Bench Racing: 2009 Formula One Thread

[mika]

Singapore GP

forumula1.net: Singapore preview

F1 News

Peter Sauber may have salvaged his team and saved jobs at the Hinwil home but there will be layoffs none the less. Blick.com points out there are currently 420 employees at the Swiss based plant. That number will be cut to 350 by the beginning of the next racing season and is scheduled to be down to 280 by the end of next season.

f1network.net: Ask your question to BMW technical director Will Rampf


Rumors: Silly Season and More

auto-motor-und-sport.de: Formula 1 driver Carousel 2010 - Raikkonen to McLaren-Mercedes

 

[mika]

F1 News

blick.ch translated: Interview with Peter Sauber

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-uphill-climb-ahead-for-bmw/]speedtv.com: Uphill climb ahead for BMW

Rumors: Silly Season and More

crash.net: Raikkonen has signed 2010 outline agreement with McLaren
For various reasons this silly season has lasted longer than most. If Crash has the story right, RaikkonenÔÇÖs signing by McLaren would be the domino that would set all the others in motion.

Reuters.com
Shamed Renault wait to hear fate
Fact Box- Formula OneÔÇÖs previous penalties
Q&A ÔÇô Key issues in Renault race-fixing case[l/ur

[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12433_5571785,00.html]skysports.com: Vatanen seeks Piquet sanction

timesofindia.com: F1 credibility, Renault future at stake

independent.co.uk: James Corrigan ÔÇô F1 shame will be complete with Renault copout

guardian.co.uk: Fernando Alonso called to meeting over race fixing scandal

telegraph.co.uk: Renault should eb fined more than record 100 million

telegraph.co.uk: Renault crash scandal to overshadow Jenson ButtonÔÇÖs title bid as F1 returns to Singapore

telegraph.co.uk: Vested interests will keep full truth of Renault race fixing scandal hidden

 

[mika]

Press Release

World Motor Sport Council

21/09/2009

At an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council held in Paris on 21 September 2009, the ING Renault F1 team (“Renault F1”) admitted that the team had conspired with its driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, in breach of the International Sporting Code and F1 Sporting Regulations.


Renault F1 stated at the meeting that it had conducted a detailed internal investigation, which found that: (i) Flavio Briatore, Pat Symonds and Nelson Piquet Jr. had conspired to cause the crash; and (ii) no other team member was involved in the conspiracy.

The FIA has conducted its own detailed investigation and its findings correspond with those of Renault F1.

At the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, Renault F1 made the following points in mitigation:

- it had accepted, at the earliest practicable opportunity, that it committed the offences with which it was charged and cooperated fully with the FIA’s investigation;
- it had confirmed that Mr. Briatore and Mr. Symonds were involved in the conspiracy and ensured that they left the team;
- it apologised unreservedly to the FIA and to the sport for the harm caused by its actions;
- it committed to paying the costs incurred by the FIA in its investigation; and
- Renault (the parent company, as opposed to Renault F1) committed to making a significant contribution to FIA safety-related projects.

Nelson Piquet Jr. also apologised unreservedly to the World Motor Sport Council for his part in the conspiracy.

The following decision was taken:

The World Motor Sport Council finds that Renault F1 team members Flavio Briatore, Pat Symonds and Nelson Piquet Jr. conspired to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. The World Motor Sport Council therefore finds Renault F1, which, under article 123 of the International Sporting Code, is responsible for the actions of its employees, in breach of Articles 151(c) and point 2(c) of Chapter IV of Appendix L of the Code, and Articles 3.2, 30.3 and/or 39.1 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations.

The World Motor Sport Council considers Renault F1’s breaches relating to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to be of unparalleled severity. Renault F1’s breaches not only compromised the integrity of the sport but also endangered the lives of spectators, officials, other competitors and Nelson Piquet Jr. himself. The World Motor Sport Council considers that offences of this severity merit permanent disqualification from the FIA Formula One World Championship. However, having regard to the points in mitigation mentioned above and in particular the steps taken by Renault F1 to identify and address the failings within its team and condemn the actions of the individuals involved, the WMSC has decided to suspend Renault F1’s disqualification until the end of the 2011 season. The World Motor Sport Council will only activate this disqualification if Renault F1 is found guilty of a comparable breach during that time.

In addition the World Motor Sport Council notes Renault F1’s apology and agrees that the team should pay the costs of the investigation. It also accepts the offer of a significant contribution to the FIA’s safety work.

As regards Mr. Briatore, the World Motor Sport Council declares that, for an unlimited period, the FIA does not intend to sanction any International Event, Championship, Cup, Trophy, Challenge or Series involving Mr. Briatore in any capacity whatsoever, or grant any license to any Team or other entity engaging Mr. Briatore in any capacity whatsoever. It also hereby instructs all officials present at FIA-sanctioned events not to permit Mr. Briatore access to any areas under the FIA’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, it does not intend to renew any Superlicence granted to any driver who is associated (through a management contract or otherwise) with Mr. Briatore, or any entity or individual associated with Mr. Briatore. In determining that such instructions should be applicable for an unlimited period, the World Motor Sport Council has had regard not only to the severity of the breach in which Mr. Briatore was complicit but also to his actions in continuing to deny his participation in the breach despite all the evidence.

As regards Mr. Symonds, the World Motor Sport Council declares that, for a period of five years, the FIA does not intend to sanction any International Event, Championship, Cup, Trophy, Challenge or Series involving Mr. Symonds in any capacity whatsoever, or grant any license to any Team or other entity engaging Mr. Symonds in any capacity whatsoever. It hereby instructs, for a period of five years, all officials present at FIA-sanctioned events not to permit Mr. Symonds access to any areas under the FIA’s jurisdiction. In determining that such instructions should be effective for a period of five years the World Motor Sport Council has had regard: (i) to Mr. Symonds’ acceptance that he took part in the conspiracy; and (ii) to his communication to the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council that it was to his “eternal regret and shame” that he participated in the conspiracy.

As regards Mr. Piquet Jr., the World Motor Sport Council confirms the immunity from individual sanctions under the International Sporting Code in relation to this incident, which the FIA had granted to him in exchange for volunteering his evidence.

As regards Fernando Alonso, the World Motor Sport Council thanks him for cooperating with the FIA’s enquiries and for attending the meeting, and concludes that Mr. Alonso was not in any way involved in Renault F1’s breach of the regulations.

The World Motor Sport Council would like to thank the Stewards and legal investigation team (in particular Dorothy Cory-Wright of Sidley Austin LLP who conducted the interviews at the Belgian Grand Prix).

The full reasons for this decision, in addition to a complete recording of the proceedings before the World Motor Sport Council, will be made available shortly.

