Identical times for Grosjean and Kobayashi

Romain Grosjean and Kamui Kobayashi posted exactly the same time on day two of the in-season test in Mugello

Lotus' Grosjean posted a 1:21.603 early in the day to claim the P1 honours before lunch and it looked like no one would match his time until Sauber's Kobayahshi popped up with the same time very late in the day.

Kobayashi, who was responsible for the only red flag of the day after spinning into the gravel in the afternoon, posted his time just moments before the chequered flag came out to signal the end of Wednesday's session.

Lotus later reported via Twitter that Grosjean, who replaced team-mate Kimi Raikkonen in the E20 on day two after the team opted not to run the Finn in Mugello, claimed 'P1 by the smallest margin imaginable! Less than 1 thousandth of a second!'

After the heavy downpours limited teams' running on Tuesday, the drivers made the most of the fine weather in Tuscany and opted to run their various aero sensors instead of going for all-out pace.
The Red Bull duo of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were third and fourth fastest respectively. World Champion Vettel took over driving duties from his Australian team-mate in the afternoon and his best time was 0.222s slower than that of the top two.

Felipe Massa and Toro Rosso duo Jean Eric-Vergne and Daniel Riccoardo were next best.
Michael Schumacher was by far the busiest man on day two in Mugello having completed 144 laps. His best effort though was only good enough for P8.

McLaren, who have opted not to run race drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, were down in 11th place with Gary Paffett managing a 1:24.480 as his best effort.
The team later reported that they focused on "improvements to aero correlation and broadening our understanding of tyre temperature and behaviour" while "progress was brought to a premature end at 15:00 when a gearbox issue ended the day's running".

It was a tough day at the office for Force India's Paul di Resta as he could only manage 14 laps as he was forced to spend most of the day in the garage with a suspected hydraulics problem.

Times
01. Romain Grosjean Lotus 1:21.603
02. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber 1:21.603
03. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1.21.825 +0.222
04. Mark Webber Red Bull 1:21.997 +0.294
05. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:22.257 +0.654
06. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso 1:22.422 +0.819
07. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:22.588 +0.985
08. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1:23.404 + 1.801s
09. Charles Pic Marussia 1:23.982 +2.379
10. Vitaly Petrov Caterham 1:24.312 +2.709
11. Gary Paffett McLaren 1:24.480 +2.877
12. Timo Glock Marussia 1:24.610 +3.007
13. Paul di Resta Force India 1:24.749 +3.146
14. Bruno Senna Williams 1:24.842 +3.239

Source: Planet-F1

Perez Shines As The Rain Falls In Spain

Sergio Perez was assured of a P1 finish to Saturday's penultimate day of testing as the rain came down at Barcelona in the final hour

The Sauber driver worked his way to the top of the timesheets half an hour before the lunch-break, clocking a 1:22.094 on the soft Pirelli tyres.

And while it was Daniel Ricciardo who challenged Perez for the P1 slot ahead of lunch, it was Jenson Button who did so at the end of the day's play.

The McLaren driver had a slow start, completing just 17 laps with a best time of 1:23.409 as a hydraulic issue sidelined him for much of the morning.

But, out on track after the break, Button came to the fore, taking second place, just 0.009s behind Perez. The McLaren driver, though, only managed a total of 44 laps the entire day.

Ricciardo dropped to third, finishing ahead of Felipe Massa. The Ferrari driver was 0,319s off the pace having set his best time during a short-distance run during the morning's session.

Swapping to a race distance in the afternoon, Massa covered 122 laps on Saturday.

Paul di Rest was fifth quickest ahead of Bruno Senna while Heikki Kovalainen had a great day for Caterham as he brought his CT01 home in seventh place, just over half a second off the pace.

Mark Webber, driving Red Bull's heavily revised RB8, was eighth, 0.568s down. The Aussie amassed only 70 laps and only once completed a run of more than five laps.

Nico Rosberg in ninth place was under a second off the pace while the same cannot be said of Kimi Raikkonen. With steering column problems hampering his day, he finished last, three seconds off the pace and with only 43 laps under his belt.

The day's play, though, was interuptted late in the afternoon when the rain came down with an hour remaining. Most drivers did opt to test Pirellis intermediate and wet tyres.

