world champion John Surtees' young son Henry in a Formula Two race at Silverstone was followed a week later in Hungary by Ferrari's Felipe Massa being hospitalised after also receiving serious head injuries from being struck by a spring from Rubens Barrichello's car. Thankfully the Brazilian recovered, but his accident triggered a media frenzy of speculation about a possible return by Michael Schumacher. It so nearly happened, until the seven-time champion's neck injuries, sustained in a motorcycle racing incident, ruled him out. But last week it was confirmed he would return with Mercedes (née Brawn).
The race-fixing scandal hit F1 in Belgium. In Hungary, Renault had been lucky to escape suspension, only a week after Surtees' death, when Fernando Alonso's crew knowingly released him from a pit stop with an improperly secured right front wheel. They were fined $50,000 and suspended from Valencia, but won their appeal against exclusion. However, at Spa it transpired Renault were being investigated for fixing the result of the 2008 Singapore GP following allegations from former driver Nelson Piquet Jnr, whom Briatore had fired in July, that he had been told to crash deliberately there to give Alonso the safety-car intervention that helped him through to victory. Briatore was banned from the sport for life, and technical chief Pat Symonds for five years as the racing world was rocked.
In October, Jean Todt crushed Ari Vatanen to succeed Max Mosley as president of the FIA, and shows signs of promise. After Toyota and Bridgestone also indicated their intentions to leave, Button hopped from Brawn – who were to be purchased by Mercedes-Benz – to join Hamilton at McLaren, whom Mercedes were divorcing. In December it was finally confirmed that the British GP will stay at Silverstone after all.
On the track the racing was strong and unpredictable, with Button starring, fading, then coming back to beat team-mate Barrichello and interlopers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber in the emergent Red Bull team. Hamilton also had several starring roles as McLaren recovered. Next year all of them will be quick.
Three to watch
Fernando Alonso: He will be back from the wilderness and in a decent car at Ferrari alongside the returning Felipe Massa.
Kamui Kobayashi: The 23-year-old Japanese grabbed a Sauber ride after three sensational performances for Toyota at the end of 2009.
Tonio Liuzzi: The Italian, now 28, is back full-time with Force India, and with a lot to prove.
Jean Todt to push for 'green' technology in Formula 1
Todt wants F1 cars to use more environmentally friendly technology
Formula 1 bosses are to investigate ways of promoting the advance of environmentally friendly technology.
The idea is the brainchild of Jean Todt, who succeeded Max Mosley as president of motorsport's governing body the FIA in October.
Ex-Ferrari F1 engine boss Gilles Simon has joined the FIA to lead the project.
Todt, who revealed the plan in an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, added that more needed to be done to cut costs in F1.
Todt said he regretted the decision by F1 teams to abandon the Kers energy recovery and power boost systems that were used in 2009.
The teams dropped Kers - which was only used by McLaren, Ferrari, Renault and BMW Sauber - on cost-cutting grounds.
606: DEBATE
What do you think of Todt's views?
"I am convinced that we absolutely must reflect the environment with new technologies," Todt said.
"We must adapt to our time and review fundamentally motorsport - even create new disciplines.
"After giving up on Kers, we will accomplish nothing innovative next year. I'm sorry about that. I have therefore decided to create a working group... Gilles Simon, former boss at Ferrari engines, will join the FIA in this context."
Todt's views on cost-cutting mirror those of Mosley, who was forced out of the FIA presidency after a long and bitter political battle with the F1 teams through the summer.
Mosley had wanted to introduce a budget cap of £40m, but the teams rejected that idea and have instead made big cuts by limiting spending in certain areas of research.
The teams' umbrella body, the Formula 1 Teams' Association (Fota), has pledged to continue to find ways to cut costs.
Todt says abandoning Kers was an error and that costs are too high
Major car manufacturers BMW, Honda and Toyota have all quit the sport in the last year in the wake of the global financial crisis.
Four new teams are joining the F1 grid in 2010, having lodged entries before Mosley was forced to formally abandon the budget-cap plan.
Todt added: "The F1 teams are sometimes blind and do not realise what is happening in the world. But the racing has been struck as always by the [financial] crisis.
"F1 is too expensive, and my predecessor Max Mosley made great efforts to reduce costs, but it was not enough, especially as some teams were resistant.
"I am sad that Honda, BMW and Toyota are gone, but when you spend a lot and the results are not there, it's inevitable. On the other hand, it's great that new teams will be coming in.
"But the cost-saving measures already taken are not sufficient. I am against limiting regulatory budgets but if we want to perpetuate F1 it takes a real awareness and fundamental decisions."
Formula 1 bosses are to investigate ways of promoting the advance of environmentally friendly technology.
The idea is the brainchild of Jean Todt, who succeeded Max Mosley as president of motorsport's governing body the FIA in October.
Ex-Ferrari F1 engine boss Gilles Simon has joined the FIA to lead the project.
Todt, who revealed the plan in an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, added that more needed to be done to cut costs in F1.
Todt said he regretted the decision by F1 teams to abandon the Kers energy recovery and power boost systems that were used in 2009.
The teams dropped Kers - which was only used by McLaren, Ferrari, Renault and BMW Sauber - on cost-cutting grounds.
606: DEBATE
What do you think of Todt's views?
"I am convinced that we absolutely must reflect the environment with new technologies," Todt said.
"We must adapt to our time and review fundamentally motorsport - even create new disciplines.
"After giving up on Kers, we will accomplish nothing innovative next year. I'm sorry about that. I have therefore decided to create a working group... Gilles Simon, former boss at Ferrari engines, will join the FIA in this context."
Todt's views on cost-cutting mirror those of Mosley, who was forced out of the FIA presidency after a long and bitter political battle with the F1 teams through the summer.
Mosley had wanted to introduce a budget cap of £40m, but the teams rejected that idea and have instead made big cuts by limiting spending in certain areas of research.
The teams' umbrella body, the Formula 1 Teams' Association (Fota), has pledged to continue to find ways to cut costs.
Todt says abandoning Kers was an error and that costs are too high
Major car manufacturers BMW, Honda and Toyota have all quit the sport in the last year in the wake of the global financial crisis.
Four new teams are joining the F1 grid in 2010, having lodged entries before Mosley was forced to formally abandon the budget-cap plan.
Todt added: "The F1 teams are sometimes blind and do not realise what is happening in the world. But the racing has been struck as always by the [financial] crisis.
"F1 is too expensive, and my predecessor Max Mosley made great efforts to reduce costs, but it was not enough, especially as some teams were resistant.
"I am sad that Honda, BMW and Toyota are gone, but when you spend a lot and the results are not there, it's inevitable. On the other hand, it's great that new teams will be coming in.
"But the cost-saving measures already taken are not sufficient. I am against limiting regulatory budgets but if we want to perpetuate F1 it takes a real awareness and fundamental decisions."
Former Ferrari engine chief joins FIA
Former Ferrari engine chief Gilles Simon is to join the FIA to help a push by Jean Todt to investigate new energies and more environmentally friendly technology for Formula 1 and other categories.
Simon left the Maranello-based team in October, and Todt has now revealed he will be heavily involved in a new working group that will work alongside committees within the FIA already looking at the environment and new energies.
FIA president Todt is adamant that F1 is not doing enough in environmental terms - especially with KERS having been dropped - and he wants Simon to begin a push to make the situation better.
In an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Todt said: "I am convinced that we absolutely must reflect the environment with new technologies.
"We must adapt to our time and review fundamentally motorsport – even create new disciplines.
"After giving up on KERS, we will accomplish nothing innovative next year. I'm sorry about that. I have therefore decided to create a working group...Gilles Simon, former boss at Ferrari engines, will join the FIA in this context."
Todt’s push on the environment is also mirrored by his belief that F1 must do more to keep reducing costs, despite the big efforts made by teams so far to bring down the amount of money needed to compete.
With FIA plans for a budget cap having left F1 on the brink of a breakaway in the middle of this year, teams eventually introduced a Resource Restriction Agreement – although Todt thinks more needs to be done.
"The F1 teams are sometimes blind and do not realise what is happening in the world," said Todt. "But the racing has been struck as always by the [financial] crisis.
"F1 is too expensive, and my predecessor Max Mosley made great efforts to reduce costs, but it was not enough, especially as some teams were resistant.
"I am sad that Honda, BMW and Toyota are gone, but when you spend a lot and the results are not there, it's inevitable. On the other hand, it's great that new teams will be coming in.
"But the cost-saving measures already taken are not sufficient. I am against limiting regulatory budgets, but if we want to perpetuate F1, it takes a real awareness and fundamental decisions."
Simon left the Maranello-based team in October, and Todt has now revealed he will be heavily involved in a new working group that will work alongside committees within the FIA already looking at the environment and new energies.
FIA president Todt is adamant that F1 is not doing enough in environmental terms - especially with KERS having been dropped - and he wants Simon to begin a push to make the situation better.
In an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Todt said: "I am convinced that we absolutely must reflect the environment with new technologies.
"We must adapt to our time and review fundamentally motorsport – even create new disciplines.
"After giving up on KERS, we will accomplish nothing innovative next year. I'm sorry about that. I have therefore decided to create a working group...Gilles Simon, former boss at Ferrari engines, will join the FIA in this context."
Todt’s push on the environment is also mirrored by his belief that F1 must do more to keep reducing costs, despite the big efforts made by teams so far to bring down the amount of money needed to compete.
With FIA plans for a budget cap having left F1 on the brink of a breakaway in the middle of this year, teams eventually introduced a Resource Restriction Agreement – although Todt thinks more needs to be done.
"The F1 teams are sometimes blind and do not realise what is happening in the world," said Todt. "But the racing has been struck as always by the [financial] crisis.
"F1 is too expensive, and my predecessor Max Mosley made great efforts to reduce costs, but it was not enough, especially as some teams were resistant.
"I am sad that Honda, BMW and Toyota are gone, but when you spend a lot and the results are not there, it's inevitable. On the other hand, it's great that new teams will be coming in.
"But the cost-saving measures already taken are not sufficient. I am against limiting regulatory budgets, but if we want to perpetuate F1, it takes a real awareness and fundamental decisions."
Team US F1 silence was deliberate
Team US F1 sporting director Peter Windsor says his outfit's plans to enter Formula 1 are fully on schedule - even though it has kept out of the spotlight compared to its fellow new members of the grand prix community.
While Campos, Lotus and Virgin Racing have begun announcing drivers, sponsors and their full plans for 2010, US F1 has been working away in private getting its preparations sorted.
And although that has prompted some to doubt that the team will make it onto the grid in time for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Windsor has now broken the team's silence on its new official website.
"A number of people have asked me why we’ve been relatively quiet over the past six months or so," he wrote on the website. "My answer is twofold - one, while the F1 politics were sorting themselves out there was very little that we could do or say.
"We’re all in the entertainment business we call F1 and there seemed little or no point in adding to the situation from the perspective of a new team.
"Second, since August, we have been building our "house". Literally. We gutted the ex-Hall of Fame Racing/Joe Gibbs NASCAR shop, re-painted it, re-floored it, re-wired it, re-lit it and re-designed it. In three weeks. That’s what you can do in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the economic impact of the motorsports industry approaches $6 billion per year. Ask and you will receive. Brilliant.
"And then, once we had a building (and even before we had one), we began to design parts and to hire our team. Again we were building. People wanted to know what was "going on." We replied that we were "putting together the team." It’s a bit like building a new house. You don’t invite all your neighbours and family around to see it at least until you’ve got the living room almost done, or a few plates in the kitchen."
He added: "Such are the demands of modern media, however, that every passing minute is another step into history - if you’re not saying something, you’re not doing anything. Well, I disagree. I think everyone and every company is entitled to its heads-down time. It reminds me of the time a young Winston Churchill left the clamour of London to travel by ship to cover the Boer War in South Africa for an English newspaper.
"During the voyage he enjoyed two weeks of seclusion from any news about the war he was about to write about. And guess what? The war was still raging when he arrived, he quickly brought himself up to speed - and his mind was so fresh that he was able to compose some of the best pieces of war journalism in the history of the English language."
Windsor says the team’s preparations for its car are ongoing, and that it has no plans to run its 2010 contender in the wind-tunnel until it is complete.
"I noticed the other day that Nick Wirth issued a press release about the new Virgin F1 car being entirely designed on CFD – Computational Fluid Dynamics (rather than in the wind tunnel)," he said.
"The same thing applies to our car, although we see this as a logical process for a new team rather than something about which to be particularly excited. There’s no doubt, though, that the rhythm of life is now different, having worked for both Williams and Ferrari I have no hesitation in saying that."
Team US F1 is expected to confirm its driver line-up in January.
While Campos, Lotus and Virgin Racing have begun announcing drivers, sponsors and their full plans for 2010, US F1 has been working away in private getting its preparations sorted.
And although that has prompted some to doubt that the team will make it onto the grid in time for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Windsor has now broken the team's silence on its new official website.
"A number of people have asked me why we’ve been relatively quiet over the past six months or so," he wrote on the website. "My answer is twofold - one, while the F1 politics were sorting themselves out there was very little that we could do or say.
"We’re all in the entertainment business we call F1 and there seemed little or no point in adding to the situation from the perspective of a new team.
"Second, since August, we have been building our "house". Literally. We gutted the ex-Hall of Fame Racing/Joe Gibbs NASCAR shop, re-painted it, re-floored it, re-wired it, re-lit it and re-designed it. In three weeks. That’s what you can do in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the economic impact of the motorsports industry approaches $6 billion per year. Ask and you will receive. Brilliant.
"And then, once we had a building (and even before we had one), we began to design parts and to hire our team. Again we were building. People wanted to know what was "going on." We replied that we were "putting together the team." It’s a bit like building a new house. You don’t invite all your neighbours and family around to see it at least until you’ve got the living room almost done, or a few plates in the kitchen."
He added: "Such are the demands of modern media, however, that every passing minute is another step into history - if you’re not saying something, you’re not doing anything. Well, I disagree. I think everyone and every company is entitled to its heads-down time. It reminds me of the time a young Winston Churchill left the clamour of London to travel by ship to cover the Boer War in South Africa for an English newspaper.
"During the voyage he enjoyed two weeks of seclusion from any news about the war he was about to write about. And guess what? The war was still raging when he arrived, he quickly brought himself up to speed - and his mind was so fresh that he was able to compose some of the best pieces of war journalism in the history of the English language."
