FORMULA 1 - 2012

[MIKA27]

F1: Sutil admits Sauber 'nice place' for F1 comeback

Adrian Sutil has admitted he would relish the opportunity to return to formula one with Sauber.

Strong rumours in recent days - particularly in the wake of his podium in Malaysia - have linked Sergio Perez with Felipe Massa's race seat at Ferrari.

That would create a vacancy at Sauber.

Sutil, the Force India refugee who is sitting on the sidelines at the moment in the wake of his criminal assault conviction, hopes he would be near the top of the Swiss team's shortlist.

"I want to go back -- hopefully very soon," he is quoted on Tuesday by Bayerisches Fernsehen.

"You have to look around at where the opportunities are.

"I've always thought very, very well of Sauber, and this year they are doing a great job," said the 29-year-old. "They are one of the strongest private teams.

"Definitely that would be a nice place," added Sutil.

Some media engagements aside, the German has left his 2012 calendar completely open in the event an opportunity to return to F1 arises.

"I'm keeping in top shape and I'm very motivated," he explained.

"I had wonderful years with Force India, but now I'm really looking forward to a new challenge. I'm really ready -- at any time.

"Right now I won't race somewhere else (other than F1) because I see great opportunities to be back soon."

Sutil said he is happy that Eric Lux has publicly forgiven him for their Shanghai altercation of a year ago, but the German driver admitted a "bitter aftertaste" remains.

"I hope it's really all finished quickly -- that it would go on for this long, I never would have expected.

"I'm glad it's over but most of the damage is already done," said Sutil.

It would be on the way to being mended, however, if he was reunited with the F1 grid.

"In sport, people forget very quickly -- especially in formula one, where you're only ever as good as your last race," he concluded.

[MIKA27]

JAMES ALLEN ON F1

Hi guys.

I thought this might interest you all as it is one of the sources I get my F1 information from and even better, this source, James Allen knows everything about whats going on in the paddock as well as knowing the 'who's who' in Formula 1.

James' website is a wealth of knowledge BUT I have just noticed, he has started a Formula 1 podcast which is free to download via iTunes and or listen direct from you PC, tablet etc!

The first podcast for JA.F1 is: Click on the link

http://www.jamesalle...cast-episode-1/

Let me know what you think! This is great!!

LISTEN TO JAMES ALLEN ON F1 PODCAST EPISODE 2:

Thanks to all the JA on F1 followers who downloaded the first podcast in February and for taking it to number 1 on ITunes in several countries, including the UK.

The new podcast, Episode 2: March, is now available. This month with the new F1 season off to a great start with races in Australia and Malaysia and China up next, we take a look at F1 in Asia. With six races on the current calendar, why has the region become so important to F1? Is the sport managing to build a fanbase in Asia? And what is the best way for F1 to attract new followers there?

There’s also an up to the minute interview with the organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix, on the day they confirmed that the 2012 race will go ahead.

At the end of every month we produce a new podcast with input from the big names in the sport as well as from names you don’t get to hear so often. We aim to give F1 fans a rounded insight into the sport, bringing them closer to the sport and taking into the audio arena what we’ve been doing for years in text. Thanks to our partners at UBS for making this possible.

You can listen to it here or download it. It is also available to download on ITunes by searching for James Allen on F1. If you like it please rate it or leave comments on ITunes. That will help a lot!

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2012/03/listen-to-the-ja-on-f1-podcast-episode-2/

[MIKA27]

Karthikeyan hits back at Vettel

Narain Karthikeyan has slammed World Champion Sebastian Vettel for the derogatory remarks he made about the HRT man following the Malaysian GP.

The pair were involved in an incident on lap 47 of the race in which Vettel clipped Karthikeyan's front wing while passing him, contact which resulted in a left rear puncture for the German.

After the race Vettel was in no doubt as to whose fault the coming together was, calling Karthikeyan a "cucumber and saying that: "Just like on the normal roads you have some idiots driving around, it seems like there is also one driving here."

The HRT driver has not taken the criticism sitting down though, standing up for himself and accusing Vettel of conduct unbecoming of a double-World Champion.

"For a world champion to say things like that is really shameful," Narain Karthikeyan told the Hindustan Times.

"It is really unprofessional. For a driver who has achieved so much to take out his frustrations on me just because he is having a difficult year is really sad. One does not expect a professional sportsman to be such a cry baby."

