Could this be F1's first female driver?

Formula 1 is often criticised for being too male dominated, sexist and a sport that is no turn-on to women in any form. Would this view change if the motor-sport gained a female driver?

American IndyCar driver Danica Patrick is one such driver who has been tipped for the very top in the motor-sport world. Competing in the Series since 2005 and currently racing in her third season with the Andretti Green racing team, Patrick's name has started to be thrown around the Formula 1 circuit as a possible driver for the new USF1 team that will debut in 2010.
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However, USF1 team principal Peter Windsor ruled out Danica's involvement with USF1 in 2010 revealing that he believes the IndyCar racer would be "too big" for the American outfit.
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A high number of American drivers such as, former Torro Rosso racer Scott Speed, NASCAR driver Kyle Busch as well as Danica Patrick, have been linked with a seat at the debut team since stating that home grown talent is the target for the team and key to long term success.
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Despite this, the trio have played down talk of any move to the new team.
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Danica Patrick though is a name that refuses to go away as her current deal with the Andretti Green team expires at the end of the 2009 season. Windsor though belives that Patrick would be more likely to join the NASCAR Series as expectations in F1 would be too high.
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He told Sports Illustrated that "Danica is too big for us now. For her to do Formula 1, it's a huge commitment at this stage of her career and her expectation level would be very high"

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Windsor did however admit that he found it 'unbelievable' that Partick's performances in America had not earned her the chance to test an F1 car. Danica was scheduled to have a test with Honda at the end of the 2008 season, however it was called off due to the Japanese team's pull out.
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"You could argue she's probably the best placed American in the Premier single-seater American Championship right now. Yet not one F1 team in the last three years has bothered to give her even a test. I find that unbelievable"

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USF1 are currently looking at the prospect of an experienced driver partnering a rookie from America to begin life in Formula 1 in just seven months time. Austrian driver Alexander Wurz has been widely tipped to join the fledgling team and make his fourth career return to the motor-sport after beginning life with Benetton back in 1997. Despite this team bosses have insisted the ultimate aim will be to have an all-American partnership in the future.

"This team is about helping young Americans as much as it is about anything else"

With news over the weekend that approaches from high standing GP2 drivers had been turned down by Peter Windsor and Ken Anderson over a matter of principle rather than going for the money their sponsorship would bring to the team, it may only be a matter of season's before Danica Patrick does drive for USF1 and the this level of motor-sport see's it's first female driver.

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Images from thebsreport.files.wordpress.com and grandprix.com

Sauber rescue bid fails

Peter Sauber has failed with a rescue bid to save the team and pointed the blame straight at BMW.

The 65-year-old Swiss still holds a 20% stake in the team after selling Sauber to BMW in 2005. When BMW revealed they were to pull out of F1 eight days ago, (BMW Sauber to pull out of F1), the former team owner launched a bid to save the team in order to keep the car on the grid in 2010 and jobs of workers in the factories.

It's understood that Sauber had hoped to complete negotiations ahead of yesterday's deadline to sign the new Concorde Agreement (sixth version).

Sauber today revealed that talks broke down due to BMW's demands being too high, remarking that it was the bitterest day in the businessman's forty years in motor sport.

"I am incredibly disappointed and disconsolate. It is a devastating setback for the team. Other solutions must now be sought. The responsibility for that lies in the hands of BMW"

Twelve teams have already signed the Concorde Agreement and are cleared to compete in next season's Formula 1 World Championship (This includes the nine teams competing in this years title race and three new teams that make their debut next year). The only signature now missing is that of BMW.

A statement from BMW team boss, Mario Theissen blamed the short amount of time the team was given to find a suitable investor that would keep the car on the grid in 2010

"We have done everything in our power to reach a rapid agreement on the sale of the team. Regrettably, despite every effort, this has proved unsuccessful"

"The tight time-frame we faced simply did not allow us and the interested parties and investors enough time to find a solution for such a complex transaction"

"The aim now is, over the coming weeks, to find a solution together with potential interested parties and Peter Sauber"

There is currently still a space open on the 2010 grid, a huge question mark now hangs over the future of a Sauber racing team where the likes of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen started their F1 career's almost ten years ago.

And, with possible investor's like Nelson Piquet senior now playing down their interest in investing in the team, could the final nail in the coffin for the Sauber racing name come at the Abu Dhabi circuit in November?

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Images from grandprix.com and bbcnews.co.uk

"F1 will return to Canada" - Ecclestone

Le Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will return to the Formula 1 calender for 2010 after the grand prix took an exodus from race precedings this year.

There's a lot been going on and off the track this mid-season break and what with Piquet Jr finally being given the boot by Briatore and Schumachers possible on/off return, we begin to look ahead to the 2010 season already before a 2009 champion is even near to being crowned.

F1's Commercial rights-holder, Bernie Ecclestone stated that an agreement had been reached for the Canadian Grand Prix to return.

Ecclestone told Swiss magazine, Motorsport Aktuell yesterday that the potential deal would keep F1 in Montreal for at least the next seven years.

A formal agreement has yet to be reached, but with the deadline for the 2010 calendar to be finalised fast approaching, it's thought the deal will be concluded in the coming weeks.

Despite this, Montreal's Mayor, Gerald Tremblay has told Canadian media that negotiations are still ongoing and that Ecclestone has not yet offered his previous offer - the main reason why the race is missing from this years list.

It was reported that 175 million was sought by F1 officials to keep the race in Montreal for 5 years, a figure the city's Government declared was too much.

Whatever happens it is clear that with no grand prix in North America this year F1 has been left with a gaping void that could only be filled with a return to the Continent sooner, rather than later. It appears the former now looks to be on the cards.

It's thought that Ecclestone has come under sever pressure this year from sponsors and teams to re-instate a race in North America as both miss out on a key market to target.

A return to Canada will also see teams and drivers face up against the feared "Wall of Champions" that has ended race weekends for drivers such as Hill, Schumacher and Alonso in recent times.



However in the same interview Ecclestone ruled out a return to the Indianapolis Speedway circuit in the United States that has been off the calender since the last race in 2007, where Lewis Hamilton took his second career win.

In a blunt sum up Bernie said "Forget Indianapolis. We're not going back there"

However with American constructor USF1 lining up on the grid for 2010, I can't see it being too long before the United States hosts another race, whether it be at Indianapolis or not. All eyes on 2012 maybe?

In other track news for next season, it's been confirmed that Donington Park have stepped up their efforts to ensure they stage next year's Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

Simon Gillett, CEO of Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd has turned to businesswoman Jayne McGivern, credited with turning around the Wembley Stadium project when it ran into trouble, to ensure that Donington Park is ready to host the race next year.

If it's not ready, then Silverstone have already made it clear they are ready and waiting to mop up fans and host again in 2010.

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Suggestion also came came out today from Eccelstone that Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps circuit and Germany's Nurburgring (formally where the European Grand Prix was held, before it's move to Valencia last year) could alternate for a single annual event.

Spa boss, Andre Maes bit back via the Belgian media later on by pointing out that the circuit has a contact to hos the race annually until 2012.