Windsor says the team’s preparations for its car are ongoing, and that it has no plans to run its 2010 contender in the wind-tunnel until it is complete.
"I noticed the other day that Nick Wirth issued a press release about the new Virgin F1 car being entirely designed on CFD – Computational Fluid Dynamics (rather than in the wind tunnel)," he said.
"The same thing applies to our car, although we see this as a logical process for a new team rather than something about which to be particularly excited. There’s no doubt, though, that the rhythm of life is now different, having worked for both Williams and Ferrari I have no hesitation in saying that."
Team US F1 is expected to confirm its driver line-up in January.
Sunday 27 December 2009
How Michael Schumacher and his new Formula One rivals shape up
It's time for an early look at the strengths and weaknesses of the leading contenders for 2010's F1 world title
Maurice Hamilton www.guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 23 December 2009 22.20 GMT
Lewis Hamilton, 24
McLaren, world champion 2008
Pedigree Won title in every junior category. Firmly established after three seasons in F1.
Temperament Relentless. Thinks of nothing but winning. In the Schumacher mould.
Raw speed Arguably the fastest, even quicker than Schumacher. Will want to beat him at all costs.
Car quality The McLaren should be a winner after hard lessons and frustrating season in 2009.
Title odds 9-4
Fernando Alonso, 28
Ferrari, world champion 2005, 2006
Pedigree 139 grands prix, 21 wins and two titles add up to vast, productive experience.
Temperament Suspect if Ferrari team-mate Massa proves to be as fast. Toys left McLaren pram in 2007 when Hamilton quicker.
Raw speed Best all-rounder by a long way. Tenacious. Will relish chance to take on and beat Schumacher again.
Car quality Ferrari, like McLaren, will lick wounds after difficult year and come out fighting.
Title odds 7-2
Sebastian Vettel, 22
Red Bull, best championship finish 2nd, 2009
Pedigree One of the youngest but mature for his age and a mere 42 grands prix.
Temperament Calm, but happy-go-lucky nature cracked at times this year when team-mate Mark Webber was quicker. Webber will play on the weakness.
Raw speed Loads of natural ability, demonstrated by two of five F1 wins being in the wet.
Car quality Red Bull ran Brawn close in 2009. Ready to be a world-beater.
Title odds 11-2
Jenson Button, 29
McLaren, world champion 2009
Pedigree Been through every emotion in 10 seasons of F1. Reaching his peak.
Temperament Perfect to deal with the precocious Hamilton as team-mate.
Raw speed Fluid, easy style matches natural ability. May be ideally suited to deal with regulation change bringing heavier car through no refuelling and need to look after tyres in 2010.
Car quality As for Hamilton, but new to the team and make take longer to adapt.
Title odds 6-1
Michael Schumacher, 40
Mercedes, world champion 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Pedigree None better after 249 grands prix and 91 victories.
Temperament Cool, calm and collected. Will he stay that way if the going is rougher than ever experienced before?
Raw speed Was consistently the fastest at point of retirement. And now? Probably no change. But racing wheel-to-wheel with youngsters may be a tough test.
Car quality Good question. Mercedes (Brawn) may pay the price for effort put in to 2009 car at expense of new one.
Title odds 6-1
Felipe Massa, 28
Ferrari, best championship finish 2nd, 2008
Pedigree Least impressive of the six but has matured into a very fast and consistent driver.
Temperament Was prone to allowing heart to rule head but that has changed in recent years thanks to feeling part of Ferrari family.
Raw speed Now very fast and may surprise Alonso. Unaffected by head injury this year.
Car quality As for Alonso, but the Brazilian, like Hamilton, is comfortable in the team and knows how they and the car work.
Title odds 8-1
Maurice Hamilton www.guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 23 December 2009 22.20 GMT
Lewis Hamilton, 24
McLaren, world champion 2008
Pedigree Won title in every junior category. Firmly established after three seasons in F1.
Temperament Relentless. Thinks of nothing but winning. In the Schumacher mould.
Raw speed Arguably the fastest, even quicker than Schumacher. Will want to beat him at all costs.
Car quality The McLaren should be a winner after hard lessons and frustrating season in 2009.
Title odds 9-4
Fernando Alonso, 28
Ferrari, world champion 2005, 2006
Pedigree 139 grands prix, 21 wins and two titles add up to vast, productive experience.
Temperament Suspect if Ferrari team-mate Massa proves to be as fast. Toys left McLaren pram in 2007 when Hamilton quicker.
Raw speed Best all-rounder by a long way. Tenacious. Will relish chance to take on and beat Schumacher again.
Car quality Ferrari, like McLaren, will lick wounds after difficult year and come out fighting.
Title odds 7-2
Sebastian Vettel, 22
Red Bull, best championship finish 2nd, 2009
Pedigree One of the youngest but mature for his age and a mere 42 grands prix.
Temperament Calm, but happy-go-lucky nature cracked at times this year when team-mate Mark Webber was quicker. Webber will play on the weakness.
Raw speed Loads of natural ability, demonstrated by two of five F1 wins being in the wet.
Car quality Red Bull ran Brawn close in 2009. Ready to be a world-beater.
Title odds 11-2
Jenson Button, 29
McLaren, world champion 2009
Pedigree Been through every emotion in 10 seasons of F1. Reaching his peak.
Temperament Perfect to deal with the precocious Hamilton as team-mate.
Raw speed Fluid, easy style matches natural ability. May be ideally suited to deal with regulation change bringing heavier car through no refuelling and need to look after tyres in 2010.
Car quality As for Hamilton, but new to the team and make take longer to adapt.
Title odds 6-1
Michael Schumacher, 40
Mercedes, world champion 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Pedigree None better after 249 grands prix and 91 victories.
Temperament Cool, calm and collected. Will he stay that way if the going is rougher than ever experienced before?
Raw speed Was consistently the fastest at point of retirement. And now? Probably no change. But racing wheel-to-wheel with youngsters may be a tough test.
Car quality Good question. Mercedes (Brawn) may pay the price for effort put in to 2009 car at expense of new one.
Title odds 6-1
Felipe Massa, 28
Ferrari, best championship finish 2nd, 2008
Pedigree Least impressive of the six but has matured into a very fast and consistent driver.
Temperament Was prone to allowing heart to rule head but that has changed in recent years thanks to feeling part of Ferrari family.
Raw speed Now very fast and may surprise Alonso. Unaffected by head injury this year.
Car quality As for Alonso, but the Brazilian, like Hamilton, is comfortable in the team and knows how they and the car work.
Title odds 8-1
Welcome to US F1 Team
US F1 Team headquaters in Charlotte, North Carolina
Welcome to the world of US F1 Team! You are about to meet the first American F1 team to design and build its cars in the U.S.A. since Dan Gurney did so with his Eagle back in the ‘60s. A lot has changed since then. Or has it?
Yes, F1 has firmly established itself as the biggest sport on the planet in terms of TV numbers, and, yes, there is no bigger sport in the world than F1 when it comes to gross annual revenue.
Ultimately though F1 is about passion – an instinct to excel in perhaps the most demanding sport of them all and a desire to push the frontiers of technology. It is the purest of all marriages – the one between man and machine. Even to enter the FIA Formula One World Championship – to be granted one of only 13 team franchises in the world – is to be an F1 team that designs and builds its own cars. A mini-NASA, in other words (or SkunkWorks, as we would prefer to be known!).
F1 is not only about some of the best racing drivers in the world - it is also about brilliant engineers, machinists, fabricators, composite technicians, tire engineers and mechanics. There is nothing proprietary about F1 - it is still as much about clear-headed, lateral technical thinking as it is about a driver’s perfect use of the brake pedal, steering and throttle.
When we first talked about an American F1 team there were of course many variables to consider. One of them, though, from the start was non-negotiable - at US F1, our car would be built in the USA, taking advantage of much of the hidden US technology already in the F1 pit lane and introducing a whole new raft of great companies, talented people and cutting edge technology. We’re not setting out to change the world of F1, we’re setting out to join the world of F1 with the best that America can produce. It’s a huge challenge – and that’s what makes it worthwhile.
America’s F1 heritage is vast. Phil Hill and Mario Andretti won World Championships, and Dan Gurney won the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix with his Eagle. These men are our heroes - it is because of them, and those like them, that we first grew to love F1. If we’re fortunate, we work hard and we remain positive, we may recapture a small part of what these great Americans achieved before us.
In the meantime, as we watch the US F1 Team grow, as parts are made and the first race approaches, we’re already beginning to find ourselves lucky enough to be able to taste – just a little – of what it was that made Phil the perfectionist he was at Ferrari, or Dan the still-innovative owner of a Santa Ana race shop that still breathes the same racing air that it inhaled back in 1966, or Mario the driver who could jump from sprint cars to USAC Indy cars to Ferrari prototypes to F1 Lotus 79s and win with ease in all of them.
Join us as we take the essence of that heritage and launch a new, American team onto the 21st century F1 global platform. Ahead lies an enticing new world: Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will be pitted against Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button at McLaren-Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber are continuing their battles at Red Bull-Renault. Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will be strong forces at Mercedes. F1 has not only survived the global recession, it is expanding still further, with new races in new countries and a 26-car grid.
We invite you to share our journey into F1 – the good moments and the bad, the successes and the defeats. It’ll all be here on this site, and we’re going to cherish every minute of it.
Welcome to the world of US F1 Team! You are about to meet the first American F1 team to design and build its cars in the U.S.A. since Dan Gurney did so with his Eagle back in the ‘60s. A lot has changed since then. Or has it?
Yes, F1 has firmly established itself as the biggest sport on the planet in terms of TV numbers, and, yes, there is no bigger sport in the world than F1 when it comes to gross annual revenue.
Ultimately though F1 is about passion – an instinct to excel in perhaps the most demanding sport of them all and a desire to push the frontiers of technology. It is the purest of all marriages – the one between man and machine. Even to enter the FIA Formula One World Championship – to be granted one of only 13 team franchises in the world – is to be an F1 team that designs and builds its own cars. A mini-NASA, in other words (or SkunkWorks, as we would prefer to be known!).
F1 is not only about some of the best racing drivers in the world - it is also about brilliant engineers, machinists, fabricators, composite technicians, tire engineers and mechanics. There is nothing proprietary about F1 - it is still as much about clear-headed, lateral technical thinking as it is about a driver’s perfect use of the brake pedal, steering and throttle.
When we first talked about an American F1 team there were of course many variables to consider. One of them, though, from the start was non-negotiable - at US F1, our car would be built in the USA, taking advantage of much of the hidden US technology already in the F1 pit lane and introducing a whole new raft of great companies, talented people and cutting edge technology. We’re not setting out to change the world of F1, we’re setting out to join the world of F1 with the best that America can produce. It’s a huge challenge – and that’s what makes it worthwhile.
America’s F1 heritage is vast. Phil Hill and Mario Andretti won World Championships, and Dan Gurney won the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix with his Eagle. These men are our heroes - it is because of them, and those like them, that we first grew to love F1. If we’re fortunate, we work hard and we remain positive, we may recapture a small part of what these great Americans achieved before us.
In the meantime, as we watch the US F1 Team grow, as parts are made and the first race approaches, we’re already beginning to find ourselves lucky enough to be able to taste – just a little – of what it was that made Phil the perfectionist he was at Ferrari, or Dan the still-innovative owner of a Santa Ana race shop that still breathes the same racing air that it inhaled back in 1966, or Mario the driver who could jump from sprint cars to USAC Indy cars to Ferrari prototypes to F1 Lotus 79s and win with ease in all of them.
Join us as we take the essence of that heritage and launch a new, American team onto the 21st century F1 global platform. Ahead lies an enticing new world: Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will be pitted against Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button at McLaren-Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber are continuing their battles at Red Bull-Renault. Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will be strong forces at Mercedes. F1 has not only survived the global recession, it is expanding still further, with new races in new countries and a 26-car grid.
We invite you to share our journey into F1 – the good moments and the bad, the successes and the defeats. It’ll all be here on this site, and we’re going to cherish every minute of it.
Frenchman Eric Boullier to replace Briatore at Renault
Renault are starting a new chapter in 2010 with a new team boss
Renault have picked Frenchman Eric Boullier as their new team principal to replace Flavio Briatore.
Boullier, 36, was formerly the managing director of French team DAMS, a leading force in the GP2 feeder category.
He was introduced to personnel at the Renault team's Oxfordshire base on Tuesday by new team owner Gerard Lopez.
Briatore left Renault in September in the wake of the scandal over the team's attempts to fix the outcome of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Briatore was found guilty of asking Nelson Piquet Jr to crash deliberately to aid team-mate Fernando Alonso's chances of winning.
Technical director Bob Bell was named acting team principal for the final four races of the season following Briatore's departure, but he has now returned to his former role.
BBC Sport understands Lopez, whose Genii Capital company has bought 75% of the Renault F1 team, wanted to reassure the team that he is serious about them being a leading force in F1, and that they have long-term plans to achieve that aim.
606: DEBATE
Tell us what you think of Renault's decision
Lopez also met with lead driver Robert Kubica, who was signed to replace double world champion Alonso, who has moved to Ferrari.
Kubica's manager Daniele Morelli has told BBC Sport that the Pole wants some reassurances about the future of the Renault team before committing to drive for them in 2010.
Boullier, an engineer by trade who has no previous experience in F1, was not willing to confirm his appointment when BBC Sport contacted him on Wednesday.
"There are some discussions, but it is definitely still pending further discussion," he said. "It's one possibility."
Boullier knows Lopez through DAMS's contacts with the Luxembourg businessman's driver management company Gravity.
Boullier left DAMS at the end of 2008 and has worked for Genii's driver management business for the last year.
Renault have picked Frenchman Eric Boullier as their new team principal to replace Flavio Briatore.
Boullier, 36, was formerly the managing director of French team DAMS, a leading force in the GP2 feeder category.
He was introduced to personnel at the Renault team's Oxfordshire base on Tuesday by new team owner Gerard Lopez.
Briatore left Renault in September in the wake of the scandal over the team's attempts to fix the outcome of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Briatore was found guilty of asking Nelson Piquet Jr to crash deliberately to aid team-mate Fernando Alonso's chances of winning.
Technical director Bob Bell was named acting team principal for the final four races of the season following Briatore's departure, but he has now returned to his former role.
BBC Sport understands Lopez, whose Genii Capital company has bought 75% of the Renault F1 team, wanted to reassure the team that he is serious about them being a leading force in F1, and that they have long-term plans to achieve that aim.
