FORMULA 1 - 2014

[MIKA27]

Vettel becomes father as daughter is born in Switzerland

Sebastian Vettel has reportedly kicked off the new year by becoming a father.

The news of the world champion’s impending parenthood broke only in December, when the German newspaper Bild said Vettel’s girlfriend Hanna was eight months pregnant.

On Wednesday, the Darmstadter Echo newspaper claimed it had learned exclusively that Hanna gave birth to a Swiss-born girl on Sunday.

[MIKA27]

Double-points finish rule set to stay

The double-points finish rule for the final race of the season is likely to stay, according to Lotus team boss Eric Boullier.

The FIA has introduced the new regulation that will see both the winning driver and team receive double points for the Abu Dhabi GP, but the move has not gone down well with drivers, pundits, fans and other role players.

Defending World Champion Sebastian Vettel went as far as describing it as "absurd", adding that the F1 community is "horrified", but new Force India recruit Sergio Perez is a lot more open to it.

The Mexican feels it won't devalue the sport and says the cream will always rise to the top.

There have been suggestions that the FIA could look into changing the rule following numerous complaints, but Boullier says they are unlikely to push for a change at the upcoming summit in Switzerland.

"To be honest, I'm very neutral on this," the Frenchman told Autosport. "In our case, it can change everything in the Championship in the last race.

"It's true that it's a little bit of a change in philosophy, it gives a lot of credit to the last race and it does not reward the hard work of a full year.

"But this has been decided. It went through.

"Maybe there will be more discussions about it, but I have no idea. To be honest, I am quite easy on this one."

[MIKA27]

LOTUS Formula 1 Boss Opens up on Financial issues: £114 Million in Debt

Amid increasing rumours about the financial viability of the Lotus F1 team, the team’s owner (via his Genii Capital concern), Gerard Lopez, has confirmed the team’s significant debt and spelled out that the investment discussions with the mysterious Quantum Motorsport group are dead. He added that Kimi Raikkonen, who walked out on the team two races from the end of the season, had “got part of his salary, and he will get the rest.”

Speaking to Michael Schmidt, from leading German motorsport magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Lopez confirms that the team’s debt is £114 million, of which £80 million is debt owed by the team to Genii. With the failure of the talks with Quantum at the end of 2013, despite Genii and Lotus allowing them to go public and speak to the media via the group’s figurehead Mansoor Ijaz, Genii once again had to fund the shortfall in budget.

“The budget gap from last season was again covered by us, ” he said.

“The Quantum money never arrived. We have now killed the talks. For 2014, we will have at our disposal our new sponsor PDVSA’s budget. We will not generate any new debt. Genii is still 98 percent owned by us.” [The remaining 2% is owned by Andrew Ruhan who has placed one of his men, Matthew Carter, at Enstone as the new CEO of the F1 team, replacing Genii's Patrick Louis.]

“We have around 114 million pounds of debt,” added Lopez.

“Of which more than £80 million debt is with ourselves (Genii). Why would we demand the repayment of these (internal) debts? That makes no sense. We reconciled the money as marketing expenses. At the moment, it is important that the team goes forward.”

Asked about a “brain drain” of engineers away from Lotus over the winter, Lopez said that the team had gone down by 80 people but has managed to recruit new engineers from many of his rival teams,

“Last year, we worked on three projects simultaneously. Overall, we had 580 people. Now we concentrate on the 2014 car and therefore the workforce came down to around 500. We have lost some engineers to the competition. But we got about five new engineers from them; from Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes.

“This is the carousel of Formula 1. It operates according to the Darwinian principle, ‘Survival of the Fittest’ Of course, in this way ideas migrate to the competition, but we learn from our new recruits too, what’s going on with the others.”

Asked why the Renault engine deal had not yet been announced, Lopez said that the team has been working on collaborations on hybrid solutions taking it beyond a simple customer engine supply deal and this had complicated and delayed the agreement and negotiations between them. He did not offer any time frame for this to be resolved.

There are also observations on the driver pairing of Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado. Lopez believes that Grosjean is now one of the top four drivers in F1, while he argues that Maldonado can take the same journey as Grosjean and turn his mercurial speed into a consistent force,

“Two years ago I would have said , the pairing is quick, but explosive. Today it is different. Romain is for me one of the four fastest drivers, maybe even three. He is now strong in the head.

