FORMULA 1 - 2013

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Is Vettel’s fourth Formula 1 world title a forgone conclusion?

The Formula 1 Championship has said farewell to Europe for another year with the big question being posed - as the mechanics packed up and the trucks left Monza – was when and where, rather than whether, Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel will wrap up his increasingly inevitable fourth successive title.

It all comes down to simple mathematics, with the Red Bull driver now 53 points clear of second placed Alonso with seven races, worth a total of 175 points still available to be won.

The 26-year-old German has won half of the races this season and, ominously for his rivals. The last two – Belgium and Italy were supposed to be his bogey circuits – with team principal Christian Horner going so far as to call them Red Bull’s “Achilles heel”.

The next four are Singapore, South Korea, Japan and India. Vettel won all of them last year. The German’s closest rivals have no illusions about their scant chances.

Lewis Hamilton’s immediate response after finishing ninth in the race for Mercedes was to declare his championship challenge over, although he then had a rethink and vowed to keep fighting even if the odds were stacked against him.

“I basically need to win every race, which is the tallest order ever, but I can do nothing but try,” said the 2008 champion, who is now third overall but a massive 81 points behind the leader. ”I wish it was a closer battle at the front. It’s a shame it is like it is.”

Alonso said it would take a lot of luck for him to overhaul the Red Bull, ”I think we need to be realistic about the championship now there’s a very big gap. We don’t have enough races and probably we don’t have the speed right now to win some consecutive races and hope to reduce the gap just by pace.”

“We need to be lucky and we need to have some DNFs (retirements) from Sebastian or something to win the championship. With the races left and the points disadvantage, it’s hard.”

Asked whether it was all over, Horner refused to tempt fate and repeated a familiar mantra.

“The championship is not yours until nobody can score more points than you,” he said. “So we are going to continue the approach that we’ve always taken which is focus one race at a time and try to get the best out of each weekend.

“It’s been a big weekend for us here…for Sebastian to extend his lead in the drivers’ championship and for the team to extend its lead in the constructors’ championship is obviously massively positive for us. But there’s still some way to go.”

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Silly Season Latest: Back to the future as Raikkonen to swap teams with Alonso

As the Formula 1 paddock emptied at Monza, silly season speculation raged with one block buster piece of news seemingly moving into the realm of fact: Kimi Raikkonen is returning to Ferrari in 2014 and Fernando Alonso could well return to the Enstone outfit with whom he won three of his world titles.

The news was being confidently reported by broadcasters, including Germany’s RTL, the major daily Bild, and even perhaps the most respected correspondent in the paddock, Auto Motor und Sport’s Michael Schmidt.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo will reportedly inform Felipe Massa that his services are no longer required in a personal meeting at Maranello on Wednesday.

It would go some way to explaining the Italian team’s current ‘number 1′ driver Fernando Alonso’s foul mood and outbursts of recent days and weeks.

Bild reported that the long delay in the actual signing of Raikkonen’s deal is because part of his management team, David Robertson, is in hospital in the US with cancer.

In the meantime, Spaniard Alonso has pushed hard for the status-quo, openly arguing that Massa should stay put. It appears that he has not won the day.

Der Spiegel claims to even know who will pay Raikkonen’s approximately €20 million salary – partly the Alonso-linked Spanish bank Santander, and partly team sponsor Shell.

“Let’s see what happens,” Massa told the Italian broadcaster RAI on Sunday. ”Yes, this race was important for my future, but it doesn’t mean that my only future can be (wearing) red.”

He is also quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper: “He (Montezemolo) will not announce anything without talking to me, for sure. I love Ferrari. But the other teams also know what I can do.”

Finn Raikkonen, as per usual, was also giving little away at Monza, ”I don’t know anything yet. Once I know, I’ll tell you.”

Indeed, once the news becomes official, the really explosive speculation may begin.

The German dailies Bild and Welt already report that Alonso is so unhappy with Raikkonen’s arrival that he could jump ship to fill the Finn’s place at Lotus. That move actually might not be as unlikely as it sounds.

Bild newspaper said it could coincide with a ramping up of works Renault support for the Enstone based team, backed fully by the French carmaker’s chairman Carlos Ghosn.

When asked about that potentially explosive news, Lotus team boss Eric Boullier said: “If Fernando knocks on my door, I will answer it. I just hope that I can pay for it!”

He is also quoted by Formula 1news.ru: “We are trying to establish a relationship with Renault and Total, which is important from a technical standpoint but it also may help on the financial side.”

Switzerland’s Blick newspaper reported that Nico Hulkenberg will definitely not be staying at Sauber next year. The German has been linked with Massa’s Ferrari seat, but he might also be a candidate to replace Raikkonen at Lotus.

“We all have plans and backup plans,” said Boullier.

When asked simply ‘Kimi or Nico?’ the Frenchman answered: “Good question.”

MIKA: This is unusual but great news in a way... It was not even 24 hours ago I was having a discussion with Steve (OZCuban) about this and was casually stating the 'What if" Alonso and kimi swapped!! Weird!

Alonso burns his bridges everywhere he goes with his attitude when things don't go his way. I love his racing, but he needs to put a sock in it if he wants to stay in a team for a length of time. Look at mcLaren, been dominating the last decade, even if they haven't won the WDC for a while (Not that long), every team has ups and downs but you don't see Button leaving or moaning about it.

I said yesterday to Oz, don't be surprised if Ferrari have Kimi and Hulkenberg on the team next year and Alonso at Lotus and Massa at Sauber... Lets wait and see.

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Williams performs better off track than on

Former champions Williams performed better off track than on in the first six months of the year with results to the end of June showing turnover of £ 43.5 million ($ 67.99 million) for their Formula 1 business.

The figure compared to 43.4 million in the same period of 2012.

Overall turnover for the Williams group of companies for the half year stood at 57.7 million compared to 64.9 million in 2012.

Williams, once the dominant team in Formula 1 with nine constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ crowns between 1980 and 1997, have scored just one point in 12 grands prix so far this season.

The team said that the results of their investment businesses, Williams Hybrid Power and the Williams Technology Centre in Qatar were in line with a long-term business plan.

Full year results were expected to show group turnover between 105 to 113 million compared to 127 million in 2012.

The team drew a blank in Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza with neither of their drivers, Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado and Finland’s Valtteri Bottas, finishing in the top 10.

“Whilst the 2013 Formula 1 season has not brought the sort of results expected of a team with our history and pedigree, these half year financial results show that we are well placed to make progress with our business on all fronts,” said founder and principal Frank Williams in a statement.

“We have made strong personnel changes this year that will aid in returning us to winning ways.”

Williams have brought in former Benetton and Renault technical director Pat Symonds and are also switching to Mercedes engines from Renault next year when new V6 units are to be introduced to replace the current V8′s.

The team principal said Williams also had “a strong pipeline of potential sponsors in place for 2014.”

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Sauber future could depend on new sponsors sooner rather than later

The end of Sauber’s financial struggles could largely depend on their new Russian connections paving the way to sponsor deals.

Ever since the so-called ‘Russian rescue deal’ was announced, suggestions that the struggling Swiss team’s financial woes are far from over have persisted.

