FORMULA 1 2009

[MIKA27]

Mansell: Schumacher can win again

Former Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell believes that Michael Schumacher is capable of challenging for a record-breaking eighth drivers' title, should the 41-year-old conclude a deal to race with the Mercedes Grand Prix team in 2010.

Schumacher has informed Ferrari that there is a 'very strong possibility' he will race for the re-branded Brawn GP team next year thus rekindling his ultra-successful partnership with Ross Brawn, who remains at the helm of the works Mercedes effort.

While AUTOSPORT understands that a deal has been agreed in principle with Mercedes, the seven-time champion's return hinges on him being cleared fit to drive after he sustained a serious neck injury in a superbike accident last February.

But Mansell, who scored his final grand prix victory at Adelaide in 1994 when he was 41, reckons that neither Schumacher's age, or the fact that he hasn't raced a car for three years would affect his ability to challenge for race wins.

"It wouldn't surprise me if Michael challenged for another world title," the 1992 F1 world champion told the Mail on Sunday.

"It doesn't matter what age you are as long as you are professional, committed and focussed. People have written Michael off as over the hill, I look at it differently.

"Michael has tremendous experience and talent, and Mercedes will provide him with a fantastic package. He is extremely fit and we can take his commitment and professionalism for granted."

Mansell added that Schumacher has nothing to lose by coming back, and that regardless of what he might achieve with Mercedes, the German's record and legacy would remain in tact.

"For me there is no downside to this," said Mansell. "He's won enough titles, so what does he have to worry about losing to anyone? It may take a few races to get to grips with his car, but after that it wouldn't surprise me if he was to challenge for his eighth title."

[MIKA27]

Button loses first head-to-head clash with Hamilton

Jenson Button has once again insisted that he can beat Lewis Hamilton at McLaren next season - but has lost his first unofficial confrontation with his predecessor as F1's World Champion.

Asked if he felt he could gain the upper hand over his new team-mate during an appearance on the BBC's Top Gear programme, Button replied: "That's the aim. I wouldn't be doing it if I felt I couldn't.

"This is a massive buzz for me. This is so exciting. I've been in Formula One for ten years now and having the chance to race alongside Lewis at McLaren is something I'm really excited about."

Button was in action on the show racing around their test track. He was recorded as completing a lap of 1:44.9 - a time two-tenths of a second slower than Hamilton's in conditions that the programme's host Jeremy Clarkson described as "exactly the same..."

MIKA: No contest, Hamilton beats JB hands down and will show him in 2010.

[MIKA27]

Mercedes secure Petronas deal

Mercedes GP have signed a long-term title-sponsorship agreement with Malaysian national oil and gas company Petronas.

The team, formerly last season's Formula One world champions Brawn GP, will be officially known as the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team, with branding prominent on the car and team liveries.

The news will serve as a major disappointment to both Sauber and Lotus, the latter ahead of their return to F1 next season.

Petronas were previously title sponsor of BMW Sauber prior to the German manufacturer's withdrawal from the sport at the end of last season.

It is Mercedes, though, who have earned the backing of a company that made a net profit of £9.5billion in a 12-month period up to March this year.

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said: "The collaboration gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula One and building on the success of 2009.

"Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new livery at the Valencia test in February."

[MIKA27]

Alex Yoong slams Petronas' Lotus snub

Former F1 driver Alex Yoong has slammed Petronas' decision to become title sponsor to the Mercedes GP team.

Yoong, who contested 18 grands prix for Minardi in 2001-2, has joined the new Malaysian-owned Lotus team as its head of Asian driver development.

Team Lotus, a joint initiative of the Malaysian government and Malaysian entrepreneurs, had hoped to secure the backing of Petronas, the state-owned oil company.

But after a long association with the Swiss team Sauber, Kuala Lumpur-based Petronas has instead signed a new long term deal to be the rebranded Brawn team's title sponsor.

"Words fail me," Yoong, now 33, wrote on his Twitter page.

"Mercedes (is) a good team, no doubt, but what Lotus is doing is completely ground breaking and brave and Petronas not seeing that fills me with shame," he added.

[MIKA27]

'Schumi wants to add another title to his name'

If you thought Michael Schumacher's impending return to Formula One was just a publicity gimmick, then you will be in for a shock next year.