Times
01. Perez Sauber 1m22.094 114 laps
02. Button McLaren 1m22.103 +0.009 44 laps
03. Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1m22.155 +0.061 131 laps
04. Massa Ferrari 1m22.413 +0.319 122 laps
05. Di Resta Force India 1m22.446 +0.352 108 laps
06. Senna Williams 1m22.480 +0.386 111 laps
07. Kovalainen Caterham 1m22.630 +0.536 64 laps
08. Webber Red Bull 1m22.662 +0.568 70 laps
09. Rosberg Mercedes 1m22.932 +0.838 129 laps
10. Raikkonen Lotus 1m25.379 +3.285 43 lap

Source: Planet-F1

Perez quickest as contenders falter

Sergio Perez put in a late dash on the super soft tyres to lead the way at lunch on Day Three at Barcelona

The morning's timesheets had been dominated by Felipe Massa, who was quickly out of the blocks, taking the early lead with a 1:23.009.

The Brazilian continued lapping in short runs, shaving tenths off his time and in doing so became the first driver to break the 1:22 barrier.

However, it was his run on the super softs that appeared to cement his place at the top with a 1:22.413.

But with others following suit, Massa's reign was over by the time lunch came around, beaten by not one but two drivers.

Toro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo was the first to edge the Ferrari driver as he posted a 1:22.155. But, mere minutes later, he fell to P2 as Perez took over at the front.

The Sauber driver, who is entering his second season in Formula One, crossed the line with a 1:22.094 to take the P1 slot by 0.061s. Massa was third.

Paul di Resta was fourth quickest for Force India, finishing ahead of Bruno Senna and the impressive Heikki Kovalainen. The Finn, driving his new CT01, was quicker than four expected title contenders.

Red Bull, with their new-look RB8, which features a new front wing and exhaust layout, were seventh fastest as the revised car made its debut with Mark Webber behind the wheel while Mercedes's Nico Rosberg, who was focusing on trying to find a solution to the team's tyre degradation, was eighth.

Jenson Button, who managed just 17 laps, was a lowly ninth due to a hydraulic problem while Kimi Räikkönen, who had steering column issues, was last.

Times
01 Perez Sauber 1:22.094 49 laps
02 Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:22.155 50 laps
03 Massa Ferrari 1:22.413 48 laps
04 Di Resta Force India 1:22.446 45 laps
05 Senna Williams 1:22.480 36 laps
06 Kovalainen Caterham 1:22.630 44 laps
07 Webber Red Bull 1:22.662 46 laps
08 Rosberg Mercedes 1:22.932 63 laps
09 Button McLaren 1:23.409 17 laps
10 Räikkönen Lotus 1:25.620 17 laps

Source: Planet-F1

Perez suffers concussion and sprained thigh

Sergio Perez escaped serious injury in his horrific Monaco qualifying accident, Sauber have revealed

The Mexican rookie, on a hot lap, crashed heavily with three minutes remaining in qualifying bringing out the red flags.

The Monte Carlo medics spent almost half an hour assisting the driver before he was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

Initial reports were that Perez was "conscious and talking" to the medical staff while Sauber have now revealed that he has suffered a concussion and a sprained thigh.

"It was with great relief the Sauber F1 Team received the news that Sergio Perez has no serious injuries after his heavy accident in the closing minutes of the final part of qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix," Sauber said in a statement.

"Shortly before 15:00 hrs he had crashed into the barrier after the fast tunnel section of the circuit.

"The 21-year-old Mexican was taken to the Hospital Princess Grace in Monaco from where the team received further information at 16:25 hrs.

"The doctors said Perez had suffered concussion and a sprained thigh, but no broken bones and, following a scan, they could find no further injuries.

"The reason for the accident will be investigated and the team will update the media as soon as it has any further information."

His injuries, though, mean Perez is unlikely to line-up on the starting grid for Sunday's 78-lap Monaco Grand Prix.

Source: Planet-F1

Manager outlines Räikkönen’s racing plans

Kimi Räikkönen’s current racing agenda has been outlined to GPUpdate.net this week by the Finn’s long-term manager, Steve Robertson. The 18-time Grand Prix winner is currently contesting the World Rally Championship (WRC) with ICE 1 Racing and will continue to do so while embarking on his new NASCAR ambitions.

The ex-Sauber, McLaren and Ferrari Formula 1 driver signed a deal with Kyle Busch Motorsports earlier in April to compete in the NASCAR Truck Series and Robertson has explained that, if Räikkönen’s selected races prove enjoyable throughout the season, the 31-year-old could commit himself to the sport.

"He’s got a plan for this year, so he’s doing some races this year in the trucks and also the Nationwide cars," Robertson told GPUpdate.net.