Would a bi-annual race actually work? How upsetting would it be if you turned up the wrong year? Personally I would pick Spa over Nurburgring any day. Hosting such classics's as in 1998 when Damon Hill lead a Jordan one-two in the wet cast in the memory and the velocity of racing up and down the hills, through the forest settings, it's one no grand prix fan should be denied any year!

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Images from canpages.ca/blog (pic from stefike 13) and robertbonnett.wordpress.com, Video from youtube.com supplied by Motorsports45

Schumacher return in doubt?

After all the hype that has been slowly building since it was announced last week that seven-time World Champion would return to the grid at the Valencia street circuit at the end of the month, news sources are today circulating that "a lingering neck injury may prevent Michael Schumacher from making his sensational return"

Motorsport.com is reporting that the German driver is still suffering from the effects he sustained when testing a German Superbike in February. Schumacher came off the bike at the Spanish track and was hospitalised after the fall, forcing the 40-year-old to miss 100 days before he could return to the saddle.

Last week Ferrari warned that Schumacher would only return if the driver was able to pass a series of medical checks and get through an intense training regime.

Given the G-forces exerted on the neck during the course of a Grand Prix weekend, Schumacher knows how vital it will be to withstand the stresses and strains that will be placed upon him, and that's not counting the Ferrari fans already expecting glory.

Schumacher has already been back in action, taking to the track last week in Ferrari's 2007 model of the car, completing 70 laps at the team test circuit in Italy.

The 40-year-old commented via his official website soon after that his neck "pinches abit" adding that "We have to get a grip on that as health is a priority - that's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari, with my wife too"

Spokeswoman, Sabine Kehm told German television ZDF that Schumacher's return "depends on medical investigations"

"It's not quite certain yet that his neck will hold and the comeback can be started"

This news will no doubt come as a blow to a majority of fans in F1. Since the announcement of Schumacher's return last week bookies around the world have slashed odds for the German driver to add to an already impressive win record of 91 in remaining races this season.

For now it seems fans, especially those in red, have returned to wishing and hoping.

Piquet lifeline?

Less than 24 hours after Nelson Piquet Jr was released of his contract from Renault it looked as though the Brazilian drivers career in F1 was over. Or is it?

Could a lifeline come in the shape of his father and a new drive in place of the soon to be de-funked BMW Sauber?

According to Brazilian newspaper O Globo Nelson Piquet Sr is one of the candidates in the running to take over the ownership of the Peter Sauber team. Since BMW announced it's pull out from the sport last week, (BMW Sauber to pull out of F1), a number of investors have already confirmed their intention to buy the German manufacturer's stake in the outfit.

Three time World Champion, Nelson Piquet is rumoured to be in talks with the Swiss based team that are well advanced and close to an outcome. It's understood the former World Champion who battled with the likes of Ayton Senna, Alan Prost and Nigel Mansell to win his final title in 1987, is eyeing a partnership with Super Nova GP team chief David Sears.
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Brazilian media sources also suggest that a deal has already been agreed with a Ferrari engine suppler and that, Malaysian Oil Company, Patronas will keep it's sponsorship and could possibly become a shareholder in the team.

With Bernie Eccelstone said to have shown approval towards the deal, Piquet and any other investors will have to move fast as Epsilon Euskadi team principal Joan Villadelprat has also been linked with replacing the BMW team on the grid for 2010.

If Piquet Sr does return to F1 he will be the first Brazilian in 27 years to represent the country in the sport with a team. The last time South America was represented was with the Fittipaldi brothers who competed in the World Championship from 1975 to1982.

A return to the sport might not only see a Sauber-Piquet car, but also a quick return to the grid for Nelson Piquet Jr who, as the younger driver put it in a statement, yesterday "executed" from the Renault team after a succession of poor performances.

If the deal does go through, Piquet Jr will surely have a guaranteed seat for 2010 as it would be very unlikely his father would leave his son in the Formula 1 wilderness.
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Images from http://www.fasttraknews.com/, www.flickr.com/photos/glediator, www.motorsport-total.com/f1/news/2008.

Renault sack Piquet

Brazilian driver and son of former three time world champion, Nelsinho Piquet Jr has today been officially sacked by Renault.

Piquet broke the news to his fans via his twitter messaging service at about 4:30pm GMT this afternoon.

In a statement on his website Piquet said... "I have received notice from the Renault F1 team of it's intention to stop me driving for them in the current F1 season. I want to say thanks to the small group who supported me and that I worked with together at Renault F1"

Piquet stressed in the statement that he was obviously disappointed at the news but at the same time happy to be leaving the team.

"I feel a sense of relief for the end of the worst period of my career, and the possibility that I can now move on and put my career back on the right track and try to recover my reputation of a fast, winning driver" (Click here to read full statement)

This news won't come as any surprise to F1 fans around the world and is something I even predicted just two races into the 2009 season. (Who should stay and who should go?) A continued bitter and distant relationship between the young driver and team manager Flavio Briatore has been widely reported, particularly in his native Brazil.

The Brazilian was expected to preform well at last weekends Hungarian Grand Prix and pick up at least a point in a season that has so far yielded none.
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Piquet had often complained throughout the season that because he was the number two driver he was being treated unfairly in not getting the same up-grades as teammate Fernando Alonso. For the race in Hungary his car was fitted with the same features and specification as Alonso for the first time in 2009. However Piquet could only manage an uncompetitive 12th place finish, while Alonso, who started from pole, retired when his wheel came lose after a crocked pit-stop.
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Televison pictures caught Italian team principle Briatore leaving the Hungaroring, briefcase in hand and a look of disgust on his face after Fernando Alonso was forced to retire sustaining suspension damage from the lost wheel, despite the fact Piquet was still running.

Since then an already sour relationship between Piquet and Briatore appeared to hit rock bottom with the Brazilian driver responding to comments made by Briatore to an Italian magazine last week when the team principle commented, that he didn't believe the 23-year-old had what it takes top be a great F1 driver.
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Piquet argued that all the Italian cared about was money rather than racing. "Flavio is a business man, but he doesn't understand sh*t about F1. He's my manager, but in his role of team boss he doesn't respect me. He only thinks about money."

Renault test driver, Romain Grosjean has been waiting in the wings of the team garage all season and is thought to be the number once choice to replace Piquet whether at Valencia or Spa (depending an ongoing appeal on a ban handed to the team after Hungary)

The French driver won the 2008 GP2 Asia series and currently lies second in this season's main GP2 series driving for Spanish constructor Barwa Addax. Ironically the man he looks to be replacing in the Renault seat also came second in the GP2 series a year before graduating up to F1, losing out on the title to World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

If Grosjean does make the jump up to F1 for the remainder of the season he will be the second rookie to do so after the introduction of Spaniard Jaimie Alguersuari who replaced Frenchman Sebastian Bourdais for the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend, again in relation to poor performances.

The Pressure on the youth of F1

With another young prospect shown the door in 2009 before a career has even had a chance to get started questions will no doubt start to be asked about the age and experience these guys have and whether too many are taking the step up too early, something Martin Brundle eluded to when commentating last weekend.