The German is said to be ready to add 'to his unparalleled haul of seven drivers' titles' when he enters the 2010 World Championship.

The 40-year-old is reportedly just days away from signing a deal with Mercedes GP that will see him return to the sport more than three years after his retirement.

The Times claims that 'there are now no obstacles to Michael Schumacher's comeback next season with Mercedes Grand Prix and that his neck injury is not expected to be a problem.'

When he eventually signs on the dotted line, Schumacher will team up with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes. The younger German, though, has made it clear in recent weeks that he is not prepared to play second fiddle, saying "at Mercedes, there is no hierarchy. It has always been commonplace, that there are two equal drivers."

It appears there will be a genuine battle for top spot at team as Schumacher is also not ready to take a back seat.

'The impression gained is that the German wants to pick up where he left off with Ferrari when he retired in 2006,' the paper added. 'Those suggesting that he may see his role more as a mentor to Nico Rosberg, the 24-year-old who would be his team-mate, than a team-leading championship contender, are wide off the mark.

'He is said to be looking to add not only to his record 91 grand-prix wins, but also to his unparalleled haul of seven drivers' titles and he has already spent many hours discussing his new car with the Mercedes team.'

MIKA: That very last paragraph is why MS is so successful in this sport. No one else has as much commitment or determination or even team ethic as does MS.

[MIKA27]

'Only 24 cars will be on the grid next year'

Bernie Ecclestone believes there will be only 24 cars on the grid when the new season kicks off in Bahrain in the middle of March.

Nine of the 10 teams who raced in 2009, two of them under a new guise, plus four new teams - Lotus F1 Racing, Campos Meta 1, USF1 and Virgin Racing - have been handed slots for next year's World Championship.

According to The Times, Ecclestone is convinced that two of the new teams will drop out before the new season kicks off.

'The Formula One commercial rights-holder revealed that he expects two of the four new teams with sanctioned grid slots for next season - Campos F1 and USF1 - not to make it,' the paper reports.

'Ecclestone expects 24 cars to start the opening race in Bahrain in March.'

"I think the people we expected to perform will and those that we thought wouldn't, won't," he said.

Spanish-based Campos have already confirmed Bruno Senna as one of their drivers for next year, but USF1 are yet to reveal their line-up for the debut season.

[MIKA27]

Schumi's back: '2010 will be tighter but not tougher'

Michael Schumacher has thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the 2010 field by refusing to describe the challenge that awaits him next year as any more difficult than the ones presented when he won his record-breaking seven world titles.

Expressing excitement and confidence in equal measure as he announced his F1 comeback after three years on the sidelines, Schumacher has returned to the sport with Mercedes unequivocal in his belief that he will be as quick as ever and that he can win yet another championship.

Asked by Autosport if he was concerned he might have lost some of his pace, the German replied: "I am absolutely confident on this one. When I got into a kart for the first time after my [motorcycle] crash I was straight away on the pace. I have to prove it in real terms, but going wheel-to-wheel with these guys will be thrilling and exciting.

"It is something I look for - and the great thing is to get support from the outside. They have no doubt about my ability.

"It [Mercedes GP] is a team that has won both championships this year - and we have Mercedes as a strong partner. Our aim can only be to fight for the championship. There will be strong competition, as we have seen, but I am thrilled to be back into this one."

Asked to rate his chances, Schumacher continued by saying: "It will be a tight fight - but people have trust in me. It is probably more tight. But tougher? No, why? There have always been tough drivers."

Nor does Schumacher have any doubts that he will be able to adapt to his new car, which he will only be able to test for the first time on February 1st, six weeks before the start of the new season.

"The cars will be slightly different, but I have been in so many different characters of cars over the years, and a strong part of myself is that I am able to adapt to whatever the circumstances are."

MIKA: This is the best news for F1!!!

I knew MS would return, and reading MS's quotes, it just shows he hasn't lost his determination which is why he wins races, 7 WC's and 91 records some of which still stand!

[MIKA27]

It's official: Schumacher returns to F1

Seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is back.

The motor-racing legend has signed a three-year contract to drive in 2010 with Mercedes GP, ending three years in retirement.

The announcement comes 11 days ahead of Schumacher's 41st birthday on January 3, easily making him the oldest driver in next year's championship.

Schumacher said: "The motivation is pretty straightforward. I got a call from Ross (Brawn, team principal) at the beginning of November asking me to race again, telling me Mercedes were going to be involved.