"That’s happening very, very soon. Obviously he’s got a pretty heavy programme with WRC as well and he’s going to combine the both, which is not so easy to do, but that’s what he wants to do.

"But (his move to NASCAR is) with a view for possibly 2012 and 2013, but he wants to see if he enjoys it first before he makes a decision as to what he does."

Source: GPUpdate.net

Perez surprises at the top in Spain

While many were expecting a Red Bull or even a Ferrari to top the timesheets at Barcelona on Thursday, it was in fact rookie Sauber driver Sergio Perez who proved to be quickest of all

Perez, who is gearing up for his debut season in Formula One, topped the timesheets with a 1:21.761, the fastest lap time seen at the Spanish circuit in the opening three days of the final pre-season test.

However, the Mexican driver's time was set on a single lap flying runs - and his day was also not without problems, although through no fault of his own.

Having set his blistering lap time while focused on qualifying style runs, Sauber switched Perez to a race simulation in the afternoon. However, it was cut short when his C30 stopped out on track.

Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who amassed a massive 132 laps as the Scuderia's 150° Italia, demonstrated once again both the pace and reliability of his 2011 challenger. The Brazilian finished the day 0.331s off the pace.

But, perhaps more importantly for Ferrari, he was ahead of Red Bull's Mark Webber by 0.374s in what was an interesting tussle between the two title hopefuls, who went head-to-head during the morning session in qualifying short distance runs.

Rubens Barrichello claimed fourth place for Williams, but once again the FW33 ran into problems, with Barrichello bringing out the red flags on two occasions.

Michael Schumacher was next in line as Mercedes GP continued to introduce various upgrades to their W02. While the German ran the new exhaust in the morning session, further upgrades were added to his car in the afternoon.

"We've had a very productive day and completed a reasonable amount of mileage. We were able to check and confirm a lot of

things on the set-up of the car with the new upgrade package, and my initial impressions are certainly positive," said the seven-time World Champion.

"We've worked hard on reliability at the previous tests and our priority now is to develop and fine-tune the car which we have done quite successfully today."

Renault's Nick Heidfeld was the last driver to get within two seconds of Perez's P1 time, although he only completed 32 laps as his team-mate Vitaly Petrov was in action during the morning session. Petrov finished eighth with the Renault duo separated by Team Lotus driver Heikki Kovalainen.

The Finn was another who just ran once session as his team-mate Jarno Trulli was in action first. However, the Italian had a miserable time of things as his T128 suffered a gearbox problem followed by a water leak.

Adrian Sutil was ninth for Force India, ahead of Jaime Alguersuari, Jerome D'Ambrosio and Trulli.

Times
01. Sergio Perez Sauber 1:21.761 95 laps
02. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:22.092 + 0.331 132 laps
03. Mark Webber Red Bull 1:22.466 + 0.705 97 laps
04. Rubens Barrichello Williams 1:22.637 + 0.876 105 laps
05. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1:22.892 + 1.131 89 laps
06. Nick Heidfeld Renault 1:23.541 + 1.780 32 laps
07. Heikki Kovalainen Team Lotus 1:23.990 + 2.229 40 laps
08. Vitaly Petrov Renault 1:24.233 + 2.472 24 laps
09. Adrian Sutil Force India 1:24.334 + 2.573 108 laps
10. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso 1:24.779 + 3.018 107 laps
11. Jerome D'Ambrosio Virgin 1:27.336 + 5.575 96 laps
12. Jarno Trulli Team Lotus 1:34.485 + 12.724 6 laps

Source: Planet-F1

Videos: Sauber C30 launch - Shakedown in Valencia

Source: NextgenAuto

Video: Sauber C30 launch - Highlights

Source: Nextgen

Photos: Sauber C30 launch 2011

Sauber C30 launch 2011 today!

...

Kobayashi and Pérez unveil the Sauber C30-Ferrari

Today, the day before the start of the official Formula One testing, the Sauber F1 Team presented the Sauber C30-Ferrari at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Cheste near Valencia, Spain.

Two thousand and eleven sees the Sauber F1 Team embark on its 19th Formula One season. Leaving behind the upheavals of 2010 that followed the metamorphosis from a works to a private team, the aim is to present itself in 2011 with renewed stability.

Team Principal Peter Sauber outlines the targets: “We want to finish in the points regularly and clearly improve our position in the FIA Formula One Constructors’ World Championship.” He goes on to elaborate: “Two thousand and ten marked the 41st year of our company history and one of the most difficult. But we managed to overcome these difficulties in the second half of the season. We implemented some well-considered structural changes. The appointment of James Key as Technical Director already bore fruit last season, and he is now in charge of development of the Sauber C30-Ferrari. At the same time, we have managed to secure our business foundation for the 2011 season. In these economically straitened times that is something we can be proud of too.”