606: DEBATE
Tell us what you think of Renault's decision
Lopez also met with lead driver Robert Kubica, who was signed to replace double world champion Alonso, who has moved to Ferrari.
Kubica's manager Daniele Morelli has told BBC Sport that the Pole wants some reassurances about the future of the Renault team before committing to drive for them in 2010.
Boullier, an engineer by trade who has no previous experience in F1, was not willing to confirm his appointment when BBC Sport contacted him on Wednesday.
"There are some discussions, but it is definitely still pending further discussion," he said. "It's one possibility."
Boullier knows Lopez through DAMS's contacts with the Luxembourg businessman's driver management company Gravity.
Boullier left DAMS at the end of 2008 and has worked for Genii's driver management business for the last year.
Schumacher pays tribute to Ferrari fans
Michael Schumacher says that Ferrari will always have a place in his heart, following his 14 years with the marque before joining Mercedes GP.
In an open letter to Ferrari fans distributed through the Italian media, Schumacher pays tribute to the prancing horse and its followers and says he hopes they will carry on supporting him in future.
"For 14 years I was a part of Ferrari and for 14 years Ferrari was a part of me," he said. "A sizeable chunk of Ferrari will always stay in my heart. I will always think of the warmth, the strength and the dedication I received for so many years from Italian Ferrari fans.
"I have felt welcomed by you, and I have tried to give you joy and passion when I fought on the tracks and rejoiced with you after victories."
Schumacher says he has learned from Ferrari and expects the team to have a strong season in 2010.
"I have found many friends and learned a lot in the years I spent at Ferrari," wrote Schumacher. "I carefully observed the way to face things and have often underlined this attitude in Germany: no moaning but rather trying to see the beauty and the goodness in what's unavoidable, and rejoicing.
"Now a new chapter begins for me. I will race on the track against Ferrari with the utmost respect. I'm convinced these will be hard battles. Indeed, I'm certain Ferrari will be able to show its historical strength because I know what these guys are able to do.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me. I'd be happy if, besides the two Ferrari drivers, you'd carry on giving me a bit of your unlimited liking."
In an open letter to Ferrari fans distributed through the Italian media, Schumacher pays tribute to the prancing horse and its followers and says he hopes they will carry on supporting him in future.
"For 14 years I was a part of Ferrari and for 14 years Ferrari was a part of me," he said. "A sizeable chunk of Ferrari will always stay in my heart. I will always think of the warmth, the strength and the dedication I received for so many years from Italian Ferrari fans.
"I have felt welcomed by you, and I have tried to give you joy and passion when I fought on the tracks and rejoiced with you after victories."
Schumacher says he has learned from Ferrari and expects the team to have a strong season in 2010.
"I have found many friends and learned a lot in the years I spent at Ferrari," wrote Schumacher. "I carefully observed the way to face things and have often underlined this attitude in Germany: no moaning but rather trying to see the beauty and the goodness in what's unavoidable, and rejoicing.
"Now a new chapter begins for me. I will race on the track against Ferrari with the utmost respect. I'm convinced these will be hard battles. Indeed, I'm certain Ferrari will be able to show its historical strength because I know what these guys are able to do.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me. I'd be happy if, besides the two Ferrari drivers, you'd carry on giving me a bit of your unlimited liking."
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Michael to drive for Mercedes GP
Team switch done - a big "thank you" to Ferrari
"I have decided to return to Formula One. Mercedes GP and I agreed on teaming up for the coming 3 seasons. And to be honest, I'm already super excited by the prospect to be back in a F1 cockpit.
I don't want to deny at all that the idea of a German F1 team extremely tempts me. I guess every German driver would feel this way. And of course it plays a major role that I again can work together with Ross at Mercedes GP. Above all, however, my old hunger for racing is back. In Abu Dhabi, when Ross asked me if I could imagine returning to F1, I felt that I wasn't ready for it. But only two weeks later, when he called me once again, I realized that my old passion was returning. Suddenly I was on fire again. For me, the imagination to be back in a F1 car and to compete for the world championships is exciting and extremely inspiring.
That is why my thoughts initially go to Ferrari. I'm very pleased that the split-up goes off that harmoniously and that we are still on friendly terms with each other. I would really like to thank Luca di Montezemolo and the whole Ferrari team big time for the time we spent together and for giving me the opportunity to leave Ferrari in friendship. It's such deeds that make up a true friendship, as even though the contract has not yet been signed, we had promised each other to further cooperate by shaking hands. I will always carry a big part of Ferrari in my heart and I will never forget the sympathy and passion of the 'tifosi'. They supported my all over the world with their devotion - thank you very much for that!
I didn't take this decision lightly at all, especially because of that. Ferrari and I have been working together for 14 years and I've experienced a lot of great moments with the team during this time. Most of my life as a Formula 1 driver is 'red' and so there is strong solidarity and loyalty to these guys who have accompanied me and have always built great cars for me. This solidarity will remain, even though our teams will be competitors on the race track - because I'm certain that Ferrari will regain its former strength since the crew is really strong and committed.
Mercedes GP will be a new challenge for me which is extremely attractive. I have no doubt at all that the team will be really strong. They showed by winning the two world championships that there is meshing a fascinating mixture of high professionalism and deepest passion. The relation between the competence of Mercedes and the current world champion team is extremely attractive and promises a good performance. I think the duels on the race track will be electrifying. Especially since I've got the feeling as if, for me personally, the circle closes after all the years I spent in Formula One. I concluded my first ever driver's contract with Mercedes - back then in Group C and Le Mans - and Mercedes also supported me when entering the F1.
Until recently, I was absolutely sure that I had ended my career as a race driver at Ferrari. But sometimes things change suddenly and unexpectedly. All of a sudden, the framework conditions aren't the same anymore. At that point, you have to reconsider the decisions you've made. And, to tell the truth, the failed comeback attempt last summer gave me reason to reconsider my situation. I was surprised myself how fast and how strong I committed myself to this topic again. Apparently, my batteries recharged completely during the last three years. And when - thanks to Ross - the opportunity arose to drive for Mercedes GP, I realized that my old motivation was back, full of fresh energy and great force.
Physically, I feel absolutely fit. I already realized in summer how fast I achieved my former performance values by exercising specifically. And ever since, I kept on exercising. My neck is absolutely free of complaints. I can now do the same neck work-out as I did when I was still racing. This wasn't possible in summer because back then only five months had passed since my accident and so my neck wasn't cured completely. In the meantime this isn't a problem any more.
I absolutely enjoyed my current life in those three years, doing a lot of things. There were no bored feelings or something like this, I was doing Karting and Biking without big hazzle. Now I am geared up to compete on a serious level again. I know that my change of mind happened rather suddenly and I think it's great that Corinna appreciates my passion and that she absolutely backs me and my decision. When I told her about my plans, she immediately felt that I am serious about it and she instantly gave her approval.
To put it simply: I'm totally fired up for next year!
"I have decided to return to Formula One. Mercedes GP and I agreed on teaming up for the coming 3 seasons. And to be honest, I'm already super excited by the prospect to be back in a F1 cockpit.
I don't want to deny at all that the idea of a German F1 team extremely tempts me. I guess every German driver would feel this way. And of course it plays a major role that I again can work together with Ross at Mercedes GP. Above all, however, my old hunger for racing is back. In Abu Dhabi, when Ross asked me if I could imagine returning to F1, I felt that I wasn't ready for it. But only two weeks later, when he called me once again, I realized that my old passion was returning. Suddenly I was on fire again. For me, the imagination to be back in a F1 car and to compete for the world championships is exciting and extremely inspiring.
That is why my thoughts initially go to Ferrari. I'm very pleased that the split-up goes off that harmoniously and that we are still on friendly terms with each other. I would really like to thank Luca di Montezemolo and the whole Ferrari team big time for the time we spent together and for giving me the opportunity to leave Ferrari in friendship. It's such deeds that make up a true friendship, as even though the contract has not yet been signed, we had promised each other to further cooperate by shaking hands. I will always carry a big part of Ferrari in my heart and I will never forget the sympathy and passion of the 'tifosi'. They supported my all over the world with their devotion - thank you very much for that!
I didn't take this decision lightly at all, especially because of that. Ferrari and I have been working together for 14 years and I've experienced a lot of great moments with the team during this time. Most of my life as a Formula 1 driver is 'red' and so there is strong solidarity and loyalty to these guys who have accompanied me and have always built great cars for me. This solidarity will remain, even though our teams will be competitors on the race track - because I'm certain that Ferrari will regain its former strength since the crew is really strong and committed.
Mercedes GP will be a new challenge for me which is extremely attractive. I have no doubt at all that the team will be really strong. They showed by winning the two world championships that there is meshing a fascinating mixture of high professionalism and deepest passion. The relation between the competence of Mercedes and the current world champion team is extremely attractive and promises a good performance. I think the duels on the race track will be electrifying. Especially since I've got the feeling as if, for me personally, the circle closes after all the years I spent in Formula One. I concluded my first ever driver's contract with Mercedes - back then in Group C and Le Mans - and Mercedes also supported me when entering the F1.
Until recently, I was absolutely sure that I had ended my career as a race driver at Ferrari. But sometimes things change suddenly and unexpectedly. All of a sudden, the framework conditions aren't the same anymore. At that point, you have to reconsider the decisions you've made. And, to tell the truth, the failed comeback attempt last summer gave me reason to reconsider my situation. I was surprised myself how fast and how strong I committed myself to this topic again. Apparently, my batteries recharged completely during the last three years. And when - thanks to Ross - the opportunity arose to drive for Mercedes GP, I realized that my old motivation was back, full of fresh energy and great force.
Physically, I feel absolutely fit. I already realized in summer how fast I achieved my former performance values by exercising specifically. And ever since, I kept on exercising. My neck is absolutely free of complaints. I can now do the same neck work-out as I did when I was still racing. This wasn't possible in summer because back then only five months had passed since my accident and so my neck wasn't cured completely. In the meantime this isn't a problem any more.
I absolutely enjoyed my current life in those three years, doing a lot of things. There were no bored feelings or something like this, I was doing Karting and Biking without big hazzle. Now I am geared up to compete on a serious level again. I know that my change of mind happened rather suddenly and I think it's great that Corinna appreciates my passion and that she absolutely backs me and my decision. When I told her about my plans, she immediately felt that I am serious about it and she instantly gave her approval.
To put it simply: I'm totally fired up for next year!
Q and A with Michael Schumacher
After three years away from the Formula 1 cockpit, Michael Schumacher has opted to throw himself back into the hotbed of competition by signing for reigning champions Mercedes GP.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday immediately after his comeback was confirmed, Schumacher spoke about the excitement he feels to be back in F1, why his neck will not be a problem and why his only thought is on winning another world championship.
Q. What has motivated you to come back?
Michael Schumacher: The motivation I think is pretty straightforward - the call I got from Ross [Brawn] at the end of November concerning the chance in my hand to go racing. Having this phone call from him, and the circumstances of Mercedes-Benz being involved as the owner, I felt great.
I never left the race track. I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006...but after three years of absence I have been getting back all the energy that I am feeling right now. I played around with motorbikes, and I feel ready for some serious stuff now.
Q. What is the situation with your neck?
MS: It is obviously a topic where I understand the question, and I want to understand myself. Before I gave the final okay, I made sure that I worked it out myself to be sure myself. And I can say 100 percent that the neck is no further an issue.
Unfortunately it was too close to the accident in the summer when I tried for Ferrari, but time now is enough for it have healed completely. And everything I've done, I can do. I have used machines that I used to use with no problem.
Q. Do you feel that you have the same speed as before, and that single-minded purpose to race wheel-to-wheel with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
MS: I am absolutely confident on this one...when I got into a kart for the first time after my [motorcycle] crash I was straight away on the pace. I have to prove it in real terms, but going wheel-to-wheel with these guys will be thrilling and exciting. It is something I look for - and the great thing is to get support from the outside. They have no doubt about my ability.
Q. What does it mean for you to leave Ferrari and join Mercedes-Benz?
MS: This has not been an easy step, honestly. I have lots of friends at Ferrari after the 14 years that I have been working there, and have good memories of my Ferrari days.
I think the only reason I sort of seriously thought about my return was because of old friends who asked me. We also had a situation where Mercedes-Benz gave me the chance to enter F1 and over the years it was never possible [to race for them]. Finally now a combination of Ross and Mercedes makes it possible to work together and I am happy to be able to give something to Mercedes after the early days.
Q. You have a phenomenal reputation after all your success in F1. Do you not worry it will be put on the line next year, and people will not judge you on what you did before?
MS: I hope they will judge me on what we have done before - and I am going into this exercise with the same opinion. It [Mercedes GP} is a team that has won both championships this year - and we have Mercedes as a strong partner. Our aim can only be to fight for the championship. There will be strong competition, as we have seen, but I am thrilled to be back into this one.
Q. Did you ask your family about your F1 plans - did you consult your wife and kids?
MS: Obviously. It is natural that you have to sort out the personal situation before you enter this one. Everyone was thrilled - and the wife has always been keen to see everyone happy. She didn't really argue at all - she wanted to have fun.
Q. How long will you drive for Mercedes-Benz?
MS: We are talking about a three-year deal. It is not a one-off thing. We are obviously looking for continuation.
Q. What have been the factors in you deciding to make an F1 comeback now? In the past you have said you did not have much interesting in returning.
MS: I was out of energy by the end of 2006. I needed this time off. I wasn’t thinking about coming back, and I could not have imagined what would happen. I played around in many areas and had a lot of fun. But due to the special combination [now], I thought why not?
Q. How would you rate your chances of being champion again - and who are your biggest rivals?
MS: Normally you have to mention the four teams that fought for the top positions this year. They will be the ones fighting again next year. It will be a tight fight - but people have trust in me.
Q. Do you think the competition in F1 is tougher now than it was three years ago?
MS: It is probably more tight. But tougher? No, why? There have always been tough drivers.
Q. Have you been in the Brawn GP simulator yet, and what are you expecting from the new generation of F1 cars?
MS: No, I have not been in the simulator, other than my personal one - the personal training machine that I have. The cars will be slightly different, but I have been in so many different characters of cars over the years, and a strong part of myself is that I am able to adapt to whatever the circumstances are.
Q. If there had been no space at Mercedes GP for next year, was there another option. Did McLaren offer you anything?
MS: I think there would have been no other teams seriously considered, no.