"I've never left the race track, and after three years I regained the energy I'm feeling now.

"After playing around on motorbikes, I'm ready for the serious stuff."

Schumacher was poised to make a comeback with Ferrari in the summer to fill in for the injured Felipe Massa, but had to back out because of a neck injury which he now insists is not a problem.

"Before giving the final okay, I had to make sure my neck was okay," he said.

"It wasn't okay in the summer, but it's had the time to heal completely."

[MIKA27]

Brawn: New car is already better than 2009's

Ross Brawn has revealed that Mercedes GP are on course to deliver a car worthy of the fuss generated by Michael Schumacher's decision to return to the sport with the team.

With Schumacher himself insisting he is fully confident that he will be competitive, the onus is on Brawn and the rest of the newly-badged Mercedes team to deliver the sort of car that saw Jenson Button romp to the 2009 title. And according to Brawn, the team is poised to deliver just that.

"We know that the numbers [from the windtunnel] say we have a much better car. "Whether it will be enough, nobody knows. But what I do know is that if it is not then we have the people here to react to make sure we are competitive."

Brawn, with whom Schumacher won all of his seven titles, has also backed the German to return to the sport as good as ever.

"I think he's been rejuvenated and I don't think it [speed and talent] is something that ever leaves you."

[MIKA27]

Hamilton excited to race against Schumacher

Lewis Hamilton is excited to have the chance of competing against Michael Schumacher who announced his F1 comeback earlier today.

The 2008 world champion previously stated he was disappointed he didn't get the chance to compete against the 41 year old German. Hamilton entered the sport in 2007, just after Schumacher retired in 2006.

"It's great to have Michael back in Formula One," Hamilton said.

"He is a legend, a really nice guy, and I am happy for him he has again got an opportunity to do the best job in the world - race in Formula One.

"I used to watch Michael race when I was in the junior categories, and I always hoped I would be in Formula One while he was still around.

"I'm now really looking forward to seeing him on the track and back at the top."

Hamilton sent his best wishes to the new Mercedes GP Petronas outfit which recently bought-out Brawn GP.

"It's brilliant news, and I wish him my absolute best on his comeback with such a fine team and company as Mercedes-Benz."

McLaren principal Martin Whitmarsh echoed Hamilton's sentiments on Schumacher's return.

"I think I share the sentiment of every single Formula One fan across the world by saying Michael's return to the sport is fantastically exciting - and a thrilling prospect for the 2010 season," said Whitmarsh.

"I've no doubt Michael has studiously examined this opportunity from every possible angle, and he's convinced he still possesses the same fearsome drive and determination required to succeed in Formula One.

"Obviously, Michael is a seven-time Champion and has absolutely nothing left to prove, so it will be fascinating to see what he can achieve in a new team.

"We now look forward to some terrific racing in 2010."

[MIKA27]

Michael Schumacher: F1's record king

So, this time it looks like it’s really going to happen: Michael Schumacher is all set for a remarkable comeback to Formula 1 competition at the age of 41.

While debates will always rage about who is F1’s greatest driver of all time, Schumacher’s statistical goldrush is unrivalled, as the following comprehensive list of all the meaningful records he set in his glittering career amply demonstrates.

Records are made to be broken, of course, but looking at some of the achievements below you wonder whether some of them will ever be eclipsed – except possibly by the great man himself if his comeback proves a success, which I no doubt believe it will.

I was never an avid Michael Schumacher fan, I was always into Mika Hakkinnen, but through their on track rivalry, I grew to respect MS's driving talent and even moreso since his retirement. Over the last year with all the F1 controversies, I hoped somehow F1 would sway back to it's old self and lure back fans to the sport. By Michael Schumacher returning in 2010, I truly believe F1 will be refreshed with new energy.

