Ross Brawn believes Rubens Barrichello's bitterness following his latest defeat by team-mate Jenson Button is a healthy sign.
Barrichello was left surprised at the team's decision to switch Button from a three-stop strategy to two stops just a lap prior to his first trip into the pits whilst he remained unchanged.
The 36-year-old was clearly unhappy at missing out on a victory he felt should have been his after passing pole-sitter Button on the run down to the first corner.
Brawn, though, is delighted Barrichello is displaying the kind of fighting spirit he was unable to show during his years at Ferrari when he basically served as Michael Schumacher's stooge.
Rubens' unhappiness is natural, said Ross Brawn Brawn.
Despite the fact Button has now won four of this year's five grands prix to lead Barrichello by 14 points in the championship, Brawn is delighted with the job the veteran has done so far.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ferrari Debating About F1 Future
In what could be seen as an attempt to put pressure on Max Mosley, Ferrari have announced that their board of directors will meet on Tuesday to debate their continued participation in F1.
While the efforts to cut costs in the sport have been welcomed, the FIA's plan to give those adhering to the cap unlimited technical freedoms has been met with opposition by F1's manufacturer outfits who foresee it resulting in a two-tier Championship.
Ferrari and FIA President Mosley have already clashed over the cap with the Scuderia's president Luca di Montezemolo warning that F1 is not a never-ending story for the Italian outfit.
Mosley responded by saying that the sport could survive without Ferrari, prompting F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to join the fray, stating that F1 and Ferrari are a marriage made in heaven, one of those super things that work well.
Ferrari are not stupid, he repeated yesterday. They don't want to leave Formula One and we don't want to lose them, so we'll get to grips with it.
While the efforts to cut costs in the sport have been welcomed, the FIA's plan to give those adhering to the cap unlimited technical freedoms has been met with opposition by F1's manufacturer outfits who foresee it resulting in a two-tier Championship.
Ferrari and FIA President Mosley have already clashed over the cap with the Scuderia's president Luca di Montezemolo warning that F1 is not a never-ending story for the Italian outfit.
Mosley responded by saying that the sport could survive without Ferrari, prompting F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to join the fray, stating that F1 and Ferrari are a marriage made in heaven, one of those super things that work well.
Ferrari are not stupid, he repeated yesterday. They don't want to leave Formula One and we don't want to lose them, so we'll get to grips with it.
Rubens Barrichello Threatens Ross Brawn
Brawn GP’s Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello, has threatened to quit Ross Brawn’s team if he finds out that the team is favoring his team-mate Jenson Button, winner of the 2009 Spanish Grand Prix thanks to a switch in the Brazilian’s pit stop strategy.
If I get the slightest sniff that the team are favoring Jenson, I’ll hang up my helmet tomorrow,” stated Barrichello
Ross asked me to drive for him and he knows that I want to compete fairly with Jenson
Team orders are a highly sensitive issue for Barrichello, who back in 2005 left Ferrari after being instructed not to compete against his team-mate Michael Schumacher.
BMW Back In Business!!!!
BMW Sauber may have only scored two points in Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix, but team principal Mario Theissen is convinced that the team have made significant progress with the revised car they introduced in Barcelona.
We know one thing for definite: the modifications have improved the BMW Sauber F1.09,” he told the team’s website following Nick Heidfeld’s seventh-place finish.
Rather than introducing incremental changes at previous races, BMW Sauber chose to concentrate on a major upgrade package for Spain.
Our goal is to use both a modified KERS and a multi-level diffuser in Istanbul.
BMW Sauber lie sixth in the constructors’ table, level with Ferrari on six points.
We know one thing for definite: the modifications have improved the BMW Sauber F1.09,” he told the team’s website following Nick Heidfeld’s seventh-place finish.
Rather than introducing incremental changes at previous races, BMW Sauber chose to concentrate on a major upgrade package for Spain.
Our goal is to use both a modified KERS and a multi-level diffuser in Istanbul.
BMW Sauber lie sixth in the constructors’ table, level with Ferrari on six points.
Max Mosley's Son Found Dead!!!!!!!!
A son of world auto racing boss Max Mosley has been found dead in his London home, police and the racing federation said Wednesday.
The body of 39-year-old Alexander Mosley was found in his west London apartment Tuesday afternoon.
This is very sad news and I really feel very bad for Mr. Mosley :(((
He died of a suspected drug overdose, a London police official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the force was not authorized to disclose details.
Max Mosley has been the president of the FIA, the international automobile federation which governs Formula One racing, since 1993.
Mosley called off plans to travel to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
Max Mosley and his wife, Jean, have another son, 37-year-old Patrick.
Is Brawn favoring Button!!!!!!!
Much has been said since yesterday about Brawn GP changing Button to a 2-stop strategy, which eventually won him the race, and left his team mate, who had been leading for most of the first half of the race, in second.
Barrichello was visibly disappointed, when he was pipped to pole by not only Vettel, but his team mate Button, who he had been quicker than all weekend.
It was at the point when the strategy calls in Brawn GP became pivotal; Button was switched from the planned 3-stop strategy to a 2-stop, in fear that he would have been stuck behind Rosberg, who was fuelled long. Something which was proved, when Barrichello, came out on track less than a second ahead of the Williams.
So why didn’t Brawn GP switch Barrichello to a 2-stop?
Ross Brawn after the race stated a 3-stop strategy was a quicker option, and Barrichello’s times in the first half of the race go to prove that, however what ever happened to Barrichello in the second half of the race was his downfall, and whether it was just a case of Barrichello not pushing hard enough, or him having as issue with his car, it seems clear that the 3-stopper was a quicker strategy. Essentially they put Button on the slightly compromised strategy to make sure he was held up, potentially costing the team a 1-2
Ross also stated that the strategy used was essentially going to let Barrichello win, it just didn’t happen that way on track.
Barrichello was visibly disappointed, when he was pipped to pole by not only Vettel, but his team mate Button, who he had been quicker than all weekend.
It was at the point when the strategy calls in Brawn GP became pivotal; Button was switched from the planned 3-stop strategy to a 2-stop, in fear that he would have been stuck behind Rosberg, who was fuelled long. Something which was proved, when Barrichello, came out on track less than a second ahead of the Williams.
So why didn’t Brawn GP switch Barrichello to a 2-stop?
Ross Brawn after the race stated a 3-stop strategy was a quicker option, and Barrichello’s times in the first half of the race go to prove that, however what ever happened to Barrichello in the second half of the race was his downfall, and whether it was just a case of Barrichello not pushing hard enough, or him having as issue with his car, it seems clear that the 3-stopper was a quicker strategy. Essentially they put Button on the slightly compromised strategy to make sure he was held up, potentially costing the team a 1-2
Ross also stated that the strategy used was essentially going to let Barrichello win, it just didn’t happen that way on track.
No Entry to two tier F1
Following Toyota Motorsport president John Howett’s comments from the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend about not wanting to participate in a two-tier Formula One, Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has also added his concerns to the growing number of outfits.
As discussed in the previous post regarding Toyota, the teams are not happy with the current budget cap proposals, intending to limit teams who volunteer to the scheme to £40m per season.
Also concerning the manufacturers and Mateschitz’s two teams, Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso, are the way the FIA have introduced this rule and intend to introduce others in the future. Currently, if the teams agree unanimously, a rule change can be dropped, adjusted or implemented.
While at times relations between the two bodies have appeared constructive and cooperative, this latest controversy has the potential to escalate very easily. However, FOTA Chairman Luca di Montezemolo is expected to meet with Max Mosley prior to the Monaco Grand Prix in a fortnight to discuss the concerns of the teams.
Long Term Deal For Sebastien Vettel
Red Bull is keen to secure the services of Sebastian Vettel for a long time, team boss Christian Horner has admitted.
The Austrian squad's contract with the 21-year-old German, the only driver apart from Jenson Button to have won a race this year, runs out at the end of 2010.
The Austrian squad's contract with the 21-year-old German, the only driver apart from Jenson Button to have won a race this year, runs out at the end of 2010.
Alonso says they were lucky
Fernando Alonso realizes that luck can play a part of any F1 race but he is also keen enough to hunt for that luck. As was the situation in Today’s Spanish Grand Prix. Felipe Massa a serious lack of fuel that left him limping home on fumes and Fernando capitalized on that slow pace to reach and pass Massa for a coveted 5th place for Renault.
Alonso said, We were a bit lucky, and the car was good during the whole race so we could.
Alonso said, We were a bit lucky, and the car was good during the whole race so we could.
In the end we saw that we weren’t so light. he Brawns stopped ahead of us and the Toyotas too, so the strategy worked well.
He said, I only had a problem, which was a puncture. I was scheduled to stop on lap 45 but had to stop on lap 41, but I managed to stay ahead of Rosberg and nothing changed much.
Martin Whitmarsh is Grateful to Lewis Hamilton
McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh has again been left thanking his lucky stars he has Lewis Hamilton on his side.
Hamilton may have finished a lap down on race winner Jenson Button, but that was harsh on the world champion as his efforts in a woeful McLaren went unnoticed.
No wonder Whitmarsh was effusive in his praise for the 24-year-old who has been left frustrated by his team's failure to give him a car with which to defend his title.
Whitmarsh is confident that at Monaco in 13 days' time, McLaren and Hamilton will prove the race in Barcelona was a blip on an upward curve following a disastrous start to the year.
It's a circuit that will suit us and we've great drivers - Lewis is mega there - so we just have to make sure we keep pushing and developing the car.
