http://www.autoevolution.com/news/auto-championships/ AUTO Championships - autoevolution autoevolution RSS Generator en-us autoevolution.com Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:18:31 +0000 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:18:31 +0000 automotive http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 10 http://www.autoevolution.com/favicon.ico http://www.autoevolution.com/img/ae_logo.jpg?v=3 http://www.autoevolution.com/news/auto-championships/ http://www.autoevolution.com/news/renault-asks-for-tire-changes-for-improved-f1-show-18308.html
Renault's boss Eric Boullier is clearly a patient man, as he insisted that ...]]> Following the boring season opening Bahrain Grand Prix, all eyes will be set on the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, to see if the worries expressed by several drivers and teams out there will match the reality on track. Basically, after the Bahrain race, the world of Formula One was divided into two parts: the ones that asked for immediate rule changes in order to improve the show and the ones that asked for patience.

Renault's boss Eric Boullier is clearly a patient man, as he insisted that ... (read more)]]> Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:16:15 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/renault-asks-for-tire-changes-for-improved-f1-show-18308.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/renault-asks-for-tire-changes-for-improved-f1-show-18308.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/hamilton-insists-red-bull-are-insanely-fast-18306.html
The Red Bull is ridiculously faster than anyone else's ...]]> Although previously telling the media that McLaren will soon close the gap on rivals Red Bull and Ferrari in the championship, 2008 F1 champion Lewis Hamilton insisted that the formers have a ridiculous margin ahead of all the other competitors this year. The Brit scored a podium in Bahrain as a result of Sebastian Vettel's engine problems, but reckons no team in the F1 paddock is a match for the Red Bull organization for the time being.

The Red Bull is ridiculously faster than anyone else's ... (read more)]]> Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:45:05 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/hamilton-insists-red-bull-are-insanely-fast-18306.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/hamilton-insists-red-bull-are-insanely-fast-18306.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-tells-new-teams-to-show-interest-in-f1-18298.html
The FIA has decided to open a new selection p...]]> The International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed that it has officially opened a new selection process to find one or more teams to fill out the vacancies of the Formula One grid in 2011 and 2012. A few hours after Serbian outfit Stefan Grand Prix revealed, through the voice of its boss Zoran Stefanovic, that they will push for an F1 entry in 2011, the ruling body told all the teams interested in joining the F1 field to show their interest.

The FIA has decided to open a new selection p... (read more)]]> Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:37:27 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-tells-new-teams-to-show-interest-in-f1-18298.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-tells-new-teams-to-show-interest-in-f1-18298.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-allows-renault-to-work-on-f1-engine-18289.html
Red Bull Racing was the first team to ask the FIA to allow Renault to work on their powerplants, as t...]]> Renault and Red Bull Racing have just received some great news prior to the start of the Australian Grand Prix two weekends from now. According to British publication Autosport, it seems the French manufacturer was allowed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to proceed to some changes for their 2010 engines for cost and reliability reasons (despite the engine development freeze).

Red Bull Racing was the first team to ask the FIA to allow Renault to work on their powerplants, as t... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:40:16 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-allows-renault-to-work-on-f1-engine-18289.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-allows-renault-to-work-on-f1-engine-18289.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/four-tire-pit-stops-for-nascar-all-star-race-18280.html
The format of the race will remain basically the same through the first three segments, with a green fla...]]> An interesting decision made by the NASCAR governing body will send the May 22 All-Star race more into the pit crews' hands than in those of the drivers. The decision was made precisely for this purpose, because "pit crews are such an important part of everything we do week in and week out" as NASCAR vice president of competition, Robin Pemberton, was qoted as saying by Auto123.

The format of the race will remain basically the same through the first three segments, with a green fla... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:38:21 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/four-tire-pit-stops-for-nascar-all-star-race-18280.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/four-tire-pit-stops-for-nascar-all-star-race-18280.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ford-tests-focus-wrc-s-engine-on-fiesta-wrc-18278.html
While already launched by M-Sport a few months ago, the new Fiesta WRC was not tested by Ford while fitted with Ford Focus WRC's 2.0L turbocharged engine. As revealed by Autosport, it is believed the WRC team decided to do the...]]> As Citroen has already started preparations with their DS3 WRC model for the 2011 season of the World Rally Championship, Ford proceeded to making another step into developing the car that they hope will bring them another world title in the series, the new Fiesta WRC.