Young drivers

As for the drivers, the team looks forward with keen anticipation to continuing to work with Kamui Kobayashi, and with eager curiosity to Sergio Pérez. The Japanese driver, who turns 25 in September 2011, is embarking on his second full Formula One season. In 2010 he drew attention to himself with his high speed on track, stunning overtaking manoeuvres and reliable implementation of race strategies. He made very few mistakes and earned 32 of the team’s 44 World Championship points. “My rookie season is now behind me,” says Kobayashi. “I learned a lot, gained a lot of self-confidence, and my target for 2011 is not to make any mistakes.”

The team’s new rookie is Sergio Pérez. He hails from Mexico and celebrated his 21st birthday in January 2011. He took his first Formula One test with Sauber in Abu Dhabi in November 2010, having finished as runner-up in the GP2 Championship. “I’m aware how challenging Formula One is from both a driver’s point of view and technically,” says Pérez. “I’ve got a lot to learn, and in Kamui I have an excellent yardstick. My personal goal is to make steady progress. The support I’m getting back in my home country is huge, and I don’t want to disappoint anyone over there either.”

Pérez isn’t the only Mexican in the Sauber F1 Team: Esteban Gutièrrez is standing by as test and reserve driver. Born in August 1991, he is a good one-and-a-half years younger than his compatriot. Sauber had already taken Gutièrrez under its wing in 2010 as an affiliated driver. The youngest member of the team swept up a commanding GP3 Championship win last year and will be competing in GP2 in 2011. “I’ve still got a long way to go,” Gutièrrez is only too aware, “but ever since the two days of testing with Sauber, at the end of 2009 and the end of 2010, Formula One has been my goal.”

New car

The aim is for the Sauber C30-Ferrari not just to prove more reliable than its predecessor; there were a number of other weaknesses to be banished as well. One of the overriding targets is to improve aerodynamic efficiency, low-speed cornering, mechanical grip and to gain more flexibility in suspension tuning.

The new technical regulations certainly presented the engineers with a tricky assignment, since the ban on double diffusers fundamentally alters the car’s aerodynamic concept. Another tough challenge was the switch to Pirelli tyres, which meant the engineers had to make decisions during the concept phase before the teams had a chance to test the tyres out on track. Further changes stipulate a ban on the F-duct and the adjustable front wing. Instead, the rear wing may now be adjusted by the driver, and the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) is once again available to run.

The striking visual features of the Sauber C30 are a raised front, slender waist, compact rear, new rollhoop and downward-sloping engine cover. Propelling the car as before is the Ferrari 056 engine, while power delivery is courtesy of a new Ferrari transmission. The KERS also comes from the Maranello factory.

Technical Director, James Key, summarises: “In order to take a step forward in 2011, we were already systematically tackling the C29’s weaknesses over the last season – and we’ve made progress. The insights we gleaned were taken into account when the concept for the new C30 was being drawn up. Since some of the changes decreed by the regulations – particularly regarding the tyres – can only be analysed out on track, it was important for us to build, firstly, a fundamentally predictable car and, secondly, one that would provide sufficient flexibility to respond to ongoing findings at the track and during further development stages.”

One thing is clear: the status of the car at the rollout in Valencia on 31st January 2011 is only the start. As part of the development programme, the team will be fitting the C30 with a new aerodynamic package before the curtain raiser in Bahrain.

New partner

New on the car are the logos of Telmex, Claro and Telcel – all three brands belong to America Movil, the Central and Latin American telecommunication group. Interproteccion is an insurance group from Mexico. Also a new partner from Mexico is the Tequila brand Jose Cuervo. Familiar, as they have appeared on the team’s cars for a long time, are the Swiss names of sport watch manufacturer Certina and automotive group Emil Frey AG. Also known from last season is the logo of Mad-Croc (Energy Gum, Chews and Drinks).

Source: Nextgen

Kimi Räikkönen on Sport Stars 2000 Part I and Part II

Courtesy: Moominpappa and _TaniaS_

'Super' Kobayashi thrilled TV-watching Kubica

Kamui Kobayashi was the hero of Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, enhancing his growing reputation as the launcher of kamikaze overtaking moves.

To the delight of his Japanese fans, the Sauber rookie scythed through the field from fourteenth on the grid to seventh at the finish.