Hamilton may have finished a lap down on race winner Jenson Button, but that was harsh on the world champion as his efforts in a woeful McLaren went unnoticed.
No wonder Whitmarsh was effusive in his praise for the 24-year-old who has been left frustrated by his team's failure to give him a car with which to defend his title.
Whitmarsh is confident that at Monaco in 13 days' time, McLaren and Hamilton will prove the race in Barcelona was a blip on an upward curve following a disastrous start to the year.
It's a circuit that will suit us and we've great drivers - Lewis is mega there - so we just have to make sure we keep pushing and developing the car.
Racism in Formula One
F1 is dogged by racism again after a fan with a blacked-up face in imitation of Lewis Hamilton.
The pictures show a man with a blacked-up face, arms and hands, wearing a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes t-shirt and holding a Formula One style steering wheel.
An FIA spokesperson said: We are aware of it and we are looking into it.
Speaking about the incident, 13-times Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, now working for the BBC, said it was not a good thing to see.
Former team boss Eddie Jordan added it was totally and absolutely unacceptable.
The incident 15 months ago - when a group of people with their faces painted black, wearing curly wigs and t-shirts adorned with the words Hamilton's family, caused outrage - prompted the FIA to launch an anti-racism initiative, EveryRace.
Circuit bosses in Barcelona were warned they risked losing their place on the calendar should there be a repeat.
The pictures show a man with a blacked-up face, arms and hands, wearing a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes t-shirt and holding a Formula One style steering wheel.
An FIA spokesperson said: We are aware of it and we are looking into it.
Speaking about the incident, 13-times Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, now working for the BBC, said it was not a good thing to see.
Former team boss Eddie Jordan added it was totally and absolutely unacceptable.
The incident 15 months ago - when a group of people with their faces painted black, wearing curly wigs and t-shirts adorned with the words Hamilton's family, caused outrage - prompted the FIA to launch an anti-racism initiative, EveryRace.
Circuit bosses in Barcelona were warned they risked losing their place on the calendar should there be a repeat.
Raikkonen: Silly Mistake!!!!
Kimi Raikkonen shouldered the majority of the blame for a silly mistake in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix. He foolishy chose to rest in the pit lane after he set a time in the initial 20 minutes of the qualifying at the spanish grand prix.
But as Raikkonen sat in the garage after only completing five laps, his name slowly slipped down the timing screens until settling at 16, his worst grid slot since last year's Australian Grand Prix.
Explaining himself, the 2007 world champion who ended Ferrari's points drought with sixth in Bahrain a fortnight ago, said: I thought we were going to get through.
It was a silly mistake because the car was much better here than before. But that's how it goes.
The media can blame me if they want, I don't mind, added the 29-year-old in preparation for the criticism likely to come his way.
But as Raikkonen sat in the garage after only completing five laps, his name slowly slipped down the timing screens until settling at 16, his worst grid slot since last year's Australian Grand Prix.
Explaining himself, the 2007 world champion who ended Ferrari's points drought with sixth in Bahrain a fortnight ago, said: I thought we were going to get through.
It was a silly mistake because the car was much better here than before. But that's how it goes.
The media can blame me if they want, I don't mind, added the 29-year-old in preparation for the criticism likely to come his way.
Lewis Admits He cant win until Silverstone!!!
Lewis Hamilton does not believe he will win a race until he races in Silverstone in front of his home crowd.
It is a startling admission from the world champion. The British Grand Prix on June 21 is the eighth of the 17 rounds of this season's championship, by which time the gap to whoever leads the way could be too difficult to bridge.
He said for Moaco, we've a better upgrade coming, and hopefully that will make a bigger difference than we've seen here.
Asked if it would be the end of his championship chances, Hamilton added: It's difficult to say.
It is a startling admission from the world champion. The British Grand Prix on June 21 is the eighth of the 17 rounds of this season's championship, by which time the gap to whoever leads the way could be too difficult to bridge.
He said for Moaco, we've a better upgrade coming, and hopefully that will make a bigger difference than we've seen here.
Asked if it would be the end of his championship chances, Hamilton added: It's difficult to say.
Spansih Grand Prix Results!!!!!!!!!!
| Pos | No | Driver | Team | Laps | Time/Retired | Grid | Pts |
| 1 | 22 | Jenson Button | Brawn-Mercedes | 66 | Winner | 1 | 10 |
| 2 | 23 | Rubens Barrichello | Brawn-Mercedes | 66 | +13.0 secs | 3 | 8 |
| 3 | 14 | Mark Webber | RBR-Renault | 66 | +13.9 secs | 5 | 6 |
| 4 | 15 | Sebastian Vettel | RBR-Renault | 66 | +18.9 secs | 2 | 5 |
| 5 | 7 | Fernando Alonso | Renault | 66 | +43.1 secs | 8 | 4 |
| 6 | 3 | Felipe Massa | Ferrari | 66 | +50.8 secs | 4 | 3 |
| 7 | 6 | Nick Heidfeld | BMW Sauber | 66 | +52.3 secs | 13 | 2 |
| 8 | 16 | Nico Rosberg | Williams-Toyota | 66 | +65.2 secs | 9 | 1 |
| 9 | 1 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren-Mercedes | 65 | +1 Lap | 14 | |
| 10 | 10 | Timo Glock | Toyota | 65 | +1 Lap | 6 | |
| 11 | 5 | Robert Kubica | BMW Sauber | 65 | +1 Lap | 10 | |
| 12 | 8 | Nelsinho Piquet | Renault | 65 | +1 Lap | 12 | |
| 13 | 17 | Kazuki Nakajima | Williams-Toyota | 65 | +1 Lap | 11 | |
| 14 | 21 | Giancarlo Fisichella | Force India-Mercedes | 65 | +1 Lap | 20 | |
| Ret | 4 | Kimi Räikkönen | Ferrari | 17 | +49 Laps | 16 | |
| Ret | 2 | Heikki Kovalainen | McLaren-Mercedes | 7 | Gearbox | 18 | |
| Ret | 9 | Jarno Trulli | Toyota | 0 | Accident | 7 | |
| Ret | 12 | Sebastien Buemi | STR-Ferrari | 0 | Accident | 15 | |
| Ret | 11 | Sebastien Bourdais | STR-Ferrari | 0 | Accident | 17 | |
| Ret | 20 | Adrian Sutil | Force India-Mercedes | 0 | Accident | 19 |
Spanish Grand Prix Results : Winner Jenson Button
The Spanish Grand Prix was the first race European Race of the Formula 1 2009 Season. And what an end to the race.
The race Winner is Jenson Button. Second place goes to Mark Webber and 3rd place to Rubens Barrichello!!!!!!!!!!!
Fourth is Sebastien Vettel with Fernanando Alonso on 5th.
The race started with a great accident at turn 2. The accident started with Trulli spinning out of the track and coming inside the track again and Adrian Sutil banged into him. The 2 Torro Rossos also banged into them and all the four of them went out of the race at turn two.
This brought the safety car out and the drivers had to do some laps behind the safety lap because the marshals had to clear the debris on the track
Rubens Barrichello was leading the race from Jenson Button and Mssa was on 3rd position. But it all changed after the first pitstop.
Bad days for Mclaren Mercedes continued with Lew Hamilton falling at the back of the pack at turn 2 mishap and Heikki had a gear box issue and slowed down at the long straight and finally retired into the pits.
Kimi Raikkonen was running a good race but he had problems with his KERS at the start of the race or maybe during qualifying. But he too retired due hydraulics problem.
So it was on Massa to finish into points and he was looking strong.
Rubens Barrichello was on a 3 stop strategy and it was a strange one, because all the drivers were on a 2 stop strategy. But Rubens did some great laps and that brought him ahead of Felipe Massa into 3rd place.
Mark Webber who was driving his own race all this while took the second place after the last round of pitstops. A very clever move by the Red Bull team.
Sebastien Vettel had a hard day because he was chasing the Ferrari of Felipe Massa for the whole race distance and he was down on 5th place.
But it all changed at the final 4 laps of the race. The Ferrari engineers told Massa to conserve fuel because they had less fuel in his car and were not sure if Massa could end the race.
Felipe Massa was driving a very conservative race and this Vettel and advantage to push Massa.
And finally Ferrai told Massa to let Vettel pass him because they thought Alonso was 16 seconds behind Massa and Ferrari can finish in 5th place.
But Fernando Alonso knew the problems of Ferrari and he kpt on pushing and took nearly 4.6 seconds every lap and brought the gap down to Felipe Massa. He came very clsoe to Massa and overtook him from the outside on the fnal lap of the race. Felipe Massa could not do anything about it.
The Spanish Fans were very excited seeing this move and were cheering Alosno as if he has won the race.
So an amazing race and a great start to the European Season of the Formula One 2009 Season.
Full Race Results of the Spanish Grand Prix will follow soon..........
Button the Winner At the Spanish Grand Prix!!!!!!!!
Jenson Button does it again. He has won the Spanish Grand Prix. Rubens Barrichello takes the 2nd position and Mark Webber takes the 3rd position.
So again a 1-2 finish for the Brawn GP Team. What an amazing race. It was really a topsy turvy race.
So again a 1-2 finish for the Brawn GP Team. What an amazing race. It was really a topsy turvy race.
Live Race Stats of the Spanish Grand Prix!!!!!
The race is below 10 laps now and Jenson Button has a comfortable gap. His team mate Rubens Barrichello is on 2nd place with a fantastic 3 stop strategy. But Mark Webber is closing on Barrichello and can give him a tough fight for the second position. Felipe Massa is on 4th position and I just heard the Ferrari team radio asking Massa to conserve fuel. Vettel is hustling Massa for the 4th position. Alosno the home hero is comfortable sitting on 6th position.
