FORMULA 1 2009

[MIKA27]

Button: A bonus podium to go with a World title

Jenson Button is looking forward to the celebrations after finishing his World Championship winning season in style with a "bonus" podium finish in the inaugural Abu Dhabi GP.

Having claimed the World title at the Brazilian GP, Button headed to the new Yas Marina circuit with a bounce in his step and a determination to prove his nay-sayers wrong. (I was one of them! )

And he did.

Starting fifth on the grid, the 29-year-old easily shot by his team-mate Rubens Barrichello before hunting down Mark Webber. However, tyre problems in the first stint cost him and he had to wait until the option tyres were on before picking up the pace and tracking down the Australian.

"I was struggling a bit with the prime tyre but I tried to make the best out of it," he said. "After the second stop I found I had very good grip and had good initial turn in and that was why I was able to close down Mark."

The Brawn GP driver, though, was not able to get by the Red Bull racer despite running front wing to tail for the final few laps, including a few wheel to wheel passing attempts on the very last lap.

"I couldn't make the move stick," said Button. "I was very excited by that battle but Mark is a very difficult person to overtake.

"We were clean but on the edge. It's disappointing not to get second place but I enjoyed the fight.

"Today was a bonus after winning title in Brazil, I enjoyed driving this weekend. After Brazil it would have been easy to say let's enjoy ourselves and not worry about Abu Dhabi - but we did.

"We should be proud of what we achieved. But (Red Bull) had the legs on us so we could not challenge."

The reigning F1 World Champion is now looking forward to a breather and the time to stop and reflect on his achievements this season.

"This is a good way to finish the season," he added.

"Coming away with a podium is a nice way to finish the year. Now I'm going to enjoy myself and celebrate what I've done.

"I just want to enjoy this moment, and then I'll look to the future after that."

[MIKA27]

BMW bid farewell to F1 on a high note

BMW said their farewells to Formula One in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, ending their four-year stay at a fully fledged Constructor with a fifth-placed finish.

2009 has been a difficult year for the BMW-Sauber team as they struggled to find the form that saw them claim third place in last year's teams' Championship, the end result being BMW's withdrawal from Formula One.

The team, though, managed to end their season - and their F1 career - on a good note as Nick Heidfeld raced to fifth place in Sunday's season finale. In doing so, he secured sixth place for BMW in the Constructors' Championship.

"That was once again a strong weekend for our team in the season's finale," said team boss Mario Theissen. "Starting from eighth Nick consistently moved up to fifth thanks to a very good performance.

"Robert was unlucky three times during the race: After each pit stop he came back on the track behind a slower car, and due to the collision with Buemi he lost one position.

"But the most important point is that with today's result we gained another place in the Constructors' Championship.

"So we ended a very tough season with some strong results. A big thank you goes to the whole team - both here at the track as well as in Munich and Hinwil."

Heidfeld, who has yet to secure a race-seat for next year's Championship, was happy with his performance in the midst of an emotional weekend for the German and his team.

"I am very happy with my fifth place. It was a good race in which I was able to get the maximum out of the car and score four points, which was enough to reach our target for the end of the season to overtake Williams in the Constructors' Championship," he said.

"After I have been a little unlucky in recent races, this time I was really able to exploit the car's potential. For quite a long period I was able to go at the same speed as the World Champion's car, the Brawn. The strategy to go for a rather long stint paid off and the track was even more fun when it had more rubber on it.

"It is a pleasing end to our last season together. It now becomes very emotional. During the last laps I had to pull myself together in order to keep my concentration."

MIKA: It's a shame to see BMW leave F1 but I really do hope Nick Heidfeld gets a race seat next season as I truly love his driving style and consistency in all his race meets. A truly amazing driver with loads of potential. Perhaps Toyota should give NH a drive for next season.

[MIKA27]

Kobayashi: Surprised, fantastic and extremely happy

Kamui Kobayashi claimed his first ever F1 points in the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, putting his name in the hat for a 2010 Toyota race-seat.

Starting 12th on the grid, Toyota opted to put Kobayashi on a one-stop strategy and it paid off for the Japanese rookie who was only drafted in mid-way through October to replace the injured Timo Glock.