“I understand that people want to know more,” team boss Monisha Kaltenborn told Blick newspaper, “because until now we have not said so much. But I want to assure everyone that things [are going] in the right direction.”

She hinted, however, that Russian rubles have not been flowing overly quickly.

“I hope that in this season, we will see new sponsor logos on the car. We also hope that something happens in terms of Sochi,” she added, referring to next year’s inaugural Russian Grand Prix.

What is fairly certain is that, if the Russian teen Sergey Sirotkin is able to secure a super license, he will be racing a Sauber in 2014.

But Blick reports that Sauber’s current lead driver, the Ferrari and Lotus-linked Nico Hulkenberg, will definitely not be Sirotkin’s teammate.

That news would seem to boost Esteban Gutierrez’s chances, as he is strongly linked with Mexican team backers, including Telmex.

“Actually one thing really does not have anything to do with the other,” Kaltenborn insisted.

In fact, she admitted that, “Ideally, we would want a more experienced teammate” for 18-year-old Sirotkin.

“On the other hand we have been in this situation before and it worked well with two somewhat inexperienced pilots,” added Kaltenborn.

However, Sauber is close to renewing its engine deal with Ferrari for 2014, and the Italian team is looking for a middle-ranked team to place Ferrari academy driver Jules Bianchi.

Current Ferrari racer Felipe Massa is also on the market.

Kaltenborn insisted: “Ferrari will have no influence on our driver choice. And there is no obligation for us to take a second Russian driver.”

One thing is for sure – Sauber has no place available for its highly-rated 2013 reserve driver Robin Frijns, who has already departed the Swiss team.

Kaltenborn admitted letting the Dutchman go was all about money – or his lack of it.

“Unfortunately it shows what situation Formula 1 is in at the moment,” she said.

“Despite his talent, his management hasn’t been able to find more sponsors. And it makes no sense to hold on to a driver if you cannot give him what he wants.”

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Di Resta: Weekend to forget

Paul di Resta has billed Sunday's retirement from the Italian GP as "one of those things" but admits "gutted" at another race out of the points.

The Force India driver has not scored a single World Championship point since June's British GP and his dismal run continued at Monza.

Fighting for every inch of track space at the start, the Scottish driver locked up and went into the back of Lotus' Romain Grosjean.

The impact broke di Resta's left-front wheel and sent him into an early retirement for which he was later reprimanded by stewards who felt he was responsible.

"It was one of those things," lamented the Scot.

"I lost sight of the corner because of the cars in front which bunched up more than I expected.

"I tried to take avoiding action, to place my car in the middle, but I couldn't really go anywhere and I hit Grosjean's car fairly hard."

He added: "I'm pretty gutted.

"It was a hard day on Saturday with the brake failure, ending up in the tyres before qualifying because of that, and then that happened in race.

"It has been one of those weekends to forget."

As for his reprimand, di Resta believes it was a fair response given that he had not damaged Grosjean's car when he hit it.

Pressed about whether he was 'fortunate' not be handed a more severe penalty, he said: "In a sense, but I didn't damage Romain's car. He came into the meeting and said I never damaged it.

"It's the first time I've ever done something like that. I obviously didn't mean to do it, I wasn't trying to overtake anyone.

"It was just the concertina effect I was unaware of. I couldn't see what was happening two, three cars in front when they overtaking each other.

"Adrian and Grosjean were in front of me and they had full sight of it and were able to back out, but when I tried to stop it just wasn't happening."

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Massa: From 2014 I will no longer be driving for Ferrari

Felipe Massa announced on Tuesday he was leaving Ferrari at the end of the season, opening the door for Kimi Raikkonen to return to the Formula One team that took him to the title in 2007.

“From 2014 I will no longer be driving for Ferrari,” the Brazilian said in a post on Instagram and Twitter. “I would like to thank the team for all the victories and incredible moments experienced together.

“For next year, I want to find a team that can give me a competitive car to win many more races and challenge for the Championship…,” he added.

Raikkonen, who currently races for Lotus, has been widely tipped to return to the team he left in 2009 to make way for Spain’s double champion Fernando Alonso.

There was no word from the team, however, with Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo earlier avoiding questions about the Finn when questioned by reporters at the Frankfurt motor show.

“We won’t talk about Formula One today,” the Italian said. “I am trying to convince a driver to come back and am speaking to Schumacher tomorrow,” he joked.

Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, now 44 and fully retired after his comeback with Mercedes ended last year, is most definitely not in the running. Raikkonen, the 33-year-old with the glacial gaze and ‘Iceman’ tattooed on his forearm, certainly is.

Paddock whispers after last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza spoke of a done deal, although Lotus also said they were still hoping to keep their man and Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg has also been considered to be in the frame.

Raikkonen has plenty of supporters among the passionate Ferrari ‘tifosi’ as the team’s first champion of the post-Schumacher era, and last to date, and his return would be a break with Ferrari tradition as much as a blast from the past.

If he is named as Massa’s replacement, and unless Alonso also drops a bombshell, Ferrari will have a former world No 1 on both sides of the garage next season for the first time since most fans can remember.

In the 1950s, team founder Enzo Ferrari had Italian champions Alberto Ascari and Giuseppe Farina racing in his cars together but Montezemolo has spoken out in the past against having “two roosters in the same henhouse”.

Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell were there together in 1990 but the Briton would have to wait until 1992 with Williams before he became a champion.

Since the arrival of Michael Schumacher in 1996, Ferrari has preferred to be a team with one driver clearly ranked ahead of the other.

While speculation about Massa’s future has been a regular occurrence of recent seasons, this time the Brazilian recognised he had run out of road and his exit could leave his country without any driver on the starting grid.

Massa has not won since 2008, when he was overall runner-up, and has been on the podium just once this year. But he was a loyal teammate to Alonso who made clear who he would rather have in the other red car.

“I have a lot of respect for Felipe. We’ve been working very hard and close for four years to give Ferrari the maximum,” Alonso said in a response to fans on Twitter on Monday.

“Whatever decision the team will take will be good for me and we will keep working to give Ferrari the best results possible.”

Raikkonen is a man who refuses to be anything other than himself, an often taciturn soul who would happily skip most media engagements and likes to let his driving do the talking. Not much fazes him, least of all paddock mind games.

When the Finn left Ferrari in 2009 to make way for Fernando Alonso, he went without burning any bridges. When he came back, after two years in rallying, it was like he had never been away.

A Ferrari vacancy, the seat every aspiring racing driver dreams of, is a rare occurrence – leaving aside the occasional stand-in role – and headline news in Italy.

“We are putting on the table all the elements,” Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali told reporters after the race at Monza on Sunday, adding that the decision was not an easy one to take.

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Raikkonen has a 2014 Ferrari contract in his pocket

The Formula 1 world is now reportedly only waiting for the announcement that Kimi Raikkonen will partner Fernando Alonso at Ferrari in 2014, ousting Felipe Massa from the legendary team, but at the same time giving birth to what could be the most volatile driver partnership since the Senna-Prost era.