While already launched by M-Sport a few months ago, the new Fiesta WRC was not tested by Ford while fitted with Ford Focus WRC's 2.0L turbocharged engine. As revealed by Autosport, it is believed the WRC team decided to do the... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:07:21 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ford-tests-focus-wrc-s-engine-on-fiesta-wrc-18278.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ford-tests-focus-wrc-s-engine-on-fiesta-wrc-18278.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-has-the-thirstiest-engine-in-f1-18264.html
The Red Bulls started the race with 10kg less fuel than the Ferraris. That would have been worth nearly 0.4 seconds a lap in th...]]> It seems the slow pace recorded by the Ferrari cars - as compared to their rivals Red Bull Racing - in the early stages of the Bahrain Grand Prix was caused by the heavier F10s. Meaning the fuel tank of the Ferrari F10 was filled with more fuel because the Italian manufacturer's powerplants are known to be a bit thirstier than the Renaults that power Red Bull's RB6s.

The Red Bulls started the race with 10kg less fuel than the Ferraris. That would have been worth nearly 0.4 seconds a lap in th... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:23:58 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-has-the-thirstiest-engine-in-f1-18264.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-has-the-thirstiest-engine-in-f1-18264.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-f1-fights-for-millions-in-2010-18256.html
Since beating one of the established teams in the series seems improbable for the time being - grabbing a point is close to impossible - their sole a...]]> Though most of you are thinking that all the three newly entrant teams are fighting for nothing in 2010, as their plans for the ingoing season of Formula One is to create a functional, well-prepared organization in the series, it seems some millions of euros are actually involved in their fight for the 10th place in the manufacturers' standings.

Since beating one of the established teams in the series seems improbable for the time being - grabbing a point is close to impossible - their sole a... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:31:56 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-f1-fights-for-millions-in-2010-18256.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-f1-fights-for-millions-in-2010-18256.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/schumacher-faster-that-rosberg-in-bahrain-18253.html
Nico Rosberg was obviously the moral (and practical) winner within the Mercedes lineup last weekend, as he outscored his 7-time world champion of a teammate in both qualifying a...]]> A single race was needed in the 2010 Formula One championship for the two Mercedes GP drivers to have their first dispute. Well, maybe dispute is not exactly the word to describe their latest statements, but it sure seems like the two have different opinions on what happened during the season opening round in Bahrain.

Nico Rosberg was obviously the moral (and practical) winner within the Mercedes lineup last weekend, as he outscored his 7-time world champion of a teammate in both qualifying a... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:05:36 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/schumacher-faster-that-rosberg-in-bahrain-18253.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/schumacher-faster-that-rosberg-in-bahrain-18253.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/colin-kolles-to-purchase-hrt-f1-18249.html
Initially entered as Campos Meta F1 Team on the FIA list for the 2010 season, the Spanish outfit was nearly bankrupt some 3 weeks before the start of the season. That's when Spanish billionaire Jose Ramon Carabante stepped in and purchased the majority stake in the organization, rena...]]> A few weeks ago, Colin Kolles wanted to hear nothing of a Formula One return in 2010. Today, the man runs a team in the series - Hispania Racing F1 Team - and is reportedly the first in line to purchase the team.

Initially entered as Campos Meta F1 Team on the FIA list for the 2010 season, the Spanish outfit was nearly bankrupt some 3 weeks before the start of the season. That's when Spanish billionaire Jose Ramon Carabante stepped in and purchased the majority stake in the organization, rena... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:36:14 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/colin-kolles-to-purchase-hrt-f1-18249.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/colin-kolles-to-purchase-hrt-f1-18249.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/monza-seeks-f1-extension-until-2021-18246.html
According to Italy's Tuttosport agency, it seems the deal was actually signed last week, whil...]]> As we've mentioned to you before, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza recently signed a 4-year extension to their current F1 deal by which they have been granted the hosting of the Italian Grand Prix until at least 2016. That put an end to all the media fights between the Monza and the Rome officials, after the formers were fearing that the Italian capital would take away their Grand Prix from 2013 onwards.

According to Italy's Tuttosport agency, it seems the deal was actually signed last week, whil... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:15:52 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/monza-seeks-f1-extension-until-2021-18246.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/monza-seeks-f1-extension-until-2021-18246.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-racing-truck-involved-in-road-crash-near-melbourne-18242.html
The Albert Park circuit near Melbourne will host the 2010 Australian Grand Prix two weekends from now. While the majority of the Red Bull equipment will be transported to Australian next week, the first containers seem to have ...]]> Red Bull Racing did not get off to a very good start in their preparation for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix. According to local radio station 3AW, a truck carrying equipment of the Milton Keynes based team has been involved in an accident on a road near Melbourne.

