http://relatefirst.com/blog/ Latest Blogs http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/formula1-tv-schedule-2010/ All times UK.

BAHRAIN
Sakhir, 12-14 March, 2010

Friday 12 March
Practice one:...]]> All times UK.

BAHRAIN
Sakhir, 12-14 March, 2010

Friday 12 March
Practice one: 0655-0835, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1100-1230, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 13 March
Practice three: 0755-0855, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1000-1230, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online

Sunday 14 March
Race: 1110-1415, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online
Post race forum: 1415-1515, BBC Red Button/online
Highlights: 1900-2000 and 0150-0245, BBC Three (highlights then looped on Red Button)


AUSTRALIA
Albert Park, Melbourne, 26-28 March

Friday 26 March
Practice one: 0125-0305, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 0525-0705, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 27 March
Practice three: 0255-0405, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 0500-0730, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sports extra/online

Sunday 28 March
Race: 0600-0900, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online
Post race forum: 0900-1000, BBC Red Button/online
Race re-run: 1300-1500, BBC One
Highlights: 1900-2000, BBC Three (highlights then looped on Red Button)


MALAYSIA
Sepang, 2-4 April 2010

Friday 2 April
Practice one: 0255-0435, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 0655-0835, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 3 April
Practice three: 0655-0805, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 0800-1030, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sports extra/online

Sunday 4 April
Race: 0800-1000, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online then 1000-1100, BBC Two/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online
Post race forum: 0900-1000, BBC Red Button/online
Highlights: 1900-2000, BBC Three (highlights then looped on Red Button)


CHINA
Shanghai, 16-18 April

Friday 16 April
Practice one: 0255-0435, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 0655-0835, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 17 April
Practice three: 0355-0505, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 0600-0830, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online
Qualifying re-run: 1300-1415, BBC One

Sunday 18 April
Race: 0700-1015, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online
Post race forum: 1015-1115, BBC Red Button/online
Race re-run: 1200-1400, BBC One
Highlights: 1900-2000, BBC Three (highlights then looped on Red Button)


SPAIN
Circuit de Catalunya, 7-9 May

Friday 7 May
Practice one: 0855-1035, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1255-1435, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 8 May
Practice three: 0955-1105, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1215-1420, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 9 May
Race: 1210-1515, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online



MONACO
Monte Carlo, 14-16 May

Friday 14 May
Practice one: 0855-1035, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1255-1435, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 15May
Practice three: 0955-1105, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1210-1430, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 16 May
Race: 1210-1530, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


TURKEY
Istanbul Park, 28-30 May

Friday 28 May
Practice one: 0755-0935, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1155-1335, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 29 May
Practice three: 0855-1005, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1100-1330, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 30 May
Race: 1210-1520, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


CANADA
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, 11-13 June

Friday 11 June
Practice one: 1455-1635, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1855-2035, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 12 June
Practice three: 1255-1405, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1710-1915, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 13 June
Race: 1600-1915, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


EUROPEAN
Valencia, 25-27 June

Friday 25 June
Practice one: 0855-1035, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1255-1435, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 26 June
Practice three: 0955-1105, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1210-1420, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 27 June
Race: 1210-1515, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


GREAT BRITAIN
Silverstone, 9-11 July

Friday 9 July
Practice one: 0955-1105, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1355-1535, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 10 July
Practice three: 1055-1205, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1210-1430, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 11 July
Race: 1210-1530, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


GERMAN
Hockenheim, 23-25 July

Friday 23 July
Practice one: 0855-1035, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1255-1435, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 24 July
Practice three: 0955-1105, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1210-1420, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 25 July
Race: 1210-1515, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


HUNGARY
Hungaroring, 30 July - 1 August

Friday 30 July
Practice one: 0855-1035, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1255-1435, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 31 July
Practice three: 0955-1105, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1210-1430, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 1 August
Race: 1210-1515, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


BELGIAN
Spa-Francorchamps, 27-29 August

Friday 27 August
Practice one: 0855-1035, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1255-1435, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 28 August
Practice three: 0955-1105, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1210-1410, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 29 August
Race: 1210-1515, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


ITALIAN
Monza, 10-12 September

Friday 10 September
Practice one: 0855-1035, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1255-1435, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 11 September
Practice three: 0955-1105, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1210-1420, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 12 September
Race: 1210-1515, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


