FORMULA 1 - 2014

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McLaren fails FIA tests and may miss Jerez which prompted Dennis takeover

In the aftermath of a disastrous 2013 season for McLaren, Ron Dennis has engineered his return to the helm as CEO with the mandate to return the Formula 1 operation to its winning ways. The catalyst for the moves at Woking appear to have arisen after the team’s 2014 car failed the FIA tests which may force the team to miss the first test at Jerez.

Reports in Italy indicate that the MP4-29, designed by Matt Morris, is behind schedule due to failing the mandatory FIA crash tests.

This implies that the online presentation scheduled for 24 January will not feature the complete and ready to test MP4-29, but rather a mock-up of the 2014 car.

McLaren’s response to queries by Grand Prix 247 was: “At this time of the year it’s normal for all teams to be pushing everything to the limit in an effort to extract the most performance, and crash tests are no different. McLaren will pass all the tests prior to track running.”

This could fulfill Lotus Team Principal Eric Boullier’s prediction that his team will not be the only outfit to miss the opening F1 preseason test at Jerez which starts on 28 January.

Meanwhile Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh could exit McLaren in the wake of Dennis’ coup d’etat, while the likes of managing director Jonathan Neale and sporting director Sam Michael could also be heading out the door or face redeployment within the organisation.

Dennis is reportedly seriously courting out of work Ross Brawn to lead the team into the future, which includes a return to Honda power in 2015. Brawn has deep ties with the Japanese motor manufacturer, while McLaren have ambitious plans – which go well beyond Formula 1 – for their reunification with Honda.

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Raikkonen: Driving the new F1 turbo cars will not be as difficult as people think

Kimi Raikkonen spent three days this past week re-familiarising himself with Ferrari and the team’s headquarters at Maranello ahead of his second stint with the legendary team with whom he won his first and thus far only world title in 2007.

During an interview while driving around Maranello town at the wheel of a Ferrari FF the Finn, popularly known as the Iceman was more verbose than normal. Here we have highlights of this conversation.

How does it feel to be back at Maranello?

It’s nice to come back [to Maranello], obviously it is nice to be back and seeing the people that were here when I was at Ferrari. Also some new people, but it has been so far very good. There are a lot of good people in the team, with a lot of knowledge. We have to the best and see where we end up, but there is the chance that we can do very well.

What’s the target for the future?

There’s only thing we try to do and that is to win Championships. Hopefully as a team we can do that. It’s going to be difficult, especially with the new rules. It’s very hard to say who is where and how its going to be. Thats the only thing we try to do and that is to win Championships. Hopefully as a team we can do that. It’s going to be difficult, especially with the new rules. It’s very hard to say who is where, and how its going to be.

Your return has made Ferrari fans very happy…

As always nice to have fans and the fact that they are happy [that] I came back to Ferrari is obviously a bonus. And hopefully we can get the results and make them even happier.

How different will it be with new regulations and the all new Formula V6 turbo cars?

My feeling is that driving the new cars will not be as difficult as people think. Hopefully we find out it is pretty simple. For sure it will be difficult for the technical people, all those who have to make a new engine, new gearboxes and all this. But it is not affecting so much the driver, I think. Sure we have new buttons and things to follow, let’s wait and see. It will be much easier to say after the first test.

How do you feel about double points to be awarded at the final race of the season?

This is the same for everybody It might help somebody or might be against somebody, and obviously people who it helps will like it. For me it doesn’t matter what it is. It’s the rule, so like it or not it isn’t going to change.

What’s your favourite track?

Spa is very nice track because it is sort of old fashioned, there ae some nice new circuitts too where they have done a good job. The United States track and India [were] quite nice. I quite liked it.

You were in the Ferrari simulator?

We did some work on the simulator and we will do more later, but mainly to check some of the buttons and see how things work.

What are your thoughts on your new race engineer Antonio Spagnolo?

We worked with him together before for two years, he was the data engineer for me. I know him from that time already, so basically it wasn’t too difficult and it was nice to see him. I saw him at some races and we spoke quickly when we passed each other in the paddock. For him it is a new challenge, but he knows the systems and has a lot of experience, so I thinbk it should be fine. Obviously we have to start from somewhere and then build things together. I don’t see any problems, or wy it shouldn’t be good. So it’s only exciting.

Raikkonen will be in action in a Ferrari, for the first time since 2009, during the first day of testing at Jerez on 28 January at the wheel of the team’s 2014 turbo powered car.

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Raikkonen will beat Alonso says Hakkinen

Former F1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen believes the style of driving required to maximise the new era V6 turbo will suit Kimi Raikkonen more than his Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso.

