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Hamilton faces tight test regime

World champion Lewis Hamilton is facing a truncated testing schedule in getting to grips with the technical changes Formula One will embrace this season.

McLaren is one of the teams that is using kinetic energy recovery systems - one of the many changes that are being introduced for 2009 - in its two cars.

"I've seven days to master the car, where normally I would have had 20 days," Hamilton, 24, told BBC Sport.

"It's a completely new package for us all - it's going to be interesting."

Kers harnesses energy that would have been lost during braking and allows the driver to reapply it during acceleration.
"We've a huge challenge ahead of us with Kers - with the reliability of that, the reliability of the car and finding the new set-up," said Hamilton, who got his first taste of McLaren's 2009 car when he completed 81 laps in testing in Portugal on Wednesday.

Hamilton said McLaren would definitely be using the system - other teams have yet to decide whether to employ it or not from the start of the season.

The 24-year-old decided to take more time off at the end of last season after he became the youngest world champion in Formula One history after a thrilling Brazilian Grand Prix.

His team-mate Heikki Kovalainen is still waiting to try out his new McLaren after bad weather wiped out the final day of testing in southern Portugal on Thursday.

The Finn had been due to drive the MP4-24 at the Algarve circuit, but rain and fog grounded the medical helicopter and forced organisers to close the circuit for safety reasons.

McLaren's next test is at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain on 10 February, with the F1 season starting in Australia on 29 March.

Driving for the first time since winning the F1 title in dramatic fashion at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton was third fastest overall after a minor engine problem.

"It was good to be back working with the team. It felt like I'd hardly been away because it was easy to slip back into the routine," said Hamilton.

"This first test was all about just getting used to the new car and the new regulations and about giving my feedback to the engineers - it wasn't about setting a fast time.

"I'm pleased to report that the car feels good, we've made lots of progress over the winter and I'm looking forward to developing the car ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
"It's going to be an extremely busy winter. I've only been in the car for one day and our usual job list for the weeks ahead is already enormous.

"With the limitations on testing during the season, and the few sessions we have over the next two months, this is going to be an intense time and absolutely critical for every team."
Wednesday's fastest time was set by Toro Rosso's Sebastien Buemi, who finished almost two seconds clear of second-placed Nico Rosberg in the Williams who was half a second clear of Hamilton.

Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk

De la Rosa unhappy with test ban

McLaren's Formula One test driver Pedro De la Rosa says the ban on in-season testing could prove to be dangerous.

New measures were brought in by the FIA, the sport's governing body, as part of cost-cutting measures for F1.

With Barcelona hosting the last testing session ahead of the season-opener in Australia on 29 March, De la Rosa is worried if reserve drivers are needed.

"We could be a problem, with regard to safety, if we haven't driven enough," he said after testing in Jerez, Spain.

Teams are currently preparing for the new season, which opens with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne at the end of March.

The FIA opted for the new ban in December last year and it could lead to F1 team's test drivers becoming redundant for the rest of the year.

The 38-year-old Spaniard added: "I'm hoping I can test again in the next few weeks because to me it's very important to arrive in Melbourne with as many miles as possible.

"Otherwise, the situation for a reserve driver is ridiculous.
"Arriving in Melbourne with very little mileage done, or not having a single day of testing during the season, makes the test driver rusty in case we have to climb into the car."

Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk

Sato rules out third-driver role at Red Bull

The chances of Takuma Sato making a return to the Formula One paddock for the 2009 season grew even slimmer on Wednesday, after the former Super Aguri racer announced he is no longer in talks with Red Bull about the possibility of becoming their reserve driver.

Sato tested for Red Bull's Toro Rosso team three times over the winter and was in the running for a 2009 race seat. But the news in February that the team had chosen Sebastien Bourdais to partner new signing Sebastien Buemi forced the Japanese driver to look for other avenues to continue his Formula One career.

In a statement on his official website, the 32 year-old said: “I am no longer in negotiation with the Toro Rosso or Red Bull teams about their third driver positions. I am very disappointed that we were not able to come to an agreement with them but you never know what is around the corner. As everyone knows, I never give up so we are still looking for the best options for the future.”