Records held by Michael Schumacher:

- Most world titles: 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)

- Most consecutive titles: 5 (2000-04)

- Most grand prix wins: 91

- Most wins in a single season: 13 (2004)

- Most consecutive wins in a single season: 7 (2004)

- Most wins at the same race: 8 (French GP)

- Most wins with one team: 72 (Ferrari)

- Most wins from pole: 40

- Most pole positions: 68

- Most front-row starts: 115

- Most podium finishes: 154

- Most second place finishes: 43

- Most points finishes: 190

- Most points scored: 1,369

- Most points in a single season: 148 (from a maximum of 180, in 2004)

- Most fastest laps: 76

- Most fastest laps in a season: 10 (from a maximum of 18, in 2004)

- Most races led: 141

- Most laps led: 5,108

- Furthest distance led in a season: 2,085 miles (2004)

- Fastest race-winning average speed: 153.843mph (2003 Italian GP)

- Most consecutive podiums: 19 (USA 2001 to Japan 2002)

- Most consecutive points finishes: 24 (Hungary 2001 to Malaysia 2003)

- Most consecutive seasons with a win: 15 (1992-2006)

- Most consecutive wins from pole: 6

- Most ‘clean sweeps’ (pole, win, fastest lap): 22

- Largest points gap between champion and runner-up: 67 (2002)

- Earliest title winner: 2002 (in July, with 6 of the 17 races remaining)

- Longest continuous spell with one team: 11 seasons (Ferrari, 1996-2006)

- Most races with same team: 162 (Ferrari)

- Most time between first and last race wins: 14 years, 1 month and 3 days

- Never outqualified by his team-mate in 1992, 1993 or 1994

- Only driver to have finished every race on the podium: 2002

Trivia

* Won all his ‘landmark’ GPs, winning on his 50th, 100th, 150th and 200th GP starts

* Only events he failed to win were South African, Mexican and Turkish GPs

* His record of 91 GP wins is only one shy of the combined total of the next two most winning drivers, Alain Prost (51) and Ayrton Senna (41)

* Scored points in a remarkable 76.6% of all his GP starts

* Led 56.9% of all GPs he started

* Banned or disqualified from more races than anyone else (banned from two races and disqualified from another in 1994; excluded from 1997 world championship results for collision with Jacques Villeneuve)

[donutboy2000]

Autosport recently held one of those this-has-to-be-about-creating-controversy polls to find the greatest F1 driver of all time. But this was more like the Screen Actors Guild Awards than the Oscars, in that it was 217 Formula 1 drivers -- going all the way back to 98-year-old Paul Pietsch, who raced in the 1930s -- doing the voting. From among all their peers, the group chose Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna as the number one F1 stunner.

[MIKA27]

Autosport recently held one of those this-has-to-be-about-creating-controversy polls to find the greatest F1 driver of all time. But this was more like the Screen Actors Guild Awards than the Oscars, in that it was 217 Formula 1 drivers -- going all the way back to 98-year-old Paul Pietsch, who raced in the 1930s -- doing the voting. From among all their peers, the group chose Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna as the number one F1 stunner.

Thanks for sharing that information. Did they (Voters) state the grounds on which their decision(s) were made? Would be interesting to read what made such a decision.

[MIKA27]

Full steam ahead for Toro Rosso

Toro Rosso's preparations for the 2010 season are on track with the team currently crash testing their new model.

For the first time the Faenza-based team will be responsible for the design and construction of their own chassis, with the 2008 Concorde Agreement outlawing customer cars from 2010.

Despite the new challenges, the team appears to be progressing well, with technical chief Giorgio Ascanelli telling Blick: "We are on schedule - and have already destroyed two million euros!"

Team principal Franz Tost admits they are in for a tough year but is confident that they can cope on their own.

"We must now stand on our own legs," explained the Austrian.

"We had to hire about 60 new employees. Twenty-five for the wind tunnel in the Bicester in England, because it would be too expensive to hire them in Italy."

The Italian team's staff roster has expanded greatly in recent years; when the team was formed after the takeover of Minardi in 2006, 80 staff were on the books, three years alter the number has swelled to 257.

[MIKA27]

Schumacher salutes Ferrari fans

Having crossed the paddock from Ferrari to Mercedes after 14 years with the Italian team, Michael Schumacher has paid tribute to fans of the Scuderia.

The German, who won the World Championship five times with Ferrari, has written an open letter to Ferrari fans thanking them for their support.

"For 14 years I was a part of Ferrari and for 14 years Ferrari was a part of me," said Schumacher.

"A sizeable chunk of Ferrari will always stay in my heart. I will always think of the warmth, the strength and the dedication I received for so many years from Italian Ferrari fans.

"I have felt welcomed by you, and I have tried to give you joy and passion when I fought on the tracks and rejoiced with you after victories."