 

[mika]

F1 News

World Motor Sport Council
21/09/2009
An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council was held in Paris on 21 September 2009. The following decisions were taken:

FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Engine Performance

Following suggestions that there is a differential between the performance of engines used in Formula One, the World Motor Sport Council has decided that should this be the case, and should the teams wish to eliminate this performance differential, they may be allowed to do so by reducing the performance of the more powerful engines. However, no engine upgrades will be allowed.

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship

14/3 Bharain
28/3 Australia
04/4 Malaysia
18/4 China
09/5 Spain
23/5 Monaco
30/5 Turkey
13/6 Canada*
27/6 Valencia
11/7 Great Britain
25/7 Germany
01/8 Hungary
29/8 Belgium
12/9 Italy
26/9 Singapore
03/10 Japan
17/10 Korea
31/10 Aubudabi
14/10 Brazil


*Subject to the completion of contract negotiations with Formula One Management. If these are not completed then the Turkish Grand Prix will be moved to 6 June.

Note: The race in Australia will start at 1700 local time, in Malaysia at 1600 local time, in Singapore at 2000 local time, and in Abu Dhabi at 1700 local time.


formula1.com: Engines – who has how many left?

autosport.com: FIA agrees to engine re-equalisation

itv-f1: Third cars should be for rookies

motorsport.com: Lewis Hamilton – I am a worthy champion
ING Renault F1 Team Statement – 21 September 2009

Following the decision of the World Motor Sport Council concerning the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Renault F1 Team president Bernard Rey issued the following statement to the media gathered in Paris:

“We are very sad to find ourselves in front of the Word Motor Sport Council today.

“By way of background, as a result of our own enquiries, we informed the FIA last week that we would not defend the charges and we accepted our responsibilities in relation to the incident in Singapore and we immediately took appropriate action inside the team.

“Today, we fully accept the decision of the Council. We apologize unreservedly to the F1 community in relation to this unacceptable behaviour. We sincerely hope that we can soon put this matter behind us and focus constructively on the future. We will issue further information in the next few days.”

Nelson Piquet statement
I am relieved that the FIA investigation has now been concluded. Those now running the Renault F1 Team took the decision, as I did, that it is better that the truth be known and accept the consequences. The most positive thing to come from bringing this to the attention of the FIA is that nothing like it will ever happen again.
I bitterly regret my actions to follow the orders I was given. I wish every day that I had not done it.
I don’t know how far my explanation will go to making people understand because for many being a racing driver is an amazing privilege, as it was for me. All I can tell you is that my situation at Renault turned into a nightmare. Having dreamed of being a Formula One driver and having worked so hard to get there, I found myself at the mercy of Mr Briatore. His true character, which had previously only been known to those he had treated like this in the past, is now known.
Mr Briatore was my manager as well as the team boss, he had my future in his hands but he cared nothing for it. By the time of the Singapore GP he had isolated me and driven me to the lowest point I had ever reached in my life. Now that I am out of that situation I cannot believe that I agreed to the plan, but when it was put to me I felt that I was in no position to refuse.
Listening now to Mr Briatore’s reaction to my crash and hearing the comments he has made to the press over the last two weeks it is clear to me that I was simply being used by him then to be discarded and left to ridicule.
I have had to learn some very difficult lessons over the last 12 months and reconsider what is valuable in life. What has not changed is my love for Formula One and hunger to race again. I realise that I have to start my career from zero. I can only hope that a team will recognise how badly I was stifled at Renault and give me an opportunity to show what I promised in my career in F3 and GP2. What can be assured is that there will be no driver in Formula One as determined as me to prove myself.
As my final words on this matter, I would like to repeat that I am so sorry to those who work in Formula One (including the many good people at Renault) the fans and the governing body. I do not expect this to be forgiven or forgotten but at least now people can draw their conclusions based upon what really happened.

I am some what mystified by the ruling and the various reactions.

- Alonso is cleared of all wrong doing. I can live with that. It may be with a wink and a nod but I can live with that.
- Piquet’s immunity is up held. Okay. I wish they would have included something in the statement that would have indicated what they would have done with him sans immunity.
- Because they were contrite Renault gets a suspended sentence and negotiates its fine in the form of a donation to FIA goals? I am not surprised but I don’t get it.
- Symonds receives a five year ban. Five years is a lifetime in racing but it is not an eternity.
- Briatore receives an indefinite ban. This is where the entire thing unravels for me.

In old ‘B’ westerns Briatore would be one of the cowboys that wore a very black hat. When it comes to Briatore I am definitely not one of the ‘hang him from the nearest tree’ crowd of fans but when a ‘B’ western ended you knew justice had been done in dealing with the guys in the black hats. The old censor board would have sent this ‘B’ movie back to the WSMC studio to have the ending rewritten.

While the press has generally called Briatore’s punishment a ‘lifetime ban’, it isn’t. It is an indefinite ban. That means the total ban or any of its parts can be rescinded at any time. A lifetime ban would have been worded as a ‘permanent’ ban. Given Symonds’ 5 year ban a 10 year ban would have given meaning to the punishment that it currently lacks for me.

Five years and a day Briatore could be back in racing in some form. This thought leaves me with the feeling Symonds got screwed, Piquet got away with murder, unlike McLaren if you’re an engine builder like Renault you get to set your own terms (albeit they may be harsh we don’t know yet) for your fine and people will always wonder what Alonso’s involvement really was.

I may not give up on ‘B’ westerns but I am not certain I am all that excited about seeing the ones that will the FIA Studios be showing in their just released 2010 schedule.

I wonder what you think?


Rumors: Silly Season and More

f1complete.com: Not DTM for BMW in 2010

motorsport-total.com/business: Prost is available as Briatore’s successor

 

[mika]

Singapore GP

motorsport.com: Williams Singapore technical preview

toryota-f1: Technical preview with Passcal Vasselon

Ferrari.com: Singapore GP ÔÇô rain, unknown factor

F1 News

reuters.com: Williams at odds with other F1 teams over KERS

formula1.com: Korea and Canada on FIAÔÇÖs 2010 calendar

formula1.com: FIA puts conditions on engine equalization

formula1.com: Q&A with Adrian Sutil ÔÇô I feel like we have finally arived

Rumors: Silly Season and More

telegraph.co.uk: Money talks as real politik guides FIA judgment on Renault crash scandal

crash.net: Renault refuses to confirm F1 future

indiatimes.com: Briatore devastated by life ban, may sue

bbc.co.uk: Football League looks at Briatore

timesonline.co.uk: FIA fails in its responsibility over Renault

 

[108625]

The Telegraph has it right:

"Perhaps it is time for the fans to take responsibility for the sports they watch by withdrawing their patronage. As one perceptive colleague has already noted, it is precisely the tacit agreement we give that perpetuates the culture."

We can voice our disapproval all we want; but if we keep watching, our actions contradict our words.

