FORMULA 1 - 2010

[MIKA27]

Liuzzi confident of 2011 Force India seat

Tonio Liuzzi remains convinced that he will be racing for Force India next season because he has a contract in place with the team.

Liuzzi has been overshadowed by his team-mate Adrian Sutil this year, with the German consistently outperforming Liuzzi in both qualifying and on race days.

The Italian's poor performances - many of which he has attributed to problems with the car - have led to suggestions that he would be replaced by Force India's reserve driver, Paul di Resta, next season if Sutil remains with the team.

However, Liuzzi insists that there has been no word from the team suggesting that either he or Sutil will be replaced by di Resta.

"Personally I don't know if he has a place or what his contract says, but from my understanding that would mean that Adrian is out because I have a contract," Liuzzi told ESPNF1.

"The truth is that I haven't heard anything like that from inside the team and nothing has changed, so I can only assume that the stuff on TV and in the papers is a rumour."

Sitting 36 points behind his team-mate and with a best finish of seventh in comparison to Sutil's two fifth places, Liuzzi insists that he is not entirely to blame for his poor showings.

"It's well appreciated in the team that my results have not been my fault and Vijay Mallya has given me his full trust," explained Liuzzi.

"In a few weeks more information will come out, but I'm not worried by the speculation in the press in the mean time. That kind of stuff is normal at this stage of the year, especially when there are rookies that people want to get into the business - more and more rumours are created. I don't really fear that, I just want to do the best I can for the team and secure Force India sixth in the championship," he added.

[MIKA27]

Gascoyne signs five-year Lotus deal

Lotus Racing have extended chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne's contract until 2015.

The reborn Lotus, led by Malaysian airline tycoon Tony Fernandes, entered F1 this season. The team is yet to score a championship point, but had been developing for the longer term.

"Mike's five-year deal is a major announcement for the whole Lotus Racing team," team boss Tony Fernandes said in a statement.

"It shows just how serious we are, not only about how far ahead we are setting our aspirations, but also as a reward to Mike for the incredibly hard work he and the team have already put in to get us from literally four people back in September '09 to our current position as a serious F1 player with a very bright future ahead of us.

"On a personal level, I've really enjoyed the last year that we've been working together, and I'm very excited about working with Mike for many years to come."

Gascoyne echoed Fernandes' excitement at the deal.

"Having started the team from scratch with Tony it was always my intention to finish my career here, so it's great to have formally agreed a five year deal," said the Briton.

"I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to Tony, Din, Nasa, Riad and the whole team, and I'm extremely grateful to everyone involved in Lotus Racing for having the confidence to take this into a long-term contract.

"We've had a great start to our partnership together, and I'm looking forward to continuing that for the next five years, and even beyond that."

Lotus Racing is currently involved in a legal struggle over the rights to the historic motor racing brand, with Malaysian car company Proton owning rights to another branch of the business and with intentions of its own to get involved in GP2 and GP3 racing next year.

[MIKA27]

Domenicali calls for calm heads

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has called for cool, calm heads from all within the Scuderia if they are to emerge victorious in this year's battle for the Formula One world title.

In his bid for a third championship, Fernando Alonso is firmly back in contention after back-to-back victories in Italy and Singapore, and with three wins in the last five grands prix overall.

The 29-year-old now trails leader Mark Webber by 11 points, and is favourite in many people's eyes to add to the titles he won in 2005 and 2006.

Alonso has displayed the kind of form in the last two races that will have worried all within rivals Red Bull and McLaren as we now head into the final four grands prix.

Leading by example, however, Domenicali is refusing to get carried away as he said: "You know me, I'm never down when things are bad, and I never declare 'fantastic' when things are going well.

"What I know is we need to be cool, to keep our feet on the ground and to work hard.

"We know when we've made some mistakes, when some others have been better than us, but that's part of the game, part of life.

"The most important thing is to have a clear focus in front of us, to never give up, and that's what we are doing.

"We are now approaching the crucial moment of the season when, as I say, we need to stay very cool and calm.

"We need to arrive in Japan (for the next race on October 10) with the perfect package in terms of car, of preparation of the drivers, and for the team because if you make a mistake you pay heavily."

Although all eyes were on Alonso's sterling drive as he fended off Sebastian Vettel's relentless pressure for 61 laps, Domenicali can point to what happened to Felipe Massa as proof as to how quickly it can go wrong.

Massa started at the back of the grid after suffering a gearbox issue in the early stages of qualifying that left him without a timed lap.

"It's important for us to work very hard on reliability because as a team we paid a heavy price," added Domenicali as Ferrari slipped a little further behind Red Bull in the constructors' championship.

"The car seems to be better in terms of general performance, and we have some little updates coming, although nothing major.