And now, one has to say, he's looking at a 2010 race-seat after a superb performance that saw him finish six places ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen despite starting one position behind him.

Added to that, he also beat the vastly experienced Jarno Trulli.

"It was a really good race for me. At the start I overtook (Kimi) Raikkonen and that was important in the end because it would have been difficult to finish in the top six if I had been behind him during the first stint," he said.

"When I got past I was confident I had the race pace to fight for the points and my target was to be consistently fast.

"The team did a great job with the strategy and the pit stop which played a big part in helping me finish in the points.

"I certainly wasn't expecting to be racing in Formula 1 this season and I want to say thank you to Toyota for this opportunity.

"My target was to finish in the points today but I am a bit surprised to be in the top six. This is a fantastic result and I am extremely happy."

MIKA: KK drove a faultless race and in my opinion, was the driver of the entire race. Perhaps Toyota need to shed Jarno and replace him permanently with KK....

[MIKA27]

'Unimagineable expectations on Senna's shoulders'

Although Sir Frank Williams has wished Bruno Senna well, the Williams team boss fears there will be "unimagineably great expectation on his shoulders."

Senna will make his F1 debut next season, having concluded a deal to race for Campos Meta. However, the 26-year-old has big shoes to fill as he follows in his late uncle Ayrton's footsteps.

"I hope he is (quick), because there is unfortunately an unimagineably great expectation on his shoulders," Sir Frank, who was Ayrton's team boss when he was tragically killed in the 1994 San Marino GP, told Reuters.

"I just wish him well... it's important for the family that he does extremely well."

Sir Frank, though, isn't the only team boss who has welcome Senna to Formula One.

Ross Brawn, who had to decide between the Brazilian and Rubens Barrichello at the start of this year's Championship, believes Senna has what it takes but will come under huge scrutiny because of his name.

"I think it's a great opportunity for him and look forward to seeing how well he does," said the Brawn GP boss.

"I think it's important he does well because obviously the name is great but it would be a shame if he doesn't do well because of course it carries the name as well.

"I was always very impressed with Bruno, I thought he did a good job for us," he said.

"He was certainly the best of the candidates we had. We were still not decided if we were going to go down the route of a new driver so that decision hadn't been made, but I was quite impressed with him.

"I think like most of the young modern drivers they treat it very seriously, they get themselves fit and they do all the training they can do on simulators now.

"But he is going to need some mileage and has got to find ways of getting race fit over the winter. Michael always used to spend a huge amount of time karting, which tunes the reflexes."

MIKA: Season 2010 looks to be shaping up as an interesting and exciting season with new teams and drivers.

[Bartolomeo]

Abu Dhabi facility was amazing...........Looking forward to the USF1 team next year.............Ferrari can only go up after this year's crappy car.......Good to see Jean Todt involved again

Bart

[MIKA27]

2009 Championship Standings:

1 Brawn GP - Barrichello, Button: 172

2 Red Bull - Vettel, Webber: 153.5

3 McLaren - Hamilton, Kovalainen: 71

4 Ferrari - Badoer, Fisichella, Massa, Raikkonen: 70

5 Toyota - Glock, Kobayashi, Trulli: 59.5

6 BMW-Sauber - Heidfeld, Kubica: 36

7 Williams - Nakajima, Rosberg: 34.5

8 Renault - Alonso, Grosjean, Piquet Jnr: 26

9 Force India - Fisichella, Liuzzi, Sutil: 13

10 Toro Rosso - Alguersuari, Bourdais, Buemi: 8

[MIKA27]

Abu Dhabi facility was amazing...........Looking forward to the USF1 team next year.............Ferrari can only go up after this year's crappy car.......Good to see Jean Todt involved again

Bart

I agree Bart.

Abu Dhabi is a nice track and watching the race, it looked so smooth and fluid for the drivers to race at.

Ferrari ditched development for this seasons car I think at around race 4 of the season and considering, Kimi did a great job which resulted in Ferrari comming 4th in the constructors. Lets hope for all of Scuderias suffering even if it was at their own hands, next seasons car turns out competative.

[MIKA27]

Bridgestone to withdraw from F1 end of 2010

Bridgestone have announced that they are to withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2010 season, citing the need to redirect resources.