SINGAPORE
Singapore, 24-26 September

Friday 24 September
Practice one: 1055-1235, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1425-1605, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 25 September
Practice three: 1155-1305, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1400-1630, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 26 September
Race: 1210-1515, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


JAPAN
Suzuka, 8-10 October

Friday 8 October
Practice one: 0155-0335, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 0555-0735, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 9 October
Practice three: 0255-0405, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 0500-0730, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online
Qualifying re-run: 1300-1415, BBC One

Sunday 10 October
Race: 0600-0915, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online
Race re-run: 1400-1600, BBC One


KOREA
Yeongam, 22-24 October

Friday 22 October
Practice one: 0255-0435, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 0655-0835, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 23 October
Practice three: 0355-0505, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 0500-0730, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online
Qualifying re-run: 1300-1415, BBC One

Sunday 24 October
Race: 0600-0915, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online
Race re-run: 1300-1515, BBC One


BRAZIL
Interlagos, Sao Paulo, 5-7 November

Friday 5 November
Practice one: 1155-1335, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1555-1735, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 6 November
Practice three: 1255-1405, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1500-1720, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 7 November
Race: 1500-1815, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


ABU DHABI
Yas Marina, 12-14 November

Friday 12 November
Practice one: 0855-1035, BBC Red Button/online
Practice two: 1255-1435, BBC Red Button/online

Saturday 13 November
Practice three: 0955-1035, BBC Red Button/online
Qualifying: 1215-1420, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live sport extra/online

Sunday 14 November
Race: 1210-1515, BBC One/online and BBC Radio 5 live/online


FORMULA ONE ON THE BBC IN 2010
Jake Humphrey will present the TV coverage, joined by 13-time grand prix winner David Coulthard and former team boss Eddie Jordan as pundits.

Jonathan Legard will commentate alongside award-winning broadcaster and former F1 driver Martin Brundle.

The pit lane reporters will be Ted Kravitz and Lee McKenzie.

F1 fans will be able to customise their viewing experience through the BBC's multi-platform offering with options such as: split-screen action; a live leaderboard; in-car cameras; choice of commentary; live online streaming; live text; interactive forums; circuit guides; and blogs.

TELEVISION COVERAGE
All qualifying sessions and races will be shown on BBC One.

There will be further information about coverage when details are available.


RED BUTTON
The BBC's red button interactive TV service will broadcast live coverage of all on-track sessions - Friday and Saturday practice, qualifying and race.

There will be an additional interactive analysis programme following on from the end of the BBC One coverage of each race.

On race day, viewers will be able to choose from three different video streams.

These will be: the main network feed with a choice of commentary from BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live; a split screen comprising the main network feed; an in-car camera feed and leaderboard; rolling highlights.

We will not be able to provide F1 coverage in high definition this year. The BBC relies on Formula 1 Management (FOM) for the provision of all of its live pictures and as such the broadcasting of high definition pictures is dependent upon whether FOM uses HD cameras or not.


RADIO
Radio 5 Live will again be providing extensive coverage and live commentary of all on-track action - on 5 Live on 909 and 693MW and 5 Live Sports extra on digital radio.

David Croft will be the commentator, with former F1 driver Anthony Davidson as the expert analyst and Holly Samos as pit-lane reporter.

The station will continue with its half-hour 5 Live Formula 1 show on Friday evenings during race weekends.

It also has the Chequered Flag Podcast which is available after every race and features interviews with all the main players and in-depth analysis.


ONLINE
The BBC Sport website will carry live all BBC One, BBC Two and red button coverage of F1.

There will be multiple live video streaming, which will mirror what is available on the red button.

Video will be available in high quality, enabling viewers to watch on the internet near-television quality video.

The website will continue its distinctive live text commentary and as well as news and analysis there will be: extensive post-race video highlights; a video blog by Murray Walker; several other blogs; and comprehensive results and statistics.