The Albert Park circuit near Melbourne will host the 2010 Australian Grand Prix two weekends from now. While the majority of the Red Bull equipment will be transported to Australian next week, the first containers seem to have ... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:42:00 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-racing-truck-involved-in-road-crash-near-melbourne-18242.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-racing-truck-involved-in-road-crash-near-melbourne-18242.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/monza-signs-4-year-deal-extension-for-italian-gp-18237.html
With their current F1 agreement due to end after the 2012 season, Monza recently signed a 4-year extension with Bernie Eccles...]]> The diehard racing fans in northern Italy can rest assured: nobody will take away their Formula One race. In a time when F1 supremo has confirmed the introduction of a Rome Grand Prix in the near future - 2012 or 2013, it's still uncertain - there were some worries that this will replace the existing Italian Grand Prix held on the historical Monza circuit (near Milan).

With their current F1 agreement due to end after the 2012 season, Monza recently signed a 4-year extension with Bernie Eccles... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:36:41 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/monza-signs-4-year-deal-extension-for-italian-gp-18237.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/monza-signs-4-year-deal-extension-for-italian-gp-18237.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-to-hit-the-streets-of-belfast-18233.html
It will all take place in front of the famous City Hall, where Red Bull's garage will also be on display for the diehard racing fans. While t...]]> Red Bull Racing will continue their tradition of staging demonstration events throughout some important cities worldwide, and their next stop is the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. According to a press release from the Austrian team, former Grand Prix driver David Coulthard will be at the wheel of a Red Bull-prepared car for this particular event.

It will all take place in front of the famous City Hall, where Red Bull's garage will also be on display for the diehard racing fans. While t... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:47:03 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-to-hit-the-streets-of-belfast-18233.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-to-hit-the-streets-of-belfast-18233.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mclaren-buys-back-the-majority-of-shares-owned-by-mercedes-18232.html
Before November 2009, when McLaren were Mercedes' works team inside the series, the Germans used to control 40 percent of the outfit. When deciding to switch...]]> Four months after they've announced they'll part ways with Mercedes Benz in Formula One, McLaren Automotive seems to have already purchased back a big stake in the Woking organization back. According to F1 team principal Martin Whitmarsh, it seems that the German carmaker now owns only 11 percent of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 Team.

Before November 2009, when McLaren were Mercedes' works team inside the series, the Germans used to control 40 percent of the outfit. When deciding to switch... (read more)]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:05:32 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mclaren-buys-back-the-majority-of-shares-owned-by-mercedes-18232.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mclaren-buys-back-the-majority-of-shares-owned-by-mercedes-18232.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/briatore-s-son-falco-nathan-was-born-in-nice-18224.html
The Italian reporters wrote that Briatore was present at the birth of his son, which happened in the French town of Nice. It seems everything went according to plan and his 30-year old wife Gregora...]]> After months of incertitude, we now know that Flavio Briatore's child with Elisabetta Gregoraci is a boy, as Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport revealed the birth took place at 8 AM today. More importantly, the aforementioned source gave us the name of Briatore's first boy, Falco Nathan.

The Italian reporters wrote that Briatore was present at the birth of his son, which happened in the French town of Nice. It seems everything went according to plan and his 30-year old wife Gregora... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:18:03 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/briatore-s-son-falco-nathan-was-born-in-nice-18224.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/briatore-s-son-falco-nathan-was-born-in-nice-18224.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mallys-says-podiums-are-possible-for-force-india-in-2010-18221.html
Reviewing what went on during the Sakhir race, Mallya admitted that fighting the Top 4 teams for the first 8 spots cannot be the case this...]]> Force India's good start of the season this year has turned Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya into an over-optimistic team owner, as the Silverstone based outfit emerged as the 5th best team of the grid after the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi finished the race in the 9th spot, bringing home Force India's first 2 points in 2010.

Reviewing what went on during the Sakhir race, Mallya admitted that fighting the Top 4 teams for the first 8 spots cannot be the case this... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:32:45 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mallys-says-podiums-are-possible-for-force-india-in-2010-18221.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mallys-says-podiums-are-possible-for-force-india-in-2010-18221.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/bridgestone-sticks-to-decision-to-quit-f1-18208.html
Bridgestone announced through the course of the 2009 season that it will not renew their deal with the Formula One Management (FOM) at the end...]]> Although both the president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Jean Todt and the Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone have expressed their hopes in recent weeks that current F1 tire supplier Bridgestone will remain committed to the series beyond 2010, the Japanese company recently confirmed their is no turning back to their initial decision.

Bridgestone announced through the course of the 2009 season that it will not renew their deal with the Formula One Management (FOM) at the end... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:55:54 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/bridgestone-sticks-to-decision-to-quit-f1-18208.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/bridgestone-sticks-to-decision-to-quit-f1-18208.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/karthikeyan-to-debut-in-nascar-at-martinsville-18202.html
Karthikeyan has previously tested a stock car for Starbeast a few months ago (Decembe...]]> After becoming the first Indian driver in the history of Formula One racing, Narain Karthikeyan will this weekend become the first racer of Indian nationality that will compete in the famous NASCAR series. It was yesterday confirmed that he will drive for selected events in the 2010 Truck Series - tertiary series inside the North American stock car racing series - for newly formed team Starbeast Motorsports.