“It’s done,” wrote well connected Autosprint correspondent Alberto Antonini. ”Kimi Raikkonen has a Ferrari contract in his pocket.”

It is explosive and significant news, because – at least on paper – Alonso alongside the Finn is arguably the best driver duo on the grid, but there could be a downside.

“If it works, the constructors’ title will be harder for us,” Red Bull’s Helmut Marko told Bildnewspaper. ”Or they could tear each other apart. Wait and see.”

Indeed, Spaniard Alonso has made clear his strong desire to continue to be partnered by the Brazilian Felipe Massa.

“I have a great respect for Felipe,” he is quoted by Brazil’s Globo. “He is a great professional and works very hard on the race weekends but also in the simulator.

“If the team decides to keep him, I’ll be happy,” added Alonso.

So thats there where the problem may lie. Having already flirted with Red Bull, the latest rumours are linking Alonso with a shock switch to McLaren or even Lotus.

“To be honest, we have several plans,” said Lotus team boss Eric Boullier, facing up to the prospect of probably losing Raikkonen.

“After Ferrari fills their vacancy, our seat will be the most coveted. So we can afford to see what happens.”

The leading candidate to replace Raikkonen at Lotus is the German Nico Hulkenberg, who put his CV in the limelight with a top performance at Monza. But the experienced Massa could be another option.

“Ferrari is a super team; it’s difficult to find another like it,” the Ferrari driver said. “So it’s important to look at all the options.”

Raikkonen replaced Michael Schumacher at the Maranello squad in 2007, and promptly won the world title for the team in his first season. In the process he won nine races for the team.

At the end of 2009 he received a substantial pay out to leave the team and make way for Alonso. Thereafter Raikkonen took a three year sabbatical, during which he dabbled with WRC and NASCAR, before returning to F1 with Lotus at the start of 2012.

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Marko: Kimi is 34. Daniel is 24 and the best prospect for our team

Kimi Raikkonen’s age played against him as Red Bull made its decision as to who should replace Mark Webber in 2014, as did the fact that managing the Finn alongside Sebastian Vettel would have been a tough task for the world champion team.

Those are the claims of Helmut Marko, who as team owner Dietrich Mateschitz’s right-hand man had arguably the most powerful voice before the reigning world champions ultimately signed the in-house talent Daniel Ricciardo.

“We decided what was best for us in the long term, not just what was best immediately,” Austrian Marko told Brazil’s O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper.

“How old is Kimi, 34? Daniel is 24. And the contract is for three years. So Daniel was the one who offered the best prospects for our team,” he added.

But Marko also acknowledged that 2007 world champion Raikkonen, who is actually 33, and his status in Formula 1 as one of the established top drivers may also have counted against him.

“Managing two drivers like Sebastian and Kimi would not be easy,” he admitted. ”Each of them would have the obligation to be the best.”

What, then, is expected of Australian Ricciardo? “He knows,” said Marko. ”We hope that after three or four races he is able to start challenging Sebastian.”

“I’m not saying that he has to beat Vettel; what I hope is that he brings the points we need to win the constructors’ title.”

In that way, it is clearer why Raikkonen was not ultimately signed — Red Bull wanted a true replacement for Webber, not another Vettel.

“We need Daniel to be as fast as Mark,” said Marko. “Sometimes Mark was on the same level as Sebastian, and sometimes even better. That’s what we want from Ricciardo.”

For exactly the same reasons, it is now obvious why Red Bull’s flirtations with Fernando Alonso also came to nought.

“We’ve never worked with Alonso,” Marko said, “and these combinations (two world champions together) requires knowledge about the character of the two drivers.

“With some it is possible to work together, others not. From what we saw of Alonso we thought there was not a way to manage the relationship.”

Something else may also have played against the signing of Raikkonen, Marko hinted.

“Only the best and most intelligent drivers will be at the front” in 2014, when the huge challenge of the new technical regulations will be in force.”

“They will have to figure out how to use the turbo engine without traction control, use the two energy recovery systems and manage the consumption of fuel,” said Marko.

“We have an extensive simulation programme underway already to better prepare our drivers,” he revealed. “So this requirement also guided us in choosing Daniel.”

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Red Bull baffled by Monza gearbox problems reveals Newey

Red Bull departed from Monza baffled, after winner Sebastian Vettel and and third placed Mark Webber nursed gearbox problems throughout the race weekend.

“We already had problems on Friday,” world championship leader Vettel is quoted by Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.

Before the race, the team had to open the gearbox and replace damaged parts, and during the Italian Grand Prix, both drivers were instructed to ‘short-shift’.

The drivers were also told to select a ‘rain-mode’ setting, delivering smoother gear changes, which explains why Fernando Alonso remarked on Vettel’s flashing red tail light.

Red Bull was alerted to the problem after the telemetry showed high oil temperatures.

“Frankly, it’s a mystery,” admitted car designer Adrian Newey.

“Monza is particularly hard on the gearbox, but we’ve never had a problem like this,” he added.

“With Mark it was serious, while for [sebastian] it was more of a precaution. It is possible that we will open his gearbox in the factory and everything is fine.”

Team boss Christian Horner added: “Caterham uses an identical gearbox and had no problems.”

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Ward denies Mosley bankrolling his FIA presidential campaign

FIA presidential candidate David Ward has denied that he is conspiring with Formula 1′s old, guard Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone, in his bid to dethrone Jean Todt at the helm of the sport’s governing body.

It has been rumoured that Ward, who worked closely with Mosley before Frenchman Todt took over, is being backed strongly not only by Mosley, but also the former FIA president’s hand-in-hand powerbroker Ecclestone.

Not only that, the Daily Mail reports that Ward’s campaign will be “helped” by Richard Woods, the former right-hand man during the Mosley reign.

“Woods has also acted for Ecclestone, albeit in the shadows,” said correspondent Jonathan McEvoy.

“Despite having fingers in many pies, he is fundamentally a Mosley loyalist,” he added.

Ward, however, plays down the links.

“I am not Max’s man; I am not Bernie’s man,” he insisted, also denying that Mosley or Ecclestone are bankrolling his campaign.

Incumbent Todt, however, sounded less sure about Ward’s continuing links to Mosley and Ecclestone.

“Don’t put me into that please,” he told the Telegraph last weekend at Monza.

“Because honestly I have my own thoughts.

“I have very good contact with Max. I like Max. I have always been defending Max.

“In May he sent me an email saying ‘Don’t hear the noise that I am interested [in the presidency] or that David is interested…it’s not true. I am not interested’.”

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New Formula E series attracts major corporate sponsors

The new Formula E electric motor racing series, which has the potential to one day rival Formula 1 as a mojor motorsport category, has signed up technology company Qualcomm and logistics provider DHL as corporate sponsors before its launch next September.

Californian company Qualcomm will be the official technology partner to the championship, while German-owned DHL will help to move cars and equipment between the 10 cities that will host races, officials said on Monday.

The support of two major corporate backers from either side of the Atlantic is a boost for Formula E, a new series of races that will feature cars powered by electric energy scheduled for launch in September 2014.