Lewis Hamilton another bad day for Mclaren Mercedes is on 10th position.
Lewis Hamilton another bad day for Mclaren Mercedes is on 10th position.
Spanish Grand Prix Live Race Stats
The 5h Round of the Formula 1 2009 Season is taking place at Spain at the Circuit De Catalunya.
The race is still going on. Jenson Button is leading the race. Felipe Massa is currently second with Vettel following him at 3rd place. Rubens Barrichello is on 3 stop strategy and is currently on 4th position. It seems Brawn GP is going to win the race. And finally we are going to see a Ferrari driver on podium this year after a disastrous first four races.
Fernando Alsonso is the home hero and currently on 7th position and there was a small fight with Hamilton when Alonso came out of the pit lane.
The race is still going on. Jenson Button is leading the race. Felipe Massa is currently second with Vettel following him at 3rd place. Rubens Barrichello is on 3 stop strategy and is currently on 4th position. It seems Brawn GP is going to win the race. And finally we are going to see a Ferrari driver on podium this year after a disastrous first four races.
Fernando Alsonso is the home hero and currently on 7th position and there was a small fight with Hamilton when Alonso came out of the pit lane.
Spanish Grand Prix Fuel Weights
| Name | Weight | Fuel (kg) |
| Jenson Button | 646 | 41 |
| Sebastian Vettel | 651.5 | 46.5 |
| Rubens Barrichello | 649.5 | 44.5 |
| Felipe Massa | 655 | 50 |
| Mark Webber | 651.5 | 46.5 |
| Timo Glock | 646.5 | 41.5 |
| Jarno Trulli | 655.5 | 50.5 |
| Fernando Alonso | 645 | 40 |
| Nico Rosberg | 668 | 63 |
| Robert Kubica | 660 | 55 |
| Kazuki Nakajima | 676.6 | 71.6 |
| Nelson Piquet Jnr | 677.4 | 72.4 |
| Nick Heidfeld | 676.3 | 71.3 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 683 | 78 |
| Sebastien Buemi | 678 | 73 |
| Kimi Raikkonen | 673 | 68 |
| Sebastien Bourdais | 669 | 64 |
| Heikki Kovalainen | 657 | 52 |
| Adrian Sutil | 675 | 70 |
| Giancarlo Fisichella | 656 | 51 |
2010 FIA Rules
A lot of mixing and matching approach has been used by the FIA to come up with the 2010 formula one rules. One of the most biting issues, the budget caps has been confirmed by the FIA but with a twist.
Refuelling is again banned in formula one, last time it was so in the 1993 season after which to break the supremacy of the Williams F1 team, refuelling was introduced.
In the 2010 formula one season, teams shall be allowed to refuel their cars after the third qualifying. Also Tyre Warmers will be banned.
The FIA has increased the list of cars on the grid to 26, which translates to 13 teams. Probably Prodrive and USGP will launch their respective teams in the 2010 season. Bernie Ecclestone had told BBC Radio that he has a lot of people confirmed for next season.
The minimum weight for formula one cars will now be 620 kg from the 2010 Formula One season.
Refuelling is again banned in formula one, last time it was so in the 1993 season after which to break the supremacy of the Williams F1 team, refuelling was introduced.
In the 2010 formula one season, teams shall be allowed to refuel their cars after the third qualifying. Also Tyre Warmers will be banned.
The FIA has increased the list of cars on the grid to 26, which translates to 13 teams. Probably Prodrive and USGP will launch their respective teams in the 2010 season. Bernie Ecclestone had told BBC Radio that he has a lot of people confirmed for next season.
The minimum weight for formula one cars will now be 620 kg from the 2010 Formula One season.
Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying Results!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
| Pos | No | Driver | Team |
| 1 | 22 | Jenson Button | Brawn-Mercedes |
| 2 | 15 | Sebastian Vettel | RBR-Renault |
| 3 | 23 | Rubens Barrichello | Brawn-Mercedes |
| 4 | 3 | Felipe Massa | Ferrari |
| 5 | 14 | Mark Webber | RBR-Renault |
| 6 | 10 | Timo Glock | Toyota |
| 7 | 9 | Jarno Trulli | Toyota |
| 8 | 7 | Fernando Alonso | Renault |
| 9 | 16 | Nico Rosberg | Williams-Toyota |
| 10 | 5 | Robert Kubica | BMW Sauber |
| 11 | 17 | Kazuki Nakajima | Williams-Toyota |
| 12 | 8 | Nelsinho Piquet | Renault |
| 13 | 6 | Nick Heidfeld | BMW Sauber |
| 14 | 1 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren-Mercedes |
| 15 | 12 | Sebastien Buemi | STR-Ferrari |
| 16 | 4 | Kimi Räikkönen | Ferrari |
| 17 | 11 | Sebastien Bourdais | STR-Ferrari |
| 18 | 2 | Heikki Kovalainen | McLaren-Mercedes |
| 19 | 20 | Adrian Sutil | Force India-Mercedes |
| 20 | 21 | Giancarlo Fisichella | Force India-Mercedes |
Jenson Button Another Pole Position
The 5th round of the Formula One 2009 Season is held at the Circuit De Catalunya in Spain. The Qualifying Session for Spanish Grand Prix just ended and its again Jenson Button who sits on Pole Position!!!!!!!!!! Brawn GP Has Done It Again!!!!!!
Felipe Massa was leading the Q1 session with Barrichello leading in the Q2 session. But in the Q3 session it looked like Vettel would take the pole, but Jenson Button did a flying qualifying lap and took the pole.
Ross Brawn has some magical power I guess because he manages his drivers to take pole positions and has some great pit strategies for the race.
Jenson Button just made to start his final qualifying lap, because as he crossed the line the flags turned red and that marks the end of the Qualifying Session. So Jenson Button was lucky to make before the Qualifying ended and got a pole position!!!!!!!!!
Way To Go Jenson Button and Brawn GP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will be uploading the full results for the Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying Soon!!!!
Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying Q3 Results!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Q3 Session has just ended and what an amazing Qualifying session it was. It looked as if Barrchello would be on pole, but Vettel did and outstanding lap and got the pole position. But in the final moments Button from nowhere took the pole and is leading the Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying.
The top 5 for the Q3 and the final Qualifying Session are Button, Vettel, Barrichello, Massa and Webber.
The top 5 for the Q3 and the final Qualifying Session are Button, Vettel, Barrichello, Massa and Webber.
Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying Q2 Results!!!!
Te Q2 Session has just come to an end and the Ferrari dominance seem to slip down a little bit. Rubens Barrichello heads the time sheets for Q2. It was Felipe Massa who was leading in Q1 but now its again the Brawn GP.
The bad times for Mclaren Mercedes still continue with Lewis Hamilton not making through the Q3 and he is down to 14 on the grid. His team mate Heikki did not go through to Q2 and is at the very back of the grid.
The top 5 for Q2 are Barrichello, Glock, Webber, Massa and button.
The Q3 session has just begun and will update the results soon. I personally feel it will be Barrichello who will take the pole in the Spanish Grand Prix!!!!!!
The bad times for Mclaren Mercedes still continue with Lewis Hamilton not making through the Q3 and he is down to 14 on the grid. His team mate Heikki did not go through to Q2 and is at the very back of the grid.
The top 5 for Q2 are Barrichello, Glock, Webber, Massa and button.
The Q3 session has just begun and will update the results soon. I personally feel it will be Barrichello who will take the pole in the Spanish Grand Prix!!!!!!
Spanish Qualifying Q1 Results.
The Spanish Grand Prix is the first race in the European leg of the Formula 1 2009 Season.
The Q1 Session just got over and to a surprise Ferrari is back on top with Felipe Massa leading the time sheets. But on the other hand Kimi Raikkonen did not make into Q2 which is very strange. Mclaren Mercedes are still struggling with Hamilton on 10th in Q1 and Heikki not making through Q2. Fernando Alonso the Home Hero was not in a position to make through Q2 but finally he made the cut and is in Q2 now.
The top 5 are Felipe Massa, Mark Webber, Jenson Button, Sebastien Vettel and Nico Rosberg.
The Q2 results will be uploaded soon.
The Q1 Session just got over and to a surprise Ferrari is back on top with Felipe Massa leading the time sheets. But on the other hand Kimi Raikkonen did not make into Q2 which is very strange. Mclaren Mercedes are still struggling with Hamilton on 10th in Q1 and Heikki not making through Q2. Fernando Alonso the Home Hero was not in a position to make through Q2 but finally he made the cut and is in Q2 now.
The top 5 are Felipe Massa, Mark Webber, Jenson Button, Sebastien Vettel and Nico Rosberg.
The Q2 results will be uploaded soon.
