Genii Capital double down on F1 presence

It appears that Genii Capital (Lotus Renault Grand Prix team owners) are moving to demonstrate that they are real serious about F1. Reports in the media are that Genii Capital are set to acquire a majority stake in Group Lotus whom currently have a sponsorship arrangement with the team. Genii's position and participation in F1 was discussed in August (HERE) if they would sell a stake in the F1 to Group Lotus. This was seen as not entirely plausible given Group Lotus's financial position. However, it has turned out that Genii are the ones buying in.

There is no doubt in my mind the joint venture of World Wide Investments Group (WWI) and Genii managing $10 billion USD in investments allows for more strategic thinking as it relates to the automotive sector; an area that has been identified as a target area in this joint venture. Genii's money definitely gives the spend happy CEO of Group Lotus, Dany Bahar the ability to continue the branding exercise he has engaged across multiple motorsport categories across the globe.

 With Team Lotus looking to have the team re-branded as Caterham, it stand to reason that Bahar is going to be very happy as he will be able to properly link the Team Lotus name with the Group Lotus motorsport and manufacturing activities. I am also sure that  Team Lotus owner, Tony Fernandes will be happy as he gets to cash in on selling the Team Lotus name to Group Lotus after beating them in court for the right to use the name. Fernandes can focus on promoting the recently acquired Caterham brand and build off of his other companies. Moreover, the proposed deal will most likely get Proton out from under Group Lotus which makes things work more harmoniously if you are talking about the whole concept of 1Malaysia. All the way around, this arrangement is definitely is more synergistic. If the deal comes off as it is expected to it will be curious to see how the final details shake out.

Nevertheless, one of the sticking points on the F1 side of things is this issue of re-branding Team Lotus as Caterham and LRGP as Team Lotus. For the name changes to be approved, 18 of the 26 members of the F1 Commission must support the move. The commission consists of the teams, Ecclestone, Jean Todt, representatives for sponsors, engine manufacturers and circuits. Nothing is easy in F1 particularly if it is something political. So, Ferrari, Sauber and HRT want to have a formal meeting on the subject. However, this is an example where I think it is just a matter of wanting to deal with future attempted name changes as everyone in the sport is ready to put the Team Lotus vs. Group Lotus name dispute in the past.

McLaren lock up Jenson Button

McLaren have made the long awaited smart choice in re-signing 2009 World Champion Jenson Button to a multi-year contract. Button has certainly earned his spot in the McLaren team after initially making a curious move to the squad in 2010. Many saw the move as a reputation destroyer because he was moving in on Lewis Hamilton's turf. Well safe to say now, Button made complete liars out of those people. 

Button was nominally beaten by Hamilton in 2010, but in 2011 he sits second in the title fight behind runaway leader Vettel. Button has shown his true value with the three C's: He has been calm, cool, and consistent. With a smooth, Sade-like style, he has maximized his tires and his results while his teammate Lewis Hamilton has struggled mightily this year in the three C's area and failing to capitalize on his speed. What is most notable is that Button has been able to complete many overtakes this season without trouble, where as Hamilton has had some high profile struggles in this area.   

According to McLaren, they view Button as crucial to their future development. For me, most of it is the niceties of complementing a driver that you just signed however certainly there is something to be said about Technical Director, Paddy Lowe's view on Formula1.com, “having a good driver with good feedback is still essential in Formula One. Even though these days we have far more tools to work with offline - more simulation, etc. - we’re still very reliant on the driver’s feedback."

"Having Jenson on board for the years to come is a great step for us as it gives us a very solid base in terms of a driver that we can rely on for feedback through that phases that you described. And Jenson was obviously very experienced for many years before he came to McLaren, so that all contributes.”
Read into that what you will about his opinion on Hamilton's ability in this area, but given the rules package and what Pirelli is being asked to do in terms of tire degradation, you can not have much better than Jenson. He might not be the fastest, he might not be the most talented or naturally gifted, but he will certainly get the most out of the car while bringing it home in one piece.