"But I believe we have everything to fight up until the last race, I have always said that, and I maintain that position."

[MIKA27]

Singapore was 'one-off' race for HRT - Klien

Singapore was a "one-off" stint at the wheel of team regular Sakon Yamamoto's car, HRT reserve driver Christian Klien said after Sunday's night race.

Despite the struggling Spanish team saying Yamamoto was sidelined due to food poisoning, Klien's graduation to the race seat coincided with the arrival of the logo of a new Austrian sponsor on the Cosworth-powered car.

Paddock sources also said one of Yamamoto's personal sponsors was removed from the car in Singapore.

So just as Karun Chandhok and Bruno Senna have also been sidelined by HRT earlier in 2010, paddock cynics now expect the Japanese to have to make way for the better-funded Klien.

The 27-year-old former Jaguar and Red Bull driver also performed well in Singapore, considerably outqualifying teammate Senna before retiring from the race with an hydraulic problem whilst running 18th.

When asked about the future, Klien answered: "Singapore was a one-off to replace Sakon Yamamoto. Anything else is not in my hands.

"It was really great to be feeling like a proper racing driver again and I do hope I could make my mark this weekend."

He was less flattering about the Dallara-designed F110 car.

"It behaves just like a rally car," he told Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat, before joking: "I should probably ask Kimi Raikkonen for advice."

MIKA: The HRT team have had more drivers than they can poke a stick at. It seems to me that the team owner is only interested in which driver is bringing the funds. Kinda like a pimp IMO.

[OZCUBAN]

Stepney given prison sentence

Thursday, 30 September 2010 12:01

Ferrari’s former chief mechanic Nigel Stepney, one of the men at the centre of the 2007 McLaren spying scandal, has been given a 20-month prison sentence by an Italian court.

Ferrari dismissed Stepney in July 2007 and launched criminal proceedings against the Briton, accusing him of plotting to sabotage its cars and passing confidential technical data to arch-rival McLaren.

The FIA later fined McLaren a record $100 million and excluded it from the constructors’ world championship after finding the Woking-based team guilty of possessing a 780-page dossier of leaked Ferrari information.

Ferrari and McLaren agreed to draw a line under the matter the following year, but the Italian team continued to pursue its criminal action against Stepney.

According to local media in Modena, Stepney was sentenced on Wednesday to a year and eight months in prison – reduced after he entered into a plea bargain – and handed a 600 euro fine after being found guilty of “sabotage, industrial espionage, sporting fraud and attempted serious injury”.

However, under the Italian legal system it is thought unlikely that he will serve any time in jail.

“We can be satisfied, even if my client has always denied sabotage,” Stepney’s lawyer Sonia Bartolini was quoted as saying by the Gazzetta di Modena website.

“We have to thank the prosecutor for agreeing to a plea bargain. Initially the sentence was much higher, but I don’t want to be specific.”

In the aftermath of its World Motor Sport Council verdict the FIA warned its licence holders against working with either Stepney or Mike Coughlan, the McLaren engineer to whom he passed the Ferrari secrets.

However the governing body relaxed its stance in early 2009, claiming that Stepney and Coughlan had only been “minor players” in the scandal, and Stepney has since worked in the FIA GT championship.

[MIKA27]

Hamilton won't curb 'racer' instincts

Lewis Hamilton insists he will not change his approach to racing despite his back-to-back retirements in Italy and Singapore doing severe damage to his championship hopes.

The McLaren driver crashed out on the first lap at Monza following a tangle with Felipe Massa's Ferrari, and was then eliminated under the Marina Bay lights on Sunday after his attempted move on championship leader Mark Webber ended in contact.

Those incidents, allied to an engine failure in Hungary, mean the 25-year-old has failed to finish three of the last four races and he now trails Red Bull driver Webber, who finished third in Singapore, by 20 points with four races remaining.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso has also leapfrogged Hamilton to lie second in the standings after recording successive wins.

But Hamilton will not back down should an opportunity present itself at the next round in Japan in 11 days' time.

Asked if he would change his approach, he said: "No, I'm a racer. I always race my heart out, and nothing will ever change that."

Hamilton, who has three wins to his name this year, also says the new-for-2010 points system means that a 20-point margin is no longer as daunting as it would appear.

"I spoke with the team on Sunday night, and we looked at things in their proper perspective: I'm still third overall in the points table, and I'm 20 points off the championship leader," said the 2008 world champion.

"That's still less than a race win - it's easy to get disheartened by being 20 points away, because it sounds such a lot, but under last year's rules, that's only about eight points - and to be eight points off with four races left is nothing really."

Hamilton, while falling short of blaming Webber, also feels he was very unfortunate to be taken out in Singapores incident, pointing out he was half-a-car length in front of his Australian rival.