Bridgestone entered F1 in 1997 and had been the sole supplier since Michelin withdrew at the end of the 2006 Championship. The Japanese manufacturer has claimed 156 wins in their 223 grands prix.

However, the company's association with Formula One will reach its conclusion next season with Bridgestone Motorsport director Hiroshi Yasukawa announcing their departure.

"It is with deep regret that Bridgestone Motorsport confirms that at 10.00am Sunday, the Bridgestone Corporation announced its decision to not enter into a new tyre supply contract with the FIA Formula One World Championship series," Yasukawa said in a statement.

"The current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2010 season. The decision made by the Board of Directors of Bridgestone comes after considerable and lengthy evaluations and has been based on the company's need to redirect its resources towards the further intensive development of innovative technologies and strategic products.

"While we understand and respect the reasons for this decision, it has nevertheless come as a great disappointment. Bridgestone's relationship with the FIA Formula One World Championship stretches beyond being a tyre supplier. Formula One has been of strategic importance to Bridgestone in developing its technologies, raising the company's brand awareness and providing its strategic business units around the globe with promotional and marketing tools that are intrinsically linked to our company's core products.

"It was a great honour for Bridgestone to be awarded the 2008-2010 contract as Official Tyre Supplier by the Fédération International de L'Automobile (FIA) to the pinnacle of single-seater racing and we would like to thank them for their continued support and for entrusting us with this privileged role which has seen us working at the heart of the Formula One community.

"Our sincere appreciation is also extended to Mr Bernie Ecclestone and Formula One Management, the Formula One teams with whom it has been an honour to have worked alongside, and the many Formula One fans who have followed our activities over the past 13 years.

"I would also like to thank the staff of the Bridgestone Motorsport team for their professionalism, dedication and hard work, and for their passion for excellence. It remains only to reiterate that Bridgestone continues to be wholly committed to the provision of safe tyres of the highest quality to the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2010 and to the running of its tyre servicing operation at the highest level."

MIKA: WOW!!!

The return of Michellin?

[MIKA27]

Kobayashi: It's Toyota or sushi

If he doesn't land a Toyota race-seat for next year's Championship, Kamui Kobayashi could be working in his father's sushi restaurant instead of racing.

Having been called up to replace the injured Timo Glock, Kobayashi impressed in his two F1 races, fighting wheel-to-wheel Championship winner Jenson Button in Brazil and later claiming his first F1 points in Abu Dhabi, beating his vastly-experienced team-mate Jarno Trulli.

However, Kobayashi's impressive P6 around the Yas Marina circuit has yet to secure him a full-time race-seat for next season. And if it doesn't, a lack of funds could force him out of motor sport.

"I have no budget, no budget. So I cannot drive GP2 for next year. I would probably go back to Japan to maybe work with my father in his sushi restaurant! It was like that two months ago, seriously," he told reporters.

But with high praise from Toyota motorsport boss John Howett, it appears to be only a matter of time before the Japanese carmaker announces they have signed the Japanese driver.

"For me it is good," he said of Howett's words of praise. "But I don't know. I haven't signed anything. Of course, I still only have Toyota possibility because I am a Toyota young driver. But I don't want to believe so much.

"If I have to drive, I will drive and do what I have to do. I will prepare for next year to drive, but I cannot say anything about next year yet because it is not my decision."

MIKA: That would be a shame if Toyota don't give KK a drive next season and a talent will be lost forever. KK is a pretty damn good driver who has proven he can mix it with the best. I keep saying this....ditch Truli, bring KK in.

[MIKA27]

Michael: Rubens will be Hulkenberg's teacher

Williams technical director Sam Michael believes Rubens Barrichello will offer Nico Hulkenberg both support and experience as the German tackles his first season in F1.

On Monday, Williams confirmed that they had signed Barrichello from Brawn GP for next year's Championship while also announcing that Hulkenberg would be making the step up from test driver to race driver.

The duo offering an interesting mix of experience and raw talent with Williams confident that Barrichello is the man to teach Hulkenberg everything he needs to know in F1.

"We wanted to put someone quite experienced and strong and a grand prix winner next to Hulkenberg so that he develops properly," Michael told Reuters.