The BBC F1 website will be modified and improved for the start of the season and changes are planned to enhance the experience for mobile users, with more details to come at a later date.]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/formula1-tv-schedule-2010/ Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:09:10 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/fruitcake/blog/games/ keep getting a square in the left hand corner of the page,
please help or i wont know what to do with myself ...]]> keep getting a square in the left hand corner of the page,
please help or i wont know what to do with myself come the 18th of march
hope everyone is ok, and all looking forward to spring
love lynn xxx]]> http://relatefirst.com/fruitcake/blog/games/ Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:58:45 +0000 fruitcake http://relatefirst.com/angelseyes08/blog/so-far-so-good/ Chinese New Year almost around the conner, it probably not ...]]> Chinese New Year almost around the conner, it probably not the same as last time, but this festive month still something that I've been waiting for- time for celebrating and meeting relatives and friends.]]> http://relatefirst.com/angelseyes08/blog/so-far-so-good/ Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:07:56 +0000 angelseyes08 http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/formula-1-teams-and-drivers-2010/ Team profile
Jenson Button
Lewis Hamilton


Mercedes
Team profile
Michael Schumacher
Nico Rosberg


Red Bull
Team pr...]]> Team profile
Jenson Button
Lewis Hamilton


Mercedes
Team profile
Michael Schumacher
Nico Rosberg


Red Bull
Team profile
Sebastian Vettel
Mark Webber


Ferrari
Team profile
Fernando Alonso
Felipe Massa


Sauber
Team profile
Kamui Kobayashi
Pedro de la Rosa


Williams
Team profile
Rubens Barrichello
Nico Hulkenberg


Renault
Team profile
Robert Kubica


Force India
Team profile
Adrian Sutil
Vitantonio Liuzzi


Toro Rosso
Team profile
Sebastien Buemi
Jaime Alguersuari


Lotus F1
Team profile
Jarno Trulli
Heikki Kovalainen


Virgin Racing
Team profile
Timo Glock
Lucas di Grassi


Campos Meta 1
Team profile
Bruno Senna



US F1
Team profile
Jose Maria Lopez]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/formula-1-teams-and-drivers-2010/ Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:01:36 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/full-details-of-all-19-grands-prix-listed-in-the-provisional-2010-formula-1/ Bahrain Grand Prix
Sakhir, 12-14 March, 2010

Australian Grand Prix
Albert Park, Melbourne, 26-28 March 2010

Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang, 2-4 April ...]]> Bahrain Grand Prix
Sakhir, 12-14 March, 2010

Australian Grand Prix
Albert Park, Melbourne, 26-28 March 2010

Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang, 2-4 April 2010

Chinese Grand Prix
Shanghai, 16-18 April 2010

Spanish Grand Prix
Circuit de Catalunya, 7-9 May 2010

Monaco Grand Prix
Monte Carlo, 14-16 May 2010

Turkish Grand Prix
Istanbul Park, 28-30 May 2010

Canadian Grand Prix
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, 11-13 June 2010

European Grand Prix
Valencia, 25-27 June, 2010

British Grand Prix
Silverstone, 9-11 July, 2010

German Grand Prix
Hockenheim, 23-25 July 2010

Hungarian Grand Prix
Hungaroring, 30 July - 1 August 2010

Belgian Grand Prix
Spa-Francorchamps, 27-29 August 2010

Italian Grand Prix
Monza, 10-12 September 2010

Singapore Grand Prix
Singapore, 24-26 September 2010

Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka, 8-10 October 2010

South Korean Grand Prix
Yeongam, 22-24 October 2010

Brazilian Grand Prix
Interlagos, Sao Paulo, 5-7 November 2010

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Yas Marina, 12-14 November 2010 ]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/full-details-of-all-19-grands-prix-listed-in-the-provisional-2010-formula-1/ Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:37:16 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/madge43/blog/happy-new-year/ Happy new year to all my friends on internet friends and romance.Hope you all have a wonderful 2010 x Happy new year to all my friends on internet friends and romance.Hope you all have a wonderful 2010 x http://relatefirst.com/madge43/blog/happy-new-year/ Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:05:58 +0000 madge43 http://relatefirst.com/angelseyes08/blog/goodbye-2009-but-always-in-my-heart/
My mind is full on things to write but I just can't find the ...]]>
My mind is full on things to write but I just can't find the exact words or how to express how I really felt. This is the first time I lost of words.

Year 2009 will be the most memorable year for me. The year full of tears and sorrow. I'm gonna missed you (mama) forever. August 19th will be forever hunting me as that was the day you left us.