Spanish Grand Prix Saturday Practice Results!!!
| Pos | Driver |
| 1 | Felipe Massa |
| 2 | Kimi Räikkönen |
| 3 | Jenson Button |
| 4 | Rubens Barrichello |
| 5 | Robert Kubica |
| 6 | Jarno Trulli |
| 7 | Lewis Hamilton |
| 8 | Timo Glock |
| 9 | Sebastien Buemi |
| 10 | Fernando Alonso |
| 11 | Heikki Kovalainen |
| 12 | Nico Rosberg |
| 13 | Mark Webber |
| 14 | Sebastien Bourdais |
| 15 | Nelsinho Piquet |
| 16 | Sebastian Vettel |
| 17 | Giancarlo Fisichella |
| 18 | Kazuki Nakajima |
| 19 | Adrian Sutil |
| 20 | Nick Heidfeld |
Spanish Grand Prix Friday Practice 2 Results
Pos No Driver Team
1 16 Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota
2 17 Kazuki Nakajima Williams-Toyota
3 7 Fernando Alonso Renault
4 23 Rubens Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes
5 14 Mark Webber RBR-Renault
6 22 Jenson Button Brawn-Mercedes
7 15 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault
8 8 Nelsinho Piquet Renault
9 12 Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
10 4 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
11 11 Sebastien Bourdais STR-Ferrari
12 21 Giancarlo Fisichella Force India-Mercedes
13 1 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
14 2 Heikki Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes
15 3 Felipe Massa Ferrari
16 5 Robert Kubica BMW Sauber
17 6 Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber
18 10 Timo Glock Toyota
19 9 Jarno Trulli Toyota
20 20 Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
1 16 Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota
2 17 Kazuki Nakajima Williams-Toyota
3 7 Fernando Alonso Renault
4 23 Rubens Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes
5 14 Mark Webber RBR-Renault
6 22 Jenson Button Brawn-Mercedes
7 15 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault
8 8 Nelsinho Piquet Renault
9 12 Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
10 4 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
11 11 Sebastien Bourdais STR-Ferrari
12 21 Giancarlo Fisichella Force India-Mercedes
13 1 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
14 2 Heikki Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes
15 3 Felipe Massa Ferrari
16 5 Robert Kubica BMW Sauber
17 6 Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber
18 10 Timo Glock Toyota
19 9 Jarno Trulli Toyota
20 20 Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
Spanish Grand Prix Friday Practice 1 Results
Pos No Driver Team
1 22 Jenson Button Brawn-Mercedes
2 9 Jarno Trulli Toyota
3 5 Robert Kubica BMW Sauber
4 6 Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber
5 17 Kazuki Nakajima Williams-Toyota
6 16 Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota
7 8 Nelsinho Piquet Renault
8 10 Timo Glock Toyota
9 3 Felipe Massa Ferrari
10 23 Rubens Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes
11 4 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
12 14 Mark Webber RBR-Renault
13 15 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault
14 1 Lewis Hamilton McLaren Mercedes
15 11 Sebastien Bourdais STR-Ferrari
16 21 Giancarlo Fisichella Force India-Mercedes
17 7 Fernando Alonso Renault
18 12 Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
19 2 Heikki Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes
20 20 Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
1 22 Jenson Button Brawn-Mercedes
2 9 Jarno Trulli Toyota
3 5 Robert Kubica BMW Sauber
4 6 Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber
5 17 Kazuki Nakajima Williams-Toyota
6 16 Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota
7 8 Nelsinho Piquet Renault
8 10 Timo Glock Toyota
9 3 Felipe Massa Ferrari
10 23 Rubens Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes
11 4 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
12 14 Mark Webber RBR-Renault
13 15 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault
14 1 Lewis Hamilton McLaren Mercedes
15 11 Sebastien Bourdais STR-Ferrari
16 21 Giancarlo Fisichella Force India-Mercedes
17 7 Fernando Alonso Renault
18 12 Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari
19 2 Heikki Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes
20 20 Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes
Drivers Not Happy with Mosley's Remarks
Nick Heidfeld has reminded the FIA of their obligation to the fans following president Max Mosley's shock attack on Ferrari.
I thought people were looking and listening to the fans worldwide, and Ferrari is obviously the biggest name in F1 with many fans.
World champion Lewis Hamilton admitted he "couldn't imagine it", whilst two-time champion Fernando Alonso added: "No, impossible."
BMW Sauber's Heidfeld was the most pointed, referencing the fact the FIA had only recently conducted a worldwide survey of a broad cross-section of the public as to how F1 could be more attractive.
It was a bit strange hearing that.I thought people were looking and listening to the fans worldwide, and Ferrari is obviously the biggest name in F1 with many fans.
World champion Lewis Hamilton admitted he "couldn't imagine it", whilst two-time champion Fernando Alonso added: "No, impossible."
Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, currently with Force India, pointed out that "Without Ferrari, I don't think it would be Formula One any more".
As for one of Ferrari's current stars, Felipe Massa, he admits to being thoroughly dismayed by the politics that surround the sport.
Alosno Speaks For Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton has received advice from an unlikely source as he looks to repair the damage by the 'lie-gate' scandal.
At a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, McLaren were handed a suspended three-race ban which would only be enforced should they err again or further evidence into the case be discovered.
We had good competition that helped each other to find our limits, and I can say I miss that competition in a way because it was fun to push and find new limits for ourselves," remarked the Renault driver.
The problems I had there (at McLaren) were with the big bosses and the philosophy of the team, which is why I decided to move on from that period of my career.
He fought for the world championship in his first season in Formula One, and won it in the second season.
At a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, McLaren were handed a suspended three-race ban which would only be enforced should they err again or further evidence into the case be discovered.
We had good competition that helped each other to find our limits, and I can say I miss that competition in a way because it was fun to push and find new limits for ourselves," remarked the Renault driver.
The problems I had there (at McLaren) were with the big bosses and the philosophy of the team, which is why I decided to move on from that period of my career.
He fought for the world championship in his first season in Formula One, and won it in the second season.
Spain Weather Update
This is the start of the European leg of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship. The race will be held at Circuit de Catalunya. This is the Round 5 for the Formula 2009 Season.
The weather will be again feature partial cloud and an ambient temperature of 18 degrees Celsius on Friday, dropping to 17 on Saturday and rising to 18 again for race day. Some forecasts suggest there could be showers in the region on Sunday.
The 4.655-kilometre circuit has an asphalt run-off area now in Turn Three, and modified kerbs in Turns Five, 11 and 15.
The race will run over 66 laps or 307.104 kilometres (190.825 miles) as usual, and will start at 1400 hours local time, which is two hours ahead of GMT.
Spanish Grand Prix Preview Quotes
Although most teams tested in Barcelona during the season build-up, after four flyaway races nobody quite knows where their cars will now stand compared to their rivals as they head back to Europe and the Circuit de Catalunya.
Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
2008 Qualifying - 1st, 2008 Race - 1st
“It’s a bit more than a year ago that I won my last Formula One race. At Barcelona in 2008 I had my best weekend with Ferrari: pole position, victory and fastest race lap.
Aerodynamic efficiency is crucial at the Circuit de Catalunya for a good lap time. It’s a very demanding track from a technical point of view and you need a good car to be competitive.
Adrian Sutil, Force India
2008 Qualifying - 20th, 2008 Race - DNF
Barcelona is a track we all know really well from the laps we do over the winter. This year I did nearly 1,000km there! This means you can go to the circuit with a set-up that's pretty much ready to go.
Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India
2008 Qualifying - 19th, 2008 Race - 10th
I enjoy going to Barcelona as it's good to get back to Europe, with the tracks we know very well. I also posted two fastest race laps there in 1997 and 2005, so I feel comfortable on the circuit. Barcelona is itself a nice track.
Vijay Mallya, Force India team principal
I was very pleased to see the clear improvement we demonstrated in Bahrain as a result of the new diffuser and aero upgrades. To get both cars fitted with the modified floor in such a short time was a major undertaking, particularly from a team with such a limited workforce and budget as Force India.
Hirohide Hamashima, Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development
track surface that is the middle range in terms of abrasion and roughness but durability and driver requirements mean our harder allocation combination is used. The front left tyre has a lot of work to do at this circuit and equally, teams and drivers will have a big challenge trying to gain an advantage here as they know this track so well.
Fernando Alonso, Renault
2008 Qualifying - 2nd, 2008 Race - DNF
It's always very special to race in Spain and I'm lucky to have two races at home this year in Barcelona and Valencia. Seeing the support of the fans always gives me a boost and I just hope that I can make them happy and have a strong weekend.
Nelson Piquet, Renault
2008 Qualifying - 10th, 2008 Race - DNF
The circuit that I know the best, but it's not one of my favourites because it's not especially challenging for the drivers. It's all about having a good aero package and a well balanced car to cope with the high-speed corners. It's therefore difficult to overtake.
Pat Symonds, Renault Executive Director of Engineering
The whole team is still pushing hard with development and the diffuser and floor that we brought to China was very much a first attempt and over the course of the year we will see several more versions, the first of which we hope to have in Barcelona.
Jenson Button, Brawn GP
2008 Qualifying - 13th, 2008 Race - 6th
Although the team only completed four days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in March this year, I know the track inside out and it feels very familiar to be heading back there for the start of the European season this weekend. You need to have a car with good downforce for a really quick lap there and we are fortunate that our car behaves so predictably which enables you to feel completely confident when committing to high speed corners.
Rubens Barrichello, Brawn GP
2008 Qualifying - 11th, 2008 Race - DNF
The Circuit de Catalunya feels like a home circuit for the drivers with so much of our pre-season testing taking place here over the winter. Although the track has lost some of the high speed challenge that it once had, it is still an interesting and physical lap to drive.
Ross Brawn, Brawn GP team principal
The short break which we have enjoyed since returning from Bahrain has enabled the whole team to regroup at our factory in Brackley and spend a little time reflecting upon our first four races. Jenson, Rubens and the team delivered a first class job to win the Bahrain Grand Prix which is the level of performance that we must sustain if we are to seriously challenge for the championships this year.
