FORMULA 1 - 2012

[MIKA27]

HRT preview the Belgian GP

Heading to Spa with a "lot of hunger and desire", HRT are keen to take the challenge to their fellow newcomers...

Pedro de la Rosa: "Spa is one of the drivers' favourite tracks; it's spectacular and difficult, not only because of the type of corners but also because of the weather, since one part of the track can be dry whilst another is wet, so you have to be able to adapt quickly. We're going to use the same medium downforce that worked so well in Canada so we hope to perform well despite the large amount of high speed corners. We've all returned full of energy from the holidays and I personally arrive in my best physical condition of the season and really looking forward to taking on the second half of the championship".

Narain Karthikeyan: "Spa is a drivers' track. I won here in my Formula 3 days so I have some nice memories and the atmosphere is always great. Even though a lot of run-off has been added over the years, it still has some of the most challenging corners on the calendar. And then there's the classic Spa weather which nearly always plays a part in the final result. We'll be using the same medium rear wing which worked well in Canada so we hope it goes well in Spa and aim to maintain our progress throughout the second part of the championship. We're back after a much deserved break after an especially intense start to the season for us and we're really looking forward to it".

Dani Clos: "Once again I have a chance to step into the car and work for the team and that fills me with satisfaction. Especially after having run in the events leading up to the summer break, for me it is really important to stay active and be able to continue growing alongside my teammates Pedro and Narain. Spa is a circuit where I have great memories. I won my first international one-seater race there, that's something you never forget and it makes me have special feelings for this circuit. I've been able to rest these days, at least by not travelling, but I haven't stopped training and I've stepped up the rhythm since last week to make it to Belgium in prime conditions to be able to give it my all".

Luis Pérez-Sala, Team Principal: "After the summer we head into the Belgian Grand Prix with a lot of hunger and desire. We're starting the second part of the championship and we will try to continue in the same manner as the first part and improve. Spa is a circuit that the drivers really like because it is the longest in the championship and is made up of a combination of fast and slow corners, besides being located in a beautiful area. It is a medium downforce circuit and the temperatures aren't extreme so we shouldn't have any reliability issues. The weather is always unpredictable in Spa so we have to be ready to take on any situation".

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Lewis and Jenson will be hoping to add further McLaren's records at Spa

One of the most revered racetracks in the world, Spa-Francorchamps featured on the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship calendar in 1950 and has retained much of its original high-speed character to this day.

There have been two iterations of the circuit. The first was designed in 1920, using public roads and the natural elevation changes of the local Ardennes countryside. This layout measured 14km and was extremely fast: F1's final visit in 1970 saw cars averaging 150mph per lap.

A substantial redesign 30 years ago shortened the circuit to seven kilometres and made it safer, while still retaining many famous corners from the original layout such as Eau Rouge and Blanchimont. It's now the longest circuit in F1 and a favourite among the drivers as a result of its challenging high-speed sweeps.

Average lap speeds are in excess of 140mph, which mean the drivers and engineers search for a good high-speed balance on their cars. Engine power and aerodynamic efficiency are also important because the cars are flat-out for more than 20 seconds between the La Source hairpin and Les Combes corner.

The fickle microclimate of the Ardennes can also play a role in the outcome of the race, too. Rain often plays havoc with race strategies, while also making track conditions treacherous, which is why the Belgian Grand Prix sees such a regular occurrence of Safety Cars.

McLaren has an enviable record at Spa. The team's founder, Bruce McLaren, won at the track in 1968 and the team has taken 10 subsequent wins at the circuit. Lewis and Jenson will be hoping to add further to that tally this year.

Jenson Button: "The past few weeks have been a perfect combination of a bit of downtime to relax and some great training, all of which has had me raring to get back in the car. I've been out in the Philippines; and Hawaii, training, and having a bit of a holiday and then back in the UK for a bit more of the same and while I've had a great break, I'm really looking forward to getting back to work.

"In fact, you couldn't really ask for a more spectacular double-header for F1's return: Spa is the daddy of them all, one of the all-time great grand prix tracks, and Monza is one of the most historic and evocative circuits on the calendar.

"They're each places with their own unique atmosphere. I've got some really great memories of both circuits, but I've won neither. Given our pace in the last few races, I go forward feeling positive about rectifying that over the coming weekends."