He said: "I've already said that I was probably a bit too opportunistic in Monza, but, in Singapore, I've seen the replay and I was half a car-length ahead of Mark, and on the racing line.

"It's just very frustrating that in Italy, I tapped the car in front and it broke my front suspension, and in Singapore, the car behind tapped me and punctured my tyre. I've been unlucky both times."

[MIKA27]

'Toro Rosso up for sale for just $30m'

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz is reportedly interested in selling the Toro Rosso team, although his PA has denied the rumours.

According to reports, Mateschitz, who owns both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso, is keen to sell the latter with an asking price of just $30 million.

Mexican entrepreneur Carlos Slim is believed to be interested while Jacques Villeneuve and Durango, who attempted to find a place on next year's grid as a newcomer, could also be keen, having expressed an interest in purchasing an existing outfit.

Those two parties, though, may not be the only bidders with Stefan GP, who failed to take USF1's place on this year's grid, another potential buyer.

But despite the reports, Mateschitz personal assistant has denied that Toro Rosso is up for sale.

"There are constant rumors about it, but now we have no plans to sell Toro Rosso," Mateschitz's PA told 422race.com.

MIKA: Who wants to pitch in?

[MIKA27]

Haug: Mercedes a 'bit grumpy'

Norbert Haug admits Mercedes are getting "a bit grumpy" with their F1 team's lack of success this season.

Mercedes purchased the 2009 Championship-winning Brawn GP outfit in the off-season, however, the team has failed to match last year's performances.

With Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg entrusted with the driving duties, podium finishes have been few and far between with only three coming courtesy of Rosberg.

In sharp contrast, Schumacher has yet to reach the podium as he has struggled to adapt in his return to Formula One.

But with both drivers staying on next season, Mercedes motorsport boss Haug is confident the results will improve.

"We will make a step forward in 2011. And of course we need to have the best possible staff, which may include hiring new people," he told the Cologne's Express newspaper.

"In 2011 the drivers will be Michael and Nico Rosberg. And we believe in Ross and the team."

He added: "We know how it feels to win so we are sometimes perhaps a bit grumpy."

[MIKA27]

Cosworth & Lotus agree termination

Cosworth and Lotus have officially concluded their engine supply agreement, paving the way for the later to switch to Renault power.

Last month, the two parties revealed that they had 'reached an agreement in principle' to end their relationship, however, it was subjected to contract.

On Friday, though, Cosworth confirmed that the deal had been terminated effective cease at midnight on 30th November 2010.

"The decision to bring the partnership to an early termination has been driven by the team's desire to solve reliability and performance issues unrelated to the Cosworth engine," said Cosworth in the statement.

"Lotus Racing and Cosworth have agreed settlement terms satisfactory to both parties to secure an early termination of the agreement.

"Cosworth wishes Lotus Racing success in the future, and will continue to supply engines to AT&T Williams, Virgin Racing and HRT in 2011, thereby supporting 25% of the teams in Formula 1."

[MIKA27]

Ferrari: Massa must take points off rivals

Luca di Montezemolo has outlined Felipe Massa's duties for the remainder of the season: to take points off Fernando Alonso's rivals.

With four races still be run and a 100 points to play for, Alonso is second in the Drivers' standings, 11 points behind Championship leader Mark Webber. But they are not the only two drivers in the race.

Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button all still have a shot at winning the title with Button in fifth place just 25 points off the pace.

Alonso, though, has an advantage over his title rivals as the Ferrari driver is the only man involved in the chase who can have his team-mate working for him instead of against him.

And that's exactly what Ferrari's president wants Massa to do.

"I have waited for Felipe with great perseverance in the last four races," Montezemolo told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I want a strong Massa who will shave points off the rivals. In Singapore he had some bad luck, but he is in good condition to win.

"Those who race for Ferrari don't race for themselves, but for the Ferrari team colours. One who wants to race for himself will have to face his team."

The Ferrari President also insisted that the Scuderia's decision to put their efforts behind Alonso as early as the July's German GP when they implemented team orders in the Spaniard's favour, has been justified by his run to second place in the Drivers' standings.

"First of all, the decision to focus on Alonso has been proven to be right. He is extremely strong and very close to the team, and has been able to blend in well from day one despite the concerns of some.

"The second is the spirit of determination of the team that has never been broken and disjointed, it has shown great ability to respond and fight back and knows how to win even under pressure.

"The third is to have also focused on people like (Stefano) Domenicali and (Aldo) Costa who have proven be absolutely vital."

Montezemolo pointed to Ferrari's pedigree in recent years as a sure sign that the Scuderia have what it takes to win Championships.

"I've been thinking about one thing and I invite you to do so too: from 1997, if we exclude the year 2005, we either won the Formula 1 World Championship or we lost it in the last race.