“Pastor must still take that last step. He is super fast. We know him very well. Pastor knows our team boss Eric Boullier from six years ago when he was manager of DAMS. Pastor must now go through the same phase as Romain. He needs to learn that a Grand Prix does not consist of a few fast laps, but of an entire weekend. He needs to control his speed better.”

[MIKA27]

Formula 1 Sponsor Breaks Through $1 Billion Barrier For TV Exposure:

Red Bull’s title partner, Infiniti, has become the first Formula One team sponsor to receive over US $1billion in a season in advertising value – according to the leading global research company Repucom.

Against a backdrop of declining TV audiences in some markets, the figure is an astonishing one, considering that the cost of a title sponsorship for a leading F1 team is around £70 million per year. Although Repucom’s data suggests a high return on investment ratio, good sponsorships for teams are proving hard to find, with only a handful of teams lucky enough to have a title sponsor.

McLaren recently lost Vodafone and have yet to identify its replacement, while big names like Lotus, Williams and Sauber have gone a few seasons without a title sponsor.

Nigel Geach, a well known figure in the F1 paddock and vice president at Repucom said, “Clear branding on the car, team and drivers in addition to significant airtime thanks to the team’s strong on track performance throughout the year, gave Infiniti the advertising equivalency value of over $1billion from Global TV coverage -an amazing achievement.”

The $1 billion figure is measured scientifically from time on screen against a rate card; it has been accumulated through media advertising and brand recognition of Infiniti on the team’s cars, drivers and team personnel during TV coverage of Grand Prix weekends. The recognition, however, does not necessarily equate to increased sales, simply familiarity of the brand.

“We get huge exposure. The first season with Red Bull Racing the quantitative data showed we got US $250 million of media value, then we got US$339 in the second season,” said Andreas Sigi, Global Director of Infiniti Formula One. “This is logo exposure through the live coverage of qualifying and racing. If you then add everything else we do it’s huge, but that only means people have heard of Infiniti.

“Then the next step is ‘What do we stand for?’ Are we a performance brand or a premium brand and that takes time.”

[MIKA27]

Ecclestone confirms bid to buy Nurburgring circuit

Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed he has placed a bid to purchase the Nurburgring in an attempt to ensure Formula 1 remains at the historical circuit.

The circuit went into administration after racking up massive debts after its previous owner constructed an amusement park on the site to attract bigger crowds, but the project failed.

The local government then took control and are now looking to sell the site. On Wednesday, the 83-year-old confirmed he had placed a bid to take control of the famed circuit, which includes the F1 portion of the circuit, the amusement park and the feared 20km Nordschleife section which is often open to the public for track days.

"We made an offer and we now wait for it to be accepted," he told Handeslblatt and Wirtschaftwoche publications.

"We believe that we can do more than anyone else for the circuit. There could be a decision as early as in the coming weeks," he revealed.

Ecclestone, who faces bribery charges in Germany, may be looking to appease German authorities in order to avoid jail time and many believe this move could be a result of that. It's also believed the F1 Group may be interested in creating an F1 themed amusement park and the land which comes with the circuit could be an ideal location fo such an attraction

[MIKA27]

Current crop of female drivers aren't good enough says Horner, but it will happen

Christian Horner doesn't believe any of the current crop of female drivers could make it in Formula 1, and says hiring one at present would purely be a "marketing" gimmick.

Bernie Ecclestone has longed for a female driver for many years now in an attempt to boost the sport amongst female fans, but as of yet it hasn't materialised despite some coming close.

Susie Wolff is currently a development driver for Williams and has conducted straight-line tests before. As has Maria de Villota for Marussia. However the Spaniard passed away last year from a head injury when she collided with an F1 transport truck in 2012.

Danica Patrick has also been linked with F1, but failed to find the necessary backing and now dismisses the idea altogether, focusing instead on IndyCar and NASCAR.

Horner questioned whether Wolff, who's currently the closest F1 has to a female driver, would be competitive enough today.

"There's been an awful lot made about female drivers in Formula One," he told the Telegraph.

"The best marketing thing that we could do would be to have a female driver.

"That's not to say there won't be [one] but, at the moment, there isn't one that could cut it at the front.