"The way he overtook several competitors was absolutely spectacular," said team CEO Monisha Kaltenborn, standing in as team boss in Japan for the absent Peter Sauber.

The 24-year-old launched audacious moves on Adrian Sutil, Rubens Barrichello and Jaime Alguersuari, but teammate Nick Heidfeld was dispensed rather more easily.

"The team asked me not to make any problems for him," the German is quoted by Swiss newspaper Blick.

The paper's veteran correspondent Roger Benoit asked Kobayashi precisely how many overtaking moves he attempted at Suzuka on Sunday.

"I can't remember," he answered. "I only know that there were crashes all around me at the start, and later I made some contacts with my opponents.

"My car is rather damaged!" he revealed.

Team manager Beat Zehnder explained: "Some deflectors are missing from the car, and the sidepod has a big hole in it. Also a part of the front wing isn't there any more."

Renault's Robert Kubica retired from the race after five minutes with a missing wheel.

Said the Pole: "What Kamui did with his car was super. Because I had to watch on television, he saved my day."

Source: Motorsport

Kimi is still Sauber's biggest risky choice

Turun Sanomat 6.10 2010

Peter Sauber praises that Kamui Kobayashi earned his team seat with his own performances.

– Kamui is the first Japanese driver who is in a F1-team without the support of sponsors. He is in F1 because of his talent, Sauber tells.

Sauber still remembers how big the risk he took was when he hired Kimi Räikkönen straight from Formula Renault 2000 -serie to F1-level.

– Kobayashi is the only young driver I wanted to my team without hesitating for a moment, Sauber emphasizes.

Of course Räikkönen was the one who made the biggest impact on Sauber.

– It wasn't just the laptimes that influenced me, it was Kimi's attitude to the team which was something completely special. Kimi doesn't talk unless he has to. All he has is his body language but his attitude speak for itself.

– When the team told him to drive 5 laps in his first test in Mugello he came in after 4 laps and said that he cannot put more strain on his neck. Kimi immediately showed that he is able to lead different operations.

– In the end of the second testing day the engineers sent him out with a small amount of fuel and new tyres without telling him about it. Of course Kimi noticed it and drove exactly the laptimes the engineers had calculated he would be able to drive. Kimi could immediately utilize every possibilities like he would have been a top driver for years.

Sauber reminded that he chose Räikkönen even though Red Bull's Helmut Marko put pressure on him to choose Enrique Bernoldi.

– I didn't change my mind and now very much later I can say that Red Bull seems to have found only one young driver (Sebastian Vettel) who also first drove for us in BMW Sauber.

Turun Sanomat

HEIKKI KULTA

Courtesy: Nicole

The Secret Life of Kamui Kobayashi

BMW Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi will be the subject of intense media scrutiny at his home Grand Prix this weekend. But before he gets hit with a barrage of predictable pre-race questions, we thought we’d get in there with a few less predictable ones. Want an F1 driver who can cook anything, except maybe carrots? Or one who fears the world might end in two years’ time? Or one with as many tattoos as wheels on his car? Then Kobayashi is your man…

Q: Are you a plan-B kind of guy?
Kamui Kobayashi: Not really. Once I find the right plan for me I follow that plan.

Q: Driving an F1 car aside, what is your favourite buzz?
KK: Holidays. I am always waiting for holidays!

Q: Whom do you most look forward to seeing when you arrive in the paddock on a Thursday?
KK: The car - I’m always waiting for an update. And I have a look around what others have brought.

Q: Who is your dream date?
KK: There is nobody really. Probably it would be me, on holiday, without phone and internet…

Q: Which film has made you cry?
KK: The Shawshank Redemption, the prison film with Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. For years it’s been considered the best film ever made. I’m sure I saw it five times.

Q: What are you afraid of - and why?
KK: 2012. According to the Maya calendar something dramatic will happen on our planet.

Q: What was the last book you read?
KK: I don’t like reading books.

Q: What is your favourite way to relax?
KK: Going to the beach.

Q: Name five things that you hate?
KK: Carrots, cold, dirt.

Q: Have you ever - or would you ever - dye your hair?
KK: Yes, I always do it. We Japanese have too black hair so dying your hair lighter is a kind of people’s sport in Japan.

Q: What was the first CD that you bought?
KK: Japanese music, but I cannot remember the name.

Q: Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
KK: I have four tattoos. They don’t have a deeper meaning - I just liked the design. I am always curious about things, always have to try new things.

