FORMULA 1 - 2010

[MIKA27]

Rubens: Schumi didn't apologise personally

Rubens Barrichello has revealed that Michael Schumacher did not apologise to him personally after he almost pushed him into the wall during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Schumacher came under heavy criticism for his dangerous move and was slapped with a post-race penalty.

In a statement on his website, the German said: "I obviously wanted to make it difficult for him to overtake me and I also showed him clearly that I did not want to let him past, but obviously I did not want to endanger him with my manoeuvre. If he feels this way, then sorry, that was not my intention."

Barrichello, though, says his former Ferrari team-mate didn't bother to say sorry personally.

"Life is about respect for others and forgiveness," he is quoted in Globesporte.

"I found out about his apology in the press. I received no phone call. I have no regrets. Now it's time to move on. Yes, I have my opinion about the incident, but I will remain quiet. We can't afford to show any animosity towards each other on the track because we could end up hurting each other."

Williams driver Barrichello says he would've taken a different approach to Schumacher during the overtaking manoeuvre.

"I would have chosen a line and closed the door early," he said. "I only chose the inside line because he gave the space to me."

The 38-year-old Formula One veteran admits there is no love lost between him and Schumacher.

"I have great respect for his Championships, but I have no great desire to have him as a friend," he is quoted in Estadao.com.

[OZCUBAN]

Great posts Mika

I hope red bull wings pass the test then its up to the other teams to put up or shut up

[MIKA27]

F1 2010 (video game)

I know I usually post news on 'Real' F1 topics however I have never considered asking if any of you own and play games on an XBOX 360, Playstation 3 or PC?

I for one do own an XBOX 360 and on occasion where time permits, I enjoy playing online.

Being a Formula 1 fan, you can imagine how pleased I was to hear the news that F1 2010 was making its way to the XBOX 360 system.

This comming Spetember, F1 2010 will be launched for all platforms.

NEWS ON THE GAME:

F1 2010 is an upcoming video game based on the 2010 season of the Formula One motor racing series. It is the sequel to the 2009 video game based on the same series.It will be released in September 2010 on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows platforms.The game was confirmed by Codemasters on 23 April 2009. The game engine is based on the new EGO 2.0 engine.

Development and features

F1 2010 will feature "the most complicated weather system ever seen in a racing game" which is integral to F1. When rain starts to fall, the track will gradually lose grip, with some areas losing grip faster than others. "Overhanging trees, for example, will shelter the track, while dips and indentations in the tarmac will hold more standing water and provide a greater risk."

When the rain stops, a "drying line" will start to appear which will provide more grip which will make it easier to drive. If a car strays from the dry line, the tyres will lose grip and it will be harder to drive. Evolving track will also be featured elsewhere in the game; at the start of a race weekend, the track will be "green" and therefore have less grip, but as the weekend progresses, rubber will be laid down onto the track, increasing the grip.

The game will feature a career mode consisting of either three, five or seven seasons (depending on the end user's choice). Where players can drive for any team, each having their own objectives – "For example, race for Ferrari and anything other than winning the Driver's and Constructor's Championship would be a failure, while a mere points finish when driving for Lotus would be a huge success."

Media interest will also differ depending on whether the player is racing for one of the top teams, or a team at the back of the grid and will reflect the progress the player makes; more success will equal more media attention. Impromptu interviews will take place alongside the official interviews following each race. The developer diaries released by Codemasters have revealed that impromptu interviews will be more sensationalist than formal press conferences and that the player may need to be wary of what they say to the media lest they say something they shouldn't and upset their team. Players will be forced to retire after the end of the third, fifth, or seventh season.

Research will also feature in F1 2010. Consistently out-race a teammate, and the player will receive new parts, updates and upgrades as they are developed. (Vettell will not be pleased! ) The player's team will develop new parts and updates for their car throughout the season, evolving the car as the season progresses.

TEAMS AND DRIVERS:

F1 2010 will feature all 24 drivers and 12 teams from the 2010 season.

CIRCUITS:

All 19 circuits on the 2010 F1 calendar will be included in the game.

SCREENSHOTS OF IN GAME PLAY:

OFFICIAL GAME DEVELOPER VIDEOS & IN GAME FOOTAGE:

F1 2010 GAME

This game looks amazing, if anyone does play online gaming and owns an XBOX 360, my gamertag is: M1KA27

[MIKA27]

Epsilon boss awaits FIA verdict

Epsilon boss Joan Villadelprat admits he won't know what his possible budget could be for next season until the FIA announce the 13th team.