"Susie is a very capable driver. Whether on merit she would make the cut at the moment is difficult to judge," he added. Though he believes it will happen at some point in the future.

"There are some very talented young girls coming through and it's only a matter of time."

[MIKA27]

'Half the grid could retire in Australia' - Horner

The opening race of the 2014 season could see over half the grid retire, according to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

With the teams facing a massive regulation change in the way of new power units, two energy recovery systems and a 100kg fuel limit, Horner reckons retirement will play a major role in the opening races of the season.

"I think you could see a very high retirement rate, maybe even 50 per cent in the first race," he told Bloomberg on Wednesday.

"Petrol is a challenge this year because we are limited to 100kg of fuel to start the grand prix with (50kg less than 2013), but more reliability issues in the early races will be a key factor.

"And of course we only have five engines for the whole year."

He also believes the gap between the front-runners and midfield will increase, simply because they don't have the budget and resources to develop as quickly when facing big changes.

"For the back of the grid it is a huge challenge with the costs that are going be incurred with this power supply unit," he added.

"The differences between the teams will be bigger," he believes, adding that it could lead to a two-tier series for 2014 at least.

"Whenever there is a reset, the teams that have the investment, that have the resources and the facilities will always turn up with a more advanced product."

[MIKA27]

Hi All.

A quick courtesy to inform you, I will not be posting any Formula 1 news for around a week at days end tomorrow as I'll be heading off for a well deserved break to Apollo bay here on the great ocean Road.

I'll be sitting back on the beach enjoying some cigars, drink and chill out with the family.

Catch up soon.

[poorman]

Enjoy your break.

Many thanks for all you do on this thread.

[MIKA27]

Dennis replaces Whitmarsh as McLaren CEO in a coup d’état

In what is a coup d’état Ron Dennis has returned as CEO of McLaren replacing Martin Whitmarsh at the helm of the Woking based organisation

The following statement was released to the media today: “McLaren Group today announced that Ron Dennis CBE, Chairman of McLaren Group, has been appointed to the additional role of Group Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Group, with immediate effect. Mr Dennis, a shareholder of McLaren since 1980 and the architect of its modern era, was the CEO of the Group from 1982 to 2012 and the Team Principal of the McLaren Formula 1 racing team from 1982 to 2009 before becoming Chairman of the Group in 2013. “

Although it is not apparent who will be the McLaren team principal in 2014 and beyond, it is clear that Whitmarsh is in the process of being ousted or ‘redeployed’ in the aftermath of one of the team’s worst seasons ever endured by the team.

Whitmarsh was previously Group CEO as well as team principal. Dennis was group chief executive from 1982 to 2012 and team principal until 2009.

Out of work, after departing Mercedes, Ross Brawn must be considered as the top contender to head the organisation’s illustrious Formula 1 operation.

In a 20-minute address to assembled McLaren employees at the Woking factory, Dennis assured them that “there will be change” at the former world champions and also that “we will win again”.

Following his appointment Dennis said, “My fellow shareholders have mandated me to write an exciting new chapter in the story of McLaren, beginning by improving our on-track and off-track performance.”

“Over the coming weeks I intend to undertake a thorough and objective review of each of our businesses with the intention of optimising every aspect of our existing operations, whilst identifying new areas of growth that capitalise on our technologies, and where appropriate further investing in them.”

“During February, I will articulate a new Group strategy and implement the organisational structure best suited to achieving it. I am excited by the prospect of returning to the role of Group Chief Executive Officer and working with my many colleagues and fellow shareholders to fulfill our objective – which is to win at whatever we do.”

Sources indicated that there had been no change of shareholdings at McLaren, which is half-owned by Bahrain’s investment fund Mumtalakat, and nobody had been sacked or made redundant.

Dennis will remain chairman of McLaren Automotive, the marque’s successful high-performance road car company.

[paulF]

Hi All.

A quick courtesy to inform you, I will not be posting any Formula 1 news for around a week at days end tomorrow as I'll be heading off for a well deserved break to Apollo bay here on the great ocean Road.

I'll be sitting back on the beach enjoying some cigars, drink and chill out with the family.

Catch up soon.

