FORMULA 1 - 2015

[MIKA27]

Hamilton suggests ‘super weekend’ format shake-up

Lewis Hamilton says he is willing to throw his support behind attempts to shake up the format of a Formula 1 race weekend following disrupted events in Japan and Russia.

Rain at Suzuka and a track contamination in Sochi played their part in almost washing out any meaningful track action on the first day of the Japanese and Russian race weekends, with several drivers admitting there is very little to learn on occasions like this at this late stage in the season.

It has subsequently raised discussion over whether the current race weekend format should be considered for tweaking to encourage track action for fans even when there are adverse weather conditions.

Indeed, it is known changes to the race weekend format are being discussed behind the scenes for 2016 and 2017, but while qualifying races and reverse grids have been mooted, the exact details remain unknown.

Either way, 2015 F1 champion-elect Hamilton says he is supportive of a potential overhaul, offering his own suggestion that different events could offer special formats to give drivers something new to fight for depending on the race.

"As a Formula 1 fan, 1000 per cent [i'd support changes],” he said. “It's been the same Thursday, Friday, Saturday pretty much and Sunday for the whole nine years that I've been here. Qualifying might have changed a little bit, but generally the format's been exactly the same.

"I think it would be kind of neat if one weekend's going to be 'super weekend' and then the next weekend's going to be something different, like alternated grid positions. It would be neat if, each weekend, you knew you were not going to do the same thing. I think that would be pretty cool, but I don't think it's ever going to happen.”

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THE WING MAN – ROBIN HERD

The Wing Man is a short film from McLaren that was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Robin Herd joining Bruce McLaren’s racing team. Herd was hired directly from the Concorde project despite his lack of formal training in race car engineering.

The influence that Robin had on McLaren in its formative years was significant, he was experimenting with wings on Formula 1 cars 3 years before anyone else and he developed one of the most dominant Can Am cars of the era – the McLaren M7A.

The film has a running time of just under 10 minutes, so its a quick watch, and it offers a unique first hand look back at the beginning of one of Formula 1’s most important teams.

Click to read more via McLaren.

[MIKA27]

THE VERY SPECIAL ART OF TOM HAVLASEK

Tom Havlasek was born in Brno, Czech Republic in January 1984. Since his childhood, he has enjoyed motorsport and has been in close contact with it. He lives very close to the well-known Brno Circuit.

“As a child I was there with my father nearly every free weekend, loved the atmosphere of motorsport car races and of course I´m still in love with it,” Tom said.

Tom graduated from a secondary school with specialization in computer graphic design. But already during his studies, he prefered hand craft more and more. At that time, he started to present his works of art. It was mostly street art paintings or legal graffiti paintings, painted by spray colors. But as the time went, he started to grow fond of using canvas and waterbased colors because he was simply looking for something more than only street paintings.

In recent years he has only painted with acrylic colors, almost without use of brushes and his favourite canvas size is 95 x 95 cm. His philosophy is quite clear. Find an interesting photo of some classic racing sports car, or the best way is to take a photo of it on his own. Then choose the best part of the photo and create the right composition on a computer. And then transfer the motive on the canvas. He usually paints dirty and not much clear style.

He likes splashes, drops and blurs everywhere. No clear shades (shadows). It could be said that he tries to connect abstract and concrete together. But the topic must always be clear and it must immediately be recognizable what´s going on.

Portraits are his favourite theme as well. Of course especially portraits of racing drivers from the “golden age” of motorsport. Since 2014, he is a full time artist. Paintings, poster design, logo design etc. have become his full time job.

He exhibited some of his first canvases many years ago, which was closely knitted with the age of street-art. Last year he exhibited on Classic Show 2013, same like this spring on Classic Show 2014 in Wannieck Gallery Brno.

Tom exhibited one of his famous paintings in L´Atelier gallery in Monaco during Historic Monaco Grand Prix. He had his own exhibition at the Le Mans Legend Cafe in June during the Le Mans 24 hours and Le Mans Classic month.

He will attend this year some of the famous European classic car meetings like Spa Classic, Silverstone Classic, Le Mans, Monaco, etc.

Tom is also available for commission work and can be contacted here:

• [email protected]
• www.tomhavlasekart.com
• www.facebook.com/tomhavlasekart
• youtube: tomhavlasekart

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MARKO: WE HOPE TO KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING BY AUSTIN

Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko is hoping a solution to the energy drinks owned team’s engine crisis is just around the corner.

The energy drink company is splitting with its current partner Renault, but it has hit brick walls in attempting to secure an alternative engine supply from Mercedes or Ferrari for 2016.

“At the moment nothing has been decided,” Marko, a leading Red Bull official, told Auto Bild Motorsport. But I hope that by the race in Austin, we know where we are going,” he added.

Interestingly despite the negative press Red Bull have generated with their attitude and reaction to Renault F1 fans polled by grandprix247.com are divided with regards to the future of the team in the sport – opinions are divided almost 50/50 in the poll results shown above.

This suggests there is a formidable segment who believe that the sport would be poorer without Red Bull’s participation.

Notwithstanding the stalemate, speculation continues to run amok.