Karthikeyan appears to have found support in the form of Force India's Nico Hulkneberg.

"I heard about whatever happened and I also saw it on TV," Hulkenberg is quoted as telling reporters.

"From what I saw, it was not Narain's fault. So, I don't really understand why he said all of that.

"I think Vettel was just emotional at that point of time. He lost out on points, it was frustrating for him and his team. At the end of the day, he is just human and sometimes you get emotional."

The race stewards sided with Vettel though, handing Karthikeyan a 20-second penalty to add on to the end of this race time for causing an avoidable collision.

[MIKA27]

Lotus eye continued development

Lotus technical director James Allison admits there will be no letting up this season as teams battle to win the development race.

The Enstone outfit have endured a mixed start to the season, with Romain Grosjean qualifying strongly in both Australia and Malaysia only to crash in both races while Kimi Raikkonen has shown good race pace to secure 16 points through fifth and seventh place finishes.

Allison believes that when the action gets back underway in China next month, the E20 will be a lot stronger due to new development packages that will be implemented.

"There may be a gap between races but it's certainly no break as we will be working flat out on the way to Shanghai," he said.

"We have plenty of upgrades on the way to help extract some more pace from the car.

"When you look at how tight the field is, the sort of developments we will bring would gain us quite a few places on the grid if nobody else were doing the same thing.

"But, unfortunately for us, of course they all are all working just as furiously as we are. We'll just have to hope our development slope is steeper than theirs to allow us to inch forward in China.

"This year more than ever, mounting a sustained development programme will be the key to success."

[MIKA27]

Senna admits an ease in pressure

Having claimed sixth spot at last weekend's Malaysian GP, Bruno Senna believes that he has begun to show he deserves to be in Formula One.

Senna replaced countryman Rubens Barrichello at Williams this year but his recruitment was met with scepticism with many of the opinion that Williams signed him simply for the money that he brings to the team.

However, the Brazilian put in a strong showing at Sepang, recording a career-highest finish of sixth, despite colliding with team-mate Pastor Maldonado on the opening lap.

"Having a good result takes some of the weight off your shoulders," said the 28-year-old.

"There will always be critics and you are never going to please everybody.

"But for sure, having a strong result will take some wind out of the critics' sails.

"Hopefully I can make sure I keep having strong results to show I deserve my place here," he added.

The eight points Senna collected in Malaysia means that Williams have now already topped the total number (six) that they scored last season.

[MIKA27]

Jordan awarded OBE

Former F1 team boss turned television pundit Eddie Jordan has received an honorary OBE.

The Irishman has been awarded the honour for his services to charity and motor racing. Jordan is a patron for the children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent and The Amber Foundation, a charity that assists young homeless people. Jordan's band - Eddie and the Robbers - also performs at various charity events.

"What a wonderful moment in my life," said the 63-year-old.

"I am hugely surprised and greatly overjoyed to receive this magnificent honour, however it would not have been possible without the help of my family, the Jordan Grand Prix F1 team, CLIC Sargent and in more recent times the BBC F1 team."

[MIKA27]

Bernie backs Bahrain GP

Bernie Ecclestone has once again voiced his support for the Bahrain GP, insisting that it will take place, while officials say it could unite the country.

Bahrain has been a hot topic in world politics and in the microcosm of F1 after the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled due to the civil unrest that had broken out in the Gulf state.

There has been much debate regarding whether or not the 2012 race would take place, but Ecclestone says there isn't anything to debate - F1 is returning to Bahrain in April.

"Of course the race is going to happen. No worries at all," Ecclestone told Press Association Sport.

"What I don't understand are the negative statements being made, people catching them and continuing them. They're saying things they don't understand.

"People say to me 'There's not going to be a race.' And I say 'Well how do you know?' And they tell me they saw or read something, but it's all nonsense.

"These people (the Bahrainis) were brave enough to start an event in that part of the world, and that's it. We'll be there as long as they want us."

Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani insists that security issues arise everywhere and that nothing out of the ordinary will occur in Bahrain.

"I've been mugged in New York twice and I still go back," said Alzayani.

"My brother was mugged outside Harrods. Somebody stuck a knife to him and took off his Rolex, but he still comes to London 10 times a year.

"These incidents can happen anywhere. It's not going to stop our grand prix.