Jarno Trulli, Toyota
2008 Qualifying - 8th, 2008 Race - 8th
It's good to be coming back to Europe again after the long-haul races as this makes things a little easier for everyone. The opening races of the season have shown the potential we have in our new car; to get pole position and the fastest race lap in Bahrain was a good achievement which gives us great encouragement.
Timo Glock, Toyota
2008 Qualifying - 14th, 2008 Race - 11th
Barcelona is one of the tracks I know best after all the testing and racing I've done there over the years and I'm feeling optimistic going into the Spanish Grand Prix. I have scored points in all the races so far - only two other drivers have done that - and I certainly expect to continue that run this weekend. But I hope to score a few more than in Bahrain; it was disappointing only to finish seventh after starting from the front row however the potential of the car is clear for everyone to see.
John Howett, Toyota team President
We have made a successful start to our season but there is no doubt we want more; we feel we are close to our first victory and this is our clear target for the remainder of the year.
Kazuki Nakajima, Williams
2008 Qualifying - 12th, 2008 Race - 7th
It’s been a tough start to the season for me. I’ve had three DNFs out of four races and I don’t want anymore. I’m going to put them behind me now though and concentrate on the work ahead. There’s still 12 more races to go and I’m determined to get some good results for myself and for the team.
I didn’t have the new parts on my car in Bahrain so I’m looking forward to trying those out in Spain and to see how the other new bits go.
Nico Rosberg, Williams
2008 Qualifying - 15th, 2008 Race - DNF
It’s been a bit of a frustrating start to the season. We should be going into Europe with more than 3.5 points from the first four races.
As we spend quite a lot of time testing at Barcelona, it’s a circuit we all know well. Last year was going really well for me and I was looking good for sixth place, but then a technical problem put me out of the race.
Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber
2008 Qualifying - 4th, 2008 Race - 4th
I am looking forward to the race in Barcelona. After a block of four overseas races Formula One comes back to Europe, which I am happy about. As all Formula One teams have tested in Barcelona, I expect the pack to be very close together - even closer than up to now. We will bring a new aero package and we hope to improve significantly compared to our recent performance.
Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber
2008 Qualifying - 9th, 2008 Race - 9th
We know the Barcelona track like the back of our hands, as we used to test here a lot. I've been to the circuit so many times. As recently as last year we had 16 days of testing in Barcelona. This year we had four days in March, two for each driver, and there will not be any more. Barcelona is a tricky track to drive because it presents a variety of challenges and the circuit is very sensitive to changes in temperature.
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director
The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona signals the start of the European season after four races overseas. Traditionally this represents something of a second start to the season.
ve way and are working intensively in Munich and Hinwil to get back to our old form. We will be lining up in Barcelona with an extensive aerodynamics-focused development package.
Willy Rampf, BMW Sauber head of engineering
Although the teams know the Barcelona track extremely well from all the testing they've done there in the past, this circuit frequently presents a new challenge. The problem is the track conditions can change very quickly here and the wind has a big impact on the cars' handling through corners.
We will be lining up in Barcelona with an extensive development package for the F1.09.
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren
2008 Qualifying - 5th, 2008 Race - 3rd
The schedule for the first four races was very tough for everyone, so going back to Europe almost feels like a fresh start. After such a positive performance in Bahrain, we're fully aware that the characteristics of the Barcelona track won't suit our car so well.
The engineers are optimistic that our new diffuser and front wing will once again help us to make progress towards the front of the grid.
Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren
2008 Qualifying - 6th, 2008 Race - DNF
Going back to the scene of last year's accident doesn't change anything for me: I really enjoy this track - I had a great race to fifth here in 2007 and I love the high-speed corners, where you've got to push hard to get the maximum from the car. It's also a circuit where you need to find the perfect balance to look after the tyres.
Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren team principal
Our decision to introduce performance updates at each race rather than concentrate all our developments into a single upgrade package has helped us score some reasonable points in the opening flyaway races.
And while the high-downforce nature of the Circuit de Catalunya may show up some of MP4-24's shortcomings, everyone within the team remains confident and motivated that we can sustain the momentum we have gathered to push and close the gap to the front this weekend.
Norbert Haug, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Vice-President
The first four flyaway races within only five weeks have been turbulent and downright demanding for everyone in Formula One, and particularly for us. The field has moved closer together than ever before in Formula One history.
Our team is working extremely hard to achieve more significant improvements in aerodynamics and particularly in downforce, but to do so we still need more time.
Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
2008 Qualifying - 1st, 2008 Race - 1st
“It’s a bit more than a year ago that I won my last Formula One race. At Barcelona in 2008 I had my best weekend with Ferrari: pole position, victory and fastest race lap.
Aerodynamic efficiency is crucial at the Circuit de Catalunya for a good lap time. It’s a very demanding track from a technical point of view and you need a good car to be competitive.
Adrian Sutil, Force India
2008 Qualifying - 20th, 2008 Race - DNF
Barcelona is a track we all know really well from the laps we do over the winter. This year I did nearly 1,000km there! This means you can go to the circuit with a set-up that's pretty much ready to go.
Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India
2008 Qualifying - 19th, 2008 Race - 10th
I enjoy going to Barcelona as it's good to get back to Europe, with the tracks we know very well. I also posted two fastest race laps there in 1997 and 2005, so I feel comfortable on the circuit. Barcelona is itself a nice track.
Vijay Mallya, Force India team principal
I was very pleased to see the clear improvement we demonstrated in Bahrain as a result of the new diffuser and aero upgrades. To get both cars fitted with the modified floor in such a short time was a major undertaking, particularly from a team with such a limited workforce and budget as Force India.
Hirohide Hamashima, Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development
track surface that is the middle range in terms of abrasion and roughness but durability and driver requirements mean our harder allocation combination is used. The front left tyre has a lot of work to do at this circuit and equally, teams and drivers will have a big challenge trying to gain an advantage here as they know this track so well.
Fernando Alonso, Renault
2008 Qualifying - 2nd, 2008 Race - DNF
It's always very special to race in Spain and I'm lucky to have two races at home this year in Barcelona and Valencia. Seeing the support of the fans always gives me a boost and I just hope that I can make them happy and have a strong weekend.
Nelson Piquet, Renault
2008 Qualifying - 10th, 2008 Race - DNF
The circuit that I know the best, but it's not one of my favourites because it's not especially challenging for the drivers. It's all about having a good aero package and a well balanced car to cope with the high-speed corners. It's therefore difficult to overtake.
Pat Symonds, Renault Executive Director of Engineering
The whole team is still pushing hard with development and the diffuser and floor that we brought to China was very much a first attempt and over the course of the year we will see several more versions, the first of which we hope to have in Barcelona.
Jenson Button, Brawn GP
2008 Qualifying - 13th, 2008 Race - 6th
Although the team only completed four days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in March this year, I know the track inside out and it feels very familiar to be heading back there for the start of the European season this weekend. You need to have a car with good downforce for a really quick lap there and we are fortunate that our car behaves so predictably which enables you to feel completely confident when committing to high speed corners.
Rubens Barrichello, Brawn GP
2008 Qualifying - 11th, 2008 Race - DNF
The Circuit de Catalunya feels like a home circuit for the drivers with so much of our pre-season testing taking place here over the winter. Although the track has lost some of the high speed challenge that it once had, it is still an interesting and physical lap to drive.
Ross Brawn, Brawn GP team principal
The short break which we have enjoyed since returning from Bahrain has enabled the whole team to regroup at our factory in Brackley and spend a little time reflecting upon our first four races. Jenson, Rubens and the team delivered a first class job to win the Bahrain Grand Prix which is the level of performance that we must sustain if we are to seriously challenge for the championships this year.
Jarno Trulli, Toyota
2008 Qualifying - 8th, 2008 Race - 8th
It's good to be coming back to Europe again after the long-haul races as this makes things a little easier for everyone. The opening races of the season have shown the potential we have in our new car; to get pole position and the fastest race lap in Bahrain was a good achievement which gives us great encouragement.
Timo Glock, Toyota
2008 Qualifying - 14th, 2008 Race - 11th
Barcelona is one of the tracks I know best after all the testing and racing I've done there over the years and I'm feeling optimistic going into the Spanish Grand Prix. I have scored points in all the races so far - only two other drivers have done that - and I certainly expect to continue that run this weekend. But I hope to score a few more than in Bahrain; it was disappointing only to finish seventh after starting from the front row however the potential of the car is clear for everyone to see.
John Howett, Toyota team President
We have made a successful start to our season but there is no doubt we want more; we feel we are close to our first victory and this is our clear target for the remainder of the year.
Kazuki Nakajima, Williams
2008 Qualifying - 12th, 2008 Race - 7th
It’s been a tough start to the season for me. I’ve had three DNFs out of four races and I don’t want anymore. I’m going to put them behind me now though and concentrate on the work ahead. There’s still 12 more races to go and I’m determined to get some good results for myself and for the team.
I didn’t have the new parts on my car in Bahrain so I’m looking forward to trying those out in Spain and to see how the other new bits go.
Nico Rosberg, Williams
2008 Qualifying - 15th, 2008 Race - DNF
It’s been a bit of a frustrating start to the season. We should be going into Europe with more than 3.5 points from the first four races.
As we spend quite a lot of time testing at Barcelona, it’s a circuit we all know well. Last year was going really well for me and I was looking good for sixth place, but then a technical problem put me out of the race.
Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber
2008 Qualifying - 4th, 2008 Race - 4th
I am looking forward to the race in Barcelona. After a block of four overseas races Formula One comes back to Europe, which I am happy about. As all Formula One teams have tested in Barcelona, I expect the pack to be very close together - even closer than up to now. We will bring a new aero package and we hope to improve significantly compared to our recent performance.
Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber
2008 Qualifying - 9th, 2008 Race - 9th
We know the Barcelona track like the back of our hands, as we used to test here a lot. I've been to the circuit so many times. As recently as last year we had 16 days of testing in Barcelona. This year we had four days in March, two for each driver, and there will not be any more. Barcelona is a tricky track to drive because it presents a variety of challenges and the circuit is very sensitive to changes in temperature.
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director
The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona signals the start of the European season after four races overseas. Traditionally this represents something of a second start to the season.
ve way and are working intensively in Munich and Hinwil to get back to our old form. We will be lining up in Barcelona with an extensive aerodynamics-focused development package.
Willy Rampf, BMW Sauber head of engineering
Although the teams know the Barcelona track extremely well from all the testing they've done there in the past, this circuit frequently presents a new challenge. The problem is the track conditions can change very quickly here and the wind has a big impact on the cars' handling through corners.
We will be lining up in Barcelona with an extensive development package for the F1.09.
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren
2008 Qualifying - 5th, 2008 Race - 3rd
The schedule for the first four races was very tough for everyone, so going back to Europe almost feels like a fresh start. After such a positive performance in Bahrain, we're fully aware that the characteristics of the Barcelona track won't suit our car so well.
The engineers are optimistic that our new diffuser and front wing will once again help us to make progress towards the front of the grid.
Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren
2008 Qualifying - 6th, 2008 Race - DNF
Going back to the scene of last year's accident doesn't change anything for me: I really enjoy this track - I had a great race to fifth here in 2007 and I love the high-speed corners, where you've got to push hard to get the maximum from the car. It's also a circuit where you need to find the perfect balance to look after the tyres.
Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren team principal
Our decision to introduce performance updates at each race rather than concentrate all our developments into a single upgrade package has helped us score some reasonable points in the opening flyaway races.
And while the high-downforce nature of the Circuit de Catalunya may show up some of MP4-24's shortcomings, everyone within the team remains confident and motivated that we can sustain the momentum we have gathered to push and close the gap to the front this weekend.
Norbert Haug, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Vice-President
The first four flyaway races within only five weeks have been turbulent and downright demanding for everyone in Formula One, and particularly for us. The field has moved closer together than ever before in Formula One history.
Our team is working extremely hard to achieve more significant improvements in aerodynamics and particularly in downforce, but to do so we still need more time.
Chocolate-Fueled Race Car!
Scientists unveiled on Tuesday what they hope will be one of the world's fastest biofuel vehicles, powered by waste from chocolate factories and made partly from plant fibers.
Its makers hope the racer will go 145 mph and give manufacturers ideas about how to build more ecologically friendly vehicles.
The car runs on vegetable oils and chocolate waste that has been turned into biofuel. The steering wheel is made out of plant-based fibers derived from carrots and other root vegetables, and the seat is built of flax fibre and soybean oil foam. The body is also made of plant fibers.
The car, named the "WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car," will go on display at several races including the European Grand Prix and Britain's Goodwood Festival of Speed.
No KERS for BMW in Spain
Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld's BMW-Sauber cars will not be equipped with KERS in the Spanish Grand Prix.
Heidfeld used KERS during the first four races of the season.
Kubica's car was equipped with the system during the Malaysian Grand Prix.
BMW is planning to introduce an extensive aerodynamics-focused development package in the Spanish Grand Prix.
Heidfeld used KERS during the first four races of the season.
Kubica's car was equipped with the system during the Malaysian Grand Prix.
BMW is planning to introduce an extensive aerodynamics-focused development package in the Spanish Grand Prix.
Force India Plan New Diffuser
Force India are to introduce an improved version of the interim diffuser. Team chairman Vijay Mallya also said that some further aero upgrades will also be introduced in the Spanish Grand Prix.
They had introduced a new interim diffuser in Bahrain Grand Prix and it showed some improvement on both Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil.
Force India will also bring some new aero upgrades for the Spnish Grand Prix in May.
Vijay Mallya said that their team is a smaller team and have limited resources but still he thinks the guys in his team are highly motivated and focused on their job.
Hope they earn a championship point this Spanish Grand Prix.
Force India Plan New Diffuser
Force India are to introduce an improved version of the interim diffuser. Team chairman Vijay Mallya also said that some further aero upgrades will also be introduced in the Spanish Grand Prix.
They had introduced a new interim diffuser in Bahrain Grand Prix and it showed some improvement on both Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil.
Force India will also bring some new aero upgrades for the Spnish Grand Prix in May.
Vijay Mallya said that their team is a smaller team and have limited resources but still he thinks the guys in his team are highly motivated and focused on their job.
Hope they earn a championship point this Spanish Grand Prix.
Max Mosely says F1 Can Survive Without Ferrari!!!!
Max Mosley has claimed that Formula One could survive the loss of the Ferrari team if necessary. This comment was in response to the criticism from Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo labelled the £40m budget cap for teams from 2010 as unfair.
Mosley said that Ferrari should abide the rules or leave the sport.
FIA's Decision
Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has released full details of Wednesday’s World Motor Sport Council decision.
World Motor Sport Council - Decision
The World Motor Sport Council (“WMSC”) met on 29th April 2009 to consider a charge that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes (“McLaren”), a competitor in the FIA Formula One World Championship, had breached Article 151(c) of the International Sporting Code (“ISC”), which prohibits "any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally".
1 Background
1.1 During the closing laps of the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, an incident occurred which required that the safety car be deployed. At the time of deployment, driver No. 1 Lewis Hamilton (for McLaren) was placed fourth and driver No. 9 Jarno Trulli (for Panasonic Toyota Racing (“Toyota”)) was placed third.
1.2 While running behind the safety car, Trulli left the track and Hamilton passed to take third place.
1.3 Article 40.7 of the 2009 Formula One Sporting Regulations sets out the rules governing overtaking while running behind the safety car. Article 40.7 reads, in relevant part, as follows: “All competing cars must […] reduce speed and form up in line behind the safety car.
1.4 In light of Article 40.7 and the fact that Hamilton and Trulli had passed each other while running behind the safety car, the matter was referred to the Stewards of the Meeting (“Stewards”) by the FIA Race Director.
1.5 At the 29th March Hearing, the Stewards and the Race Director asked questions regarding Trulli’s passing of Hamilton. Trulli stated that Hamilton had moved off the racing line to the right of the track and had begun to travel very slowly.
1.6 Hamilton was asked by the Stewards why he had moved off his line and whether there was a problem with his car. He informed the Stewards that there were no problems with his car and that he had drifted right because he was checking his lap time and was concerned that his tyres were cold.
1.7 The Stewards considered the evidence, including the McLaren representatives’ statements, and issued a decision, penalising Trulli for overtaking while behind the safety car in breach of Article 40.7 and imposing a drive-through penalty.
1.8 From the release of the aforementioned decision until the reconvening of the Stewards in Malaysia on 2nd April 2009, no McLaren representative contacted the FIA, its Race Director or the Stewards in relation to that decision.
1.9 Late on Sunday evening, after the official result had been published, it came to the attention of the Chairman of the Stewards and the FIA Race Director that there existed a press interview given by Hamilton in which he stated that he had been told by McLaren to let Trulli pass.
1.10 Hamilton responded: “OK.”
1.11 Having listened to the press interview and the pit-to-car radio exchanges, the Stewards reconvened on Thursday 2nd April 2009 in Malaysia (“2nd April Hearing”) where Hamilton and Trulli and their respective team managers were interviewed again.
1.12 Hamilton and his Team Manager were played recordings of the press interview and the pit-to-car radio exchanges evidencing that Hamilton had been instructed to let Trulli pass and had done so.
1.13 The Stewards found McLaren’s explanations inadequate and concluded that – at the 29th March Hearing – there had been a deliberate and successful attempt to mislead the Stewards.
1.14 The Stewards therefore issued new decisions – Decisions Nos. 76 and 77 – respectively excluding Hamilton and McLaren from the race classification for the Australian Grand Prix and reinstating Trulli and Toyota in third place.
1.15 In comments to the press immediately after the release of Decisions Nos. 76 and 77, the McLaren Team Principal stated that McLaren stood by the representations made to the Stewards by Hamilton and his Team Manager.
1.16 Hamilton held a press conference on 3rd April 2009 at the Malaysia Grand Prix. In that press conference, Hamilton reversed the position he had taken at the 29th March Hearing and the 2nd April Hearing, apologised to the Stewards, the FIA and the public for having provided misleading information to the Stewards.
1.17 The FIA Observer presented to the FIA President on 7th April 2009 a report titled: “Report of the Hamilton/Trulli incident during the 2009 Australian Formula One Grand Prix and subsequent issues” (“FIA Observer’s Report”), outlining the above facts.
1.18 In response, the FIA decided to summon McLaren before the WMSC to answer charges that, in breach of Article 151(c) ISC, it:
(a) on 29th March 2009, told the Stewards of the Australian Grand Prix that no instructions were given to Hamilton to allow Trulli to pass.
(b) procured its driver Hamilton, the current World Champion, to support and confirm this untrue statement to the Stewards;
c) although knowing that as a direct result of its untrue statement to the Stewards, another driver and a rival team had been unfairly penalised.
d) on 2nd April 2009, before the Stewards of the Australian Grand Prix (meeting in Malaysia), made no attempt to correct the untrue statement of 29th March but, on the contrary, continued to maintain that the statement was true.