"Ferrari has always been team to beat. We won eight Constructors' World Championships in the last ten years, it was important for me to reach the highest levels in Formula 1 this year as well.

"We're second and we will contest the Championships until the very end."

[MIKA27]

Liuzzi: Force India can compete

Having failed to score in the last two races, Tonio Liuzzi is determined to return to the top ten at Suzuka.

Last year in Japan, having only just made his return to Formula One with Force India as a replacement driver, Liuzzi progressed from 19th on the grid to 14th in the race classification.

He was, however, just 16s behind the race winner when he crossed the line as the team showed an impressive turn of pace.

A year later, the Italian believes Force India, who head to Japan will minor upgrades for their car, will once again have the speed needed to compete.

"Last year we were fast, and we know that we can be competitive again," Liuzzi told the team's website.

"We are expecting another little upgrade for there. For sure we need to push hard if we want to finish sixth in the World Championship.

"I really love Suzuka, it's a beautiful circuit, one of the old school ones. And I always like going to Japan, I enjoy the culture. The atmosphere is good, the fans are wonderful, and it's a great event. Although the weather is sometimes a bit tricky, just like Spa!"

[MIKA27]

Porsche interested in F1 return

Porsche are considering a return to Formula One, according to chairman Matthias Mueller.

Porsche last competed in F1 back in 1991 as an engine supplier to Footwork (Arrows) while in the 1960s Porsche had its own team, which won the 1962 French GP.

The company, though, could return to the sport under the Porsche or Audi brand as they are contemplating other series to avoid having rival brands under the same umbrella competing against each other in Le Mans.

"With LMP1, there are two classes and two brands - Audi and Porsche. We do not like to both go into LMP1 (against each other); that is not so funny," Mueller told Autocar's website.

"So therefore we have to discuss whether it makes better sense for one of the (two) brands to go into LMP1, and the other brand into F1. So we will have a round-table to discuss the pros and cons."

[MIKA27]

Schumi: Definitely up for the challenge

Michael Schumacher is eager to add to his Suzuka memories, although a seventh victories is perhaps out of the question.

Schumacher holds the record for the most Japanese GP victories, achieving all six at the Suzuka circuit, so it's only nature that he considers the track to be one of his favourites.

But given that the Mercedes GP driver has yet to even finish on the podium in his comeback season, a seventh triumph is probably a step too far.

He is, however, determined to do the best he can with the package he has at his disposal.

"Suzuka was always one of my favourite circuits of the year as driving the track is simply sensational in parts.

"Suzuka is technically demanding and has interesting corner combinations so it was a really good feeling when you got it together.

"I am heading to Japan with some good memories in mind as the track in Suzuka was the scene of some great races for me.

"Obviously I hope that we can add more and I am definitely up for the challenge. I am sure we will try to get the maximum out of our weekend."

Meanwhile, team boss Ross Brawn is keen to see Mercedes GP continue their run of points-scoring finishes as they look to keep Renault behind them in the race for fourth place in the Constructors' Championship," Brawn said.

"The last three races have been particularly good for us with regard to our work at the track as a team and our run of points finishes so we will be aiming to continue this trend throughout the final four races."

[MIKA27]

Button determined to retain his No1

Jenson Button is adamant he can retain the number '1' this season as the Championship race is still wide open.

Button is the last driver still involved in the battle for the Drivers' Championship title, however, the reigning Champ is 25 points behind Mark Webber.

And with only 100 points to play for - and the Korean GP in doubt - Button's hopes will fade fast if he doesn't pull back points at the next race in Japan.

However, the McLaren driver says he's "determined" to keep the number '1' on his car next season.

"I think the World Championship is still completely open: obviously, there's no room for mistakes, but any of the top five drivers could easily steal the title," he said.

"It might seem a disadvantage to be behind in the points standings, but, make no mistake, I know I can win this Championship.

"I'm still as determined as ever to keep the number one on my car for 2011."

Looking ahead to the Japanese GP, a race the Brit has never won, Button believes he's more than capable of achieving a solid result as the track suits his driving style.

"I love the whole Suzuka experience, the whole atmosphere, which is invariably extremely tense and frantic, because the race always plays such a decisive role in the outcome of World Championships.

"I've had some great results at Suzuka, but I've never won in Japan.

"I think it's a circuit that suits my style - it's all about scrubbing off as little speed as possible through the corners and maintaining a very smooth and precise rhythm: get it wrong and you're usually scrabbling to regain your momentum for several more corners. It's a punishing place."

[MIKA27]

Mallya: It's vital we stay ahead of Williams

Force India owner Vijay Mallya concedes the importance of a good run of points in the final four races as the team looks to keep Williams at bay.