"But I don't think anything will happen. We are not witnessing that (kind of incident) in Bahrain.

"You will go there and see it's business as usual. Yes, we have some isolated clashes with police in villages, but some of them are tiny - 10 to 15 people.

"It's nothing, yet it gets blown out of all proportion and it makes it sound bad, that the whole nation is rising up."

"You can't turn history around, what happened, happened," he added.

"But you can learn from it, move on, and the government acknowledged that.

"Nobody is saying 'No, nothing wrong happened'. We all lived it, but what we are saying now is that what happened is not happening today, and it's time to move on."

Ecclestone added that while he was not concerned about security, everything would be done to ensure the safety of all involved.

"Whatever is necessary to do will be done, and which is probably not necessary anyway," said the Briton.

"We've never been concerned about security in the past. I don't understand why people should be concerned now."

For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa, the president of the Automobile Federation of Bahrain, believes that GP could help to unite the people of Bahrain.

"People keep asking me about Bahrain, and I appreciate their apprehension, but anybody who has been there before and comes now will see there is no difference," he said.

"It is why I'm hoping for the race to come as quickly as possible, just to let this community (in Formula One) see and feel what is really going on in Bahrain.

"I know all eyes are on us, but for me I feel there is a buzz going on in the country to rally around Formula One.

"So my message to Formula One is 'be part of unifying my country'.

"We've had our share of trouble, people have made mistakes, but it is time to reconcile, to move on and come out stronger and more united."

[MIKA27]

F1: Pirelli eyes Alguersuari, Trulli for test role

Pirelli is reportedly considering signing a 2011 race driver to be the official tyre supplier's new test driver.

AS newspaper in Spain said Jaime Alguersuari, formerly at Toro Rosso and now travelling the F1 calendar as a co-commentator for British radio, is a front-runner.Pirelli has secured the use of a 2010 Renault for private development testing this year, which is expected to begin in May.

AS said the "only obstacle" to a deal for 22-year-old Alguersuari is that Pirelli, an Italian marque, is also interested in grand prix winner Jarno Trulli, who raced last year with Team Lotus (now Caterham).

There are no Italian race drivers in F1 this year.

[MIKA27]

F1: Vettel risks penalty for 'middle finger' tirade

The FIA could sanction F1's reigning back-to-back world champion for his behaviour during the recent Malaysian grand prix.

Before calling backmarker Narain Karthikeyan a "gherkin" and "idiot" in the wake of their collision, Sebastian Vettel was captured by his on-board camera twice displaying his middle-finger to the Indian driver."I think he's highly frustrated because he's having a tough season," Karthikeyan told the Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday.

"It's completely unprofessional to blame me for the incident. The derogatory remark only goes to show him in bad light.

"Just because he has a good car, he can't call others an idiot," Karthikeyan continued.

"I have won races in all the previous single-seater championships I have participated in so I don't need a certificate from Vettel."

Reports in Germany, including in the Kolner Express, Bild and Die Welt newspapers, claim that Red Bull driver's behaviour may have breached the new stricter code of conduct introduced by FIA president Jean Todt.

The FIA has been contacted for comment.

"He has breached the code of conduct," former F1 driver Marc Surer told Germany's Sky television. "You sign it when you get the license and then you have to behave correspondingly.

"Any behaviour that hurts other people or the sport is an offense," added the Swiss.

Asked what the penalties might be, Surer explained: "Anything from a warning to a license revocation. In this case I think it was quite understandable and there will be a mild punishment, if there is anything."

Hans-Joachim Stuck, however, is slightly less forgiving.

"When you're overtaking, misunderstandings can occur. I think Vettel needs to learn this.

"With him, the curve was always upwards and now it's not the case, and he needs to deal with that," the German legend told the DAPD news agency.

As for Vettel's description of Karthikeyan as a "gherkin", Stuck insisted: "It's better than '*******'."

Vettel's attack, however, was sustained, with Kleine Zeitung newspaper now quoting the Red Bull driver as having said: "Maybe formula one is not the place to learn how to drive."

Stuck responded: "If Sebastian had left more space, it would not have happened. It happens sometimes so it's a racing incident.

"He (Karthikeyan) didn't do it on purpose and it always takes two."

The HRT driver hit back by calling Vettel a "bully", and even David Coulthard - a Red Bull team consultant - defended Karthikeyan.