"I have found many friends and learned a lot in the years I spent at Ferrari," explained the 40-year-old

2010 marks the beginning of a new era for Schumacher, with the driver joining Mercedes GP, but the German admits he is hopefully that Ferrari fans will still support him despite his switch in allegiance

"I carefully observed the way to face things and have often underlined this attitude in Germany: no moaning but rather trying to see the beauty and the goodness in what's unavoidable, and rejoicing.

"Now a new chapter begins for me. I will race on the track against Ferrari with the utmost respect. I'm convinced these will be hard battles. Indeed, I'm certain Ferrari will be able to show its historical strength because I know what these guys are able to do.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me. I'd be happy if, besides the two Ferrari drivers, you'd carry on giving me a bit of your unlimited liking," he added.

MIKA: WE all know that Schumis' job at Ferrari was rather a token one at best and had little to do with F1. If Michael wanted to race, he had to go elsewhere and the fit at Mercedes could not possibly be any better. Yes, He has been synonomous with Ferrari for years but a 7 time WC who is German in the rebirth of the SILVER ARROWS of Mercedes, the fit could not possibly be better.

[MIKA27]

Two Schumachers set for the 2010 grid?

Hot on the heels of Michael Schumacher's decision to return to F1, his younger brother Ralf has announced he is also looking to make a comeback.

The 34-year-old spent eleven seasons in Formula One, retiring in 2007 after enduring a poor third year with Toyota.

Commenting on his brother's return, Ralf enthused that the former World Champion had been offered a wonderful opportunity, one that he himself would not have turned down.

"This is even a real highlight," Ralf told Bild.

"I can understand Michael completely. Honestly, I wouldn't have hesitated for a second.

"Racing was and is our life and we have always looked for new challenges," he added.

The younger Schumacher admits that he too is itching for a return to the sport, but will not return simply to just to pick up a healthy paycheck.

"I notice how much the fire for the Formula One is burning inside me," he explained.

"There is no point in signing a second-best contract; it's not about the money, it's a question of whether together we would be able to achieve something.

"I know that my reputation suffered while I was at Toyota, but I know what I can do and feel good and ready," he added.

According to Bild a source close to Schumacher has revealed that the former Williams driver has already received a firm offer to make a comeback but refused the invitation as he felt the team in question - which is believed to be one of the teams making their debut next season - was not up to his standards.

MIKA: Ralph returning to F1 is a bonus, one that many people may not be happy about, but I for one am over the moon. What a great talent he is and by saying that, in no way am I saying RS is anywhere near as good as Michael, but what RS has is exactly what I admire about any driver, consistancy, just like Nick Heidfeld. RS is above average for a F1 driver and it was a shame to see him leave. I agree with RS when he states his reputation whilst with Toyota was tarnished, but he was fantastic when driving for Williams and teamed up with Juan Pablo Montoya

A little bit of info on Ralph:

Races: 182 (180 starts)

Championships: 0

Wins: 6

Podiums: 27

Career points: 329

Pole positions: 6

Fastest laps: 8

You know what...?

Why don't Mercedes GP boot out Nico Rosberg and have Ralph in the team also! They can then rename it to: Schumacher GP!

Fingers crossed RS returns also. Season 2010 looks to be awesome!

[MIKA27]

Bernie backing Klien for Sauber seat

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has backed Christian Klien to join Kamui Kobayashi at Sauber.

The Austrian has served as BMW-Sauber's test driver for the past two seasons, and with the Hinwal-based team no owned solely by Peter Sauber, the former Jaguar driver has been linked with a race seat.

"It would be super if Christian Klien got the Sauber cockpit," Ecclestone told Austrian broadcaster ORF.

"I've always supported Christian and Sauber would be a good team for him," he added.

Klien, a veteran of 48 grand prix, is believed to face competition from Nick Heidfeld and Pedro de la Rosa amongst others for the position.

MIKA: This seems to be an interesting predicament as CK would be great behind the wheel however I do believe Nich Heidfeld would be even more suited. NH is far more reliable as a driver than CK. Thats not to say I wouldn't be pleased to see CK back as he was good value.

[MIKA27]

Ferrari chief: F1 must improve for us to stay

Luca di Montezemolo insists Formula One needs to adopt positive changes if Ferrari are to commit their long-term future to the sport.