Before Super Aguri withdrew last season, Sato had been a firm fixture on the Formula One grid since 2003.

Source:
http://www.formula1.com

Felipe Massa Q&A - Ferrari will be ‘very competitive’

After coming so close last year, Felipe Massa has returned stronger and more confident that both he and Ferrari have what it takes to challenge for the title this season. Thus far, testing suggests his confidence is well placed. And clearly reenergized, the Brazilian is adopting a simple mantra for 2009 - win races and win the title…

Q: Felipe, this week’s Jerez session is the first test with eight teams running their new cars. Where do you see Ferrari in this context, and which teams are your closest rivals?
Felipe Massa: We are definitely going in the right direction and we are where we wanted to be at the moment. My guess is that we will see four or five teams that will be very competitive and that will make the championship very interesting. That will be McLaren, of course, then Toyota, Red Bull Racing, maybe Renault and maybe BMW, who could be quick as well. But for sure there is still a lot of work to do - the whole team is extremely focused to improve the car. By now I can say that I am quite convinced that we will be very competitive.

Q: Speaking to the other drivers, they seem unanimous that Ferrari is the strongest team right now. Do you feel like you’re the favourite?
FM: No. You don’t feel you’re the favourite. What you feel is that you are in good shape, that you are in the right condition to fight and the right condition to be competitive. I am not the kind of guy who likes to say that we are the best - we are not the best - we are just working to try to win races and win the championship.

Q: There are six more test days left before Melbourne. In what areas do you feel the car can still be improved?
FM: Well, everywhere. There are always margins where you want to improve. We are working in all areas of the car - on the speed, on the reliability, on the consistency. But also I’m working on myself - on the driving style and on finding the right set-up. There are always margins to improve.

Q: There are barely three weeks to go before the grid forms for the Australian Grand Prix. Are you ready?
FM: For sure I would like to do some more testing, as tests are without doubt the best preparation for a race - especially the first. In terms of feeling comfortable in the car - yes, I am ready.

Q: After that heart-stopping finale in Brazil last year, what’s your philosophy for the season ahead?
FM: That is very simple. My philosophy is to win - races and the championship!

Q: You have reportedly said that you would be in favour of testing during the season. Is that correct?
FM: No, I was probably misinterpreted. I have some ideas that maybe the race can be slightly shorter, because in the last 15 laps nobody really cares about the race any more. And as we have seen that Friday is not so important for the show, we could extend the Saturday morning a bit and take away the Friday altogether. In addition to that, we could do two, three or four (test) sessions during the season - not together but separately - and make a ‘testing championship’ and the winner could take a bonus for the championship. Like that, you could have a lot more sponsors following the testing, and of course more media. Maybe we could have a nice practice in the morning and a big qualifying (type session) in the afternoon. I think if everybody gives his opinion and brings together some good ideas, we could make a good championship all together.

Q: Your former team mate Michael Schumacher visited the test on Tuesday. Did you have a conversation?
FM: Yes, there always is. It is always nice to have Michael here. I tried to explain to him all the things we are doing, about the development of the car, the behaviour of the car and the feelings that I have. And I was telling him not to risk too much with the motorbikes!

Source:
http://www.formula1.com

Former Honda F1 team to race regularly in Australia

According to reports, former Honda Racing F1 team will be on the starting grid of this season’s opener Grand Prix in Australia. The Times newspaper reported earlier today that former Ferrari Technical Director Ross Brawn, is leading the management buyout and the new team will be funded by a combination of money from Honda itself for this year and funds from F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

The newspaper reported also that the team will conduct a shakedown test of their new car next Thursday at Silverstone and a full test will follow in Barcelona on March 9.

Alongside Jenson Button, who is reportedly confirmed in one race seat, no decision has been taken yet on his teammate. It’s being rumoured this will be either Rubens Barrichello, who has been with Honda for the past three seasons, or Ayrton Senna’s 25-year-old nephew, Bruno Senna.