In his column for Ilta-Sanomat, Finland’s first F1 World Champion wrote, “I think Kimi’s driving style is really perfect for these turbo cars. Alonso pushes too hard, so I think Kimi will beat him.”

Hakkinen believes that Raikkonen’s return to a big team is ideal, as the 2007 World Champion will not have to worry about financial matters, thus enabling him to focus on driving to at his best.

“Everyone knows that Ferrari has huge resources to develop during the season. The development will not stop, even if good engineers leave. And Kimi does not have to be worried about the financial side, Ferrari has what it takes,” concluded Hakkinen.

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Vettel: Maybe someday I will be on the same team with Kimi or Fernando, I’m not afraid

Quadruple World Champion Sebastian Vettel insists that he is not afraid to go head-to-head with any of Formula 1′s very best drivers, suggesting that his next move could be to Ferrari.

Red Bull’s reigning World Champion is ‘safely’ under contract to the energy drink giant for the next couple of years, but some continue to question his talent compared to a driver like Fernando Alonso.

Kimi Raikkonen, after a two-year sabbatical and then a two comeback years with Lotus, has joined Ferrari for 2014, demonstrating that he is not put off by Spaniard Alonso’s perceived position of dominance at the Italian marque.

Vettel insists that he is not afraid to go head-to-head.

Maybe someday I will be on the same team with Kimi or Fernando,” he told Sport Bild magazine.

“You always want to beat the strongest opponents, so I’m not afraid,” Vettel, who this year will be paired at Red Bull with Daniel Ricciardo, added.

Assessing Vettel’s character, 1996 World Champion Damon Hill said that the young German is nothing like his countryman, mentor and friend Michael Schumacher.

“That’s what makes Formula 1 interesting,” he is quoted by the Times of India. “Vettel is like a puppy, so much enthusiasm, it seems the track is his school playground.”

But Hill thinks that Vettel could be in for a much tougher fight this year, having utterly dominated the second part of the 2013 season, winning nine races on the trot.

“The Championship is likely to go down the wire this time,” he said. “It’s going to be unpredictable with double points proposed in the final race of the season.”

Many believe that it is Vettel’s dominance that motivated Bernie Ecclestone to push so hard for the controversial double points concept.

“It will make things exciting,” said Hill. “I’ve heard a lot of people say it’s stupid but why isn’t it a good idea? Maybe it’s a great idea.”

Not surprisingly, Vettel has slammed double points as “absurd” because it unfairly penalises dominant drivers like himself.

But Formula 1 chief executive Ecclestone told Autoweek: “I said [to Vettel] ‘don’t be too sure that you are going to have an easy year next year’. There is nothing wrong with it for anybody.”

Particularly, Ecclestone added, for the fans and the media.

“The press and television have got a story. [Double points means that] the championship is not over. [other drivers] still have a chance,” he told Formula 1 business journalist Christian Sylt.

Ecclestone also revealed that no one, not even the politically all-powerful Ferrari, can veto the rule change now, as it has been approved by the World Motor Sport Council.

“It is what it is,” a relaxed Raikkonen said during his visit to Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters last week. “It’s the rule and, like it or not, it isn’t going to change.”

The Finn is also laid back about the radical 2014 rules, despite many drivers predicting a huge challenge with the extreme torque of the new V6 engines.

“my feeling is that it’s not going to be as different as people think,” he said. “I might be wrong but hopefully we find out that it’s pretty simple.”

Meanwhile, Raikkonen showed that his recent back surgery appears to have been a complete success, leaping straight from the drivers’ seat of a Ferrari road car, to get over a puddle.

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McLaren set to run grey livery and no title sponsor

McLaren looks set to enter the 2014 season with silver grey livery, and apparently without a replacement for departed title sponsor Vodafone.

The British team has launched a range of new official replica teamwear, and it is a predictable, Ron Dennis-style grey and white and on the conservative side.

Moreover, the main lettering on the shirts and caps is simply ‘McLaren’, while the full team name now reads as ‘McLaren Mercedes’, suggesting a replacement for departed title sponsor Vodafone has not been found as yet.

The news would seem to end speculation the Woking based team could revert to its traditional orange for the 2014 livery, as the curtain falls on the Mercedes era just one year ahead of the switch to works Honda power.

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Lotus brokers Saxo Bank deal for 2014

Leading online trading and investment specialist Saxo Bank joins Lotus F1 Team as an Official Business Partner for the 2014 season.