Enjoy your break Mika

[MIKA27]

King Bernie turned Formula 1 from a ragtag pastime into a trillion dollar sport

Bernie Ecclestone’s eye for a deal has made him a fortune and turned Formula 1 motor racing into a global money-spinner, but a bribery trial that won’t go away threatens to end his long reign as the kingpin of the business.

Ecclestone, who is 83, has been ordered to stand trial in Germany in a case relating to the sale of a stake in Formula 1 in 2005-06.

He has denied wrongdoing in a complex case that has seen a German banker jailed for tax evasion.

Despite his advanced age, the former car salesman remains central to the commercial operations of a sport followed by millions of fans around the world and that considered a flotation on the stock market in Singapore in 2012.

Bernie Ecclestone with Gerhard Gribkowsky

Ecclestone has long dismissed talk of retirement but has acknowledged that a conviction in Germany would force him out, saying with typical bluntness that he couldn’t run the business from jail.

Leading F1 shareholder CVC said in November that Ecclestone would be fired if he was found guilty of wrongdoing.

Ecclestone has been immersed in motor racing since moving into team management after failing to make it as a driver in the 1950s.

He gained control of the commercial rights to the sport from the 1970s onwards, profiting from a growing TV market and expansion into emerging markets.

Bernie Ecclestone has fans

After years as F1′s public face, racing fans ask him to pose for photographs and sign autographs when he appears at race tracks alongside drivers like German World Champion Sebastian Vettel and Briton Lewis Hamilton.

Interviews and conversations, at least around the grey paddock bus with blacked-out windows that serves as his control centre during the European races, tend to be quick and to the point.

Though there is no time for small talk or hesitation, Ecclestone always provides a headline.

He has had the haunting theme tune to ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ as the ringtone on his mobile phone for some years now.

Bernie Ecclestone with Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in Bahrain

Ennio Morricone’s score for the classic 1960s Italian Spaghetti Western is just right for F1′s stone faced “Little Big Man” and his endless quest for a few dollars more.

In the last decade that quest has taken F1 to lucrative new markets in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, China, India, South Korea and Singapore at the expense of older venues in Europe.

Known simply as Bernie, or just the ‘Mr E’ written on the car pass that allows his sleek Mercedes limousine access to the F1 paddock inner sanctum, the British billionaire is rarely out of the news.

The money has come rolling in, multiplied by amazing deals that have seen him sell F1 several times over while retaining a tight grip on the top job.

Ecclestone married for a third time in 2012 to Fabiana Flosi, a Brazilian more than 40 years his junior.

Bernie Ecclestone with ex-wife Slavica Ecclestone and his daughters Petra and Tamara in 2005

The Briton has a private jet and one of the finest collections of classic racing cars in the world at his Biggin Hill airfield in south London but, apart from throwing the sort of parties that impress even the A-list celebrities attracted to the Monaco Grand Prix, is not personally ostentatious.

He likes a game of backgammon with young and old friends, including World Champion Vettel, and a quiet night in.

His two socialite daughters from his second marriage often feature in the gossip columns of British newspapers, drawing criticism for their lavish lifestyles in a time of austerity.

For Ecclestone himself, money, as he has explained to many an interviewer over the years, is merely his way of keeping the score.

Formula 1 was a ragtag affair before Bernie Ecclestone transformed it – here the Renault crew at work during the 1979 South African GP weekend

Ecclestone has a reputation for being uncompromising and obsessively neat. The trucks in the paddock have to be lined up with mathematical precision and in showroom condition.

By his own admission he is a dictator – a man who does a deal on a handshake, has a fondness for the office shredder and an aversion to email and written contracts.

He surrounds himself with a small group of deeply loyal and well-remunerated employees, many of them dating back to the days when he owned the Brabham team in the 1970s and 80s, and who know exactly what makes him tick.

“I don’t think democracy is the way to run anything,” he once said. “Whether it’s a company or anything, you need someone who is going to turn the lights on and off.”

[MIKA27]

Ecclestone steps down as F1 director but will continue to run the business

Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone will continue to run the motor racing business despite a forthcoming bribery trial but will face greater control from the company board, F1 said in a statement on Thursday.

Ecclestone, who denies wrongdoing, will step down as an F1 director pending the conclusion of a trial scheduled to start in Germany in late April, but will run the business on a day-to-day basis.

“The approval and signing of significant contracts and other material business arrangements shall now be the responsibility of the Chairman, Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, and Deputy Chairman, Donald Mackenzie,” the statement added.