 

[mika]

Singapore GP

FIA.com
Official Meidia Kit
Grand Prix Preview
Circuit Information
Race Stewards: Henry Krausz, Graham Stoker, Harold Netto

formula1.com: Track changes ahead of Singapore Grand Prix


F1 News

formula1.com: The Formula One racing engineer unraveled – part 3

flagworld.com: No deal yet after Canada GP meeting



Rumors: Silly Season and More


blick.ch: Peter Sauber at the Grand Prix of Singapore - The quiet start to his comeback as a team manager in 2010.

autosport.com: Renault will stay in F1 despite scandal
bbc.co.uk: Reeling Renault to continue in F1

FIA.com: World Motorsport Council Documents
Following the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council held in Paris on 21 September 2009, the FIA has published the complete dossier of evidence, the official decision, and a recording of the proceedings

reuters.com: Witness X sealed Briatore’s F1 exit

autosport.com: Mosley predicts less friction if Todt wins

The Telegraph has it right:

"Perhaps it is time for the fans to take responsibility for the sports they watch by withdrawing their patronage. As one perceptive colleague has already noted, it is precisely the tacit agreement we give that perpetuates the culture."

We can voice our disapproval all we want; but if we keep watching, our actions contradict our words.

The idea appeals greatly to my 60’s activist mentality yet time has led me to wonder about the effectiveness of it. Turning off the teli has the same impact of WWII strategic bombing in that it destroys the good the bad and the ugly with questionable value in the end results of doing so. For fan responsibility to be an effective response for our outrage at underlying scandals such as this and how the sanctioning bodies deal with them our response must be more than just turning off the teli.

 

[108625]

The idea appeals greatly to my 60ÔÇÖs activist mentality yet time has led me to wonder about the effectiveness of it. Turning off the teli has the same impact of WWII strategic bombing in that it destroys the good the bad and the ugly with questionable value in the end results of doing so. For fan responsibility to be an effective response for our outrage at underlying scandals such as this and how the sanctioning bodies deal with them our response must be more than just turning off the teli.

I've played a supporting role in putting real bombs on target; I would think it's not the best comparison. Perhaps 'boycott' is better. At any rate, I may not affect F1, but I'm at the point I'd rather remember the good, than continue to watch the bad.

 

[mika]

On a personal level I could give a flying fig for F1 right now. If I had not made a personal deal with myself to finish this season out I would seek help with my F1 posting obsession and be done with it.


On a larger scale I have spent the entire F1 season trying to understand the damage F1 is doing to racing in general and motorcycle racing in particular. Motorcycle and car racing have a symbiotic relationship. I can't put it into words right now but what is happening isn't good for motorcycle racing.

 

[mika]

F1 News

bridgestonemotorsport.com: The journey of an F1 tire

Renault F1 Team Statement 23.09.09

Following the unfortunate recent events, the Renault F1 Team has reacted swiftly by implementing a new temporary management team structure, which will be in place from today until the end of the 2009 season.

The reorganisation is as follows:

Bob Bell, currently Technical Director, takes on the duty of Team Principal and Chief Technical Officer.

Jean-Fran?ºois Caubet, currently Director of Marketing and Communications, takes the role of Managing Director.

They will both report to Bernard Rey, President of the Renault F1 Team.

Bob Bell will attend all the remaining races of the season and will be the teamÔÇÖs spokesperson on all sporting and technical matters.

The Renault F1 Team is now ready to concentrate on the future and wishes to stress that no further comments or statements will be issued relating to the events of Singapore 2008.

f1complete.com: Campos and USF1 join FOTA

crash.net: Renault F1 reveals Briatore Symonds rpelacement

Rumors: Silly Season and More

Ferrari has said a driver decision will be made soon. Massa is guaranteed a ride but Despite his recent performance, RaikkonenÔÇÖs seat is up for grabs. The team has said an announcement is pending. This would go a long way to ending the 2009 silly season.
telegraph.co.uk: Ferrari doubts over Kimi Raikkonen could open door to Fernando Alonso

 

[mika]

Singapore GP

FIA.com
Thursday Press Conference
DRIVERS: Lewis HAMILTON (McLaren Mercedes), Kimi R?äIKK?ûNEN (Ferrari), Nico
ROSBERG (Williams), Mark WEBBER (Red Bull)
Session 1 Classification
Lap Times

formula1.com: Singapore ÔÇô Which owl will fly fastest?

formula1.com: Friday weather ÔÇô cool and thundery

autosport.com: Red Bull moves to avoid gearbox issue

weather.com: Singapore

F1 News

f1technical.net: Theissen confirms BMW Sauber will run Ferrari engines in 2010

auto-motor-und-sport.de translated: Mario Theissen ÔÇô No layoffs at Sauber

flagworld.com: Kubica admits Renault still an option for 2010

f1complete.com: Renault lose sponsor after WMSC hearing

 

[mika]

Singapore GP

FIA.com

Friday Press Conference
TEAM PRINCIPALS:
Stefano DOMENICALI (Ferrari),
Norbert HAUG (Mercedes),
Sam MICHAEL (Williams),
Mario THEISSEN (BMW Sauber)

Second Session Classification
Lap Times

formula1.com: Friday analysis ÔÇô adapting fast to life on the streets

formul1.com: Selected driver quotes

weather.com: Singapore

BMW Sauber F1 Team - Singapore Grand Prix - Free Practice
ÔÇó 25.09.2009
ÔÇó Press Release
Weather: dry, 30-31??C Air, 29-34??C Track, Humidity 63-69%


Singapore (SG). In the heat of the tropical night the first two free practice sessions for the Singapore Grand Prix took place. The BMW Sauber F1 Team is competing with the biggest development package of the season for the F1.09.

The mechanics on both cars had a busy day when they had to change the gearbox on Nick HeidfeldÔÇÖs car during the first session and a failing gearbox sensor on Robert KubicaÔÇÖs car at the beginning of the second session.