"We didn't want him to come in as a rookie and not have that support.

"He (Hulkenberg) will... get to look at someone who is a multiple grand prix winner and look at how they work and how they blend the team around them and get the team to do the best job for them."

And although Hulkenberg has yet to take part in a single Formula One grand prix, Michael is already predicting that the 22-year-old German has the potential to one day win the Drivers' Championship title.

"Inside Williams we have a big spreadsheet which basically maps a driver's achievements from the age of eight and the reference in that spreadsheet has been Lewis Hamilton because of what he did from eight years old to get into F1," said Michael.

"Basically Nico Hulkenberg has been on exactly the same path, coming up obviously through different countries.

"There's no point in putting a rookie in the car unless you think he can be a World Champion."

Michael also revealed that the deals with Barrichello and Hulkenberg had been in the pipeline for quite a while as the team decided "long time ago" which route they wanted to take regarding their 2010 line-up.

"It was something we had on our target a long time ago and really it was pretty straightforward when those options came up," he said.

"We were pretty certain when we did it that it was the right thing and everything that has happened since has just reinforced our view more and more."

MIKA: Sounds like a good oportunity for Hulkenberg to learn from someone like Rubens BUT, just so long as Hulkenberg doesn't learn one thing....to 'Spity the dummy' and complain when you lose races which is what RB is known to do as he did with Brawn earlier this season.

[MIKA27]

Bernie: F1 heading towards a 20-race calendar

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes it's only a matter of time before the Formula One calendar is extended to 20 grands prix.

While this year's Championship comprised just 17 races, next year there could be as many as 19 with Canada seeking its return and South Korea gearing up for its debut.

But with more countries wanting a place on the calendar, Ecclestone believes the schedule could be extended to include 20 race weekends in the near future.

"I always said that it is possible and obviously now there are more and more people falling for that idea," he told the official F1 website.

"Nobody needs testing. It was always, in my opinion, that testing costs money while racing brings money. Or let them test on Monday after the race when everybody is at the track, the hotels are paid for and that huge logistical effort is eliminated."

MIKA: More races sounds great (From a fans point of view) BUT... Just like a good cigar, it's quality and not quantity that matters and I just hope that should there be more races on the calendar, they (Races) are not boring venues.

[OZCUBAN]

MIKA: More races sounds great (From a fans point of view) BUT... Just like a good cigar, it's quality and not quantity that matters and I just hope that should there be more races on the calendar, they (Races) are not boring venues.

Could not agree more well put.

But in terms of cost reduction it is a reasonable idea,"Televised Testing" now there's an idea .

I wonder who the new tyre supplier will be ? I imagine most of the big tyre manufacturers are in the same boat if you know what i mean or will the tender be open to all and sundry again (tyre war =faster cars )

Time will tell,some fantastic posts this year mate take a breather now .

I hate this time of the year no F-1 fix,but the up side is that it is CIGAR weather

there will be the unavailing of the 2010 cars soon enough,lots of unknowns for next year which is good.

looks like mclaren and Mercedes might be parting ways that could be interesting...

Cheers Oz

[MIKA27]

Could not agree more well put.

But in terms of cost reduction it is a reasonable idea,"Televised Testing" now there's an idea.

I wonder who the new tyre supplier will be ? I imagine most of the big tyre manufacturers are in the same boat if you know what i mean or will the tender be open to all and sundry again (tyre war =faster cars )

Time will tell,some fantastic posts this year mate take a breather now .

I hate this time of the year no F-1 fix,but the up side is that it is CIGAR weather

there will be the unavailing of the 2010 cars soon enough,lots of unknowns for next year which is good.

looks like mclaren and Mercedes might be parting ways that could be interesting...

Cheers Oz

Thanks OZ for your input and posts also mate!

I'll keep posting news as it rolls in, no doubt there will be.

I don't know about McLaren and Mercedes parting, will be a sad day when and if it happens..... I don't think it will, BUT, who knows?

Always great to hear from you as well as those who also contribute to this thread, thanks and bring on 2010!

Regards,

Mika.

