FORMULA 1 - 2010

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Grosjean looking to return to F1 in 2011

Romain Grosjean is hoping to return to the grid in 2011 after losing his Renault seat to Vitaly Petrov, whilst Fernando Alonso's departure made way for Robert Kubica.

The Swiss driver, currently competing in GT1, says he was in the wrong place at the wrong time in 2010 after taking over Nelson Piquet's seat after the Singapore crash scandal came to light.

"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," he told France Soir. "With everything that happened around the team it has not been easy. They wanted a clean slate [in 2010]."

Grosjean hasn't given up hope of securing a race seat in 2011, and remains in contact with his ex-teammate, Fernando Alonso.

"I want to return in 2011. I do not lose hope. When I see the results of this year Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, I tell myself that I have my place. I was far from being ridiculous, I never point to more than 2 or 3 tenths of him in qualifying."

" with Fernando. In addition to being an exceptional driver, he has exceptional human qualities."

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Korea boss confident GP will be a hit

South Korea's Grand Prix boss hopes that doubts about his venue's state of readiness have now been totally laid to rest following Bernie Ecclestone's recent visit to the track.

A report in German magazine Focus last week suggested that the South Korean event was doubtful for this year - but the claims were dismissed by race organisers and Ecclestone who flew into the venue last week.

Now Yung Cho Chung, the CEO and president of race organisers KAVO, thinks that these assurances over the race's future will serve to silence doubters.

Speaking about why there had been so much scepticism about the Korean event happening, Chung said: "I remember when Turkey was new, exactly the same thing happened. And now, like last year, when there was Abu Dhabi, exactly the same stories came around.

"This week we have heard these stories about us, and I am actually now quite thankful because in the last week everybody is now interested in the race and it has switched back that it is definitely happening.

"Bernie Ecclestone was there and he clarified everything, so I have to thank him!"

Chung says that the F1 circuit is now 79 per cent complete – and has revealed that the venue will establish its own identity on the calendar.

"Korea is very strong on telecommunications, with companies like LG and Samsung," he said.

"Our circuit and grandstands will have beacons like old style signal [transmitters]. Around the world it is sad that so many circuits look similar, but when you come to Korea you will recognise it as being the Korean track."

Chung says that the circuit's infrastructure and organisational plans for getting equipment and cars into the venue had been approved by Formula One Management, and he played down any talk that there were not enough hotel rooms near the venue to house the F1 circus.

"I always say that people will have to bring their own tents," he joked about the accommodation stories. "No seriously, there is no problem. We have the new airport and you can fly right down there. We also have express railways that are only three hours from Seoul.

"Mr. Ecclestone was at our circuit and we were having lunch in the hotel, and Mr. Ecclestone turned around and could see that the circuit was only three minutes away! There are lots of rooms around there, and enough hotels."

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Kovalainen pins hopes on Spain updates

Heikki Kovalainen believes that Lotus's major upgrade plan for the Spanish Grand Prix will be a key indicator of how the team will perform over the rest of the season.

Lotus believes the major revamp of its car could be worth more than one second per lap - which could lift the outfit onto the back of some of the current teams.

And Kovalainen thinks that if such improvements are realised, then it could lay the foundations for a strong remainder to the season.

"It is a fairly significant step and a significant turning point for us," Kovalainen told AUTOSPORT. "If the package delivers what it should do and what it will do, then it will move us further to the front and will take away from the other new teams.

"Hopefully then we can get the design team and the production team to bring new parts regularly. Maybe not as big improvements but still improvements, and then we will be on a flow, to make further improvements."

Kovalainen is convinced that the updates planned for Barcelona are more than a team would normally bring for the start of the European season.

"For sure it is a bigger step than normal, but never underestimate the other teams and what they can do," he said. "But I think hopefully it is bigger than normal.

"We are starting from further back so we have more scope to have bigger improvements, and after that the improvement rate will flatten a little bit. The top teams are finding these last bits that are very difficult.

"And it will be interesting to see what the other new teams can do. Hopefully we can jump them more there. That is the ideal."

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Mallya laments near miss

Force India boss Vijay Mallya admits he was left frustrated after seeing his team fail to score points for the first time this season in China.

Having collected ten points from the first three races of the year, Force India have looked threatening in the middle of the pack, but were unable to use the variable weather conditions in China to their advantage, with Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi both finishing outside the top ten.