Nick Heidfeld:
BMW Sauber F1.09-07 / BMW P86/9
1st Free Practice: 14th, 1:51.656 min / 2nd Free Practice: 4th, 1:49.098 min
ÔÇ£I really enjoy the track, it is great fun driving here, although it is still bumpy and was extremely dusty. I think our performance doesnÔÇÖt look too bad, although we had several types of problems in the first session. Besides having to change the gearbox, there was also trouble with the floor and tyre pressures. But for the second session we got several things right. I did my fastest lap quite early on new tyres, and was leading for a long time until some of the other drivers did their runs on new tyres towards the end of the session.ÔÇØ


Robert Kubica:
BMW Sauber F1.09-08 / BMW P86/9
1st Free Practice: 8th, 1:50.815 min / 2nd Free Practice: 10th, 1:49.609 min
ÔÇ£The track today was very dirty and the grip was poor. There was a lot of dust off the racing line especially at the start of the day, but it was also the same in the second session. The track surface is better than last year but it is still quite bumpy. We had a small problem in the beginning of the second session with a gearbox sensor, but it was fixed quickly and we were able to finish our programme.ÔÇØ


Willy Rampf (Head of Engineering):
ÔÇ£We brought a comprehensive development programme for the F1.09 to Singapore. From an aerodynamics point of view, this comprises a new front wing, more deeply undercut sidepods, a further developed double diffuser and a modified rear wing. Added to which, the F1.09 also has a totally new and more compact gearbox. For the drivers it is, of course, a challenge to get used to the heavily modified car. We gained important indications, but are not where we want to be. There is still a lot of work ahead of us. However, this is not unusual if you bring such a large modified package.ÔÇØ

Ferrairi.com: Singapore GP- Tyres are main player



F1 News

Formula1.com: Exclusive Q&A with Lotus Tony Fernandes

formula1.com: QA with Kimi Raikkonen ÔÇô Fully committed to Ferrari for 2010

reuters.com: Recovering Massa on training programme, Ferrair say

autosport.com: Virgin rules out signing Piquet

ing-renaultf1.com: Interview with Jean-Fran?ºois Caubet, interim Managing Director of the Renault F1 Team

Rumors: Silly Season and More

speedtv.com: Rumors link David Richards with Renault buyout

 

[mika]

Singapore GP

Hamilton tops Saturday practice with Kubica 5th and Heidfeld 6th. Qualifying begins at 10AM eastern.

weather.com: Singapore

crash.net: Theissen admits ninth engine possible

reuters.com: Hamilton lashes ÔÇÿdangerousÔÇÖ Singapore circuit
Related
auto-motor-und-sport.de Translated: Hamilton ÔÇô Chassis replacement after cable break

F1 News

motorsport.com translated: Mario Theissen ÔÇô New team owners have big plans

crash.net: Mercedes has capacity for extra customers

autosport.com: CVCÔÇÖs Sorrell criticizes Ecclestone stance
Fans will have a role in the future of F1 if they take it but even more important in the short run are the actions of board members of the F1 ownership group and the FIA member clubs during the coming elections.

motorsport-total.com/business translated: Apparently no state funds for Lotus


Rumors: Silly Season and More

motorsport.com: Stander will pay for RaikkonenÔÇÖs transfer

 

[mika]

Hamilton takes the pole.


Singapore GP

Q1:
Grosjean continues to have problems keeping his Renault on the track ducking off in the chicane. He has been complaining about brake problems.

Barrichello has been pressing hard. He needs a strong set of qualifying rounds. Brawn GP decided to change his gearbox and as a result he will be accessed a penalty for that change.

Hamilton and Vettel have been lighting up the board in their own push for speed and pole. Raikkonen is pulling all the stops out to make certain Ferrari advances beyond the first round. Fisichella had been sitting on the bump bubble for most of the session falling further to P18r at the end and does not advance to Q2. Surprisingly neither does his former teammate Sutil who finishes ahead of him but in P16.

The BMW drivers were out early and looked strong until other teams started posting times. Kubica and Heidfeld have been trading team lead but both have been in the bump zone. Both advance to Q2.

Q2
The BMW boys have not been doing as well this session spending the first half of it in the knockout zone then both moved up the grid.

Alonso was the last car and out very late in the Q2 session. While everyone else was taking to the pits for their final changes he took to a virtually empty track and moved up to ten slots to P5 at roughly the five minute mark.

At roughly the 3 minute remaining mark the track began to fill up again with drivers setting themselves up fro their final flying laps of this session. Rosberg leads the grid at this point and is sitting in the pits. Heidfeld is in P6 and Kubica in 11th and the knock out zone for this round. The final flyers will be interesting.

Kubica jumps to 6th as the clock hits zero but starts to fall along with Heidfeld in 9th as others turn in their last times of the session. However; both advance to Q3.

Button does not! Nakajima, Button, Raikkonen, Buemi and Trulli fail to advance to Q3. Barrichello is in P7 just ahead of Kubica and Heidfeld in the final Q2 order. Rosberg held on to P1 from the pits.

Q3
Race fuel loads and strategy will be the big things that will determine the outcome of this session. With a penalty pending it will be interesting to see what Brawn GP decides for a strategy for Barrichello for this session and for Button when car weights are announced for the race.

Dang, once again live timing seems to be screwed up and is only showing sector 2 and 3 times. After the six minute mark remaining we finally get lap times.

As the clock winds down to the two minute mark Hamilton was in P1 and headed to the pits for a last time. Vettel was in P2 followed by Rosberg Webber Barrichello Alonso Glock Heidfeld Kubica and Kovalainen. Once again final flying laps will complete after the clock hits zero ending the session and will determine the final grid.

Insult to injury ÔÇô Barrichello puts it into the wall and damages his front end. He is out of the car and appears fine. His time holds up for P5 but with the penalty will start in P10.

1 Hamilton
2 Vettel
3 Rosberg
4 Webber
5 Barrichello
6 Alonso
7 Glock
8 Heidfeld
9 Kubica
10 Kovalainen
11 Nakajima
12 Button
13 Raikkonen
14 Buemi
15 Trulli
16 Sutil
17 Alguersauri
18 Fisichella
19 Grosjean
20 Luzzi

The grid is very provisional pending penalties.
Barrichello will drop five places on the grid as the result of a penalty that will be accessed for changing his gearbox. Other penalties may be accessed and further alter the grid. I will post late this evening.

 

[mika]

Singapore GP

FIA.com - Saturday

Practice
Classifications
]Lap Times

Qualifying
Classifications
Lap Times
Maximum Speeds
Sector Times
Speed Trap


weather.com: Singapore

BMW Sauber F1 Team - Singapore Grand Prix - Qualifying
• 26.09.2009
• Press Release
Weather: dry, 30-31??C Air, 29-35??C Track, Humidity 58-79%

Singapore (SG). After a promising third practice session with the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers coming fifth and sixth, qualifying also got underway very well. Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica both made it into qualifying’s top ten with the significantly developed F1.09. However, they could not get an advantage from the softer tyres because the session was red flagged when both had just started their final attempts.

Nick Heidfeld:
BMW Sauber F1.09-07 / BMW P86/9
Qualifying 8th, 1:49.307 min (3rd Free Practice: 6th, 1:48.526min)
“Although it might appear nice to be in top ten again, as we have had worse results this season, I’m really disappointed. The car had improved and it all looked good in Q1 and in Q2. But in Q3 I could not use the advantage of the softer tyres because of the red flag. I had just started my fast lap and from the early corners it was clear to me it would be a huge improvement, but then Rubens Barrichello crashed and the session was red flagged. In hindsight it would have been better to use the softer tyres earlier, but of course you don’t want to sacrifice the advantage of the track being at its best in the last minutes of the session. That’s bad luck.”