However, all sports around the world today are dominated by youth over experience. As we have seen with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alsonso, there have been some success stories of youngsters taking the reigns and gaining the experience on the track quickly. At the other end of the spectrum you have Bourdais and Piquet with more sure to follow in their wake.

There is no doubt that every driver in F1 is there because they are the best at what they do! So whats the problem? Are drivers like Boudais and Piquet the washouts?

Quite possibly, but you must also look at the expectation of the teams and the people behind these young men that are constantly in their ear.

The pressure was always going to be on Bourdais and Piquet this season because of their team mates results.

Bourdais spent most of last season in the shadow of a man in the running for this years world title, and after Sebastian Vettel got his maiden win at Monza last year people behind the scenes at Torro Rosso were no doubt asking why Bourdais couldn't deliver the same in 2009. Meanwhile Piquet, as well as living up to his fathers name, was realistically never going to be able to out drive the quality of double world champion Fernando Alonso week in week out whether he had the same car or not.

Combine this with the favouritism of one driver that has dominated this sport for decades, something Renault team principle Flavio Briatore is famous for and you can understand why drivers let their heads drop and don't deliver the performances that are expected of them. Did Piquet ever really have a look-in over Alonso during his Renault career?

You look at the examples of Hamilton and Vettel who have the arm of the team, at times constantly around their shoulders looking after them, then the pressure doesn't seem as great.

Ron Dennis took special care and interest in Lewis Hamilton throughout his graduation and rise up the ladder to F1, helping to make him the driver he is today. Could things have been different for Piquet under a different team boss?

Following today's dismissal, that, lets face it has been all season coming, I can believe Nelson Piquet when he says's he didn't get the attention or support he deserved. It's the younger drivers in F1 that need the most support and attention to ensure they make it and it's the teams duty to look after their drivers.

If, as Piquet said in his statement, Flavio Briatore was his "executioner" then I feel very sorry for Romain Grosjean who will now fill the shoes of the Brazilian. All eyes will now be on the 23-year-old Frenchman to see how long it is until his head is too on the Renault chopping block.

However, it might not even be that long as it's understood that Renault are already lining up Robert Kubica for a drive in 2010. Good luck Romain!

Williams block Schumacher test request

Michael Schumacher's bid to test drive Ferrari's current car has been blocked by Williams with the Oxfordshire based team citing that "consistency and fairness" with regard to rookie Jaime Alguersuari's arrival into the sport last month was a deciding factor.

Ferrari last week wrote to the FIA and the nine other teams taking part in this seasons Formula 1 world championship requesting that Schumacher be granted a day's testing at the wheel of Ferrari's F60 ahead of the seven time world champions return at the European Grand Prix at the end of the month.

Under current regulations, in-season testing is banned for all F1 teams, drivers and test drivers. However due to Schumacher's lack of test driving following a motor-cycle accident earlier this year, Ferrari were hoping for leniency towards the 40-year-old.

It looked as though things were going Ferrari's and Schumacher's way with the other seven F1 teams giving the green light for a test drive to go ahead.

However a statement from Williams today ended any chance of Schumacher getting into the cockpit of this seasons car until the Valencia race weekend.

"While we welcome Michael Schumacher back to Formula One, the fact is any form of in-season circuit testing is strictly prohibited, a regulation clearly laid out by the FIA and adhered to by all the teams"

"It was for this reason Alguersuari, did not have the oppertunity to familiarise himself with the Torro Rosso before he made his race debut"

"Williams sees no distinction between Alguersuari's situation and Schumacher's and feels any distinction from the rule would create a precedent for the future"

Schumacher will still be allowed to test in the 2007 model of the Ferrari in order to get his body reconditioned to the strains F1 driving demands, however the rest of the German's knowledge of this seasons F60 will have to be learnt in the simulator.

Despite this Schumacher will be returning to the grid without some key knowledge that has caused other teams and drivers problems this season, such as tire ware and how they react in different circumstances, the new aerodynamics of the car and the KERS button.

Will the seven-times world champion be able to get to grips with the new technology that offers an extra boost? Will he even need the extra speed?

Whats your opinion on this decision? Should Schumacher be allowed to test or should he be prepared to get on with it?

Personally, I wouldn't want to see any driver enter a sport that, in recent weeks has proven to be as dangerous as it is, unprepared. However given that Schumacher already has the experience of sixteen seasons under his belt and that rookie Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari participated in his first Formula 1 race last weekend without driving this season's Torro Rosso car, I do think that Williams have a point with their decision to block Ferrari's request.

Put it this way it would be more unfair on Alguersuari and Torro Rosso to allow Schumacher to test drive than the other way round.

The drivers who missed out to Schumi

This weeks news that Michael Schumacher is to come out of retirement and return to F1 in place of the injured Felipe Massa might have shocked many, but for team principles at Ferrari the choice seemed a simple one given the German drivers exemplary record and experience.

But given that Schumacher isn't actually listed as a Ferrari test driver, who missed out on a golden opportunity to grab a seat with the Maranello team?

Luca Badoer

The 38-year-old Italian driver is no stranger to Formula 1 participating in four seasons between 1993 and 1999. Badoer holds the unfortunate distinction of being the driver who has competed in the most grand prix (48 starts) without scoring a single point in his F1 career.

Having been one of Ferrari's longest serving test drivers, Luca has been in this position before. During the 1999 season when Schumacher broke his leg at the British grand prix, the Ferrari test driver expected to be promoted to the vacant seat, despite driving for Minardi that season. Instead the team overlooked the Italian and opted for Finn Mika Salo.

Like every F1 driver on the grid today, Badoer made his way to the top end of motor sport through karting, winning the Italian Championship. He next moved onto the Italian Formula 3 Championship beating the likes of Alex Zanardi in the final round during the 1990 season.

1993 saw Luca's debut season in Formula 1 with the Lola Scuderia Italia team. Despite the team boasting a Ferrari engine it was one of the slowest and most un-reliable cars Badoer would drive during his scattered career. Failing to qualify twice, the Italian driver only finished six grand prix out of a sixteen race series. The team itself only took part in fourteen races that season, pulling out of the final two races in Japan and Australia due to a lack of money.

Given the reliability problems that Luca had during his debut season it would be ironic that 1993 would bring him his best ever result in his F1 career with a 7th place finish at the San Marino grand prix (back then one place off a points scoring position)

From this point on it could be argued it was all down hill for Badoer, losing his seat the following season when Scuderia Italia merged with Minardi. The Italian driver returned to action in 1995 with slightly improved reliability grabbing two 8th place finishes in Canada and Hungary.

The following season was the Italian's worst! Switching to Forti Ford, Badoer only managed to qualify for six out of the ten races the team entered that season.

What followed was a three year exodus from racing in F1, however it was this period in the Italian's career that saw him begin his spell as a test driver for the Ferrari team.