(e) on 2nd April 2009, before the Stewards, procured its driver Hamilton to continue to assert the truth of the false statement given to the Stewards.
1.19 In its written response to these charges, McLaren accepted that, both at and between the 29th March Hearing and the 2nd April Hearing, McLaren had acted in breach of Article 151(c) ISC.
1.20 At the WMSC meeting on 29th April 2009, the McLaren Team Principal again admitted that McLaren had been in breach of Article 151(c) ISC and offered representations for the purposes of mitigation.
2 WMSC’s Assessment
2.1 The WMSC has carefully considered the FIA Observer’s Report, McLaren’s written submissions of 14th April 2009 and its representations in mitigation at the WMSC meeting on 29th April 2009.
2.2 Under Article 152 ISC, seventh paragraph, the WMSC: “may, upon the proposal and report of the FIA observer.
2.3 The WMSC considers that McLaren’s course of conduct as set out in section 1 of this Decision amounted to a serious breach of Article 151(c). By making deliberately misleading representations to the Stewards.
2.4 In addition, by its course of conduct, McLaren has brought the sport into disrepute.
2.5 In light of the foregoing, the WMSC considers that pursuant to Article 151(c) and 152 ISC, seventh paragraph, the Stewards’ Decision No. 76, which excluded Hamilton and McLaren from the race classification for the 2009 Australian Grand Prix.
2.6 In short, the WMSC considers that the penalty must be of a magnitude that reflects accurately the severity of the offence and effectively deters McLaren.
2.7 In determining the sanction to be imposed on McLaren, the WMSC considered a number of factors presented by McLaren in mitigation.
These factors (together, “Mitigating Factors”) included the following:
(a) that the McLaren Team Principal admitted all material facts, including the making of deliberately misleading statements to the Stewards.
(b) that the McLaren Team Principal accepted in written submissions that McLaren’s course of conduct in the matter had been unacceptable and offered an unreserved apology both personally, and on behalf of McLaren, to all affected parties.
c) that the McLaren Team Principal has assured members of the WMSC that there has been a change in culture within McLaren.
(d) that, on realising his mistakes, Hamilton held a press conference at which he apologised for his actions.
(e) that McLaren promptly suspended, and subsequently terminated the employment of, its Team Manager.
2.8 However, in addition to considering the existence of Mitigating Factors, the WMSC also considered whether there were aggravating factors suggesting that the level of any penalty should be increased.
2.9 Recidivism is a strong indicator that the sanction previously imposed was not sufficiently deterrent and recidivism is thus a circumstance which may justify an increase in the severity of the penalty which might otherwise be imposed.
3 Decision
3.1 The WMSC finds Vodafone McLaren Mercedes in breach of Article 151(c) ISC in relation to each of the five counts identified in the FIA’s summons to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.
3.2 Pursuant to Article 151(c) ISC and 152 ISC, seventh paragraph, the WMSC therefore replaces the sanction imposed by Decision No. 76 of the Stewards with the following:
(a)the exclusion of the driver Lewis Hamilton and the competitor Vodafone McLaren Mercedes from the race classification for the 2009 Australian Grand Prix.
(b) the suspension of the competitor Vodafone McLaren Mercedes from three rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
3.3 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is reminded of its right of appeal. In the event that an appeal is lodged with the FIA International Court of Appeal.
World Motor Sport Council - Decision
The World Motor Sport Council (“WMSC”) met on 29th April 2009 to consider a charge that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes (“McLaren”), a competitor in the FIA Formula One World Championship, had breached Article 151(c) of the International Sporting Code (“ISC”), which prohibits "any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally".
1 Background
1.1 During the closing laps of the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, an incident occurred which required that the safety car be deployed. At the time of deployment, driver No. 1 Lewis Hamilton (for McLaren) was placed fourth and driver No. 9 Jarno Trulli (for Panasonic Toyota Racing (“Toyota”)) was placed third.
1.2 While running behind the safety car, Trulli left the track and Hamilton passed to take third place.
1.3 Article 40.7 of the 2009 Formula One Sporting Regulations sets out the rules governing overtaking while running behind the safety car. Article 40.7 reads, in relevant part, as follows: “All competing cars must […] reduce speed and form up in line behind the safety car.
1.4 In light of Article 40.7 and the fact that Hamilton and Trulli had passed each other while running behind the safety car, the matter was referred to the Stewards of the Meeting (“Stewards”) by the FIA Race Director.
1.5 At the 29th March Hearing, the Stewards and the Race Director asked questions regarding Trulli’s passing of Hamilton. Trulli stated that Hamilton had moved off the racing line to the right of the track and had begun to travel very slowly.
1.6 Hamilton was asked by the Stewards why he had moved off his line and whether there was a problem with his car. He informed the Stewards that there were no problems with his car and that he had drifted right because he was checking his lap time and was concerned that his tyres were cold.
1.7 The Stewards considered the evidence, including the McLaren representatives’ statements, and issued a decision, penalising Trulli for overtaking while behind the safety car in breach of Article 40.7 and imposing a drive-through penalty.
1.8 From the release of the aforementioned decision until the reconvening of the Stewards in Malaysia on 2nd April 2009, no McLaren representative contacted the FIA, its Race Director or the Stewards in relation to that decision.
1.9 Late on Sunday evening, after the official result had been published, it came to the attention of the Chairman of the Stewards and the FIA Race Director that there existed a press interview given by Hamilton in which he stated that he had been told by McLaren to let Trulli pass.
1.10 Hamilton responded: “OK.”
1.11 Having listened to the press interview and the pit-to-car radio exchanges, the Stewards reconvened on Thursday 2nd April 2009 in Malaysia (“2nd April Hearing”) where Hamilton and Trulli and their respective team managers were interviewed again.
1.12 Hamilton and his Team Manager were played recordings of the press interview and the pit-to-car radio exchanges evidencing that Hamilton had been instructed to let Trulli pass and had done so.
1.13 The Stewards found McLaren’s explanations inadequate and concluded that – at the 29th March Hearing – there had been a deliberate and successful attempt to mislead the Stewards.
1.14 The Stewards therefore issued new decisions – Decisions Nos. 76 and 77 – respectively excluding Hamilton and McLaren from the race classification for the Australian Grand Prix and reinstating Trulli and Toyota in third place.
1.15 In comments to the press immediately after the release of Decisions Nos. 76 and 77, the McLaren Team Principal stated that McLaren stood by the representations made to the Stewards by Hamilton and his Team Manager.
1.16 Hamilton held a press conference on 3rd April 2009 at the Malaysia Grand Prix. In that press conference, Hamilton reversed the position he had taken at the 29th March Hearing and the 2nd April Hearing, apologised to the Stewards, the FIA and the public for having provided misleading information to the Stewards.
1.17 The FIA Observer presented to the FIA President on 7th April 2009 a report titled: “Report of the Hamilton/Trulli incident during the 2009 Australian Formula One Grand Prix and subsequent issues” (“FIA Observer’s Report”), outlining the above facts.
1.18 In response, the FIA decided to summon McLaren before the WMSC to answer charges that, in breach of Article 151(c) ISC, it:
(a) on 29th March 2009, told the Stewards of the Australian Grand Prix that no instructions were given to Hamilton to allow Trulli to pass.
(b) procured its driver Hamilton, the current World Champion, to support and confirm this untrue statement to the Stewards;
c) although knowing that as a direct result of its untrue statement to the Stewards, another driver and a rival team had been unfairly penalised.
d) on 2nd April 2009, before the Stewards of the Australian Grand Prix (meeting in Malaysia), made no attempt to correct the untrue statement of 29th March but, on the contrary, continued to maintain that the statement was true.
(e) on 2nd April 2009, before the Stewards, procured its driver Hamilton to continue to assert the truth of the false statement given to the Stewards.
1.19 In its written response to these charges, McLaren accepted that, both at and between the 29th March Hearing and the 2nd April Hearing, McLaren had acted in breach of Article 151(c) ISC.
1.20 At the WMSC meeting on 29th April 2009, the McLaren Team Principal again admitted that McLaren had been in breach of Article 151(c) ISC and offered representations for the purposes of mitigation.
2 WMSC’s Assessment
2.1 The WMSC has carefully considered the FIA Observer’s Report, McLaren’s written submissions of 14th April 2009 and its representations in mitigation at the WMSC meeting on 29th April 2009.
2.2 Under Article 152 ISC, seventh paragraph, the WMSC: “may, upon the proposal and report of the FIA observer.
2.3 The WMSC considers that McLaren’s course of conduct as set out in section 1 of this Decision amounted to a serious breach of Article 151(c). By making deliberately misleading representations to the Stewards.
2.4 In addition, by its course of conduct, McLaren has brought the sport into disrepute.
2.5 In light of the foregoing, the WMSC considers that pursuant to Article 151(c) and 152 ISC, seventh paragraph, the Stewards’ Decision No. 76, which excluded Hamilton and McLaren from the race classification for the 2009 Australian Grand Prix.
2.6 In short, the WMSC considers that the penalty must be of a magnitude that reflects accurately the severity of the offence and effectively deters McLaren.
2.7 In determining the sanction to be imposed on McLaren, the WMSC considered a number of factors presented by McLaren in mitigation.
These factors (together, “Mitigating Factors”) included the following:
(a) that the McLaren Team Principal admitted all material facts, including the making of deliberately misleading statements to the Stewards.
(b) that the McLaren Team Principal accepted in written submissions that McLaren’s course of conduct in the matter had been unacceptable and offered an unreserved apology both personally, and on behalf of McLaren, to all affected parties.
c) that the McLaren Team Principal has assured members of the WMSC that there has been a change in culture within McLaren.