 

Perez and Bianchi battle for future Ferrari seat

Sauber rookie, Sergio Perez tested for Ferrari yesterday at the team's Fiorano track in the so called duel with current Ferrari reserve driver Jules Bianchi. Both drivers piloted a 2009 Ferrari F60 as per testing restrictions. In going straight to the lap times, Perez did 46 laps with a best time of 1:00.650, but Bianchi was four tenths quicker clocking 70 laps with a best of 1:00.213. Admittedly the testing times in and of themselves do not matter as the drivers can be on different programs, using different fuel loads or different compound tires. Moreover, what was consistency level of a particular stint. 

Ferrari had some nice things to say about Perez's performance which should be expected even if he was terrible: "Sergio proved to be aggressive and quick right from the start and was able to adapt to the car in a very short space of time," said Ferrari Driver Academy chief Luca Baldisserri. "He is very mature for his age, displaying an understanding that goes beyond the time he has spent driving single seaters."

However, Bianchi is certainly going to put up a fight to remain in the mix for a future F1 race seat. He was pleased with his performance and looks forward to the young drivers test in November where he will drive contemporary cars with DRS and KERS. Nevertheless, Bianchi can set the world on fire but he does not get that second seat. Ferrari are simply paving the way for Perez to be the number two in 2013. Ferrari team principal, Stefano Domenicali is on record about his ideal line-up being an experienced driver (Alonso) paired with a talented young driver. Well, Perez is talented, he is young plus he has F1 experience not only with the cars but with work levels. Bianchi will have to look elsewhere for a F1 seat. With the likely return of Romain Grosjean to a race seat, Bianchi's ability to play "F1 needs a French driver" card will be reduced. This week Grosjean tested a two year old Renault in preparation for Singapore GP and official reserve driver duties.

Short of having a Mexican Grand Prix back on the calendar, but with the US Grand Prix on the horizon in the American southwest what kind of marketing opportunity would it be to have a talented Mexican driver with the most iconic motorsport brand/manufacturer in the cockpit? Clearly, Perez has the goods, but drivers need not only to go fast, they need to have money or be very marketable. More opportunities rest with Perez in my opinion than with Bianchi on that side of the equation. Perez is slated to be with Sauber in 2012 when USGP rolls around and I think that is going to produce a lot buzz. Imagine the buzz in 2013 when he comes with Ferrari and follows in the steps of the iconic "Hermanos Rodriguez". It may pave the way for a future return of a Mexican Grand Prix, something currently be worked on by Carlos Slim Domit, son of THE Carlos Slim. The same Carlos Slim that sponsors Sauber via Telmex for which Perez drivers for.  

Tom Cruise in Days of Thunder Redux

Looks like the USGP Austin people are not a messing around when it comes to the build up for next year's United States Grand Prix. Red Bull Racing has been in Texas doing some promotional events and certainly giving people the taste of F1 that has been missing for years. They have run a F1 car through the streets during a filming session, drove a F1 car on the newly graded yet unpaved Circuit of the Americas and today released news that Cole Trickle, excuse me, Tom Cruise secretly tested a Red Bull F1 car at Willow Springs Raceway in California reminiscent of a certain test in a Rowdy Burns's NASCAR Chevy Lumina at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

According to Autosport.com, the test was overseen by former F1 driver and Red Bull ambassador David Coulthard and he was left as impressed with Tom Cruise as Harry Hogge. "Tom's the real deal. I was surprised that he picked it up so quickly and is such an accomplished driver. His recall was incredible considering how complicated driving an F1 car is. He's a guy who really pushes the envelope in real life. This day was not green screened. He thoroughly impressed me." He obviously isn't getting a race seat, but impressive nonetheless with the lap time improvement of 11 seconds throughout the day. I would certainly would have liked to know the lap time.

Cruise is no stranger to motorsports, driving and pushing the limit. Most conspicuously he starred in the movie Days of Thunder but he has been on the wildly popular Top Gear (UK) discussing automobiles and thrashing around the show's "reasonably priced car".

We know about the marketing experts at Red Bull that have their brand on just about everything motorsport but I think you can expect a lot of Hollywood types getting in the mix. Cameron Diaz, another automotive buff and friend of Tom Cruise will surely be drafted in, hey maybe even George Lucas. Also, we can not forget Jay Leno who is an absolute car nut with a car collection that rivals museums just to name a couple. Moreover, there have been no shortage of Hollywood types at Grand Prix in Canada and around the world. As I mentioned earlier this month,  (Click Here) I can not wait.