Through this partnership, Saxo Bank gains unique access to Lotus F1 Team’s portfolio of partners including Microsoft, Clear and Rexona from Unilever and The Coca-Cola Company. The Lotus F1 Team brand will also be harnessed through Saxo Bank’s promotions.

Eric Boullier, Lotus F1 Team, Team Principal: ”We are delighted to begin a relationship with Saxo Bank, a fast-growing online trading and investment specialist who have demonstrated strong support in sport through sponsorships in the world of cycling at the highest level with Team Saxo-Tinkoff. Saxo Bank are taking an exciting and proactive approach to this new partnership with Lotus F1 Team and we are looking forward to enjoying a long and fruitful relationship.”

Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen, co-CEOs and co-founders of Saxo Bank: ”Saxo Bank is excited to have the opportunity to diversify its sporting partnerships, which now forge close ties to two of the world’s most popular sports. The philosophy and ambitions of Saxo Bank resonate closely with those of Lotus F1 Team, a team which has emerged as a genuine challenger in a sport which is dominated by bigger and more established players. We look forward to being a key partner of Lotus F1 Team as they embark on the new season and will be supporting them trackside over the coming year.”

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Kobayashi and Ericsson set for Caterham race seats

Kamui Kobayashi looks set to return to Formula 1 in 2014 and join rookie Marcus Ericsson, marking a second consecutive all-new driver lineup for Caterham this season.

We reported recently that, having lost his Sauber seat and spending 2013 racing a Ferrari sports car, popular Japanese driver Kobayashi had moved into prime contention to return to Formula 1 with Caterham this season.

Italy’s Autosprint reports that 27-year-old Kobayashi’s deal is now effectively done.

Caterham is the last team in the 2014 pitlane to announce its race driver lineup, having competed last year with the all-new pairing of Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic.

Both were regarded as ‘pay drivers’, but the team admitted it missed the input of a more seasoned racer, even though Heikki Kovalainen looks to have missed out on his 2014 return.

That is because Caterham, set to bank the comeback millions loyally pledged by Kobayashi’s fans, looks to be turning to a rookie to fill the second race seat this year.

Autosprint correspondent Roberto Chinchero reports that 23-year-old Swede Marcus Ericsson, a GP2 driver for the past four years with mixed success, appears “increasingly likely” to make his Formula 1 debut for Caterham in 2014.

Chinchero said that Ericsson’s “financial support played a crucial role in the negotiations” with the Tony Fernandes-led backmarker team.

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Formula 1 not always best career option for Brazilians

The president of Brazil’s motor racing federation is not sure that a career in Formula 1 is always the best option for the country’s future race drivers.

Confederacao Brasileira de Automobilismo (CBA) president Cleyton Pinteiro’s comments follow the criticism of well-known Formula 1 figures like Felipe Massa and Rubens Barrichello, who have said more should be done to support new Brazilian drivers on the road to Formula 1.

Brazil has a rich history of Formula 1 drivers, with Ayrton Senna considered perhaps the sport’s all-time great, Nelson Piquet and Emerson Fittipaldi also winning titles, Barrichello holding the record as the most experienced driver and Massa also enjoying a long and successful Ferrari career.

But with that seat now taken by Kimi Raikkonen, Massa has moved to struggling Williams for 2014, and he will be alone in flying the green, yellow and blue colours around the Formula 1 calendar this year.

That’s because burgeoning drivers like Luiz Razia and Felipe Nasr have stumbled at the final hurdle to Formula 1, as despite the strong Brazilian economy, both were priced out of the market for race seats in the past couple of years.

Pinteiro, however, insists that Formula 1 is not the be-all and end-all of top motor sport.

“Today, Brazil is a reference in almost all of the categories worldwide,” he told Globo Esporte.

“We have strong national motor sport, which pays well and gives the drivers a return for their sponsors. Luiz Razia and Felipe Nasr are not absent (from Formula 1) because they lack talent. Formula 1 is not always the best option,” Pinteiro argues.

“We have several Brazilians racing in several global categories, which unfortunately is not properly recognised.

“Do a search for who is the current vice-champion of the (German touring car series) DTM. Did you know it is Augusto Farfus? A Brazilian won the Indianapolis 500 and another (Brazilian) driver fought for the (2013 Indycar) championship until the very last race,” he added.

“The world of motor sport is not limited to Formula 1,” Pinteiro insisted.

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Brawn to lead McLaren team starting to look increasingly likely

At the end of last season Ross Brawn made it quite clear he wanted take time off after he departed the position of team principal at Mercedes, but that was before latest developments at McLaren where Ron Dennis engineered an internal coup at Woking.

