Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2010 F1 cars reportedly set to be unveiled at joint event in Valencia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/2010-f1-cars-reportedly-set-to-be-unveiled-at-joint-event-in-val/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/2010-f1-cars-reportedly-set-to-be-unveiled-at-joint-event-in-val/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/2010-f1-cars-reportedly-set-to-be-unveiled-at-joint-event-in-val/#commentsFiled under:


BMW Sauber F1.09 unveiled at Valencia - Click above for high-res image gallery

We have to admit, it can get a bit tedious every January when each of the individual teams participating in the Formula One World Championship unveils its car for the upcoming season... one... at... a... time. This year, in fact, a couple of teams opted not to hold official debut events in light of financial restrictions. Seems a little silly to us when you consider how many millions of dollars each team spends every year, but they did it just the same. Next season looks to be even more berserk with an unprecedented 13 teams on the grid, even though three automakers have recently pulled out of the sport. But reports now indicate that rather than taking the wraps off one car at a time, all the teams will get together for one big event and present their cars together.

The debut event, which is shaping up to be an auto show in its own right, is expected to take place in Valencia, Spain, ahead of the first test session of the season. Exact details are being negotiated as we speak by the team principals at the meeting of the Formula One Teams Association in Monaco, where the F1 Business Forum is currently underway. But Brawn/Mercedes GP CEO Nick Fry has already revealed the basics. For our part, we'll look forward to bringing you all the new cars at once next month.

[Source: Autosport]

2010 F1 cars reportedly set to be unveiled at joint event in Valencia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 formula one world championship2010FormulaOneWorldChampionshipf1F1 world championshipF1WorldChampionshipFIAformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnevalenciaThu, 10 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Silverstone secures the British Grand Prix for the next 17 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/silverstone-secures-the-british-grand-prix-for-the-next-17-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/silverstone-secures-the-british-grand-prix-for-the-next-17-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/silverstone-secures-the-british-grand-prix-for-the-next-17-years/#commentsFiled under: ,


BRDC President Damon Hill and Silvestone Managing Director Richard Phillips announce the new deal

Following months of negotiations and uncertainty, the British Racing Drivers Club has signed a deal with the FIA and Formula One Management to keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for the next seventeen years, starting with next year's race.

The deal is struck for the same amount of time (with a cancellation clause after ten years) that rival circuit Donington Park had signed with Bernie Ecclestone. That deal fell through, however, and Donington has gone into bankruptcy. In order to meet Formula One's demands, Silverstone - which first hosted the event in 1948 and has hosted it every year since 1987 - will undertake a massive renovation project.

Included in the plans are new grandstands, a new paddock area with new pits, and a potential switch to a new track layout. The Arena circuit was carved out of sections of the existing grand prix circuit for use by MotoGP, which will also be racing at Silverstone in the coming year. By containing it within the main area, the Arena circuit offers spectators a better view of the action, and the BRDC (headed by 1996 World Champion Damon Hill) has submitted the layout for FIA approval. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Silverstone]

Continue reading Silverstone secures the British Grand Prix for the next 17 years

Silverstone secures the British Grand Prix for the next 17 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brdcbritish grand prixbritish racing drivers clubBritishGrandPrixBritishRacingDriversClubf1FIAformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnesilverstonesilverstone arenasilverstone circuitSilverstoneArenaSilverstoneCircuitWed, 09 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[FIA gives Sauber the green light to fill Toyota's slot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/fia-gives-sauber-the-green-light-to-fill-toyotas-slot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/fia-gives-sauber-the-green-light-to-fill-toyotas-slot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/fia-gives-sauber-the-green-light-to-fill-toyotas-slot/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After months in limbo, the FIA has released a short statement to announce that it has approved the Sauber F1 team - formerly owned by BMW - to fill Toyota's vacant spot on the grid for next year's F1 championship.

The announcement puts an end to a long period of uncertainty for the Swiss team that started when BMW announced it would withdraw its support. A deal was then penned with a shady investment firm known as Qadbak. But after Qadbak emerged as little more than a shell company for a convicted fraudster, the team's founder and namesake Peter Sauber negotiated a deal to buy the team back from the departing Bavarian automaker.