Lewis Hamilton: "My win in Hungary was a fantastic way to go into the summer break: it had the added bonus of sending the whole team away for their holidays with a positive feeling in their hearts. It's also given me the hope and assurance that we can come back for the final nine races with a real chance to go for both world championships.

"I really couldn't be happier that the season gets back down to business again in Belgium. Spa is one of the best circuits in the world it's always a buzz to nail a fast lap around there, and, after five weeks out of the cockpit, that first lap on Friday morning is going to feel absolutely sensational.

"Given the unpredictability of the sport, I think it's still difficult to predict accurately who'll win the next grand prix, but I reckon the coming few weeks ought to give us a much clearer idea of the destination of the world title.

"It's going to be an extremely tough, tactical and interesting finale to the season. There's no team with a clear advantage although we're all pushing hard to catch Fernando [Alonso]'s points tally in the drivers' championship so there's still everything to play for."

Martin Whitmarsh (Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes): "The summer break has given everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes the chance to rest and recharge our batteries ahead of the nine remaining grands prix all of which are set to be thrilling and fascinating in equal measure.

"It feels appropriate to be returning to the fray at Spa-Francorchamps. Formula 1's historic venues provide us with a richly storied backdrop that few sports can match, and Spa is truly one of the greats. Everybody is looking forward to hearing the engines fire up in anger once more, and there are few better places on earth to watch a Formula 1 car at speed than around Spa.

"Following the mandatory factory shutdown, we're fortunate to have had two full weeks available to prepare ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. As usual, we're heading into this double-header hopeful of closing the gap to the leaders in both the drivers' and constructors' championships. Lewis's victory in Hungary certainly provided further proof to us that we can take on the fight for both and that remains our aim: to win both world championships."

[MIKA27]

EXCLUSIVE: ONBOARD LAP OF NEW US GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT, AUSTIN TEXAS!

This is something a bit special, a chance to see what the cars will look like as they drive the new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

The circuit is still under construction, ahead of its inaugural Grand Prix on November 18th, but we’ve got together with official F1 game developer Codemasters to drive this lap. It is driven on the final launch version of the F1 2012 game, by Codemasters Creative Director Stephen Hood, with comments from him and from James Allen.

The track is 5.51km (3.42 miles) and features 20 corners. Designed by Hermann Tilke it has a bit of everything, including plenty of high speed corners and has several parts very reminiscent of the Istanbul track in Turkey, albeit without quite as much elevation change. Like Istanbul is anti-clockwise and the lap length is similar, just 200 metres longer.

The opening part of the lap also features a series of corners like Maggotts/Becketts at Silverstone and there is a hairpin leading onto a long back straight, leading to another tight corner, similar to Abu Dhabi. This is where the DRS zone should be, so there should be plenty of overtaking.

Final paving is underway at the circuit, which is due to be inspected by the FIA’s Charlie Whiting on September 25th, ahead of the scheduled race date.

[MatthewB]

Great stuff,keep up the good work.

Cheers mate

[MIKA27]

  On 8/28/2012 at 12:59 AM, Matt3000 said:

Great stuff,keep up the good work.

Cheers mate

Thanks mate, you're welcome.

Thanks for reading!

[MIKA27]

Brundle: Alonso needs Massa

Martin Brundle says despite his "big head start" in the Championship, Fernando Alonso is by no means guaranteed this year's World title.

with nine races and a total of 225 points to play for, Alonso, the only driver with three wins to his name, is leading this year's hunt by 40 over his nearest rival.

However, the battle behind the Ferrari driver is intense with Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen separated by just eight points.

But while his 40 points by no means guarantee Alonso a third World title, Brundle reckons if the chasing pack - together with his team-mate Felipe Massa - take points off each other, the Spaniard's run to the title will be made easier.

"I think Alonso's going to have to rely on Red Bull and McLaren and Lotus taking points off each other and he needs (Felipe) Massa to get in and help him by taking points off his main rivals," Brundle told Sky Sports News.

"I think Alonso's obviously got a big head start points wise but I don't think it's a dead cert by any means."

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Di Resta wanting 'big results'

Paul di Resta is hoping Force India can repeat last year's strong finish as the team looks to challenge Williams and Sauber in the standings.

Last season, having scored in just four of the opening nine races, Force India put together an impressive run in the second half, bagging top-ten results in nine of the last ten events.

This ensured the team secured their best-ever result in the Constructors' Championship when the finished in sixth place.