One is that the decision to scrap the newly-confirmed 2016 regulation requiring manufacturers to supply current-year engines to customers was made in order to keep the 2015-spec Ferrari power unit option on the table for Red Bull.

Another is that while Red Bull’s rumoured idea to resurrect a normally-aspirated V8 option for 2016, the energy drink marque could be setting its F1 sights a little further down the road.

Ralf Bach, a German correspondent, reports that for 2018, an engine formula to run parallel to the current ‘power units’ could arrive, having secured FIA president Jean Todt’s approval.

It will centre around a bi-turbo V6 producing some 1000 horse power. Might that option entice Audi into formula one?

“I see no option to enter Formula 1 today,” the VW brand’s motor racing chief Dr Wolfgang Ullrich is quoted by El Mundo Deportivo.

However, he admitted that Audi always keeps an eye on developments in F1, including the current engine crisis that is threatening Red Bull’s future.

“We must analyse facts, clear facts, and then we would perhaps take a look if it (F1) has become more interesting for us than it has until now. But right now I do not see anything that goes in the direction of us being there,” Ullrich added.

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ROSBERG: I AM THINKING ONLY ABOUT FIGHTING FOR THE TITLE

According to some, Lewis Hamilton has now established himself as clearly the de-facto number one within the dominant Mercedes team and looks set to wrap up his third world title next time out in Texas, but teammate Nico Rosberg is not throwing in the towel just yet.

Meanwhile, as that pecking-order appears ever-clearer within the Silver Arrows camp, all of the fuel of the earlier bitter rivalry between the Briton and Nico Rosberg has now apparently burned out.

When the team celebrated their second consecutive F1 constructors’ world title recently in Russia, Hamilton said, “I just want to mention what a great teammate Nico is.”

But the German, who fell behind even Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ championship after a DNF in Sochi, is adamant that the 2015 title race in his mind is far from over, “I am fighting only for the title and thinking about nothing else.”

But when asked if Hamilton might eventually help him displace Vettel, he insisted: “The best thing I can do at the moment is win.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sport Bild, “Nico is incredibly important for the team. He was here from the beginning and was an essential building block of our success and a real team player.”

“Maybe Lewis is right now the strongest guy out there, but I would never write Nico off. The differences between them are still only marginal,” he added.

Indeed, Wolff said that even if Hamilton does wrap up his third drivers’ title this year – and potentially even this weekend in Austin – he will not be granted number one status by the team.

“Both will continue to have the same conditions, both will be consulted in the development of the car and we will take into account both of their wishes,” said Wolff.

Not only that, Rosberg is firmly under contract as Wolff pointed out, “We have a long-term contract. If some day we are unhappy we would say it, but that is not the situation we are in.”

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VERSTAPPEN NOW THE HOTTEST PROPERTY IN FORMULA 1

Dutch rookie Max Verstappen is clearly the hottest property on Formula 1’s driver market, and despite Red Bull (and Toro Rosso) pull out reports the 18 year old and his minders are not worried.

Verstappen is under firm contract to Red Bull, but the energy drinks company is threatening to pull out of F1 over its engine supply crisis.

Verstappen’s father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen have already been spotted in conversation with Mercedes, and amid the same ‘three cars per team’ rumours, Max has also been linked with a potential move to Ferrari.”

“For me personally,” Max is quoted by the Dutch newspaper AD, “it does not really matter what team I drive for. I just want at some point to sit in the fastest one and go for the championship.

“Hopefully that will be with Red Bull, as they build very strong cars at the moment. So, who knows,” he added.

“With Red Bull if you compared the years before the hybrid engines it was not really an engine championship, it was a car championship,” Verstappen said.

“The last few years is more about the engine than the car performance – they became world champion. Everyone knows the struggles Renault had and has but we have to wait and see if it was the right decision, we don’t know yet.”

The most logical outcome for young Verstappen is that Red Bull will stay in F1 and he will spend a second year with its junior outfit Toro Rosso.

But De Telegraaf quotes him as saying: “When you do well and get good results, things can change very quickly. That happened to me in F3.”

“When I started, I had no idea I would be in Formula 1 a year later. So things can change very quickly,” added Verstappen who this year, when he made his grand prix debut in Melbourne, became the youngest ever F1 driver.

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ARRIVABENE: WE CANNOT ASK FOR LESS THAN WHAT IT COSTS US FOR AN ENGINE

Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene has signaled that his team may veto any moves to cap the cost of engines in Formula 1.

In July, it emerged that the FIA planned to cap the cost of a supply of expensive customer ‘power units’ to just EUR 12 million per season, and as little as EUR 8 million for a year-old version – many millions cheaper than now.

“We cannot ask for less than what it costs us,” Ferrari boss Arrivabene said.

Although Ferrari was not impressed with the plan, Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff vowed to “sharpen our pencils” to try to make it happen.”

The issue was discussed at the engine summit that took place this week in Geneva, where it was agreed that a full 32 ‘tokens’ would be available for manufacturers to upgrade their power unit specifications throughout 2016.

As for the cost cap help for struggling customer teams, however, the proposal hit its expected snag, according to Auto Motor und Sport.