Robert Kubica:
BMW Sauber F1.09-08 / BMW P86/9
Qualifying 9th, 1:49.514 min in Q2 (3rd Free Practice: 5th, 1:48.501 min)
“Of course our qualifying performance was influenced by the red flag caused by Rubens Barrichello’s accident. I think most of the drivers are in a similar situation. We used the harder tyre compound in our first run of the top ten qualifying. This cost us a lot of lap time – the prime tyres were about two tenths slower just in the first two corners compared to the softer compound. It will be a very difficult race tomorrow. The track is very challenging. It requires lots of traction and braking stability. Also physically the circuit is very demanding as there are a lot of corners and you are permanently fighting with the car. Tomorrow a lot will depend on tyre degradation and possible overheating.”

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
“Qualifying brought some surprises. In Q1 with 20 cars on the track it was difficult to find a lap without traffic. Both our drivers were only able to get the right time to advance in Q2 on their second try. Also the way from Q2 into Q3 was anything but easy. Positions five to ten were only fractions of a second away from each other. In Q3 we saved our last set of soft tyres for the final run, but this was stopped by Rubens Barrichello’s accident. We were one of three teams today that made it with both cars into the top ten. For us it was only the second time this season we managed this. This confirms the positive trend and the work we all put into the new development package.”

Willy Rampf (Head of Engineering):
“Our comprehensive development package made us move a step forward. For the second time this year both our cars made it into the final qualifying session. Anyhow we are not satisfied with our qualifying positions, even though both Nick and Robert will move up the grid one place because a driver finishing in front will be penalized. Both drivers had to cancel their crucial final run in Q3 on the softer tyre compound due to Rubens Barrichello’s accident. Therefore both of them qualified in the final session only on the harder compound.”

reuters.com: Hamilton storms to Singapore pole position

williamsf1.com: Qualifying – Nico Rosberg matched his career best qualifying result
ferrari.com: Disappointing qualifying session
ing-Renault – posts with nothing much to say
McLaren.com: Qualifying notes
Redbullracing.com: Can Did Attitude
scuderiatororosso.com: Qualifying
toryota-f1.com: Qualifying
bbc.co.uk: Button rues disastrous qualifying


F1 News

USF1 in doubt for 2010 grid
reuters.com: Ecclestone doubts there will be 14 teams in 2010

motorsport-total.com translated: Qadback – The mystery thins

 

[mika]

Singapore GP

FIA.com

weather.com: Singapore

What started as a promising weekend for Heidfeld took a silly turn for the worse. Qualifying ninth he started the race from the pits and was listed in 20th after being hit with penalties for being light after a ballast fitting error and having to change both engine and transmissions.

The race began with no serious problems. There was some shuffling of positions but Hamilton held on to the lead.

Lap 5
Grosjean retires

Hamilton ÔÇô McLaren has told him to disable his KERS due to damage. Apparently the Singapore track has taken its toll on the McLaren chassis again. How will this impact HamiltonÔÇÖs race?

The race continues to unfold and begins to split into three groups.

P1-3: Hamilton Rosberg and Vettel are in break away mode before the first pit stops. They develop a 12 second gap between them and Glock in P 4

P4-P13: The second group is pushing each other at times but not hard and begins to string out a bit.

The last pack is slowly led by Alguersauri. ÔÇÿLedÔÇÖ is being generous to him. He is holding up the rest of the field but they are unable to get past him. Sutil is pushing trying to get past. His pits tell him he is having heating problems because he is caught in the dirty air but try as he will he can not get past. The gap between Alguersauri in P14 and Buemi in P13 is over 30 seconds!

Lap 21
Hamilton pits from the lead and returns in the lead.

Rosberg had pitted earlier and committed a pit lane violation on exiting by crossing the white line and is forced to take a drive trough penalty. This will seriously hurt his race.

Safety Car is out!

Sutil spun trying to pass Alguersauri. In the process Heidfeld was caught up in the incident and they made contact.

People are diving for the pits once during the Safety Car deployment.

Alguersauri pits and has all sorts of drama trying to leave while the fuel hose is still attached.

Lap 23
Heidfeld has stopped in Sector 3 ÔÇô His race is over.

Lap 25
Sutil pits and goes into the garage ending his race weekend. Over heating problems from trying to pass Alguersauri and damage from Heidfeld incident?

The track goes green as the safety car clears.

Lap 26
Rosberg has yet to serve his drive through penalty.

The field as the race restarts is
Hamilton Rosberg Vettel Glock Alonso Barrichello Kovalainen Button Webber Kubica Nakajima Raikkonen Buemi Trulli Fisichella Luzzi and Alguersauri

Lap 28
Rosberg takes his drive through penalty and drops from P2 to P14 ÔÇô Ouch!


Hamilton and Vettel are beginning to show a two car break away. On lap 30 they show over a 5 second gap to Glock in P3. Alonso is a further 8 seconds adrift in P 4. Then there is almost a 3 second gap to P5 currently held by Barrichello. His teammate Button is back in P7 behind Kovalainen in P6. Webber Kubica and Nakajima make up the rest of the top ten.

Race officials have announced the Sutil ÔÇô Heidfeld crash will be the cause for this years Singapore crash investigation.

Lap 30 and counting
Barrichello is not able to make up any ground on Alonso in P5. The gap between them is up to over 15 seconds. Behind Barrichello a train of cars is building up unable to pass the Brazilian.

Lap 35
Rosberg pits

Lap 36
Hamilton set new fast lap and Vettel hangs on as best he can. The gap between the two is up to 1.1 seconds by lap 38, up from 0.5 it had been previously.

Speaking of gaps, the one between Alonso in P4 and P1 is up to 18.6 seconds now. He just does not have the pace needed.

Vettel pits ÔÇô he switches to soft tires. Replays show he lost one of mirrors out on the track.

Lap 40
Buemi pits ÔÇô may have problems.

Lap 41
Vettel is under investigation for speeding in the pit lane. A drive through would kill his race and all but destroy his flagging championship hopes.

He is given a drive through. On top of this he has lost some body work when he went over a rumble strip on the track.

Hamilton now has a secure 9+ second lead over Glock in P2. His main concern now is will the earlier KERS questions come back to haunt him and will the McLaren chassis hold up to the hard Singapore streets that caused so much damage yesterday to his car.

Lap 44
Vettel pits for his drive through penalty and rejoins in ninth. More importantly for Button he rejoins behind the current championship leader.

Webber pits after VettelÔÇÖs drive through and begins the final round of pit stops.

Lap 46
Webber spins and is out of the race.

Caution flags are out but no news on a Safety Car.

Brake failure?? The team had been looking at his brakes during the pit stop.