Still crying everytime I saw your empty bed... empty room.
Love you mama.]]> http://relatefirst.com/angelseyes08/blog/goodbye-2009-but-always-in-my-heart/ Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:01:45 +0000 angelseyes08 http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/hamilton-excited-by-schumacher-return/
Hamilton joined the F1 grid in 2007, the year after Schumacher retired, so – like several of F1’s younger generation of drivers – has never raced against the seven-time world champion.

“It’s great to have Michael back in Formula 1,” said the 2008 world champion following Wednesday’s announcement that Schumacher will race for Mercedes GP next year.

“He is a legend and a really nice guy, and I am happy for him that he has once again got an opportunity to do the best job in the world – race in Formula 1!

“I used to watch Michael race when I was in the junior categories, and I always hoped that I would be in Formula 1 while he was still around.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing him on the track and back at the top.

“It’s brilliant news, and I wish him my absolute best wishes on his comeback with such a fine team and company as Mercedes Benz.”

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh feels Schumacher’s comeback will give F1 a big boost, and is sure the German did not take the decision lightly.

“I think I share the sentiment of every single Formula 1 fan across the world by saying that Michael Schumacher’s return to the sport is fantastically exciting – and a thrilling prospect for the 2010 season,” said Whitmarsh.

“I’ve no doubt that Michael has studiously examined this opportunity from every possible angle, and that he’s convinced he still possesses the same fearsome drive and determination required to succeed in Formula 1.

“Obviously, Michael is a seven-time champion and has absolutely nothing left to prove – so it will be fascinating to see what he can achieve in a new team.

“To Michael, Norbert [Haug], Ross [Brawn], Nick [Fry], and everyone at Mercedes GP, we offer our warmest regards and congratulations and, most importantly, we look forward to some terrific racing in 2010!”]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/hamilton-excited-by-schumacher-return/ Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:47:34 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/schumacher-8216convinced-8217-title-bid-is-on/
After weeks of mounting spe...]]>
After weeks of mounting speculation, the sport’s most successful driver of all time confirmed on Wednesday that he will return to the cockpit with reigning champion team Mercedes GP in 2010.

And despite having been on the sidelines for three years following his retirement in 2006, Schumacher has already set his sights on an eighth title.

“Mercedes GP represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context,” he said.

“I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 world championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track.”

Schumacher added that he was delighted to be renewing his association both with Ross Brawn – who guided him to all seven of his titles at Benetton and Ferrari – and with Mercedes, with which he raced in sports cars and DTM before graduating to F1 in 1991.

“It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme,” he said.

“For me, this partnership closes the circle.

“Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star.”

Schumacher will be aiming to emulate the likes of Niki Lauda and Alain Prost, who both retired from F1 only to return and win a further title apiece (in 1984 and 1993 respectively)]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/schumacher-8216convinced-8217-title-bid-is-on/ Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:44:16 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/rosberg-relishing-schumi-challenge/
Schumacher’s much-rumoured return to the competitive front line was confirmed on Wednesday morning, and despite an age advantage of nearly 17 years Rosberg is under no illusions that it will be easy to match his fellow German.

“It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula 1 and will be my team-mate at Mercedes GP,” said Rosberg.

“It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time.

“I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed!

“It is also great news for our sport and the fans.”

Mercedes GP boss Ross Brawn believes the Schumacher/Rosberg pairing is the most potent on the 2010 grid and that the world champion team has an even brighter future in prospect.

“I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula 1 with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth,” said Brawn.

“We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at Mercedes GP is extremely excited about the challenge ahead.

“With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010.”]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/rosberg-relishing-schumi-challenge/ Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:43:09 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/schu-confirms-f1-return-with-mercedes/
After speculation reached fever pit...]]>
After speculation reached fever pitch in recent days, the comeback plan was confirmed in a press conference at the team’s factory on Wednesday morning.

The deal reunites the German with Ross Brawn, the man who masterminded all seven of his world titles with Benetton and Ferrari and who runs Mercedes GP having saved the Brackley-based squad from closure in a management buyout last winter.

It is a spectacular coup for Mercedes-Benz, which guided Schumacher from sports cars into F1 in 1991 but – in its role as McLaren part-owner and engine supplier – could only look on enviously as its protégé rewrote the sport’s record books with Ferrari.