He returned for his final season in 1999 returning to Minardi. The Italian nearly achieved his illusive first points during that years European grand prix when he ran 4th with thirteen laps to go. Unfortunately a gearbox failure shattered the unlucky drivers dream, TV pictures caught Badoer weeping by his car after retiring from the race.

Marc Gene

Ferrari's other 35-year-old Spanish test driver. Like Badoer has also competed in four seasons of Formula 1, unlike this Italian counterpart with less races under his belt (36 starts) Gene holds five career points to his name.

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Gene broke into F1 much later, only competing in his first full season in 1999 partnering Luca Badoer in the Minardi drive. Despite a difficult season Marc rubber stamped his authority as the teams number one driver with less retirements, more finishes and his first point in F1, coming during his fourteenth race at the European grand prix. The single point was Minardi's first since 1995.

Gene continued with the Italian team the following season but failed to repeat his point scoring heroics.

Unable to find a suitable team in 2001, Gene signed for Williams and began his test driving career behind the scenes of F1. Many believed that the Spaniard over-reached in looking for a seat that season and was looking for a team that was too higher placed instead of settling for a mid-to-back of the grid drive that he would have been assured.

However Gene patients eventually would pay off and after testing for Williams for three season's his drive with a solid team came in 2003 at the expense of Ralf Schumacher who missed the Italian grand prix due to concussion. The Spaniard bagged a points finish at the first and only time of asking that season with 5th place. Ralf Schumacher was back in his seat by the following U.S. grand prix.

Marc Gene last outing in an F1 race came in 2004 when he again replaced Ralf Schumacher following a back injury the German sustained at the U.S. grand prix that year. Gene's return to the cockpit didn't deliver as much success as his last outing the previous year, finishing an unconvincing 10th and 12th at the French and British grand prix.

Gene was eventually replaced by Antonio Pizzonia for the four other races Schumacher Ralf missed that season.

At the end of 2004 Gene signed a contract with Ferrari to be their test driver which was renewed in 2007.

In the twilight of his racing career it's thought that the Spaniards competitive racing days in F1 could be over. However it's believed Gene is one of four drivers in line to race with Campos Grand Prix, one of the new teams to take to the grid in 2010.

Heidfeld looking to secure F1 future

With confirmation yesterday that BMW Sauber are to pull out of the 2010 season, two drivers are now left without a seat for next season. Polish driver Robert Kubica, who only last season was in the running for the world drivers championship and is viewed by many to be one of the finest prospects in F1 and 32-year-old German driver Nick Heidfeld who is competing in his tenth year at the top level of motor sport.

The Formula One Blog understands that Heidfeld is not waisting any time in looking for a new team in order to secure his F1 future and is already in talk with other teams.

With one less team on the grid in 2010, a continued question mark over Toyota and Renault's future in F1 and drivers like veteran Alexander Wurz reportedly considering a return to the grid with US F1, one of three new teams that will be introduced next season, options for Nick Heidfeld could be limited.

During his ten years and 160 starts in Formula 1, Heidfeld has earned himself 206 career points and 12 podium finishes, his first coming during his second season with a third place finish at the 2001 Brazilian grand prix in the Sauber Petronas. The German's best season in F1 to date came just two years ago when the driver finished fifth in the drivers world championship with 61pts, a season that saw Heidfeld finish in points scoring positions in all but three races.

With many critics believing that the BMW Sauber drivers best days are behind him and with more teams looking for youth over experience, this could be the last season we see Heidfeld.

However, there is a possibility that Heidfeld and Kubica's seats could be saved in a similar way to that of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello when Honda pulled out of Formula 1 in December. It's understood that former owner Peter Sauber still owns a 20% stake in the team and could act as a lifeline in resurrecting the Sauber name for 2010.

In the meantime the FIA will begin to investigate options for the replacement of BMW team. It is possible that one of the teams rejected when three new positions became available in past months could be revisited as a replacement.

Spanish based Epsilon Euskadi who compete in Le Mans 24 and the World Series by Renault, has already been identified by the Press Association as one such replacement. Team boss Joan Villadelprat has insisted his team would be willing to step into the breach "if the opportunity arises, we are going to attack it"

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Images from formula1.net.au and wikipedia.org

Schumacher makes dramatic F1 return

The rumour mill has been churning all week, the F1 forums have been buzzing and talking of nothing else, even F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone made his feeling clear, that he thought he was too old and not physically fit enough to cope with the strains grand prix racing can do to the body.

However, after all the talk and theories of who could replace the vacant seat at Ferrari it has this evening been confirmed by the Italian team that seven time world champion Michael Schumacher will be making a return to F1 at the European Grand Prix in Valencia next month.

40-year-old Schumacher will stand in for the injured Felipe Massa, who today left intensive care and continues his recovery after sustaining a fractured skull at the Hungarian grand prix weekend last Saturday.

A huge question on many minds will be can Schumacher, who is arguably one of the greatest drivers to ever take part in the sport, make a success of his return when the sport has seen so many technical changes in recent years?

It has been three years since Schumacher drove a competitive race in F1, his last bow before retirement came at Interlagos, Brazil where he finished a disappointing 4th losing out on another world title to Fernando Alonso by 13pts. Many belived at the time that the tourch had been past.

This season will bring no world titles for Schumacher as he only has a maximum of seven races before the end of the season and Massa's certain return for 2010, but the German does have an opportunity to improve on his already impressive win and points ratio that makes him stand out as the most successful F1 driver.

This includes 91 wins (72 for Ferrari), 154 podiums, 1,369 points, 68 pole positions and 76 fastest laps.

The German driver who made his F1 debut for Jordan at the Belgium grand prix in 1991 secured five consecutive drivers world championships in the Ferrari between 2000 and 2004 and two for Benetton in 94/95, his 249th career race will be contested at the Spanish street circuit at the end of August.

For many F1 fans this will be a dream come true and a move many could not have imagined. I personally am looking forward to seeing what sort of effect Schumacher will have on deciding the 2009 world championship.

With the Ferrari's fast improving and boasting podium finishes in the last two races and the Brawn GP's early season dominance fizzling into only bagging one or two points a race, it could make this years world title climax one of the most exciting yet.

Don't forget that a few weeks ago Schumacher was rumoured to be joining Ross Brawn and the GP team as an advisor for next season, something he denied when questioned by the BBC. Any moves that had been in the pipline will obviously now have been put on ice while the German gets ready to make the grid for Ferrari once again, but I wonder if the welcome would be so warm if Schumacher performances split those of Brawn and Red Bull who chase this seasons drivers and constructors championships.

The other exciting aspect I am looking forward to is seeing a new generation of driver up against an old master. In previous posts I had likened the performances of fellow countryman Sebastian Vettel in the wet as Schumacher-esc (A new master in the wet!!!). Well if we have a wet grand prix in the next months (I predict Spa-Belgium) then we really will get to see who the true master of the wet really is.

Schumacher is also likely to get another chance to race at Monza and the Italian grand prix (the home of Ferrari) where the German driver has dominated in past years with five victories already to his name earning himself a sepcial place in the heart of every Italian race fan. The tifosi really would be overjoyed if he could deliver a sixth.