"It is disappointing to see our run of points end and not to have been able to make more of these conditions, but that's sometimes what happens - it can become a bit of a lottery," explained Mallya.

"There are still some positives from the weekend - Adrian again proved his wet weather prowess and also that we are genuine top ten - but we've got some work to do now that Renault has opened up a sizeable advantage.

"However, we have some developments in the pipeline and the season has a long way to run. We'll regroup and come back strongly in Spain, I'm sure," he insisted.

Sutil echoed the frustrations of his team leader, having entered race day with high hopes after qualifying tenth, but conceded that a race so dependent on strategy often does not go quite according to plan.

"It was a real strategy race this time," explained Sutil.

"At times, it was difficult to know which was the best tyre to be on, as it would rain and then dry and then rain again.

"We started on the dry tyre and then pitted for inters under the safety car on lap one. At this point, it was the right decision, as it was raining quite a bit, and it was easy for me to overtake a lot of cars. Then it eased and we switched to the dries for a few laps, but then there was more rain.

"On the second set of inters [that] we put on on lap 19, I was able to fight with the top guys, including Lewis [Hamilton], Sebastian [Vettel] and Felipe [Massa] for quite a few laps, but then the tyres grained up and I had to pit again. I lost a couple of positions in this final stop and that was what dropped me back to 13th.

"Although we could close to within a second of Michael, I just ran out of laps to get past. But that's how it is - sometimes you win in this type of race and, sometimes, it just doesn't go your way," he added.

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Rubens: We're only going to improve

Rubens Barrichello is not too concerned by Williams' mediocre start to the season, insisting that team will improve as the season progresses.

With only six points from the first four races of the season, Williams find themselves in seventh spot on the Constructor's table.

Barrichello is confident that the Grove-based outfit will continue to improve as the F1 season heads to Europe but is under no illusions that massive leaps will be made over night.

"We know how to address some of the problems," explained Barrichello.

"I don't think we'll find a second all of a sudden, but the thing that I know for sure is that this car is like this and they will be develop the car until the very last moment.

"I think we will have to work make the top six in qualifying. The race is a different matter. You need reliability, different things. To get into the top six all the time we need to find half a second," he added.

Having long been considered the 'second driver' at both Brawn GP and Ferrari, Barrichello admits that he is enjoying the team atmosphere at Williams - despite the run of poor results - with his experience considered vital to the team.

"We have a good harmony between driver and team and the great thing is that I can quite clearly say that I'm not happy with the result, because the team is not happy either," he explained.

"We just need to keep on moving.

"Unfortunately, even with all my experience, new things happen and you keep learning, and that's how life goes.

"The team is prepared to listen to me, which is great. The team is really relaying on my calls and I'm feeling great on that," the Brazilian added.

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Pirelli seriously evaluating F1 tyre supply

It has emerged that the Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli, is evaluating a return to Formula One after leaving in 1991.

With the departure of Bridgestone at the end of 2010, F1 is on the hunt for a replacement. Both Michelin and Cooper Avon have confirmed their intent to supply the sport, with the bigger teams favouring Michelin and the smaller teams, along with Bernie Ecclestone preferring the cheaper option presented by Cooper Avon.

A decision was expected before the Spanish GP in just over two weeks time, however, with the interest of Pirelli now emerging, that decision could now be delayed whilst all three options are evaluated.

Pirelli's director of motorsport, Paul Hembury told Autosport, that they haven't made a concrete decision, but the possibility of larger tyres and the option of payment has made it a much more attractive venture.

"Nothing is concrete yet, but we understand that with the possibility of 18-inch tyres, and the fact that the commercial reality has changed compared to the previous environment, then F1 is something that we are now looking into.

"We are always in contact, and remain in contact, with the FIA and the F1 promoter - and that is something that continues year on year. We've been aware of the ongoing situation in F1 and that is really what has led to our latest situation."

It's thought Pirelli would prefer to be a sole supplier, much like Bridgestone is now, rather than start a tyre war with another manufacturer - something Michelin is keen on.

MIKA: Its great to see Pirelli being interested however I would love to see another tyre war in F1 rather than a sole supplier. It benefits the teams also in regard to the smaller teams having a cheaper option in Cooper Avon which I think is great and its about time the FIA considered the smaller teams.