BMW motorsport chief Mario Thiessen - who supervised the company's F1 participation from providing engines to Williams through its purchase of Sauber - has announced that he'll remain with BMW and not leave with Sauber, leaving old Peter in charge.

The newly independent team has reportedly negotiated a deal to run Ferrari engines next season, an arrangement that powered Sauber F1 cars for eight years, rebadged as Petronas under the sponsor's name. Reports also suggest that Giancarlo Fisichella - who raced for Sauber in 2004 alongside Felipe Massa - could drive for the team once again in parallel to his Ferrari test duties.

A revised entry list is expected within the next few days. Follow the jump for the FIA's official announcement.

[Source: FIA | Image: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading FIA gives Sauber the green light to fill Toyota's slot

FIA gives Sauber the green light to fill Toyota's slot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw sauberbmw-sauberBmwSauberf1fiaformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnepeter sauberPeterSaubersaubersauber-ferrarisauber-petronasTue, 08 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Two bidders step up to acquire Renault F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-two-bidders-step-up-to-acquire-renault-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-two-bidders-step-up-to-acquire-renault-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-two-bidders-step-up-to-acquire-renault-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,



Renault looks set to be the next automaker to bail out of Formula 1, and it appears that there are two serious bidders in line to take over the operation. Renault will hold a special board meeting this week to decide on the racing team's fate, and it looks like it may go ahead and just line up a sale right away, instead of announcing a shutdown and then trying work out a sale as Honda and BMW did.

AutoCar reports that Prodrive, which has been trying to break into F1 for several years, may have the inside line on the French outfit. The other primary bidder is Genil Capital, a Luxembourg-based investment fund. The financial group would likely retain the Renault name for the team, while Prodrive would probably run under its own banner. If Prodrive wins out, Renault would remain only as an F1 engine supplier.

[Source: AutoCar]

REPORT: Two bidders step up to acquire Renault F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>F1F1-Renaultformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnegenil capitalGenilCapitalprodriverenaultRenault F1RenaultF1Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Serbian team reportedly in talks to take over Toyota F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/serbian-team-reportedly-in-talks-to-take-over-toyota-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/serbian-team-reportedly-in-talks-to-take-over-toyota-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/serbian-team-reportedly-in-talks-to-take-over-toyota-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,



Reports of Toyota F1's demise may prove to have been exaggerated as the latest rumors from the racing world suggest that the Japanese automaker is in discussions with a Serbian outfit about taking over the Cologne-based racing team.

Stefan Grand Prix is backed by Serbian engineering firm AMCO and headed by one Zoran Stefanovic, who, like N.Technology, filed an official complaint over the FIA's selection process for new teams. His suit was rejected, but Stefanovic remained determined. The departure of Toyota from the scene and the availability of its assets - including its 2010 car design and the all-important entry slot for next year's championship - may prove to be his way in. The deal could involve Toyota sticking around to supply engines for the next few years, and Kamui Kobayashi could be part of the package, operating from the current facility in Cologne, Germany, until the move to Serbia could be completed.

For its part, Toyota is likely trying to find a way to get around its commitments under the Concorde Agreement to remain in the series, the failure of which to honor could cost Toyota hundreds of millions in fines. Meanwhile if Stefan Grand Prix manages to pull it off, they'll have successfully circumnavigated the allegedly flawed selection process and secured their spot on the grid. Stefanovic denies the prospect of his outfit simply stepping in to Toyota's place, but confirmed that negotiations are under way.

Meanwhile Sauber - which just reacquired itself from BMW in the wake of the failed Qadbak deal - was hoping Toyota would default on its agreement, thereby giving them the green light. If the Stefan deal goes through, Sauber could be locked out, unless the powers-that-be opt to let them in as an unprecedented 14th entry.

[Source: F1-Live | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Serbian team reportedly in talks to take over Toyota F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amcof1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneserbiastefanstefan gpstefan grand prixStefanGpStefanGrandPrixstefanovictoyotatoyota f1ToyotaF1zoran stefanovicZoranStefanovicMon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian GP back on F1 calendar through 2014]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/canadian-gp-back-on-f1-calendar-through-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/canadian-gp-back-on-f1-calendar-through-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/canadian-gp-back-on-f1-calendar-through-2014/#commentsFiled under: ,

Canadian GP

It's official, Formula 1 and Montreal are in love again. Bernie Ecclestone's supersonic price increases in 2008 drove the Canadian venue (and North America entirely) off the map in 2009. It was the first time in three decades that the F1 club didn't visit Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and by the end of this summer, everyone was highly motivated to get it back.