Dennis took over as CEO again, marginalising Martin Whitmarsh in the process, and announced to staff that he was returning the Woking outfit back to their winning ways on all fronts, which prompted a standing ovation from all present.

In December Dennis told the BBC that he had spoken to Brawn during a shooting function, “We were having a chat and we’re mature motor racing people so of course you’re going to talk about life. But going beyond that, as you would expect, it’s normal stuff.

People probe around, the possible, the impossible.”

At the time Brawn refused to comment on the subject, “It wouldn’t be fair or appropriate to say if any parties have invited me for discussions. I am starting my fishing trips early next year and only time will tell if Formula 1 and ever get together again.”

With Honda power in the pipeline for McLaren starting in 2015, and 2014 very much an interim year for the squad who will be paying for their Mercedes turbo engines, Brawn could well be the man to lead the F1 operation into the team’s second era with the Japanese car giant.

It is more than likely that the latest developments will have piqued Brawn’s interest, as it would reunite him with Honda and Jenson Button who won the 2009 F1 world championship from Brawn GP. Notably he would still be able to go fishing and return in the early summer to head up the team.

Although Dennis has yet to confirm who will run the team in 2014, it appears unlikely that Martin Whitmarsh – whose future with the organisation is uncertain – will be given the role in the wake of the team’s worst season in memory, where they did not score a single podium, coupled to the fact that the team’s 2014 car is unlikely to be ready for the seasoning opening Jerez test which starts on 28 January.

If the internal coup is about leadership, or lack thereof in this case, then it is just a matter of time that Whitmarsh will be shown the door and according to insiders he is not the only one facing the axe.

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Williams secure long-term future

Williams may have had a tough time last season but Claire Williams is confident those trials have helped secure the team's "long-term future"

Last season was arguably one of the worst in recent times for Williams as the Formula One team secured just five points, least of all the established teams.

However, it was a year for change as well.

Not only did the team sign a deal to use Mercedes engines that comes into effect this season, they also brought in Pat Symonds to head the technical department and then signed Felipe Massa for 2014.

And Williams, the team's deputy team principal, believes those will be the stepping stones towards a brighter future.

"Everything that we have done is all about securing the long-term future of Williams, not just the future of it but working towards its future success," she told Autosport.

"Everything we have done is thought very strategically through to make sure it is sustainable and will take Williams into the future.

"Rather than taking rash decision or decisions that are sticking plasters, it's a very strategic approach. The Mercedes deal is a long-term arrangement.

"We have stability with our driver line-up, which we are excited about. And the senior management team at board level is also stable and that will remain stable into the longer term as well.

"The engineering side, led by Pat, is all about long-term stability and succession planning.

"We had some shocking results, but people still kept fighting.

"We have done so much work to change how we operate to make sure that we ensure the future of the team."

The team has also subsequently signed revamped their engineering department by signing Jakob Andreasen, Craig Wilson and Rod Nelson.

"We are so lucky that in times of adversity we stay together and keep fighting.

"Now there is this sense of momentum that there is change happening and everyone is pushing that bit harder.

"The biggest thing I have learned is about the mindset of this team and how impressive people at Williams are in their tenacity."

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Kobayashi: A great feeling to be back as an F1 race driver with Caterham

Kamui Kobayashi is arguably one of the most popular characters in motorsport and his return to Formula 1 with Caterham in 2014 will be seen in a positive light by most Formula 1 fans who relish the spectacular driving style that made the Japanese driver from his very first grand prix in Brazil back in 2009 with Toyota.

Kobayashi said of his return to the pinnacle of the sport, “It’s a great feeling to be back as an F1 race driver and I’m really pleased it’s with Caterham F1 Team. We’ve been talking to Cyril and Tony since last year about driving for the team for 2014 and beyond and throughout all our discussions I’ve been very impressed with where they want to take the team, and how much investment has been made already to help them achieve their goals.”

“For me, it’s a great honour that the team hired me based on the value I bring in racing terms, and the experience I have and I am so happy that I am able to make this announcement today. I will do my very best to lead the team and work as hard as possible to achieve our targets.”

“I also want to give special thanks to all the fans who have made donations to KAMUI SUPPORT. Their donations and gestures gave me extra strength to come back fighting and I am very pleased that the money they raised not only helped me but will now go to helping Caterham progress this year. Every single one of you who helped with KAMUI SUPPORT will race with me in 2014 and that makes me very proud.”

“I first visited the factory in Leafield just before Christmas and it’s clear how hungry the whole team is to make progress. Last year was a tough season but the new rules this year mean that everyone in F1 is starting again and that means everybody has a chance to improve. From what I’ve seen, Caterham now has everything in place to progress this year and for many seasons to come.”