This year, the team is down in eighth place having failed to carry last year's season-ending form through into this year's Championship.

Di Resta, though, is hoping that Force India can at least put in a repeat performance and finish strong as they attempt to hunt down Williams and Sauber, the latter of which is 34 points ahead.

"There's still a long way to go in the Championship and we need to get back to scoring regular points. Last year we ended the season strongly and we need to do the same this year," the 26-year-old said.

"Williams are not too far ahead of us but Sauber have a big points advantage and it's going to be a big task to overcome that.

"But we won't give up; we'll keep pushing and see what we can do. We definitely have the potential to get some big results before the end of the year."

The Scot is eagerly anticipating the next race on the calendar with Formula One heading to Spa after the summer break.

"Spa is a great place to begin the second part of the season. It's one of the best tracks in the world and it always feels special to go back there.

"I never had the chance to race there a lot in my junior career so it's nice to be able to go there and experience such an impressive range of corners in a Formula One car."

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Grosjean: Spa should suit Lotus

Romain Grosjean is hoping for a stronger season half of the season, confident the circuits coming up with suit Lotus starting with Spa.

Formula One returns to action this weekend with the first race in a double-header, the Belgian GP, which Grosjean reckons will play to the strong points of his E20.

In fact, he reckons there are several tracks in the second half of the Championship that will suit the characteristics of his Lotus, prompting to the Frenchman to predict a better second half of the season.

"It should fit the E20 pretty well. The second half of the season looks good in terms of how the tracks should suit the car," said the 26-year-old.

"Hopefully we'll have everything we need to win races.

"I'm looking forward to it as it's a special track; it's Spa and also I won the GP2 Series title there last year. It'll be good to be back there again."

Heading into the final nine races, Grosjean is in an intense tussle for sixth in the Drivers' Championship, tied with Jenson Button on 76 points and just one behind Nico Rosberg.

"I'm just taking it race by race," he said. "It's very tight with myself, Jenson and Nico all covered by only two points and there's no reason why we can't keep climbing higher.

"It was good to be back on the podium before the break and I think we've got a better chance than ever to win races, so let's aim for more in the second part of the season."

Grosjean's chances of winning, a feat he has yet to achieve in F1 despite three podium finishes this season, will be given an added boost when Lotus race their new double DRS system.

"If it gives me an advantage I'm certainly looking forward to driving with it! I'm sure it will be a good thing, especially if we have it working well," he said.

"Hopefully it gives us an advantage and the race win that we want."

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Button: There's still a chance

Jenson Button is adamant that until the mathematics says it is impossible, he won't give up on this year's Drivers' Championship title.

Refreshed after an invigorating summer break, the 32-year-old is ready to get down to business with the first order being securing his first victory in Belgium and then Italy, which are running back-to-back.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back to work," Button said.

"In fact, you couldn't really ask for a more spectacular double-header for F1's return: Spa is the daddy of them all, one of the all-time great grand prix tracks, and Monza is one of the most historic and evocative circuits on the calendar.

"They're each places with their own unique atmosphere. I've got some really great memories of both circuits, but I've won neither. Given our pace in the last few races, I go forward feeling positive about rectifying that over the coming weekends."

However, winning at Spa or Monza is not the ultimate goal for this season as the McLaren driver is adamant he still has a shot at this year's World title.

With nine races to go, the 2009 World Champion is seventh in the Drivers' Championship, 88 points off the pace. But with 225 still to play for, the math at least says it can be done.

"I feel that until, mathematically, I can't win the championship there is still a chance for me," Button, a 13-time grand prix winner, told the Daily Star.

"The last few races have been very good for the team, with me second in Germany and Lewis a winner last time out in Hungary.

"It was great having those results before the break because when we come back for the Belgian Grand Prix we are going to feel really confident.

"Everybody is doing a great job, particularly the guys at the pit stops. And our supporters will see the difference in Belgium."

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Schumacher: 'I don't regret returning to F1'

Michael Schumacher is adamant that he doesn't regret returning to Formula 1 for a second bite of the cherry, despite what many consider to be a poor set of results.

The seven-time world champion will start his 300th race this coming weekend in Belgium. He's only the second man to join the 300 club alongside former team-mate and bitter rival Rubens Barrichello.

"Where do you stop? And when? It's interesting that it is always first times at Spa, the first win, the first title, but also controversial situations," Schumacher told Bild.