[MIKA27]

MELBOURNE GP:

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GP Malaysia 2009:

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GP China 2009

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GP Bahrain 2009

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GP Spain 2009

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GP Monaco 2009

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Toyota the latest to join Formula One exodus

Formula One has been rocked by yet another withdrawal after Toyota announced that it is quitting the sport with immediate effect.

The announcement was made at a media conference in Tokyo by Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda.

The world's largest car maker is now the third major manufacturer to withdraw from F1 in the space of 11 months after Honda and BMW.

A statement read: "Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of the 2009 season.

"TMC, which had viewed its participation in F1 as contributing to the prosperity of automotive culture, remained dedicated to competing at the pinnacle of motor sports, even in the face of the abrupt economic changes that started last year.

"However, when considering TMC's motor-sports activities next year and beyond from a comprehensive mid-term viewpoint reflecting the current severe economic realities, TMC decided to withdraw from F1."

Speculation surrounding Toyota's future was rife throughout the year, in particular after the parent company announced the worst financial losses in its history in March.

Further significant losses are expected to be revealed on Thursday, and this has forced Toyoda, grandson of the company's founder, and his board of directors to act.

In July, and due to the global financial crisis, Toyota-owned Fuji International Speedway confirmed they would not host the Japanese Grand Prix next year.

However, Toyota signed a new Concorde Agreement with motor sport's governing body, the FIA, over the summer, tying them to Formula One through to 2012. It appeared at that stage any doubts as to their future had been erased.

Toyota's departure does at least open the door for Sauber to take up the now vacant 13th position on the grid.

After BMW confirmed their own withdrawal from the sport at the end of July, with their final race the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, it left Sauber fighting for survival.

They were eventually taken over by Qadbak Investments Ltd in mid-September, just hours after Lotus were awarded the 13th slot.

The FIA agreed to the possibility of 14 teams competing in F1 next season on the proviso of there being unanimous agreement from all the other marques, which was not forthcoming.

It left Sauber playing an anxious waiting game these past few weeks, one that is finally over in the wake of Toyota's exit.

Following a strong start to the season, Toyota went on to finish fifth in this year's constructors' championship.

However, since their arrival in F1 in 2002 they failed to win a grand prix in 140 attempts, with the team's best result the back-to-back second places by Jarno Trulli in Malaysia and Bahrain in 2005.

It leaves drivers Trulli, Timo Glock and Kamui Kobayashi in limbo, although it was expected neither the veteran Italian nor the German would be re-signed.

Toyota's decision is particularly hard on Kobayashi who had driven superbly in the final two races in the absence of the injured Glock.

That led to Toyota Motorsport boss John Howett confirming in Abu Dhabi on Sunday the Japanese was "70 to 80% certain" of being given a contract for next year.

Just three manufacturers now remain in F1 - Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Renault - with the focus likely to switch to the latter in light of their previously precarious circumstances.

MIKA: WOW!!

What a shock, considering Toyota came 5th in the Constructors this season, I assumed after signing the concorde agreement and with this seasons success, KK possibly being signed up also for next season, they may have been onto something good finally.

[MIKA27]

Todt keen to see French GP back on calendar

Newly elected FIA President Jean Todt admits he is keen to see the French Grand Prix back on the Formula One calendar.

France did not host a grand prix this year - the first time in more than 50 years - and will once again be absent from the 2010 calendar due to financial problems.

Todt held a meeting with French Prime Minister Francois Filion on Monday to discuss the grand prix's future.

"I find that it would be a shame if France did not have its Grand Prix. Losing such a prestigious international event could have economic consequences," he told the AFP news agency.

The FIA boss also insists that it is not necessary to build a new circuit as three tracks - Le Mans, Paul Ricard, and Magny-Cours - are all capable of hosting the event.

"There are at least three which could host the race in France."

[MIKA27]

Renault yet to decide on F1 participation

Renault have called for patience as the French manufacturer weighs up the pros and cons of following Toyota out of Formula One.

On Wednesday, Toyota announced their immediate withdrawal from Formula One, citing the "current severe economic realities" for their decision.

Hours later another team, Renault, appeared to be facing the same fate as the French carmakers held an extraordinary board meeting to discuss its future plans.