Source:
http://www.formula1news.net

Fulham Hope To Extend Hangeland's Stay

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that the Premier League outfit are eager to offer centre-back Brede Hangeland an extension to his contract at Craven Cottage.

The 6ft 5in Norwegian international has 14 months remaining on his current deal with the west London-based outfit but the Cottagers are looking to better his terms in hope of staving off interest from other clubs.

"We have had plans for a while to talk to him, a) about an extension and b) about improving his contract. That's in hand," Hodgson is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

However, the former Blackburn Rovers and Inter boss is well aware that the 27-year-old has impressed since arriving in England and that the club may receive bids for his services regardless of the player’s contract.

"If it happens, it happens and we will deal with it the best we can,” the manager explained. “In the meantime, Brede and other players who might interest other clubs are still here and we will do our best to keep them."

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

Atletico Madrid Unleash Late Hell To Sink Barcelona

Barcelona were stunned into a 4-3 loss away to Atletico Madrid despite twice going ahead, their lead at the top of the Primera Division being cut to a mere four points. Two goals in the last five minutes, though, ensured that the Rojiblancos were to delight their home crowd and keep their Champions League challenge alive.

The match was preceded with a minute's silence for little Diego Alcala, a nine-year-old club junior player who was fatally injured when a bench collapsed on him last week. This was impeccably observed.

Hostilities then began with Barcelona kicking off, but it was the rojiblancos who were to come so close to drawing first blood. Maxi Rodriguez freed Kun Aguero down the right, but the younger of the two Argentines saw himself denied by a save from Victor Valdes.

Leo Franco had to be alert to deny a weak Samuel Eto'o effort at the other, but the ball came into the net for the first time thanks to Atletico. Maxi's deflected shot landed at the feet of John Heitinga, who netted from close range, but he was adjudged - controversially - to be offside.

Atleti were furious, but they were soon to grow even angrier as Barcelona took the lead. It was a moment of genius from Thierry Henry, who got on the end of a short pass from Eto'o before rifling a 20-yard curler past the helpless Leo Franco.

Leo Messi made it 2-0 on the half hour mark with a move no less impressive, but different: seizing on the ball in midfield, he rounded first Paulo Assuncao and then Pablo Ibanez before coolly rolling the ball under Franco.

Atleti were floundering, but one man took matters into his own hands. Diego Forlan did the honours with a 25-yard strike right into the top corner of the net to reduce the deficit.

The chances kept on coming, though, albeit mostly for the Blaugrana. Atleti, particularly Heitinga and Pablo Ibanez, were finding defending suitably difficult, although Barcelona were far from innocent in those respects, either.

Messi could have added a third before the interval, but he hit an effort just wide seconds before the break.

Right after the restart referee Gonzalez Vazquez found his cards, booking Heitinga and Raul Garcia in quick succession, and things almost got worse for the Rojiblancos as Samuel Eto'o was played through on goal by Eidur Gudjohnsen in a rare moment of creativity for the Icelander. Eto'o, though, couldn't do his teammate's play justice as he blasted a shot way, way off target.

Kun Aguero showed him how it was done at the other end with the equaliser, Raul Garcia flicking on a kick-out from Franco for Aguero to stride through the defence and level.

It was well and truly game on as the cards kept flying, especially in the midst of a midfield battle in which Barca were struggling, but it was clear that the goalmouth was going to be the site of most of the action.

Thierry Henry proved that with a predatory finish after being teed up by Eidur Gudjohnsen in a manouevre more notable for the dreadful implementation of the offside trap by Atleti, who allowed the attackers through scot-free.

But just six minutes later Diego Forlan equalised from the spot after Thierry Henry was adjudged to have brought down Florent Sinama-Pongolle - another controversial decision.

With six goals and no sign of the game slowing down, the fans had had their money's worth, but it was up to the star of the show, Kun Aguero, to well and truly round off the night after Maniche played him through on the edge of the area to eventually beat Puyol and then roll the ball in at the far post.

Xavi, who had a difficult game, almost set up Henry at the far post for yet another equaliser, but Atleti had done enough to pick up an historic three points after one of the most entertaining games of the season so far.

Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com