Q. If you do come back and win races and the title, do you think that will be your greatest achievement?
MS: It will be certainly a unique experience and a unique achievement. So let’s get behind the wheel first and talk later.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday immediately after his comeback was confirmed, Schumacher spoke about the excitement he feels to be back in F1, why his neck will not be a problem and why his only thought is on winning another world championship.
Q. What has motivated you to come back?
Michael Schumacher: The motivation I think is pretty straightforward - the call I got from Ross [Brawn] at the end of November concerning the chance in my hand to go racing. Having this phone call from him, and the circumstances of Mercedes-Benz being involved as the owner, I felt great.
I never left the race track. I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006...but after three years of absence I have been getting back all the energy that I am feeling right now. I played around with motorbikes, and I feel ready for some serious stuff now.
Q. What is the situation with your neck?
MS: It is obviously a topic where I understand the question, and I want to understand myself. Before I gave the final okay, I made sure that I worked it out myself to be sure myself. And I can say 100 percent that the neck is no further an issue.
Unfortunately it was too close to the accident in the summer when I tried for Ferrari, but time now is enough for it have healed completely. And everything I've done, I can do. I have used machines that I used to use with no problem.
Q. Do you feel that you have the same speed as before, and that single-minded purpose to race wheel-to-wheel with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
MS: I am absolutely confident on this one...when I got into a kart for the first time after my [motorcycle] crash I was straight away on the pace. I have to prove it in real terms, but going wheel-to-wheel with these guys will be thrilling and exciting. It is something I look for - and the great thing is to get support from the outside. They have no doubt about my ability.
Q. What does it mean for you to leave Ferrari and join Mercedes-Benz?
MS: This has not been an easy step, honestly. I have lots of friends at Ferrari after the 14 years that I have been working there, and have good memories of my Ferrari days.
I think the only reason I sort of seriously thought about my return was because of old friends who asked me. We also had a situation where Mercedes-Benz gave me the chance to enter F1 and over the years it was never possible [to race for them]. Finally now a combination of Ross and Mercedes makes it possible to work together and I am happy to be able to give something to Mercedes after the early days.
Q. You have a phenomenal reputation after all your success in F1. Do you not worry it will be put on the line next year, and people will not judge you on what you did before?
MS: I hope they will judge me on what we have done before - and I am going into this exercise with the same opinion. It [Mercedes GP} is a team that has won both championships this year - and we have Mercedes as a strong partner. Our aim can only be to fight for the championship. There will be strong competition, as we have seen, but I am thrilled to be back into this one.
Q. Did you ask your family about your F1 plans - did you consult your wife and kids?
MS: Obviously. It is natural that you have to sort out the personal situation before you enter this one. Everyone was thrilled - and the wife has always been keen to see everyone happy. She didn't really argue at all - she wanted to have fun.
Q. How long will you drive for Mercedes-Benz?
MS: We are talking about a three-year deal. It is not a one-off thing. We are obviously looking for continuation.
Q. What have been the factors in you deciding to make an F1 comeback now? In the past you have said you did not have much interesting in returning.
MS: I was out of energy by the end of 2006. I needed this time off. I wasn’t thinking about coming back, and I could not have imagined what would happen. I played around in many areas and had a lot of fun. But due to the special combination [now], I thought why not?
Q. How would you rate your chances of being champion again - and who are your biggest rivals?
MS: Normally you have to mention the four teams that fought for the top positions this year. They will be the ones fighting again next year. It will be a tight fight - but people have trust in me.
Q. Do you think the competition in F1 is tougher now than it was three years ago?
MS: It is probably more tight. But tougher? No, why? There have always been tough drivers.
Q. Have you been in the Brawn GP simulator yet, and what are you expecting from the new generation of F1 cars?
MS: No, I have not been in the simulator, other than my personal one - the personal training machine that I have. The cars will be slightly different, but I have been in so many different characters of cars over the years, and a strong part of myself is that I am able to adapt to whatever the circumstances are.
Q. If there had been no space at Mercedes GP for next year, was there another option. Did McLaren offer you anything?
MS: I think there would have been no other teams seriously considered, no.
Q. If you do come back and win races and the title, do you think that will be your greatest achievement?
MS: It will be certainly a unique experience and a unique achievement. So let’s get behind the wheel first and talk later.
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER JOINS MERCEDES GP PETRONAS
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Stuttgart/Brackley - The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team can confirm today that seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will make his racing return in 2010 with the Silver Arrows team.
With seven Drivers’ World Championships, 248 Grand Prix starts, 91 victories, 154 podium finishes and 68 pole positions, the 40-year old German needs no introduction following an illustrious and record-breaking Formula One career from 1991 to 2006 at the Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari teams.
Michael’s return to racing with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS sees his return to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport where he began his racing apprenticeship as part of the Junior Programme in 1990, racing in Group C sports cars and DTM, and sees Michael renew his partnership with Ross Brawn with whom he won all seven of his World Championships.
Today’s announcement confirms the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver line-up for the 2010 season with Michael partnering his compatriot, 24 year old Nico Rosberg, in the Silver Arrows cars.
Michael Schumacher: "MERCEDES GP PETRONAS represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star."
Nico Rosberg: "It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: "I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael’s outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010."
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: "In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: “It’s about time that I got into Formula 1”. Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes-Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Programme, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realised Michael’s talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers’ World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn’t happen in 1995, it didn’t happen in 1998 and it didn’t happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our ‘apprentice’ of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time."
Stuttgart/Brackley - The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team can confirm today that seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will make his racing return in 2010 with the Silver Arrows team.
With seven Drivers’ World Championships, 248 Grand Prix starts, 91 victories, 154 podium finishes and 68 pole positions, the 40-year old German needs no introduction following an illustrious and record-breaking Formula One career from 1991 to 2006 at the Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari teams.
Michael’s return to racing with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS sees his return to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport where he began his racing apprenticeship as part of the Junior Programme in 1990, racing in Group C sports cars and DTM, and sees Michael renew his partnership with Ross Brawn with whom he won all seven of his World Championships.
Today’s announcement confirms the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver line-up for the 2010 season with Michael partnering his compatriot, 24 year old Nico Rosberg, in the Silver Arrows cars.
Michael Schumacher: "MERCEDES GP PETRONAS represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star."
Nico Rosberg: "It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: "I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael’s outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010."
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: "In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: “It’s about time that I got into Formula 1”. Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes-Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Programme, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realised Michael’s talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers’ World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn’t happen in 1995, it didn’t happen in 1998 and it didn’t happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our ‘apprentice’ of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time."
Michael Schumacher signs up for F1 return with Mercedes
Seven-times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher has come out of retirement after signing for Mercedes.
The German, who will be 41 on 3 January, was unveiled at the Mercedes factory in Brackley, Northamptonshire.
Schumacher will partner compatriot Nico Rosberg in the team that won the drivers' and constructors' titles in 2009 in its former guise as Brawn.
"After three years I have the energy back and I'm ready for some serious stuff," Schumacher said.
Schumacher retired at the end of 2006 but will now return to the sport he dominated after signing a one-year deal and it is likely he will have the option to continue beyond 2010 if his returns goes well.
The 41-year-old will reportedly earn £6.2m after signing up to reunite with Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, who masterminded all seven of his titles, the first two with Benetton in 1994-5 and the subsequent five with Ferrari from 2000-4.
606: DEBATE
I don't like Schumacher but it's a great boost for F1
KimiRaikkonen1
Schumacher was forced to call off a planned temporary comeback as a stand-in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa last season because of a neck injury sustained in a motorcycle accident last February.
But Schumacher recently underwent medical checks and is confident he is back to full fitness.
"It wasn't OK in the summer, but it's had the time to heal completely," Schumacher explained.
"There is no further issue with the neck - 100%."
Schumacher's former Benetton team-mate Johnny Herbert told BBC Radio 5 live: "The fitness side is very, very important, but the way Michael keeps himself in shape - he brought the physical aspects of F1 up a couple of notches - it isn't going to be an issue.
"I don't know of anyone that has gone out of F1 and come back and actually achieved something by coming back. Alain Prost wasn't the same when he came back but because of Michael's mentality it is different."
This summer Schumacher signed a revised contract as a consultant for Ferrari, but he told Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo last week that he was "very close" to concluding a deal to race for Mercedes.
Jonathan Legard on Schumacher return
Ferrari have had to release him from his contract to enable him to race for the "Silver Arrows."
The returning Mercedes team are known to want German rising star Sebastian Vettel in the long term, but the 22-year-old is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2012.
Rosberg, who signed for Mercedes shortly after the season ended, has already warned Schumacher he faces a tough task getting back up to speed with F1 but said he would welcome him as a team-mate.
"It will not be easy for him," Rosberg was quoted in German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung.
"When you stay away from F1 for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the test sessions again. It's not simple.
"If he did join that would be an absolutely fantastic move."
Schumacher's comeback is the most high profile in F1 since Austrian Niki Lauda came out of a two-year retirement for the 1982 season to race for McLaren.
Lauda, who was 33 at the time, went on to win a third world title in 1984.
Juan Manuel Fangio is Formula 1's oldest world champion, the Argentine won a fifth world championship at the age of 46 before retiring.
Nigel Mansell won the 1994 Australian Grand Prix at the age of 41, having stepped in as a substitute for Williams for four races following the death of Ayrton Senna.
Schumacher's former Ferrari team-mate, Eddie Irvine, told the BBC last week that he expected Schumacher would win races, even though he would not be as powerful a force as before. .
He's not at the peak of his game, but he's still good enough to win races
Eddie Irvine
"The speed will be there, though he won't be as fast as he was seven years ago," Irvine said.
"He's not at the peak of his game, but he's still good enough to win races as he has such an immense talent. It's still four wheels, a steering wheel and an engine and there's never been anyone better than Michael."
Irvine said he thought Schumacher would be at a disadvantage in wheel-to-wheel racing compared to the younger generation of drivers such as 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
"Lewis isn't going to back off, but Michael will have to because he'll be 41," Irvine said.
The BBC's F1 commentator Jonathan Legard believes Schumacher can compete with the likes of Hamilton and Button if he is given a competitive enough car.
"He wouldn't do something unless he knew he could do it justice," he said. "If Mercedes are any good he'll be in the top four, maybe even pitching for the Championship."
Schumacher's decision brings his career to a neat conclusion - Mercedes, for whom he was racing in sportscars at the time, paid for his F1 debut with Jordan in 1991 but he has never raced for them in F1.
The German, who will be 41 on 3 January, was unveiled at the Mercedes factory in Brackley, Northamptonshire.
Schumacher will partner compatriot Nico Rosberg in the team that won the drivers' and constructors' titles in 2009 in its former guise as Brawn.
"After three years I have the energy back and I'm ready for some serious stuff," Schumacher said.
Schumacher retired at the end of 2006 but will now return to the sport he dominated after signing a one-year deal and it is likely he will have the option to continue beyond 2010 if his returns goes well.
The 41-year-old will reportedly earn £6.2m after signing up to reunite with Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, who masterminded all seven of his titles, the first two with Benetton in 1994-5 and the subsequent five with Ferrari from 2000-4.
606: DEBATE
I don't like Schumacher but it's a great boost for F1
KimiRaikkonen1
Schumacher was forced to call off a planned temporary comeback as a stand-in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa last season because of a neck injury sustained in a motorcycle accident last February.
But Schumacher recently underwent medical checks and is confident he is back to full fitness.
"It wasn't OK in the summer, but it's had the time to heal completely," Schumacher explained.
"There is no further issue with the neck - 100%."
Schumacher's former Benetton team-mate Johnny Herbert told BBC Radio 5 live: "The fitness side is very, very important, but the way Michael keeps himself in shape - he brought the physical aspects of F1 up a couple of notches - it isn't going to be an issue.
"I don't know of anyone that has gone out of F1 and come back and actually achieved something by coming back. Alain Prost wasn't the same when he came back but because of Michael's mentality it is different."
This summer Schumacher signed a revised contract as a consultant for Ferrari, but he told Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo last week that he was "very close" to concluding a deal to race for Mercedes.
Jonathan Legard on Schumacher return
Ferrari have had to release him from his contract to enable him to race for the "Silver Arrows."
The returning Mercedes team are known to want German rising star Sebastian Vettel in the long term, but the 22-year-old is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2012.
Rosberg, who signed for Mercedes shortly after the season ended, has already warned Schumacher he faces a tough task getting back up to speed with F1 but said he would welcome him as a team-mate.
"It will not be easy for him," Rosberg was quoted in German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung.
"When you stay away from F1 for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the test sessions again. It's not simple.
"If he did join that would be an absolutely fantastic move."
Schumacher's comeback is the most high profile in F1 since Austrian Niki Lauda came out of a two-year retirement for the 1982 season to race for McLaren.
Lauda, who was 33 at the time, went on to win a third world title in 1984.
Juan Manuel Fangio is Formula 1's oldest world champion, the Argentine won a fifth world championship at the age of 46 before retiring.
Nigel Mansell won the 1994 Australian Grand Prix at the age of 41, having stepped in as a substitute for Williams for four races following the death of Ayrton Senna.
Schumacher's former Ferrari team-mate, Eddie Irvine, told the BBC last week that he expected Schumacher would win races, even though he would not be as powerful a force as before. .
He's not at the peak of his game, but he's still good enough to win races
Eddie Irvine
"The speed will be there, though he won't be as fast as he was seven years ago," Irvine said.
"He's not at the peak of his game, but he's still good enough to win races as he has such an immense talent. It's still four wheels, a steering wheel and an engine and there's never been anyone better than Michael."
Irvine said he thought Schumacher would be at a disadvantage in wheel-to-wheel racing compared to the younger generation of drivers such as 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
"Lewis isn't going to back off, but Michael will have to because he'll be 41," Irvine said.
The BBC's F1 commentator Jonathan Legard believes Schumacher can compete with the likes of Hamilton and Button if he is given a competitive enough car.
"He wouldn't do something unless he knew he could do it justice," he said. "If Mercedes are any good he'll be in the top four, maybe even pitching for the Championship."
Schumacher's decision brings his career to a neat conclusion - Mercedes, for whom he was racing in sportscars at the time, paid for his F1 debut with Jordan in 1991 but he has never raced for them in F1.
Mercedes to confirm Schumacher return
Michael Schumacher's return to Formula 1 is set to be confirmed later today in a press conference hosted by Mercedes-Benz.
Speculation has been mounting for days that Schumacher has agreed a deal to join Mercedes GP, with reports suggesting that he flew to Britain earlier this week to sign a contract.