Links:

Tom Cruise tests F1 car
Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz Top Gear
Red Bull F1 car in Austin
Jay Leno's Garage

It is officially, official: Lopez USF1's first driver

USF1 has formally announced former Renault test driver Jose Maria Lopez for its debut season in F1. It is has been a move months in the making, but the team can finally confirm their choice. The second seat is still open with talk of former Honda tester James Rossiter filling that role as Windsor has hinted at 2 young drivers for the seats at USF1.

Although Windsor may be impressed by his new choice, I do not share his enthusiasm. Lopez is a seat warmer with money that will help USF1 as they build their operations. However, what should have been expected? Given the circumstances of a tough global economy and a new start-up team, you have to maximize your resources. USF1 have certainly done that given Lopez is backed by the Argentine government. So, perhaps I had a bit of wishful thinking that it would a more exciting pick.

With that said, he was a tester for Renault and member of their development program and with a very different rules package in 2010 then in 2006 who knows how he will perform. If Renault can overlook Kubica a few years ago, who is to say they did not overlook Lopez with the prospects of Kovalainen, Piquet Jr., and di Grassi in the pipeline at the time. Also, who thought that Kamui Kobayashi was anything exciting until he got his shot to drive in F1. So now that the choice is made I will be excited to see what he has to offer behind the wheel.

http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2010/01/usf1-launches-in-alabama-rookies-driver.html

USF1 launches in Alabama, rookie drivers likely

USF1 will make its debut at Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama. Sporting Director Peter Windsor told the official F1 website that the FIA has granted special dispensation to allow winter testing for USF1 away from the normal European group sessions, which is surely to be a bonus for the start up team as they will be close to their base and their suppliers to take care of any early and immediate teething problems. They will have 3 tests at Barber. The date is not yet pinned down but Windsor says the maiden test will be in early February.

In regards to who will pilot these new machines, Jose Maria Lopez, longed linked to one of the seats, looks very solid. Also, recent reports link former Honda tester James Rossiter to the other. In any event, Windsor has hinted at 2 young drivers for the seats (Lopez are Rossiter are young I guess) rationalizing that in this new era of cost reduction and resource restriction, having fresh young guys not tainted by the baggage of experience is a good thing.

Nevertheless, as I suspected last month in my opinion they are looking for seat warmers as they get their operation off the ground and economic conditions improve. I guess we will see what the actual choices are soon enough.

http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2009/12/usf1-driver-selection.html

Nigel Mansell eyes 24 hours of LeMans

1992 F1 World Champion Nigel Mansell is eyeing an opportunity to participate in this year's Le Mans 24 Hours after buying into British sportscar team Beechdean Motorsport. He formed Beechdean Mansell Motorsport to run a Ginetta-Zytek Z09R in the LMP1 class of the Le Mans Series and is hoping to receive an entry for the 24 Hours classic. Mansell's two sons, Leo and Greg, will share the car during the season with Nigel joining for selected races.

"I'm very excited about 2010 and the prospect of racing with both by sons for the first time. I can confirm that I will be racing with Leo and Greg during the season and, if we receive an entry, we will also be racing at Le Mans," he said.

Mansell, who retired for good from F1 in 1995 has made sporadic returns to the cockpit the past several years, participating in GP Masters and one offs in FIA GT and the LeMans Series. It still pleases me to see drivers of by gone eras still get after it behind the wheel. His new team will begin testing early this year.

De la Rosa to be Sauber racer in 2010

By Motorsport.com/GMM

Pedro de la Rosa is expected to be Kamui Kobayashi's teammate at Sauber in 2010, according to Blick. The Swiss daily newspaper, with close ties to the Peter Sauber-led team, said the news is likely to be confirmed soon barring "an earthquake in Hinwil".

Spaniard de la Rosa, to turn 39 next month, last raced full-time in 2002 with Jaguar. He already lives in Zurich, which is only a short drive from Sauber's team base. He has since been McLaren's main test and reserve driver, and the El Mundo newspaper said recently the British team had given him until the last day of 2009 to decide his F1 role for 2010.

The Swiss weekly NZZ am Sonntag on Sunday quoted Peter Sauber as admitting only that "an experienced man" with "new knowledge for the team" has been signed to partner Kobayashi in 2010. He also all but confirmed that Nick Heidfeld is not the driver in question.