“We’re all realistic about what we can actually achieve this year, and until we’ve run the car properly at the tests it’s still too early to see where we are compared to the other teams, but whatever happens we have to move forwards this year. For me, it’s a chance to start again with a new team but one that’s serious about progressing, and for the team, 2014 is the first chance to show what they can do with all the people and infrastructure they’ve built up in Leafield since moving there in 2012.”

“I can’t wait to start work again, and one of the benefits to making this announcement so close to the start of the tests means I only have a few days to wait to get back on track! Before then I’ll be at the factory as much as possible, working in the simulator and with everyone there to prepare as much as we can for the tests in Jerez and Bahrain. Physically and mentally I’m fully prepared, now I just want to get back to work!”

Kobayashi scored 125 points in 60 race starts, including one podium and a fastest lap. He drove three races for the Toyota F1 team in 2009, before moving to Sauber in 2010 where he remained until the end of 2012.

MIKA: Great to see KK back!

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Schumacher family deeply touched by gesture before football match

Michael Schumacher’s family have been moved by a gesture made by Bundesliga clubs Cologne and Schalke ahead of their football match over the weekend.

Players from both teams held up and displayed a banner, before the match, with the message: “Get Well Soon! You can do it, Michael.”

The family wrote on the seven time World Champion’s website: “We are deeply touched by all the messages to get well soon for Michael, which still are being sent. That gives us strength. Thank you all so much!”

“Thank you to the Fanclub in Kerpen, to 1. FC Köln and Schalke 04 but also to everybody else and other fan groups who are supporting Michael. We all know, he is a fighter and will not give up!”

Schumacher has been in an induced coma in the Grenoble Hospital, all year thus far, since he fell and banged his head while skiing on 29 December.

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Schumacher’s 1998 Ferrari F300 fetches big bucks at auction

Michael Schumacher’s 1998 Ferrari F300 Formula 1 car has sold for €1.26 Million ($1.7 million) at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction in Arizona.

Schumacher drove the F300 in his third year with the Maranello outfit, finishing second in the 1998 World Championship, winning six races and finishing on the podium eleven times in the process.

The F300 influenced subsequent generations of Formula 1 cars with the top-exiting exhaust system which proved highly efficient in terms of cooling and aerodynamics.

Schumacher was recently injured in a skiing accident and is now, in an induced coma, in a stable condition in Grenoble Hospital.

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Di Resta return to Mercedes could include F1 reserve role

Although Paul di Resta’s Formula 1 career his three season stint with Force India is over, the Scot could be in line for a reserve role with Mercedes as he returns to the team’s DTM campaign for 2014.

Mercedes have previously appointed Sam Bird to be their nominated reserve, but with Di Resta may be top of the pecking order should anything prevent Nico Rosberg or Lewis Hamilton from competing.

Di Resta is not giving up on his F1 ambitions. he told British media, “I am sad to go but I have had three tremendous years and I’m not leaving because I didn’t perform, there are other issues. I am still young enough to get back in there if the opportunity comes up.”

“Mercedes are well aware that [Formula 1] is where I want to be, and I have their full support,” added Di Resta.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes motorsport boss said, “Paul Di Resta has been a member of the Mercedes-Benz family for many years, and we are delighted that he is returning to the fold this season to further strengthen our DTM squad.”

“Paul has learned a lot during the past few years in Formula 1,” added Wolff.

Di Resta made 58 grand prix starts as a Force India driver and scored 121 points in the process. He made his debut at the 2011 Australian GP and his last race was at the 2013 Brazilian GP.

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Ferrari crew best of the best when it came to pitstops in 2013

The Ferrari crew ended best of the best in the unofficial Formula 1 pitstop competition last season, where teams sought to get their cars in and out the pits as quickly as possible.

The boys in red were called into action no fewer than 89 times to service Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa during the 19 races of the year, their average time for stops – to change all four wheels – was a mere 2.78 seconds.

Mercedes were next best with a 2.95 seconds average for 86 pit stops done for Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton during the course of the season, with Red Bull next best with 2.95 seconds average for their 89 stops, undertaken by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

This included a lightening quick stop during the United States GP after which the team claimed a world record time, “The team’s car data recorded Mark as being stationary for just 1.923 seconds, an incredible feat.”

Despite changing their pitstop system at the start of 2013, McLaren averaged 3.18 seconds for the 82 combined pitstops by Jenson Button and Sergio Perez.