Bernie Ecclestone with Gerhard Gribkowsky and Donald Mackenzie at the 2006 Bahrain GP

After a the meeting on Thursday, Delta Topco’s board released the following statement: ”After discussion with the board, Mr Ecclestone has proposed and the board has agreed that until the case has been concluded, he will step down as a director with immediate effect, thereby relinquishing his board duties and responsibilities until the case has been resolved.”

“The board believes that it is in the best interests of both the F1 business and the sport that Mr Ecclestone should continue to run the business on a day to day basis, but subject to increased monitoring and control by the board. Mr Ecclestone has agreed to these arrangements.”

F1 Group is owned by Delta Topco, a Jersey based company owned by investment companies including CVC Capital Partners.

[MIKA27]

Pirelli concludes three year Formula 1 tyre supply agreement with FIA

Pirelli have renewed their Formula 1 contract and will remain the sport’s sole tyre supplier for the next three years, the Italian company and the FIA said in separate statements on Thursday.

The news was expected, with the governing FIA saying last October that the contract would continue through an undefined “transition period” before any eventual tender. Pirelli had talked then of a five-year deal.

Pirelli, whose tyres caused controversy last year when they had to be redesigned after a spate of blowouts, also announced changes to the sporting regulations that will allow them more testing time.

The new rules will mean one of the 12 days of official pre-season testing will have to be dedicated exclusively to wet tyre testing.

Malaysia, the second round of the season after the March 16 opener in Australia, regularly sees tropical downpours but teams have yet to test the 2014 tyres in wet conditions with the new cars.

Teams must also dedicate one of their eight days of in-season testing exclusively to tyre testing with Pirelli.

“This means that during each of the eight days of in-season testing, at least one team – and up to a maximum of two – will be concentrating on tyre testing along with Pirelli’s engineers,” the Pirelli statement said.

Pirelli voiced increasing frustration last year at the lack of testing opportunities, even going so far as to warn they could walk away if unable to try out their development tyres with representative cars.

The 2014 cars have a new V6 turbocharged engine with energy recovery systems, replacing the old V8s, that puts very different demands on tyres that early last season were criticised for excessive wear.

With engine reliability now a major concern for teams, the new tyres are expected to be more durable and consistent than previously.

The old rules allowed Pirelli to conduct a number of private tests but only with cars that were at least two years old. Their own test car was a 2010 Renault.

Mercedes were reprimanded last year for using their 2013 car and drivers in a ‘secret’ test with the supplier. (Reuters)

Full FIA Statement:

“Following a decision by the World Motor Sport Council confirming Pirelli’s status as the single supplier of tyres to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, Pirelli and the FIA have renewed their Formula One tyre supply contract. The duration of the agreement is for three years, starting from the 2014 season.”

“The world motorsport’s governing body and Pirelli, in collaboration with the teams, have been working together to improve levels of safety and performance in Formula One, resulting in important changes to the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations regarding the testing of tyres, which will enable the Italian company to continue its Formula One single supply arrangements in the best interests of the sport.”

“These new rules, mandatory from the 2014 season onwards, can be summarised as follows:

1. One of the 12 days of official pre-season testing, as prescribed in the 2014 sporting regulations, will be dedicated exclusively to wet tyre testing.
   
2. Each team will dedicate one of their eight days of in-season testing, as prescribed in the 2014 sporting regulations, exclusively to tyre testing. This means that during each of the eight days of in-season testing, at least one team – and up to a maximum of two – will be concentrating on tyre testing along with Pirelli’s engineers.
   

“Pirelli will continue to determine the specification of the tyres and to manage all aspects of their development, in close consultation with the FIA and the teams, and within the parameters set out in the FIA Formula One Sporting & Technical Regulations.”

“In addition, Pirelli and the FIA have agreed to discuss a possible partnership on the FIA Action for Road Safety campaign.”

[MIKA27]

Enjoy your break.

Many thanks for all you do on this thread.

And thank you for reading! See you soon.

[MIKA27]

Enjoy your break Mika

Thanks Paul Not long to go now for the Melbourne GP

[MIKA27]

Red Bull RB10 to be unveiled on first morning of Jerez test

Red Bull have confirmed on Twitter that they will launch their 2014 Formula 1 car on the morning of 28 January, the opening day of testing at Jerez.