The Italian manufacturer is committed to F1 until the current Concorde Agreement expires in 2012, but di Montezemolo maintains that should the current unhappiness regarding cost-cutting measures and rules changes persist, the Maranello-based outfit will look to exit the prestigious motorsport.

"I want F1 to improve between now and 2012, when we sign a new Concorde Agreement, and if not we will have motivation somewhere else," di Montezemolo is quoted by Autosport as saying at a Christmas function.

"I have been to Le Mans and I was impressed. We cannot accept huge gaps between drivers and the press and public. In the past the pits was full of good looking girls, now it's like a concentration camp. And we need to overtake!"

"There are a lot of answers needed. We need good people at the FIA. [FIA president Jean] Todt is a good person and knows F1, and I'm sure his priority is to recreate a different dialogue and atmosphere. Bernie [Ecclestone] is coming to the end of his career, but I am sure he will look ahead. And FOTA has been very useful. There needs to be a strong triangle between the three parties," the 62-year-old added.

MIKA: Luca is sure sounding like a dictator. This wouldn't happen to be due to MS leaving Ferrari along with an un-competative car this season, added to that his desire to have a third car on track which was knocked back?

[MIKA27]

Australian GP yet to sign title sponsor

The Australian GP is yet to find a title sponsor for its 2010 event.

The race, held at Albert Park has previously been backed by the Dutch bank ING, also adding the banks name to it's title, but the Dutch banking giant announced early this year that it would no longer be involved in Formula One beyond 2009, also pulling it's title sponsorship of Renault.

March's Australian GP made a £24m ($40m) loss, and the local newspaper, the Herald Sun said the lack of a title sponsor for the 2010 event will cost taxpayers even more.

The race organiser's chief executive Drew Ward said efforts to attract corporate interest is a "work in progress" and insisted Melbourne could successfully host the event without a title sponsor.

"There won't be any impact on the overall cost of the event in terms of overall sponsorship revenue. If you look back at this year's event, general sponsorship interest was increased on previous years," added Ward.

A spokeswoman for the Victorian state government said that with three months to go until the 2010 race, a sponsor could yet be signed.

"It is not unusual for an event as big as this not to have a title sponsor in place this far out," she said.

Despite traditionally hosting F1's season opener, in 2010 the Melbourne race will follow mid-March's Bahrain GP.

[MIKA27]

Stuttgart launch for 2010 Mercedes car

After the collapse of plans for a common 2010 car launch event, the newly rebranded Mercedes GP team looks set to reveal its new single seater in Stuttgart late in January.

The German Sunday newspaper Bild am Sonntag said the event will probably take place at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Unterturkheim.

Both Michael Schumacher and his countryman and teammate Nico Rosberg will be present.

Bild am Sonntag also said Schumacher, to turn 41 this coming Sunday, is not scheduled to test the car until 10 February at Jerez.

The first group test of the winter pre-season period will take place more than one week earlier than that at Valencia.

[MIKA27]

Soucek hints Williams test option for 2010

New F2 champion Andy Soucek has hinted he could be installed as Williams' test and reserve driver in 2010.

As his prize for winning this year's F2 series, the 24-year-old Spanish-Austrian recently tested for the British team at Jerez.

Soucek is hoping to move into a Formula One race cockpit for next season, with vacancies at Campos and USF1 believed most likely.

He told the Spanish sports newspaper Marca: "I would prefer to race with any of the new teams than to be test driver with Williams.

"It is crucial to race because you learn the circuits and other things a lot better than as a tester," Soucek added.

[MIKA27]

Todt says F1 is still too expensive

Jean Todt has vowed to continue Max Mosley's efforts to reduce costs in Formula One.

"F1 is too expensive," the new FIA president said in an interview with France's Le Figaro daily.

"I am sad that Honda, BMW and Toyota have left, but when one spends enormous amounts of money without the desired results, it is inevitable.

"On the other hand, it is great that new teams are coming in," said the 63-year-old, who until a few years ago was in charge of the Ferrari team.

Big-spending Ferrari, however, was locked in a bitter row and political battle with Mosley this year, over the former FIA president's push for budget caps.

Todt agrees with the Briton that the cost measures subsequently introduced "are not sufficient" and blames the political conflict, but clarifies that he is opposed to the "strict limitations of budgets".

"But if we want to sustain F1, we need a true awakening and fundamental decisions," said Todt. "Automobile sport must adapt to its time."