Williams had some high profile blunders during the course of the year, their cars twice losing wheels which cost them €120,000 during the course of the season. On average the Williams drivers Valtteri Bottas and Pastor Maldonado spent 5.42 seconds stationary during their pitstops which was the worst average of any team.

Pitstop average times for the rest of the teams were as follows: Lotus 3,35 seconds, Sauber 3.74 seconds, Toro Rosso 3.84 seconds, Marussia 4.31 seconds, Caterham 4.52 seconds and Force India 4,58 seconds.

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Toro Rosso ready to roll

Having completed the final FIA crash test, Toro Rosso are ready to launch the STR9 at Jerez next week.

This season Daniil Kvyat and Jean-Eric Vergne will be entrusted with Toro Rosso's Championship and both drivers are set to get the most out of pre-season testing.

Toro Rosso will be in action from the very first day at Jerez next Tuesday with Vergne have the honour of debuting the car, which has passed all the car tests.

"One very important question has already been answered, as STR9 has successfully passed all the necessary FIA crash tests," the team said.

"That's a vital part of our preparation, because while in the past, you could run a car in winter testing that had not passed the crash test, for the past two years, cars had to be fully FIA certified before taking part in any track action.

"Yet again, the safety regulations are more stringent than in the past and for 2014, for all teams, the main crash structures, monocoque, side impact spars, nose and rear crash element are all different."

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Kamui Kobayashi spurned Ferrari for 2014 Caterham Formula 1 seat

Kamui Kobayashi was so eager to return to Formula 1 race action this year that he turned his back on an expanded Ferrari deal and is driving for Caterham for free.

The Japanese has secured an F1 comeback for 2014, as team-mate to rookie Marcus Ericsson.

Having failed to find a drive last year, he competed for Ferrari in the World Endurance Championship as well as taking part in F1 demonstration events.

Speaking at Caterham's Leafield headquarters on Tuesday, Kobayashi revealed that he had been offered another Ferrari contract for sportscars - as well as an expanded role on the F1 team that included simulator work.

But despite the security of such an offer, he was so keen to get back to grand prix racing that he did everything he could to persuade Caterham owner Tony Fernandes to take him when they first met in December last year.

"I am 27, I still need more to race in F1," said the former Toyota and Sauber driver.

"That is why I chose to come back to F1.

"Ferrari offered me another contract, and Stefano [Domenicali] is not happy I didn't take it. But it is only my decision to be here.

"I took a risk in my life but it is important for me.

"Caterham needs some different energy and my experience is quite useful for this team. We'll see what I can do. I am quite confident."

With Caterham making no secret of the fact that it required drivers to bring financial support, Kobayashi has helped deliver a package that includes £1 million worth of funding that was raised when he asked fans to help him at the end of 2012.

Beyond that, Kobayashi also wanted to emphasise to Fernandes how eager he was by making no pay demands at all.

"I'm driving for free, it is my decision," he said.

"It is just my approach. I want to do this job. This appeals to Tony, this was the message to Tony and he is happy about that.

"I want to help the team. I don't care about the money. I want to be successful in my life and I want to bring the team back successfully in my goals."

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Caterham must improve or I'll quit says Fernandes

Caterham won't carry on after 2014 if they don't manage to close the gap to the midfield according to owner Tony Fernandes.

The outfit slipped back to 11th last year after being beaten by Marussia and has yet to score a single points during its four-years in the sport.

The Malaysian businessman has warned that should things not improve, he'll walk away from Formula 1.

"If we are at the back, I don't think we're going to carry on," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"After five years and to get no points, there's a limit to everyone's patience, money...

" Caterham, along with Marussia and the now folded Hispania, were lured in by a proposed budget cap. That was however dropped and budgets remain in the hundreds of millions, leaving small outfits like Caterham struggling to match those ahead. Fernandes warned that small teams are being forced out of the sport and Caterham, potentially along with others, could leave if the budget war continues.

"The sport has to examine itself," he said.

"I think if we are going to every race and are not competing, two seconds behind everyone else, then we haven't made any progress. If we are not competing then we have got to seriously examine ourselves as to whether this makes sense.

"I am saying these things with the confidence that I think we will deliver. I would not be here otherwise," he added.

"But I am also being real that if we don't, I don't think anyone expects us to carry on being last. But we are fairly confident that we should see some progress."

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Hulkenberg: F1 must remain the ultimate, anything less is a step in the wrong direction

Formula 1 enters the unknown when the all new V6 turbo engine formula roars to life at the first test of 2014 at Jerez, and Nico Hulkenberg warns that the cars still need to be fastest of all or the sport risks losing credibility.