Mercedes GP has now confirmed that the identity of its second driver will be announced later this morning - with the team having confirmed several weeks ago that Nico Rosberg will be racing for it in 2010.
Schumacher's F1 return comes after three years on the sidelines, having originally decided to retire from grand prix racing at the end of 2006.
However, last season he came close to a sensational mid-season comeback when he was asked to fill-in for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari.
Those plans had to be aborted, however, with Schumacher still suffering from a neck injury that he had picked up in a motorcycle crash earlier in the year.
Schumacher was deeply disappointed at the time, and it may have been the excitement he felt about returning to F1 then that helped motivate him to conclude the deal with Mercedes GP.
Speculation has been mounting for days that Schumacher has agreed a deal to join Mercedes GP, with reports suggesting that he flew to Britain earlier this week to sign a contract.
Mercedes GP has now confirmed that the identity of its second driver will be announced later this morning - with the team having confirmed several weeks ago that Nico Rosberg will be racing for it in 2010.
Schumacher's F1 return comes after three years on the sidelines, having originally decided to retire from grand prix racing at the end of 2006.
However, last season he came close to a sensational mid-season comeback when he was asked to fill-in for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari.
Those plans had to be aborted, however, with Schumacher still suffering from a neck injury that he had picked up in a motorcycle crash earlier in the year.
Schumacher was deeply disappointed at the time, and it may have been the excitement he felt about returning to F1 then that helped motivate him to conclude the deal with Mercedes GP.
Tuesday 22 December 2009
Windsor: No doubts on US F1 presence
US F1 sporting director Peter Windsor insists there are no doubts the his team will be on the grid at the start of the 2010 season.
Responding to comments made by Bernie Ecclestone in which the Formula 1 supremo suggested he had doubts about the American team, Windsor said the outfit is actually in good shape.
"I'm surprised Bernie said that. We will be there. We're in good shape," Windsor told BBC Sport. "Everything is going well and we are looking forward to the year.
"We've just finished the chassis and are now in the hands of Cosworth."
US F1 is the only of the new teams yet to sign a driver for its debut season, but Windsor said an announcement can be expected in the later part of January.
"We are trying to find the best drivers we can; there's no rush," he said. "We have no date [for car completion]. It's difficult to predict when that date would be.
"However, there will be a moment when we announce the drivers at the factory and that will be some time towards late January."
Responding to comments made by Bernie Ecclestone in which the Formula 1 supremo suggested he had doubts about the American team, Windsor said the outfit is actually in good shape.
"I'm surprised Bernie said that. We will be there. We're in good shape," Windsor told BBC Sport. "Everything is going well and we are looking forward to the year.
"We've just finished the chassis and are now in the hands of Cosworth."
US F1 is the only of the new teams yet to sign a driver for its debut season, but Windsor said an announcement can be expected in the later part of January.
"We are trying to find the best drivers we can; there's no rush," he said. "We have no date [for car completion]. It's difficult to predict when that date would be.
"However, there will be a moment when we announce the drivers at the factory and that will be some time towards late January."
Stefan GP boss visits Toyota factory
Stefan Grand Prix boss Zoran Stefanovic continued with his plans to enter Formula 1 next season after visiting the ex-Toyota factory in Cologne last week.
The Serbian, who is still aiming to have his team ready for 2010 despite not having an entry, traveled to the facilities used by the Japanese squad before its withdrawal from Formula 1.
Stefanovic is aiming to finalise a deal to take over the design of the car Toyota would have used next year.
He met with Toyota Motorsport president John Howett as well as with Toyota's executive vice president Yoshiaki Kinoshita and Pascal Vasselon, the former technical chief of the team.
"It was very productive session and further cooperation are detailed," Stefan GP said in a statement. "Obviously impressed with work done in TMG it was hard for him to keep smile away."
The team said there will be more news to follow in the next weeks.
The Serbian, who is still aiming to have his team ready for 2010 despite not having an entry, traveled to the facilities used by the Japanese squad before its withdrawal from Formula 1.
Stefanovic is aiming to finalise a deal to take over the design of the car Toyota would have used next year.
He met with Toyota Motorsport president John Howett as well as with Toyota's executive vice president Yoshiaki Kinoshita and Pascal Vasselon, the former technical chief of the team.
"It was very productive session and further cooperation are detailed," Stefan GP said in a statement. "Obviously impressed with work done in TMG it was hard for him to keep smile away."
The team said there will be more news to follow in the next weeks.
Buemi Working Hard
While most people's thoughts turn to over indulging during the festive season, Sébastien Buemi is already busy preparing for the 2010 season, with fitness and driving his main priorities.
The Swiss driver spent most of last week at Red Bull's training camp, in Talgau, Austria. "It was a very intensive few days and very hard work," he said. "At first, they monitor your actual condition and in all areas, I had either maintained or improved my fitness levels, which they checked on running and cycling machines and some equipment that evaluates upper body strength. Then, using the data, I have been given a specific training programme to follow between now and the start of next season, targeting the areas where I need to improve the most."
Buemi also did a few days behind the wheel of a kart. "This is aimed at maintaining your reaction times and fine tuning your racecraft. The karts I drove are the very top level of professional karts, so they offer a very high level of grip, which means they are physically very demanding to drive and although you don't reach F1 speeds, it gives you a really effective upper body workout."
Sébastien has also been busy on the home front, moving in to his Monaco apartment. "But I'm looking forward to spending Christmas in Switzerland, as with all the travelling during the season, this will be my only real chance of spending some time with my family.
“And to all my fans out there, thanks for your support in 2009. Here's hoping we have a strong 2010 with plenty for you to cheer about."
The Swiss driver spent most of last week at Red Bull's training camp, in Talgau, Austria. "It was a very intensive few days and very hard work," he said. "At first, they monitor your actual condition and in all areas, I had either maintained or improved my fitness levels, which they checked on running and cycling machines and some equipment that evaluates upper body strength. Then, using the data, I have been given a specific training programme to follow between now and the start of next season, targeting the areas where I need to improve the most."
Buemi also did a few days behind the wheel of a kart. "This is aimed at maintaining your reaction times and fine tuning your racecraft. The karts I drove are the very top level of professional karts, so they offer a very high level of grip, which means they are physically very demanding to drive and although you don't reach F1 speeds, it gives you a really effective upper body workout."
Sébastien has also been busy on the home front, moving in to his Monaco apartment. "But I'm looking forward to spending Christmas in Switzerland, as with all the travelling during the season, this will be my only real chance of spending some time with my family.
“And to all my fans out there, thanks for your support in 2009. Here's hoping we have a strong 2010 with plenty for you to cheer about."
Henkel settles dispute with Brawn GP
German company Henkel and Brawn GP have settled their dispute and say all potential claims will be dropped.
Henkel said earlier this month that a 90-million euro deal agreed by an ex-employee with the 2009 world champion team was invalid, and the case was the subject of a legal dispute.
However, the team, which was bought by Mercedes-Benz, said on Tuesday that the dispute had been settled by mutual agreement.
"Brawn GP announced today that the differences between Brawn GP and Henkel with regard to a Formula 1 sponsorship have been resolved by mutual agreement," said the team in a statement.
"All potential claims will be dropped. As a consequence, all court proceedings will be withdrawn.
"The new Formula 1 Team Mercedes GP Petronas together with the colleagues from the former Formula 1 Team Brawn GP will continue to cooperate with the Prosecutor's Office and assist in the further clarification of the matter."
Henkel said earlier this month that a 90-million euro deal agreed by an ex-employee with the 2009 world champion team was invalid, and the case was the subject of a legal dispute.
However, the team, which was bought by Mercedes-Benz, said on Tuesday that the dispute had been settled by mutual agreement.
"Brawn GP announced today that the differences between Brawn GP and Henkel with regard to a Formula 1 sponsorship have been resolved by mutual agreement," said the team in a statement.
"All potential claims will be dropped. As a consequence, all court proceedings will be withdrawn.
"The new Formula 1 Team Mercedes GP Petronas together with the colleagues from the former Formula 1 Team Brawn GP will continue to cooperate with the Prosecutor's Office and assist in the further clarification of the matter."
Monday 21 December 2009
Brawn GP season review
In our final team review of 2009 we turn our attention to Brawn GP, whose odyssey from near-extinction to title glory was one of Formula 1’s most improbable and feel-good stories in many years.
Even now it's hard to believe that the tale of Brawn GP really happened.
Miracles and fairytales are supposed to have no place in modern Formula 1, yet 2009 saw a team that had been on the brink of closure following several years of woeful underachievement suddenly blossom into a dominant championship outfit.
It was an incredible story, and, despite a few late-season scares, it had a happy ending too as Jenson Button and Brawn clinched the drivers' and constructors' championships with a race to spare.
In reality though, there wasn't really any magic behind what Brawn achieved this year.
Honda had given up on its 2008 car almost before it turned a wheel and thrown its massive technical resources and Ross Brawn's equally enormous wisdom at the mission of getting a big head start on the hugely different '09 rules.
Crucially, it led the way with the controversial double diffuser layout – not only fitting one, but optimising the whole design around it.
So Honda's decision to quit the sport was all the more frustrating for Brawn and Nick Fry, who knew they had a potentially winning car on their hands, but that it might never race.
The team kept working through the months of uncertainty and rumour that followed, as everyone from Prodrive to Mexican billionaires and Richard Branson (whose Virgin brand eventually came on board as a sponsor) was mentioned as a potential saviour.
In the end it was Brawn and Fry themselves who came through, determined not to let the team's efforts go to waste.
Although Honda had gone, it had already spent enough to give the team a very competitive car, and also put in some money to get Brawn through its first season.
Its engines were no longer available, but this actually proved fortuitous, as Brawn instead picked up the benchmark Mercedes.
The Brawn-Mercedes package proved devastatingly effective from the (very late) moment it started testing.
Button knew from his first flying lap that the car was in another league, and the timing screens backed that up.
It still seemed too good to be true, but rivals knew the times were real, and started predicting a Brawn walkover.
For the first half of the season, that's exactly what happened.
Button dominated from the front in Australia, backed up in a one-two by Rubens Barrichello as the Brazilian recovered from an incident-packed race.
Six of 2009's first seven grands prix would fall to Button, and it wasn't all down to a superior car.
There were days, such as in Bahrain and Turkey, where Red Bull looked like it had the edge, but Jenson's racecraft and relentless mid-race speed still saw him prevail.
Brimming with confidence and driving a car he loved, Button became expert at delivering under pressure when it really, really mattered: whether snatching pole with his last lap in Monaco having previously looked all at sea, or churning out rapid heavy-fuel laps at Catalunya to overturn Barrichello's advantage.
He headed to Silverstone with a 26-point championship lead and as overwhelming favourite for a home win... and that's when it all fell apart.
Red Bull's advantage in the wet in China had hinted at Brawn's only weak point – it was so kind to its tyres, it had huge problems generating sufficient warmth in the rubber when the weather was cool.
That Achilles heel, a few unsuccessful developments and other teams' progress brought Button's winning run to an abrupt end.
The dogged mid-race charges kept coming, but now they were required to salvage odd points rather than to secure wins.
Luckily for Button, none of his rivals could put together consistent big scores, including Barrichello.
As had so often been the case at Honda, Button had blitzed Barrichello when the car was good but the Brazilian generally had the edge when it fell off the pace.
The first half of Barrichello's season had been as clunky as Button's was serene.
Repeated startline glitches ruined several races, all the technical problems seemed to affect his car, and in Spain and Germany he raged against his squad and feared team orders were being surreptitiously imposed after Button jumped ahead once their strategies played out.
The truth was that Button's race pace was more consistent than Barrichello, who became prone to Sunday slumps.
But in Valencia and at Monza he was flawless, taking two consummate wins.
Button followed him home in Italy – remarkably, his first podium in three months – but still saw his advantage over Barrichello dwindle to 14 points.
Momentum seemed to be with Jenson's pursuers, and, as the press questioned whether he had the mental strength to seal the championship, the pressure became immense.
Things still didn't go to plan – Button qualifying mid-grid for the next three races – but crucially Barrichello was faring little better, the increasingly unstoppable Red Bulls were too many points behind, and Jenson was still able to churn out those mind-blowing race times that salvaged good points wherever he qualified.
The deciding Brazilian GP was a perfect snapshot of the title run-in: Barrichello took an outstanding pole; Button made a mess of qualifying and started 14th; Barrichello couldn't keep his pace up on race day and slipped to fourth even before bad luck intervened in the form of a puncture; while Button produced his most swashbuckling charge yet to finish fifth and become world champion.
He richly deserved it too.
Admittedly he had made excessively hard work of clinching the crown and was beaten by Barrichello too often in the summer, but, as he pointed out, normally no one would frown at a driver taking the title with six race wins, and nor would they had he won six late-season races rather than six early on.
While Button's maiden title was naturally big news, the real headline story of 2009 was Brawn GP's amazing journey from its death bed to championship glory.
What made it all the more poignant was that the team will have existed in its current guise for just one glorious year.
Despite the remaining support from Honda, staff numbers still had to be drastically cut, and Brawn knew that his team might face a better future under different, better funded, ownership.
It will therefore become Mercedes GP next year, and will start a whole new chapter without Button and Barrichello – bound for McLaren and Williams respectively – but with Nico Rosberg and potentially, incredibly, Michael Schumacher.
That will be an epic saga in itself, but if Mercedes GP goes on to achieve great things, hopefully the remarkable achievements of the Brawn team that spawned it will never be forgotten.
Highlight: The pre-season Barcelona test, when the team showed up with the BGP 001 and blitzed the field – immediately establishing itself as the title favourite.
Lowlight: Silverstone, where Red Bull’s dominance with its upgraded RB5 left Brawn in no doubt that it would face serious competition for the title.
Even now it's hard to believe that the tale of Brawn GP really happened.
Miracles and fairytales are supposed to have no place in modern Formula 1, yet 2009 saw a team that had been on the brink of closure following several years of woeful underachievement suddenly blossom into a dominant championship outfit.
It was an incredible story, and, despite a few late-season scares, it had a happy ending too as Jenson Button and Brawn clinched the drivers' and constructors' championships with a race to spare.
In reality though, there wasn't really any magic behind what Brawn achieved this year.
Honda had given up on its 2008 car almost before it turned a wheel and thrown its massive technical resources and Ross Brawn's equally enormous wisdom at the mission of getting a big head start on the hugely different '09 rules.