Lap 47
Hamilton pits from P1 and returns in P2 behind Alonso. Alonso has yet to make his second stop so this race order will not last long.

Lap 49
Button is in P3 due to the pit stop cycle. He is running a light load right now and goes green. This is the time when he must show if he is truly a championship candidate or just lucky. He needs to turn fast times to set himself up for his final pit stop. Where he returns to the field after that will have much to do with how many points he garners from todays race.
Lap 50
Both Brawns go green and set personal best lap times for the race. The difference between them is Barrichello has made his second pit stop already and is charging ahead to cycle past his Button when he makes his.

Alonso pits.

Lap 51
Button pits

Lap 54
The only real battle on the track is between Kubica in P8 and Nakajima in P9. The gap between them is under a second as they fight for the last points paying position.

Hamilton is in the lead with a 7+ second gap to Glock in P2. The rest of the points position currently are held by Vettel Button Barrichello Kovalainen and finally Kubica in P8.


Over in WSBK our boy Troy is out after the first lap ÔÇô No news as to crash or problems with the bike. The timing board shows him as Pit In so what ever the problem he was able to get back to the pits.

At the midway point of race 2 Xaus is in P16.
P1-10
Haga Fabrizio Biaggi Simoncelli Spies Byrne Rea Haslam Smrz and Checa

Simoncelli has had an impressive first weekend in WSBK.

Lap 12
Xaus is now shown in P14. I remain incredibly impressed that he is back after breaking a hip and running.

Lap 14
Fabrizio has taken the lead from Haga
Simoncelli has moved past Biaggi to take P3 currently. A podium for his first race weekend?! ÔÇô Possibly

Spies is laying back in P6

Back over in F1
Hamilton wins.
Points position order P1-8
Hamilton Glock Alonso Vettel Button Barrichello Kovalainen Kubica

Button should hold a 1 point lead over Barricello. Who cares back to SBK

Lap 16/21
Xaus is still in P14.

Spies has moved past Byrne to take P5. He may not advance any farther in the standings. He is shown with over a four second gap to Biaggi in P4.

Lap 19/21
Xaus has moved past Muggeridge to take P13.

Fabrizio Takes Imola

Haga P2 and Simoncelli takes a podium 3rd.

Spies finished in P5 and our man Ruben Xaus finished in P13. Troy Corser was a DNF and there is still no information on why.

Imola 25-26-27 September 2009 Superbike Race 2
Pos # Rider Nat Bike Laps
1 84 Fabrizio M ITA Ducati 1098R
2 41 Haga N JPN Ducati 1098R
3 58 Simoncelli M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory
4 3 Biaggi M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory
5 19 Spies B USA Yamaha YZF R1
6 65 Rea J GBR Honda CBR1000RR
7 67 Byrne S GBR Ducati 1098R
8 91 Haslam L GBR Honda CBR1000RR
9 96 Smrz J CZE Ducati 1098R
10 7 Checa C ESP Honda CBR1000RR
11 57 Lanzi L ITA Ducati 1098R
12 66 Sykes T GBR Yamaha YZF R1
13 111 Xaus R ESP BMW S1000 RR
14 31 Muggeridge K AUS Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
15 23 Parkes B AUS Kawasaki ZX 10R
16 15 Baiocco M ITA Ducati 1098R
17 99 Scassa L ITA Kawasaki ZX 10R
18 9 Kiyonari R JPN Honda CBR1000RR
19 14 Lagrive M FRA Honda CBR1000RR
20 94 Checa D ESP Yamaha YZF R1
21 71 Kagayama Y JPN Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
22 10 Nieto F ESP Ducati 1098R
23 77 Iannuzzo V ITA Honda CBR1000RR
24 11 Corser T AUS BMW S1000 RR
25 25 Salom D ESP Kawasaki ZX 10R
NS 100 Tamada M JPN Kawasaki ZX 10R

 

[mika]

Singapore GP

BMW Sauber F1 Team - Singapore Grand Prix - Race
ÔÇó 27.09.2009
ÔÇó Press Release
Weather: dry, 29-31??C Air, 29-33??C Track, Humidity 66-76%


Singapore (SG). In the second night race in the history of Formula One Robert Kubica finished eighth and scored one point for the BMW Sauber F1 Team at the end of an action packed Singapore Grand Prix. Nick Heidfeld retired on lap 20 when another car crashed into his. This incident ended an impressive run for Heidfeld, as for the past 34 races without a break he has taken the chequered flag, and has been classified as a finisher 42 times in a row. He holds the record for both of these statistics.

Heidfeld, who was eighth fastest in qualifying, started from the pit lane. When his car was weighed after qualifying the team found that it was slightly under the minimum weight. The team reported its error with the ballast weights to the FIA. As the team found itself in this situation, it also decided to change the engine and gearbox on HeidfeldÔÇÖs car. Heidfeld has now used his ninth engine of the season.


Robert Kubica: 8th
BMW Sauber F1.09-08 / BMW P86/9
Fastest lap 1:48.847 min on lap 44 (10th fastest overall)
ÔÇ£This was a very tough race. I was quite unlucky with the safety car period. I lost a couple of positions as I had just refuelled before the safety car went out. On top of this we had a lot of problems with my carÔÇÖs rear tyre degradation. As a result the final ten to fifteen laps of my stint were very slow and, especially in the final stint, I had to defend my position extremely hard. In the end I must say this was the most difficult point I have scored in my whole life.ÔÇØ


Nick Heidfeld: Accident on lap 20
BMW Sauber F1.09-07 / BMW P86/9
Fastest lap 1:51.346 min on lap 18 (17th fastest overall)
ÔÇ£For me it was clearly Adrian SutilÔÇÖs fault. Obviously I saw it from the inside and later also on TV. He had spun backwards and then just drove back onto the track and straight into my car. ThatÔÇÖs something you just canÔÇÖt do. I had no chance to avoid this accident. I was last with a lot of fuel on board. The speed at the back of the pack was very low and, therefore, I started to save fuel very early on as overtaking was impossible anyway. Although my chances were far from promising today, it is still annoying not to finish because of such a stupid incident.ÔÇØ


Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
ÔÇ£That was a lot of hard work for a single point. With Nick starting from the pit lane it was clear he would not be involved in the outcome of the race. Unfortunately eventually he was taken completely out of the race due to an accident which was not his fault. Robert, yet again, was unlucky as the safety car came out just after his first pit stop. Therefore he lost some positions. What we take from this race is the improved performance in qualifying. Now we have to fully exploit the potential of the car.ÔÇØ


Willy Rampf (Head of Engineering):
ÔÇ£NickÔÇÖs start was very difficult as it was from the pit lane. The accident, which was not his fault, ruined his race early on. Robert lost ground at the start. Later he was not able to fight back as our pace today was bad compared to our qualifying speed. Also Robert suffered from early tyre degradation. In the end he rewarded himself with one point, which he had to fight for really hard in the final laps."