Villadelprat's Epsilon Euskadi is one of a definite three - and possibly even more - teams vying for a place on next year's F1 grid.

However, with the FIA only set to confirm the new entrant later this month, Villadelprat admits potential backers are waiting for the verdict before committing themselves.

"We are already working with a model in the wind tunnel," he told Al Volante.

"From an economic point of view we have an interesting budget but not yet what I would want to have to face a Formula One program.

"Before investing money, our possible partners want to be sure that we have been chosen but that will only come at the end of August."

[MIKA27]

Senna comes to Massa's defence

Bruno Senna has spoken out in defence of Felipe Massa after the latter was slatted by his countrymen for giving way to Fernando Alonso in Germany.

Despite being banned from Formula One, team orders were in evidence in Germany last month when Ferrari order Massa, who was leading the grand prix, to move aside, allowing his team-mate Alonso to take the win.

Ferrari were later slapped with a $100,000 fine by the race stewards and will now have to face the World Motor Sport Council in September.

And although most would argue that Massa was the injured party in the incident, the Ferrari driver faced a massive backlash from the Brazilian media with his compatriots lambasting him for being ready to play second fiddle to Alonso.

Senna, though, reckons the Brazilian public are perhaps too hard on their sportsmen and women.

"It's always very easy to judge an athlete from the outside," he told Motorsport Magazin.com.

"These situations must be very difficult - and only those who are on the inside know what to do or not to do.

"Whether it is good or bad for Felipe is that all this has come out (into the open) so easily, so now you have to wait.

"Massa is intelligent and has much experience - I hope that he has made the best possible decision for himself."

The Hispania Racing driver added: "One must not forget what sport really is.

"The Brazilian fans, I sometimes have the feeling that they think every athlete has an obligation to win.

"Nobody is unbeatable."

[MIKA27]

Glock: I stand fully behind Virgin

Timo Glock insists he is 'fully' committed to Virgin despite previously claiming he may considering looking elsewhere for 2011.

Glock joined Virgin Racing from Toyota at the start of this year's Championship, however, the season has been a trying one for the German and the newcomers.

With more retirements than finishes, and not even coming close to a top-ten result, Glock has recently been linked to a move to Renault as Robert Kubica's 2011 team-mate.

And although the German did recently reveal that he was "keeping my eyes open", he now insists he's committed to Virgin and their cause.

"I stand fully behind Virgin Racing and am highly motivated, because the progress made so far has been good and we'll continue that in the remaining seven races," he told his website.

"I have always said that I would like to work in a team with constant further progress.

"If the progress had failed or the development had stopped then I would get - as would any other driver - frustrated of course.

"But this currently not the case. And in the future we have even greater steps to make.

"I have a long-term contract with Virgin Racing and am determined to get to the team to the next level. We have everything necessary to achieve our goals this season and in the future."

As for Virgin's first season in Formula One, the former Toyota driver reckons they are making progress and heading in the right direction.

"Our debut season with Virgin Racing has been a big challenge, but that was already made clear to me when I moved to the new team.

"The beginning was difficult, but since then the tide has turned. Since the mid-season we have good progress with the development of the car.

"Of course there were also times of frustration in between. The race preparation have not always been perfect, sometimes we have also made it more difficult for ourselves.

"But one must consider the overall project. In the last three or four races we have always brought new developments for the car.

"The findings from the simulator have also been transferred onto the track. This is encouraging."

[MIKA27]

James Allen: Assessing the title run-in

When the season reconvenes after the summer break at Spa at the end of the month five drivers from the grid’s leading trio of teams are poised to go toe-to-toe for the world championship spoils over the final seven rounds.

But after Red Bull blitzed the field last time out in Hungary, what are the chances of Ferrari and McLaren’s respective challengers getting a realistic look-in? ITV.com/F1 columnist James Allen analyses how the balance of power is likely to swing from Belgium to Abu Dhabi.

So where do we go from here?

We have just seven races to go in this fascinating championship and we are now getting into what is commonly referred to as the ‘business end’ of the season. Who will come out on top?

Now every win and every retirement starts to take on even greater significance. With the new points system introduced this season, the title race has swung one way and another.

At one stage or another, both Ferrari drivers, both Red Bull drivers (Vettel jointly) and both McLaren drivers have led the points race, which is pretty remarkable.

It’s Mark Webber at the moment who has a slender advantage over the McLaren drivers and his own team-mate.