The reigning World Champions are leaving it to the last moment to show the much anticipated RB10, designed by Adrian Newey and his team.

Traditionally Red Bull have launched their new cars at a function a few days before the first pre-season testing.

However this year they appear to be leaving it to the last moment in what could be an effort to maximise the time available to get the all new car – featuring the new Renault V6 turbo engine and related technology brought about by the new regulations – ready for Jerez and perhaps to keep the new car away from prying eyes for as long as possible.

[MIKA27]

F1 in talks with two potential new teams claims Ecclestone

Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone claims Formula 1 authorities are in talks with two potential new teams for the 2015 season.

The governing FIA recently invited new entrants to bid for the vacant spot on the grid, but until now there has been no sign of any serious interest.

Ecclestone, however, told the Wirtschaftswoche publication: “We are in talks with two new names. Neither is an automaker,” he added.

The 83-year-old Briton gave no further details. But the new teams would come at a timely moment for the sport, amid fears several existing outfits are struggling financially.

The FIA is aiming to introduce a budget cap, and team bosses will reportedly meet in Geneva next week for early talks.

Diminutive Ecclestone, said he has proposed a budget limit of “200 million”.

[MIKA27]

Stewart: F1 needs a new Champion

Sir Jackie Stewart believes it is time someone put an end to Sebastian Vettel's run of World titles.

Vettel enters the 2014 campaign as a four-time World Champion having gone on a remarkable run with Red Bull Racing.

The German's fourth title secured him yet another record as the sport's youngest quadruple Champ while a fifth this year would see him match Michael Schumacher's record for the most titles in a row.

Stewart, though, says it is time someone else hit the front.

"I think it would be better, I think it would liven things up... It would be refreshing," the 74-year-old told Reuters.

"Four times is a bit greedy," he added jokingly.

"Nobody is up there forever. The world moves on and I'm sure that will be the case. I don't know if it will be next season.

"Red Bull are pretty impressive and they've now got more money coming in from sponsors than they have from Red Bull, because they are getting TV."

One person he believes could challenge is Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, who the Scot rates highly.

"I think Lewis is the fastest driver in the business," said Stewart. "Just sheer speed. When he puts a quick one in, he's the master at it."

He also doubts that the death of Jenson Button's father, John, last Sunday will have a negative impact on Button's racing.

"A racing driver is a peculiar animal.

"Look at all the death that we had and yet for whatever reason we still raced... I think racing drivers probably are tougher than most people.

"John lived the fullest of lives, and he had a heart attack and he was 70 years of age. And there wasn't much life that he'd missed."

[MIKA27]

Horner: F1 needs Ecclestone

With Bernie Ecclestone's future in doubt amid bribery allegations, one of the most influential team bosses on Wednesday said the series' prosperity relies on him remaining in charge.

Christian Horner, team principal of reigning Constructors' Champion Red Bull, believes Ecclestone is "the only guy" who can ensure F1 maintains its global reach as the premier motorsport series.

The 83-year-old Ecclestone, who has built his F1 powerbase since the 1970s, is awaiting the outcome of a $140 million bribery trial relating to F1's sale in 2005.

Evidence was heard at London's High Court at the end of last year about the measures Ecclestone allegedly took to maintain his grip on F1, claims the billionaire denies.

The banker Ecclestone is accused of bribing has already been jailed in Germany for taking a payment from the billionaire, who is also waiting to hear if he will have to stand trial in Munich on charges of bribery and incitement to breach of trust.

Regardless of those legal fights, Horner still strongly backs his long-time friend, dismissing any fears the cases are damaging F1's image.

In fact, Horner fears the series could be damaged if Ecclestone was no longer serving as its commercial chief.

"Bernie is absolutely the best and only guy to do what he does, to take Formula One to the global reach that the sport has achieved, introducing races in Russia this year, going back to the Austrian Grand Prix," Horner said after speaking at a Leaders Sport Network breakfast in London.

"It's a massive calendar that he's pulled together (for 2014) ... it's in all our interests that he's around as long as possible."

Horner was tipped by Ecclestone in November to eventually succeed him after a transitional period, but the Red Bull boss has no plans to leave the winners of the last four Constructors' Championships.