He also said it is regrettable that, due to an unanimous agreement of the FOTA alliance, KERS will not be seen in Formula One in 2010.

"I have therefore decided to create a working group," said Todt, explaining that former Ferrari engine boss Gilles Simon will lead the work on F1's exploration of new technologies and the environment.

MIKA: How is it regrettable that KERRS is no longer being used. That in itself was a terrible technology. Imagine with the new fuel loads the added 50+ Kg to have KERRS on an F1 racer, it would be terrible for the overall weight of each car let alone tires.

[MIKA27]

Schumi's wife: Michael 'on fire' again

Michael Schumacher’s wife Corinna says she totally supports her husband’s decision to return to full-time Formula 1 competition at the age of 41, describing him as being "on fire“ again since the possibility of making a comeback arose.

More than three years after ending his record-shattering 15-year F1 career following a title near-miss with Ferrari, Schumacher will return to the grid with Mercedes GP in 2010 – the German admitting he now has the motivation and energy back to compete at the top level.

Speaking about his decision on Schumacher’s official website, Corinna, the mother of his two children, admitted a comeback for her husband hadn’t been on the cards until recently, but said his passion for motorsport was roused following initial talks with Ross Brawn over a return.

"It's true that Michael's decision to compete in Formula 1 races again is very unexpectedly turning our family life upside down,“ she said.

"When he told me that Ross [brawn] had called, however, I immediately felt that he was on fire again.

"As a matter of fact, Michael's passion for racing is enormous and without this deep passion all that would not have been possible. This passion made Michael who he is today.“

She says that the she has full confidence that her husband is making the right decision, adding that he thrives on fresh challenges.

"I got to know him as a racing driver and, even then, I always had every confidence in him,“ Corinna said.

"He knows exactly what he's doing and he knows as well that I'm always supporting him. Michael simply needs challenges – that's just the way he is. I can really understand his decision and, to be honest, I actually think it's great!"

[MIKA27]

10 things that didn't happen in 2009

Whether it be an economic downturn, a design mis-step, an unexpected injury, a technicality, or plain old politics, there are myriad reasons why the even the best-laid plans in Formula 1 sometimes collapse before reaching fruition.

The 2009 season was riddled with plans being changed on the fly due to unexpected circumstances, let's take a look back at 10 of the most significant.

BMW Sauber will be a force in 2009

This was one of the big subplots during the winter of 2008-9. BMW Sauber could never be accused of disguising its ambitions, and when it mightily irritated Robert Kubica by sacrificing his chance to win the 2008 title in order to divert all of its resources to the F1.09, it was clearly declaring itself an early contender for the 2009 championship.

A big part of its confidence lay in its commitment to KERS, ironic that this part of the car would trigger its downfall - the system it developed didn't work particularly well, and the accompanying aerodynamic compromises proved insurmountable.

Donington will be redeveloped for the British Grand Prix

There were promises. There were traffic plans. There were simulators, talk of debentures, and arrows slung at the doubters. There were holes dug. And denials - there were a lot of denials. And finally, there was a collapse, and unfinished building site with an uncertain future.

Toyota maintains F1 commitment

"We will continue F1 and other motorsport activities while cutting costs," Toyota Motor Corporation president Katsuaki Watanabe said in January.

Ten months later, one of the most expensive F1 teams in history raised a tearful white flag and farewelled the sport, having spent hundreds of millions of dollars on 139 starts, 278.5 points, and crucially, zero wins.

Loeb to make F1 debut

When you've dominated a championship in the manner that Sebastien Loeb has the WRC this decade, it's natural to consider finding another world to rule. There was no question over Loeb's desire to try his hand at F1, but the enthusiasm within the walls of Toro Rosso – with which he was expected to race at Abu Dhabi – was more difficult to judge. His failure to qualify for the necessary superlicence eventually sunk his hopes.

Schumacher's 2009 comeback

Talk about making the best of a bad situation. Once it became clear that Felipe Massa would make a full recovery from his freak accident in Hungary, Ferrari's mission was to find a suitable understudy. The prospect of that person being Michael Schumacher seemed scarcely believable, although it later transpired that talks reached an extremely advanced stage. In the end it was continuing problems from an earlier neck injury that extinguished the comeback and gave Luca Badoer a second chance at the age of 38. Schumacher got his wish in the end though, signing a race deal with Mercedes earlier this week.