"He can't make his car invisible," the Scot is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

Also defending Karthikeyan was Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg, who told the Indian press this week: "From what I saw, it was not Narain's fault.

"So I don't really understand why he (Vettel) said all that."

Hulkenberg's Force India teammate Paul di Resta added: "Narain is entitled to do as much on the track in comparison with someone like Vettel.

"Both are F1 drivers and are there to represent their teams."

[MIKA27]

HAMILTON VISITS STREET KIDS IN MANILA:

Lewis Hamilton got to see first hand the hardships faced by street children in Manila this week when he headed straight from the Malaysian Grand Prix to the capital of the Philippines to record a short film for UNICEF.

The 2008 F1 world champion met some of the estimated 85,000 children who live and work on the streets in Manila, documenting his experiences in the Binondo area of the city in a film that will air during the celebrity football event Soccer Aid that raises money for children's charity UNICEF and airs on ITV1 in the UK on May 27.

During his two-day trip Hamilton spent time with a 10-year-old boy called Reynold who looks after two younger brothers by working and begging to earn money for food, the family forced to live in an old wooden cart on the outskirts of a market. As well as talking to the children, Hamilton got to see the work UNICEF do to help and protect them such as the provision of mobile educational services, regular health clinics and helping to move them into safe community environments.

Hamilton's film will be one of a number shown during the Soccer Aid programme highlighting UNICEF's work and the McLaren driver hopes his film can help shed light on the struggles faced by millions of such childen around the world.

"I hope that we have managed to make a film that will show the harsh reality for children who live on the streets in Manila and around the world. The young boys and girls who I have met today are really fantastic children, but they are living without the simple things that most people take for granted, like food, clean water and a safe place to sleep at night. It shouldn't be like this," he said.

"But I've also seen how UNICEF and their partners are helping them and changing their lives for the better. Just a little money can make a huge difference for vulnerable children living tough lives around the world. Please, buy a ticket for Soccer Aid in May, or watch the programme and make a donation. It could be the difference between life and death for a child."

All profits raised from ticket sales for the match, along with donations during the programme on May 27, will go to funding UNICEF's worldwide work.

[MIKA27]

'Red Bull are not a happy camp'

BBC F1 technical analyst Gary Anderson believes Red Bull are "not coping well" with not being at the front of the grid.

After sweeping all before them during the 2011 campaign, Red Bull and World Champion Sebastian Vettel have found life a lot tougher during the first two races of this year.

The team have struggled during qualifying and Vettel is yet to start on the second row of the grid, let alone the front row. Although he finished second in Australia, he didn't really challenge race winner Jenson Button while in Malaysia he was forced to retire with a puncture when he was P4.

The German's frustrations got the better of him at Sepang as he gave the middle finger to Narain Karthikeyn after they collided. He also criticised the HRT driver after the race, saying "there are a few cucumbers on the road".

It is certainly a different experience for Vettel and the rest of the Red Bull team, and Anderson feels they are yet to come to grips with the fact that they are no longer the pacesetters.

"Red Bull are definitely not a happy camp - that's clear from speaking to management at the team, and seeing Sebastian Vettel's display of emotion after the race in Malaysia," he told BBC F1.

"It is not the first time Vettel has betrayed that emotional side to his character when things have not been going his way.

"You could even see that frustration in him in Abu Dhabi last year when he got his puncture at the start - and that was one race out of a season he had dominated.

"So if he's going to react like that then, will he spit his dummy out when two or three races go wrong?

"All the way through the team, they are clearly not coping well with no longer being at the front."

Anderson believes the Milton Keynes outfit's struggles may be down to the two major regulation changes this season.

"Exhaust-blown diffusers were banned, and load tests on front wings were stiffened up, preventing the edges of the wing dipping towards the track to improve downforce," he said.

"In the last two years, Red Bull's big benefit was in having a car on which they did not have to do much work at a race meeting. But in Malaysia, for the first time ever, I saw them changing torsion bars, roll-bars, ride heights and so on.

"They are obviously still trying to find their feet with their new car - there were not many times during the race weekend in Malaysia when they looked like the real opposition. They clearly have a lot of work to do."

MIKA: In other words, Vettel has been spoilt despite winning back to back WDC. He has stated, Three (3) is just a number when referring to winning 3 WDC's so if it's not such a big deal, no need to crack it IMO. For Christs sake, we're only into the 3rd round, there's loads of opportunities to get back in form. As for the regulations, EVERYONE has to cope with the same rules, changes and regulations.