When Ecclestone's original demand of $175 million Canadian ($165M U.S.) over five years became $75 million Canadian, ($71M U.S.), the Montreal, Quebec, and Canadian governments got together to split the cost three ways. When the government's commitment to spend such an amount on a sporting event was questioned, Quebec's minister of finance replied that the GP will cost Quebec $4 million but return $10 million to its coffers alone. On top of that, Ecclestone promised them 30% of ticket sales every year, which, for a hugely popular grand prix, should be a substantial number. Vive le Montreal GP and June 13, 2010! Thanks to everyone who submitted tips

[Source: F1 Live | Photo credit: Vinod Sankar via CC2.0]

Canadian GP back on F1 calendar through 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There have been rumblings about VW getting into F1 by signing up with a specific team, but the chatter was always quashed. This time, reports suggest that VW is actively talking up the idea of getting into Formula 1 after 2012, but as an engine supplier to multiple teams. Hans-Joachim Stuck, VW's motorsports head, said with the way F1 engine regulations are going -- especially with costs and the potential of the "world engine" -- it could be the perfect opportunity for VW to start pumping out powerplants.

While future F1 regulations are still undefined, and VW's eventual entry into the series is by no means guaranteed, it's clear that VW's looking for ways to show off its engineering chops and get its name onto tracks. Stuck recently visited a NASCAR race and spoke about the company looking to get into the GrandAm series, and perhaps IndyCar.

Interestingly, the very conditions that Stuck sees as favorable for VW's entry are the ones that a number of F1 teams and fans are, at best, ambivalent about: substantially lower costs, spec engines, and more than 24 teams on the grid. With a new FIA president, what F1 is going to look like after 2012 is almost completely unknown. Hat tip to Stefano

[Source: Autosport]

Rumormill: Volkswagen ponders becoming F1 engine supplier in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1fiaformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnevolkswagenvwSun, 29 Nov 2009 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Bring the Noise: Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps reportedly safe... for now]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/bring-the-noise-belgiums-spa-francorchamps-reportedly-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/bring-the-noise-belgiums-spa-francorchamps-reportedly-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/bring-the-noise-belgiums-spa-francorchamps-reportedly-safe/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Following earlier news that the Donington track, which was supposed to take over the British Grand Prix in lieu of Silverstone, had to declare bankruptcy comes a reversal of fortune for the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The longtime host of the Belgian Grand Prix looked to be in serious trouble with local authorities when nearby residents got fed up with the noise emanating from the track. Government officials threatened to shut down the circuit if the situation wasn't addressed, but now they appear to be singing a different tune.

According to the latest reports, the regional environment ministry has given Spa an exemption from noise regulations in light of the economic benefits the Belgian Grand Prix brings to the region. There are a few conditions, though. First of all, while they're willing to overlook the noise issue for the F1 race (and possibly a few other events), authorities will crack down at other times, even shutting down the track completely during parts of the summer. Beyond that, they've appointed a third party to monitor the noise levels, warning the track owners that their exemption will be up for review again within two years. So, while race organizers and fans can breathe a sigh of relief, it'll be a short breath, proving once again that racing and bureaucrats don't mix.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty]

Bring the Noise: Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps reportedly safe... for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abu Dhabi Police F999 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Wednesday evening before the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last month, crowds gathered along the Corniche, Abu Dhabi's seafront boulevard. Two police cars sped down the road, swerved to a stop, an officer got out, pulled out his gun and began opening fire at a masked man pulling a checkered flag off a formula racing car. A driver climbed into the cockpit and drove off down the closed-off street to the applause of the gathered crowd as a marching band played on and a helicopter flew overhead. The point? Why, to promote road safety, of course!