Races are due to be staged in the heart of major cities including London, Beijing and Los Angleles in a 10-team series that will offer a quieter contrast to the well established F1

Qualcomm will offer technology that will allow safety cars to be charged wirelessly in the first Formula E season and plans to make this available to race cars in subsequent years.

“New technologies in connectivity, wireless and mobile fit perfectly with a Championship open to new technology, not only for the cars but for everything around the venue,” Alejandro Agag, chief executive of Formula E Holdings said in a statement.

DHL, owned by Germany’s Deutsche Post, said its involvement with the new series mirrored a similar agreement it already had with Formula One to help it shift vehicles and other material from venue to venue.

The new tasks would be taken on by the company’s existing motor sports team that operates from bases in Britain and Italy, a company spokesman said.

The new series is attracting interest among Formula One teams who are keen to expand into new markets for engineering and technology.

The Williams team have agreed to provide batteries for the new cars, while rival McLaren has signed up to provide motors, transmission systems and electronics.

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'Seb era not as boring as Schumi one'

Jenson Button insists Formula One is "more fun these days" than it was during the Michael Schumacher era, despite Sebastian Vettel's current dominance.

Vettel won his sixth race of the season with relative ease in Italy on Sunday to open up a 53-point lead at the top of the Championship standings with only seven races left.

His rivals know that unless he suffers a few DNFs in the next few grands prix then he will have a fourth consecutive title wrapped up long before the season comes to an end in Brazil on November 24.

Vettel's current success has already been compared to that of his German compatriot Michael Schumacher, who won seven World Championships.

Button, who started his F1 career in 2000 when Schumacher won the first of five consecutive titles, insists the Vettel era doesn't come close to that of Schumacher in terms of boredom.

"It's different from what I remember with Michael," Button told Press Association Sport. "They (Red Bull) have won the Championship for three (consecutive) years and they are going to win it again - I think.

"But the racing seems more fun these days, there is more action and there are a lot of different people winning grands prix. You also have four different teams winning races now - which should be five, and it will be five in the future, as I include us.

"But the racing is better than when Michael won the Championship and with Michael it felt like 'Well, he is going to win it next year as well'. But I don't think it feels like that now. Every year it doesn't feel like 'Well, Sebastian is going to win it again'.

"It feels as though you come out of the blocks and everyone is fighting for victories, but they (Red Bull) get stronger through the year - or we and the other teams are not as strong as them."

Vettel has won three of the last four races, but Button feels the other teams are likely to put up a much better fight in Singapore and Korea.

"It's been very up and down for a lot of teams at the front, but the last couple they (Red Bull) have just walked it," the 2009 World Champion said.

"The lower downforce setting, a weakness of theirs in the past, they have really got to grips with, a real handle on it, and they've done a good job in the last couple of races.

"We'll see what happens in the next race where it's high downforce, it might be a different story and if it is then we can all get excited again.

"But at the moment they are looking superior."

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'Pirelli signs new five-year deal'

Pirelli will remain Formula One's tyre supplier until at least the end of the 2018 season, according to a report.

Telegraph Sport claims FIA President Jean Todt has "rubber stamped" a new five-year contract, which is worth an estimated £50 million, with the Italian manufacturer.

Pirelli copped a lot of flak this season over the tyres they have produced and many believed they may well decide to leave the sport at the end of the campaign. There were also suggestions that Todt would put out a tender after rumours that Michelin would return.

However, the president of motorsport's governing body admitted over the weekend that all the teams and commercial rights holder are favour of Pirelli staying.

"If it is unanimous to go in a direction and then if I go to a tender you know what people will say? (They'll say) 'He is against Pirelli so he does a tender to try to make it Michelin'," he said.

It now appears the deal is done and dusted with the company agreeing a long-term deal, which only needs to be ratified by the FIA.

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Comment: Felipe Massa can walk out of Ferrari proud

Felipe Massa may not have done enough at Ferrari this season to keep his seat for 2014, but he can leave Maranello with his head held high.

Although it is all too easy to criticise the Brazilian for failing to deliver the wins and podiums that Fernando Alonso racked up, his contribution to the team has still been valuable.

And no one should ever forget the way that Massa performed so brilliantly at the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix to be champion for a few seconds, before Lewis Hamilton grabbed at the last corner the point he needed to be title winner.

It is important to state that Massa has always been the consummate professional at Ferrari, acting with total dignity throughout his spell there.

There have been highs and there have been lows, but even in the most difficult moments - like taking to that podium at Interlagos in 2008 and announcing his Ferrari career was at an end tonight - he acted with honour.

Ferrari will never forget that.

MASSA'S CAREER AT FERRARI

Felipe Massa just missed out on joining the illustrious list of Ferrari world champions during his time with the Scuderia in that sensational climax to the 2008 season in Brazil, but having first raced for the team since 2006 he has enjoyed significant success.

During the past seven-and-a-half seasons, he has established himself as the most successful Ferrari driver without a title to his name and is high up the rankings of race starts, wins and pole positions for the prancing horse.

FERRARI STARTS

1 Michael Schumacher, 179

2 Felipe Massa, 132

3 Rubens Barrichello, 102

4 Gerhard Berger, 96

5 Michele Alboreto, 80

6 Jean Alesi, 79

FERRARI WINS

1 Michael Schumacher, 72

2 Niki Lauda, 15

3 Alberto Ascari, 13

4 Felipe Massa, 11

5 Fernando Alonso, 11

6 Rubens Barrichello/Kimi Raikkonen, 9

FERRARI POLES

1 Michael Schumacher, 58

2 Niki Lauda, 23

3 Felipe Massa, 15

4 Alberto Ascari, 13

5 Jacky Ickx, 11

6 Rubens Barrichello, 11

SEASON-BY-SEASON

2006

After three campaigns racing for Sauber, and a 2003 season spent testing for Ferrari, Massa becomes Michael Schumacher's team-mate in 2006. He claims his maiden victory in Turkey, adding a second in the season-finale in Brazil to claim third in the championship.

2007

After a difficult start to the season, consecutive wins in Bahrain and Spain establish him as a championship contender. After a third win of the year in Turkey, a suspension failure at Monza effectively puts him out of the title running.

Hands Kimi Raikkonen victory, and the world championship, at Interlagos and finishes fourth in the points.

2008

Victory in the French Grand Prix crowns a run of three wins in six races and gives Massa the lead in the world championship. He adds a further three wins, but victory in Brazil is not enough and he loses the title to Lewis Hamilton, who overtakes Timo Glock for fifth place at the end of the last lap, by a point.

2009

With Ferrari struggling, Massa manages only one podium finish at the Nurburgring before a spring shed by Rubens Barrichello's Brawn hits him during qualifying for the Hungarian GP.

Massa is out for the rest of the season, but after a remarkable recovery, Ferrari stands by him and he is retained for the 2010 season.

2010

With a new team-mate in Fernando Alonso, Massa returns to action for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. He finishes second behind Alonso after outqualifying him, but is the Spaniard's support act for most of the year.

Controversially hands victory in Germany to the Spaniard and does not win a race, but does take five podium finishes and takes sixth in the title race.