[MIKA27]

Di Resta takes heart from Perez podium

Paul di Resta believes Force India can take heart from Sergio Perez's podium finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

In one of the results that will surely go down as one of the most memorable moments of the 2012 season, Perez came from ninth on the grid to finish second behind Ferrari's Fernando Alonso during a rain-interrupted race in Sepang.

Other midfield runners like Force India, who have claimed their one and only podium when Giancarlo Fisichella finished second in the 2009 Belgian GP, will no doubt try to emulate Sauber.

"I don't think you can rule that out," Di Resta said when asked if his team can get on the podium this season.

"You have to be ready for that (the opportunity of a podium), should that happen. It's going to be a massive task and a difficult one.

"You want it to happen, you go and prepare yourself for the weekend, if you can. We only saw this weekend what Sauber achieved, and Perez (achieved).

"We have to believe that it can happen to us, if every circumstance goes the right way."

[MIKA27]

Fernandes: Petrov's been a good addition

Tony Fernandes says Caterham decided to replace Jarno Trulli with Vitaly Petrov this year as they wanted to "bring in some new talent".

A Trulli-Heikki Kovalainen driver line-up helped Caterham - which first competed as Lotus Racing and then Team Lotus - to finish 10th in the Constructors' Championship during their first two seasons in F1.

However they decided it was time for a change and replaced veteran Trullli with Petrov, and team principal Fernandes says they felt the time was right to axe the Italian.

"Jarno played an incredibly important role in the first two years of our team," he told the official Formula One website.

"He and Heikki both gave us the experience and the push we needed from day one to ensure we finished tenth in our first two seasons, and to set the standards we needed to mirror the teams they had both been with before joining us.

"In 2011 Jarno finished in positions that helped us seal that all-important tenth place in the Championship, but he would be the first to say he was probably coming to the end of his time in F1. He had a long and very successful career, and we are very thankful we were able to work with him for our first two years.

"But we wanted to bring in some new talent, and Vitaly has proven to be an incredibly good acquisition for the team. He is quick, he is talented and he has settled in immediately.

"A few people said to me that he was quite quiet, but the opposite has proven to be true. He is hungry, he is very eager to keep proving he has the talent to mix it at the top and he has a great sense of humour.

"He has brought new energy to his side of the garage and we are all delighted he is with us."

After two consecutive 10th place finishes, Caterham are setting their sights higher this year and Fernandes believes they have already showed that they can make the step up to the midfield.

"The goal for mid-season is the same as it is for the whole year ahead," he said.

"We know what is achievable, and breaking into the midfield is a huge challenge, so the reasonable target is tenth again. The 'stretch' target - what we want to push everyone to achieve - is to be fighting in the midfield pack and when you look back to the pace we showed in Australia that is not beyond the realms of possibility.

"Looking at the data comparisons between where we were last year and where we have started 2012, it is evident that we have improved. Only a couple of teams have found time and we are one of them. Now we need to keep working as hard as we can to improve our qualifying performance, make sure we are bulletproof reliability wise, and never give up."

[MIKA27]

Sauber: Perez has no contact with Ferrari

Peter Sauber has once again downplayed Sergio Perez's Ferrari connection, saying the fact that he's in the team's Young Driver Academy is "nothing special".

Speculation linking Perez with a move to the Italian outfit has gone into overdrive after the 22-year-old claimed a stunning P2 during Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

With Felipe Massa once again struggling to keep up with team-mate Fernando Alonso and with Perez a member of the Ferrari's Young Driver Academy, word in the paddock suggests it's a case of when and not if the youngster replaces the Brazilian.

The Mexican has already denied the rumours, insisting he "will stay with Sauber for the whole season" and now team principal Sauber has also poured cold water over the reports.

"He has no contact with Ferrari. He is in this (Ferrari) academy, but it's nothing special," Sauber told SPEED.com.

As for the amazing result in Sepang, Sauber said: "The feeling is fantastic, of course. 'Checo' did an incredible race.

"I was so surprised after the tyre change, as he was in front with wet tyres, with intermediate tyres, and then also with slick tyres. He's young and I think he has a good future, but the car has to be good also, otherwise you can't do that.