FIA.com

Starting Grid

Sunday Press Conference

Race Classifications
DriverÔÇÖs Championship
ConstructorÔÇÖs Championship
Race Chart
Race Fast Laps
Race History Chart
Race Maximum Speeds
Pit Stop Sumary
Race Sector Times
Race Speed Trap

Stewards Reports
RosbergÔÇÖs penalty
SutilÔÇÖs penalty
VettelÔÇÖs penalty

StewardÔÇÖs Technical Report has not been released. This will include pending penalties for engine and transmission changes that happened this weekend and will be enforced at the next race.

Reuters.com this week put out a nice batch of articles about the race.

Button uses brains to take Brawn to the brink

Hamilton baxks in glory of Singapore redemption

Heidfeld fumes, Sutil fined for collision

Team by team analysis of Singapore Grand Prix

Contrite Rosberg vows to make amends to Williams

VettelÔÇÖs championship candle still burning

Clockwork Glock lifts Toyota ahead of home race

Alonso says his mind is made up

nickheidfeld.com: A stupid accident

itv.com: Kubica hails most difficult point ever

bbc.co.uk: Singapore as it happened

bridgesotnemotorsport.com: Singapore Grand Prix Report


F1 News

autosport.com: Ferrari set to confirm Alonso for 2010

autosport.com: Ferrari not ruling out Massa for 2009

The FIA has a ÔÇÿgreenÔÇÖ agenda for all of its program efforts. F1 has done a variety of things to move that agenda along. KERS was to be the poster child but has been set aside for 2010. Now FOTA is getting into the act. motorsport-total.com/business translated: FOTA is planning environmental protection program in 2011

BMW Sauber F1 Team - Japanese Grand Prix - Preview
ÔÇó 27.09.2009
ÔÇó Press Release
2nd ÔÇô 4th October 2009
15th of 17 World Championship races


Preview.

Munich/Hinwil, 27th September 2009. The mere mention of Suzuka sets driversÔÇÖ pulses racing. This fabulous race track offers every type of corner in the book ÔÇô from the spectacular esses after the start, to the challenging Spoon curve and the tight hairpin, all the way to the high-speed 130R. For three years almost to the day, drivers have had to forego the unique thrills of this circuit while Formula One was hosted by Fuji. 2009 sees the Japanese Grand Prix return to Suzuka this coming Sunday, 4th October.

Robert Kubica:
ÔÇ£I am really looking forward to going racing in Suzuka again. The circuit is one of the most exciting tracks to drive on ÔÇô for me it is one of the best circuits in the world. There are a lot of really challenging high-speed corners, especially the 130R which is really fast. The fans there are fantastic. In 2006 a lot of them in the grandstands stayed at the circuit until very late in the night. They are really passionate and enjoy Formula One a lot.ÔÇØ

Nick Heidfeld:
ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm thrilled that my favourite Formula One circuit is back on the calendar. It will be interesting to see what changes it has in store for us. I know the track has been partly resurfaced, and thereÔÇÖs always the possibility of the forces of nature intervening ÔÇô weÔÇÖve already had an earthquake and a close call with a typhoon. The weather is always an issue and thereÔÇÖs been torrential rain often enough in Suzuka. ItÔÇÖs quite a long circuit, very varied, and it flows beautifully. The first section with its double-apex right-hander and sequence of esses is really superb. But you have to get into the flow properly; if you make a mistake in one turn, youÔÇÖll mess up all the rest.

ÔÇ£I really enjoy going to Japan. The first time round I didnÔÇÖt immediately take to it, but since then IÔÇÖve become a great fan. I just love the food and the unique atmosphere. IÔÇÖll be spending a few days in Tokyo ahead of the race in Suzuka.ÔÇØ

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs one race chasing the next on the home straight of the 2009 Formula One season. Seven days after the night race in Singapore weÔÇÖve got the next round in Suzuka, Japan, which completes the back-to-backs in a region that is extremely important for the BMW Group.

ÔÇ£This circuit is one of the most challenging for the drivers, making it a real favourite among them and the fans. A well-balanced car is a must in Suzuka. But itÔÇÖs a tough track for the engine experts as well: in the ultra-fast 130R turn you get lateral acceleration forces of up to 6g and itÔÇÖs essential the oil keeps flowing.ÔÇØ

Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
ÔÇ£With its many fast corner combinations, the Suzuka Circuit is one of the most challenging in the Formula One calendar. The gradients also contribute to making this a true race track. The esses in the first sector are crucial to lap times: you can lose a lot of time there if you donÔÇÖt follow the ideal line. ItÔÇÖs a unique sector, no other Formula One circuit has anything like it. ThereÔÇÖs also the tight hairpin, but the dominant feature are the medium and high-speed corners. ItÔÇÖs a real contrast to SingaporeÔÇÖs city circuit which has more of a stop-go rhythm. ThatÔÇÖs why the carÔÇÖs balance is so important in Suzuka. As for configuration, weÔÇÖll be setting the car up with a high downforce level similar to that in Singapore.ÔÇØ


History and background:

2009 marks the 21st Japanese Grand Prix to be staged at Suzuka. Formula One debuted at the track in 1987; prior to that two Japanese Grands Prix were held in 1976 and 1977 at the circuit below Mount Fuji, which also hosted the Formula One events in 2007 and 2008. In 1994 and 1995 the Pacific GP was held at JapanÔÇÖs Aida circuit.

The 2004 Japanese Grand Prix remains seared in the memory of the teams who were there. On the Saturday the track was completely closed off due to an approaching typhoon, which eventually made landfall elsewhere. Amid heavy downpours on Friday, the teams had packed up and secured all their equipment. The all-clear came on Saturday afternoon and qualifying was held on Sunday morning. Formula One had already had a taste of natural forces at Suzuka in 2000 when the mild aftershocks of an earthquake could be felt during free practice.

The Suzuka Circuit is the only F1 track designed in a figure 8. It is located in the middle of a large leisure park dominated by its hallmark Ferris wheel.

The city of Suzuka lies on the southeast coast of JapanÔÇÖs main island of Honshu and belongs to the Mie Prefecture. The car manufacturer Honda has major production plants in this city of 200,000 inhabitants. Its European twin city likewise has a strong automotive connection: Le Mans in France.

 

[mika]

F1 News

The F1 circus is packing up and going to Japan for the next race at Suzuka. Pre-race reporting will be filled with the normal press releases touting this team/driver’s potential to win and debates over Jenson Button’s ability to clinch the Driver’s Championship. BMW Sauber F1 and BMW Motorsports released their Japanese GP preview within the hour of their Singapore race summary. The big news of the week may have little to do with a single race or driver but with the fates of Hinwil F1 and others for the 2010 season.