Crucially, it led the way with the controversial double diffuser layout – not only fitting one, but optimising the whole design around it.
So Honda's decision to quit the sport was all the more frustrating for Brawn and Nick Fry, who knew they had a potentially winning car on their hands, but that it might never race.
The team kept working through the months of uncertainty and rumour that followed, as everyone from Prodrive to Mexican billionaires and Richard Branson (whose Virgin brand eventually came on board as a sponsor) was mentioned as a potential saviour.
In the end it was Brawn and Fry themselves who came through, determined not to let the team's efforts go to waste.
Although Honda had gone, it had already spent enough to give the team a very competitive car, and also put in some money to get Brawn through its first season.
Its engines were no longer available, but this actually proved fortuitous, as Brawn instead picked up the benchmark Mercedes.
The Brawn-Mercedes package proved devastatingly effective from the (very late) moment it started testing.
Button knew from his first flying lap that the car was in another league, and the timing screens backed that up.
It still seemed too good to be true, but rivals knew the times were real, and started predicting a Brawn walkover.
For the first half of the season, that's exactly what happened.
Button dominated from the front in Australia, backed up in a one-two by Rubens Barrichello as the Brazilian recovered from an incident-packed race.
Six of 2009's first seven grands prix would fall to Button, and it wasn't all down to a superior car.
There were days, such as in Bahrain and Turkey, where Red Bull looked like it had the edge, but Jenson's racecraft and relentless mid-race speed still saw him prevail.
Brimming with confidence and driving a car he loved, Button became expert at delivering under pressure when it really, really mattered: whether snatching pole with his last lap in Monaco having previously looked all at sea, or churning out rapid heavy-fuel laps at Catalunya to overturn Barrichello's advantage.
He headed to Silverstone with a 26-point championship lead and as overwhelming favourite for a home win... and that's when it all fell apart.
Red Bull's advantage in the wet in China had hinted at Brawn's only weak point – it was so kind to its tyres, it had huge problems generating sufficient warmth in the rubber when the weather was cool.
That Achilles heel, a few unsuccessful developments and other teams' progress brought Button's winning run to an abrupt end.
The dogged mid-race charges kept coming, but now they were required to salvage odd points rather than to secure wins.
Luckily for Button, none of his rivals could put together consistent big scores, including Barrichello.
As had so often been the case at Honda, Button had blitzed Barrichello when the car was good but the Brazilian generally had the edge when it fell off the pace.
The first half of Barrichello's season had been as clunky as Button's was serene.
Repeated startline glitches ruined several races, all the technical problems seemed to affect his car, and in Spain and Germany he raged against his squad and feared team orders were being surreptitiously imposed after Button jumped ahead once their strategies played out.
The truth was that Button's race pace was more consistent than Barrichello, who became prone to Sunday slumps.
But in Valencia and at Monza he was flawless, taking two consummate wins.
Button followed him home in Italy – remarkably, his first podium in three months – but still saw his advantage over Barrichello dwindle to 14 points.
Momentum seemed to be with Jenson's pursuers, and, as the press questioned whether he had the mental strength to seal the championship, the pressure became immense.
Things still didn't go to plan – Button qualifying mid-grid for the next three races – but crucially Barrichello was faring little better, the increasingly unstoppable Red Bulls were too many points behind, and Jenson was still able to churn out those mind-blowing race times that salvaged good points wherever he qualified.
The deciding Brazilian GP was a perfect snapshot of the title run-in: Barrichello took an outstanding pole; Button made a mess of qualifying and started 14th; Barrichello couldn't keep his pace up on race day and slipped to fourth even before bad luck intervened in the form of a puncture; while Button produced his most swashbuckling charge yet to finish fifth and become world champion.
He richly deserved it too.
Admittedly he had made excessively hard work of clinching the crown and was beaten by Barrichello too often in the summer, but, as he pointed out, normally no one would frown at a driver taking the title with six race wins, and nor would they had he won six late-season races rather than six early on.
While Button's maiden title was naturally big news, the real headline story of 2009 was Brawn GP's amazing journey from its death bed to championship glory.
What made it all the more poignant was that the team will have existed in its current guise for just one glorious year.
Despite the remaining support from Honda, staff numbers still had to be drastically cut, and Brawn knew that his team might face a better future under different, better funded, ownership.
It will therefore become Mercedes GP next year, and will start a whole new chapter without Button and Barrichello – bound for McLaren and Williams respectively – but with Nico Rosberg and potentially, incredibly, Michael Schumacher.
That will be an epic saga in itself, but if Mercedes GP goes on to achieve great things, hopefully the remarkable achievements of the Brawn team that spawned it will never be forgotten.
Highlight: The pre-season Barcelona test, when the team showed up with the BGP 001 and blitzed the field – immediately establishing itself as the title favourite.
Lowlight: Silverstone, where Red Bull’s dominance with its upgraded RB5 left Brawn in no doubt that it would face serious competition for the title.
Mercedes GP unveil new sponsor for 2010
Mercedes GP is delighted to announce the signing of a long-term agreement with PETRONAS which will see the Malaysian national oil and gas company become the title partner to the new Silver Arrows works team.
From 2010, the new team will compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship as the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team and will carry the distinctive PETRONAS branding across the car and team liveries.
Leveraging Mercedes-Benz’s rich motorsport heritage and the long-standing involvement of PETRONAS in Formula One, the new title partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two companies. For PETRONAS, the partnership will enable the oil and gas giant to generate sustainable business growth, particularly in their downstream lubricants market, through the strategic partnership and business alliance with Mercedes-Benz, one of the most prestigious global automotive brands.
The Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team’s challenger for 2010 will make its track debut in its new livery at Valencia on 1 February 2010 for the first of the pre-season tests ahead of the 2010 Formula One season.
PETRONAS will continue to be the title sponsor of the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, scheduled to be the third race of the new season, which will take place at the Sepang International Circuit on 4 April 2010.
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, said: "We are very pleased to begin our long-term partnership with our new title partner PETRONAS. Daimler, our premium brand Mercedes-Benz and PETRONAS will work together both on and off the track and I am sure that everybody involved will guarantee their absolute dedication to success. PETRONAS’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is located in the middle of a fast-growing region for the automotive industry which makes this new partnership even more valuable. Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new Formula One season with some fundamental rule changes will be a particularly challenging one."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team commented: “Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with PETRONAS and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future. The collaboration of the premium automotive brand Mercedes-Benz and a company as prestigious as PETRONAS gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula One and building on the success of 2009 which saw the team achieve the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and PETRONAS livery at the Valencia test in February.”
From 2010, the new team will compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship as the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team and will carry the distinctive PETRONAS branding across the car and team liveries.
Leveraging Mercedes-Benz’s rich motorsport heritage and the long-standing involvement of PETRONAS in Formula One, the new title partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two companies. For PETRONAS, the partnership will enable the oil and gas giant to generate sustainable business growth, particularly in their downstream lubricants market, through the strategic partnership and business alliance with Mercedes-Benz, one of the most prestigious global automotive brands.
The Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team’s challenger for 2010 will make its track debut in its new livery at Valencia on 1 February 2010 for the first of the pre-season tests ahead of the 2010 Formula One season.
PETRONAS will continue to be the title sponsor of the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, scheduled to be the third race of the new season, which will take place at the Sepang International Circuit on 4 April 2010.
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, said: "We are very pleased to begin our long-term partnership with our new title partner PETRONAS. Daimler, our premium brand Mercedes-Benz and PETRONAS will work together both on and off the track and I am sure that everybody involved will guarantee their absolute dedication to success. PETRONAS’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is located in the middle of a fast-growing region for the automotive industry which makes this new partnership even more valuable. Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new Formula One season with some fundamental rule changes will be a particularly challenging one."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team commented: “Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with PETRONAS and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future. The collaboration of the premium automotive brand Mercedes-Benz and a company as prestigious as PETRONAS gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula One and building on the success of 2009 which saw the team achieve the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and PETRONAS livery at the Valencia test in February.”
MERCEDES GP SIGNS LONG-TERM AGREEMENT WITH PETRONAS
Posted: Monday 21 December 2009 at 09:09Mercedes GP is delighted to announce the signing of a long-term agreement with PETRONAS which will see the Malaysian national oil and gas company become the title partner to the new Silver Arrows works team.
From 2010, the new team will compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship as the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team and will carry the distinctive PETRONAS branding across the car and team liveries.
Leveraging Mercedes-Benz’s rich motorsport heritage and the long-standing involvement of PETRONAS in Formula One, the new title partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two companies. For PETRONAS, the partnership will enable the oil and gas giant to generate sustainable business growth, particularly in their downstream lubricants market, through the strategic partnership and business alliance with Mercedes-Benz, one of the most prestigious global automotive brands.
The Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team’s challenger for 2010 will make its track debut in its new livery at Valencia on 1 February 2010 for the first of the pre-season tests ahead of the 2010 Formula One season.
PETRONAS will continue to be the title sponsor of the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, scheduled to be the third race of the new season, which will take place at the Sepang International Circuit on 4 April 2010.
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, said: "We are very pleased to begin our long-term partnership with our new title partner PETRONAS. Daimler, our premium brand Mercedes-Benz and PETRONAS will work together both on and off the track and I am sure that everybody involved will guarantee their absolute dedication to success. PETRONAS’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is located in the middle of a fast-growing region for the automotive industry which makes this new partnership even more valuable. Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new Formula One season with some fundamental rule changes will be a particularly challenging one."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team commented: “Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with PETRONAS and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future. The collaboration of the premium automotive brand Mercedes-Benz and a company as prestigious as PETRONAS gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula One and building on the success of 2009 which saw the team achieve the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and PETRONAS livery at the Valencia test in February.”
From 2010, the new team will compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship as the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team and will carry the distinctive PETRONAS branding across the car and team liveries.
Leveraging Mercedes-Benz’s rich motorsport heritage and the long-standing involvement of PETRONAS in Formula One, the new title partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two companies. For PETRONAS, the partnership will enable the oil and gas giant to generate sustainable business growth, particularly in their downstream lubricants market, through the strategic partnership and business alliance with Mercedes-Benz, one of the most prestigious global automotive brands.
The Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team’s challenger for 2010 will make its track debut in its new livery at Valencia on 1 February 2010 for the first of the pre-season tests ahead of the 2010 Formula One season.
PETRONAS will continue to be the title sponsor of the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, scheduled to be the third race of the new season, which will take place at the Sepang International Circuit on 4 April 2010.
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, said: "We are very pleased to begin our long-term partnership with our new title partner PETRONAS. Daimler, our premium brand Mercedes-Benz and PETRONAS will work together both on and off the track and I am sure that everybody involved will guarantee their absolute dedication to success. PETRONAS’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is located in the middle of a fast-growing region for the automotive industry which makes this new partnership even more valuable. Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new Formula One season with some fundamental rule changes will be a particularly challenging one."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team commented: “Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with PETRONAS and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future. The collaboration of the premium automotive brand Mercedes-Benz and a company as prestigious as PETRONAS gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula One and building on the success of 2009 which saw the team achieve the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and PETRONAS livery at the Valencia test in February.”
MERCEDES GP SIGNS LONG-TERM AGREEMENT WITH PETRONAS
Mercedes GP is delighted to announce the signing of a long-term agreement with PETRONAS which will see the Malaysian national oil and gas company become the title partner to the new Silver Arrows works team.
From 2010, the new team will compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship as the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team and will carry the distinctive PETRONAS branding across the car and team liveries.
Leveraging Mercedes-Benz’s rich motorsport heritage and the long-standing involvement of PETRONAS in Formula One, the new title partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two companies. For PETRONAS, the partnership will enable the oil and gas giant to generate sustainable business growth, particularly in their downstream lubricants market, through the strategic partnership and business alliance with Mercedes-Benz, one of the most prestigious global automotive brands.
The Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team’s challenger for 2010 will make its track debut in its new livery at Valencia on 1 February 2010 for the first of the pre-season tests ahead of the 2010 Formula One season.
PETRONAS will continue to be the title sponsor of the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, scheduled to be the third race of the new season, which will take place at the Sepang International Circuit on 4 April 2010.
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, said: "We are very pleased to begin our long-term partnership with our new title partner PETRONAS. Daimler, our premium brand Mercedes-Benz and PETRONAS will work together both on and off the track and I am sure that everybody involved will guarantee their absolute dedication to success. PETRONAS’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is located in the middle of a fast-growing region for the automotive industry which makes this new partnership even more valuable. Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new Formula One season with some fundamental rule changes will be a particularly challenging one."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team commented: “Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with PETRONAS and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future. The collaboration of the premium automotive brand Mercedes-Benz and a company as prestigious as PETRONAS gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula One and building on the success of 2009 which saw the team achieve the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and PETRONAS livery at the Valencia test in February.”
From 2010, the new team will compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship as the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team and will carry the distinctive PETRONAS branding across the car and team liveries.
Leveraging Mercedes-Benz’s rich motorsport heritage and the long-standing involvement of PETRONAS in Formula One, the new title partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two companies. For PETRONAS, the partnership will enable the oil and gas giant to generate sustainable business growth, particularly in their downstream lubricants market, through the strategic partnership and business alliance with Mercedes-Benz, one of the most prestigious global automotive brands.
The Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team’s challenger for 2010 will make its track debut in its new livery at Valencia on 1 February 2010 for the first of the pre-season tests ahead of the 2010 Formula One season.
PETRONAS will continue to be the title sponsor of the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, scheduled to be the third race of the new season, which will take place at the Sepang International Circuit on 4 April 2010.
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, said: "We are very pleased to begin our long-term partnership with our new title partner PETRONAS. Daimler, our premium brand Mercedes-Benz and PETRONAS will work together both on and off the track and I am sure that everybody involved will guarantee their absolute dedication to success. PETRONAS’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is located in the middle of a fast-growing region for the automotive industry which makes this new partnership even more valuable. Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new Formula One season with some fundamental rule changes will be a particularly challenging one."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team commented: “Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with PETRONAS and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future. The collaboration of the premium automotive brand Mercedes-Benz and a company as prestigious as PETRONAS gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula One and building on the success of 2009 which saw the team achieve the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and PETRONAS livery at the Valencia test in February.”
Rome targets street race in 2012
Rome is aiming to host a grand prix on the streets of the Italian capital in 2012, and the event's promoter says an agreement has already been made with F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone.
Maurizio Flammini, organiser of the Rome GP and boss of the World Superbike championship, floated the idea in January and says the first step towards a deal has now been completed, but that the approval is not expected until next summer.