The F999 - a formula racer decked out with emergency lights on the rear wing and police livery - is a project of the Abu Dhabi Police, and could very well be the fastest police car the world has ever seen. It's part of a public awareness campaign that sought to capitalize on the fever that swept the gulf emirate leading up to its first F1 race. The F999 is only the most recent in a slew of special police vehicles in the emirate that has recently included a police-spec Nissan GT-R, Chevrolet Camaro and a customer chopper, to name just a few. It's Abu Dhabi's way of getting people excited about road safety, and while it may seem counterintuitive to the rest of us, it's certainly garnered its fair share of attention. Follow the jump to watch video footage of the F999's unveiling and read more in the press release. Thanks for the tip, Ali!

[Source: Abu Dhabi Police]

Continue reading VIDEO: Formula for Safety? Abu Dhabi Police unveil the F999

VIDEO: Formula for Safety? Abu Dhabi Police unveil the F999 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiabu dhabi grand prixabu dhabi policeabu dhabi police f999AbuDhabiAbuDhabiGrandPrixAbuDhabiPoliceAbuDhabiPoliceF999f999formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnepoliceThu, 26 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Williams sells minority stake to Austrian investor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/williams-sells-minority-stake-to-austrian-investor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/williams-sells-minority-stake-to-austrian-investor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/williams-sells-minority-stake-to-austrian-investor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With all the money that goes into running an F1 team, and the limited opportunity to make any of it back, we can't see why anyone would view owning a team as a sound investment. Evidently Herr Toto Wollf feels otherwise, as the Austrian financier and gentleman racing driver has acquired a minority interest in Williams Grand Prix Engineering.

This marks the first time in over 30 years of operations that Frank Williams and Patrick Head, the two team principals, have sold shares to an outside party. For his part, Sir Frank insists that business will carry on as usual, that they're not relinquishing control over the team, and that the sale was simply a way of ensuring the team's financial viability. Tellingly, though, he also indicated that Wolff, some 30 years younger than Williams and Head and the veteran of local rallies and international sportscar racing, could take the reins some day in the future.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of reports that Renault - once Williams engine partner during its heyday - was considering a similar move. Follow the jump to read the official announcement, complete with Toto Wolff's bio.

[Source: Williams]

Continue reading Williams sells minority stake to Austrian investor

Williams sells minority stake to Austrian investor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrisian wolffChrisianWolfff1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnefrank williamsFrankWilliamspatrick headPatrickHeadtoto wolffTotoWolffwilliamswilliams f1williams grand prix engineeringWilliamsF1WilliamsGrandPrixEngineeringWed, 25 Nov 2009 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Mercedes GP confirms Nico Rosberg for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/officially-official-mercedes-gp-confirms-nico-rosberg-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/officially-official-mercedes-gp-confirms-nico-rosberg-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/officially-official-mercedes-gp-confirms-nico-rosberg-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Following earlier speculation, the newly-acquired Mercedes Grand Prix team has confirmed its first driver for the upcoming Formula One season. As expected, Nico Rosberg will be switching places with Rubens Barrichello, the departing Brawn GP driver who moves to Williams for next year.

24-year-old Rosberg is the son of former World Champion Keke Rosberg, but he has earned a reputation all his own. After winning the inaugural GP2 Series title in 2005, Nico became the youngest driver to test an F1 car and was subsequently hired by Williams F1, for whom he's raced for the past four seasons. This year, he placed a respectable seventh in the drivers' championship, but there's no telling what he can accomplish with his new World Champion team.

Although he holds Finnish citizenship, Nico was born in Germany, raised in Monaco and races under a German license. The new Mercedes team is tipped to be pursuing an all-German driver lineup, with eyes locked on departing arch-rival BMW's Nick Heidfeld to join Rosberg behind the wheel, while rumors of Michael Schumacher's return or Kimi Raikkonen's change of heart persist.

Details are the press release after the jump, where the team repeatedly refers to the return of the Silver Arrows, leading us to wonder exactly what banner the new team will fly when it hits the grid next year.