However, as mentioned last week amongst false reports based on a Twitter feed, Pedro de la Rosa was still in the running despite the reporting and that if de la Rosa's name was being mentioned, Heidfeld's chance to remain with Sauber were very slim. It appears Heidfeld will be looking for a job.

http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2009/12/sauber-to-announce-second-driver-next.html
http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2009/12/no-nick-heidfeld-at-sauber.html

January 1st marks new beginnings all around

As the new year is now upon us, it means drivers that were contractually obligated to their previous teams, sponsors, etc. are now totally free to operate in the open with their new teams. Most notable examples, freshly minted 2009 World Champion Jenson Button and Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso can appear in their new team's swag and conduct official business without restrictions.

McLaren wasted no time in given us an official New Year's message from Button:

http://www.mclaren.com/interactive/video/movie.php?show=75

Alonso has reportedly been working rather hard behind the scenes developing the relationships and making several visits to the factory while sampling some Ferrari road cars. However, we have yet to see Fernando officially in Ferrari Red.

Moreover, car launches are due to begin this month. After a failed attempt for all teams to launch their car jointly, teams are looking at a late January time frame in unveiling their 2010 challengers. A far cry from the days where teams launched early and tested like mad in preparation for a new season. However, it still is just one more step that brings us closer to the start of the season.

Sauber to announce second driver next week (revised)

By Motorsport.com/GMM

Sauber will announce its second driver for the 2010 season next week. Peter Sauber, the formerly BMW-owned team's boss and founder, wrote on his Twitter page: "Second driver to be announced next week. The team is ready to work. Happy New Year." Japan's Kamui Kobayashi, a refugee of Toyota's former F1 programme, was announced as the Hinwil based team's first race driver for 2010 two weeks ago.

Team incumbent Nick Heidfeld, who was part of Sauber's outfit in collaboration with BMW since 2006, had hoped to secure the second seat at Mercedes GP. Also believed a frontrunner for the second Sauber cockpit is Pedro de la Rosa, and the Belgian Bertrand Baguette is tipped for the reserve role.

If Pedro de la Rosa is in the running he might be bringing some cash that Heidfeld or Klien can not match. However, is it not like de la Rosa is lacking in speed and skills. While at McLaren he did well in a substitute role in 2005 scoring a 5th and when replaced Juan Pablo Montoya in 2006 after the Columbian went to NASCAR. If de la Rosa's name is being mentioned, I think Heidfeld's chance to remain with Sauber are very slim. However, I am still of the opinion that Klien deserves an opportunity.

Turns out this Twitter announcement was a fake. There is no time table on a complete Sauber line-up. However, Pedro de la Rosa's name has been connected with the job, which still leads me to think if Heidfeld has not signed yet he might not be in line for the job.

More proposed changes to the points system?

By Motorsport.com/GMM

More changes to the points scoring system to take effect in 2010 are possible, Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali has revealed. Asked by the Italian newspaper La Stampa if just a month of pre-season testing is sufficient ahead of the 2010 race calendar, he answered: "It has to be.

"The conditions are the same for us all. Then we wait for the decisions of the Sporting Working Group (SWG) of the FIA, which will meet in January to approve new rules." Domenicali confirmed that the SWG's changes will be able to take effect for the 2010 world championship. "Yes. The scoring is likely to be revised; there is a proposal to reward the pole position and the fastest lap of the race," he said.

The Italian also said Felipe Massa's recovery continues to run smoothly, following another run of "positive" medical tests a week ago. "In late January he will submit to the inspection of the Federation's doctors," Domenicali said, also mentioning that Ferrari's new recruit Fernando Alonso phones every day asking for details of the 2010 car.

Domenicali, 44, also commented on reports linking Nelson Piquet and Ralf Schumacher with returns to F1. On 'crashgate' conspirator Piquet, he said the Brazilian "should not be allowed to return, after what he did". And on Michael Schumacher's 34-year-old younger brother, Domenicali added: "I prefer to look ahead, for new talent. F1 should not be reduced to a world of nostalgia."

So, in terms of the new points system. If F1 is going to break the mold in terms of how they allocate points, might as well smash it to bits by awarding points for pole and fast lap.