(d) that, on realising his mistakes, Hamilton held a press conference at which he apologised for his actions.
(e) that McLaren promptly suspended, and subsequently terminated the employment of, its Team Manager.
2.8 However, in addition to considering the existence of Mitigating Factors, the WMSC also considered whether there were aggravating factors suggesting that the level of any penalty should be increased.
2.9 Recidivism is a strong indicator that the sanction previously imposed was not sufficiently deterrent and recidivism is thus a circumstance which may justify an increase in the severity of the penalty which might otherwise be imposed.
3 Decision
3.1 The WMSC finds Vodafone McLaren Mercedes in breach of Article 151(c) ISC in relation to each of the five counts identified in the FIA’s summons to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.
3.2 Pursuant to Article 151(c) ISC and 152 ISC, seventh paragraph, the WMSC therefore replaces the sanction imposed by Decision No. 76 of the Stewards with the following:
(a)the exclusion of the driver Lewis Hamilton and the competitor Vodafone McLaren Mercedes from the race classification for the 2009 Australian Grand Prix.
(b) the suspension of the competitor Vodafone McLaren Mercedes from three rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
3.3 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is reminded of its right of appeal. In the event that an appeal is lodged with the FIA International Court of Appeal.
Dave Richards Planning a Come Back!!!
Dave Richards is holding fire on confirming his entry into Formula One for next year.
The chairman of Aston Martin and Prodrive last week announced the possibility of a return to the sport having previously been team principal with BAR.
Thursday's increase in the budget cap by £10million to £40million has far from dissuaded Richards that competing in F1 is viable.
Richards said, the new regulations announced by the FIA are very much in line with what we were expecting.
Remembering Senna
Friday marks the 15th anniversary of the death of one of Formula One racing's greats, Ayrton Senna. He passed away in a racing crash at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994. This left millions of fans around the world mourning. It was a great shock for everyone who loves Formula 1. Ayrton Senna was a driver of such high caliber in Formula 1.
A film based on Ayrton Senna's life will start its shooting later this month. Hi Vital stats in Formula 1:
| World Championships | 3 |
| Grand Prix Starts | 162 |
| Grand Prix Wins | 41 |
| Pole Positions | 65 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
Ayrton Senna da Silva was born on March 21, 1960, into a wealthy Brazilian family. At 13 he raced a kart for the first time and immediately won. Eight years later he went single-seater racing in Britain. He won 5 championships in 3 years there. He made his debut in Formula 1 with Toleman in 1984.
Ayrton Senna moved to Lotus in in 1985 from Toleman. In 3 seasons he started from 16 pole positions. He also won 6 races.
Then Senna decided to joing Mclaren in 1988. He stayed with Mclaren for 6 seasons. He won 3 World Championships and 35 Races. In 1988, when McLaren-Honda won 15 of the 16 races.
He then moved to Williams for the ill-fated 1994 season.
On May 1, 1994 in the San Marino, his race-leading Williams inexplicably speared off the Imola track and hit the concrete wall at Tamburello corner. This was a shocking moment to all the Formula 1 Fans around the world who watched this incident on television :(
Ayrton Senna was the Greatest Driver in the History of Formula 1.
Formula 1 Expanding!!!!
from next season Formula One is to become a 26-car championship. A £40million budget cap has been imposed.
Following Wednesday's meeting of the World Motor Sports Council in Paris, it was agreed the maximum number of cars permitted to enter would be increased to 26, two for each team.
After announcing a £30million cap in mid-March, the WMSC has now increased that figure by a further £10million.
Following Wednesday's meeting of the World Motor Sports Council in Paris, it was agreed the maximum number of cars permitted to enter would be increased to 26, two for each team.
After announcing a £30million cap in mid-March, the WMSC has now increased that figure by a further £10million.
The £40million figure will cover all team expenditure except:
* Marketing and hospitality
* Remuneration for test or race drivers, including any young driver programmes
* Fines or penalties imposed by the FIA
* Engine costs (for 2010 only, and specifically designed to retain the current manufacturers within the sport).
* Any expenditure the team can demonstrate has no influence on its performance in the championship
* Dividends paid from profits relating to participation in the championship.
The WMSC have also confirmed the ban on refuelling during races, to save on costs of transporting refuelling equipment and increase the incentive for engine builders to improve fuel economy, and on tyre warmers.
New Budget By Max Mosley
FIA president Max Mosley will unveil a revised budget cap. He announced a voluntary cap of £30million would be introduced from next season. The option would be a freedom to spend, but only operate within the existing technical constraints, or work with the budget, but with the prospect of being technically innovative.
Mosley is convinced all teams will agree to the new cap figure.
Mclaren Mercedes Suspended
Mclaren Mercedes had a meeting with the World Motor Sport council on Wednesday for the lie-gate scandal which had taken place in Australia. The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council has handed McLaren a three race ban. This ban has been brought because FIA feels Mclaren Mercedes has brought the sport into disrepute.
Martin Whitmarsh said, “I was also pleased to be able to assure the FIA World Motor Sport Council members that we had taken appropriate action with a view to ensuring that such mistakes do not occur again."
Mclaren Try To Please FIA
McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh is trying to please FIA by adopting a pro-active philosophy. McLaren were seen to be making all the right moves and noises in Bahrain over the weekend. They have a meeting with World Motor Sport Council in Paris this Wednesday over the lie-gate scandal in Australia. Richard Lapthorne will officially take up the role of McLaren Group chairman from Ron Dennis from 1st June.
Whitmarsh, who has already thrown himself on the mercy of the World Council by writing a letter of unreserved apology for his team's deceit.
Timothy Murnane, Mclaren's company lawyer, will accompany Whitmarsh although he is only acting in an observational capacity.
McLaren are still in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code, relating to fraudulent conduct or act prejudicial to the sport.
Well I really dont know if luck will favor the Mclaren Mercedes Team. And there is also a possibility that the team will be disqualified from the Formula 1 2009 Season. Lets hope for the best of the team because it would be very shameful is a top team in the Formula 1 getsinto trouble with the FIA.
Ross Brawn believes Button can rule
Ross Brawn believes Jenson Button has proven he has the ability to be a world champion. Three victories from the opening four grands prix of this season.
Jenson Button has a 12 points lead over team mate Rubens Barrichello.
The Brawn has so far proven bullet-proof, with both cars finishing the opening four races in the points. Brawn, though, concedes his car is now tired and stale and in need of the fresh developments that will come in Spain.
BMW confident about luck change
BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen is adamant his team will bounce back. Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix was also the team's most abject performance.
With just four points on the board from Heidfeld's second place in the rain-shortened race in Malaysia, Theissen is hoping - perhaps now praying - such plans reap rewards.
We decided before the start of the season on a big development package for Barcelona.
Bridgestone Plan New Set Of Intermediate Tyres
Bridgestone the tyre supplier for all the teams in the Formula 1 Season is planning to introduce a new set of intermediate wet weather tyres at the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix. The new softer compound has been designed to counter some of the lost aerodynamic grip in wet conditions.
These tyres will be used for the rest of the season. The tyres are made up of new softer compound and will allow more mechanical grip. But the lower downforce rules for the Formula 2009 Season will still create a challenge in the we weather.
Bridgestone keep on collecting data from every team and they will be updaating their compounds according for the upcoming races in the formula 2009 Season.
Below are the tyre allocations announced by Bridgestone for the formula 1 2009 season:
Australia - super soft, medium
Malaysia - soft, hard
China - super soft, medium
Bahrain - super soft, medium
Spain - soft, hard
Monaco - super soft, soft
Turkey - soft, hard
Britain - soft, hard
Germany - super soft, medium
Bahrain Grand Prix Race Results!!!!!!!!
A fantastic Bahrain Grand Prix and here are the results:
| Pos | No | Driver | Team | Grid | Pts |
| 1 | 22 | Jenson Button | Brawn-Mercedes | 4 | 10 |
| 2 | 15 | Sebastian Vettel | RBR-Renault | 3 | 8 |
| 3 | 9 | Jarno Trulli | Toyota | 1 | 6 |
| 4 | 1 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren-Mercedes | 5 | 5 |
| 5 | 23 | Rubens Barrichello | Brawn-Mercedes | 6 | 4 |
| 6 | 4 | Kimi Räikkönen | Ferrari | 10 | 3 |
| 7 | 10 | Timo Glock | Toyota | 2 | 2 |
| 8 | 7 | Fernando Alonso | Renault | 7 | 1 |
| 9 | 16 | Nico Rosberg | Williams-Toyota | 9 | |
| 10 | 8 | Nelson Piquet | Renault | 15 | |
| 11 | 14 | Mark Webber | RBR-Renault | 18 | |
| 12 | 2 | Heikki Kovalainen | McLaren-Mercedes | 11 | |
| 13 | 11 | Sebastien Bourdais | STR-Ferrari | 20 | |
| 14 | 3 | Felipe Massa | Ferrari | 8 | |
| 15 | 21 | Giancarlo Fisichella | Force India-Mercedes | 17 | |
| 16 | 20 | Adrian Sutil | Force India-Mercedes | 19 | |
| 17 | 12 | Sebastien Buemi | STR-Ferrari | 16 | |
| 18 | 5 | Robert Kubica | BMW Sauber | ||
| 19 | 6 | Nick Heidfeld | BMW Sauber | ||
| Ret | 17 | Kazuki Nakajima | Williams-Toyota |
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