[Source: Mercedes GP | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes GP confirms Nico Rosberg for 2010

Officially Official: Mercedes GP confirms Nico Rosberg for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawn gpBrawnGpF1Formula OneFormulaOnemercedes gpmercedes grand prixMercedesGpMercedesGrandPrixniconico rosbergNicoRosbergrosbergsilver arrowsSilverArrowsMon, 23 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: USF1 signs pay-drive deal with Jose Maria Lopez]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/report-usf1-signs-pay-drive-deal-with-jose-maria-lopez/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/report-usf1-signs-pay-drive-deal-with-jose-maria-lopez/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/report-usf1-signs-pay-drive-deal-with-jose-maria-lopez/#commentsFiled under: ,



Reports circulating the motorsport press indicate that USF1 has signed a provisional contract with Argentine driver Jose Maria Lopez to drive for the new team next season. The arrangement, however, depends on Lopez bringing with him $8 million in sponsorship dollars, of which the young South American reportedly already has 80% in his coffers.

Lopez has experience in formula racing, but has been off the radar for a few years now. After competing in Formula Renault and Formula 3000, Lopez drove a couple of seasons in the GP2 series and even ran some test sessions for Renault F1 . After that, he returned to Argentina, where he competed in local touring cars and in a few international sports car races.

Only a few months ago, USF1 team principal Peter Windsor said the team would absolutely not take on a driver purely on these financial criteria alone, but after balancing their budget, the nascent American grand prix team has apparently decided otherwise. Meanwhile, the team is said to be considering a number of F1 veterans for the second seat, with a 12-name short list that reportedly includes such names as Villeneuve, Montagny and de la Rosa. So much for nurturing American talent.

[Source: Autosport and F1-Live]

REPORT: USF1 signs pay-drive deal with Jose Maria Lopez originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The principle of Occam's Razor states that, all things being equal, the simplest explanation is usually the right one. So it stands to reason that the driver who wins the championship must be the best, right? Well, that's assuming all things are equal, and of course in reality they seldom are.

After a hard-fought season, Autosport magazine asked each of the team principals in Formula One to anonymously rank who they thought was the best driver, awarding race points to their top ten choices. The result? Sebastian Vettel came out on top, nine points ahead of world champion Jenson Button. In other words, if all things actually were equal, those in the know would have placed Vettel as champion in Button's stead.

For his part, Vettel - who came second in this year's standings and, it should be noted, secured the Nations' Cup at the Race of Champions alongside Michael Schumacher - was pleased with the vote of confidence. But he's determined to take the fight back to the track for next season, which is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.

So do you think the bosses are right? We've placed a little poll of our own after the jump, and invite you to place your own vote.

[Source: Autosport]

Continue reading POLL POSITION: Who was the Best F1 Driver of 2009? Team Principals say Vettel

POLL POSITION: Who was the Best F1 Driver of 2009? Team Principals say Vettel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autosportf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnesebastian vettelSebastianVettelSat, 21 Nov 2009 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Schumacher likely to return to F1 racing with Mercedes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/breaking-schumacher-likely-to-return-to-f1-racing-with-mercedes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/breaking-schumacher-likely-to-return-to-f1-racing-with-mercedes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/breaking-schumacher-likely-to-return-to-f1-racing-with-mercedes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Say it ain't so, Schu! The Daily Telegraph is reporting that seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher is close to signing on with the newly formed Mercedes Formula 1 team. Mercedes is the new name of the former Brawn GP team, the current Constructors Champion. After a stellar rookie season that saw this former Honda team clinch not just the Constructors Championship, but also the Drivers Championship for Jenson Button, they had a bit of a dropoff as Button bolted for rival McLaren.

That left a seat to fill at Mercedes and if BBC Sport's Eddie Jordan is to be believed, none other than Michael Schumacher is about to sign a one-year contract to return to racing in that very car. The deal, which would net Schumacher the same salary that Button turned down at Brawn GP in favour of McLaren, would finally see the German teaming up with Mercedes, who were in the past unsuccessful in their bids to lure him away from Ferrari.

Ferrari almost lured the retired champ back this season when Felipe Massa went down following the infamous spring incident in Hungary. The Champ's sore neck put a stop to that comeback, but apparently it got Schumi's juices flowing again. Signing with Mercedes would create something of a German dream team with Nico Rosberg in the other car. If the deal goes through, MS will be reunited with Brawn GP-namesake and current Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, the man who guided Michael to all seven of his World titles.