Karthikeyan has previously tested a stock car for Starbeast a few months ago (Decembe... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:17:31 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/karthikeyan-to-debut-in-nascar-at-martinsville-18202.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/karthikeyan-to-debut-in-nascar-at-martinsville-18202.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mercedes-deny-not-wanting-to-become-red-bull-supplier-18195.html
Obviously, the Mercedes officials did not take long in denying those claims, pointing at McLaren Team fo...]]> Red Bull yesterday revealed to the media that Mercedes Benz did not want to supply them with their powerplants for the 2010 season of Formula One, as they knew that if we had that engine, they wouldn't see us (on the track). The statement was made by the team's advisor Helmut Marko, who made it very clear that it wasn't Red Bull's fault for the negotiations failure between the two parties.

Obviously, the Mercedes officials did not take long in denying those claims, pointing at McLaren Team fo... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:16:46 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mercedes-deny-not-wanting-to-become-red-bull-supplier-18195.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mercedes-deny-not-wanting-to-become-red-bull-supplier-18195.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-tells-some-teams-to-change-rear-diffusers-18191.html
Under the circumstances, all the teams played with it throughout the entire winter - some even from last year - while trying to find the necessary loopholes in the FIA ruleboo...]]> The controversial rear diffuser makes the headline yet another time in the opening stages of the 2010 Formula One championship. This particular part of the car has been the focus of many teams in the F1 paddock over the winter, as it's one of the most important features that creates downforce for the 2010 single-seater.

Under the circumstances, all the teams played with it throughout the entire winter - some even from last year - while trying to find the necessary loopholes in the FIA ruleboo... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:57:20 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-tells-some-teams-to-change-rear-diffusers-18191.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-tells-some-teams-to-change-rear-diffusers-18191.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/williams-aims-for-vw-alliance-in-2011-18187.html
Needless to say, all the parties involved in that story denied the allegations. But it has...]]> Prior to the start of the season, some reports issued by the German and Spanish media hinted that Wolfsburg based Volkswagen is flirting with the idea of entering the world of Formula One in 2011. The opening would have been secured through Hispania Racing F1 Team, an organization saved by Spanish businessman Jose Ramon Carabante for the 2010 for the sole purpose to keep it alive until the VW takeover.

Needless to say, all the parties involved in that story denied the allegations. But it has... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:25:18 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/williams-aims-for-vw-alliance-in-2011-18187.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/williams-aims-for-vw-alliance-in-2011-18187.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/rosberg-happy-for-beating-schumacher-18182.html
I am happy that I came to the finish line ahead of Michael. This is a super-duel between us that will get even tougher. It is important to beat your teammate because he's driving the same c...]]> Nico Rosberg was only seconds away from scoring a 4th place finish in his very first race with Mercedes GP, in Bahrain. More importantly though, he managed to finish the race ahead of 7-time world champion teammate Michael Schumacher, which secured him some peace of mind ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

I am happy that I came to the finish line ahead of Michael. This is a super-duel between us that will get even tougher. It is important to beat your teammate because he's driving the same c... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:44:21 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/rosberg-happy-for-beating-schumacher-18182.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/rosberg-happy-for-beating-schumacher-18182.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mercedes-gp-to-sign-deutsche-post-deal-18176.html
The Munich newspaper TZ reported that Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche actually met with some officials from the Deutsche Po...]]> Although they haven't been too successful in beating their rivals from the get go this season, Mercedes GP seems in pole position to attract the Deutsche Post into a major sponsorship deal for the upcoming few years. According to the German media, such a move has already been discussed during the Bahrain weekend and a contract should be inked in a matter of weeks.

The Munich newspaper TZ reported that Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche actually met with some officials from the Deutsche Po... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:01:24 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mercedes-gp-to-sign-deutsche-post-deal-18176.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mercedes-gp-to-sign-deutsche-post-deal-18176.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/vettel-to-use-bahrain-engine-in-australian-gp-practice-18171.html
Some 20 laps to go in the Bahrain race, his RB6 experienced a sudden loss of competitiveness due to a failed spark plug that led to a loss of power for the Renault engine. However, it seems the powerplant was not affected beyond repair, as the mechanics have already worked the...]]> Although the engine used by Sebastian Vettel during the Bahrain Grand Prix deprived him of a well-deserved win, it has now emerged that the German will continue to use the powerplant two weekends from now, in Australia.