"The first agreement has been signed," Flammini told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The details can't be disclosed, but it's a written confirmation that Bernie will support the GP in Rome.
"We still need approval from the province, the region, the ACI [Automobile Club Italiano] and the FIA. I think we need seven or eight months more for those, it's a long administrative process."
Flammini says the event has widespread support, including that of Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, and that a street circuit with modern safety standards could be constructed in the proposed area of Rome. He is eyeing a race in August of 2012.
"Now only a few people are against it," he told Italian newspaper Repubblica. "Even president di Montezemolo changed his mind when he saw the details of the project. The race in Rome wouldn't be on a street circuit because the roads at EUR are huge and would allow for a very high level of safety. We can have a wide track with wide run-off areas, and also permanent structures to support it. In Rome we'll have a street circuit with levels of safety and spectacle on par with a real track.
"We know the prospected year is 2012, even though it could even be brought forward if we build the structures in record time. We are working towards having a race in spring or fall, but sometime in August would have its advantages because there's no traffic in Rome during that month, and there is better availability with the hotels."
Rome's mayor, Gianni Alemanno, says that the event has no intention of replacing Monza on the F1 calendar, but would hope to be a second race in Italy.
"We think the Rome GP is very important and we are in favour of it," he told Repubblica. "It's not an alternative to Monza, it's supplementary."
But representatives of Monza are critical of the Rome project and of Flammini.
"This is the latest act of arrogance from a parasite capital city that has lived for the last 2000 years with the oxygen stolen from the other towns," Monza mayor Marco Mariani told Gazzetta.
Monza provincial president Dario Allevi added: "This wouldn't be the first time Flammini lies for propagandistic reasons."
But Flammini responded to the criticism, telling Gazzetta: "I don't need this propaganda. My thirty years of work are demonstration of my reliability.
"We are one of the four major motor-racing groups in the world and we built the Superbike championship out of nothing. We have a fine relationship with the Monza circuit, where Superbike has raced for 20 years."
The only previous Formula 1 activity in Rome was when Renault took to the city streets for a roadshow in 2006.
Maurizio Flammini, organiser of the Rome GP and boss of the World Superbike championship, floated the idea in January and says the first step towards a deal has now been completed, but that the approval is not expected until next summer.
"The first agreement has been signed," Flammini told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The details can't be disclosed, but it's a written confirmation that Bernie will support the GP in Rome.
"We still need approval from the province, the region, the ACI [Automobile Club Italiano] and the FIA. I think we need seven or eight months more for those, it's a long administrative process."
Flammini says the event has widespread support, including that of Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, and that a street circuit with modern safety standards could be constructed in the proposed area of Rome. He is eyeing a race in August of 2012.
"Now only a few people are against it," he told Italian newspaper Repubblica. "Even president di Montezemolo changed his mind when he saw the details of the project. The race in Rome wouldn't be on a street circuit because the roads at EUR are huge and would allow for a very high level of safety. We can have a wide track with wide run-off areas, and also permanent structures to support it. In Rome we'll have a street circuit with levels of safety and spectacle on par with a real track.
"We know the prospected year is 2012, even though it could even be brought forward if we build the structures in record time. We are working towards having a race in spring or fall, but sometime in August would have its advantages because there's no traffic in Rome during that month, and there is better availability with the hotels."
Rome's mayor, Gianni Alemanno, says that the event has no intention of replacing Monza on the F1 calendar, but would hope to be a second race in Italy.
"We think the Rome GP is very important and we are in favour of it," he told Repubblica. "It's not an alternative to Monza, it's supplementary."
But representatives of Monza are critical of the Rome project and of Flammini.
"This is the latest act of arrogance from a parasite capital city that has lived for the last 2000 years with the oxygen stolen from the other towns," Monza mayor Marco Mariani told Gazzetta.
Monza provincial president Dario Allevi added: "This wouldn't be the first time Flammini lies for propagandistic reasons."
But Flammini responded to the criticism, telling Gazzetta: "I don't need this propaganda. My thirty years of work are demonstration of my reliability.
"We are one of the four major motor-racing groups in the world and we built the Superbike championship out of nothing. We have a fine relationship with the Monza circuit, where Superbike has raced for 20 years."
The only previous Formula 1 activity in Rome was when Renault took to the city streets for a roadshow in 2006.
Mercedes signs Petronas as title sponsor
Mercedes Grand Prix has signed a long-term sponsorship agreement with Malaysian oil firm Petronas.
Petronas, which formerly sponsored the BMW Sauber team and had been linked with new Malaysian F1 team Lotus, will become title partner to the German manufacturer.
The team has released a concept image of the car, but the final Petronas-liveried Mercedes will be unveiled at the team's launch, and will take to the track for the first time on February 1 at Valencia.
"Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm out long-term agreement with Petronas," said team principal Ross Brawn.
"Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger. We look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and Petronas livery at Valencia."
Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug added: "Mercedes-Benz and Petronas will work together both on and off the track. Petronas' home base in Kuala Lumpur is in a fast-growing region for the automotive industry, which makes this new partnership even more valuable."
Petronas, which formerly sponsored the BMW Sauber team and had been linked with new Malaysian F1 team Lotus, will become title partner to the German manufacturer.
The team has released a concept image of the car, but the final Petronas-liveried Mercedes will be unveiled at the team's launch, and will take to the track for the first time on February 1 at Valencia.
"Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm out long-term agreement with Petronas," said team principal Ross Brawn.
"Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger. We look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and Petronas livery at Valencia."
Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug added: "Mercedes-Benz and Petronas will work together both on and off the track. Petronas' home base in Kuala Lumpur is in a fast-growing region for the automotive industry, which makes this new partnership even more valuable."
Saturday 19 December 2009
Ferrari announce new Driver Academy
18th December 2009
Maranello, Scuderia Ferrari has set up a new initiative, known as the “Ferrari Driver Academy,” created to find and support talented young racing drivers from around the world, with the eventual aim of getting them into the Formula 1 arena.
The programme is based on a different philosophy to other schemes of this type: a group of young drivers will be selected and then supported as they progress, not just in terms of their racing activity, but also focussing on their personal and professional development. The project, run by Luca Baldisserri, will evolve gradually, over a period of several years, starting with kart racing and continuing through the intermediate formulae, before finally reaching the goal of Formula 1. Playing an important part in this initiative will be the ACI-CSAI, which will collaborate on the programme through the Federation’s race school at Vallelunga.
“This programme has a very clear goal: to help youngsters develop to the point where, one day, they could fly the Ferrari flag in the Formula 1 World Championship,” said Stefano Domenicali. “We plan to take an original approach, covering every angle with them, so that they are as well prepared as possible to tackle every aspect of modern day motor sport.”
The first youngster to be selected for this programme is Jules Bianchi, who won this year’s Drivers’ and Teams’ titles in the Formula 3 Euroseries and made his debut at the wheel of an F60 in the recent Jerez test session.
Maranello, Scuderia Ferrari has set up a new initiative, known as the “Ferrari Driver Academy,” created to find and support talented young racing drivers from around the world, with the eventual aim of getting them into the Formula 1 arena.
The programme is based on a different philosophy to other schemes of this type: a group of young drivers will be selected and then supported as they progress, not just in terms of their racing activity, but also focussing on their personal and professional development. The project, run by Luca Baldisserri, will evolve gradually, over a period of several years, starting with kart racing and continuing through the intermediate formulae, before finally reaching the goal of Formula 1. Playing an important part in this initiative will be the ACI-CSAI, which will collaborate on the programme through the Federation’s race school at Vallelunga.
“This programme has a very clear goal: to help youngsters develop to the point where, one day, they could fly the Ferrari flag in the Formula 1 World Championship,” said Stefano Domenicali. “We plan to take an original approach, covering every angle with them, so that they are as well prepared as possible to tackle every aspect of modern day motor sport.”
The first youngster to be selected for this programme is Jules Bianchi, who won this year’s Drivers’ and Teams’ titles in the Formula 3 Euroseries and made his debut at the wheel of an F60 in the recent Jerez test session.
Friday 18 December 2009
Interview with Lotus’s Mike Gascoyne
'We want to live up to Lotus's heritage and Malaysia's hopes'
If Mike Gascoyne’s Formula One career were turned into a novel it would be a real page turner. From his glory days at Jordan and Renault to the trials and tribulations of Toyota and Force India, Gascoyne’s time in the sport has been a thrilling ride. And after a year away, he’s back, as chief technical officer of the newly-launched, and Malaysian-backed, Lotus team. Simultaneously taking on the hopes of a nation and assuming the mantle of such an iconic F1 name is no easy task, but few are better qualified than the pit lane’s very own ‘Rottweiler’. Gascoyne outlines his hopes for 2010 and beyond…
Q: Mike, after more than a year away from Formula One racing you are once again in charge of designing a car, as you did with Toyota…
Mike Gascoyne: I think after my last two jobs it became pretty clear that no one wanted to employ me, so I thought I'd better set up my own team... This is obviously a unique challenge, because it's setting up a whole team from scratch, not just the car, and it's a team that has the Lotus name. It's a daunting task, but the advantages are clear. We haven't got any baggage to deal with and we can set the team up to operate in a lean and efficient manner. On the Lotus side, as a Norfolk boy who grew up in the area and went to school around here, to bring back the Lotus name is a fantastic opportunity.
Q: Reviving the Lotus brand must be a very exciting task, as well as being a risky one when you think about Lotus’s glory days. Will the 2010 Lotus team be able to connect to those good old days? How long will it take?
MG: You can't bring the Lotus name back into F1 without pressure - from Group Lotus and all the fans. And that's how it should be - we don't shy away from it. And on a personal level, as a guy who grew up just down the road and went to school a few miles from the Lotus factory, to be bringing the name back is something that has a very personal feel for me. As Formula One is changing and becoming less of a spending competition, hopefully now it's more about innovative engineering. And that's what (original Lotus founder) Colin Chapman's philosophy always was, so if we can bring some success that would be a fantastic result. How quickly can we become competitive? A small, efficient operation has to look at doing so in three to five years, and that's our aim.
Q: To have the best head start possible you have hired Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen to help you push the car’s development. You have known Jarno for many years - and with many teams. Was this one of the reasons you hired him?
MG: Jarno was always one of our first choices. I've worked with him several times, and get on with him very well. He's also always been the quickest guy I've worked with over one lap and that will give us a clear view of the true pace of the car. Having experienced drivers in the car is essential. Starting so late, what we didn't want to do was take on new drivers, who we'd have to teach how to do their jobs in F1, and we've been fortunate to get two race winners on board.
Q: You’re involved with a team that also carries the hopes of a whole nation. The driver announcement, for example, was held in Kuala Lumpur’s Parliament building in the presence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abd Razak. It is a huge responsibility, especially as Malaysia is such an enthusiastic supporter of Formula One racing. How do you deal with that burden?
MG: It's a great problem to have. I've been in this business for 20 years and I and the whole team are relishing the burden. Even the PR department...
Q: You are known for your strong leadership style, which has earned you the nickname ‘the rottweiler’. But it has sometimes caused conflicts with management. Will the Lotus team be an environment where you can live out your visions?
MG: I don't think I have a confrontational approach, but I am very straightforward and I say what I believe. At Toyota, the direction I wanted it to go technically wasn't where the management wanted, and that's fine, it's their choice, so we went our separate ways. You could say the consequences of their decisions weren't necessarily that great. One of the great things here is the number of people coming on board who want to work with me. At Jordan, Renault and even Toyota I built some very strong teams. And that was resented at Toyota because the management didn't see that as the way to go, and it's nice that a lot of those people are coming over to Norfolk now.
Q: Talking of your past, what did you make of Toyota’s exit? What went wrong?
MG: Some might say the past is the best place for me, but I do have mixed feelings about them leaving. In one respect I'm very disappointed. When I went there in 2004 it was a fantastic opportunity to take the team forward, to win the world championship, and in 2005 I exceeded the goals that were set for me. They wanted to score a podium and reach 40 points - we scored five podiums and 88 points. The idea was to move on to score the first race win in 2006, and then the championship in 2007. But it was clear the senior management wanted the company to operate in a way I didn't feel would bring them the results. The bottom line was that they didn't get the results. So in some ways you could say ‘I told you so’, but in other ways I feel it is a terrible shame for the people out there. Really, my overriding feeling is of disappointment.
Q: Tony Fernandes said that he will act as team principal for a period and then back away. He has a lot of businesses to look after, and despite his past role as a sponsor of the Williams team, is a relative newcomer to the sport. Does that mean that you are the one that will show the ropes to the team?
MG: I don't think I need to show Tony any ropes. As a professional businessman he's very capable of holding the ropes, and that was immediately obvious to me when I first met him.
Q: How developed is the car and will it be completed in time to make the Bahrain grid?
MG: The simple fact is we will be ready for Bahrain, it's just a question of how ready. We've said we want to be the best of the new teams, and I'm confident we'll be able to give that a good go. But I think it's not just about Bahrain, it's about our development pace - three months from now, and where we are six months from now. I think we'll put on a good showing in Bahrain for a team that got such a late entry.
If Mike Gascoyne’s Formula One career were turned into a novel it would be a real page turner. From his glory days at Jordan and Renault to the trials and tribulations of Toyota and Force India, Gascoyne’s time in the sport has been a thrilling ride. And after a year away, he’s back, as chief technical officer of the newly-launched, and Malaysian-backed, Lotus team. Simultaneously taking on the hopes of a nation and assuming the mantle of such an iconic F1 name is no easy task, but few are better qualified than the pit lane’s very own ‘Rottweiler’. Gascoyne outlines his hopes for 2010 and beyond…
Q: Mike, after more than a year away from Formula One racing you are once again in charge of designing a car, as you did with Toyota…
Mike Gascoyne: I think after my last two jobs it became pretty clear that no one wanted to employ me, so I thought I'd better set up my own team... This is obviously a unique challenge, because it's setting up a whole team from scratch, not just the car, and it's a team that has the Lotus name. It's a daunting task, but the advantages are clear. We haven't got any baggage to deal with and we can set the team up to operate in a lean and efficient manner. On the Lotus side, as a Norfolk boy who grew up in the area and went to school around here, to bring back the Lotus name is a fantastic opportunity.
Q: Reviving the Lotus brand must be a very exciting task, as well as being a risky one when you think about Lotus’s glory days. Will the 2010 Lotus team be able to connect to those good old days? How long will it take?