Still just a rumor for the moment, the deal is said to give Schumacher the same salary Button turned down when he defected to McLaren. The Schumacher deal is just the latest volley in the silly season melee that has seen Kimi Raikkonen vacate his seat in order to make room for Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, which lost adviser Michael Schumacher as well. Whatever the future holds, it is only going to get more interesting. We'll keep you posted as things develop. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: The Daily Telegraph via Planet F1, BBC Sport | Image Source: Getty]

BREAKING: Schumacher likely to return to F1 racing with Mercedes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsF1Ferrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemclarenmercedesmercedes-benzmichael schumacherMichaelSchumacherMSschumacherFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[British GP track Donington Park declares bankruptcy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/british-gp-track-donington-park-declares-bankruptcy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/british-gp-track-donington-park-declares-bankruptcy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/british-gp-track-donington-park-declares-bankruptcy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


1993 European Grand Prix at Donington

It's been one heck of a rollercoaster ride for Donington Park this year. The British racing circuit hosted a Formula One race back in 1993, and was set to take over the British Grand Prix from Silverstone until the race promoter fell on hard times.

Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd signed a 150-year lease with Wheatcroft & Sons Ltd, owners of the circuit just two years ago with the aim of bringing F1 racing back to the track. But having failed to raise the capital necessary to bring the track's facilities up to F1 standards, Autocar reports that the 17-year deal with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management fell into jeopardy.

Its prospects and finances in ruins, Donington Ventures has declared bankruptcy and entered administration. Now the lease could be up for grabs; failing that, it will revert to Wheatcroft ownership, the British Grand Prix will likely return to Silverstone for good and Donington will go back to hosting concerts, touring cars and motorbike races once again.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Pascal Rondeau/Allsport/Getty]

British GP track Donington Park declares bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british grand prixBritishGrandPrixdoningtonDonington Parkdonington venturesDoningtonParkDoningtonVenturesf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnegrand prixGrandPrixwheatcroftFri, 20 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/snow-drift-dacia-duster-debuts-for-trophee-andros-with-alain-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/snow-drift-dacia-duster-debuts-for-trophee-andros-with-alain-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/snow-drift-dacia-duster-debuts-for-trophee-andros-with-alain-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Dacia Duster Trophée Andros - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's set one thing straight here. The retirement of a leading Formula One driver is often portrayed as some sort of tragedy - for the driver himself especially. But the truth of the matter is that for a former World Champion, the world is his oyster. Retired F1 drivers can go on to compete in virtually any racing discipline they wish, with nothing to prove in the process. Of contemporary retired World Champions, Hakkinen and Rosberg went to DTM, Mansell took the Indy title, Lauda's training to become an astronaut and Villeneuve's gone...well, everywhere. But Alain Prost has gone another route entirely.

Having retired from F1 in 1994 after his fourth World Championship, Alain started his own team. Prost Grand Prix eventually folded in 2002, and the following year, the French driver began competing in the Trophée Andros. The most prominent ice racing series in the world, the Andros Trophy is held primarily in France where it draws some big names. World Touring Car Champion Yvan Muller won the Andros Trophy ten times, but in 2006 and 2007, Prost took the title twice in a row, driving a specially prepared Toyota Auris. This year, however, the quadruple F1 champion will be driving this: the new Dacia Duster.

Although a production version of the budget SUV won't be unveiled until Geneva in March - a year after the concept version debuted there - the Romanian subsidiary of French automaker Renault has given the world a sneak preview with this ice-racing version. Specially built by Renaultsport - the same outfit that fields single-seater formulae and makes all those wonderful hot hatches - the Duster ice racer packs Nissan's highly decorated VQ engine: a 3.0-liter 24-valve V6, mounted in the middle (that is, behind the driver) of a tubular chassis, driving 350 horsepower through a six-speed sequential gearbox to all four wheels via limited slip differential and a mechanical four-wheel-steering system. A fiberglass body helps keep weight down to just 2,100 lbs - the minimum allowed in the series - which should help Prost keep his competition on ice and keep Dacia fans (like Top Gear's James May) cool until the production version hits proper tarmac. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump and photos in our high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Dacia Duster Trophée Andros


[Source: Dacia]