2011

Endures a lacklustre season for Ferrari amid Red Bull's total dominance of the season. Again finishes sixth in the championship, but with under half of Alonso's points total and fails to finish higher than fifth in a grand prix, a result he claims a total of six times.

2012

By the halfway point of the season, Massa has just 23 points compared to Alonso's 154, but an upturn in form earns him a new one-year deal to remain at the team in 2013.

A second place in Japan and third place at Interlagos helps Ferrari to second in the constructors' standings, but he manages only seventh in the drivers' championship.

2013

Carries his strong late-2012 form into the start of the year, outqualifying Alonso in Australia and Malaysia but struggles to maintain that level of performance.

After 12 races, he lies seventh in the world championship with 79 points compared to Alonso's 169 and has finished on the podium just once, in Spain

[MIKA27]

Engine rules set to restrict Formula 1's 2014 calendar to 20 races

Formula 1's 2014 calendar may not be able to expand beyond 20 races because of the consequences that will have on the new engine regulations.

As revealed last week, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has submitted a draft calendar that features 21 races, while New Jersey is still adamant it can fulfil its contract to make it on there too.

If that happens, it would leave teams facing 22 grands prix, with Ecclestone telling media in Italy that such a scenario could not be ruled out.

But although in previous years expanding the calendar has simply meant improved financial terms for the teams to compensate the increased cost of more events, sources have revealed that things are much more complicated for next season.

That is because the 2014 engine rules limit each driver to just five of the new V6 turbo power units per season, which was going to be a challenge even without new events being added.

Sources have revealed that at least one manufacturer has opened discussions with the FIA to express reservations about being able to do more than 20 races with just five engines.

REGULATION CHANGE POSSIBLE

With the FIA set to announce a provisional schedule at its next World Motor Sport Council meeting in Croatia at the end of this month, the governing body is aware that agreeing to a longer calendar could lead to unintended consequences of having to change sporting regulations to accommodate the need for more engines.

In theory, with entries for the 2014 championship not officially opening until October 21, the FIA could still tweak the regulations later this month to allow the teams an extra engine to compensate.

That is because under article 199c of the International Sporting Code, the sporting rules only need to be in place 20 days before entries open. After that, unanimous support from teams will be required for modifications.

But with such a tight window for action, at a time of uncertainty over the fate of some races, there may be a reluctance to change what has already been agreed up until now.

In reality, time is running out for New Jersey to get everything in place, while there remains lingering doubts about Korea accepting an early-season date as is currently planned - because it does not want another race so soon after this October's GP.

Should neither of those events make it, then F1 will likely be down to 20 races and there will be no need for a complicated change to the engine rules.

[MIKA27]

Analysis: Nico Hulkenberg plan B for Lotus if Kimi Raikkonen goes

While Lotus has focused on trying to keep hold of Kimi Raikkonen, inevitably team principal Eric Boullier has had to work on contingency plans to ensure it has the best line-up for 2014 if the '07 Formula 1 world champion leaves.

Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg has been on the team's radar for some time and is believed to be at the top of the shortlist, provided commercial considerations do not influence driver choice.

This is not simply a knee-jerk reaction to his fifth place at Monza. Hulkenberg has been the most eye-catching performer in the midfield for several years.

While the 26-year-old has struggled with Sauber this year given poor machinery, his performances have been consistently good, building on impressive campaigns with Force India last year and Williams in 2010.

During both seasons, he built momentum dramatically in the second half of the year, but that progress has been interrupted by regular team changes.

HULKENBERG: MIDFIELD STAND-OUT

Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has confirmed Hulkenberg is on the team's shortlist, but expects there to be competition from rival teams.

"He had a good weekend and we know Nico isquite a good driver and fast," said Boullier after the Italian Grand Prix.

"I have known him for a long time, since he was in Formula BMW.

"Nico is also on the shortlist of Ferrari, from what I understand.

"So we all have plans, if the first one is removed, there will be a b-plan."

Hulkenberg's qualities are abundantly clear to anyone paying attention to the F1 midfield.

In the first part of the year, the Sauber was a very difficult car to drive, lacking in rear-end grip yet he was able to drag it into Q3 and even have a brief cameo in the lead in China thanks to starting on the harder tyre compound.

The Sauber has faded in and out of contention for the top 10, something that some interpret as inconsistency. In reality, it reflects how tight the gaps are in the midfield.

For example, at a circuit that tests the aerodynamic performance of a car more than any other, Barcelona, Hulkenberg was delighted with a qualifying lap that left him 15th on the grid.

But it would only have taken a four-tenth of a second improvement in the Sauber to put him in the top 10.

Such swings do regularly happen depending on circuit characteristics helping and hindering other cars, which makes it more difficult to judge mid-pack driver performance based on results alone.

MASSA, MALDONADO IN THE MIX

There are other potential candidates. Should Lotus want a more experienced driver, Felipe Massa would be considered, especially because of his commercial appeal in South America.

Pastor Maldonado has also been linked with the team, but that would be dependent on a commercial package.

Should Raikkonen leave and Hulkenberg replace him, Romain Grosjean would most likely stay in the second seat in order for the team to have some continuity.

"[Continuity] would be ideal," said Boullier. "It [Raikkonen leaving] would help Romain to secure next year's seat with us. That's logical."

[MIKA27]

Mercedes haven't lost their momentum - Wolff

Mercedes haven't lost their momentum this season according to executive director Toto Wolff, and he fully expects them to be back at the front at the next race.

The Anglo-German outfit didn't perform as expected in Belgium and Italy, which has left them trailing Red Bull and now Ferrari in the constructors' battle, whilst Sebastian Vettel has further extended his drivers' title hopes with a back-to-back victory.

Wolff isn't disheartened though and says such lulls are to be expected from time to time, especially considering where they were in 2012. "There is obviously the danger that momentum stalls, but we have momentum," he said.

"You cannot expect to be on pole at each race and be on the podium at each race, especially from where we came from last year.

"Everyone is still motivated, we enjoy ourselves and sometimes it just needs a little kick to get back on track. But I am satisfied."

Further upgrades for Singapore are planned and they haven't yet switched focus to 2014 he revealed.

"We have a specific plan, and we are then analysing which of the last races we stop [working on the 2013 car] for 2014. We are pretty flexible."

[MIKA27]

F1 2013 Game: All you need to know ahead of the October release

Codemasters have released an in-depth FAQ on the next edition of their Formula 1 game – F1 2013 – which is scheduled for global release in early October.

The FAQ addresses various topics, including: comprehensive content list, difference between Standard & Classic Edition, system requirements, release dates, wheels supported. It attempts to answer any pre-launch questions.

When is the F1 2013 releasing?

• Europe: October 4th
  
• Middle East: October 4th
  
• Africa: October 4th
  
• North America: October 8th
  
• South America: October 8th
  

What content does the F1 2013 Standard Edition include?

• 2013 season content.
  
• 1980s content.
  
• Including World Champion drivers Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi & Mario Andretti, as well as Gerhard Berger and many more to be announced in the coming weeks.
  
• 5 classic cars.
  
• Classic tracks
  
• Brands Hatch
  
• Jerez
  

What content does the F1 2013 Classic Edition include?