Some 20 laps to go in the Bahrain race, his RB6 experienced a sudden loss of competitiveness due to a failed spark plug that led to a loss of power for the Renault engine. However, it seems the powerplant was not affected beyond repair, as the mechanics have already worked the... (read more)]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:32:14 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/vettel-to-use-bahrain-engine-in-australian-gp-practice-18171.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/vettel-to-use-bahrain-engine-in-australian-gp-practice-18171.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/schumacher-will-not-join-the-gpda-18161.html
However, according to Germany's Bild Zeitung, it seems the 41-year old driver is now the only racer in the F1 paddock without a GPDA membership.

Michael stil...]]> Michael Schumacher's return to the Formula One championship does not mean he will consequently join the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) in the series. Prior to his quit from the championship 4 years ago, the German has been a highly rated member of the association which acted towards defending the drivers' rights in the series.

However, according to Germany's Bild Zeitung, it seems the 41-year old driver is now the only racer in the F1 paddock without a GPDA membership.

Michael stil... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:39:10 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/schumacher-will-not-join-the-gpda-18161.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/schumacher-will-not-join-the-gpda-18161.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/webber-hopes-rain-will-spice-things-up-in-australia-18158.html
Additionally, the high temperatures in Bahrain made it difficult for the engines to work at full speed, with the Ferrari and Renault powerplants being the most affected by the hot weather...]]> Mark Webber did not hold back from criticizing the new format of Formula One racing following the boring Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend. While putting the emphasis on refueling ban and, consequently, a single pit stop during the race, the racing lacked overtaking completely inside the Top 10, argued Webber.

Additionally, the high temperatures in Bahrain made it difficult for the engines to work at full speed, with the Ferrari and Renault powerplants being the most affected by the hot weather... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:56 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/webber-hopes-rain-will-spice-things-up-in-australia-18158.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/webber-hopes-rain-will-spice-things-up-in-australia-18158.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fry-impressed-with-rosberg-after-bahrain-race-18154.html
Although failing to catch the struggling Sebastian Vettel in the dy...]]> Although such a finishing order for the first race of the 2010 season within the Mercedes GP team was expected prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg's crossing the finish line ahead of Michael Schumacher impressed the members of the team's staff greatly. One of the officials impressed with Rosberg's performance last weekend was the team's CEO Nick Fry, who had only good things to say about the youngest of his drivers.

Although failing to catch the struggling Sebastian Vettel in the dy... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:54:48 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fry-impressed-with-rosberg-after-bahrain-race-18154.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fry-impressed-with-rosberg-after-bahrain-race-18154.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/rautenbach-aims-for-wrc-return-in-2011-18150.html
It absolutely remains my aim to come back to the WRC next season, said Rautenbach, who is set to ...]]> Last year, at the end of a part-time schedule with Citroen Junior Team, South African rally driver Conrad Rautenbach failed to secure the necessary sponsorship for a second consecutive campaign with the French team. However, that isn't to mean the 2007 FIA African Rally champion let go of his dream to compete a full season in the WRC, as he admitted he's aiming for a return in the series in 2011.

It absolutely remains my aim to come back to the WRC next season, said Rautenbach, who is set to ... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:30:54 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/rautenbach-aims-for-wrc-return-in-2011-18150.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/rautenbach-aims-for-wrc-return-in-2011-18150.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-lacks-budget-for-f1-commissioner-18145.html
According to the Frenchman, the future F1 commissioner will be responsible for the day to day ...]]> Taking the example of the North American professional sports, newly elected FIA president Jean Todt promised the world of motor racing that he will appoint a commissioner for every single racing series that is currently placed under the guidance of the ruling body. However, almost 5 months have passed since the FIA election process and Formula One is yet to find out the identity of its commissioner.

According to the Frenchman, the future F1 commissioner will be responsible for the day to day ... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:01:12 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-lacks-budget-for-f1-commissioner-18145.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fia-lacks-budget-for-f1-commissioner-18145.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/sprint-teams-test-new-spoiler-18143.html
According to Autosport, several configurations of the spoiler were tested, to find the perfect balance between drafting speeds, closing rates and drag levels. Also, several restrictor plates, including one-inch plus holes, have been tested, allowing some...]]> The new rear spoiler in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series has been put through its paces on Tuesday at the Talladega Superspeedway by twenty four cars, including the front-runners. It was the first test of the spoiler at a restrictor-plate track.

According to Autosport, several configurations of the spoiler were tested, to find the perfect balance between drafting speeds, closing rates and drag levels. Also, several restrictor plates, including one-inch plus holes, have been tested, allowing some... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:43:23 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/sprint-teams-test-new-spoiler-18143.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/sprint-teams-test-new-spoiler-18143.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/schumacher-i-have-to-get-used-to-the-new-tires-18140.html
However, an additional information provided by the 41-year old German was that the new cars of the 2010 seaso...]]> Although finishing 6th at his return in the Formula One racing, 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher insisted he was pleased with his performance on Sunday. As revealed before the season opener, Schumacher was not expecting a podium run in Bahrain, as his Mercedes W01 was clearly the last challenger - out of the leading 4 teams - in terms of performance following the winter tests.