Continue reading Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost

Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alain prostAlainProstandrosandros trophyAndrosTrophydaciadacia dusterdacia duster andros trophyDacia Duster Trophée AndrosDaciaDusterDaciaDusterAndrosTrophyDaciaDusterTrophéeAndrosdusterF1F1 world championF1WorldChampionFormula OneFormula One World ChampionFormulaOneFormulaOneWorldChampionice racerice racingIceRacerIceRacingprostrenaultrenault dusterrenault sportRenaultDusterRenaultSportTrophée AndrosTrophéeAndrosWed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Jenson Button joins Hamilton for twin-champ McLaren "super team"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/breaking-jenson-button-joins-hamilton-for-twin-champ-mclaren-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/breaking-jenson-button-joins-hamilton-for-twin-champ-mclaren-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/breaking-jenson-button-joins-hamilton-for-twin-champ-mclaren-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's not every day that you see two World Champions teamed up together - especially not the two most recent. In fact, that bit has never happened before in Formula One history, but that's exactly what we'll see next year as McLaren has announced the teaming of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton as its drivers for next season and beyond.

Button's move to McLaren has been long rumored, fueled recently by a visit by the World Champion together with his managers to the team's headquarters in Woking. Negotiations had been ongoing with the Brawn team with which he won his championship this year and which he'll now be departing, but even with Mercedes' injection of cash, the small team apparently couldn't afford the rate which the newly crowned champ was commanding on the open market.

The announcement will undoubtedly be greeted enthusiastically by British racing fans, placing two British drivers behind the wheel of an entirely British team - and the first pairing of two British World Champions since 1968 when Graham Hill and Jim Clark drove for Lotus. Less so for the newly-christened Mercedes Grand Prix team, which is losing both the drivers that brought Brawn GP the championship.

The move also leaves Heikki Kovalainen without a ride and further confirms fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen's lucrative sabbatical. But now that Button's future is settled and McLaren has confirmed its drivers, the rest of the grid should fall into place shortly, so stay tuned. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: McLaren | Image: Paul Gilham/Getty]

Continue reading BREAKING: Jenson Button joins Hamilton for twin-champ McLaren "super team"

BREAKING: Jenson Button joins Hamilton for twin-champ McLaren "super team" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingBreakingNewsbuttonbutton hamiltonbutton mclarenButtonHamiltonButtonMclarenf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnehamilton buttonHamiltonButtonheikki kovalainenHeikkiKovalainenjenson buttonjenson button mclarenJensonButtonJensonButtonMclarenmclarenmclaren-mercedesvodafone mclaren mercedesVodafoneMclarenMercedesWed, 18 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ferrari figures Raikkonen, Schumacher and Montezemolo to leave their F1 posts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-ferrari-figures-raikkonen-schumacher-and-montezemolo-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-ferrari-figures-raikkonen-schumacher-and-montezemolo-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-ferrari-figures-raikkonen-schumacher-and-montezemolo-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The times they are a-changin' in Maranello. As if the departures of Michael Schumacher, Ross Brawn and Jean Todt over the past few years wasn't enough to shake things up for the Scuderia, a new round of change-ups is looming on the horizon.

First up is Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 World Champion who Ferrari is paying to vacate his seat in order to make room for Fernando Alonso. Following earlier reports that Kimi would stand to make more by sitting out next season, the Finnish driver's manager has reportedly announced that he'll be taking a sabbatical. This, after negotiations with McLaren broke down over such issues as salary, promotional obligations and freedom to drive the occasional rally. Raikkonen's repeatedly reiterated that he's only interested in a winning team, and could take the year to hone his rally skills instead. A tie-in with Red Bull could provide him with a WRC drive and a return to F1 for 2011.

Meanwhile, Kimi's predecessor, Michael Schumacher, is reportedly changing his role with the team as well. For the past couple of seasons, Schumi has served as a special adviser to the Scuderia, often showing his smiling mug on the pit wall at various grand prix events. But while the seven-time World Champion has signed on for another three years to help with the development of future Ferrari road cars, his F1 role with the team has apparently ended. In an effort to sort out why Schumi won't be active with the team any longer, speculation has escalated that Michael could reunite with Ross Brawn and return to the cockpit as a driver for the newly christened Mercedes Grand Prix team, while others suggest he could join his former boss Jean Todt with a role in the FIA.