It is believed that Ferrari told the summit – also attended by the FIA and its rival engine competitors Mercedes, Renault and Honda – that it is prepared to bring out its famous regulations ‘veto’ over the issue.

There has also been some political movement in the Red Bull-Renault saga this week, even though it is clear the two sides are definitely still headed for divorce.

Renault, however, would be one of the main beneficiaries of the relaxed engine development rules for 2016, including the full use of 32 ‘tokens’ throughout next year’s world championship.

Not only that, also agreed in Geneva last week is that certain components on the current ‘blacklist’ of engine components will be opened up for potential upgrades next year.

However, the agreement will now be forwarded to the F1 Commission, where full unanimity is required for a late rule-change in 2016. And it is there that Red Bull could effectively upset the plans of every engine manufacturer in F1.

It could be a powerful asset for Red Bull as it seemingly slides towards the F1 exit, as Mercedes and Ferrari have ruled out supplying the team in 2016.

“There are a lot of rumours in the air,” said former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel on Friday, “and I have not spoken with Mr (Dietrich) Mateschitz lately, but it is hard to believe that it could really happen.

“It (Red Bull’s exit) would mean a huge loss,” Vettel, now a Ferrari driver, told F1’s official website. “But in the end I doubt that it will happen. That’s my position — and I don’t think I stand alone on it.”

As things stand, however, the possibility of Red Bull’s departure seems real. And according to Auto Motor und Sport, also possible is that Renault will decide to also quit the sport, even though it has signed a letter signalling its intention to buy Lotus.

But the report indicated that the big issue for Renault is that its CEO Carlos Ghosn may not want to green-light a triple-digit million euro project if there is no prospect the French marque can fix its troubled F1 engine.

Auto Motor und Sport said GPS data proves Renault actually went backwards in its development this year, and it still has a full 12 tokens to deploy in 2015 with just four races remaining.

It is reported that Renault will debut an upgrade making use of just 2 of its tokens in Brazil, worth apparently just over a tenth of a second per lap.

“It’s not a question of tokens,” a Renault enginer is quoted as saying, “but the solutions. We have tokens but no solutions.”

[MIKA27]

MERCEDES PREVIEW THE UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX

The 2015 Formula One World Championship season continues with Round Sixteen, the United States Grand Prix, from Austin

Lewis Hamilton: “It’s been great to catch up with the team back at the factories and to celebrate together the amazing achievements of this year. I can’t say enough how grateful I am for all the hard work and it’s important that we savour these moments. Now, we head off to Austin, which is definitely one of the highlights of the year for me. I love the States and spend a lot of time over there, so it’s a weekend I always look forward to. I’ve learned from experience that nothing is ever done until it’s done in this sport, so I won’t be taking anything for granted going into the weekend. I’m going into this next race with the same approach I’ve had all year. There are four races left for me to get this Championship tied up and as long as it’s done by the time I cross the line in Abu Dhabi that’s what really counts. I’m excited to get out there, give my best and if I can come away with a third Stetson hat that would be unbelievable.”

Nico Rosberg: “Being back at the factories and seeing everyone so happy was just the boost I needed after a tough Sunday in Russia. The whole team deserves this moment and what we’ve achieved together is really amazing. Hopefully this is just the start. With four races left and a big gap to Lewis, it’s clear that the title is a long shot for me now. But it’s not in me to give up or back down, so I’ll be pushing flat out to the end and hopefully having some fun out there in the final few rounds this year. I really want to enjoy the next races, as our Silver Arrow is such a great car and gives me the chance to end the year with a few more wins. Austin is definitely somewhere that you can have fun too, so I’m looking forward to going back there. It’s a great track to drive, I got pole there last year, and I’m coming off the back of a really strong weekend in Russia in terms of my performance, so if I can repeat all of that then I’ll be in a good position. Bring it on!”

Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “It’s been a proud week for everybody in Brackley, Brixworth and Stuttgart. We can talk about chassis and Power Units winning titles. But really it’s about people – and every one of those men and women is a deserved World Champion. We now have four races left to make sure our 2015 objectives are complete, with the Drivers’ title still on the line. Lewis is now within touching distance – but I know that his focus is only on winning the next race. For Nico, bad luck has played a big part this year and it would be a huge mountain to climb. But he is a fighter and we have seen many times that he will keep pushing until the very end. Of course, there is still a third party in the mix and we, as a team, must make absolutely sure that our drivers have everything they need to make sure it’s a Silver Arrow that comes out on top. Two retirements from the last three races is not up to our standards and we must ensure that every little detail is covered to give them that opportunity.”

Paddy Lowe, Executive Director (Technical): “It was great to secure our second Constructors’ Championship in Russia with a great drive from Lewis to take the win. This title is thoroughly deserved by all at Brackley and Brixworth after a fantastic team effort over a number of years. However, it was not sealed entirely in the way we would have wanted after Nico’s retirement unfortunately prevented what looked a likely 1-2 finish. As a result, his push for the Drivers’ Championship now looks to be a tough task – but you can never give up in this business and we know Nico certainly won’t be doing so. At the same time, we go to Austin with the potential to secure that title with Lewis, who has been in superb form. It’s up to us to provide both drivers with the tools they need to close out a successful end to the campaign. It’s our fourth visit to the Circuit of the Americas, which is a very interesting circuit. Multiple elevation changes, a good variety of corners and a track surface which makes it tricky to understand the tyres, all combine to provide a good challenge. With a growing and enthusiastic fan base from all across the USA watching on, we’ll be looking to tackle that challenge head on and put on a great show for the crowds.”