Q: What did teachers say about you in your school report?
KK: He is a very sporty pupil, but he’s not so much into studying.

Q: Who were your childhood heroes?
KK: I never had a hero.

Q: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
KK: I don’t have any I guess. Shopping was probably one in the past, but now I refrain from that habit…

Q: What do you miss most about home when you are on the road?
KK: My bathroom.

Q: What was your worst buy?
KK: I cannot tolerate alcohol, but many times I order five or six bottles of champagne in a restaurant. And I used to buy a lot of clothes.

Q: How do you take your coffee?
KK: I’ve stopped drinking coffee.

Q: Your ideal non-race Sunday morning?
KK: If it is sunny, I try to get some sun - I need the sun to feel well. Probably go for a picnic.

Q: What was the first car or machine that you drove?
KK: A Toyota when I was 18 years-old. I bought it even before I had my driving license.

Q: What was the most embarrassing mistake that you’ve made?
KK: This year in Canada on my first lap. I don’t want to remember that. (Kobayashi crashed out).

Q: What is the best thing you can cook?
KK: Everything. You name it and I am sure I can cook it - even without any experience. We have the internet and the internet shows you anything. I have cooked in the motorhome for a number of people.

Q: When was the last time you were really furious?
KK: After the race in Hungary I arrived at the airport at 11pm and I saw my flight had been cancelled. I was on my way to Tokyo and that made me almost go berserk.

Source: Formula1.com

Heidfeld confident he will stay in F1 next year

Nick Heidfeld's manager is confident his driver will be racing in Formula One next season, despite the recent news that his current position at Sauber will be occupied by rookie Sergio Perez in 2011.

Heidfeld will see out the rest of the season at Sauber after replacing Pedro de la Rosa at the Singapore Grand Prix. However, Perez will bring Telmex sponsorship to the team next year to secure a drive alongside Kamui Kobayashi, leaving Heidfeld to look elsewhere.

But his manager Andre Theuerzeit insists talks are underway with other teams and that Heidfeld was "not unprepared" for the Perez news.

"There are still cockpits available in Formula One for next season," Theuerzeit told the German news agency SID. "At the moment we are in negotiations and we are confident there will be a positive outcome."

The most desirable seat still up for grabs is at Renault, but the team principal Eric Boullier has played down suggestions Heidfeld's recent role with Pirelli gives him an advantage.

"That Nick Heidfeld should be first choice?" he mused in interview with F1's official website. "Because he sits on important information and would without doubt give them to his new team? I think that Pirelli will inform all the teams in due course."

Another driver confident of securing a 2011 race seat is GP2 driver Giedo van der Garde.

"There are concrete offers from two teams," van der Garde's manager Jan Paul ten Hoopen told Algemeen Dagblad. "We have received one contract we could sign immediately. But for that we need partners."

He added that HRT is not one of the teams in the running for van der Garde.

"It makes no sense to spend a lot of money on a seat if Giedo's career will be finished for the following year," said ten Hoopen. "It wouldn't be the first time it has happened to a driver."

He is hoping a deal can be finalised by F1's Abu Dhabi finale.

Source: ESPNF1

Exclusive Nick Heidfeld Q&A: I feel honoured to be back

At the recent Italian Grand Prix, Nick Heidfeld was a hot candidate for a 2011 drive because of his recent tyre testing for Pirelli. But just days later, Heidfeld is back racing again, replacing Pedro de la Rosa at BMW Sauber for 2010's remaining five Grands Prix. Even though he doesn’t know the C29 at all, and despite having completed very little mileage this year, the German is sure he can deliver in Singapore and keep his rookie team mate Kamui Kobayashi at bay…

Q: Nick, you hoped your duties for Pirelli would raise your chances of getting back into a cockpit for 2011 - but you’re back already. Why did it work out so quickly?
Nick Heidfeld: Well, with my role for Pirelli, it was always clear that it would raise my chances for a 2011 cockpit and the talks with BMW Sauber obviously did not start just a day before the announcement. There have always been talks and there always was a bit of hope throughout the season - with regards to other teams too. And as nothing came up I took the duty with Mercedes as reserve driver, clearly with the perspective to return to a cockpit at latest in 2011.

Q: So the focus was on 2011. Were you therefore surprised to regain a race seat this year?
NH: Sure, the focus was on 2011. What has happened now is something you can’t plan for. That doesn’t mean that getting a cockpit is not always in the back of your mind. And if a good seat comes along, you grab it with both hands. What is really surprising is the time span. It took less than two weeks to get me back into racing. That really was a jump start. Normally you join a team and undergo all preliminary actions like a simulation of the car, testing and so on. It takes weeks and weeks - and now everything happened in less than 14 days.

