From GMM
FIA proceeds with standard engine
F1'sgoverning body is pressing ahead with controversial plans to introducea standard engine formula by 2010. In a statement on Friday, the FIAconfirmed it has opened a tender process "for the appointment of athird party supplier of engines and transmission systems" for theentire grid between 2010-2012.
Teams can choose engine implementation
Teamswill be free to choose how to implement the FIA's imposition of astandard engine formula from 2010. After a tender process for a thirdparty supplier of engines was announced on Friday, a spokesmanclarified that the mandatory aspect of the regulations will be for theuse of the designated design.
The standard engine proposal ishighly controversial among F1's carmakers, who are behind rumours inthe paddock that some may pull out if their technological freedom isfurther curtailed.
Bernie plays down team quit threats
BernieEcclestone on Friday played down speculation that the introduction of astandard engine formula could cause teams to leave the sport. There isno doubt that the rumours in the Shanghai paddock were fuelled bycarmaker-backed teams including McLaren-Mercedes, Toyota, BMW andHonda, who are furious with the FIA's announcement.
"I don't see whythey should leave. We're saving them an awful lot of money, I hope. Allthe technical things will still be there, and they can still show allof their talent," Ecclestone said.
Kubica deserves 2008 title - Villeneuve
NeitherLewis Hamilton nor his main challenger Felipe Massa fully deserves tobe 2008 world champion, former title winner Jacques Villeneuve says."The one who really deserves it now is Kubica," the French-Canadiansaid. "He has not been in as good a car as either Felipe or Lewis yethe has produced a season without mistakes," 37-year-old Villeneuve said.
Ecclestone wants 'no dirty tricks'
BernieEcclestone has ordered a 'hard but fair' conclusion to the 2008championship, as rivalries threaten to spill onto the circuit with tworaces to go."We want fair play at all times," Ecclestone, F1's chiefexecutive, said. "Hard and close racing, yes, but fair play, toowithout drivers being put in danger.
"The wider world iswatching and waiting the outcome of what has turned into a greatchampionship. We don't want it spoiled and we will crack down on anydirty tricks," the 77-year-old added.
FIA not told of Magny Cours axe
F1's governing body says it is "gravely concerned" with the news that the promoter of the race at Magny Cours has cancelled the 2009 French grand prix. "The FIA secretary general has written to the president of the FFSA today to seek an urgent clarification of the situation of the French grand prix. Up until today we have heard nothing."
Mallya confirms Force India drivers to stay
ForceIndia will keep the same race drivers for the 2009 season, high profileteam co-owner Vijay Mallya said on Friday. "I've made it quite clearI'm happy with Adrian (Sutil) and Giancarlo (Fisichella) and they willcontinue through 2009," he told reporters in Shanghai.
Sand shifts on customer car issue
The future looks brighter for Toro Rosso. Earlier this year, the partly Gerhard Berger-owned squad was in serious trouble, given Red Bull's dithering support and the looming end of the era when using a customer car is allowed.
But on both counts, the sand appears to have shifted somewhat. On the topic of customer cars it emerged recently that Bernie Ecclestone has proposed that teams already involved in formula one should be allowed to share technology, including the buying and selling of entire cars. "If Bernie's proposal actually goes through, I think it will be excellent for all independent teams and bring down costs substantially," Force India Mallya said.
FIA proceeds with standard engine
F1'sgoverning body is pressing ahead with controversial plans to introducea standard engine formula by 2010. In a statement on Friday, the FIAconfirmed it has opened a tender process "for the appointment of athird party supplier of engines and transmission systems" for theentire grid between 2010-2012.
Teams can choose engine implementation
Teamswill be free to choose how to implement the FIA's imposition of astandard engine formula from 2010. After a tender process for a thirdparty supplier of engines was announced on Friday, a spokesmanclarified that the mandatory aspect of the regulations will be for theuse of the designated design.
The standard engine proposal ishighly controversial among F1's carmakers, who are behind rumours inthe paddock that some may pull out if their technological freedom isfurther curtailed.
Bernie plays down team quit threats
BernieEcclestone on Friday played down speculation that the introduction of astandard engine formula could cause teams to leave the sport. There isno doubt that the rumours in the Shanghai paddock were fuelled bycarmaker-backed teams including McLaren-Mercedes, Toyota, BMW andHonda, who are furious with the FIA's announcement.
"I don't see whythey should leave. We're saving them an awful lot of money, I hope. Allthe technical things will still be there, and they can still show allof their talent," Ecclestone said.
Kubica deserves 2008 title - Villeneuve
NeitherLewis Hamilton nor his main challenger Felipe Massa fully deserves tobe 2008 world champion, former title winner Jacques Villeneuve says."The one who really deserves it now is Kubica," the French-Canadiansaid. "He has not been in as good a car as either Felipe or Lewis yethe has produced a season without mistakes," 37-year-old Villeneuve said.
Ecclestone wants 'no dirty tricks'
BernieEcclestone has ordered a 'hard but fair' conclusion to the 2008championship, as rivalries threaten to spill onto the circuit with tworaces to go."We want fair play at all times," Ecclestone, F1's chiefexecutive, said. "Hard and close racing, yes, but fair play, toowithout drivers being put in danger.
"The wider world iswatching and waiting the outcome of what has turned into a greatchampionship. We don't want it spoiled and we will crack down on anydirty tricks," the 77-year-old added.
FIA not told of Magny Cours axe
F1's governing body says it is "gravely concerned" with the news that the promoter of the race at Magny Cours has cancelled the 2009 French grand prix. "The FIA secretary general has written to the president of the FFSA today to seek an urgent clarification of the situation of the French grand prix. Up until today we have heard nothing."
Mallya confirms Force India drivers to stay
ForceIndia will keep the same race drivers for the 2009 season, high profileteam co-owner Vijay Mallya said on Friday. "I've made it quite clearI'm happy with Adrian (Sutil) and Giancarlo (Fisichella) and they willcontinue through 2009," he told reporters in Shanghai.
Sand shifts on customer car issue
The future looks brighter for Toro Rosso. Earlier this year, the partly Gerhard Berger-owned squad was in serious trouble, given Red Bull's dithering support and the looming end of the era when using a customer car is allowed.
But on both counts, the sand appears to have shifted somewhat. On the topic of customer cars it emerged recently that Bernie Ecclestone has proposed that teams already involved in formula one should be allowed to share technology, including the buying and selling of entire cars. "If Bernie's proposal actually goes through, I think it will be excellent for all independent teams and bring down costs substantially," Force India Mallya said.