Fernando Alonso is in the hunt too after a very strong pair of results in Germany and Hungary. What is abundantly clear is that only one Ferrari driver is going for the title, as the team have decided to throw all its efforts into the former two-time champion.

Ferrari have improved their car a lot in the last month and it has been very competitive. Felipe Massa said recently that he felt the relative performances in Germany and Hungary were more about Red Bull underperforming in Germany, rather than finding some kind of miracle set up for the Hungaroring.

Certainly the impressive thing about the Red Bull this year has been its downforce at low to medium speed and Budapest really showed that. The car has worked well at every circuit we’ve been to so far so there is no reason to suspect that they will have any problems at the tracks coming up.

In Spa they will run a similar aerodynamic set-up to Canada, where the car was pretty competitive even though it was giving something away on the straights to the Ferrari and McLaren.

We will see Ferrari and McLaren taking quite a bit out of them in sector one at Spa with the long straight from Eau Rouge to Les Combes, and then the super-fast Monza will give both their rivals a chance too.

I’d expect to see most teams leaving the F-duct at home for Monza, because they will run skinny rear wings anyway. But McLaren showed in Hungary that as their car was designed around the F-duct it’s not so easy for them to take it off.

Abu Dhabi with its epically long straight will also give the challengers a chance, while Singapore and Interlagos will be good for Red Bull.

McLaren might struggle a bit in Brazil as their car doesn’t seem to go well over bumps.

Then there is Korea, which is a bit of an unknown, but doesn’t have any outstanding characteristic as far as I can see that will make it more or less of a Red Bull circuit.

It is designed by Herman Tilke and looks like it will call for performance rather like Sepang, although it’s counter clockwise, like Interlagos and Istanbul, so ironically Massa will probably be very quick there!

The championship race should take a few more twists and turns before it’s decided.

The trends at the moment are Red Bull and Ferrari up, and McLaren down, but that could change again.

However I don’t see Red Bull losing the constructors’ championship now, as both drivers are potential winners at every track and the other teams cannot say that.

As for the drivers’ title it could be wrapped up with a race to go as 25 points is a massive margin. One of the Red Bull drivers should win it, because frankly the car deserves it. I’m not going to stick my neck out and guess which one, but I think one of them will put a run together now and take it.

But Alonso is looking the most likely to nick it from them, if Webber and Vettel continue their current trend of taking wins off each other. Ferrari have a big step for Spa, with a revised back-end of the car scheduled.

Hamilton and Button will still have something to say, but their challenge has started to wane and they are due an update to get them in the game.

[MIKA27]

F1 2010 (video game)

Mate, the screenshots look amazing!

They look amazing indeed mate.

I read your profile, you like gaming, an XBOX 360?

We could have an F1 team of our own....

[MIKA27]

Spa worried about Belgian GP future post-2012

Organisers of the historic Belgian grand prix are concerned about the future of F1's popular Spa-Francorchamps round beyond 2012.

Whilst revealing this week that 40,000 tickets have been sold so far for the forthcoming August 29 event, the officials said Spa is under increasing pressure from international venues who have more money to spend.

"The ticket sales for this year are relatively good," said spokesman Christian Lahaye.

"We hope to reach the figure of 2007, with 65,000 tickets sold, to allow us to achieve a balanced financial position," he added.

According to the Flemish newspaper De Morgen, Spa's F1 future could depend on the new Concorde Agreement post-2012 expanding the annual calendar to up to 25 races.

With the influx of new international races promising much higher annual promotion fees, the report said Spa-Francorchamps' race organisers are worried.

"There is no shortage of candidates (for grands prix)," Spa-Francorchamps circuit boss Andre Maes is quoted by Belga news agency.

"Even France doesn't have a grand prix," he said.

MIKA: If Spa goes, so will I. The Spa race is the greatest on the F1 calendar.

[MIKA27]

Aragon said no to replacing 2010 Korean GP - report

Talks between Bernie Ecclestone and the Spanish venue known as Motorland Aragon reportedly took place about a potential vacancy on the 2010 calendar.

Spanish reports last week said the Hermann Tilke-penned circuit is a potential replacement venue for the October 22-24 date on this year's calendar.

Korea's similarly Tilke-designed track has been dogged by persistent speculation about its readiness to host an inaugural grand prix on that date.

According to the El Peridico newspaper, actual talks between Aragon officials and Ecclestone have taken place.

Officially, the circuit's chief executive Antonio Gasion denied the report's claims.

But the report insisted that Ecclestone raised the possibility of a grand prix for Aragon in late October, demanding a EUR 22 million race promotion fee.