• 2013 season content.
  
• 1980s content.
  
• Including World Champion drivers Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi & Mario Andretti, as well as Gerhard Berger and many more to be announced in the coming weeks.
  
• 5 classic cars.
  
• 1990s content.
  
• Iconic drivers, including World Champions Alain Prost & Jacques Villeneuve, as well as Eddie Irvine, David Coulthard and more to be announced at a future date
  
• 6 classic cars
  
• Classic tracks
  
• Imola
  
• Estoril
  
• Brands Hatch
  
• Jerez
  

If I buy the Standard Edition will I still be able to purchase the extra content at a later date?

• Yes. The 1990s content and the classic track pack will be available via DLC a few weeks after launch.
  

Is the Classic Edition limited?

• Yes there is a limited supply of Classic Editions. If you miss out on this limited run you’ll be able to gain access to the exclusive content via DLC after launch.
  

Can you race classic cars and tracks online?

• Yes.
  

Can you race classic cars in career?

• No. Classics Mode allows you to drive classic cars in a Grand Prix, time trial and time attack. We’ll have more to share about other classic game modes at a later date.
  

Can you make pit-stops with the classic cars?

• Yes.
  

What platforms will F1 2013 be releasing on?

• Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC.
  

Where can I pre-order the game?

• We have a Facebook app that lists retailers that are accepting pre-orders. You can find that here.
  

Why can’t I see F1 2013 Classic Edition for PC?

• F1 2013 Classic Edition will only be available on PC via digital distribution. You will be able to pre-order the game on Steam around 6 weeks prior to launch (estimated).
  

When can I pre-order F1 2013 on Steam?

• We are unable to provide a specific date but we estimate that Steam pre-orders will be available around 6 weeks prior to launch.
  

What are the minimum PC specifications for F1 2013?

• OS: Windows Vista or Windows 7
  
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.4Ghz or AMD Athlon X2
  
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
  
• Graphics: AMD HD2600 or NVIDIA Geforce 8600
  
• DirectX: Version 11
  
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
  
• Hard Drive: 15 GB available space
  
• Sound Card: Direct X compatible soundcard
  

What are the recommended PC specifications for F1 2013?

• OS: Windows Vista or Windows 7 64 bit
  
• Processor: Intel Core i7/AMD Bulldozer
  
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
  
• Graphics: AMD HD6000 Series/Nvidia GTX500 Series minimum 1GB RAM
  
• DirectX: Version 11
  
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
  
• Hard Drive: 15 GB available space
  
• Sound Card: Direct X compatible soundcard
  

Will F1 2013 have RaceNet support?

• Yes. We’ll be revealing more specific RaceNet features closer to release.
  

Will I need a VIP/Online pass to play online?

• No you do not need a VIP/Online pass to play online.
  

Will there be a demo for F1 2013?

• We considered this but eventually decided to not release a demo and focus all our resource on the final game.
  

Can you turn off the classic screen filters?

• Yes these are optional.
  

Can I save mid-race?

• Yes you can save at any point during practice, qualifying or race day.
  

What is F1 Classics? And why did you choose the content you did?

• F1 Classics is a brand new game mode that brings iconic cars, drivers and circuits from the history of F1 into Codemasters F1 2013.
  
• We started work on licensing this content a long time ago. Very early on it became apparent that licensing a full season would be almost impossible in terms of actually locating drivers and establishing who owns the rights to the car, sponsors, etc. What would we do if we couldn’t get particular teams and drivers, which has been the case, and what do we do about teams and drivers who sadly are no longer with us? Not having a full replica car & driver grid would seriously jeopardise the quality of that experience, and on top of that, matching all of the tracks to a particular season would incur a huge investment of time (4-5 years) and money, and the appetite for this content is here now.
  
• When we were discussing what people actually wanted in terms of mass market appeal, it was only really the ‘big’ teams and the most famous iconic drivers that people really wanted to experience. Therefore we have created a much more flexible game design for F1 Classics, giving us much more freedom to approach a multitude of superstar drivers and enabling us to deliver a truly amazing experience of historical, well known names and brands for this, our first attempt. This added flexibility enabled us to come up with a huge wish list of teams and drivers to approach, and we are hugely excited by our final line-up.
  
• Split across two ‘celebration of the decade Goodwood style events’ (F1 Classics: 1980s and 1990s), players will have the chance to race a range of classic F1 cars, against both original and former ‘legendary’ F1 guest drivers, on historical iconic F1 circuits, recreated to the audio and visual style of the television coverage of the day, all of which will be introduced by the most famous voice in motorsport, Murray Walker.
  
• Teams have been chosen on their historic significance, with specific cars not simply chosen on performance. Each team will race with at least one of the original drivers piloting their cars (where possible), with a former ‘legendary’ F1 guest driver piloting the second car. Former ‘team legend’ guest drivers have been allocated based on a strong and obvious association with that particular team, and as such F1 Classics reunites 10 legendary F1 World Champions from across the years. For fans of a global sport this is huge as many of the territories have a ‘hero’ driver.
  
• Historic circuits have been selected for layout variety, popularity and era association and are ideally matched to the cars on offer; Brand Hatch, Jerez, Imola and Estoril.
  
• All of this amazing content is brought to together for the first time in a Codemasters Formula One experience that has innovated and taken a giant leap into the retro field. No other game has matched the number of teams we offer, or as many real Formula One circuits, or offered the amazing driver line-up we have in both a singleplayer and multiplayer experience. Of course we’re always looking to improve our games year on year so we are continuing to negotiate and explore options to further increase the team, car and driver line-up in subsequent years. This is just the beginning.
  

Why no historic McLaren?

• There’s no doubting McLaren’s pedigree in F1 over the two eras which we are featuring. Sadly for us, they have exclusive development rights with another game which we weren’t able to overcome in the timeframe we needed. Discussions are ongoing and we would love to feature McLaren, and other F1 Teams, in the future. This is very much our first step into the ‘Classic Arena’.
  

Will Senna Feature in the game?

• Unfortunately not in F1 2013 for a couple of reasons; 1) his name and license is already tied up to an existing game and 2) the concept of F1 classics is that it is a ‘celebration of the decade Goodwood style event’ for each of the eras. When exploring the driver line-up there were several drivers who are sadly no longer with us and a decision was made that it wasn’t fitting to include them in the game design as it was at that time. Whilst we appreciate that this will be a disappointment to some of you, we are confident that the driver line up will contain a very exciting & competitive line up of former world champions. We would very much like F1 Classics to be a staple of our future F1 games so as long as the demand is high enough, we feel that a future game mode could be tuned specifically to certain historic teams & drivers – with Senna being one of them.vvvvv
  

The list of supported PC wheels leaves little to be desired as all major models from Fanatec, Thrustmaster & Logitech are supported alongside more professional gear such as the ECCI Trackstar 6000 and even the SimRaceWay SRW-S1 steering wheel.