Williams and Renault reunited

Williams and Renault enjoyed some good times together in seasons past, and the prospect of them teaming up together in 2010 was a very real one. But the uncertainty over Renault's future, caused by the crash scandal created an opening for Cosworth to make a pitch, and Williams was sufficiently impressed with its technical prowess that it decided to reunite with its engine partner from 2006.

Fans to have more access to drivers

Nothing wrong with the sentiment – F1 has become too inaccessible for its supporters, so let's close the gap a little – but the action plan needs a little more work. The introduction of extra autograph signing sessions was admirable, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the reality sometimes fell short. Locating an autograph session in an area restricted from most fans, as reportedly happened at one circuit, was a particular howler.

Red Bull to get Mercedes engines

The prospect of Red Bull racing with Mercedes power in 2010 was a very real one, with both parties signing an agreement in principle relatively early in the season. But the McLaren Mercedes break-up complicated matters, and by November Red Bull was forced to concede that it would have to look elsewhere for engines.

Prodrive to enter F1 under Aston Martin banner

Well-resourced and with an experienced former F1 team principal David Richards at the helm, Prodrive was one of the favourites for selection as one of the three new teams in F1 for 2010. And tantalisingly, it was potentially going to race under the Aston Martin flag. No-one was more surprised than Prodrive when it was overlooked, but the team remains committed to finding a way onto the grid.

Rosberg to BMW

As early as Monaco, Nico Rosberg was publicly floating the idea of a future away from Williams. The German's desire for a race-winning car had some rumours placing him at McLaren, but it was BMW Sauber that emerged as the leading contender for his signature. But when Mercedes' plans to go it alone gathered steam, Rosberg became its first signing.

[MIKA27]

New team challenge inspired Branson

Sir Richard Branson says he formed Virgin Racing because he was attracted by the challenges of building a new Formula 1 team from scratch, rather than continuing to fund an established success story.

The British entrepreneur, who has built a fortune out of taking a pioneering approach to his business strategies, sponsored the double-championship winning Brawn team in 2009. But Branson, who has put the might of his Virgin Group behind Manor's plans to enter F1 with a car designed by Nick Wirth, said he wanted to be in on a project from the beginning.

"The temptation might have been to write a big cheque to Brawn and stick with it for another season," said Branson. "But when a team's won, you can't really do any better than winning.

"So we thought it was better to look for a new team and support that."

Branson is not expecting the same instant success from Virgin Racing that he experienced with Brawn in Melbourne, back in March, and says that it will take time to establish the foundations of a brand new F1 team.

"We're not expecting the same sort of good fortune that we had last year," he said. "We fully accept that we're going to have to build the team over the coming years. But it's going to be exciting to try and do that.

"The spaceship company that Alex Tae (Virgin Racing's CEO and Team Principal) has been involved with was very much a case of many years building and building. And I suspect the same will apply here.

"(Technical director) Nick Wirth and the people he's got around him are brilliant. Because Nick's there, he's attracted engineers from Brawn, from Red Bull, from almost all the other teams, and he's got a really great group of people.

"To get Timo Glock, who actually turned down quite a lot of money and turned down tried and tested cars, that was a tremendous endorsement."

Branson says his new venture is a long-term project, but expects the team to be able to fund itself through alternative sponsorship agreements when it becomes established in the sport.

The Virgin Group unveiled its plans for 2010 in London earlier this month, after Branson agreed to fund and rebrand Manor Grand Prix - one of the three new teams to gain an entry to F1 next year – and while Branson insists that he wants to remain a permanent part of the management structure, he does not intend to bankroll the outfit indefinitely.

"It's a three season deal," he said, "but when I say 'forever', they've got to attract enough sponsorship money to keep it going year after year, but I think because they're working within the £40 million budget, the chances are that they should be able to do that.

"I will help and be wheeled in when I'm needed, and will enjoy it and be involved, and be supportive of the drivers," he added. "I'll go to a number of the races and help get the motor racing team on the map on a global basis, which helps the sponsors, and have some fun in the process."

MIKA: I really think Richard Branson has no interest in F1 other than using F1 to drive his brand. Whilst I realise that's what it's all about, I really believe RB is just bored out of his mind as he has way too much cash on his hands.