A circuit source told the newspaper that Aragon turned down the offer "because the possibility of recovering that level of investment is zero".

"We have never ruled out being eligible for a formula one grand prix in the future," added the source. "For now, we are delighted with the motorcycle (MotoGP) race that fell to us from the sky."

[MIKA27]

Plans afoot for second F1 race in India

Plans are in the works for a formula one circuit in the Indian city of Mumbai.

1400 kilometres away, not far from the capital city New Delhi, construction of another circuit is well underway that is set to host the inaugural Indian grand prix next year.

But according to the local Business Standard, Mumbai's state Maharashtra government - through the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) - is considering a track for 700 acres of land along the expressway to Pune.

An unnamed state official said initial talks are underway.

"MMRDA plans to first hold a meeting with interested parties on August 17 to take the idea forward," said the source.

He said the next step will be consultations.

"The consultants will suggest whether or not the project is feasible. We have also got to discuss how the project should be structured if the private sector is involved.

"The cost of the project will be announced once the consultants submit their report," added the anonymous official.

[MIKA27]

Barrichello says new Williams deal is 'natural'

Rubens Barrichello is still confident that he is set to extend his record-longest formula one career into a 19th consecutive season.

At Spa-Francorchamps in two weeks, the Brazilian will celebrate an unprecedented 300th grand prix, but currently he is only contracted to keep racing until his 306th career race in November.

However, the signs are strong that the famous British team Williams is planning an unchanged driver lineup for 2011.

"We have been working together on the 2011 car," the 38-year-old is quoted by the Brazilian press.

"So I think the (contract) renewal is a natural process," said Barrichello.

The winner of 11 grands prix said the Grove based team has benefitted from their collaboration so far.

"The team has used me in the best possible way. With Williams we have 100 per cent confidence in talking about the car now.

"From the moment we have chosen this way, especially in the wind tunnel, everything has improved," said the former Jordan, Stewart, Ferrari and Brawn driver.

"It is hard to say when Williams will win again, but the trend this year has been very noticeable.

"The greatest pride is that my information has not only served me, but my teammate (Nico Hulkenberg) as well. We are on the right track," said Barrichello.

Meanwhile, while the F1 world railed against Michael Schumacher's aggressive driving in Hungary recently, Williams' Sam Michael said the move was more indicative of Barrichello's form.

"From my perspective, it just proved to everyone how completely committed Rubens is," said the Grove based team's technical director.

[MIKA27]

Sauber confident of 2011 sponsorship

Peter Sauber is adamant his team will have increased financial backing next season after an almost sponsor-less 2010 campaign.

Having purchased his F1 team back from BMW in an 11th hour deal, Sauber struggled to find sponsorship for this year's Championship.

But despite the lack of extra funds, the team has put in an admirable performance, sparking rumous that Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim's Telmex company could be interested in backing Sauber next season.

And although the team's owner refused to confirm the rumours, he has confirmed that he is expecting new partners to come on board next season.

"I believe that we will be at a competitive level," Sauber told Autosport magazine. "There is a good possibility for new partners and we are working very hard on that.

"We're sure we will have more colour on the car next year. I don't know what basic colour - it depends on the sponsor."

As for his team's performances out on track, Sauber is confident they are on the up and up.

"We will get closer to the other teams. We are already close to Williams, sometimes behind, sometimes in front, and it's the same with Mercedes.

"That clearly shows that it's possible with limited budget to go forward. The lap times are on a very good level."

[MIKA27]

'Finances dictating Merc's switch of focus'

Mercedes GP are reportedly set to switch their focus to next year's Championship due to financial constraints.

Despite winning last year's World titles under the Brawn GP banner, Mercedes GP have struggled in this campaign, falling to fourth in the standings with just three podium finishes.

As such, the team has already confirmed that following the summer break they will be switching their focus to next year's Championship.

However, according to Germany's Bild the decision has also been made based on finances.

The newspaper claims that Mercedes GP have already depleted their budget for this year's Championship, forcing them to stop developing this year's W01.

'Mercedes has an estimated 180 million Euros - the smallest budget of the top racing teams,' reports Bild, adding that it is already 'overdrawn.'

'From the race at Spa, Schumi and Nico Rosberg therefore have only a saving program from Mercedes. The aim is to save fourth in the standings from rivals, Renault.'

[MIKA27]

'Danica Patrick a perfect advert for F1'

Not one to mind his words, Bernie Ecclestone says it doesn't take a 'huge effort' to succeed in American racing but he would still like Danica Patrick to switch to F1.