And lets not forget Lewis Hamilton's words in his 2007 autobiography that he regretted not getting the opportunity to race against Michael Schumacher. Well now the young world champion has his chance! As the count-down to Valencia begins and with a dominant win in Hungary under his belt re-igniting his and McLaren's poor season who could resist a Hamilton v Schumacher battle.

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Will Schumi be making is trade-mark leap of victory in 2009?

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Images from f1fanatic.com, bbc.co.uk and Getty

BMW Sauber to pull out of F1

BMW Sauber will withdraw from F1 at the end of this season, question marks now hang over the future of current drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld who will be left without a drive in 2010.

The German car manufacturer took over from Sauber in 2005 and had experienced success in the F1 constructors championship in recent years with a second place finish in 2007 and a third place in 2008.

At the start of the season, BMW boss Mario Theissen insisted it was the teams intention to push for both titles following Robert Kubica's impressive displays last season that saw him in the hunt for the drivers world championship until the final two races.

This season however has been a blow for both drivers as the team have failed to get to grips with the introduction of new regulations that has seen the German outfit only take 8 pts from ten races, languishing eighth out of ten constructors with only Torro Rosso and Force India on less points.

BMW's issues have been compounded by the fact that despite Ferrari and McLaren also making slow starts to the 2009 campaign, the two teams have recently begun to find form with Hamilton and Raikkonen both securing podium finishes during the weekends Hungarian grand prix.

BBC sources have confirmed that BMW have cited the "current developments in motor sport"as the reason for their pull out.

Following the departure of Honda from F1 back in December last year today see's another huge name leave the grid.

The move now see's both Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld driving for their future in the remaining seven races of the season.

Following my post yesterday if Kubica is having doubts about his future in F1 or a suitable team doesn't secure the signature of the Polish driver maybe now would be the right time for him to make a short term move into rally.

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Kubica jumping ship into Rallying?

Could BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica be about to leave the F1 circuit in order to try his hand as a rally driver in 2010?

The Pole currently in his third full formula 1 season lies 15th in the drivers standings with just two points that came from finishing 7th in Turkey last month. This season is an entire world away from the one experienced by Kubica in 2008 which saw the Pole win his maiden grand prix in Canada alongside six other podiums ensuring he was in the running for the world Championship alongside Felipe Massa and eventual winner Lewis Hamiltion until the last two races.

Kubica, who admits being a big fan of rallying told British F1 racing magazine that "there is a high possibility that i'll be in some rallies. I've had a rally car for five or six years and used to drive it quite a lot"

The Pole went on to say that he enjoyed watching the sport and respected those that took part. "To be on the limit, to fight for tenths of a second on roads lined with trees...I know what big balls these guys have - in racing, we know every corner and every kerb. But rallying is different"
Kubica cut short committing himself to a future in rally after F1 insisting that, it depended what stage of career he was at. However with the Polish driver competing in what is likely to be his most unsuccessful season in F1 could a year in the World Rally Championship be the right move for Robert?

If Kubica did decide to jump ship and attempt a season on the rally circuit it would certainly be a shock move and one that no one could have predicted. However could anyone blame his decision?

The 2009 season has seen a rapid demise of many teams, caught out by the technical changes the cars have had to endure, BMW Sauber are no exception. After two season's as a top three constructor (2nd with 101pts in 2007 and 3rd with 135pts in 2008) the German team find themselves placed eighth out of ten constructors, with only Torro Rosso and Force India behind them.

One man who is certain to hit the rally circuit this season is former world champion Kimi Raikkonen. Could he also see his career in the WRC come 2010?

The Ferrari driver who picked up the first podium of the season with second place in Hungary at the weekend is due to compete in his home country Rally of Finland on Thursday. All eyes will be on the "monosyllabic Finn" to see if his performances can cut it in the rally world.

Whether Kubica or Raikkonen do make the jump from one motersport world to another remains to be seen, we just have to watch this space at the minute, bigger question marks of course lay over a fact of whether they could succeed at such a level that surely offers too many different challenges.

One fact is certain however. It would take a super human effort for the F1 pair to beat five time and current Rally World Champion Sebastien Loeb. The Michael Schumacher of world rally! Loeb currently lies second in the RWC with five victories out of eight rounds already under his belt. Good luck Kimi!

Look who's back!!!

"It's like he has never been away" An incredible dominant win from the front as world champion Lewis Hamilton became the fourth grand prix winner this season in Hungary claiming his tenth career victory.

Hamilton who qualified and started from fourth position on the grid successfully used his KERS system to fend off the oncoming pursuits of the only Ferrari on the track, Kimi Raikkonen and to outpace the speed of the Red Bulls to move into second place by the first corner. Winner of the previous grand prix Mark Webber did well and used his skill and speed to outbreak the Briton to take back second place into the second corner pushing the McLaren back down to third, while pole sitter Fernando Alonso began to speed away into the distance on his light fuel load.

All weekend, throughout all three practice sessions through to qualifying the McLaren car, that had struggled for pace and aerodynamics all season, seemed to have a new lease of life. Hamilton began to hunt down the Australian of Webber's rear wing. With the help of the KERS system that only the McLaren's and Ferrari's still carry, Hamilton quickly gained and and got Mark Webber and second place by lap five and then began to put the hammer down on race leader Alonso.

However despite being fueled light for a speedy get away race leader Fernando Alonso began to be caught by Lewis Hamilton as he continually set the fastest laps. As the Spaniard continued to push the Renault rear tyres began to degrade faster than expected forcing Alonso to pit one lap earlier than expected on lap 11, allowing Hamilton to take the lead.

It would be this pit stop that would be fatal to Alonso's chances of a win as the right front wheel failed to be secured. As the Renault left the pit into the first corner it was evident something was wrong as Alonso began to drop down the grid like a stone, his race and hopes of victory ended when he lost the tyre half way round the track sustaining suspension damage as the Spaniard crawled the car on three wheels back to the pits.

Hamilton from that point was untouchable and never lost the lead as he went on to claim his first win in 2009 and after all the troubles the young world champion and McLaren team had been through in this difficult season who could begrudge him victory that will no doubt go down as one of the sweetest in his career.

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Results Hungarian Grand Prix - Top 8

1. L. Hamilton - (McLaren) - 10pts

2. K. Raikkonen - (Ferrari) - 8pts

3. M. Webber - (Red Bull) - 6pts

4. N. Rosberg - (Williams) - 5pts

5. H. Kovalainen - (McLaren) - 4pts

6. T. Glock - (Toyota) - 3pts

7. J. Button - (Brawn GP) - 2pts

8. J. Trulli - (Toyota) - 1pt

Boring Bahrain?

I look forward to any Grand Prix weekend. But for me I have always thought of this one as the most boring of the season.

There is never a chance of a wet race during the hot and dry desert conditions of the Middle East. However lets be fair I think we have seen enough of wet races for the moment. Although dust storms and engine fires are a huge risk.