Whilst he's broken nearly every record and become the most successful F1 driver ever during the past two decades, his most recent seasons, during his comeback, have been underwhelming with a third place at the European GP this year his only podium.

Despite this, the 43-year-old has no regrets about returning.

"So far I have not regretted my comeback for a second. There have been a lot of good moments, even if to the outside it hasn't appeared so."

Whilst his future remains unclear and any hopes of winning a title with Mercedes this season have evaporated, Schumacher is keen to spring a few surprises before the end of the year.

"As for this year, we don't need to talk about the championship," he added. "And where the journey goes next year is not yet clear. I still hope this year we can still put in one or two [outstanding] performances. Perhaps we'll have another wet race?"

[MIKA27]

Eau Rouge DRS ban to remain in place

The ban on DRS through Eau Rouge during practice and qualifying will remain in place for the 2012 event, whilst the activation zone too remains unchanged.

The detection zone is located 235 metres before turn two, whilst activation takes place 270 metres after turn four and runs along the Kemmel straight to turn five.

The red area shows where DRS cannot be used during practice and qualifying, whilst the green zones indicate detection and activation respectively.

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Kubica takes part in secret Ford rally test

Robert Kubica has reportedly taken part in a secret four-day rally test in a Ford WRC car last week at a little known French circuit.

The Polish driver was seriously injured in a rally accident in February 2011 in which he lost much of the movement in his right elbow and wrist - however he has slowly begun to recover this movement as his intense physiotherapy continues.

Whilst details of the test, reported by motorsport journalist Joe Saward, remain a secret, it's believed Kubica tested alongside regulars Petter Solberg and Jari-Matti Latvala for four days on the twisty two-mile Circuit des Ecuyers.

A Ford spokesperson kept details to a minimum, describing Kubica as "a mystery driver, who did not wish to have any publicity about the relationship."

Ford's technical director Christian Loriaux added that the mystery driver was "a guy with great experience on asphalt," and that the test "came at his own expense. He worked with passion and has given us valuable feedback. In the end everything went well."

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Tyres will allow drivers to push in Belgium

Pirelli is hoping that it's allocation of the hard and medium tyre compounds will allow drivers to push from start to finish without having to worry too much about tyre preservation.

The allocation is a conservative choice, with Pirelli test driver Jaime Alguersuari describing the circuit as "not tough on the tyres".

Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery says the circuit puts different demands on the tyres due to the high-speed nature - with 75% of the lap at full-throttle.

"From a tyre perspective, it's certainly one of the most demanding circuits that we face all year, because of the high speeds and extreme forces involved, which are often acting on the tyres in more than one dimension."

However, Hembery hopes the choice would allow drivers to avoid tyre conservation, something that has played a major part in performing well this season.

"The nomination of the hard and the medium tyres will allow drivers to push hard from start to finish, which is what Spa was designed for."

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Ferrari's 2014 engine begins dyno testing

Ferrari have revealed that they have begun testing their new turbo-V6 engine for the 2014 season, joining the likes of Renault and Mercedes.

Luca Marmorini, head of engine and electronics at Ferrari, revealed that Ferrari is running a new unit on an engine dyno, suggesting development is progressing well.

"It is a very challenging period for power train people," he said. "We are working on the 2012 power train and the rest of the season is very important, but no-one mentions we also have to work on the 2013 engine with a new installation which is big work.

"At the same time, we have the V6, and the first of the V6s is running on the dyno. It is a very interesting project," he added.

"The 2014 regulations are extremely challenging. It's a completely new F1 powertrain with more of a focus on energy recovery.

"Our V6 is running at the moment and we are learning a lot of things. It is a turbo engine, a different turbo because it uses energy recovery. We are really focused and looking forward to interpreting the rules in the right way."

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug believes just three engine manufacturers will survive the new regulations after new start-up PURE suspended its development and it's unclear if Cosworth will develop its own V6 engine for 2014.

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FIA ANNOUNCES FORMULA E, IS IT THE FUTURE OF MOTORSPORT?

The world of electric motorsport has taken a step closer after the FIA announced that it has awarded the promoter contract for the new Formula E series to a group called Formula E Holdings, involving French company Formulec, former UK science minister and champion of green racing Lord Drayson and GP2 entrant Alejandro Agag. It is also being funded by entrepreneur Enrique Banuelos.