With Formula One set to return to North American in 2012, Ecclestone admits he would like to see an American driver on the grid.

However, the F1 supremo probably has not endured himself to the American public with his thoughts on their drivers and their racing series.

"Regarding an American driver, we have tried that lately but obviously what's missing is the right attitude," he told the official F1 website.

"You can race successfully in the US without the huge effort you need to succeed in Formula One."

There is, however, at least one American driver he does want to see F1.

"To have someone like Danica Patrick in F1 would be a perfect advert," Ecclestone said.

[MIKA27]

Villeneuve: We have cut no corners

Although Jacques Villeneuve is hoping for a place on next year's F1 grid, the former driver concedes his team will struggle to be competitive.

The FIA is expected to announce later this month the name of the 13th team that will take the final position on next year's grid.

And the final position will probably be exactly what they take as potential team boss Villeneuve, who has teamed up with Durango in his bid, admits it will not be an easy first season for the successful candidate.

"I'm really proud of our bid," Villeneuve told Rue Frontenac.

"We have no control over what the others will present and how our approach will be evaluated, but everything has been done according to the requirements of the FIA. We have cut no corners; we have done everything by the book. My partners have done an impeccable job.

"We don't know how many people are presenting a dossier, let alone who they are and their seriousness. Also, the FIA has not committed to having a 13th team if a project is not consistent with their requirements.

"If we do get the place, then the real stress will begin! It will be difficult to be competitive in 2011, we know that, but we are not building a team only for one year."

[MIKA27]

Klien hoping for his Hispania chance

Christian Klien is hoping he gets the opportunity to race for Hispania this season after the team gave his fellow test driver three grand prix starts.

In a rather unusual move, Hispania Racing put test driver Sakon Yamamoto into the car for three races, replacing first Bruno Senna and then Karun Chandhok.

This sparked questions as to whether their second tester, Austrian driver Klien, would get his opportunity.

However, team boss Colin Kolles refused to give a firm answer, although he did suggest that the time would come when Klien also raced for the team.

As yet, though, Klien is still waiting.

"It's hard to say," he told Austrian daily Kurier when asked if he would race for Hispania this season.

"All four drivers are treated equally with HRT. It depends on the team but I will try to get into the car to collect as much experience as possible.

"I will of course help the team with my experience to further develop the car as fast as possible."

Klien has been linked to a possible seat with Peugeot in the Le Mans series, although he insists F1 is his main priority.

"So my goal is to get back into a Formula One race-seat," he said. "Therefore I'm focusing mainly on Formula 1.

"Regarding Peugeot there were no discussions for 2011 and th efuture but I consider myself open to all situations. But right now, Formula One is my top priority."

He added: "I am also speaking with other teams."

MIKA: I know getting an F1 drive is a dream, CK has been there before and knows a good team. HRT is NOT a good team.

As far as I'm concerned, HRT don't want a good driver, they need a driver who brings money to the team thus far. yamamoto is really struggling, Karun Chandock is the best driver there is at HRT yet he's been sidelined. IMO, the entire team shouldn't be in F1.

Klien should look for other teams.

[MIKA27]

Piquet Jr: Massa still blames me

Almost two years after the event, Nelson Piquet Jr says Felipe Massa still blames him for his lost 2008 World title.

Massa lost the Drivers' Championship title by one point that season, however, it could have been a different outcome had Piquet Jr not deliberately crashed during the Singapore GP.

Massa was leading that grand prix right up until Piquet Jr put his Renault into the wall, bringing out the Safety Car. And when the pit lane was opened, Massa, along with many of his rivals, pitted.

However, in a mad dash to get out as quickly as possible, the Ferrari driver drove off with his fuel hose still attached and dropped to last place in the race order.

Piquet Jr's Renault team-mate Fernando Alonso won the race while Massa's main rival for the title, Lewis Hamilton, finished in third place.

And ever since it emerged last season that Piquet Jr's crash had been deliberate, Massa has blamed the younger Brazilian for him losing the World title.

Speaking about his fellow Brazilian racers, Piquet Jr told Istoe magazine: "I got along well with him (Massa) and with Rubens Barrichello. Both always treated me very well, gave me tips on track as I knew less. We sat together in the drivers' meetings."

But after Singapore "it changed a lot. Massa was very upset with me because he thinks, to this day, that he lost the 2008 Championship because of me.

"It is no use arguing that he had a DNF in Hungary, that he and Ferrari made mistakes. Not to mention his lack of luck.