However, an additional information provided by the 41-year old German was that the new cars of the 2010 seaso... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:27:22 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/schumacher-i-have-to-get-used-to-the-new-tires-18140.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/schumacher-i-have-to-get-used-to-the-new-tires-18140.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-to-improve-engine-cooling-through-aerodynamics-18137.html
Additionally, in the second part of the race, Ferrari told Massa to drive economically until the chequered flag, as his fuel was running out. Later...]]> Ferrari had little time to celebrate on Sunday, as the problems they faced throughout the winning weekend in Bahrain made the Scuderia technicians switch focus almost immediately to the upcoming few races. Because of the hot temperatures at Sakhir, Ferrari had to change the engines of both Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso prior to the Sunday race.

Additionally, in the second part of the race, Ferrari told Massa to drive economically until the chequered flag, as his fuel was running out. Later... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:51:56 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-to-improve-engine-cooling-through-aerodynamics-18137.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-to-improve-engine-cooling-through-aerodynamics-18137.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/cosworth-happy-with-bahrain-performance-18133.html
Although not fighting for the top spots in the race, the Cosworth powered teams did not make fouls out of themselves, with Williams scoring one points th...]]> After the first round of the 2010 Formula One Championship, many were expecting to see the Cosworth powered cars to struggle against the already established engine manufacturers in the series. However, there was hardly any negative media coverage on the CA2010 unit's performance in Bahrain, as compared to other teams like Ferrari or Renault.

Although not fighting for the top spots in the race, the Cosworth powered teams did not make fouls out of themselves, with Williams scoring one points th... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:22:51 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/cosworth-happy-with-bahrain-performance-18133.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/cosworth-happy-with-bahrain-performance-18133.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-to-ink-petrobras-deal-18128.html
The lucky organization seems to be newly entrant Lotus F1 Team who, according to UOL Esporte, is very close to inking a deal with Petrobras...]]> Petrobras' one-year sabbatical from Formula One seems to have been enough for them, as several recent reports show that the Brazilian oil company is considering a return to the series. However, they will not make a comeback as sponsors of Bruno Senna or some other Brazilian driver out there - as initially projected - but as partners of a Formula One team.

The lucky organization seems to be newly entrant Lotus F1 Team who, according to UOL Esporte, is very close to inking a deal with Petrobras... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:44:57 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-to-ink-petrobras-deal-18128.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-to-ink-petrobras-deal-18128.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-design-new-diffuser-for-f10-b-version-18123.html
Consequently, a lot of work needs to be done back at Maranello in order to make sure the two Ferrari F10s will walk the walk in 2010. According to the Italian media, it seems the Ital...]]> Although Ferrari walked away from the Bahrain Grand Prix with a 1-2 finish, the Scuderia is well aware of the fact that they are still behind Red Bull Renault in the championship. After all, hadn't it been for Vettel's engine problems, the Maranello based team would have probably settled for 2nd and 3rd overall.

Consequently, a lot of work needs to be done back at Maranello in order to make sure the two Ferrari F10s will walk the walk in 2010. According to the Italian media, it seems the Ital... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:20:06 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-design-new-diffuser-for-f10-b-version-18123.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-design-new-diffuser-for-f10-b-version-18123.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-said-mercedes-didn-t-want-to-join-them-18118.html
The worst part about it is the fact that this is old news for Red Bull, as they had tackled ...]]> With their season opening Bahrain race being affected by an engine failure, a lot of frustration emerged from the Red Bull Racing garage in the last couple of days. And not without reason, we might add. From the very first race of the season, a spark plug failed on the Renault powerplant that is fitted on the RB6 and caused dominant leader Sebastian Vettel to drop from 1st to 4th in a matter of laps.

The worst part about it is the fact that this is old news for Red Bull, as they had tackled ... (read more)]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:48:23 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-said-mercedes-didn-t-want-to-join-them-18118.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-said-mercedes-didn-t-want-to-join-them-18118.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/chandhok-s-f1-debut-costs-more-than-600000-per-lap-18095.html
If we are to trust the latest reports in The Times - and the publication tends to know their stuff before writing it down and making it public - the Indian racer competed on a $5M sponsorship fee...]]> If some of you were thinking that Vitaly Petrov paid a huge amount of money in order to make his Formula One debut with Renault F1 team - believed to be somewhere in the vicinity of EUR15 million - wait to hear how Karun Chandhok's sponsors decided to manage their money through a single race in 2010.