The series will start in 2014 with a race in Rio de Janeiro after some demonstration runs in 2013 and will feature 10 teams each with two drivers. The prototype car, produced by Formulec, will have a Lithium Ion batteries and a maximum speed of 220km/h and will run for 25 minutes between charges. Entrants will be able to use a Formulec car but are also allowed to design and build their own cars to FIA regulations. This leaves room for Toyota, Honda and other interested manufacturers to enter the series.

The series is interesting in several ways; first it takes some of the heat off F1 being required to be seen as going green, at least for a while.

One of the ideological struggles of the past year or two has been the debate about how far down that road F1 should go with its 2014 new engine formula, with some parties like Renault keen to really push the boundaries and move far away from the gas guzzling V8s used today. Others believe that F1 should remain all about conspicuous consumption, despite the obvious evidence that the world is running out of oil and thus its cost is increasingly unsustainable.

An uneasy compromise has been reached with the V6 1.6 litre turbo engines, which are already being dyno tested by Renault, Mercedes and Ferrari. These will be 30% more efficient than the current units, will have a large proportion of regenerative energy from braking and will run on electric only in the pit lane.

Talk of the new engines not sounding like proper racing engines has dominated the debate, with many parties once again guilty of short-term thinking. The sound will be one of the key things the Formula E promoters must get right from the outset, using synthesised noise.

However the arrival of Formula E allows the FIA to have something to point at to highlight its work in this area and it is a response to pressure from the European Commission chiefs, among others, for the governing body to do more to provide the platform for manufacturers to push innovation in technologies around electric vehicles. Racing has long been proven to be a very effective test bed for the automotive world.

The Formula E races will take place in cities which are leading the sustainable motoring agenda; to maximise the population reach and to underline those cities' desire to promote environmentally friendly motoring.

FIA president Jean Todt said, "This new competition at the heart of major cities is certain to attract a new audience. We are pleased with this agreement with Formula E Holdings as they bring a very strong experience in motor sport. This spectacular series will offer both entertainment and a new opportunity to share the FIA values and objectives of clean energy, mobility and sustainability with a wider and younger audience as well."

It will be interesting to see whether the FIA is able to persuade the promoter of F1, Bernie Ecclestone's FOM, to find a way to showcase Formula E in front of its huge global audience, which would help to spread its influence more quickly, or whether it will have to stand on its own feet.

Will battery powered cars be the future of electric motorsport?

"The weight of the batteries required to do 15 laps is too much," said Sir David King, former chief scientific adviser to the UK government, now engaged in work on the future of mobility and transport. He pointed to an experiment in Korea, which he thinks will provide the future model for motorsport.. "So I think the online vehicle technology, which is a very exciting new technology, only recently developed, for me is the most likely.

"In Seoul, under the tarmac of the road an inch down a primary coil is installed. In your car is a secondary coil. There's no electricity coming from the primary until your car is over it, so it's very little energy loss; 93% energy transferred to the secondary coil. And the car is driven on that energy. You have a small, low weight battery in the car and that battery is always fully charged until you drive off the track. Then you use the charge left in the battery.

"I know that sounds like Scalextric. But I think the future of F1 is going to take up these amazing new technologies. "

It's a fascinating theory and one we will watch out for. Meanwhile Formula E will start a process of shifting the perception of the way men (and women) race cars and we will see where it leads us.

MIKA: I believe a Formula E is inevitable however until F1 is non existant, nothing can or will replace it.

[MIKA27]

Schumi on Hakkinen, Alonso & Seb

Michael Schumacher has described Mika Hakkinen as his greatest opponent while he believes Fernando Alonso is the best driver on the grid at the moment.

This weekend's Belgian Grand Prix will mark the seven-time World Champion's 300th start in Formula One and he has had plenty of rivals come and go in that time.

For Schumacher his rivalry with two-time World Champion Hakkinen, with whom he had several run-ins during their Ferrari-McLaren days in the late 90s, stands out above the rest as he feels their battles were always "fair".

"I had a few - but the bottom line is there is only one left. There is no one for whom I had so much respect on and off the track as Mika Hakkinen," he told Bild am Sonntag in an interview.

When asked who the strongest driver on the current grid is, the 43-year-old replied: "Alonso. He continues to develop and is enjoying one of those phases where everything works out. However, he has worked hard for that."