"For the love of God, that last lap in Interlagos was pure luck for Hamilton and bad luck for him. But he is still very upset. I understand but I don't suffer much with it anymore.

"I have never talked to him again. We stumble upon each other every now and then but we don't keep in touch."

MIKA: Who's PK Jr?

[OZCUBAN]

'Danica Patrick a perfect advert for F1'

Not one to mind his words, Bernie Ecclestone says it doesn't take a 'huge effort' to succeed in American racing but he would still like Danica Patrick to switch to F1.

With Formula One set to return to North American in 2012, Ecclestone admits he would like to see an American driver on the grid.

However, the F1 supremo probably has not endured himself to the American public with his thoughts on their drivers and their racing series.

"Regarding an American driver, we have tried that lately but obviously what's missing is the right attitude," he told the official F1 website.

"You can race successfully in the US without the huge effort you need to succeed in Formula One."

There is, however, at least one American driver he does want to see F1.

"To have someone like Danica Patrick in F1 would be a perfect advert," Ecclestone said.

Have to agree with Bernie on this one

[MIKA27]

Dennis: F1 is not for the faint of heart

Former McLaren team boss Ron Dennis says he would love to have Jacques Villeneuve back on the grid as a Formula One team boss.

Villeneuve, who has teamed up with Durango, is bidding for a place on next year's grid, wanting the final 13th place that opened up when USF1 failed to get off the ground.

However, the former World Champ is not the only hopeful, joining at least two other bidders in Epsilon and Stefan GP while it is also believed that there are a few others.

One man who is hoping that Villeneuve's bid is successful is Dennis, although he admits the French/Canadian could struggle in his first season.

"Everyone in the world of F1 is hoping it works out for the better," Dennis told Rue Frontenac.

"It is always good to keep the Champions of our sport around.

"But it will take extensive financial resources. This is not a sport for the faint of heart."

[MIKA27]

Have to agree with Bernie on this one

DP doesn't do it for me.....

You're just a perve Steve!

[MIKA27]

Berger backs Schumacher move on Barrichello

Gerhard Berger has defended Michael Schumacher's move on Rubens Barrichello at the Hungarian GP, saying such a thing happened 'three times a lap' in his day.

Berger, who has previously driven for Ferrari, McLaren and Benetton before becoming part team owner of the Toro Rosso outfit, before selling his half back to Red Bull owner Dietrich Matezchitz, told the Austrian newspaper, Tiroler Tageszeitung, that he'd have thought nothing of the a move, suggesting that Formula One has become easier in recent times.

"We drove harder and more brutally," he said. "Three times a lap we drove each other into the walls without complaining.

"This was just part of it. We would have thought nothing of an action like Michael's against Barrichello."

The FIA however did think something of the incident and penalised Schumacher with a 10-place grid drop for the next race in Belgium.

[OZCUBAN]

Villeneuve: We have cut no corners

Although Jacques Villeneuve is hoping for a place on next year's F1 grid, the former driver concedes his team will struggle to be competitive.

The FIA is expected to announce later this month the name of the 13th team that will take the final position on next year's grid.

And the final position will probably be exactly what they take as potential team boss Villeneuve, who has teamed up with Durango in his bid, admits it will not be an easy first season for the successful candidate.

"I'm really proud of our bid," Villeneuve told Rue Frontenac.

"We have no control over what the others will present and how our approach will be evaluated, but everything has been done according to the requirements of the FIA. We have cut no corners; we have done everything by the book. My partners have done an impeccable job.

"We don't know how many people are presenting a dossier, let alone who they are and their seriousness. Also, the FIA has not committed to having a 13th team if a project is not consistent with their requirements.

"If we do get the place, then the real stress will begin! It will be difficult to be competitive in 2011, we know that, but we are not building a team only for one year."

I like JV I wish him all the best ,he will know what it is like to be in a losing team,after all he was with BAR for all that time

Cheers OZ

[OZCUBAN]

DP doesn't do it for me.....

You're just a perve Steve!

[MIKA27]

I like JV I wish him all the best ,he will know what it is like to be in a losing team,after all he was with BAR for all that time

Cheers OZ

You can't get worse than HRt and Virgin racing my friend.

Yes, JV's last F1 win was in 1997, I doubt he'll be any more competative, BUT, why not give it a shot. F1 has evolved over the years, provided JV's team have backing, they could end up being big in future with JV stepping aside and managing the team and not driving for them.

Besides...You're a JV fan aren't you mate?