Finally, Luca di Montezemolo is eying a change in his role as well. The chairman isn't leaving his post as head of either Ferrari or parent company Fiat, but he has announced that he's likely to step down as head of the Formula One Teams Association. The representative body was formed to negotiate on the teams' behalf with the FIA and Formula One Management, but with Montezemolo's longtime underling Todt now heading the FIA, many have been citing a potential conflict of interest. For his part, Montezemolo says he wants to concentrate on his job as chairman of the Italian automakers. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: Autosport and Autocar | Image: Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Ferrari figures Raikkonen, Schumacher and Montezemolo to leave their F1 posts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1ferrari raikkonenFerrariRaikkonenformula 1formula oneformula one teams associationFormula1FormulaOneFormulaOneTeamsAssociationFOTAkimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenluca di montezemoloLucaDiMontezemolomercedes schumacherMercedesSchumachermichael schumacherMichaelSchumachermontezemoloraikkonenrally raikkonenRallyRaikkonenred bull raikkonenRedBullRaikkonenschumacherschumacher brawnSchumacherBrawnwrc raikkonenWrcRaikkonenWed, 18 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/video-montezemolo-beaches-ferrari-california-at-own-world-final/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/video-montezemolo-beaches-ferrari-california-at-own-world-final/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/video-montezemolo-beaches-ferrari-california-at-own-world-final/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Last week, we all watched in collective awe as a $1.8 million Bugatti Veyron drove into a pond. While the driver claimed that he was attacked by a pelican, close examination of the video would appear to reveal... no pelican whatsoever. Instead, there's just a supercar inexplicably jumping into a marsh. Today, we've got another head scratcher for you - Luca Montezemolo beaching a Ferrari California.

Luca and the stuck California were at the Ferrari World Finals in Valencia, Spain. The Ferrari and Fiat Chairman was ferrying the Scuderia's brand-new F1 driver Fernando Alonso (who is technically still under contract with Renault) and carryover driver Felipe Massa around the track, waving to the fans. Then - for who knows what reason - Montezemolo decides to not bother with pit lane and just make a ninety degree right hander into a gravel trap. A gravel trap, it should be pointed out, that's used to catch and slow cars spinning out of control at triple digit speeds.

The result is the new Ferrari grand tourer getting stuck like whale. Montezemolo tries spinning the back tires a bit, which only digs them deeper, while Alonso and Massa attempt to push. Sooner than later, track workers show up and all three men escape to safety seated on the back of a blue California. Watch a few different videos of the ordeal, after the jump.

[Source: GT Spirit]

Continue reading VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia

VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliforniaF1Felipe MassaFelipeMassaFernando AlonsoFernandoAlonsoFerrariFerrari CaliforniaFerrariCaliforniaFormula 1Formula OneFormula1FormulaOneLuca MontezemoloLucaMontezemoloMontezemoloMon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Need a Formula One car design? 2010 Toyota racer reportedly for sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/need-a-formula-one-car-design-2010-toyota-racer-reportedly-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/need-a-formula-one-car-design-2010-toyota-racer-reportedly-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/need-a-formula-one-car-design-2010-toyota-racer-reportedly-for/#commentsFiled under: ,



Toyota only made the decision to abandon its Formula One program a few weeks ago, but the lead time for developing a new car is a much longer than that. The engineering team at Toyota's Cologne F1 headquarters had been working on the 2010 car for most of 2009, and the actual design is already complete and ready for construction.

Given that a number of new teams are entering F1 for the first time in 2010, they'll be trying to develop new designs from the ground up. Interestingly, has Toyota evidently has decided not to sell the team and its existing infrastructure. However, it is offering up the designs that have been developed for the now abandoned new car. Teams could potentially buy all the necessary CAD data needed to build a car from an established team. Given the relative lack of success that Toyota has had during its F1 tenure in spite of the cubic dollars it has spent, teams might want to look elsewhere, but who knows? The price tag is likely to be cheaper than designing a whole new car from scratch.

[Source: Autocar]

Need a Formula One car design? 2010 Toyota racer reportedly for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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