As for compatriot and double World Champion Sebastian Vettel, Schumacher said: "Sebastian is a great guy and a great driver who has to deal with different situations. This is a learning process.

"To be a good winner, one must also be able to lose. I know that no driver likes to lose and I am no exception (laughs), but that is part of your development. Only when you have learned to lose can you respect and enjoy winning even more. Life's ups and downs, you must learn that."

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Bahar sues Lotus for wrongful dismissal

The former CEO of Group Lotus, Dany Bahar, has decided to sue his former employer and new owners DRB-Hicom for wrongful dismissal.

Bahar was removed from his position in June after overseeing the company's expansion into Formula 1 and other motorsport categories.

Legal papers were filed with the London High Court earlier last week seeking £6.7 million in damages. Both Lotus and DRB-Hicom have been made aware of the action, with the latter vowing to fight the case and counter-sue bahar.

In a statement, Malaysian owned DRB-Hicom said: "Upon advice by our lawyers, DRB-Hicom and Lotus will vigorously oppose and/or defend the claim by Bahar, including filing counter-claims against Bahar.

"We shall make the requisite announcements when appropriate.

"The claim is not expected to have any major impact on the financial or operations of the group. The exact quantum of costs arising from the claim cannot be determined at this point in time."

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Caterham still eyeing first points

Tony Fernandes admits everyone at Caterham are disappointed with where the team are at the moment, but insists they are not too downbeat.

Caterham had high hopes of closing the gap to the middle of the pack during the first half of the season while the long-term target is to pick up their first points in Formula One.

Although they haven't really achieved their goals team principal Fernandes says they will keep pushing hard to join the midfield.

"We have not scored our first point yet, and we have much more work to do to chip away at that gap to the pack ahead, which is now less than one second, but it is fair to say we are disappointed with where we are, as I am sure many people who follow us are," he said.

"However, the belief that we can achieve what we have set out to is what drives us on and we have to remember that just 35 months ago we did not even exist. Since the first day of this team we have had to fight extremely hard and, off track, we have had to deal with two major court cases. Both cases we have had to face, with Group Lotus and Force India, have been painful processes, for the team and personally for everybody involved, but we have not let them distract us.

He added: "We are absolutely determined to keep building on that progress and use the passion we have to join the midfield to keep pushing us forwards, and we will get there.

"We have everything in place to accomplish our goals and with the fierce determination we have to succeed we can kick on from there and keep climbing up the grid."

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Whitmarsh gives Sky the thumbs up

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has given the decision to switch Formula One to pay television the thumbs up.

Under a deal signed with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management last year, Sky Sports and the BBC will broadcast race in the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2018. However, while Sky acquired the rights to show all races, qualifying session and practice live, the public broadcaster only shows half the races live.

The decision was met with outrage from Formula One fans with many feeling they were sold out and some even vowing never to watch F1 again.

The McLaren team boss, though, believes the "show" has improved since the switch.

In an interview with Autosport, Whitmarsh said: "My inbox is less choked now with emails from Mr. Outraged from Leamington Spa.

"I take things like that seriously, because they are our fans and they felt betrayed by it.

"We all felt a little bit upset that it happened - although in fairness to Bernie, everyone blamed him, the sport, and me for it, but actually the decision, the choice, was the BBC's in the first place.

"So in fairness to Bernie, he did a masterful job to sidestep an issue, to create what we have got today."

There were initial fears that the viewer figures could drop considerably due to the deal, but reports suggest it is not as bad as initially feared and Whitmarsh feels Sky has taken coverage to another level.

"I think Sky has put a tremendous amount of energy into the coverage," he said. "We used to be obsessed with bums on seats in front of television sets, but that is going to be as antiquated as considering the lending of library books as a measurement for literature.

"We can't think of bums on seats on the living room any more, because there are mobile phones, tablets, PCs, internet - plus storage for viewing later.

"We are only at the start of that process, and I think that Sky has got a lot of energy and creativity for the future.

"We were all very worried about it, but pay-per-view, with all its different outlets, it is much more complex than the traditional approach."

[MIKA27]

McLaren to debut double-DRS at Spa - report

McLaren may also be preparing a 'double DRS'-like system for this weekend's Belgian grand prix.

Earlier this month it was reported that the British team looked set to follow Mercedes and Lotus' lead in developing an iteration of the straightline speed-boosting concept.