"Also, the car has to be good, otherwise you can't do that. But I think we have to stay on the ground - that's important."

[MIKA27]

French GP announcement expected Friday

An announcement that France will return to the Formula 1 calendar as early as 2013 is expected on Friday.

The race will likely alternate with the Belgian round at Spa-Francorchamps, meaning a return in 2013 would see Spa absent from the calendar next year.

French prime minister Francois Fillon will make an announcement about the event at the Paul Ricard circuit near Marseille on Friday.

France has been absent from the calendar since 2008 when the last race at Magny-Cours was held, won by Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

Interest in returing to France has recently peaked with the introduction of three local drivers to the grid in 2012; Romain Grosjean, Jean-Eric Vergne and Charles Pic.

A report in a local newspaper suggests the organisers have agreed a deal with Bernie Ecclestone which will cost the government just £16.7m ($26.5m, €20m) annually, far less than recent introductions to the roster.

[MIKA27]

Andretti: F1 needs U.S., but can't forget Europe

Former Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti has stressed the importance of having at least one race in the United States, but says the sport must not forget its traditional roots in Europe.

The 72-year-old, speaking to CNBC, not only believes F1 must be in the U.S., but the U.S. needs an F1 race due to the growing popularity of the sport around the world.

"Formula 1 needs to be in the United States on solid ground, and the U.S. needs a Formula One race," he said.

"With the Circuit de Americas in Austin and the planned event for 2013 in New Jersey, you have two US Grand Prix for the first time and it's going to be awesome," he added.

"There is so much more demand for Formula One than it can supply. You have governments investing in circuits all over the world, and the private sector sometimes has a tough time competing with that.

"Formula One has always been very prominent because it is on a world stage, but over the last 10 to 15 years it has gone to the next dimension."

Whilst expansion into Asia, the Middle East and America is fine, Andretti warns that it must not forget its roots, where it all began in Europe. With new markets, European races are beginning to dwindle with just eight of the 20 races in the continent, and that's expected to fall to seven in 2013.

"You should never get away from where the real foundation of Formula One has been, which is Europe. Of course, there is nothing wrong with the expansion to countries like Asia, China, Malaysia. I just hope that Mr. Bernie Ecclestone keeps an eye on the strong tradition that Formula 1 has in Europe."

[MIKA27]

Massa: 'Time to turn the page on a bad start'

Felipe Massa says he's looking forward to turning the page on what he admits has been a bad start to the season for him, in which he's yet to score a point.

The Brazilian currently sits 19th in the drivers' championship, whilst his team-mate, Fernando Alonso, sits first with 35 points and a race win to his name.

Massa says there is no denying both Australia and Malaysia were poor races for him, but he's determined to change that at the next race in China following a meeting with his engineer Rob Smedley and technical director Pat Fry, which saw him cancel previous plans to return to Brazil to see his family.

"I changed my plans and came to Maranello after the race in Sepang," said Massa. "I met my engineer Rob Smedley and I spent a lot of time with Pat Fry, going over everything that happened, because this is the only way I think we can understand the reasons behind these two bad weekends.

"I am disappointed, there is no denying it: not scoring any points in two races hurts, but now it's time to turn the page. I want this negative period to come to an end. I want things to return to normal, to a situation in which I can show my talent as I have always done and as the team knows I can do."

The 30-year-old is further motivated to reward his team following the support they've given him during a difficult period in his career.

"I was very happy to read and hear what was said by President Montezemolo, our boss Stefano Domenicali and my team-mate Fernando," he added.

"Their words did not come as a surprise, because I know I can count on the support of what is a real second family for me, which is what Ferrari has been to me for all these years.

"Now I want to transform that into results to pay back all this support."

Massa will now head to Monaco before returning to Maranello to prepare for the next race where he is hoping an improved F2012 will contribute to a better race.

"I am heading home to Monaco to spend a few days with my family, then next week I will be back in Maranello for further meetings with the engineers and for a bit of time working on the simulator.

"Pat ran through with me the details of the F2012 development programme and we hope we can slightly improve our performance already in Shanghai. Both there and at Sakhir, one of my favourite tracks, we will once again be fighting on the counter-attack, trying to fine tune the car as well as possible to make the most of any opportunity, just as Fernando did in Sepang.

"The championship looks like being long and closely contested, with many teams seemingly able to fight for the top places and it only takes a little to find yourself in the front or the back. We hope we can make good progress as soon as possible and put ourselves solidly in the lead group!"