And with the recent Singapore race-fixing scandal fresh in the minds as well as the two-year suspended ban hanging over their heads, many are predicting Renault will be the next team to walk away.

However, Renault Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn has revealed that no decision was made on Wednesday, although one will be forthcoming before the year is out.

"You will have to be patient," Ghosn told Reuters.

"We will make an announcement on our participation in Formula 1 before the end of the year."

Should Renault quit Formula One, they will become the fourth major manufacturer to leave, joining Honda, BMW and Toyota.

MIKA: This is bad news....

Even though its not official and Renault aren't disclosing weather they are or are not quitting, I believe they WILL quit the sport. I wonder what Red Bull will do if thats the case, get Cosworth engines?

[MIKA27]

Horner: F1 cannot rely on manufacturer outfits

Red Bull boss Christian Horner believes Toyota's demise epitomises the fact Formula One should not be reliant on the manufacturers.

In the space of 11 months Formula One has now lost Honda, BMW and Toyota, with suggestions that Renault held a board meeting to discuss their future in the sport.

Tyre manufacturers Bridgestone also confirmed on Monday they are to pull out at the end of next year, suggesting all is far from rosy in the F1 garden.

There is still the possibility of 13 teams lining up on the grid for 2010, leaving the independents holding sway, as was the case for many years prior to a decade of manufacturer dominance.

"It was with great sadness we learned of Toyota's position," Horner told BBC Sport.

"You have to feel for the employees. I think there's not far off a thousand that are going to be facing a difficult future unless they embark on other programmes.

"For Formula One to lose a name, and the biggest car manufacturer in the world in Toyota, is disappointing.

"But it shows Formula One should not be reliant on manufacturers.

"Independent teams are the heart and soul of Formula One. They don't tend to come and go as manufacturers do.

"We've still a very healthy grid. Toyota's demise gives a chance to the Sauber team - now privately owned - to take their place.

"So we are set for a really competitive year in 2010. We'll have 13 teams - hopefully. But unfortunately without Toyota, which is a shame and a loss."

[MIKA27]

Ekstrom wins RoC, Germany take the Nations Cup

Mattias Ekstrom claimed his third Race of Champions crown after beating Michael Schumacher in the final at Beijing's Birds Nest stadium on Wednesday.

The former DTM Champion won the first leg of the best of three final, which saw him face Schumacher in the RoC cars. He went on to secure a convincing victory by beating the seven-time F1 world Champion in the KTM X-bows.

"It's a very special day for me, because I had a year with not much luck," said Ekstrom. "So to end it by beating Michael Schumacher in this is fantastic."

Schumacher, though, did get a taste of the victory champagne as he won the Nations Cup on Tuesday together with Sebastian Vettel.

The duo defeated reigning F1 Champion Jenson Button and his Team GB partner Andy Priaulx in in a tie-break race in the final.

"We had a nice fight - I just come back to this event to use whatever there is left of a talent," said Schumacher.

"With this track, it's just a case of watching where the other guy is to know how hard to push.

"Of course, the racing is the highlight but the other stuff that goes on around that is part of the relaxed atmosphere of the Race of Champions that we all enjoy."

[MIKA27]

Bernie: Silverstone has two days to sign

Bernie Ecclestone says the BRDC has just two days to sign a contract if they want to host the 2010 British GP.

Ecclestone has been talking to the British Racing Drivers' Club, who own the Northamptonshire circuit, since it became apparant that Donington Park would not be able to raise the necessary funds to host the event.

The F1 supremo has reportedly offered Silverstone the same contract that they rejected just 18 months ago when the BRDC ruled that it was not financially viable.

Ecclestone, though, has warned that time is running to accept his deal or else Britain will not be on the 2010 calendar.

"They say there is not much between us and them, so they should sign," the F1 supremo told The Guardian.

"Maybe they have lost their pen but if they don't find it in the next day or two then that's it.

"I will pull the race off the calendar and there will be no British Grand Prix to argue about."

MIKA: In my opinion....The FIA (Come on Jean Todt) should sack Bernie as this is just pure bullying tactics to force ones hand to sign a deal. BE couldn't care about Silverstone but because Donnington haven't signed, he's now 'Back tracking' to get Silverstone signed to the calendar.