"It's not like the Lotus one, but we are studying such a system," McLaren's sporting director Sam Michael was quoted as saying.

Mercedes debuted the concept early this season, and after practicing with a similar system at recent races, Lotus' technical boss James Allison revealed this week that the black and gold E20 could race its "device" for the first time at Spa.

And Brazilian correspondent Livio Oricchio now reports that, while the news is much quieter than Lotus', McLaren has similar plans to run a double-DRS at the high speed Belgian track.

The O Estado de S.Paulo journalist said it is not clear how McLaren's system differs to those fielded by Mercedes and Lotus.

After a recent performance dip, Lewis Hamilton entered the August break as F1's last-start winner, having secured his second victory of the 2012 season in Hungary.

"I think it's still difficult to predict accurately who'll win the next grand prix, but I reckon the coming few weeks ought to give us a much clearer idea of the destination of the world title," the McLaren driver said last Friday.

"There's no team with a clear advantage, although we're all pushing hard to catch Fernando (Alonso) in the drivers' championship, so there's still everything to play for," he added.

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SPA Therapy for Marussia F1 Team

Formula 1 is back, for Part 2 of the 2012 season. Round 12 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship sees the Marussia F1 Team heading back out on the road after the long summer break and to Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix. Spa is a diamond of a Grand Prix venue, so what better place for the team to celebrate its 50th Grand Prix.

Timo Glock, Driver #24: "After such a long summer break, everyone in the team seems revitalized and ready to embark on the next important phase of the season. I myself had a nice mix of relaxation and training and now I'm looking forward to getting back to racing.

Over the next nine races we will be working hard to optimize our current package, at the same time as doing some important work towards next year. Those races will take place over just 14 weeks though, so with the long haul phase it will be non-stop action. To come back racing in Spa is a perfect way to pick up the rest of the season.

It's one of my favorite races, with a historic circuit that has a fascinating layout. The track is very fast and long with some very tricky corners, so any small mistake ruins the lap. The weather is often a factor, especially due to its changeability. Rain can come very quickly, but this is part of the thrill of racing here. I'm really excited and looking forward to the weekend ahead."

Charles Pic, Driver #25: "I ended the first part of the season on a strong note, partly due to the team's improved performance, and satisfied with my progress so far in my debut season.

The break has given me time to reflect on those eleven races, which seemed to pass by so quickly, and my plan is to consolidate everything I have learned from the team and the car and wrap it all together to have what I hope will be an even stronger second part of the year.

The summer holiday has been good for all of at the Marussia F1 Team and everyone seems refreshed and buzzing with enthusiasm for the next nine races, most of which are overseas, so it will be a busy time.

Spa is a fantastic circuit so I can't wait to be back racing there next weekend. The whole experience is very challenging for a driver; the circuit has such a special atmosphere because of its heritage. I'm looking forward to racing there in a Formula 1 car for the first time and picking up where we left off in Hungary."

John Booth, Team Principal: "Across the whole team there's a real sense that we can't wait to get back to racing. The break has been good for us and we're ready to get on the road again. Timo and Charles seem invigorated, so we look forward to positive things from the second half of the season. Spa is a great place to get things started.

Not only do we all love this circuit, but this year we mark the occasion of our 50th Grand Prix there, which is an important milestone within the team. A lot has happened in the short space of two and half seasons of racing but we're a stronger team as a result and equipped now to go on to bigger and better things.

It has been quite nice to note how many of the team have been with us since the very beginning - Timo included of course. In young teams a lot can change - especially its people - so it's very encouraging that we keep building on our original strong core. As for the race itself, we hope to get the remaining Grands Prix off to a strong start in Spa and keep closing the gap to the front of the field."

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Alonso 'a step ahead' of all rivals - Fisichella

Giancarlo Fisichella has joined a growing list of F1 personalities, competitors and pundits declaring championship leader Fernando Alonso the class of the 2012 field.

Once race teammates at Renault, the pair still work together at Ferrari, where Italian and three-time grand prix winner Fisichella, 39, is a test driver.

Fisichella is quoted by Spain's El Confidencial as saying it is "incredible how he (Alonso) judges the limit of the car, the track and the tyres.

"He knows when to attack and when to look after the tyres. He is always on the limit of what he can and should be.

"At the moment he is quite a step ahead of his rivals. He is always achieving the most of what is possible and I don't think there is anyone who can do a better job than him," he added.