BBC: Schumacher is back with Mercedes

According to the BBC, seven-times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher will come out of retirement to race for Mercedes next year. The German, who will be 41 on January 3rd, has signed a contract and the deal will be announced imminently. Schumacher will partner compatriot Nico Rosberg in the team that won the drivers' and constructors' titles in 2009 in its former guise as Brawn.

Schumacher will reportedly earn $9.9m USD (£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 and 1995 and the subsequent five with Ferrari from 2000-2004.

Schumacher is known to have had medical checks recently and it must be assumed he has been given the all clear.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8427552.stm

Schumacher's return is all but certain now

excerpt from Autosport.com by By Tony Dodgins
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80623

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 percent decided. But that is what he said yesterday morning."

I think this all but locks up that Schumacher will be driving for Mercedes in 2010. Welcome back Michael.

http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2009/12/schumacher-to-test-mercedes-prior-to.html
http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2009/12/michael-schumacher-coming-back.html

Kobayashi lands at Sauber for 2010

Former Toyota reserve driver Kamui Kobayashi will race on in Formula 1 next year after singing a deal with the Sauber team for 2010. Kobayashi impressed with his performances in Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix as a stand in for a then injured Timo Glock. Although he had a lackluster showings in the GP2 Series, when he stepped into a F1 car, he showed speed, no fear and a fighting spirit reminiscent of fellow Japanese countryman Takuma Sato, (who is looking to re-enter F1) while scoring points in his Abu Dhabi drive.

Sauber team principal, Peter Sauber remarked, "I’m very much looking forward to working together with Kamui. In the final two Grand Prix of last season he was granted an unexpected chance to show his skills, and he made impressive use of it. Particularly in the Abu Dhabi race he demonstrated not only that he can drive fast and aggressively, but also his ability to successfully implement a strategy. I am convinced he has a great deal of potential and will be able to make the most of it in our team."

Sauber has a eye for talent. Most notably his 2001 choice of Kimi Raikkonen amidst great criticism of Raikkonen lack of experience. We all know how turned out. I am not saying Kobayashi is Raikkonen by any stretch. However as with any young driver, time will tell what we will be saying about him.

Renault stays in Formula One, Kubica has questions

After several week of speculation regarding the future of the Anglo-French outfit, today Renault have announced that it has sold a large stake in the team to Luxembourg company Genii Capital and will be remaining in Formula One as Renault.

Eric Lux, CEO of Genii Capital, said: "We are delighted to have been selected as Renault's strategic partner for the Renault F1 Team. Our long-term vision for this challenging venture aims to return Renault to the forefront of Formula 1.

Bernard Rey, Renault F1 Team President, said: “I am delighted to welcome Genii Capital as our new strategic partner as I am sure that their enthusiasm and business expertise will create a new dynamic for the team, the staff, and our partners. Altogether, we look forward to competing again at the highest level in Formula One. Today’s announcement also confirms Renault’s commitment and trust in the sport’s governing bodies to improve the green credentials of Formula One.”

It is good news on the car manufacturer front that F1 did not lose another after losing Honda, Toyota and BMW. It also gives Renault a chance to rebuild a reputation that has suffered a bit in recent years with a downturn in performance from the titles years of 2005 and 2006 as well as the damaging 2008 Singapore Grand Prix race fixing scandal.

However, Renault's supposed lead driver for 2010, Robert Kubica and his management want some clarification on the deal in terms of who is in control of what at the team. Is Genii Capital "a sleeping partner or a controlling partner" in the words of Kubica manager, Daniele Morelli. "I don't see any fundamental issue that creates a concern; our fundamental issue is that we have a car that performs. So the fundamental issue is at which stage is the development of the car? The feeling is okay. The concern is maybe that the situation has created a delay because uncertainty can slow down the endeavors of the staff."

It is a legitimate concern, but in my opinion just a matter of communicating to the driver so he has confidence in the team's progress and that racing is still the team's core function. Renault still have very good chassis and engine teams and certainly have shown they are capable of titles.

It is Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi at Virgin Racing in 2010

Virgin Racing has confirmed their 2010 driver line up by announcing that Lucas di Grassi will be partnering former Toyota driver, Timo Glock. di Grassi, had been a Renault F1 reserve driver the past two years and has been a strong contender in GP2 finishing in the top three for the last three years. Glock, since his return to Formula One with Toyota in 2008 has had some difficulty in qualifying but has demonstrated real race pace with some solid drives coming from the back of the pack.