[MIKA27]

TODT OFFERS TO HELP RED BULL AMID ENGINE CRISIS

FIA president Jean Todt has offered to get involved to help keep Red Bull in Formula 1, amid the engine crisis that is currently afflicting the energy drinks owned team.

Todt is regularly criticised for his low-profile, hands-off approach to F1, and he told the Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat that he is not sure whether the energy drink company will pull both of its teams out of the sport.

“I don’t know, but I hope not,” said Todt. “I have to admit that I am a little disappointed with the situation. They decided not to continue with Renault and now they have to find a different engine manufacturer.”

“If I can help, I will help them for sure,” he revealed. “Red Bull is a great team that has had great successes, but we are also talking about the future of Toro Rosso. I hope a solution to this problem is found.”

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SAXO BANK MAY END LOTUS SPONSORSHIP DEAL

Saxo Bank’s departing chief Lars Christensen is not sure the company is going to continue as a sponsor of the Lotus team beyond 2015.

Currently, the fate of the entire Enstone team is uncertain, despite Renault having signed a letter signalling its intention to buy the outfit.

Curiously, however, Saxo Bank has in the last few days decided to stop sponsoring a top Tour de France cycling team ahead of 2016, ramping up speculation it could turn its full attention to F1 instead.

When asked about F1, however, Christensen said: “We are not going to comment before we are ready to announce anything. We have not completed our negotiations for next year.”

As for whether a title sponsorship with Lotus or Renault may be on the cards, he insisted: “I cannot say anything at this stage.”

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LOTUS BOSSES ADMIT RENAULT DELAY COMPROMISING 2016 CAR

While the future of Lotus hangs in the balance, the team’s lead engineer Alan Permane has admitted every passing day risks adding compromises to the design of next year’s car.

The troubled Enstone team is in the midst of a long delay as Renault considers turning its ‘letter of intent’ into the French carmaker’s new works team.

If it happens, Lotus will need to adapt its 2016 car design to accommodate the Renault power unit, as CEO Carlos Ghosn has reportedly ruled out agreeing to a transition year with a Mercedes unit in the rear of a Renault F1 car.

But Permane admitted to Auto Motor und Sport that the hour is getting very late, “As an engineer, you want to know where you stand as early as possible. March, ideally.

“Once the current car is running for the first time, a special design group is already looking at next year’s car. But we will just have to cope with it,” the Briton explained of the situation.

“We saw what Brawn GP managed to do, even though it was much easier with the V8s. Now there are so many more cooling elements to take into consideration. So the later you know what engine you have in the car, the more compromises you would have to consider,” said Permane.

Another risk is that the delay could hold up the team’s start to the pre-season, especially as the re-jigged race calendar has also fast-forwarded the 2016 test programme.

A similar delay also risks compromising the test programme of Red Bull amid its current engine supply crisis, team manager Paul Monaghan admits.

“It’s getting a little bit late,” he said. “It’s wrong to say that anybody that runs the first test will automatically have a benefit on us. Yes, they might, but we could cope, so however the land lies, we’ll deal with it.”

[MIKA27]

MANOR SEAT COULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR WEHRLEIN

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff has repeated his warning that there is no guarantee Pascal Wehrlein will make his Formula 1 debut with Manor next year, and it ight all come down to money – or lack thereof.

Before the newly 21-year-old German wrapped up the DTM championship at the weekend, Mercedes’ Wolff had warned that Manor’s new Mercedes engine deal was no guarantee of a route into F1 for Wehrlein.

“With a Mercedes engine and Williams technology as well, Manor now has a valuable cockpit to sell,” Wolff had said.

Indeed, Will Stevens and Alexander Rossi – and their respective backers – are both pushing hard to keep their places at Manor beyond 2015.

So even with his firm Mercedes link and now a DTM title in his pocket, “It is far from certain that Pascal will go to Manor”, Wolff told Speed Week.

“If they (Manor) ask too much, it will not work out,” the Mercedes chief added. Wehrlein admitted last week that “it may well be that we decide to go for another year of DTM” in 2016. But if third cars come (in F1), Pascal has another chance.”

However, Wehrlein’s achievement at Hockenheim at the weekend is just the latest feather in the cap for Mercedes, who are also on course to win the drivers’ title in F1.

“The constructors’ championship in formula one, probably also the drivers’ as well and the DTM drivers’ title in one season has never been done before,” Wolff beamed.

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LAUDA IN LINE TO REPLACE ECCLESTONE AT HELM OF F1?

F1 legend Niki Lauda and current Mercedes team chairman, has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Bernie Ecclestone.

That is the claim of the Austrian newspaper Osterreich, amid the latest speculation about the impending sale of the sport.