Q: Being a reserve driver must be one of the loneliest jobs over a race weekend. How did you cope with that situation?
NH: It was not easy, but it was a decision that I took because I wanted to be at the tracks, show my face, stay in the mind of people and have an eye on every opportunity that arises. It was very interesting to work with Mercedes - with Ross Brawn and Michael Schumacher - to see how people who have had a lot of success in Formula One go about things. Hopefully I gained something from that.

Q: Do you feel sympathy for Pedro de la Rosa?
NH: Yes, very much so. He lives nearby in Switzerland and we meet from time to time and I got in contact with him pretty soon after it was decided. He took it very professionally and very well. He is a really nice guy, but he also knows how Formula One works and if I have the chance to get a cockpit I naturally grab it. I definitely would not say, ‘No thanks; it’s Pedro’s’.

Q: Why did you not start the season with the team?
NH: You’ll have to ask Peter (Sauber). We have been in talks and I was interested in joining the team but somehow we didn’t get together. That I am back now makes me feel somewhat honoured because the team knows me very well and if they didn’t know that I am good they wouldn’t have taken me onboard.

Q: Could it have been that Peter Sauber wanted to create a bit of distance between the old and the new?
NH: Without giving away too much I would say that Peter wanted a fresh start. I guess that was on his mind when he decided on his driver line-up.

Q: Could it be that Sauber somehow blamed the drivers for not giving better input on the car's development, which in the end led to BMW's withdrawal?
NH: I don’t think so. A car that is not so competitive is always a result of all the factors involved - not only the drivers - so I would not think that he would blame one driver for not working it out perfectly. He has been in Formula One for too long to not know that you achieve good results together - and you produce mistakes together. As I just said before I think he wanted a fresh start.

Q: What about your new car - the C29? How well do you know it after last season’s development work?
NH: I don’t really know it at all. It’s a new car. I know the structure, yes, and that helps. But with James Key there is a new technical director and he has changed quite a lot. And the tyres are completely different to those of last year, so what I will find on Friday is completely new to me. But I have so many seasons under my belt that I know what is important for a race weekend. What will immediately help is that I can most likely use last year’s seat and that the steering wheel layout is basically the same as last season’s. That should help me to get into the rhythm more quickly.

Q: How did you prepare for this weekend? Aside from the Pirelli drives, you haven’t been in a Formula One car much lately…
NH: It’s true, I haven’t driven the Mercedes car properly at all. I have only done some demos with it - but not on a proper track - and sure there were the Pirelli tests, but here again it was a different car and different tyres. Even so I hope that these test sessions sharpened my senses again and got me the feeling back. When I knew that that I would be racing in Singapore I immediately started to focus on the track layout. I walked the track yesterday to see any differences from last year. But basically there’s nothing too different from what I was used to in the past.

Q: You are teaming up with rookie Kobayashi, who has given the experienced De la Rosa a run for his money…
NH: Well, I don’t know Kamui very well. Just over the last week I have started to get to know him and I find him a very open, friendly and funny guy, with whom you should be able to cooperate very well. He has made a good name for himself in Formula One so I think it will be a good relationship. And competition is part of the business here so I really prefer it to have somebody who is pushing me…

Q: All eyes will be on you this weekend, so how will you cope with that?
NH: I am pretty convinced that I will be able to do a good job this weekend. How good? Let’s wait and see. I don’t know the car yet. This should not sound like an excuse, but we have seen with other drivers that getting into a new car is sometimes quite tricky. Sure the target is to beat Kamui, but that is normal team mate procedure. He would tell you the same about me. The expectations are clearly running quite high - not only in the paddock but also in the team. I like that. Because it shows that people believe in me. I am pretty comfortable with the situation, as in the past I usually performed well under pressure.

Q: After the remaining five races you will surely want more. How far advanced are talks about next year and where will you be?
NH: There are naturally talks with several teams - basically with all the teams that have a reasonable seat available. The top teams have no free cockpits anymore so it’s easy to guess to whom we are talking.

Q: Was it a bit of a risk to come back for these five races? You have the advantage of your Pirelli experience, but if these five races go badly that advantage might disappear. Are you worried about that?
NH: It was not at all on my mind and I don’t see it that way. I still think that having driven the Pirelli tyres is an advantage that has nothing to do with the races now. Sure it would probably have helped more to do more tests with the new tyres, but I wanted to race. I am sure that I will deliver.