PC Supported Wheels

• Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
  
• Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback Wheel with Force Feedback
  
• ECCI Trackstar 6000
  
• Fanatec Porsche 911 Carrera
  
• Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2
  
• Fanatec Porsche 911 GT3 RS2
  
• Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo S
  
• Fanatec ClubSport
  
• Fanatec CSR Elite
  
• Fanatec ClubSport Pedals
  
• Logitech Driving Force GT
  
• Logitech Driving Force Pro
  
• Logitech Formula Force EX/RX
  
• Logitech G25 Racing Wheel
  
• Logitech G27 Racing Wheel K
  
• Logitech MOMO Racing Force (Racing)
  
• Thrustmaster Ferrari 430 Force Feedback Racing Wheel
  
• Thrustmaster Ferrari GT Experience
  
• Thrustmaster Ferrari GT F430 Wireless Cockpit
  
• Thrustmaster RGT Force Feedback Clutch Edition
  
• Thrustmaster Universal Challenge 5-in-1 Racing Wheel
  
• Thrustmaster T500RS Racing Wheel
  
• Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 wheel Integral T500
  
• Logitech WingMan Formula Force GP Racing Wheel
  
• Atomic Super Sport Evo Steering Wheel
  
• Logic3 Tri Format Topdrive GT
  
• Logic3 Tri Format Topdrive RF
  
• SimRaceWay SRW-S1 Steering Wheel (NEW)
  
• Atomic TVR Sagaris Sport Racing Steering Wheel
  

PlayStation 3 Supported Wheels

• Atomic Super Sport
  
• Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2
  
• Fanatec Porsche 911 GT3 RS2
  
• Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo S
  
• Fanatec ClubSport (NEW)
  
• Fanatec CSR Elite (NEW)
  
• Logic 3 TopDrive GT
  
• Logic 3 TopDrive RF
  
• Logitech Driving Force
  
• Logitech Driving Force EX/RX
  
• Logitech Driving Force GT
  
• Logitech Driving Force Pro
  
• Logitech G25 Racing Wheel
  
• Logitech G27 Racing Wheel
  
• Thrustmaster Ferrari F430 Force Feedback
  
• Thrustmaster Ferrari GT Experience
  
• Thrustmaster RGT Force Feedback Pro Clutch
  
• Thrustmaster T500RS Racing Wheel
  

Xbox 360 Supported Wheels

• Microsoft 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
  
• Logitech Drive FX Wheel
  
• Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2
  
• Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo S
  
• Fanatec CSR Elite (NEW)
  
• Joytech Nitro Racing Wheel
  
• MadCatz Wireless Racing Wheel
  
• For more on F1 2013, the different versions and content included, please check out this FAQ. F1 2013 is coming to the PC, Playstation 3 & Xbox 360 in early October.
  

[MIKA27]

Tost downplays Sainz jr's STR chances

Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost believes Carlos Sainz jr needs to gain more experience before he is handed a race seat in Formula One.

The 19-year-old son of former World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Daniel Ricciardo at Toro Rosso next year.

Tosts confirmed that Sainz jr is in the running along with fellow Red Bull Junior Programme drivers Antonio Felix da Costa and Daniil Kvyat, but he feels the Spaniard is not yet ready to take the step up to F1.

"Sainz, Kvyat and Da Costa are the three candidates for the seat," Tost is quoted as saying by MARCA. "But I also believe that Carlos is missing two seasons [before he gets an F1 seat] as I do not believe you should get into Formula One before 20. Nor expect too much from them.

"Carlos has to continue competing in lower formulas, win, grow and then wait to make the leap."

He added: "I don't make the decision alone, but there are several people who will decide with is best for all. You can never say no to anything, but I don't think Carlos will run in 2014."

[MIKA27]

Domenicali: I am pleased to welcome Kimi back to the Scuderia

As one chapter comes to a close for Ferrari with the departure of Felipe Massa, and another one resumes after a four year break with return of Kimi Raikkonen, team principal Stefano Domenicali and Fernando Alonso were quick to welcome the Finn.

“I am pleased to welcome Kimi back to the Scuderia, the team with which he won his World Championship title,” said Domenicali.

“I sense he is very happy to be returning to Maranello and very determined to tackle the work that awaits him in the best way possible,” added the Italian team boss.

Alonso also had a word for Kimi Raikkonen. “I’d like to welcome my new travelling companion: together, starting next year, we will have to tackle a very demanding technical and racing challenge.”

The partnership will be the most experienced on the grid in 2014 with three titles between them from a combined 397 grand prix starts and 52 wins. But only time will tell if he potentially volatile pairing will reap rewards for the sport’s most famous team - who last won a title when Raikkonen did the business in 2007.

Raikkonen said, “I can’t wait to be driving a Prancing Horse car again and to reacquaint myself with so many people with whom I had such close links, as well as working with Fernando, whom I consider a great driver, in order to bring the team the success it deserves.”

[MIKA27]

With Alonso and Raikkonen as teammates Ferrari have created a F1 super team

Kimi Raikkonen’s return to Ferrari alongside Fernando Alonso has handed Formula 1 a compelling storyline for the next two seasons, with two possible outcomes: the first is that all goes according to plan and the duo work together to rake in the titles or it all backfires.

Whether the stellar line-up of champions, Ferrari’s first such pairing for 50 years, blazes a trail to title glory or derails itself in a shower of sparks along the way remains to be seen.

The two are fire and ice, and it has been no secret in the Formula One paddock that Alonso would rather have retained Brazilian Felipe Massa as a loyal number two, but equally determined.

Both know what it takes to win titles, both are supremely quick and old and wise enough to see beyond the usual mind games.

“I don’t think Alonso will be too pleased to see Raikkonen there,” said former racer and Sky television commentator Martin Brundle on Wednesday.

F1 debutants at the 2001 Australian GP (L to R) Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Fernando Alonso and Enrique Bernoldi

“He (Raikkonen) will go about it in his own way. If he heard a radio message ‘Fernando is faster than you’, Kimi Raikkonen is not going to move out of the way.

“He’s going to radio back and say ‘So why is he behind me, then, if he’s faster than me?”And a few expletives along the way. It will definitely put Alonso on his toes. It will be the strongest pairing in Formula One.”

Raikkonen, the last driver to win a title for Ferrari and first in the post-Michael Schumacher era, did assist Massa in 2008 just as the Brazilian helped him become champion. But generally, the Finn does not do small talk and nor does he seem remotely intimidated by anybody or anything.

When Jenson Button linked up with 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton at McLaren in 2010 in Formula One’s most recent ‘super team’ of champions, the older Briton was warned that he was entering the ‘Lion’s Den’ with everything geared around Hamilton.

It did not work out that way, and 2009 champion Button is now the established leader at McLaren while Hamilton has moved on to Mercedes.

Alonso has grown accustomed to being the main man at Maranello but Raikkonen knows his way around the factory corridors well enough and is also being reunited with former colleagues.

The Finn has already won nine races for Ferrari from his previous stint there, only two fewer than Alonso – who won his titles at Renault in 2005 and 2006 – has racked up for the scuderia.

Raikkonen may not care – or talk – enough to be a leader of men, in the mould of Schumacher or Alonso, but speed and success are powerful motivators in themselves and the 2007 champion will play to his strengths.