MG: You can't bring the Lotus name back into F1 without pressure - from Group Lotus and all the fans. And that's how it should be - we don't shy away from it. And on a personal level, as a guy who grew up just down the road and went to school a few miles from the Lotus factory, to be bringing the name back is something that has a very personal feel for me. As Formula One is changing and becoming less of a spending competition, hopefully now it's more about innovative engineering. And that's what (original Lotus founder) Colin Chapman's philosophy always was, so if we can bring some success that would be a fantastic result. How quickly can we become competitive? A small, efficient operation has to look at doing so in three to five years, and that's our aim.
Q: To have the best head start possible you have hired Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen to help you push the car’s development. You have known Jarno for many years - and with many teams. Was this one of the reasons you hired him?
MG: Jarno was always one of our first choices. I've worked with him several times, and get on with him very well. He's also always been the quickest guy I've worked with over one lap and that will give us a clear view of the true pace of the car. Having experienced drivers in the car is essential. Starting so late, what we didn't want to do was take on new drivers, who we'd have to teach how to do their jobs in F1, and we've been fortunate to get two race winners on board.
Q: You’re involved with a team that also carries the hopes of a whole nation. The driver announcement, for example, was held in Kuala Lumpur’s Parliament building in the presence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abd Razak. It is a huge responsibility, especially as Malaysia is such an enthusiastic supporter of Formula One racing. How do you deal with that burden?
MG: It's a great problem to have. I've been in this business for 20 years and I and the whole team are relishing the burden. Even the PR department...
Q: You are known for your strong leadership style, which has earned you the nickname ‘the rottweiler’. But it has sometimes caused conflicts with management. Will the Lotus team be an environment where you can live out your visions?
MG: I don't think I have a confrontational approach, but I am very straightforward and I say what I believe. At Toyota, the direction I wanted it to go technically wasn't where the management wanted, and that's fine, it's their choice, so we went our separate ways. You could say the consequences of their decisions weren't necessarily that great. One of the great things here is the number of people coming on board who want to work with me. At Jordan, Renault and even Toyota I built some very strong teams. And that was resented at Toyota because the management didn't see that as the way to go, and it's nice that a lot of those people are coming over to Norfolk now.
Q: Talking of your past, what did you make of Toyota’s exit? What went wrong?
MG: Some might say the past is the best place for me, but I do have mixed feelings about them leaving. In one respect I'm very disappointed. When I went there in 2004 it was a fantastic opportunity to take the team forward, to win the world championship, and in 2005 I exceeded the goals that were set for me. They wanted to score a podium and reach 40 points - we scored five podiums and 88 points. The idea was to move on to score the first race win in 2006, and then the championship in 2007. But it was clear the senior management wanted the company to operate in a way I didn't feel would bring them the results. The bottom line was that they didn't get the results. So in some ways you could say ‘I told you so’, but in other ways I feel it is a terrible shame for the people out there. Really, my overriding feeling is of disappointment.
Q: Tony Fernandes said that he will act as team principal for a period and then back away. He has a lot of businesses to look after, and despite his past role as a sponsor of the Williams team, is a relative newcomer to the sport. Does that mean that you are the one that will show the ropes to the team?
MG: I don't think I need to show Tony any ropes. As a professional businessman he's very capable of holding the ropes, and that was immediately obvious to me when I first met him.
Q: How developed is the car and will it be completed in time to make the Bahrain grid?
MG: The simple fact is we will be ready for Bahrain, it's just a question of how ready. We've said we want to be the best of the new teams, and I'm confident we'll be able to give that a good go. But I think it's not just about Bahrain, it's about our development pace - three months from now, and where we are six months from now. I think we'll put on a good showing in Bahrain for a team that got such a late entry.
Schumacher reveals comeback is close
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."
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."
Ferrari sets up young driver academy
The Ferrari team has set up a new initiative aimed at finding and supporting young drivers on their way to Formula 1.
The programme, known as the Ferrari Driver Academy, will see a group of drivers selected and then supported throughout their careers, not only in racing, but also in their personal and professional development.
Ferrari factory-based engineer and former strategist Luca Baldisserri will be the man in charge of running the project, in which the Italian motorsport body, ACI-CSAI, will be an important contributor.
Formula 3 Euro Series champion Jules Bianchi has been the first driver selected for the programme, the Frenchman having already tested for the team at Jerez earlier this month.
"This programme has a very clear goal: to help youngsters develop to the point where, one day, they could fly the Ferrari flag in the Formula 1 World Championship," said Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali.
"We plan to take an original approach, covering every angle with them, so that they are as well prepared as possible to tackle every aspect of modern day motorsport."
The programme, known as the Ferrari Driver Academy, will see a group of drivers selected and then supported throughout their careers, not only in racing, but also in their personal and professional development.
Ferrari factory-based engineer and former strategist Luca Baldisserri will be the man in charge of running the project, in which the Italian motorsport body, ACI-CSAI, will be an important contributor.
Formula 3 Euro Series champion Jules Bianchi has been the first driver selected for the programme, the Frenchman having already tested for the team at Jerez earlier this month.
"This programme has a very clear goal: to help youngsters develop to the point where, one day, they could fly the Ferrari flag in the Formula 1 World Championship," said Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali.
"We plan to take an original approach, covering every angle with them, so that they are as well prepared as possible to tackle every aspect of modern day motorsport."
Stefan GP planning to test F1 car
The Serbian-based Stefan Grand Prix team plans to test its Formula 1 car throughout 2010 if it is not successful in securing an entry for next year's championship.
AUTOSPORT understands that team chief Zoran Stefanovic is due to meet with Toyota Motorsport president John Howett this weekend in a bid to finalise a deal for his outfit to take over the design of the Japanese manufacturer's original 2010 car.
The move comes as Stefan GP continues its preparations to move into F1, even though there is currently no vacancy on the grid for it.
Although the team does not want to confirm any details about its plans just yet, Stefanovic has told AUTOSPORT that even if its initial ambitions for 2010 do not come off, there is a back-up plan in place.
"Plan A is going into F1 in 2010, but Plan B is going into F1 in 2011 but next year going testing with the car and several drivers," he said. "We have the drivers already, but we are not going to announce this. If we are not in F1 next year competing then we will go testing through the year, and testing a lot.
"We are not bound by the Concorde Agreement, so we will test at various tracks and with various drivers - even if we are not in the F1 world championship."
Stefanovic says that the team's budget is already in place, and that work on the car - which will be led by former McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan - will be conducted at both a Serbian and German base in 2010.
"We have the full necessary backing in money terms for whatever we are doing," he explained. "At the moment there is no question about this. The only question mark is about the entry, and we will not go into details until there is an official announcement."
Stefanovic has also confirmed that the team has dropped a complaint it lodged with the European Commission regarding the entry process for the 2010 championship.
"We stopped the court case," he said. "It is now a different approach. It was [originally] to complain about it being a fair or unfair process, but when we thought carefully at the end of August, we decided not to move on with this.
"So, from the beginning of September we are not doing anything on this side with the European Commission. There is no question about this...It is better to go forward with the business plan than the complaint process."
AUTOSPORT understands that team chief Zoran Stefanovic is due to meet with Toyota Motorsport president John Howett this weekend in a bid to finalise a deal for his outfit to take over the design of the Japanese manufacturer's original 2010 car.
The move comes as Stefan GP continues its preparations to move into F1, even though there is currently no vacancy on the grid for it.
Although the team does not want to confirm any details about its plans just yet, Stefanovic has told AUTOSPORT that even if its initial ambitions for 2010 do not come off, there is a back-up plan in place.
"Plan A is going into F1 in 2010, but Plan B is going into F1 in 2011 but next year going testing with the car and several drivers," he said. "We have the drivers already, but we are not going to announce this. If we are not in F1 next year competing then we will go testing through the year, and testing a lot.
"We are not bound by the Concorde Agreement, so we will test at various tracks and with various drivers - even if we are not in the F1 world championship."
Stefanovic says that the team's budget is already in place, and that work on the car - which will be led by former McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan - will be conducted at both a Serbian and German base in 2010.
"We have the full necessary backing in money terms for whatever we are doing," he explained. "At the moment there is no question about this. The only question mark is about the entry, and we will not go into details until there is an official announcement."
Stefanovic has also confirmed that the team has dropped a complaint it lodged with the European Commission regarding the entry process for the 2010 championship.
"We stopped the court case," he said. "It is now a different approach. It was [originally] to complain about it being a fair or unfair process, but when we thought carefully at the end of August, we decided not to move on with this.
"So, from the beginning of September we are not doing anything on this side with the European Commission. There is no question about this...It is better to go forward with the business plan than the complaint process."
Lotus not shying away from pressure
Lotus's Chief Technical Officer Mike Gascoyne says his team is not shying away from the pressure of bringing the legendary name back into Formula 1.
Lotus will be one of four new teams in the 2010 season, as the historic brand returns to Formula 1 for the first time since the 1994 season.
Gascoyne admits it is inevitable to feel pressure carrying the Lotus name.
"You can't bring the Lotus name back into F1 without pressure - from Group Lotus and all the fans," Gascoyne told the official Formula 1 website.
"And that's how it should be - we don't shy away from it. And on a personal level, as a guy who grew up just down the road and went to school a few miles from the Lotus factory, to be bringing the name back is something that has a very personal feel for me.
"As Formula 1 is changing and becoming less of a spending competition, hopefully now it's more about innovative engineering. And that's what (original Lotus founder) Colin Chapman's philosophy always was, so if we can bring some success that would be a fantastic result.
"How quickly can we become competitive? A small, efficient operation has to look at doing so in three to five years, and that's our aim."
The Briton says the challenge of building a team from scratch is daunting, but claims there are clear benefits to it.
"I think after my last two jobs it became pretty clear that no one wanted to employ me, so I thought I'd better set up my own team," he said. "This is obviously a unique challenge, because it's setting up a whole team from scratch, not just the car, and it's a team that has the Lotus name. It's a daunting task, but the advantages are clear.
"We haven't got any baggage to deal with and we can set the team up to operate in a lean and efficient manner. On the Lotus side, as a Norfolk boy who grew up in the area and went to school around here, to bring back the Lotus name is a fantastic opportunity."
Gascoyne, who left the Toyota team in 2006, said he was delighted by the interest he has attracted with the team, despite his reputation as a controversial leader.
"I don't think I have a confrontational approach, but I am very straightforward and I say what I believe. At Toyota, the direction I wanted it to go technically wasn't where the management wanted, and that's fine, it's their choice, so we went our separate ways.
"You could say the consequences of their decisions weren't necessarily that great. One of the great things here is the number of people coming on board who want to work with me.
"At Jordan, Renault and even Toyota I built some very strong teams. And that was resented at Toyota because the management didn't see that as the way to go, and it's nice that a lot of those people are coming over to Norfolk now."
Lotus will be one of four new teams in the 2010 season, as the historic brand returns to Formula 1 for the first time since the 1994 season.
Gascoyne admits it is inevitable to feel pressure carrying the Lotus name.
"You can't bring the Lotus name back into F1 without pressure - from Group Lotus and all the fans," Gascoyne told the official Formula 1 website.
"And that's how it should be - we don't shy away from it. And on a personal level, as a guy who grew up just down the road and went to school a few miles from the Lotus factory, to be bringing the name back is something that has a very personal feel for me.
"As Formula 1 is changing and becoming less of a spending competition, hopefully now it's more about innovative engineering. And that's what (original Lotus founder) Colin Chapman's philosophy always was, so if we can bring some success that would be a fantastic result.
"How quickly can we become competitive? A small, efficient operation has to look at doing so in three to five years, and that's our aim."
The Briton says the challenge of building a team from scratch is daunting, but claims there are clear benefits to it.
"I think after my last two jobs it became pretty clear that no one wanted to employ me, so I thought I'd better set up my own team," he said. "This is obviously a unique challenge, because it's setting up a whole team from scratch, not just the car, and it's a team that has the Lotus name. It's a daunting task, but the advantages are clear.
"We haven't got any baggage to deal with and we can set the team up to operate in a lean and efficient manner. On the Lotus side, as a Norfolk boy who grew up in the area and went to school around here, to bring back the Lotus name is a fantastic opportunity."
Gascoyne, who left the Toyota team in 2006, said he was delighted by the interest he has attracted with the team, despite his reputation as a controversial leader.
"I don't think I have a confrontational approach, but I am very straightforward and I say what I believe. At Toyota, the direction I wanted it to go technically wasn't where the management wanted, and that's fine, it's their choice, so we went our separate ways.
"You could say the consequences of their decisions weren't necessarily that great. One of the great things here is the number of people coming on board who want to work with me.
"At Jordan, Renault and even Toyota I built some very strong teams. And that was resented at Toyota because the management didn't see that as the way to go, and it's nice that a lot of those people are coming over to Norfolk now."
Turkish GP in jeopardy after 2010
The 2010 Turkish Grand Prix could be the final one in Istanbul after Bernie Ecclestone doubled the price of the contract to keep the race after next year, according to local media.
The Turkish media reports that Ecclestone would get $26 million from the Turkish as of 2011, nearly twice as much as with the current deal.
Ecclestone's new deal looks set to put an end to the Istanbul race, which was already struggling to attract fans.
Official figures for this year's event said just 36,000 three-day tickets were sold for the circuit with a capacity for 130,000 fans.
The Hurriyet Daily News reports that Ecclestone wrote to Faruk Nafiz Ozak, the Turkish state minister responsible for sporting events, to lay out the conditions of the new contract, including the increased fee.
Turkish officials said the fee requested was not fitting for a country like Turkey.
"In countries such as France and Germany, the Formula One CEO is requesting something between $1.5 million and $4 million," an official told the newspaper.
The report said officials will decide on the deal by the end of the month.
The Turkish media reports that Ecclestone would get $26 million from the Turkish as of 2011, nearly twice as much as with the current deal.
Ecclestone's new deal looks set to put an end to the Istanbul race, which was already struggling to attract fans.
Official figures for this year's event said just 36,000 three-day tickets were sold for the circuit with a capacity for 130,000 fans.
The Hurriyet Daily News reports that Ecclestone wrote to Faruk Nafiz Ozak, the Turkish state minister responsible for sporting events, to lay out the conditions of the new contract, including the increased fee.
Turkish officials said the fee requested was not fitting for a country like Turkey.
"In countries such as France and Germany, the Formula One CEO is requesting something between $1.5 million and $4 million," an official told the newspaper.
The report said officials will decide on the deal by the end of the month.
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