As one of the newest circuits on the calender, this grand prix has only celebrated only 3 winners during its five races, including Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

You don't even get champagne if you win! (Even though alchoholic beverages are legal in the country) Instead you are awarded a non-alcohlic rosewater drink known as waard. I dont know about anyone else but if my first and possibly only win came at Bahrain and I didnt get champagne, I would be a little bit upset.

Adding all this I just think Bahrain doesn't hold the classic characteristics of Monaco, Silverstone and Spa.

But after qualifying yesterday I don't think I could have been more wrong.

A shock one two from the Toyota's to lock out the front row of the grid with Trulli and Glock starting in first and second. Hamilton continues his push for recovery after a poor start in 2009, bagging 5th on the grid putting himself in contention for a race win for the first time this season. However in contrast for the first time in 2009 it appears we might have seen a crack in the pace of the Brawn GP's of Button and Barrichello qualifying 4th and 6th.

Full Grid - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/results/7921091.stm

Could Jenson Button's good start to the season be about to melt in the heat of Bahrain? Can Vettel from 3rd on the grid show he is just as good in the sand and heat as he is in the wet with his second win in seven days?

A new master in the wet!!!

Formula one appears to have found a new master in the wet at the Chinese Grand Prix and guess what?

He’s German.

Sebastian Vettel stormed to win a second career victory and first for the Red Bull team in the wet conditions at the Chinese Grand Prix this morning, leading home a one-two ahead of team mate Mark Webber. Jenson Button remains at the top in the drivers championship with the Brawn GP's of Button and Barrichello taking third and fourth. It was an improving afternoon for McLaren as Kovalaenin bagged his first points of the season, leading home Hamilton in fifth and sixth.

It’s not the first time that the young German has won in the wet. At the Italian Grand Prix last season, seven months and seven races ago Vettel claimed his first Grand Prix win at the Monza circuit, then with the sister Torro Rosso team.

Today’s race had shades of that win in Monza 2008. Vettel started from pole position to take the victory on both occasions, both wins were also in the wet which will begin to give the German a reputation of being compared to a fellow countryman, Michael Schumacher.

Many in the media will now question how competitive the Red Bull team can be this season and whether they will be able to constantly challenge the likes of the front runners.

A bigger question for me is just how much of a talent is Sebastian Vettel and how long will Red Bull be able to keep hold of his services?

No doubt Vettel is a talent, last season he put the second string Torro Rosso team on the map with nine race finishes in the points, one the victory in Italy already mentioned. His skills last season got the German noticed and a rapid promotion to the main Red Bull team to fill the seat vacated by the retiring David Coulthard. This season though things had not been going too well for Vettel with two non finishes, one of which was a collision late on at the Australian Grand Prix when the young gun took out the Williams of Robert Kubica.

With this victory comes new honours, admires and fans. I think it is safe to say, even at this stage that Sebastian Vettel is a world champion in waiting. It's not a matter IF but WHEN? And any thoughts at the back of his mind on this subject will soon begin to get pushed to the forefront with a second victory under his belt.

If Red Bull don't supply Vettel with the car to do it, then obviously the young German will look elsewhere to ensure that the vision comes to fruition. Teams in the paddock like Brawn, McLaren, Renault and Ferrari, must now all be looking at Vettel as a possible replacement for their dead wood drivers.

The ironic aspect of this is the latter three teams I have just mentioned are all huge names and constructors, but all so far this season have been out-preformed by the Red Bull team this weekend. I would be expecting all the teams to be running back to their drawing boards to frantically re-design a car that is competitive, not necessarily to get points this season, but to ensure they don't lose out on signing drivers like Vettel next season.

Results Chinese Grand Prix - Top 8

1. S. Vettel - (Red Bull) - 10pts

2. M. Webber - (Red Bull) - 8pts

3. J. Button - (Brawn GP) - 6pts

4. R. Barichello - (Brawn GP) - 5pts

5. H. Kovalainen - (McLaren) - 4pts

6. L. Hamilton - (McLaren) - 3pts

7. T. Glock - (Toyota) - 2pts

8. S. Buemi - (Torro Rosso) - 1pt

Looking at other results today Lewis Hamilton's was one that showed much promise but squandered the positions he made for himself all too often. An early charge up the field put Hamilton in fourth and what looked like a strong position for a podium had it not been for a spin that lost him four of the five places he originally earned himself off the grid.

The Brit looked at times as strong as last season with further charges that saw him slice past the Ferrari and Toyota with ease, but had it not been for pushing too hard and more spins after losing grip, this could have been a very different race for Hamilton and one that had a more positive finish.
His team mate Kovalainen had a more encouraging race managing to complete a lap, well 56 of them to be precise, in the wet conditions to finish fifth, ahead of Hamilton after yet another spin.

One of the drives of the day came from another German, Timo Glock in the Toyota who started 19th but made up twelve places to finish 7th.

Sebastian Buemi earned himself another world championship point in the Torro Rosso holding off Alonso and Raikkonen, adding to the two he picked up in Australia. Not bad for a man in his rookie season. Following the same path as Sebastian Vettel maybe?

Disappointments of the day had to come from Fernando Alonso who started second on the grid and finished 9th. Mainly due to being fueled light at the beginning of the race which would have worked to the Spaniards advantage, had the start not been under the safety car due to increased rain.

Ferrari are still pointless after 3 Grand Prix, which is now officially their worst start to a season in 17 years. I wonder if Kimi will be having an ice cream and coke after this race?

Less than a week until Bahrain, What can Vettel do in the desert? It must be a a dry race there surely?

*****

Pictures from bbc.co.uk and telegraph.co.uk supplied by Getty Images

Shanghai Surprise?

With the diffuser row put to bed in the courts this week the championship moves to China and round three with the standings unaffected from the results recorded in Australia and Malaysia. Relief for Brawn GP and Jenson Button who leads the way in 2009 with two wins and 15 points.

Can the Brit do something not even Lewis Hamilton has done during his career and make it a third win in a row? If he does it will be the first time since Damon Hill in 1996 that it would have been achieved at the beginning of the season.

If he can and does focus will start to move towards not whether he can make it a fourth but if the man from Somerset can lift the world title in 2009. The first time since Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart in 1968-69 that Britain would have had back to back world champions to celebrate.

At the moment of course it’s all if and buts, there are still plenty of rounds and a long way to go this season. But certainly after this weekend, if Button does complete his hat-rick the words Button and World Champion will start to be twinned together and will only get louder and louder as the months pass.

Everyone see’s Button’s and Brawn GP’s rise from the ashes as a big surprise this season, but are we due for another in Shanghai?

After this week’s confirmation of the rules, new diffusers have been hurried out to the team garages of McLaren and Renault in an effort to as more down force to the back of both cars for this race.

In practice sessions yesterday and today McLaren appear to have developed their car and made it stick to the road much better than in previous rounds.

Hamilton:
Fri Practice one - 1st

Fri Practice two – 13th

Sat Practice three – 3rd

The same though cannot be said for Renault, with Fernando Alonso finding himself second from the back of the pack in two out of the three practice sessions.