Bernnie Ecclestone is quoted in a f1complete.com article based on a F1 news article combine GMM story as responding when asked when Hinwil F1 will definitely know about its 2010 entry answered in Singapore: "Next week probably. They need to know."

Hinwil F1 has been accepted as a 14th reserve team for the 2010 F1 season. Max Mosley has hinted at the possibility of expanding the grid to 28 cars while Ecclestone has played down that idea with his own twist hinting that one or more teams currently listed may not be on the grid in 2010 opening the way for Hinwil F1 to compete.

Six teams are possibilities for a Hinwil F1 replacement:
- USF1: Peter Windsor continues to say the teams development continues on schedule. USF1 has signed with Cosworth to provide power for the car; however driver announcements expected in August did not develop and the press is questioning if the teams chassis has made it past the CAD design stage.
- Renault: During the recent scandal Renault’s exit from F1 was a real possibility. Renault has since said it will remain as an engine supplier and continue with its portion of the team. Buyers for Briatore’s portion have come forward. If a deal can be made this would eliminate the problem of his current ban from participation in any form in F1. Even with the pending exit of Alonso to Ferrari it is likely this team will be on the grid, all be it in a very weakened state, in 2010.
- Toyota F1: Toyota corporate has delayed its F1 participation decision for 2010 and beyond until November. While the team has put on a strong front claiming they will continue, Toyota corporate will make its own decision for its own reasons and could well pull the plug at the end of the season.
- Campos: Signed with Cosworth for engines and has a chassis in development but is seen as a weak effort by many. Seen as a strong GP2 team and apparently with its effort in oredr to make the leap into F1 the team is still seen as not ready for prime time by many.
- Lotus: Lotus was signed as the 13th team for the 2010 grid yet the late signing makes me wonder if they can put a car on the grid in time. The team was originally thought to have Malaysian government support but that support does not seem to include money. The core Lotus group has been working in England to develop their proposal and hopefully a car. Could they trade places with Hinwil F1 and become the 14th and reserve team?
- Toro Rosso: This is a wild card for sure. Over the past seasons there have been questions raised about how long the sports drink manufacturer would be willing to support two F1 teams. The rules are forcing Toro Rosso and Red Bull to develop on separate lines more and more. Their exit is not on anyone's radar right now but is a possibility none the less.

Bernie Ecclestone may go against form and just simplify instead of complicate by saying thank you to Hinwil but you are only a reserve team if you choose to stay.

guardain.co.uk: BMW declare confidence in Sauber sale to Qadbak Holdings

More information about Qadbak, the investment group that has purchased BMW’s portion of the Hinwil F1 team, was released by the British football team Notts County FC another of Qadbak’s investments. Notts County revealed the identities of two key members of Qadbak which bought the League Two (fourth division) club in the wake of a Football League probe into the takeover.

The Football League investigation has been centered on Russell King seen as the man behind the Notts county acquisition by Qadbak and an advisor in the Hinwil F1 deal. King has had has ?ú2m assets frozen by the courts in relation to outstanding debt. This brought him to the attention of the league.

Notts County F.C., widely acknowledged as the oldest professional club in the world having been founded in 1862, were taken over by QADBAK Investments this summer. The Football League has been investigating the ownership of the club, which remained cloudy, with even their chief executive saying he did not know the identity of all the investors.



From the Notts County press release:

They (Qadbak owners) are the Shafi Family and the Hyat Family, both highly respected and very successful members of the business world in the Middle East, Asia, North America and Europe. Like other shareholders in the QADBAK, they are based in the Middle East.

Mr Anwar Shafi said, "I can confirm that the families have a significant holding in QADBAK and are very pleased with the diversified range of assets we have invested in. But we are a private business and do not wish to comment any further."

QADBAK has a multi-billion dollar investment portfolio across Natural Resources, Heavy Industry, Logistics and Infrastructure.

A Notts County spokesman commented "Until now we have tried to respect the wish for privacy of our investors. But the confusion and misplaced allegations of the last few days have forced us to ask them to reveal themselves. Despite giving the Football League every possible answer and information well beyond any legal obligation they have yet to publically confirm their approval. We hope today's statement will speed that process considerably."

The families revealed today have built their businesses over the last 200 years. Family members include Sir Sikwander Hyat, a former Prime Minister of the Punjab and a personal friend of Sir Winston Churchill and Nawab Sir Liaquat Hyat (Prime Minister of Patiala state) .

The families have extensive business interests throughout the Middle East, Japan, Kazakhstan and Pakistan with real estate investments in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.


motorsport-magazine.com: Lotus angling for Sauber sponsor Petronas

 

[mika]

F1 News

This needs no translation motorsport-magazin.com: Jochen Rindt Special ÔÇô Formel 1 Bidergalarie

Rumors: Silly Season and More

Suzuka marks the beginning of the last month of the F1 racing season. It also should begin the last chapter in the driver silly season.
-Ferrari is expected to announce Fernando AlonsoÔÇÖs signing at Suzuka, most likely on Thursday. Various reports have suggest Alonso will partner Felipe Massa after agreeing a three-year contract worth in excess of $30m (?ú19m).

- Kimi Raikkonen will be going to McLaren

- Filipe Massa must be taking the old saying that 80% of success in life is in just showing up. He is heading to the kart tracks for racing workouts and the press and Ferrari are hinting more and more that he will make his return yet in 2009. Have to let everyone know who is the lead driver on the team.

- Robert Kubica is the most likely candidate to replace Fernando Alonso at Renault.

-Timo Clock is currently unemployed according to motorsport-total.com. This may be a harbinger of what is to come in ToyotaÔÇÖs formal announcement in November or the German may just not be what Toyota is looking for in the future.

-Brawn GP is negotiations but is not planning on announcing its 2010 drivers until after the last race. Button is the shoe in for a seat but if Barrichello were to pull off a title upset how could you let him go even at his age?

-[Sebastian] Loeb ÔÇô new rumors ÔÇô Abu Dhabi

 

[mika]

F1 News

autosport.com: Theissen ÔÇô Mote to come form upgrade

f1network.net: Detailed analysis of the BMW Sauber major upgrade (with pics)

f1technical: Red Bull design new diffuser for RB5

crash.net: USF1 joins Campos on 2010 F1 question mark list

Is it a bug picked up in Singapore or does something else upset Trulli?
f1sa.com: Toyota F1 driver Jarno Trulli not well in Japan

Rumors: Silly Season and More

Continuing the silly season wrap countdown to Alonso -

f1complet.com: Heidfeld back at Williams?

Nico Rosberg ÔÇô once on the list for McLaren now he is linked in a seat swap with Barrichello.

I have not covered the race for FIA presidency which is coming up at the end of the month also.

itv.com: F1 will fear me, says Vatanen