"I have a long-standing commitment with Red Bull, a multi-year commitment," Horner said.

"I'm very happy in doing what I do. I have a very good friendship with Bernie. I have no interest in getting out of my contract."

[MIKA27]

New American team hoping to join 2015 grid

The Formula 1 grid might soon feature an American team after Gene Haas confirmed he has applied for a slot after the FIA opened up a tender process to find a new team.

The American is a co-owner of the successful Stewart-Haas NASCAR team alongside driver Tony Stewart. Haas has enlisted the help of former Red Bull and Jaguar technical director Gunther Steiner, and will evaluate the viability of the project before joining in 2015, should the FIA grant a licence.

The Stewart-Haas team recently expanded its facilities in Charlotte, where it's believed the F1 team would be based. A second base would likely be set up in Brussels where he owns a facility which has access to a full-scale windtunnel.

In a statement, Haas said further details would be provided in the "coming weeks."

"We have responded to the FIA's 'call for expression of interest' regarding a Formula One entry on behalf of Haas Racing Development. We respect the FIA's evaluation process and will share more details in the coming weeks."

The FIA is due to reveal which applicant has been successful in mid-February. It's believed two other applicants have expressed an interest. They include former HRT team principal Colin Kolles and Stefan GP which is led by businessman Zoran Stefanovic.

The Serbian has attempted to join the grid twice before, using a Toyota chassis.

MIKA: That's great news about the American team, unsure I'd like to see Colin Kolles back (Never forget HRT), and Stefan GP....(?) I heard on the grapevine that Jacques Villeneuve is still keen to run his own team.

[MIKA27]

Hartstein calms rumours about Schumacher

Michael Schumacher remains in an induced coma following a skiing accident on December 29th. With his doctors, family and his management refusing to give further updates on his health to instead focus on caring for the seven-time champion, rumours about his condition have, naturally, begun to spread.

Former Formula 1 doctor Gary Hartstein has moved to calm fears exacerbated by the rumours, some of which cite 'specialists' who claim the German might never wake from his coma or recover from his injuries.

Whilst that's always a possibility with such an injury, only time will and Hartstein warns that patience is the key when dealing with head trauma such as Schumacher's.

"The guys quoted in the online article I saw have taken care of patients like Michael," he wrote on his blog.

"They have not, however, examined Michael, reviewed his scans, etc.

"Because their titles imply that these men are consummate professionals, I've no doubt that they made clear that they were speculating as to possible outcomes. Because that is what they are doing.

"I think that we need to look at this speculation rather like the arrival time estimates of your satnav," he explained.

"Their initial estimate is based on some assumptions and statistics. Obviously, as you get closer and closer to the destination the estimate gets better and better."

No matter the outcome, the 58-year-old warned that things certainly wouldn't return to normal after and many years of 'painstaking' work lies ahead.

"It is highly unlikely that when Michael and his family are finished with hospitals, finished with rehab centres, he will be the same Michael we had known until that Sunday.

"Once again, patience, long painstaking work by all concerned, and just maybe our thoughts, best wishes and prayers will be needed. Long periods with no news are perfectly normal, and will remain so. We will likely enter a chronic phase, punctuated by (hopefully) several steps forward and (hopefully) many fewer backward."

[MIKA27]

Lotus E22 passes mandatory FIA crash tests

With mass speculation surrounding Lotus and their future following confirmation that they won't be at the first test of the season, some good news has come out of Enstone. The team confirmed on Thursday that the E22, their 2014 car, has passed all mandatory FIA crash tests, signalling that the car is nearing completion.

Passing the 13 tests means the chassis can be homologated and can now partake in pre-season testing, though it doesn't change their plans.

The car is set to be unveiled sometime between Jerez and the first test in Bahrain which kicks off on February 19th.

Speaking about the E22, team co-owner Gerard Lopez hinted that it might feature an interesting concept.

"We are very satisfied with the development of our car," he said,

"which will perhaps look a bit different from the others.

"We believe it is better to use the next few weeks in the wind tunnel, which will give us more [benefit] than one test on the track would."

[MIKA27]

How F1 ticket prices have risen over 20 years

In a sport where money is everything, the price of a ticket to a Formula One race is one of the most visible indicators of how costs are passed on to its fans.