Another of Alonso's strengths, said Fisichella, is the way he has rallied the troops at Maranello around him.

"He is very close to the team," said the Italian. "He is frequently at Maranello, with the mechanics, playing football with them, going out to dinner with them, cycling with them.

"The human aspect is very important in formula one. The mechanics need to see someone who is good, who is fast, but they also need to feel a friendship."

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Report - Force India duo racing without pay in 2012?

Force India's drivers may have gone without pay so far in 2012, according to rumours.

Austria's Sportwoche reports speculation that Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta are the latest victims of team owner Vijay Mallya's struggling Indian airline Kingfisher.

As the 2011 season kicked off, German Hulkenberg said the airline's high profile financial problems have "nothing to do with us".

"This is formula one, not an airline," he insisted.

Business Book GP 2012 estimates Hulkenberg and his Scottish teammate di Resta's salaries this year at EUR 500,000 and 200,000 respectively.

But Sportwoche cited more than one paddock source in suggesting that the duo have not been paid anything yet.

The magazine said only the payments from title partner Sahara are keeping the Silverstone based team afloat.

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Caterham must improve aerodynamics 'a lot' - Kovalainen

Heikki Kovalainen has revealed Caterham needs to improve "a lot" in the area of aerodynamics.

Having expected a major step forward in performance terms for the 2010 startup this year, speculation suggests the Finnish driver may be seeking a faster team for the 2013 season.

Finland's Turun Sanomat has published a summary of the 30-year-old's career so far, contrasting his four podiums with Renault and McLaren with his four best 13th-place finishes for Caterham (nee Lotus) since 2010.

Kovalainen has been strongly linked with Sauber for 2012, but the Suomussalmi-born driver also revealed that he has "seen" Caterham's "preliminary plans" for its 2013 car.

"It (the project) is all concentrated around the aerodynamics," he said.

"There is no greater element that influences the whole car. We need to improve the aerodynamics a lot," added Kovalainen.

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Kimi Raikkonen never doubted Lotus's 2012 F1 title credentials

Kimi Raikkonen never had doubts Lotus would bounce back from its troubled 2011 campaign - as he insists the team has what it takes to gun for the title.

Ahead of what is expected to be a full-on victory bid for Raikkonen and Lotus at the Belgian Grand Prix, the former champion says his Enstone outfit has strengths that can help it overcome bigger budget rivals like McLaren and Ferrari.

Speaking exclusively to AUTOSPORT about why he was so keen to sign for Lotus after its difficult time last year, Raikkonen said: "There have been years when I've been in top teams and we've had a pretty bad year, and then the next year has been completely different.

"It's still one of the biggest teams; they're based in the same place, they have more or less all the tools to make the fastest car and the best car.

"It's not maybe on the level of McLaren or Ferrari or Mercedes as for how many people we have, but they have the knowledge and they have the will to make a good car and push hard."

Raikkonen believes the error in pursuing the front-exhaust solution in 2011 that derailed its campaign actually disguised how good Lotus was and also helped deliver lessons that have helped its performance this year.

"Once they made the decision to have a completely different car to the others, there was no way they could have come back from that decision. So they looked worse than they actually were because the decision was made and unfortunately it wasn't right.

"But I think they learned a lot from that, so I wasn't really worried about how they were doing.

"You always take a gamble to come back and sometimes you choose the right team, sometimes not, that's life. I've been very happy with how things have gone and the people are great and I enjoy it."

Raikkonen also thinks it is too early to start considering his plans for next year either for himself or the team.

The Finn is expected to sign a fresh deal with Lotus, despite speculation linking him with Ferrari, after an encouraging return to F1 with the Enstone-based team this year.

But although Lotus has grown in strength all season and should be able to carry that momentum in to 2013 Raikkonen says he is keeping grounded about future ambitions.

"We have to look at this year first, and I want to do as well as we can at every race," he said.

"You can do well in one year, but we've seen even in the biggest teams that they can have a hard time the next year. You'd think we should only get better and better but you never know.

"It's not easy to make a fast car and sometimes the small details can either go your way or go against you.

"Usually the big teams, if they are not starting well [they can recover] we've seen Ferrari this year, they have improved and they are the best team right now.

"We always wish to continue next year but it's way too early to say what will happen. We're putting our efforts into this year and try to improve in the second half."