If we are to trust the latest reports in The Times - and the publication tends to know their stuff before writing it down and making it public - the Indian racer competed on a $5M sponsorship fee... (read more)]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:03:40 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/chandhok-s-f1-debut-costs-more-than-600000-per-lap-18095.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/chandhok-s-f1-debut-costs-more-than-600000-per-lap-18095.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/virgin-racing-aims-to-push-for-f1-title-in-3-years-18091.html
According to Branson, the example his team is guiding upon when it comes to F1 performance is not Ferrari, McLar...]]> Virgin Racing's Sir Richard Branson was rather optimistic after the first grand prix of the 2010 Formula One season, despite the fact that neither of his two drivers managed to cross the finish line in Bahrain. While confident that time will resolve the reliability issues his team is facing in the series, Branson seems to aim much higher in the Great Circus that initially believed.

According to Branson, the example his team is guiding upon when it comes to F1 performance is not Ferrari, McLar... (read more)]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:20:04 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/virgin-racing-aims-to-push-for-f1-title-in-3-years-18091.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/virgin-racing-aims-to-push-for-f1-title-in-3-years-18091.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ecclestone-vows-to-improve-f1-show-but-after-china-18089.html
As far as the 79-year old Brit is concerned, what happened in Bahr...]]> With everybody going nuts about the lack of show in Formula One - after only one race in the 2010 series - the championship's executive Bernie Ecclestone insisted that no one should panic in the wake of the new-formula racing. Obviously, the refueling ban did not make the first race of the new season more exciting, but Ecclestone insisted that everybody should wait for a few more races in order to issue warning signs about it.

As far as the 79-year old Brit is concerned, what happened in Bahr... (read more)]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:56:05 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ecclestone-vows-to-improve-f1-show-but-after-china-18089.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ecclestone-vows-to-improve-f1-show-but-after-china-18089.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/vettel-s-engine-failure-leads-to-poor-reliability-claims-for-renault-18086.html
To be more precise, a spark plug failed in the second part of the race and le...]]> Although everybody admitted that Red Bull Racing is currently the team to beat in Formula One, the Austrian outfit failed to convert their pole position in the Bahrain Grand Prix into a race win due to engine problems. Although Sebastian Vettel's car was initially diagnosed with a failed exhaust, a media statement from the team late on Sunday confirmed the issue that triggered his in-race problem was engine related.

To be more precise, a spark plug failed in the second part of the race and le... (read more)]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:30:34 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/vettel-s-engine-failure-leads-to-poor-reliability-claims-for-renault-18086.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/vettel-s-engine-failure-leads-to-poor-reliability-claims-for-renault-18086.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-success-leads-to-eur25m-value-for-santander-18083.html
Being that Spain is a great market for Formula One racing - with Alonso being 2-time world champion and all - Santand...]]> Following the first race of the new season, one cannot argue that Grupo Santander made a bad call joining Ferrari in Formula One. While keeping their commitments with McLaren Mercedes, the Spanish banking group signed a multi-year deal with the Scuderia in the late stages of the 2009 season, which was shortly followed by the signing of Fernando Alonso for the upcoming 3 years.

Being that Spain is a great market for Formula One racing - with Alonso being 2-time world champion and all - Santand... (read more)]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:08:48 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-success-leads-to-eur25m-value-for-santander-18083.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ferrari-success-leads-to-eur25m-value-for-santander-18083.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/coulthard-blames-mosley-for-f1-chaos-boredom-18082.html
Following the immense criticism from the majority of the media - as well as some drivers and teams - becaus...]]> Although he hasn't spoke too openly against former FIA president Max Mosley in recent years, former grand prix driver and current BBC commentator David Coulthard seems to have had enough with the Brit's legacy in Formula One. Writing in his regular column in the Telegraph, the Scot did not hold back from pointing the finger at Mosley for all the wrong things that currently happen in F1.

Following the immense criticism from the majority of the media - as well as some drivers and teams - becaus... (read more)]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:46:45 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/coulthard-blames-mosley-for-f1-chaos-boredom-18082.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/coulthard-blames-mosley-for-f1-chaos-boredom-18082.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/german-and-italian-media-at-war-after-schumacher-debut-in-bahrain-18078.html
Following Fernando Alonso's winning debut with the Scuderia, the Italian media went right ahead to praising the officials at Maranello for bringing a true champion to represent the Prancing Horse in Formula One. They haven't settled with only that however, as some news headlines joked ...]]> Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One seems to have sparkled a fight between nations, with the media in Italy and Germany picking on each other only a few days after the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Following Fernando Alonso's winning debut with the Scuderia, the Italian media went right ahead to praising the officials at Maranello for bringing a true champion to represent the Prancing Horse in Formula One. They haven't settled with only that however, as some news headlines joked ... (read more)]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:23:11 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/german-and-italian-media-at-war-after-schumacher-debut-in-bahrain-18078.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/german-and-italian-media-at-war-after-schumacher-debut-in-bahrain-18078.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/di-resta-to-replace-sutil-in-australian-gp-practice-18076.html
As confirmed by the Force India officials when initially signing Di Resta, the DTM driver will get plenty of chances to drive the VJM03 this...]]> Paul di Resta is understood to finally debut on the VJM03 two weekends from now, in the practice session of the 2010 Australian Grand Prix. The 23-year old Brit, who is currently preparing for another campaign with AMG Mercedes-Benz in the DTM, will likely take Adrian Sutil's car for the 2 practice sessions scheduled on the Friday before the Aussie race.