With the Championship in its final stages, Force India are currently holding down sixth place in the Constructors' Championship, just four points ahead of Williams.

However, it could have been a lot different after Singapore had it not been for penalties and protests.

Adrian Sutil, who finished in eighth place while his team-mate Tonio Liuzzi retired, was intially dropped to 10th after a post-race penalty. That prompted his team to protest Williams' Nico Hulkenberg, who finished behind Sutil on the track.

And when all was said and done, Sutil was up to ninth place, Hulkenberg down to tenth and Force India ahead of Williams in the Constructors' race.

"Singapore was a so-so event for us as we saw: qualifying was disappointing, but we were happy with the way things went eventually in the race in that we scored points and demonstrated a good race pace," Mallya said of his team's on-track performance in Singapore.

"Adrian finished eighth on the road, which was a credible achievement after starting 15th. It was unfortunate for Tonio but it was a racing incident that can, and does, happen."

Mallya, though, has urged his team to put in a better performance at the next race in Japan as he is determined to ensure his team stays ahead of Williams.

"The next race is Suzuka and I'm looking forward to it as I feel we have a chance to be a bit more competitive - I would hope we could show a level of performance similar to Spa this year.

"Our car favours the low downforce tracks slightly more than the high such as Singapore, and whether it's wet or dry, both drivers love it, which gives extra confidence.

"I'm not going to repeat our objective as everyone knows what we want and need to achieve in terms of points to maintain position.

"We are giving ourselves every tool we have available - we have another aero development package to put on the car with a couple of bodywork tweaks to eke out every possible performance advantage.

"The drivers are fully motivated as well - we all know what's at stake."

[MIKA27]

Key: Sauber seeking balance

Despite being a favourite of both Sauber drivers, tech boss James Key is unsure as to whether the Suzuka circuit will suit the team's C29.

The F1 circus heads to Japan this weekend, a home race for Kamui Kobayashi and Nick Heidfeld's "favourite of all Formula One circuits."

But just because the drivers enjoy the track, that doesn't mean they will do well there, although Key is hoping Suzuka will yield a better result than Singapore, which saw both Kobayashi and Heidfeld crash into retirement.

"As far as the track is concerned, it's a favourite with the drivers and teams," said Key.

"It's one of those high speed circuits with a lot of high speed corners and sharp changes of direction. It's quite technical, and it's a good challenge for the drivers and the engineers to set up the car.

"I'm hoping it's a circuit which suits our car better than recent ones, but you never know until you get there. Hopefully it will be a little easier to find a good balance on Friday.

"As far as the car is concerned, we are taking the updates we've had in Singapore. We will do further work on them to try and get more out of them in Suzuka, which is a slightly more normal circuit than Singapore. Also we will have a few additional new items which we will test on Friday."

[MIKA27]

Grosjean targets Formula One return

Newly crowned AutoGP Champ Romain Grosjean has set his sights on a return to Formula One.

Grosjean, who was dropped by Renault at the end of last season after half a year with the Anglo/French squad, claimed the inaugural AutoGP title at Monza this past weekend despite having only entered the series at the third event.

"Winning the title after entering the championship only from the third event was something that I wasn't thinking about at the beginning - I didn't even think it was possible," said the Frenchman.

"But I made it, and this is also the best way to say thanks to DAMS, who gave me the chance to race single-seaters, which is what I love the most."

Next year, though, Grosjean is eager to return to Formula One, although admits he would settle for a GP2 driver should he fail to enter the top flight.

"I don't know what to expect really (from the future) - it's just a bit early for that. What I'd like to do, obviously, is get another chance in F1 - and not just to be there, but get a real chance in a proper seat," he said.

"If not, a season in GP2 is a good plan, also considering that in 2009 I left the Championship halfway because of the opportunity I had with Renault F1. I was fighting for the title then, so maybe I can get another shot at it."

[MIKA27]

Whitmarsh: McLaren must 'attack' final races

Martin Whitmarsh has called on McLaren to "attack" the final four races of the season as both his drivers bid for the World title.

McLaren have suffered an unlucky run of late with four retirements in four races, three of which have come as a result of crashes with other drivers.

The DNF run began in Hungary when a brake problem put Lewis Hamilton out of the grand prix, costing him the lead in the Drivers' Championship.

And although he wrestled it back from Mark Webber in Belgium, his team-mate Jenson Button was not able to complete the race after he was taken out by Sebastian Vettel.

The following two races, Italy and Singapore, saw Hamilton crash with first Felipe Massa and then Webber, where once again the result was him losing the lead in the Championship.

In fact, with four races remaining, Hamilton is down in third place, 20 points off the pace, while Button is P5, 25 points adrift of Webber.

"The bald facts show that we've only managed to get one car to the finish of each of the last four grands prix," said team boss Whitmarsh.