F1 supremo Ecclestone caused a stir recently when he announced that the sale could take place before Christmas.

Sky News business reporter Mark Kleinman claims Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is being backed in an $8.5 billion buyout bid by China Media Capital.

It is believed the investors want Ecclestone, 85, to stay in charge, but others in the industry think the diminutive Briton should step down.

His anti-US, pro-Putin comments have ruffled feathers in the days before the grand prix in Austin, and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche – Lauda’s F1 boss – recently said F1 must do more to expand beyond mere television.

“Is it hard for him to understand some of this new media and digital era? It could be,” outspoken former F1 driver Mark Webber told CNN.

“But there are still a lot of other things that he has nailed and has done well, he loves his old style of going about and deciding where the promoters have these events, and he’ll stick to those rules which he’s had for a long time, that’s just the way he is,” the Australian added.

MIKA: I don't see Lauda taking over. He's a driving legend, not business savy as what I assume Ecclestone is.

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MERHI NOT UPSET OVER ALONSO CRITICISM OF MANOR

Roberto Merhi has refused to criticise countryman Fernando Alonso for mocking the British backmarker Manor.

With Manor switching to Mercedes power for 2016, a cheeky Alonso recently ridiculed at notion that the F1 minnow might actually beat McLaren-Honda next year.

“With total respect for Manor,” the Spaniard said, “I think they can put in an aeroplane engine and they will not be much further (up).”

Manor hit back on Twitter, scoffing that the team and Alonso can “discuss it when we’re garage neighbours next year”.

But declining to join any criticism of Alonso’s comments is Merhi, the Spanish rookie whose season has been interrupted by Manor’s mid-year signing of Alexander Rossi.

“Well, I didn’t know that Fernando said that,” Merhi told El Confidencial in an interview. “Yes, it is true that we have some aerodynamic issues and also not much mechanical grip. We lack grip. It is very difficult to drive our car.”

Merhi, 24, admitted that it has even been difficult to maintain his motivation at times in 2015, when blue flags are waving throughout every race.

“Honestly, when you do races like that, and then another and then another, from the fourth, fifth, sixth it does become quite a tiring situation,” he said.

“It is a shame we cannot fight with the others. I have had to try my best to be in front of my teammate, but so far I have not had a car like (Will) Stevens has had.”

Merhi will sit out Austin, Mexico and Brazil, but will return to the cockpit in Abu Dhabi while Californian Rossi rounds out his season in GP2.

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Wolff on Red Bull’s ‘odd behaviour’

Toto Wolff agrees with Lewis Hamilton that it is "odd" that Red Bull are heading towards the exit just because they are no longer winning.

Red Bull's future in Formula 1 is in doubt after the four-time World Champions called time on their partnership with Renault.

Red Bull were furious and frustrated as once again their engine partner was unable to match the performance and reliability of their Mercedes counterpart.

But without an engine deal in place for next season, Red Bull could now be heading towards the exit door.

The team's behaviour was recently questioned by reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

"It seems really odd for me, having witnessed Red Bull's success and then the moment they don't have success, it's like they have been upset about it," the Brit told Autosport. "I have not seen that with any other team."

And it is a sentiment echoed by his Mercedes chief Wolff.

"I'd like to quote Lewis, it's an odd behaviour," the Austrian told F1i.com.

"We have had very, very difficult times from 2010 onwards, Ferrari has had a long spell of difficult years, I think McLaren are not in an easy situation either and Williams the same.

"This is the nature of competition, you have good times and bad times and it is important to not lose sight of that and I think loyalty and building of sustainable relationships is key.

"Losing Red Bull would be definitely not good for Formula One so I hope they will sort their situation out."

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Maldonado: Good opportunity for points

Pastor Maldonado heads to Austin confident of a good showing as in his E23 he has a car that "generally works well" at most circuits.

At the last race in Russia, Lotus lost more ground to Force India in the battle for fifth in the Constructors' Championship.

While Force India achieved a podium through Sergio Perez, Maldonado was Lotus' only points-scorer in seventh place.

The Enstone trails trails their rivals by 26 points with just four races remaining.

Maldonado, though, reckons Lotus could be in for a good weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.

He said: "I think Austin offers us a good opportunity. The circuit shouldn't pose any particular problems as long as we can get the tyres working as we want.

"The E23 is a car that generally works well so we have a good baseline to start with.

"At this point of the year we're pretty on top of things like set-up and getting the most out of the car so it's a case of getting the laps and simulations done in practice, qualifying as well as possible then targeting points in the race."

Last season the Venezualen driver achieved his best qualifying and race result in America. This year he's hoping for more of the same.

"Certainly, everything went relatively well for us last year in Austin when you compare the performance to the season we'd been having," he said. "There's no reason to say we can't have a great weekend this year.

"At every race we're looking to maximise the package we have; we always look to be as fast as possible in qualifying and finish the race as strongly as possible.

"I like the Circuit of the Americas, the E23 is a good racing car and I'm confident we'll do the best job we can."