Virgin Racing Technical Director Nick Wirth has stated that the car is on schedule and will hit the track in February.

New Lotus F1 team reveals logo and drivers

Lotus F1 Racing revealed its new team logo today, keeping the famous green and yellow colors of the legendary Lotus marque made famous by Colin Champman, as well as revealing their 2010 driver line up in the form of Toyota and McLaren refugees, Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen.

Team principal Tony Fernandes explained the new logo."We have thought long and hard about our team brand and logo, and I am very pleased with the end result." "We are not pretending to be the Lotus of the past, but we are honoured to be able to bring the name back into Formula 1 at the start of a new decade of racing. We will draw on its heritage and use it to inspire and motivate our team, Lotus F1 Racing."

In terms of the drivers, Jarno Trulli seems very excited after being thrown a life line when Toyota's decided to quit Formula One, but is grounded to what the team can achieve. "I have been in Formula 1 for many years but there is something extremely motivating about helping to build a team from the ground level up."

"We have to set realistic targets for the first year. We are one of the new teams, so we have to prove ourselves and to gain respect in the paddock. We have to establish ourselves as the best of the new teams and see what gap we have between us and the rest."

After a shaky beginning to his career at Renault and McLaren, Heikki Kovalainen appears ready to settle into a team that is going to be lower profile and get on with the job with his new teammate, "I have known Jarno for many years now and I think together we can push the team forwards very quickly, and develop our car and the team in a professional way."

For Lotus F1, their driver choice is interesting. I think both Trulli and Kovalainen are intelligent and very fast drivers. However, they are inconsistent and prone to having mysteriously slow performances. In terms of building up the team, I think this is a very good pairing given the experience level and where they each have driven. However, it will interesting to see how they push performance and develop the race package.

Michael Schumacher coming back?

With the FIA and Formula One entering a new era with new rules, a new president in Jean Todt and an influx of new teams, there is a weird sort of comfort that there is a strong possibility that 7 time World Champion Michael Schumacher may make his Formula One return to the Mercedes F1 team (2009 Constructor champions formerly known as Brawn GP).

Schuamcher retired in 2006 demonstrating that he was still at the top of his game with one of the legendary drives during the Brazilian Grand Prix, knifing through the field fighting back to 4th place after having a tire puncture. In July 2009, after the unfortunate and life-threatening crash suffered by Ferrari's Felipe Massa, Schumacher agreed to come out of retirement to replace Massa until he was fit enough to return. However, this attempt was aborted in August as Schumacher had a pre-existing neck injury he suffered racing motorcycles that was not fully healed. Alas, what might have been.

However, this brings us to the current rumor and speculation. It is reported in the German Newspaper, Bild, that a deal had been agreed for Schumacher's return. Although Bild did not quote any sources, it is reported that a one-year deal has been agreed to and that a contract will be signed and ready for an announcement next week.

Now I am not the biggest Schumacher supporter by any stretch, but I can not tell you what sort of boost this would be to F1. A true living legend not far removed from his peak returning to a new team to face very stiff competition in the likes of Alonso (now at Ferrari), Hamilton (McLaren), and Vettel (Red Bull).

It certainly reminds me of Alain Prost's consideration of an offer from Jean Todt to return to Ferrari and partner (oddly enough) Schumacher for 1996...out of the sport a few years, doing consultancy and driving work for a Formula One team, and approximate age. There would have been great speculation on whether Prost would match Schumacher in 1996. Ultimately, this was the determining factor for Prost; In his words, "I was ready to return to the wheel, and I would have done it, but people would have tried to play us against each other, and at that time I wouldn't have stood a chance against him."

I think the difference here is that Schumacher is still hungry in my opinion to prove his level, even if it is for a short period. Although Prost had the speed, he no longer had the hunger to deal with the F1 circus from the driver cockpit.

So, the next logical question if it is true he is back is what sort of performance can we expect? He will be 41 in 2010 with a new team and new rules. Personally, I would simply say this: I would love to have him back and I expect a few wins from him with a World Driver's Championship points finish in the top 4.

Honda rescue close to being finalized

The following is are excerpts from a report on Autosport.com. I have been burned once already thinking Super Aguri was going to be saved but then their world fell to pieces, so we will wait until ink is to paper.