"While that doesn't make for positive reading, it's perhaps too stark an illustration of our overall competitiveness. And it certainly doesn't reflect the level of dedication and commitment that's come from every single team member.

"We have worked with unstinting focus and dedication throughout this whole season. And our current positions in both the Drivers' and Constructors' World Championships are just the spur we need to raise our game and attack these final four races of the season with real vigour."

Whitmarsh, though, admits McLaren also need a change of fortune to go with their strength and focus if they hope to wrestle the titles away from their rivals.

"Of course, any team would tell you that it deserves to have scored more points this season, but we've been unusually unfortunate recently.

"As an organisation, of course, we don't rely on luck - but I'm optimistic in thinking that our fortunes are due a change, and that we can all raise our game as we head into these final four races.

"Perhaps our recent misfortunes are exactly what's needed to strengthen our approach and further narrow our focus.

"We are on the attack: we know all about taking the fight to the end, and I know I can rely on every single individual within this organisation to make sure we're hitting with absolutely everything we have until the very end of the season."

[MIKA27]

De la Rosa: Rather be at the back than test

Pedro de la Rosa says he would rather race at the back of the grid in 2011 than settle for a year as a test driver.

The Spaniard, who spent seven years testing for McLaren with the occasional race filling in for the team's regular drivers, returned to the F1 grid this season with the Sauber team.

But, having scored just six points in 14 grands prix, the 39-year-old was dropped in favour of Nick Heidfeld ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

De la Rosa, though, has not given up on his dream of racing in F1 next season, although says if he doesn't get a race-seat, he will walk away.

"I hope to have a place in Formula One next year," he told Formule1.nl.

"If my career in Formula 1 is over I regret that, but it's not the end of the world. One thing is certain: I will not do another season of testing.

"Even if I only get a place in a rearguard team, I would rather do that than be a test driver. Even racing in a bad car is better than testing."

He added: "In the beginning of your car you settle for any car you can get. Then you become selective and, at the end of your career, you are happy with any offer.

"For me racing is simply the best there is."

[MIKA27]

Hamilton 'holding nothing back'

After two crash-hit, pointless flops in his last two races, Lewis Hamilton has every excuse for taking a softly-softly approach to the Japanese GP.

But instead, the 25-year-old Englishman has vowed to go on the attack again and fight to the last in a bid to win and keep alive his bid for a second Drivers' title back.

The 2008 Champion said: "I'm holding nothing back. I need a strong result to get my title hopes back on track and that will be my complete focus from the moment I first sit in the cockpit on Friday morning.

"Now is not the time to hold back - now is the time to fight."

Hamilton has seen his title bid derailed over the last month thanks to two bad results.

When he flew to Milan for the Italian Grand Prix, he was the Championship leader.

But after crashing out of that race on the opening lap and then colliding with Australian Mark Webber's Red Bull in Singapore last weekend, he finds himself 20 points behind Webber, who has taken over top spot.

He is also hugely motivated to shine and win at the Suzuka track because he regards it as one of the great classic circuits in Formula One.

"For me," he explained, "Suzuka is very much unfinished business. I raced the best I could last year, but our car just wasn't fast enough. This year, I want it to be different - very different."

Amid reports dismissing Hamilton's Championship bid as less than convincing after the last two races blighted by his impetuous attempts to go for a win, many observers have reminded him that it is far from over yet.

His team boss Martin Whitmarsh said: "I went to speak to Lewis after the Singapore race. He was disappointed, of course, but he is a passionate individual. I told him that people will have cheap shots at you, but you have to look at the facts.

"You didn't take a risky overtaking move, you didn't make mistakes. You were unlucky and that is motor racing - and you have to focus now on the races ahead.

"He knows that, but it doesn't take away the disappointment from knowing he should have been on the podium and should have been leading the championship at this moment and he isn't.

"After two races like that, it is a bit bruising. But he is a tough competitor; he will bounce back and will be strong at Suzuka. If we give him a fast car, he can win that race."

[MIKA27]

Mechanic looses job after Alguersuari error

Jaime Alguersuari's equal-best qualifying performance of the current season in Singapore saw him narrowly miss out on Q3, securing 11th.

The Spaniard dreamt of a points finish, however it wasn't to be after the team discovered a coolant leak in the radiator as he drove to the grid. That effectively demoted him to last as he started from the pit-lane.

"It should have been a good opportunity for us to score points today, having qualified eleventh," he said after the race, "but it went wrong before the start with a coolant leak on the car."

Now it seems such troubles could have been easily avoided as Motor21 reports that a mechanic discovered the leak five hours prior to the start of the race.

Instead of informing the team, the mechanic in question who remains unnamed, simply cleaned up the leaking water, hiding any evidence that a problem was present.