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Honda ‘encouraged’ by Alonso criticism

Honda motorsport boss Yasuhisa Arai says Fernando Alonso's Japanese GP criticism was "encouragement" and not something to "think badly" of.

The McLaren driver made headlines after the Suzuka race having criticised McLaren-Honda over the radio.

He called the team's performance "very embarrassing" and equated his Honda unit to a "GP2 engine."

But rather than get angry at the Spaniard's comments, Honda's motorsport chief says it has encouraged them to do better.

"First of all, Fernando's Suzuka's comments were an encouragement for us," Arai told F1i.com.

"So I don't think badly about it, I don't think negatively at all towards that. We just have to be better."

Two weeks later Alonso crossed the line in 10th place in Russia only to lose the position and the point due to a post-race penalty.

Arai, though, still feels it was a brilliant drive from the double World Champion and highlighted why Honda enjoy working with him.

He added: "We cannot forget [in Sochi] he took the penalties and started 19th and finished 10th [before a post-race penalty], so that is just brilliant and I am happy to be able to work with him."

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Lotus closer to naming second driver

Lotus have a "pretty good idea" of who will line-up alongside Pastor Maldonado for next year's championship.

With Romain Grosjean heading towards the exit as he prepares to move to Haas at the end of this year, the hunt for his replacement continues.

Several drivers, including the recently released Kevin Magnussen, Jean-Eric Vergne and Jolyon Palmer, are in the frame.

For now, though, deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi is refusing to even hint as to who it might be.

"The remorseless passing of time means that you always get closer to something in the future, so yes, we are closer to making an announcement," he said.

"I would say something will come sooner rather than later.

"We won't be disclosing who it is before we announce it, but we certainly have been speaking to drivers with good provenance and we have a pretty good idea who we will have in the car."

But while Lotus may still be undecided on their line-up, Formula 1 has all but named Pirelli as its tyre supplier for 2017 onwards.

The Italian manufacturer has agreed a handshake deal with Bernie Ecclestone that just needs to be ratified by the World Motor Sport Council.

Asked for his thoughts on Pirelli's continued participation, Gastaldi said: "It's great to get this confirmation.

"Pirelli have put a lot into Formula 1; not only through their on-track activities, but also through their marketing and activation in the world at large. Formula 1 needs strong, proactive partners and Pirelli is certainly one of these.

"They're also a great bunch of people to work with, clever, funny and good looking. I hope that this is enough praise for the team to be rewarded with some extra special tyres for Austin. Conspiracy theorists please note; that last sentence was just for fun."

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Ericsson: I’ll have my moment

Although he scored his first F1 points on his Sauber debut, Marcus Ericsson believes his "biggest" moments with the team have yet to come.

Next weekend Ericsson and his team-mate Felipe Nasr will take to the grid at the Circuit of the Americas for a race marking Sauber's 400th grand prix.

It is an impressive record for the midfield team, which has maintained its independent status for most of its time in Formula 1.

But while Sauber are celebrating the milestone, Ericsson reckons his biggest moment with the team has yet to come.

"Big congratulations from me on this achievement. Celebrating the 400th GP is amazing. I am very glad to be part of the Sauber F1 Team, and also having the trust from everyone.

"I believe that my biggest Sauber moment is still in the future. I will be driving for the team for another season, and I hope this will come soon.

"Up to this point, scoring my first points in Formula One at the Australian Grand Prix in my first ever race for Sauber was obviously a great moment for me and the team.

"I am looking forward to an even greater one coming."

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F1 must start from scratch with fan input - Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone has likened Formula 1 to that of an old house which needs pulling down and re-building from scratch, adding that the opinion of fans should also be considered.

The 84-year-old made the comments to German television station ZDF during a joint-interview with friend and former FIA president Max Mosley.

He said if it were up to him, he would "tear the rule book up, get a few competent people together and rewrite the Formula 1 regulations".

He failed to expand on who those competent people might be, but suggested F1 fans should have a say because they're the ones the sport needs to appease.

"We mustn't forget we're in the entertainment business, so we ought to have rules the public want," he said.

"We should be asking the public 'What do you not like about Formula 1 today?' and 'What did you like about Formula 1 before?'

"People will say 'Ecclestone you're getting too old. The young kids today are a bit different', so we have to have a complete rethink.

"With these rules, it's like an old Victorian house, where people keep doing things to it, it needs pulling down and restarting again.

"You can't cross this line out, put that in place of that. It's not what you want."

Ecclestone was also critical of the level of technology used in the sport and particularly the way engineers manage the drivers and cars.

"The drivers sit there on the starting grid and there is an engineer that starts the race. It's just not on.

"It should be when the lights go off they are on their own. They don't need somebody telling them their team-mate is doing this through that corner, or whatever."

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The impact of VW 'diesel-gate' on Renault's F1 future

Could the reach of Volkswagen's recent emissions scandal go as far as affecting Renault's F1 programme?

The majority of F1's carmakers have now been somewhat connected to the fallout from the 'diesel-gate' scandal which last month wiped around one-third of the value of the Volkswagen Group.

With nothing like the furore that embroiled VW, Ferrari's parent company Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Renault have nonetheless all faced some criticism for the difference between their diesel cars' reported emissions and actual emissions in real-world tests.