In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport Hulkenberg, who will race for Force India in 2014, warned, “Formula 1 must remain the ultimate. If we lose four seconds, then the GP2 would be very close to Formula 1, and the difference would not be clear enough.

That would be a step in the wrong direction.”

With less than a week to go before the first test on 28 January, Hulkenberg is not quite sure what to expect.

“As a driver, of course, I want to know if the driving style will change compared to what I’ve experienced in the last four years in Formula 1. How does the [turbo] engine perform? What will be the level of grip? Will the cars be that much slower?”

“All questions that I as a driver have floating around in my head. This will remain unanswered until after the first tests. But even Jerez will not provide answers to all these questions. The full picture will emerge only after the tests in Bahrain and the first race,” said the German driver, popularly known as The Hulk.

On the Formula 1 pecking order ahead of a season featuring significant regulation changes, Hulkenberg is realistic, “It is more open than in previous years. Nevertheless, the big teams with big budgets are at an advantage. They can develop fast and restructure accordingly.”

However he admits, “But the new rules also provide the chance for a smaller team to out smart the bigger teams.”

Hulkenberg was very close to being signed up by Ferrari for 2014, but missed out to Kimi Raikkonen who will return to Maranello to partner Fernando Alonso.

For 26 year old Hulkenberg this is now history, “Honestly, I do not think of it. That’s all behind me. The concentration is now fully on the new season. This will be an exciting year, because no one really knows what to expect. There is much uncertainty in the air. I’m curious to see how it goes.”

[MIKA27]

Sirotkin’s place as Sauber reserve now doubtful

Sergey Sirotkin’s place in the Sauber team for 2014 has been called into doubt.

Just before Christmas, although initially in the Swiss team’s racing plans for 2014, Sauber said Russian teen Sirotkin would only be “its test driver” this season.

But with news of the related Russian rescue deal having gone silent, it surprised some observers this week when Sauber said the McGregor-sponsored Dutchman Giedo van der Garde would in fact be “its test and reserve driver” in 2014.

The statement made no mention at all of Sirotkin.

“What happens now with Sirotkin?” Roger Benoit, the veteran Formula 1 correspondent for the well-connected Swiss newspaper Blick, wondered.

“Where is there room now for Sergey Sirotkin?” agreed Mathias Brunner, a writer for German language Speed Week.

Sauber has been contacted for comment.

[MIKA27]

Relief for Ecclestone as US judge dismisses $650 million lawsuit

Under fire Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, has had a turn of good fortune as a $650 million lawsuit against him has been dismissed in the New York Supreme Court.

Investment firm Bluewaters Communications Holdings filed the lawsuit at New York State Supreme Court in November 2012, naming Formula 1 commercial head Ecclestone as one of the defendants.

In its claim, Bluewaters said it was prepared to offer more than any other bidder for the sport and alleged that Ecclestone had engineered a sale to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners so they would retain him in his role.

“Ecclestone was motivated by a thirst for power. He wanted desperately to remain “F1 Supremo”,” the Bluewaters claim said.

The damages relate to what Bluewaters say would be their share of lost earnings from the sport, which attracts huge television audiences for its series of grands prix around the globe.

Its bid was financed by New York private equity firms Apollo Global Management and King Street Capital Management, it said.

At the time Ecclestone told Reuters he was surprised that the case had been brought and said he had not heard of Bluewaters, “I couldn’t have been involved because I had nothing to sell.”

Autoweek reports that on Tuesday Eileen Bransten, Justice of the Supreme Court presiding in New York, ruled against Bluewaters because “the ‘critical events’ underlying the claims in this lawsuit took place in Germany, England and elsewhere in Europe.”

[MIKA27]

Pilbeam leaves Lotus to join McLaren

Mark Webber’s former Red Bull Race Engineer Ciaron Pilbeam has joined McLaren after a year with Lotus as Chief Engineer.

McLaren is strengthening its technical team in the wake of a well below par 2013 season, in which the team failed to score a single podium finish.

Pilbeam is the latest of several senior personnel members to depart Lotus amid reports of financial problems afflicting the Enstone based outfit ahead of the 2014 season.

[MIKA27]

Bahrain to run tenth anniversary race at night

Bahrain will become the third Formula 1 race which runs in the night, as organisers spice up proceedings on the occasion of the 10th grand prix at the Sakhir venue.

The island kingdom was added to the F1 calendar in 2004. The event has not been trouble free – the 2011 race was cancelled due to unrest. This year’s tenth edition of the race will start at 18h00 local time (15h00 GMT) and will be held entirely under floodlights like Singapore. Abu Dhabi runs a sunset to night race.