As confirmed by the Force India officials when initially signing Di Resta, the DTM driver will get plenty of chances to drive the VJM03 this... (read more)]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:03:42 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/di-resta-to-replace-sutil-in-australian-gp-practice-18076.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/di-resta-to-replace-sutil-in-australian-gp-practice-18076.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/indy-race-in-f1-possible-in-2011-18073.html
Starting from 2000 and 2007, the Brickyard hosted the American Grand Prix in Formula One, but the series had little succe...]]> United States has been out of the Formula One map for years now, yet the series' supremo Bernie Ecclestone keeps searching for a new circuit to add another round to the North American circuit in the years to come. And it seems it is still the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) that holds the highest chances of making an F1 return, as showed in some recent reports in the US.

Starting from 2000 and 2007, the Brickyard hosted the American Grand Prix in Formula One, but the series had little succe... (read more)]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:41:01 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/indy-race-in-f1-possible-in-2011-18073.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/indy-race-in-f1-possible-in-2011-18073.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-against-107-qualifying-rule-18065.html
Should the world of Formula One want such a change to happen this year, every single team that is part of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) must agr...]]> After the president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Jean Todt expressed his willingness to switch back to a 107 percent qualifying rule for the 2011 season of Formula One - while backed by the series' executive Bernie Ecclestone - the new teams made it very clear that they won't vote affirmative for such a change in rules.

Should the world of Formula One want such a change to happen this year, every single team that is part of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) must agr... (read more)]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:17:49 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-against-107-qualifying-rule-18065.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/lotus-against-107-qualifying-rule-18065.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/f1-world-split-in-half-over-boredom-issues-18059.html
Among the former, we have all the 4 reigning champions that are currently compet...]]> After the first race of the 2010 season, the Formula One paddock seems to have divided into two opposite parts. One the one hand, we have some drivers, team officials and majority of the media that believe the new rules have failed in providing an extra show in the series, on the other hand we have a few drivers, teams and even F1 commentators who believe everybody should be patient before slamming the new rules.

Among the former, we have all the 4 reigning champions that are currently compet... (read more)]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:39:24 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/f1-world-split-in-half-over-boredom-issues-18059.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/f1-world-split-in-half-over-boredom-issues-18059.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/petrov-frustrated-with-unfortunate-f1-start-18051.html
Talking to the media after the race, the former GP2 Series runner-up made no secret from his frustration, as he was convinced a poin...]]> Although the Bahrain Grand Prix was his first race in Formula One, Russian driver Vitaly Petrov left the Manama track more disappointed and frustrated than ever. The new Renault driver had made a great start in the race and was running on an impressive 11th place at the end of the first lap, before a suspension problem put an end to his first race in the series.

Talking to the media after the race, the former GP2 Series runner-up made no secret from his frustration, as he was convinced a poin... (read more)]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:55:15 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/petrov-frustrated-with-unfortunate-f1-start-18051.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/petrov-frustrated-with-unfortunate-f1-start-18051.html#comments autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-astonished-by-vettel-s-pace-after-engine-failure-18038.html
Nevertheless, Red Bull's advisor Helmut Marko emphasized the impressive performance managed by Vettel throughout the 49 laps of action, insisting that h...]]> Sebastian Vettel was congratulated by all the staff members of the Red Bull Racing team despite the engine problem that deprived him of a well-deserved win on Sunday. While leading the Sakhir race with a comfortable 3-second lead from Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, his RB6's engine broke down and the German eventually had to settle for 4th place.

Nevertheless, Red Bull's advisor Helmut Marko emphasized the impressive performance managed by Vettel throughout the 49 laps of action, insisting that h... (read more)]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:42:01 GMT AUTO Championships - autoevolution http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-astonished-by-vettel-s-pace-after-engine-failure-18038.html AUTO Championships http://www.autoevolution.com/news/red-bull-astonished-by-vettel-s-pace-after-engine-failure-18038.html#comments autoevolution