There has been no suggestion that these other manufacturers deliberately gamed the system – the defeat devices made famous by VW were not employed by rival carmakers.

So what's the issue?

Instead, the problem lies in the standards of the emissions tests conducted by the EU, and the difference between emissions in a test environment and in real-world driving.

According to a report in The Guardian, real-world testing of some Honda diesel models showed the cars "emitted six times the regulatory limit of NOx pollution", while at the end of September Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil Club (ADAC) found that three of Renault's diesel models were in the top ten of polluting vehicles.

ADAC compared the cars' results from the existing EU-standard New European Driving Cycle (NDEC) tests with results obtained from more in-depth Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedures (WLTC) tests expected to be adopted across the European Union in 2017.

According to ADAC, in the WLTC test Renault's Espace Energy dCi 160 emitted 11 times more NOx than it had in the NDEC test, the second-worst offender on a list of 30 tested models.

Mercedes C 220 BlueTEC was found to have double the NOx emissions under WLTC than had been found under NDEC, as did the Mercedes C 220 BlueTEC T-Modell, while the Mercedes GLA 200 d was found to be fractionally worse.

For Ferrari parent company Fiat-Chrysler, the biggest differences were found in the 4x4 ranges produced by the firm, with the Jeep Renegade 2.0 Multijet emitting 10 times more NOx in WLTC tests than found in NDEC testing, the third-worst difference on ADAC's list.

But Jeep is not the only affected FCA marque, with the Fiat 500X Multijet Start&Stop emitting seven times the NOx in WLTC tests than in the NDEC version.

The upside of VW's deliberate gaming of the emissions tests is that EU test standards have been launched onto the front pages, triggering a long-overdue discussion about the need to apply higher standards of testing given the negative environmental and health consequences of NOx emissions.

The European Union is expected to phase in real-world emissions testing in 2016, despite pushback from a number of member states whose automotive industries form a cornerstone of the national economy, and the first generation of diesels to hit the market after passing more challenging tests are anticipated in late 2017.

Formula 1 impact

What effect these changes will have on F1 remains to be seen, but given that the European automotive industry is expected to spend billions of euros ensuring that the next generation of vehicles meets more exacting test standards, it seems likely that there will be less money available for non-essential projects such as motorsport programmes.

Of particular interest given the current goings-on within the paddock is the impact the 'diesel-gate' scandal will have on Renault.

Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn is also chairman of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). In the latter capacity Ghosn wrote to the EU rubbishing the possibility of any progress on diesel emissions before 2019, Reuters reported, adding that Ghosn (through ACEA) was pushing for more realistic allowable NOx emissions levels of 70 per cent higher than the current maximum.

With stricter emissions standards seemingly inevitable, and considerable work to be done – and money spent – in overhauling their current diesel range, Renault's primary focus in the short-term will be ensuring that their core business (that of making and selling cars) is able to weather the market-wide storm triggered by the VW scandal.

Renault Sport F1 is a semi-independent operation, but CEO Jerome Stoll reports directly to Ghosn – the company's sporting arm remains answerable to the larger parent group, which also decides on operating budgets.

With significant spending needed to overhaul much of their current diesel range, it is unlikely that Ghosn will sign off on the serious investment needed to bring the Renault F1 power unit into line with those produced by Ferrari and Mercedes – something that is essential if Lotus is to be competitive in 2016 and if Renault is to justify its continued (and increasing) involvement in Formula 1.

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Chinese group poised to invest $1.5bn for slice of Formula 1

A group of Chinese investors has been linked to the bid made by Miami Dolphins NFL team owner Stephen Ross to takeover the ownership of Formula 1.

Sky News has reported that China Media Capital (CMC) is part of a group of firms who want to be part of the $8.5bn bid that is currently being proposed.

Ross’s US-based financial group RSE Ventures was previously reported to be bringing finance from Qatar Sports Investments in its bid to obtain 35.5 percent of the Formula 1 Group from CVC Capital Partners, the current major shareholder. But QSI is now thought to be less likely to be involved, although another $2bn is needed to be raised to finance the bid.

The potential new investment group is understood to be keen to retain Bernie Ecclestone at the helm of the sport, while putting extra emphasis on cultivating F1’s media and sponsorship rights.

"They believe they can double F1's profits," a source close to the bid told Sky News.

Ecclestone recently said of potential suitors of CVC’s stake: “I'd be surprised if one of them doesn't buy it shortly.”

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Mexico now ready for FIA inspection after asphalt delay

Mexico's Formula 1 promoter Federico Gonzalez says the track is now ready for its final FIA track inspection, despite minor delays in putting down the final layer of asphalt.

With work on revamping the Mexico City circuit having been completed in less than a year, organisers found themselves having to wait to put down the top layer of asphalt because of unexpected poor weather.

But with F1 race director Charlie Whiting having travelled to Mexico for a track inspection this week, Gonzalez is happy that the venue is now complete, and that all that needs finishing off are some spectator facilities.

"There is still a little bit of work here and there – like painting – in the public areas for the people who are going to attend," Gonzalez told Motorsport.com.