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Mosley criticises Montezemolo and Ferrari

Max Mosley has fired criticism at Ferrari's Luca di Montezemolo in this months issue of F1 Racing.

Mosley branded the Ferrari chairman a pleasant but weak character, and said Ferrari wouldn't be able to compete on a similar budget of it's rivals.

"Luca is very, very good company with people and he’s certainly a very personable, pleasant person but, in my opinion, he’s also a very weak character so he’s easily led.

"He allowed himself to get into a situation of conflict between Ferrari and the FIA whereas if [Jean] Todt were in charge, it would never have got to that stage."

According to figures by Formula Money, Ferrari's 2010 budget is almost £260m, whilst there rivals spend far less. McLaren and Red Bull's estimated 2010 budget's are between £134-137m, whilst Mercedes spend is £173m.

Mosley reckons Ferrari wouldn't be as competitive if their budget was at the same levels as McLaren and Red Bull.

"We had a series of meetings and everyone was agreed on the cost-cap and the methodology - but Ferrari were always against it," said Mosley. "I think it's because they know that if they had the same amount of money to spend as the other teams, they would fail."

Mosley also spoke about the fans feelings toward him, and how their perceptions were based on 'misinformation'.

"It doesn’t bother me that a lot of fans were hostile, because I believe that hostility was based on misinformation. I mean, a lot of it is just assumption – you read things on blogs that are complete nonsense."

He added: "You get people saying things like, “Why don’t you just leave the regulations alone? What we want is innovation.” Well yes, of course we all want innovation, but if it’s allowed to go unchecked it puts Formula 1 out of business."

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Button swapping Monaco for Guernsey

Jenson Button will be swapping the F1 drivers haven of Monaco for the small island of Guernsey later this year.

His PR agency confirmed the move will take place. Button is a regular visitor to the island, he visit's his manager, Richard Goddard and fellow racing driver, Andy Priaulx, who both reside in Guernsey.

The McLaren driver, originally from Somerset visited the island earlier this year to film an advert for one of his sponsors.

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Barrichello: 'Williams need to find a second'

Rubens Barrichello has admitted the Williams team need to find a second's worth of pace if they are to run with the top teams.

Barrichello joined the Williams team from last years championship winners, Brawn GP. Many had hoped his vast knowledge and experience would bring some much needed pace to the FW32, however, having only scored five points, whilst teammate Nico Hulkenberg has just the one, it seems his knowledge has failed to push the Grove based team up the grid.

However, he is confident they know where to find the much needed pace.

"We know exactly where we need to find some of our pace," he told Speedweek.

"We shall not suddenly somewhere, get a second. The important thing is that I am firmly convinced that this second is in the car. We will improve the car further and further. We have to come in qualifying in the top six. Even to achieve this, we need to find half a second."

With the Spanish GP just over two weeks away, teams are pushing through newer and bigger developments, the race in Catalunya is likely to set the tone for the remainder of the season.

MIKA: Rubens is getting on in age however his skill is still at peak level. Look at his performance last season, the guy was in contention in the WC. Williams are to blame for lack of pace and they have not been competative in years.

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Grosjean sets sights on F1 return

Former Renault driver Romain Grosjean is hoping to return to Formula One in the 2011 season.

Grosjean is currently out of a race seat after he was replaced at the French manufacturer by Vitaly Petrov following just seven races last year. It was a difficult debut campaign for the youngster as the team was still coming to terms with the "Crashgate" scandal.

At the end of the year, Renault opted for a fresh start and Grosjean was one of those who were forced to make way.

"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Grosjean said in an interview with France Soir. "With all the problems around the team, it wasn't easy - they wanted to make a clean sweep of the past.

"I want to come back in 2011. I'm not losing hope. When I see Fernando Alonso's results with Ferrari this year, I think I deserve a place on the grid. My pace was far from being ridiculous - I was never more than two or three tenths off him in qualifying.

"I'm still in contact with (Renault team principal) Eric Boullier. We like and respect each other professionally and, once in Europe, I will walk around the paddock to establish other contacts and see if this could unlock something."

MIKA: As an F1 driver, Grosjean never really cut it. I can not forsee him returning to a high end or midfield team, possibly HRT or Lotus? Or a sequel to 'Boogie nights' with that hair cut!

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Sepang due a 'major overhaul'

The Sepang International Circuit, host of the Malaysian Grand Prix, is set for a major overhaul over the next few years.

The circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, held its first F1 race in 1999, but track CEO Razlan Razali says they will are looking to secure about £36.5m to get the facilities on par with that of Bahrain and Shanghai.

"Unfortunately after three to four years, the track was not very well maintained," Razlan told the AFP news agency. "There are areas of the grandstand and the paddock where it leaks during a storm.

"We experience power trips and mechanical and electrical woes - we need a major overhaul and refurbishment.

"The flat roof above the paddock is also leaking - we are fighting a losing battle to repair the leaks and we need to bring back Sepang's glory days. I hope we can secure about 180 million ringgit (£36.5m) over the next five years from the government to carry out a major overhaul and refurbishment.

"Our track needs to be on par with Bahrain and Shanghai. I am not afraid of Malaysia losing Formula 1 spectators - I am more concerned about providing better hospitality services and how to generate additional revenue."

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Ferrari still eyeing third car and Rossi

Ferrari are refusing to give up on their plans of having a third car on the grid, and they want Valentino Rossi to fill the seat.

The Italian marque initially eyed a third car in F1 for this season and had high hopes that their favourite son Michael Schumacher would be able to return to the stable.

However, it proved to be nothing but a pipe dream as the FIA refused to allow three cars per team.

Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo, though, is refusing to give on the dream and he is desperate to hand the seat to six-time MotoGP World Champion Rossi.

"We want a third car and I would do everything to have Valentino," he said. "When he wins this year's MotoGP, enough is enough, he must also win in Formula One."

MIKA: Luca is dreaming. 3 cars on the grid per team will never happen unless the smaller teams are removed, which will not happen. I agree, it will be great to see Valentino in F1, many on 2 wheels just wouldn't cut it but VR would. Rather than looking at Kubica (As rumoured) Luca should consider VR and moreso, concentrate on his 2010 cars and get them up to speed.

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Alguersuari improvement 'down to fitness'

The upswing in Jaime Alguersuari's performances this year can be attributed to an improvement in his fitness, according to those in the know.

Spaniard Alguersuari made his F1 debut at the age of just 19 in the middle of the 2009 season, but he struggled to make much of an impact.

However, it's been a different story this year for the Toro Rosso driver and he secured his first points in F1 at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"He'll hate me for saying this, but it's Jaime's physical fitness that's a large part of his improvement", Toro Rosso technical director Giorgio Ascanelli told the BBC's Ted Kravitz.

"I first noticed it in Valencia last year. Jaime got out of the car and was sweating a lot. I told him, I'm allowed to sweat because I'm 50 and fat - you're 20 and you're meant to be fit."

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McLaren: Success down to work rate

McLaren duo Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton believe their team's success this year is the result of the supreme effort their outfit has made behind the scenes in the early part of the season.

With Button leading the drivers' championship and McLaren at the top of the constructors' championship, the Woking-based team has left rivals Red Bull Racing and Ferrari wondering why they have not been able to maximise their speed potential.

But reigning champion Button believes there has been no magic to McLaren's start to the year.

"Make no mistake, it's been achieved through hard work," Button wrote on his official website on Thursday. "We got here because every one in the McLaren Mercedes team has been working for this every single day.

"I first got in the car in February, and it really hasn't stopped since then - whether it's been at the tests, at the races, on the track or off it, we've all been working like crazy to get to the front - and I think our current position in both championships is well and truly deserved.

"We've not got everything right - but the fact that we've admitted that, and just got on and learned from it, has been a very valuable experience. And we're not relaxing now we might have some difficulties getting the people, the cars and the freight home before Barcelona, but that won't stop the efforts we're making to be even more competitive when we return to Europe."

Hamilton also believes that McLaren's efforts this year are also being helped because of the work ethic instilled in team members throughout 2009 when they had to recover from a disastrous start to the campaign.

"I know how much we've worked to get a result like this," Hamilton wrote on his website. "I remember saying last year that the victories we earned in 2009 would feel even sweeter because we'd had to work so hard for them - and the same's really true of this one-two: it's something that's been building for, well, ever since the start of last year really.

"And it feels like the team is really firing on all cylinders - everybody in this team, every single last person, is working better than ever to get us these results, and it's really starting to pay off.

"The atmosphere within the team is fantastic - we are a strong group now, and we know what it takes to win more races. We are hungry for it. China was good - but we want more of those results because they always make us feel so good."