Source: Formula1.com

Rumour - Massa to Sauber, Kubica to Ferrari

Rumours of driver movements within the top teams are yet again gaining traction

Recently, a Spanish television station reported that, notwithstanding the existence of new contracts, Felipe Massa and Robert Kubica could be set to swap seats for 2011.

The Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell is now reporting a similar rumour, whereby Massa would leave Ferrari at the end of the season to make room for Pole Kubica.

But the report said Brazilian Massa would be accommodated not by Renault but by Ferrari powered Sauber, where he drove as a rookie in 2002 and again in 2004-2005.

"Of course I read all the rumours," Kubica said in an interview with spox.com, "but in the end the only thing is winning.

"We are all here because we want to win and you need the best car for that. Currently I'm at Renault and so I am focused on this team and on improving together.

"In 2011 we want to fight for the world title. We'll see what happens next," the 25-year-old added.

Kubica admitted that he would like to race for Ferrari one day.

"In karting, Formula Renault and F3, I've always been with Italian teams and I even lived for more than a year near Monza.

"Ferrari is a team unlike any other," he acknowledged. "The emotion and the history is unique. I think every driver would like to drive for Ferrari."

Source: Motorsport.com

Heidfeld excited at F1 return

Nick Heidfeld has expressed his excitement at getting back into Formula One, especially with the first race back being the Singapore Grand Prix.

"I can't wait to get back in the race car," said Heidfeld. "I'm not just very much looking forward to going racing again, as I regard it as a special bonus that my first race will be the Singapore Grand Prix. Two years ago this race immediately became one of my favourites."

Sauber has turned to Heidfeld as the replacement for Pedro de la Rosa for the remainder of the 2010 season and he is expecting the car to perform well this weekend.

"Of course I can hardly imagine how the circuit will suit the car as I haven't driven it yet, but according to everything I saw and from what I have heard, the performance should be better in Singapore compared to Monza. Another positive thing is we found out I probably can use my seat from last year.

"This does not only save a lot of work, but it also gives me a good feeling because it was a very good seat and normally you have to do a lot of fine tuning until it fits that well. I'm also very much looking forward to really getting to know James Key and my team-mate, Kamui [Kobayashi], and working with both of them."

Source: ESPNF1

Kobayashi confirmed at Sauber for 2011

Kamui Kobayashi will hold onto his Sauber race seat in 2011 after extending his contract with the team.

Kobayashi made his F1 debut at the end of 2009 with Toyota before being snapped up by Sauber ahead of the 2010 season.

"We enjoy having our rookie as part of the team, both as a driver and a person," team principal Peter Sauber said. "We never had any doubts about working with him again in 2011.

"Kamui has definitely fulfilled our expectations in terms of his speed and fighting spirit. Plus, his work with the engineers and his technical understanding has also developed very well. The experience he has built up over his first full season in Formula One will certainly stand him in good stead for 2011. And our aim is to give him a fast and reliable car from the outset next season."

After retiring from six of the first eight races this year, Kobayashi has gone on to score 21 points, 15 more than more experienced team-mate Pedro de la Rosa.

"We had a very difficult start to the season, but we've worked together to pull ourselves out of that situation," Kobayashi said. "I feel very much at home in Peter Sauber's team and am very pleased we'll be working together again in 2011. However, for now I'm focusing 100% on this year. There are still six grand prix weekends to go in 2010, and we'll be hoping to make up more ground."

The statement added that the second driver for 2011 would be announced at a later date with de la Rosa reportedly in talks to retain his seat.

Source: ESPNF1

Sauber to drop 'BMW' name this season

Sauber has indicated it will apply to drop the 'BMW' from its official team title at some point during the 2010 season.

Although keeping the same name despite the withdrawal of its former owner, Sauber revealed a new red logo and name - Sauber Motorsport - in the days before last weekend's 2010 season opener.

The 'S' logo and new name was also featured on the engine cover of the Ferrari-powered C29 car in Bahrain.

The acronym of the famous German luxury carmaker, included in tiny letters on the nose of the C29, was retained in order to fully benefit from the commercial rewards of the team's sixth place in the 2009 world championship.

But the result is the awkward FIA constructor designation as BMW Sauber Ferrari, and team boss and founder Peter Sauber said a week ago that the timing of a name change "is still open".

But the 66-year-old Swiss is now quoted as saying by autocar.co.uk: "It (the name change) will happen some time this season."

Source: Motorsport