"We are working hard on that – that is where we are 95 per cent done, so a little bit behind schedule, but for the rest of it we are confident and will be on time."

Asphalt expert

With wet weather delaying Mexico from completing the track surface, Gonzalez says that architect Tilke flew out its asphalt expert to make sure things were eventually completed in the best possible manner.

"We had a little delay on that [finishing the asphalt], but we are now finished 100 per cent," he said.

"It rained and made it difficult, but we did some proofs and the Tilke people came and brought out Dr. [Rainer] Harat – the most important engineer in terms of asphalt.

"He came and supervised the whole thing, and made some changes. So we are fine."

Challenging times

Gonzalez has admitted that getting the track ready for its F1 return has been far from easy, but believes the success of the event will be a just reward.

"In terms for us, it has been a very hard learning process," he said. "This project is really big. There was a lot of detail, a lot of international things, and since the construction happened in a small period of time, it was very challenging.

"For us, after doing this in less than a year, it was challenging but we are very happy and confident that the people will have a great experience when they see the track."

Sell-out expected

After the first batch of tickets for the grand prix were sold out immediately, organisers increased capacity to 100,000, and only a few places are still available.

Gonzalez adds that local hero Sergio Perez's podium finish in Russia has further served to boost interest.

"It has definitely helped," he said. "It could not have come at a better moment really. It looks like the whole thing was planned – and it wasn't!

"It really helps us because the perception of Checo Perez being a national hero could not be better.

"The timing with that podium, the pictures in the newspapers, it helped us to sell us more tickets and it helps the idea and enthusiasm of the people who will attend the race. If he does something in Austin, well – nothing could be better than that."

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Former FIA president Max Mosley says F1 manufacturers hold too much power

Former FIA president Max Mosley says manufacturers hold too much power in modern Formula One and has joined the calls for an independent engine supplier such as Cosworth.

The ongoing uncertainty around Red Bull's future, which hinges around the fact it currently does not have an engine for next season, has been a major talking point in recent weeks. The problem has been compounded by Mercedes and Ferrari rejecting an up-to-date power unit supply for the former world champions.

With Honda also ruling itself out after a problematic return to the grid in 2014, Red Bull is facing the prospect of trying to mend its relationship with Renault, accepting a 2015 Ferrari engine or quitting the sport altogether. The most recent developments in the Red Bull engine saga led to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone calling for "another Costworth" -- an independent engine supplier to help teams in need but also to stop manufacturers gaining a monopoly.

Mosley, who was FIA president from 1993 to 2009, agrees with Ecclestone.

"The difficulty is that you have to have an independent engine supplier who can [supply] on a commercial basis," Mosley told ZDF. "The great strength of Formula One from the late '60s until quite recently was that we had Cosworth, Mecachrome and other people making engines so we weren't in the hands of the manufacturers.

"The moment you have one or two or even three manufacturers and they are involved at board level so [Mercedes chairman] Mr Zetsche can talk to [Ferrari chairman] Mr Marchionne or [Renault chairman] Mr Ghosn then they control Formula One, you don't control Formula One. At that point the need for an independent engine supplier becomes acute."

Cosworth is second on the all-time list of wins behind Ferrari, with most of its winning engines badged as Ford, and was most recently in F1 with Marussia in 2013. Despite designing a power unit for the new regulations the cost of the V6 turbo engines priced out the Northampton-based company out of F1 in 2014.

Mosley said he would have ensured costs were kept low if he had been in charge when the V6 turbo regulations were first drawn up.

"It was essential if you were doing that to do the engine in a way that an independent engine supplier like Cosworth could do at economic price. If I'd been doing the detailed regulations, apart from the principle, I'd have gone to Cosworth and said 'can you draft some regulations for us to look at where you could follow this principle but produce the engine for sensible amount of money'."

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No change of approach for Lewis Hamilton in Austin

Lewis Hamilton insists he is taking nothing for granted ahead of the United States Grand Prix despite being on the brink of a third world championship.

Hamilton's victory at the Russian Grand Prix, coupled with a retirement for team-mate Nico Rosberg, means he can retain the championship in Austin if he heads a Mercedes one-two for the second year in a row. Despite holding 66 points over Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel with 100 points to play for from the final four races Hamilton is not changing his approach ahead of this weekend.

"I've learned from experience that nothing is ever done until it's done in this sport, so I won't be taking anything for granted going into the weekend," Hamilton said. "I'm going into this next race with the same approach I've had all year. There are four races left for me to get this championship tied up and as long as it's done by the time I cross the line in Abu Dhabi that's what really counts. I'm excited to get out there, give my best and if I can come away with a third Stetson hat that would be unbelievable."

Mercedes has used the time since the Russian Grand Prix to celebrate its second consecutive constructors' championship and Hamilton has taken another opportunity to thank the team for its hard work.

"It's been great to catch up with the team back at the factories and to celebrate together the amazing achievements of this year. I can't say enough how grateful I am for all the hard work and it's important that we savour these moments. Now, we head off to Austin, which is definitely one of the highlights of the year for me. I love the States and spend a lot of time over there, so it's a weekend I always look forward to."