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F1: F-duct legality 'part of the game' insists Haug

Norbert Haug has the 'F-duct' debate around by admitting he questions the exhaust solution featured on this year's McLaren car.

Some teams - notably Red Bull, Lotus and Ferrari - have complained loudly about the W03's aerodynamic configuration, arguing the F-duct ban completely ruled out similar systems that are triggered by a driver's movement.

Mercedes argues that its new F-duct is entirely passive and is triggered not by the driver but by the activation of the 'DRS' rear wing system.

So far, the FIA agrees, but it has led to suggestions Mercedes is only performing in qualifying because of its questionable F-duct, before struggling in the race when DRS use is much more limited.

"We have to live with that," Mercedes' motor racing chief Haug is quoted by Sport Bild, "until we are faster in the race, but it's not true that we do not have a good car.

"We are a serious team that has to pretend nothing; we have prepared well in winter testing."

Team boss Ross Brawn said recently he suspects all the fuss about Mercedes' F-duct is a diversion when it comes to the exhaust solutions taken by some of his rivals in the wake of the blown diffuser clampdown.

Haug agrees that championship leader McLaren's solution, for example, is "probably not what they (the FIA) had in mind when the blown diffuser was banned".

But he also said Mercedes is not threatening to protest the "clever" British team.

"It is quite legitimate that we ask the FIA for a clarification, otherwise we could be missing a trick.

"It's part of the game," he explains.

[OZCUBAN]

Great posts Mika as usual

I am really excited this year ,it's good when one ,or two teams do not totally dominate,and it's good to see the new talent such as Perez starting to shine

Bring it on I reckon ,this year looks like it will be filled with good racing and high drama ,for me the real essence of Formula one

Cheers OZ

[MIKA27]

Great posts Mika as usual

I am really excited this year ,it's good when one ,or two teams do not totally dominate,and it's good to see the new talent such as Perez starting to shine

Bring it on I reckon ,this year looks like it will be filled with good racing and high drama ,for me the real essence of Formula one

Cheers OZ

Thanks Steve, great to see you on this thread!

This year looks like one of the best in recent times even though we have only had two races thus far. I want to see great racing, mixed up with varied teams winning podiums and points. It's great to see Vettel stressing out, I think he's had it easy these past two seasons, well deserved wins I must say, BUT NOW with the playing field being on almost equal terms, we are sure to see RBR dominance subside a little giving way to teams like Sauber, Williams.

I just wish the politics could completely vanish and bring on the racing. This season has 6 world champions, a bunch of rookies that are driving superbly in the likes of Perez, Maldonado (In his second season), Paul Diresta, Vergne to name a few as well as the US GP, what more can any F1 fan wish for! (Actually, a ticket to the US GP would be nice! )

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F1: FIA 'not aware' of penalty risk for obscene Vettel gesture

F1's governing body has played down claims Sebastian Vettel faces a penalty for his behaviour during the Malaysian grand prix.

After the race, the reigning world champion dismissed HRT's Narain Karthikeyan as an "idiot" following their on-track collision.

On-board footage subsequently proved that Red Bull driver Vettel, 24, twice showed his Indian driver a 'middle finger' salute.

Reports in Germany suggested the behaviour was a breach of the stricter code of conduct under FIA president Jean Todt, with the German theoretically facing anything from a warning to the revocation of his superlicense.

"My understanding is these matters are dealt with by stewards at each grand prix," an FIA spokesman told us. "I am not aware of any other action being contemplated."

Karthikeyan, who was penalised after the clash, told the Hindustan Times newspaper that the stewards favoured world champion Vettel's explanation.

"They (the stewards) didn't care about what I had to say because Mr Vettel told them god knows what when he went and talked to them," he said.

But Red Bull team boss Christian Horner defended Vettel, telling the Mirror that it is "Karthikeyan's responsibility to get out of the way for the leaders".

Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg, meanwhile, partly excused Vettel's outbursts.

"I think Vettel was just emotional at that point of time. At the end of the day, he is just human and sometimes you get emotional," the German is quoted by the Times of India.

Former driver Adrian Sutil goes even further.

"I can understand him (Vettel)," he told Die Welt newspaper in Germany. "I was often angry when I was lapping people, when they make no room for you while they are fighting for places that have almost no significance.