Of course practice means nothing, it’s the race results that mean everything and unless McLaren transfer their encouraging performances into qualifying and race results it will be back to Woking and the drawing board. Surly though some small signs of encouragement for Hamilton in what has otherwise been a gloomy season.

Never mind Lewis, look on the bright side, there is another very strong chance of a wet race for tomorrows Grand Prix. Will this weekend turn out a Shanghai surprise? Just no red flags!
*****
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Could the season look like this in 24 hours?

In twenty four hours this could be the how the Formula one world championship standings look.

Drivers Standings

1. F. Alonso – (Renault) – 11.5pts
2. N. Heidfeld – (BMW) – 9pts
3. S. Buemi – (Torro Rosso) – 8pts
4. S. Boudais – (Torro Rosso) – 8pts
5. M. Webber – (Red Bull) – 6pts
6. A. Sutil – (Force India) – 5pts
7. G. Fisichella – (Force India) – 3pts
8. L. Hamilton – (Mclaren) – 3pts
9. F. Massa – (Ferrari) – 2.5pts
10. K. Raikkonen – (Ferrari) – 1.5pts
11. N. Piquet jnr – (Renault) – 1pt
12. S. Vettle – (Red Bull) – 1pt ???

Team Standings

1. Torro Rosso – 16pts
2. Renault – 12.5pts
3. BMW – 9pts
4. Force India – 8pts
5. Red Bull – 7pts
6. Ferrari – 3.5pts
7. McLaren – 3pts


As the split level diffuser row rumbles on in Paris this evening there is a possibility the dream start by Brawn GP, the hard work by a rejuvenated Jenson Button undone and the points stripped from the three teams who carry the alleged illegal split diffuser including Williams, Toyota and Brawn GP.

If the, the FIA and Court of Appeal does decide that the cars who use the split level diffuser are illegal and points are stripped, then the F1 standings will be seriously shaken up. Former two time world champion Fernando Alonso would be leading the world championship as well as being crowned victor of the Australian Grand Prix over two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, second string team, Torro Rosso would be leading the team standings after drivers Sebastian Buemi and Boudais promotion into second and third place, again at the Australian GP.

The shake up would also see Ferrari score their first points of the new season after a dismal start to the 2009 campaign and Lewis Hamilton gain his first podium of the season with his promotion to third in Malaysia.

If the protests, lead by Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull win their appeal, the FIA would have two options before the season heads to Shanghai for the third race of the season.

To strip all teams concerned of points gained during the first two rounds, which would produce the results shown here or to allow the three teams to keep the points gained but force the three teams to remove the illegal diffuser from this weekend’s race onwards.

On a personal note I don’t see how common sense can’t prevail with this issue, why not just give the seven remaining teams the choice of whether to use the split level diffuser on their car! It really would be the most sensible solution to the debacle.

If situations like this continue to arise, F1 will be in serious danger of isolating itself from its loyal fan base. Ask yourself if you would be best pleased having brought a ticket to the Australian Grand Prix, to come away from the event believing you had seen Jenson Button win only for the result to be re-classified two weeks later, it doesn't happen in other sports, why should it happen in this one?

What will happen, will F1 be turned upside down again? Will Torro Rosso and Fernando Alonso be leading the way? Should we bother tuning into the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend when there is a strong possibility the result will be decided two weeks later in court and not at the chequed flag?

I am half expecting Jake Humphrey, Eddie Jordan, David Coulthard and the BBC team to be broadcasting Sunday’s race from a Chinese court complete with gown and wigs.

The clock is ticking for the future of this sport.

Australian Grand Prix Results - If split diffusers deemed illegal

1. F. Alonso – (Renault) – 10pts
2. S. Buemi – (Torro Rosso) – 8pts
3. S. Bourdais – (Torro Rosso) – 6pts
4. A. Sutil – (Force India) – 5pts
5. N. Heidfeld – (BMW) – 4pts
6. G. Fisichella – (Force India) – 3pts
7. M. Webber – (Red Bull) – 2pts
8. S. Vettle – (Red Bull) – 1pt ??? – Vettel was the last car to retire.

Expelled Cars: J. Button – (Brawn GP), R. Barrichello – (Brawn GP), J. Trulli – (Toyota), T. Glock – (Toyota), N. Rosberg – (Williams)

Malaysian Grand Prix Results - If split diffusers deemed illegal

1. N. Heidfeld – (BMW) – 5pts
2. M. Webber – (Red Bull) – 4pts
3. L. Hamilton - (McLaren) – 3pts
4. F. Massa – (Ferrari) – 2.5pts
5. S. Bourdais – (Torro Rosso) – 2pts
6. F. Alonso – (Renault) – 1.5pts
7. N. Piquet jnr – (Renault) - 1pt
8. K. Raikkonen – (Ferrari) – 0.5pt

Expelled Cars: J. Button – (Brawn GP), T. Glock – (Toyota), J. Trulli – (Toyota), R. Barrichello – (Brawn GP), N. Rosberg – (Williams)

My prediction, I very much doubt that Lewis Hamilton fortunes this season will turn, seeing him gain a podium and three points. I expect the protests to get thrown out and the current race results recorded in Australia and Malaysia to stand.

However, every fan and Jenson Button tonight waits with baited breath.
*****
Pictures supplied by Getty Images from the BBC.co.uk and tuned.com.

Who should stay and who should go?

Two races into the new season and this is already one of the biggest questions for me. It seems that this season Formula one is more competitive than ever with not much keeping the teams apart. But is the distance between the drivers growing? New FIA rules for this season mean that testing between Grand Prix is more or less non-existent, a worry not only for the teams and their main drivers who would usually look to use gap weekends, such as this one, to develop the car, but a bigger concern for the list of young test drivers waiting in the wings who would be wanting to stake a claim for a drive next season.

The 2009 season already looks wide open, because of this rumours are flying that some teams with drivers who are already under preforming will be looking to give their reserves a shot at some grand prix racing time sooner rather than later. I therefore pose this question to everyone, who do you think should stay and who should go? Who might be about to watch from the sidelines?

Under preforming Ferrari's:
They were pitched during the pre-season as the dream team, but I bet that dream didn't envisage Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa pointless after two races when wins were expected at both Australia and Malaysia. Controversial I know and it's never going to happen but for me these are two drivers who should most certainly be on the chopping block. Raikkonen's care free attitude hit new low during the rained off Malaysian GP, he's already won the world title and doesn't seem too concerned about competing for another. With the expected arrival of Alonso to the Ferrari team next season, I am expecting the Fin to take early retirement away from the sport as he is not the sort of personality you could see going to a lesser team in order to keep his place on the grid.

His team mate Massa has been dubbed as one of the most talented drivers in the last decade. This is something I continually argue with as I believe to be the best you should be able to preform in all conditions thrown at you. Undoubtedly Massa is a talent but when his talents are washed away so easily by a wet race, as proved last season when he could barley keep his car on the track let alone a straight line during the British and Monaco GP's, you do start to question whether this talent is all round or can only shine when the conditions suit. Ferrari now see Massa as their number one driver, he came very close to taking his first world title last season, there are still plenty of races left in 2009 but I can't see Massa as the main challenger this season.