Honda Racing are in talks with four potential buyers including wealthy Mexican businessman Carlos Slim, autosport.com has learned, but no deal has yet been completed. Reports emerging out of South America on Saturday suggested that Slim, ranked as the world's second richest man behind American investor Warren Buffett, had actually finalised a contract to take over Honda.
Italian newspaper La Stampa also wrote that Slim had agreed a deal that would see the team line-up on the grid in 2009 with Jenson Button and Bruno Senna as their drivers.

Sources have told autosport.com that there are four parties considering getting involved - with Slim believed to be heading the running at the moment. Although the identity of the buyers has not been confirmed, it is believed that apart from Slim they are Prodrive boss David Richards with the Kuwait-based Investment Dar Company (TID), Greek shipping magnate Achilleas Kallakis and an unidentified Swiss group.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72581

As mentioned in a previous post, the purchase of Honda by prospective buyer David Richards of Prodrive would be rather ironic. Richards was the team principal of the previous iteration, BAR (British American Racing) from 2001 to 2004. Given that earlier this month Suburu has pulled out of the World Rally Championship it leaves some Prodrive employees looking for work within the company or elsewhere. Richards has stated that he will redeploy his WRC workforce. Suburu's decision has certainly freed up technical and intellectual resources at Prodrive that would make a Prodrive entry very logical provided there is money available from the Kuwait-based backers/partners. I wonder if Ferrari would still be looking to secure another engine deal or if Mercedes would look to revive a failed prospective deal with a previous Prodrive attempt in get into F1.

However, all signs point to Carlos Slim being the new owner of a Formula One team which is what was needed to save this race ready and experienced team from being liquidated.

Honda is out of F1 effective immediately

Honda have announced their immediate withdrawal from Formula One, the Japanese manufacturer's president and CEO Takeo Fukui confirmed on Friday morning.
After a night of frenzied speculation about the future of the Honda Racing team, Fukui told a hastily called press conference in Tokyo that difficult financial conditions had forced the company to make the decision.

"Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount," he said. "A recovery is expected to take some time. "Under these circumstances, Honda has taken swift and flexible measures to counter this sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas. However, in recognition of the need to optimize the allocation of management resources, including investment regarding the future, we have decided to withdraw from Formula One participation. We will enter into consultation with the associates of Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale."

Autosport.com understands that Honda Racing team principal Ross Brawn and CEO Nick Fry are due to fly to Tokyo on Monday for talks with the Japanese chiefs about the future.
Sources suggest that Honda chiefs have been told that the team will be funded only until March - giving them three months to find a new buyer before they are shut down. It is understood staff have been told that potential buyers have already been lined up, with Brawn already focused on securing an engine supply deal with Ferrari to try and keep the team in F1. Fukui admitted that the withdrawal decision had been a hard one to take - especially as Honda had taken a victory as a car maker in 2006 and had already invested a huge amount of money in bidding to return to the top under the leadership of Brawn.

He added: "In its third era of Formula One activities, Honda has been participating in Formula One races from the 2000 season, initially with BAR, by adopting a new format of jointly developing racing machines. Subsequently, in a move to meet the changing environment surrounding Formula One, we switched to running a 100% Honda-owned team commencing with the 2006 season. Surmounting many challenges, the Honda Team achieved a grand prix victory in 2006, enabling Honda to receive overwhelming support from Honda fans around the world that were looking forward to greater success. It, therefore, has been an extremely difficult decision for us to come to this conclusion without having been able to fully meet the expectations of our fans. By making the best of what we have learned during these times of economic turmoil, coupled with the spirit of challenge gained through active participation in racing, we intend to continue with our commitment in meeting new challenges. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our fans and all those who have supported Honda's Formula One efforts, including everyone in the world of Formula One."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72322

This is a major blow to Formula One and cements the impact of the financial crisis on the sport. Although it pains me to say it, Max Mosley and his slash and burn cost cutting measures seem to be a truly necessary 'evil'. This may be a temporary fall in the economy, it looks very necessary to do these cost cutting measures to ensure there is an F1 when the economy picks back up.

As mentioned in the story, it is possible for the remnants of the team will be on the grid, it will be very difficult. The question is who will buy the team? It would be ironic if Prodrive and its chairman, David Richards would be interested with some afore mentioned assistance from Ferrari.