"Karthikeyan ended up influencing not only Vettel's race, but also Jenson Button's. They (backmarkers) have to understand that as well."

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Button: Alonso partnership would be exciting

Jenson Button says he would love to have Fernando Alonso as a team-mate, "to work with and to be an enemy" of.

Although the duo have never raced as team-mates out on track there was a year when they were at the same team, Renault.

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Alguersuari joins Pirelli as test driver

Jaime Alguersuari will join Lucas di Grassi as Pirelli's official test drivers to aid development of next seasons tyres, the Italian company confirmed on Friday.

Pirelli recently confirmed the use of a modified Renault R30 from the 2010 F1 season to help develop its tyres. Jerez, Spa, Monza and Barcelona will all host Pirelli test sessions this season.

Alguersuari, who is currently working as a radio commentator for the BBC after being dropped by Toro Rosso, says the role is the perfect birthday present after turning 22 last week.

"I'm very happy indeed to have this fantastic opportunity," said Alguersuari. "A week ago it was my birthday, when I turned 22, and now Pirelli has given me the best possible present.

"I can't wait to get started with this very important and challenging job of developing the new tyres for the future, which I'm looking forward to a lot. I have a huge desire to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car again and return to competition, so this is a brilliant chance for me."

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TROUBLE ON THE GROUND IN BAHRAIN:

After the messages of reassurance from Bahrain GP organisers this week and the show of the support from the F1 bosses and teams, events on the ground in the country this weekend have raised further questions about what might happen over the next three weeks as we count down to the scheduled race date of April 22nd.

Protests this weekend saw a fatality as local militia shot dead a man who, according to a Reuters report quoting the man's cousin, was "taking pictures of a demonstration when what he described as "militia members" in an unmarked car opened fire on him."

Protests are happening almost every day, according to reports, often ending in violence.

More worryingly for the image of F1, on Saturday a protester throwing missiles at the police was seen to be wearing the iconic Prancing Horse logo of Ferrari on his back, showing the uncomfortable mix of sporting icons and political struggle, which gives fuel to those who argue that the sport has no business mixing itself with the politics of the country at a difficult time. Ecclestone said last week that he has no problem with F1 being used by the country's rulers to send out a message that the country is moving forwards, the race being positioned as "a force for good".

"We'd be happy to do whatever," he said. "I don't see that we can help much but we're there, we have confidence in Bahrain. The good thing about Bahrain is that it's more democratic than most places. The people there are allowed to speak what they want and they can protest what they want to."

Meanwhile it has also been emerged in the German media that the teams have a back up plan to get personnel and freight back to Europe from Shanghai via Dubai in the event that the situation escalates to such a degree that it is considered safer to call the race off at short notice. It is the belief of many within the F1 community that this will happen, at some point during the Chinese GP weekend. McLaren personnel are privately particularly concerned as the team is half owned by the investment arm of the Bahraini ruling family.

However that was far from the message from Ecclestone, the event's organisers and the team principals who attended last week's lunch at the RAC Club in London, making for a confusing picture just three weeks before personnel are due to arrive in Manama.

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Force India banking on Mugello upgrades

Force India are hoping to make up ground on their rivals when they introduce an upgraded package at the sole in-season test at Mugello in May.

Although the team has scored points in both grands prix that have been run, the team is not where they want to be especially after watching fellow midfield outfit Sauber finish on the podium in Malaysia.

However, deputy team principal Bob Fernley is confident the team close the gap when they introduce several new parts at the Mugello test in May.

"I am hoping that Mugello puts us where we would have liked to have been for the start of the season," Fernley told Autosport.

"We are a little bit behind because our focus was trying to secure sixth last season and we are about four or five races behind schedule.

"The plan is to come out of the first four races and not be to far away. Then we can bring the performance in through the season, so we are pretty much on target.

"We just need to get through China and Bahrain and then see where we go."

But while Fenley believes Force India's VJM05 isn't up to scratch, the same cannot be said of his drivers Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg.

"We haven't given either driver the best of cars, yet. They are showing their mettle to get us through and what we need to do is respond and give them the car that can challenge from Mugello onwards.

"Both of them did well [in Malaysia], especially when you consider that it was Nico's first race for over year and it couldn't have been tougher for him.

"Given where we are in the development programme, it was a sterling effort from everybody."