Nelson Piquet Jnr:
What a name to live up to. His father (Nelson Piquet Souto Maior) was one of the most dominant racers in the 80's taking three world titles. Unfortunately it looks likes Piquet Jnr won't be given the chance to emulate even half of his fathers achievements. After just twenty starts for the Renault team, Piquet has only crossed the finish line on ten of those occasions. Five of these were in points scoring positions, with only one being a podium finish (Second place - German GP - 2008). This season has held one retirement and a last place position before Malaysia was halted last weekend. It's not the performances Renault team principle Flavio Briatore envisaged when giving Piquet his drive at the beginning of 2008 and with frustrations running high in the French teams camp and with a signs of a huge grid shake up this season, I wonder how much longer Piquet jnr will be able to hang on to his seat. The next two races I believe could prove crucial to the young Brazilians future in formula one. Two drivers that will certainly be watching on with interest are test drivers Romain Grosjean from France and Brit Adam Khan.

Heikki Kovalainen:
A huge disappointment for me since his arrival with the Mclaren team at the beginning of 2008. Even when the Mclaren was on form and with fast car under him the Fin could only manage three podium finishes last season (3rd Malaysia, 1st Hungary, 2nd Italy). Some could argue first season jitters with a huge team whilst in the shadow of Lewis Hamilton, but so far this season things have gone from bad to worse for Kovalainen. Two races into 2009 and the Fin has not been able to complete a single lap in the poor preforming Mclaren Mercedes. Is the clock ticking for Heikki? For me he is another driver on the cusp of an early season exit in 2009 if performances don't change soon, and due to the fact one of the Mclaren test drivers is former Arrows and Jaguar driver Pedro de la Rosa who is no stranger to formula one, Martin Whitmarsh could be tempted to make a swap sooner rather than latter. However the saving grace for Kovalainen this season is that he is in the shadow of Lewis Hamilton, and due to the difficulties both he and Mclaren have experienced in the early stages of 2009, Kovalainen might be able to get to the end of the season unscathed. However lets hope he manages to complete a lap in that time.

Sebastien Bourdias:
Another driver who was in the shadow of this team mate last season in the Torro Rosso. It wasn't hard for the Frenchman's achievements, or lack of, to be overshadowed by Sebastian Vettel in 2008. While the German secured himself 9 points scoring finishes, one being a win at the Italian GP, Bourdais could only manage two, picking up 7th place in Australia and Belgium. Things might be looking up for Bourdias though, he is already scored his first points this season, despite rookie team mate Sebastien Buemi leading the way in Australia 2009. I do think that Bourdias is one of the poorer drivers on this years grid, but with Vettels move to the parent Red Bull team, he does now lead the way in the number one seat which adds more pressure onto a young mans shoulders. It would be harsh for the Frenchman to be replaced in only his second season. But this is Formula one and stranger things have happened. If the Torro Rosso's are struggling at the half way point and expectations have not been met, I would expect Bourdias seat to be questioned and a new driver considered if one were available.

Who could be joining F1?

There are a number of drivers waiting in the wings and competing in other motorsports championships who are more than capable of stepping up to the challenge of F1. Some names have tried their hands at it before, others would be new and raring for a fresh challenge if a drivers seat should open up. So who should we be looking at if an F1 team does decide to ditch a driver halfway through the season?

Giorgio Pantano:

The name might ring a bell to hardcore motorsports fans. The Italian is the current GP2 champion with Racing Engineering and has had an uneventful brief stint in Formula one back in 2004 with Jordan. However Pantano failed to impress only finishing 6 grand prix that season, all at the tail end. Despite his failure at the top end of the sport Pantano is one of the most successful drivers in GP2. He is also no stranger to F1 having tested for Williams, Mclaren and Benetton back in the early 2000's. Despite his advancing years at 30, some F1 teams might be willing to give the Italian one last shot at F1.

Takuma Sato:

A veteran of F1 who's 2008 season was cut short in 2008 after just four races when the Japanese Super Aguri team was pulled off the grid due to financial difficulties. Sato has had 90 starts in F1, racing with Jordan, BAR and Super Aguri. The man from Tokyo never set the world on fire in F1 with only one podium finish to his name (3rd - USA - 2004), this was Sato's best season in F1 whilst driving for BAR, finishing 8th with 34 pts. He ironically narrowly missed out on a drive this season with the Torro Rosso team, where he competed during pre-season with Sebastains Bourdais and Buemi. The later of the two was preferred for 2009 leaving Sato out in the cold for another season. Takuma is another driver who is in his twilight years of the sport, despite this his experience would hold him in good stead should a team want a replacement driver.

Anthony Davidson:

The other driver left without a seat after the withdrawal of the Super Aguri team in 2008. The Briton has 24 races under his belt but has never scored a championship point. Since his motorsport career has been put on hold, Davidson has tried his hand at journalism and currently holds a contract with the BBC to co-commentate alongside David Croft on Radio Five Live. He has however made it clear during some of these broadcasts he would like one more chance at a season in Formula one.

Bruno Senna:

The name is legendary throughout the motorsport world. Nephew of the late three times Formula one world champion Ayrton Senna who famously said when racing for Mclaren "If you think I'm good, just wait until you see my nephew Bruno" We have yet to see Bruno on the F1 circuit in any competitive form, he did however test for the now former Honda team in 2008. Bruno was meant to have a seat and begin his F1 career this season, however due to the sport suffering financially and no new teams entering the grid no seat ever materialised. Currently racing in the endurance LeMans series, Senna has competed in British F3 and GP2. He finished 2nd in the 2008 GP2 championship, losing out to Giorgio Pantano. Some people in the sport believe Bruno's entrance into F1 is long overdue, if the driver doesn't make his entrance to F1 this season it's thought Senna will be first in line to replace veteran Rubens Barrichello in the Brawn GP car for 2010.

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Kamui Kobayashi:

The current leader in the GP2 Asia series, Kobayashi also test drives for the Toyota F1 team this season. Toyota have shown strength this season with drivers Trulli and Glock, so it's unlikely we will see the young Japanese driver take a seat for the team this season. However he is another possible star to watch for.

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Gary Paffett:
Mclaren test driver alongside Pedro de la Rosa, the Briton from Bromley has been on the perifery of F1 for the past few seasons. His strongest challenge to getting a drive was just before the 2007 season but was beaten to the seat by Lewis Hamilton. A lack of competitive experince might stop Paffett's chances of a drive if a seat did open up this season.

Alaxander Wurz:
Another veteran of Formula one, the Austrian has entered and re-entered the sport three times, could he make it a forth? Having experienced four full seasons in F1 and two where he filled in for injured drivers, Wurz would be one of the best bets to come off the bench part way through a season if a driver needed replacing. Wurz has three podiums under his belt (3rd British GP 1997, 3rd San Marino GP 2005, 3rd Canadian GP 2007) The Austrian currently test drives for Brawn GP.

*****

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