Although Hamilton has seen team-mate Button win two races while he has yet to open his account, he thinks the pair are helping push McLaren on to new heights this season.

"Jenson's a great driver and we can really learn from each other," he said. "That's what I think has really helped us to develop this car into a front runner. We've got a lot of experience between us but we're both always learning - and I still think this car can get better.

"We have a lot of developments in the pipeline; we've got quite a few changes for Barcelona and I think we can be right up there. We still really need to focus on our qualifying pace: we made some improvements in China, but there's still a way to go. We'll get there though.

"Most of all, I know I can win races in this car - the car still feels so planted, more than any Formula 1 car I've driven, and I'm sure those victories will come."

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F1 equipment expected in Europe today

Formula 1's car and equipment are expected to land back in Europe later today, following the air chaos delays caused by the Icelandic volcano, easing fears that teams faced a major headache to get ready in time for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Although a large number of team personnel and other F1 staff are still trapped in China as airlines try and find available space on planes, teams will at least breath a sigh of relief that cars and equipment are now on their way back.

The FOM freight planes, which are used to ship the equipment, had been trapped in Europe until earlier this week, but airspace restrictions meant they were able to get out and head to Shanghai.

After getting the planes loaded yesterday, they are due to get back to the UK later today - when more team personnel are also expected to return

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner said: "The cars and freight will arrive back today, probably beating the team home by an hour or two."

Although the loss of a few days may not seem a lot, with teams planning major upgrades for the Barcelona race then time was always going to be tight to turn the F1 cars around after four races on the road.

But Horner believes that the extra week's gap in the calendar meant there would be minimal disruption.

"Thankfully, the way the calendar is with the extra week between the Chinese and Spanish Grand Prix, it has a very limited impact," he said about the delay. "There's still over a week to turn the cars around and a lot of the components for the next race are produced here in the factory.

"The factory hasn't been affected - obviously the turnaround components are a little bit out of sync now coming back two or three days late, but with the additional week, we're confident it won't cause us any major issues."

With air schedules getting back to normal, the return of the freight and staff to Europe will also erase any concern that the Spanish GP could be under threat.

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Haug: New rules must suit independents

Norbert Haug believes Formula 1's next generation of engine regulations needs to suit the sport's smaller teams more than the leading manufacturers.

Discussions about the rules from 2013 onwards are ongoing, and the Mercedes motorsport boss warns that any changes must primarily help to safeguard the smaller teams.

"I think now we have the best teams, and it is good to have a variety of cars in the field, but we need to support the independent manufacturers to make sure that we have a bottom-up plan, rather than a top-down plan," Haug said.

"We need the independent manufacturers and we need to have Ferrari. We need to find a good solution and still, Formula 1 needs to be technically driven.

"I'm very positive about the process and we can achieve it together. It has been possible in the past and there is a good constructive atmosphere between Jean Todt and the teams."

Haug added that he expects to see a smaller, more environmentally-friendly unit replace the current power plants.

"The fascinating thing about Formula 1 is it's fast, it's loud, it's on the limit," he said. "We can discuss green initiatives, but Formula 1 needs to be technically driven. If you fly from Europe to Japan on a 747, you would use more fuel than an entire F1 season. We need to see the whole picture.

"We need to be mindful that we are building the cleanest cars we can. The engine will be downsized in 2013 because the fuel consumption has to go down, and we need to cut carbon emissions. But we must not think that a 700bhp engine is going to be the greenest car ever, because that's not great."

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Ferrari identify engine problem

Ferrari have reportedly found the cause of their engine failures and may have to ask the FIA for permission to alter the design of their power unit.

Four race in to the season and Fernando Alonso is down from eight to six engines while Sauber, whose cars are powered by the Ferrari 056, have had more than their fair share of failures.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the failures are being caused by a problem with the pneumatic valves in the engines.

The valves are allowing too much air to escape during grands prix and, given the ban on refuelling that has led to shorter pit stops the teams don't have time needed to replenish the engines.

And the bad news for both teams, is that it looks as if the problem can only be resolved should the FIA grant Ferrari exemption from the freeze on engine development.

But in order for this to happen, Ferrari must prove to the FIA that it is a fundamental reliability flaw.

Earlier this year, Renault, who also supply Red Bull with engines, were given permission to change to their engine for "cost and reliability reasons".