Over the past 20 years, the price of attending some races has risen well above the rate of inflation.

The British Grand Prix is typical of this. A three-day general admission ticket to the 1993 race would have set you back £52. Had that risen in line with inflation a corresponding 2014 ticket would cost just under £90.

However the ordinary price of a general admission ticket to this year’s race is £170 – over three times what it cost two decades ago.

This is typical of the price increase seen at tracks which were also on the calendar in 1993.

Other tracks which have tripled the prices of their cheapest weekend tickets in that time include the Circuit de Catalunya,

Hungaroring and Monza. Prices are twice what they were at Spa-Francorchamps, the Hockenheimring and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Perhaps unsurprisingly Monaco has seen the steepest rise in this time, increasing its general admission pass price almost six-fold in that time. But even so it is only slightly dearer to buy the equivalent ticket for that race as it is for this year’s British Grand Prix.

Prices at Silverstone have risen particularly steeply in recent years. The cheapest three-day ticket prices has gone up by £10 per year on average since 2010, and the top-price grandstand seats have gone up even more.

F1 fans may have the chance to see the cars in action this season without spending so much. Up to four two-day tests may take place at tracks following race meetings. However it remains to be seen which venues will hold these tests, and whether they will be open to the public.

[MIKA27]

Lotus: skipping F1 2014 Jerez test won't hurt Maldonado transition

Pastor Maldonado will be able to adapt to new squad Lotus in time for the start of the 2014 Formula 1 season despite having limited testing, according to team principal Eric Boullier.

Maldonado joins Lotus after three seasons with Williams.

But with the Enstone squad missing the first pre-season test at Jerez, which starts on January 28, he is scheduled for just four days of running prior to the curtain-raising Australian Grand Prix.

"He should definitely be able to manage properly because he has got three years in F1 under his belt," Boullier told AUTOSPORT.

"To step into a 2014 car with Williams or with us will be much the same process for him.

"It could take a little bit of time to ensure there is the right communication with his engineers and the team around them.

"But I don't think that missing two days of running is going to change anything."

The 28-year-old Venezuelan has already spent time at the team's Enstone base.

He has sampled the team's simulator already and Boullier is confident he will fit in well and can convert his pace into results in 2014.

"I have known him for a very long time because I ran him in World Series by Renault [with DAMS in 2005].

"He came here, did a seat fitting and spent some time in the simulator.

"Everybody was happy with the human being first and we will see about the driver side later.

"But he won races at Monaco many times in junior categories, he won a grand prix in Spain on merit.

"If his mindset is properly set up, he is very quick and I am sure that he can do a very decent job."

AUTOSPORT SAYS

It is no secret that Maldonado was not Lotus's first choice to partner Romain Grosjean and that financial considerations were key to the Venezuelan being signed.

But while Lotus would have preferred to go into 2014 with Nico Hulkenberg, the team must make the best of Maldonado.

It is fashionable to criticise Maldonado as a no-hoper who lucked into his 2012 Spanish Grand Prix triumph, but his performance that day and on other occasions that season, notably in the race in Abu Dhabi where he salvaged a classy fifth place after losing KERS, proves there is ability there to harness.

Lotus has a proven track record in helping wayward drivers to fulfil their potential. While Maldonado is no Grosjean, he is plenty fast enough to get some good results.

Boullier, whose motorsport engineering background arguably gives him the deepest understanding of drivers of all F1 team principals, will be key to getting the best out of Maldonado.

No-nonsense trackside operations director Alan Permane and an engineering staff that, for all the recent and understandable defections, remains hugely capable will do everything they can to create a constructive environment.

It will be up to Maldonado, who does not lack in confidence, to make the best of this opportunity.

There will be some very good and some very bad days for Maldonado in 2014 - he is that kind of driver - but there is no reason why he can't make a handy contribution to the team's points tally and back up Grosjean effectively.

If Lotus can create the right environment and make him feel he has the support he needs, and if Maldonado can carry the right attitude into the season, the alliance could be reasonably productive for both team and driver.

Much will depend on the quality of the Lotus E22.

A competitive, well-balanced should allow the positive side of Maldonado to blossom.

On the flip side of the coin, an unwieldy, less competitive machine will strain the relationship between team and driver.

MIKA: My money is still on Romain Grosjean versus Maldonado.