As a result, Alguersuari left Singapore without a points finish, but managed to fight his way into 12th - an impressive result on the Marina Bay circuit.

The mechanic left Singapore without a job.

[MIKA27]

Further set-backs for Korean circuit

The chances of the inaugural Korean Grand-Prix actually taking place later this month have seen yet another set-back as an accident on Wednesday saw major damage done to one of the main grandstands.

One of the cranes erecting the grandstands tipped over and it's arm cut through the grandstand set to seat thousands of spectators between 21st and 24th October.

KAVO, the organising company behind the event, have insisted that the incident would not delay the preparations and that the FIA were still set to inspect, and hopefully approve, the facility on 11th October.

"We will rush to complete work and people will see a complete circuit when they (the FIA) conduct a final inspection,” revealed an official.

[MIKA27]

D'Ambrosio wows fans in Seoul street demo

The residents of Seoul enjoyed a taste of F1 action today as the Renault F1 Team took to the streets of the South Korean capital to stage a spectacular series of demonstrations.

Jérôme D’Ambrosio drove last year’s Renault F1 car, the R29, on a specially constructed 0.5km circuit along Se Jong Road in central Seoul. A huge crowd lined the streets to watch the show and witness the unique sight and sound of a Formula 1 car up close.

Donuts and burnouts were the highlight of the day as Jérôme lit up the rear wheels of the R29 to demonstrate the immense power of a modern F1 car. Later on, the team revved up the engine for a special V8 rendition of the South Korean National Anthem.

Today’s demonstrations mark the beginning of a landmark week of motorsport for the country, with the inaugural Korean Grand Prix set to take place in Yeongam in three weeks time. Judging by the turnout of fans in Seoul, the Renault F1 Roadshow has already captured the public’s imagination for F1 and served as a taster for the Grand Prix on 24 October.

Speaking at the end of his demo, Jérôme D’Ambrosio said: “Today has been a lot of fun. It’s my first time here in Seoul, and my first time driving an F1 car on city streets. It’s always exciting to visit a new country, especially a place like South Korea, which is getting ready for its first Grand Prix. You could really feel the enthusiasm the public already have for Formula 1 and I’m sure it will be the same for the race. I did my best to put on a good show for the fans and I hope everybody enjoyed seeing the car.”

[MIKA27]

Lotus Racing preview the Japanese GP

Heikki Kovalainen: “First I want to thank the boys at Williams for their help with the little incident that brought my Singapore GP to an end. I’ve had an amazing response to putting out the fire, and while it was clearly the best way to stop what would have been a very dangerous situation, if I’d come into the pits, it was a pretty spectacular end to a great race. We were racing Michael and Sebastien for position, and made the right call to fight them as hard as we could. It didn’t pay off this time, but not taking the easy option of just getting the car home shows what we’re made of, and that’s a very good feeling.

“After the race the whole team flew into Kuala Lumpur in a team-branded AirAsia plane. That was pretty cool – getting on board an aircraft with my race number at the back, and all the seats in green and yellow - it shows just how dedicated AirAsia are to our team, and it was an awesome feeling taking off and landing back at the team’s other home in KL. I had a couple of days staying with our Chief Exec and managed to get some golf in, and then went for a few days of relaxation before making the trip to Japan. I love Japan – it’s a bit mad, but in a really good way. The fans are pretty hardcore – they know more about the drivers than we do, and the track itself is obviously great to race on. I think we’ll do pretty well there. It’s quick, and you need a good rhythm to get the best lap times, but experience and concentration play a big part, and I can’t wait to get back in the car.”

Jarno Trulli: “After what had been a very busy Singapore race I joined the team for the flight to KL before heading back to Europe. Seeing how everyone responded to ‘our’ plane was really cool. It’s the sort of thing that makes the guys in the team very proud and seeing how excited all the AirAsia staff were about seeing us on board was very special. “Coming back to Japan is something I’m looking forward to. I really like the track and last year was on the podium in second place. I know we won’t be repeating that this year, but I think we’ll be ok. Everyone in the team is pumped up for the final few races, and we want to focus on beating our nearest rivals. We’re in a good fight, and the fans are being given some great action to keep an eye on further down the grid, so we’ll do our best to reward them.”

Mike Gascoyne, Chief Technical Officer: “Suzuka is a classic race venue, one that really brings out the best in the car and the drivers. The team have had a bit of time off to recharge their batteries since Singapore, and I think they’ll get to Japan ready to get straight back to work and help us secure tenth place. As most of the efforts back at the factory have now been focused on the 2011 car for several months, we won’t be bringing any new updates to Japan, but it’s obviously good to see that even though our direct rivals are continuing to update their cars, we can still take the fight to them. Singapore was a great battle, and had Heikki not had to do his fireman act, we would have finished comfortably ahead of Virgin. We want to continue that next weekend and we’re aiming to put on as strong a performance at Suzuka as we did in Singapore.”