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Ferrari propose new fuel efficiency rules

Ferrari are keen to see F1 introduce Gasoline Direct Injection technology should the sport switch to smaller turbocharged engines in 2013.

Engines are one of the hot topics being debated in Formula One's circles at present as the sport looks to nail down the regulations for the 2013 season.

One of the ideas being touted - and which looks likely to be agreed upon - is a switch from the current 2.4l V8s to 670bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged engines.

However, should the sport opt for small engines, Ferrari are keen for it to also introduce explore fuel efficiency technology such as the Gasoline Direct Injection concept.

"If F1 has to develop something helpful for real driving conditions, then the best solution is for an engine that is turbocharged and GDI," Ferrari's CEO Amedeo Felisa told Autocar.

"That is what we would support.

"It is the best solution for driving efficiency and utilisation of the engine in a positive way."

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Mercedes introduce new car to fix Schumacher

The introduction of a radically-revamped Mercedes car at the forthcoming Spanish GP has been depicted as a make-or-break lifeline for Michael Schumacher in his second incarnation as a F1 driver.

The revamps include a substantial aerodynamic upgrade and a significantly longer wheelbase. The effect of this will be to provide greater front-end grip and, it is hoped, will help dial out the understeer that has so severely hindered Schumacher in the first four races of his return to the sport.

While the official line from Mercedes is that the new car is being introduced to rectify a weight distribution imbalance - "We got the weight distribution wrong. When we got to test these tyres we realised we didn't have the correct weight distribution and we went to the limit with what we could achieve with this car" team boss Ross Brawn has explained to Autosport - the revamp has inevitably been depicted as a make-or-break attempt to cure Schumacher's all-too evident struggles.

'If the new car doesn't deliver the characteristics Schumacher says he needs to be competitive, serious doubts will be raised over him seeing out his three-year contract,' reports The Sunday Times.

'Schumacher needs a car that changes direction sharply, which has so far proved elusive with the Mercedes. His attempt at creating that artificially has worsened his problems, if the observations of a former F1 technical director are accurate: "Michael always liked a car with a positive turn-in. He was at his fastest with no understeer. If a car inherently understeers then you can only get it balanced by artificially degrading the rear grip. This means less overall grip and Michael's car in Shanghai had visibly awful traction, making me suspect that he has screwed up the rear just to try and get it to turn in."'

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Hill: New Silverstone a real corker

BRDC president Damon Hill is confident that the new-look Silverstone circuit has the potential to be "a real corker."

Silverstone was within a hair's breath of losing the British GP to Donington Park, however, the latter's financial woes saw F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone instead sign a new deal with Silverstone.

The Northamptonshire track has subsequently undergone several changes, including the building of a new in-field circuit, which cost £5million and will be used for this year's British GP.

"There were sleepless nights and many stressful moments," Hill told the Daily Mail.

"We think we have produced a racetrack of the future. It looks like it has the potential to be a real corker.

"We're living in a really powerful age of British motor racing, and long may that continue as far as Silverstone is concerned.

"What's been achieved at Silverstone is down to the determination and hard work of a dedicated team.

"But we can't be complacent - you only have to look across the Channel and see the effects on French motorsport now that it doesn't have a grand prix any more."

He added: "We think we have the world's greatest racetrack and I'm fighting tooth and nail to make sure it stays that way."

MIKA: The newly improved track and facilities certainly do look amazing.

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Bernie: Get off Hamilton's back

Bernie Ecclestone has defended Lewis Hamilton, saying his critics should leave the Brit alone.

Hamilton has come in for some stick this season from both the media and his rivals for his driving.

In Malaysia, he was warned by the race stewards for weaving while one race later in China, he was handed a reprimand for his pit lane antics with Sebastian Vettel.

Ecclestone, though, reckons people should get off their high horses as Hamilton has often proven to be the most exciting racer out on track.

"People should stop moaning about Lewis and the way he drives," the F1 supremo told the Daily Star.

"He has been absolutely brilliant this season with some spectacular and courageous moves.

"I love his style and so do the fans."

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Sutil: Spain won't see a change in order

Although several teams, especially Mercedes GP, are heading to Spain with various updates, Adrian Sutil doubts that any team is suddenly going to blow the rest of the field away.