Pat Fry and James Allison, two key technical figures, worked with him at McLaren and Lotus respectively – as they did with Alonso.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali is a known Raikkonen fan, despite the Finn being paid off for the final year of his contract at the end of 2009 to make way for Alonso.

All that means that there should be a much more level playing field next term at a team renowned in recent years for favouring one driver over another.

At a time when Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel is speeding towards his fourth successive title, and the sport is reliving the sort of yawning domination that Schumacher enjoyed at Ferrari, that has to be good news for spectators.

Alonso, however, is likely to be concerned that Ferrari’s dream team could turn into another personal nightmare – unless their car is so dominant that they are battling only themselves.

When the Spaniard was paired with Hamilton, then in his rookie season, at McLaren in 2007 they fought all the way with the team insisting on equal status.

The outcome saw Raikkonen ****** the title against the odds with Hamilton and Alonso level-pegging one point behind the Finn.

Had McLaren imposed the tactics Ferrari employed during the Schumacher era, or during Alonso’s partnership with Massa, the 31-year-old Spaniard might be a triple champion by now.

Ferrari chairman Luca Di Montezemolo used to tell reporters, when asked about the chance of Vettel joining Alonso, that there was no space for “two roosters in the same hen house”.

That policy has now been ripped up. How much they have to crow about next season is an open question but one that will be fascinating to watch.

[MIKA27]

Ricciardo: If I’m fast and able to win, then they’re not going to stop me winning

New signing Daniel Ricciardo is confident that Red Bull will give him a fair shot at race wins even though his teammate is multiple world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Some believe that, despite the champion team pledging identical equipment and support for the young Australian in 2014, Red Bull chose Ricciardo over a high profile candidate like Kimi Raikkonen in deference to Vettel’s likely status next year as a quadruple title winner.

Indeed, while “excited” at the prospect of going head-to-head with Vettel in Formula 1′s top team, 24-year-old Ricciardo has also admitted that he is somewhat “nervous”.

“And I’m curious,” he is quoted by Spain’s EFE news agency. ”Curious to know how much faster I can be with a big team.”

Ricciardo acknowledged, however, that taking on Vettel at Red Bull Racing – a task that ultimately broke the relationship between the German and outgoing teammate Mark Webber – is a “big wave” to surf.

“It’s true,” he said. “A very big wave. But it’s also the greatest opportunity I’ve ever had. I want to see if I really am the best in the world, or, at least, one of the best.”

“And there is no greater challenge than to compete against the best. I will work as hard as I can. If I can be as good as him or better, I’ll be happy. And if he crushes me, at least I will have tried. I believe in my ability, but when I measure myself against Seb then I will know for sure.”

But will Red Bull really give Ricciardo a free run at Vettel? A free run at grand prix wins, even the title?

“Yes,” Ricciardo answered. ”They’ve said that if I’m fast and I am able to win, then they’re not going to stop me.”

As for the rest of the 2013 campaign, Ricciardo said Vettel’s rivals have an almost impossible task to stop him winning a fourth consecutive title.

“While there is a mathematical chance, there’s a chance,” he smiled. ”But with the consistency that he has, then if he doesn’t have failures or accidents then it’s going to be difficult for them. Because even when Seb doesn’t win, he’s on the podium.”

Ricciardo said Vettel is now at the top of his game in every area as an F1 driver, ”Many people think it’s easy when you have the best car. I don’t think so. Yes, he has a very good car, but when he doesn’t win he’s on the podium. And doing that every weekend is not easy.”

“He is very focused mentally and doesn’t care what people say…almost no mistakes. That’s how you win championships,” added Ricciardo.

[MIKA27]

Property developer signs 999 year lease for Silverstone

Property developer MEPC, which is backed by BT’s pension fund, has taken a 999 year lease on the Silverstone Industrial Estate and development land around the outside of the Formula 1 circuit, the track’s owners said on Wednesday.

The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) said in a statement that the agreement does not include the management or development of Silverstone Circuit.

“MEPC has paid £ 32 million ($ 50.31 million) for a long-term lease. This payment has allowed the BRDC to pay off its long and short-term loans from Lloyds Banking Group and Northamptonshire County Council,” the statement said.

Planning permission had been granted for the development land, the BRDC added.

The BRDC said that it had also agreed terms with a suitable partner “to further develop and invest in the circuit and circuit-related facilities” but could not reveal details under the terms of non-disclosure agreements.

It aimed to complete the negotiations before the club’s annual general meeting on 4 October.

[MIKA27]

Haug believes that Mercedes will be 2014 title contenders

Beating Red Bull to the Formula 1 World Championship will in 2013 be “virtually impossible” for rival teams, former Mercedes boss Norbert Haug admits but says that the silver Arrows are well positioned for 2014..

The 60-year-old, who was replaced as the German marque’s motor racing president by Toto Wolff for 2013 and beyond, tipped Mercedes to give the reigning world champions a run for their money next year.

“I think Mercedes will be very well positioned,” Haug told Servus TV.

“It also took Red Bull five years to build the team. This is the fourth one for Mercedes and I think [that] so far everything is on schedule.

“I believe [that] next year [they] will be for fighting for the world title,” he told the Austrian broadcaster.

Also on the Servus TV programme, Haug was asked about Gerhard Berger’s recent claim that pursuing more overtaking with the ‘DRS’ innovation was a mistake for F1.

“It was pursued for good intentions,” Haug agreed, “but in retrospect, you have to wonder if it is still real overtaking when one has his wing open and the other does not.

“It was done at a time when the races were boring, but maybe now we could say that we overshot the target,” he added.

[MIKA27]

Heikki backs Caterham to move forward

Heikki Kovalainen is confident Caterham are on the right track when it comes to their 2014 car, but concedes only time will tell how much they have progressed.

With F1 set for several rule changes next year, just about all the teams have already switched their focus to development of next year's cars and Caterham are no different.

Kovalainen, who rejoined the squad midway through this season as a reserve and test driver, feels the Leafield-based team should have a quicker car next year, but feels it's important to adopt a wait and see policy.

"Everything is progressing better than ever before, but whether it's good enough or not is hard to say," Kovalainen told ESPNF1.

"With so many changes coming up you don't really know what other people are targeting. So we know that we're going to make a car that is quicker than this car but the question is are the top guys also going to make a car as quick as they have now or are they going to have to drop a little bit of performance because of the regulation changes?

"This is what we don't know, so that determines the gap that we're going to have next year and whether we can catch that up or not.

So I'm quite happy so far with what I see how the team is performing. We're still a small team but we are working better and improving every area as I think we should do. I don't think there is any area which is particularly weak, but all the areas could be better I guess."

Kovalainen is also hopeful of returning to the Formula One grid next year as driver, but he admits he hasn't held talks with any of the teams just yet.

"I am not in discussion with any other teams and even with Caterham just at the moment I am just focussing on this role that they have given me this year and I have no firm plans for next year yet," he told Sky Sports F1.

"I think it is good. It is not 100%, but I'd say I have a good chance. Of course if a sponsor wants to give me a lot of money I don't mind, but I am not going after money."