On Friday Practice 1 will start 14h00 (11h00 GMT) followed by Practice 2 at 18h00 (15h00 GMT). On Saturday Practice 3 will start at 15:00 (12h00 GMT), with Qualifying at 18h00 (15h00 GMT).

The floodlights to be used for the grand prix were tested and evaluated at the final round of the World Endurance Championship, the 6 Hours of Bahrain, in December.

Bahrain is also set to host pre-season testing on 19 to 22 February and 27 February to 2 March.

[MIKA27]

Sahara Force India presents a fresh new look for the 2014 season

Press Release: Sahara Force India revealed its dynamic new look today, offering fans and the media a first impression of what the VJM07 will look like when it is officially presented at next week’s Jerez test session.

The new livery brings a fresh trackside image for the team with the introduction of black alongside the traditional colours of saffron, white and green.

“The VJM07 looks stunning and the new livery reflects the way Sahara Force India is evolving,” says Vijay Mallya. “I’ve always believed our cars have been the most eye-catching, but adding black as a main colour gives us a fierce new look.”

Key to the new look is the introduction of several commercial partners. The logo of telecommunications brand, Claro, appears on the engine cover and signals the start of a multi-year deal with the famous Mexican brand. There will be prominent Claro branding on the drivers’ suits and team kit.

The rear wing end plate now includes branding from Roshfrans, the lubricant oils specialists, following last week’s announcement of a multi-year partnership with the team.

The new livery also sees branding from Astana, a foundation that supports sporting initiatives by promoting the capital city of Kazakhstan. The Astana logo is positioned on the side of the VJM07’s nose.

“It’s been a busy winter for us on the technical and commercial front,” explains Vijay. “When I founded the team my first ambition was to launch the first Indian team on the grid, but the next stage in our evolution is to develop a global brand. I think that ambition is reflected in the partners we are working with and our world class driver line-up. It certainly feels as though there is the potential for 2014 to be our strongest season yet.”

As well as new colours, the changes beneath the skin of the VJM07 are even more extensive due to the new technical regulations.

“The new rules have presented us with a huge challenge, but I’m very proud of the approach we have taken and the direction of the technical team,” says Vijay. “It will be fascinating to see how different teams have interpreted the rules and at this stage it’s impossible to predict who has done the best job.”

Technical Director, Andrew Green, is quick to emphasise just how different the VJM07 is compared to its predecessor: “Almost every single part is a new design, from the front wing right back to the diffuser. The genetics of the VJM07 still lie in the 2013 car, but we’ve had to achieve the same results in a slightly different way.”

Andrew says accommodating the power unit was the biggest challenge: “It’s been a massive job to accommodate all the changes to the power unit – it’s the biggest change I’ve witnessed in the sport since I started in 1990. Cooling has been the biggest challenge with most of last summer taken up trying to understand the cooling requirements of the power unit, and how best to optimise it in the chassis.”

[MIKA27]

Schumacher condition deteriorating the longer he is kept in a coma say experts

Neurological experts have expressed concern that the longer Michael Schumacher is kept in an artificial coma, the more chance his condition has of deteriorating and the greater the possibility of him never recovering from his injuries.

His lungs, immune system and kidneys could all sustain lasting harm the longer he receives the anaesthetics to keep him sedated.

The Formula 1 legend has been in an induced coma in Grenoble Hospital for over three weeks, where doctors are considering waking Schumacher as the risk of complications grow should he be kept comatose much longer.

Jean-Marc Orgogozo, Prof of Neurology at Bordeaux University, said: “Every day, every week in a coma the chances decline that the situation is improving.”

A report in Austria claims that “the chances of recovery [by Schumacher] from Apallic Syndrome are far below 50 per cent.”

Appallic Syndrome the name given to a persisitent vegetative state, a deep coma caused by serious cerebral injury, which in turns deprives the brain of oxygen.

Corinna Schumacher said in a statement today, “We all know: he is a fighter and will not give up! We are deeply moved that there is no let up in the good wishes for Michael from around the world. That gives us strength. Thank you all of you!”

In a heartfelt message on the Ferrari website, Schumacher’s protege and former teammate Felipe Massa wrote: “My good friend, you have helped so much in my career, and I pray for you every day. When I drove a kart your name was on my helmet and now I want to see you more than ever before – as always. I embrace you! I pray for you, my brother.”

Schumacher has been in an induced coma in the Grenoble Hospital, since he fell and banged his head while skiing on 29 December.