After four flyaway races, McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull have emerged as the leading contenders with Merc GP right on their heels while the battle for fifth is raging between Renault and Force India.

But the picture has been known to change when Formula One heads to Europe as many of the teams arrive at the first of the European races armed with several upgrades to their cars.

Force India will be joining the ranks of those making changes this year, yet Sutil reckons the battles are so close that none of the teams will suddenly grab a half-second advantage over their rivals.

"We've got a few bits, but the car will be very good there I think, and the top 10 will be very similar to what we've seen in the last few races," Sutil told his team's website.

"Nobody will be finding half a second in their car, because right now it's really hard to improve the cars.

"Everybody is at a point where it's hard to find every single tenth."

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Indianapolis chasing F1 return

F1 could yet return to Indianapolis after former Indy chief Tony George and US promoter Zak Brown held talks with Bernie Ecclestone.

America's Indianapolis Motor Speedway was dropped from the F1 calendar after 2007 as George and Ecclestone were unable to reach a financial agreement.

However, reports that Indy could return have once again surfaced after George, who last year stepped down from his role as chief of the Brickyard, and Brown discussed the possibility with Ecclestone and the F1 teams.

"The questions for any Formula 1 race are: Where do you have it and how do you raise the money?" Brown told the Indy Star.

"Indy's got the venue part solved.

"If you can solve the finances, you could open the gates tomorrow and have a race."

It is, however, the finances that remain a problem with the Indy Star reporting that 'Brown's goal is to convince all parties - F1, the teams, sponsors, television partner and rights promoter - to contribute their share financially.'

"It's not a lot of money to come up with," Brown added.

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Whitmarsh: Button's success is no surprise

Despite some believing Jenson Button would come off second best at McLaren, team boss Martin Whitmarsh says he's not surprised by the Brit's early success.

Button's decision to swap his Championship-winning Brawn GP team for a shot at partnering Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, raised a few eyebrows with former racer Eddie Irvine summing it up best when he said that Button would be "murdered" by Hamilton.

But, that's not how it has panned out.

Instead, the reigning World Champ has flourished at McLaren, claiming the victory in two of four races already run this season, taking the lead in the Drivers' Championship while Hamilton is tied for third, 11 points off the pace.

"I don't think it's a surprise - I think Jenson has done a fantastic job with the team," team boss Whitmarsh told ITV.

"He's a mature World Champion, he's got a lot of experience, he's had a lot of tough times in his career and he's clearly learnt from it.

"How he has conducted himself in the team, how he works with Lewis, how he operates out on the track is fantastic."

However, one could argue that a large part of Button's McLaren's success has been grounded in luck with the Brit winning two wet races thanks to the correct tyre calls.

"Here we are four races in, and he's won two of them," said Whitmarsh. "No one who's watched those races could say anything other than that he thoroughly deserved to win them.

"They were 'driver wins' - races where the driver had to make the difference, and he did make the difference."

MIKA: JB is indeed doing really well and I for one thought he'd have a tough time settling into a team that houses 'The Golden child" Lewis Hamilton. Not so.

[MIKA27]

Lotus aim for a second in Spain

Lotus are confident their Spanish upgrades will be worth a full second a lap around the Barcelona circuit.

Although one of the better of this year's newcomers, Lotus are still roughly four to five seconds a lap slower than the established frontrunners.

The team, though, is heading to Spain armed with several upgrades for their T127, which Heikki Kovalainen reckons could give them a significant improvement in pace.

"We hope to get a time gain of more than a second," he told Auto Moto und Sport. "But then perhaps we have more space in which to improve."

Kovalainen's belief in that second is echoed by tech boss Mike Gascoyne.

"The Barcelona package has been in the wind tunnel for six months," he said. "The rear will be narrower, the sidepod entries more extreme, the wheel base long.

"Our car will be faster by at least one second."

MIKA: Lotus are easily the best newcommers for this season.

With the aero and base undercarriage upgrades, Lotus are thinking ahead. It is truly amazing what this new team has accomplished compared to the other newcommers. A second to gain is basically the best what they should aim for in their first ever 'real' development of the car as in accordence of the four rules; To keep things realistic, achievable, flexible and within the specified time.

Lotus need to realise however as I am sure they do, that whilst they are introducing new upgrades, so are the other teams so I really do hope this upgrade pushes Lotus ahead of the rest and bring them up toward the midfielders.