Tony Fernandes, Team Principal: “I’m just about over the excitement of the Singapore race! Seeing Heikki stay so cool under pressure really drove it home to me just how tough the drivers are – first making the decision to fight Michael and Buemi, and not let them pass just to bring the car home, lifted the spirits of everyone in the team after what had been a very long, hot weekend. Then having the clarity of thought to pull over in the right place, get out and sort out the problem - I think that gained him a whole new level of respect and it’s that fighting spirit that we love. Maybe less of the fire fighting in future, but not one bit less of the aggression.

"This has already been an incredible season, and it is a credit to everyone in our team that there is so much interest around the world in our future. We have achieved so much in one year, and, while nothing in life worth having is easy, when we savour victory the taste will be that much sweeter. For every single person who has given us support, praise and encouragement we thank you. We will leave no stone unturned to be the best."

[MIKA27]

Force India preview the Japanese GP

Adrian Sutil: Suzuka one of my favourite circuits, so I always look forward to going there. Plus going back to Japan always feels a little like going home as I lived there for a year in 2006 when I was competing in Japanese F3. I have really good memories of my time in the country. I raced at Suzuka four times that year and then also went out in free practice with Midland so along with Silverstone and Hockenheim, it's my 'home' race as there's so much history there.

The track itself is a real driver's circuit. There is just about every corner you could imagine and each one presents its own challenges. The 130R is just awesome. You're just flat out in seventh and it bends so you are completely on the limit. It really rewards you if you get it right - I can remember last year taking it in the wet at almost dry level of speed, just the best feeling.

Last year we had a pretty promising event in Suzuka. I was fourth on the grid, which was really good, but then we had all the penalties for the yellow flag incident so I started eighth and the race didn't turn out really well. But all the same the pace was there and we could again show everyone that we were serious racers. I believe it should be possible to have a decent result there this year. Although the car is more competitive on all types of tracks now, we do still have more of an advantage on the low downforce configurations so I would hope we'd be as competitive as we were at Spa and Monza this year. Top ten in qualifying and then in the race are possible and we've got to do it as the pressure is really on to keep sixth in the Constructors' Championship.

Tonio Liuzzi: I know Suzuka well as I raced there in 2006 and then again last year. It's one of the old-school circuits still left in the championship like Spa and Monza - it's a real man's circuit and one of the toughest of the year. We saw last year that the wet conditions can also really upset the balance so it takes every bit of concentration you have and you must be on the top of your game. I really enjoy the high-speed technical corners, especially the first sequence where you have to be very accurate.

Based on our performance since the summer break I would say our car is better suited to this kind of circuit than the high downforce tracks, so I believe this will be one of our big chances to increase the gap to Williams. I was disappointed to go out so early in Singapore and not be able to help the team, but it was a racing incident that we just have to accept and hope won't happen again at this really important stage in the season.

We've got a couple of new aero tweaks to improve our performance this race so that will be a big help in this battle, but most importantly it will be pulling together as a team and really focussing on what we have to do this race.

Paul di Resta, test and reserve driver: Unfortunately I won't be out in FP1 in Japan, for similar reasons to Singapore - it's such an important time in the year that we need to play the team game and give ourselves every advantage we can. Plus the team will have some new aero tweaks to try out so Adrian and Tonio need the time to get used to them and give some feedback for the race.

As I've not seen the track before and in fact never been to Japan it will still be another new experience for me. Suzuka is one of those places you hear so much about - all the drivers love it and talk about the challenges of each corner so I can't wait to see it for myself. Plus there's so much history about it, with world championships decided there some years, so I'm sure it will be a very special place to be at, particularly when there's so much at stake this year as well.

Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal: Singapore was a so-so event for us as we saw: qualifying was disappointing, but we were happy with the way things went eventually in the race in that we scored points and demonstrated a good race pace. Adrian finished eighth on the road, which was a credible achievement after starting 15th. It was unfortunate for Tonio but it was a racing incident that can, and does, happen.

The next race is Suzuka and I'm looking forward to it as I feel we have a chance to be a bit more competitive - I would hope we could show a level of performance similar to Spa this year. Our car favours the low downforce tracks slightly more than the high such as Singapore, and whether it's wet or dry, both drivers love it, which gives extra confidence.

I'm not going to repeat our objective as everyone knows what we want and need to achieve in terms of points to maintain position. We are giving ourselves every tool we have available - we have another aero development package to put on the car with a couple of bodywork tweaks to eke out every possible performance advantage. The drivers are fully motivated as well - we all know what's at stake.