The German manufacturer recently bought a 75% shareholding in the team from Brawn and now has an all-German driver line-up for its ‘Silver Arrows’ – with Schumacher, who will turn 41 in January, partnering 24-year-old Nico Rosberg next season.

“I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula 1 next year and drive for our Mercedes GP Petronas team," said team principal Brawn.

“As seven-time world champion, Michael’s outstanding record in Formula 1 speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again.”

German newspaper Bild reports that Schumacher stands to earn approximately £6 million in 2010. The deal is believed to be for just one year but is likely to include options to extend it if the comeback goes well.

Schumacher retired from F1 at the top of his game in 2006, narrowly losing that year’s title to Fernando Alonso but signing off with one of the best and most memorable drives of his career in the Brazilian GP.

Although he has always denied ruing the decision to hang up his helmet, it wasn’t long before he was testing Ferrari’s F1 cars again and dabbling in motorcycle racing, as well as remaining closely involved in the Italian team through a consultancy contract.

When Felipe Massa was sidelined from the second half of the 2009 season following his accident in qualifying for July’s Hungarian GP, Schumacher enthusiastically accepted Ferrari’s request that he deputise for his friend and former team-mate.

But he had to abandon that planned comeback on medical advice owing to a lingering neck injury sustained a motorbike accident in February, leaving him “disappointed to the core”.

It was clear that Schumacher’s appetite for competition had been rekindled by the episode – if it ever went away – and he was soon linked with Mercedes after the carmaker bought into Brawn GP and reigning world champion Jenson Button created a vacancy by defecting to McLaren.]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/schu-confirms-f1-return-with-mercedes/ Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:41:40 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/ferrari-expects-bigger-input-from-alonso/ Luca di Montezemolo says Ferrari hired Fernando Alonso to replace Kimi Raikkonen as it realised it needed a driver who was capable of working more clo...
Two-time world champion Alonso was long thought to have agreed a move to the Scuderia from 2011, but his arrival was brought forward by one year after Ferrari managed to agree with a pay-off with Raikkonen to terminate his agreement with the team a season ahead of schedule.

Ferrari president di Montezemolo says the team had been keeping tabs on Alonso over the last two years and believes the 28-year-old Spaniard is arriving at Maranello at the right stage in his career.

And while praising Raikkonen’s racing abilities, the Italian reckons Alonso represents a more complete package.

“We have been watching him [Alonso] since 2007 and [team principal, Stefano] Domenicali discussed it with me this summer,” Montezemolo said during a pre-Christmas lunch with journalists last week.

“He is an extremely talented driver, quick and good at working with a team, while being totally focussed on winning.

“I think he is coming to Ferrari at just the right time in his career.

“We had already reached an agreement for 2011, when both our drivers’ contracts would have expired.

“Then, we realised that our team needed a driver capable of really getting involved with the engineers, a characteristic that was not part of Kimi’s genetic make-up, even though he is an amazingly talented guy.

“Then came Felipe’s [Massa] unexpected accident and, before taking a decision, we needed to know what his prospects were.

“Once we were certain he was fine, then in light of what was going on at Renault [with the race-fixing scandal], we decided to try and bring Alonso on board a year ahead of schedule.”

Although Raikkonen won the drivers’ title in his first year at Ferrari in 2007, the team’s hand-picked replacement for Michael Schumacher generally failed to match less-vaunted team-mate Felipe Massa over the last two seasons.

However, di Montezemolo made it clear that Ferrari had been happy with Raikkonen’s contribution to its successes in his time at the team – while also dismissing speculation that the arrival of Spanish bank Santander as a major sponsor at the squad from 2010 was the reason for the early arrival of Alonso.

“Let’s make one thing clear, we were very happy with everything Kimi did for Ferrari during his time at Maranello: he won the world championship in his first year and played a vital part in our taking the constructors’ title in his second year, while in this difficult season he at least managed to secure us one victory,” he said.

“However, we were aware that something else was needed for the way we operate and therefore, we opted for Alonso.

“The role of Santander? Certainly, they are happy, but it is not the sponsors that choose the drivers: we have never operated like that and we never will.”]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/ferrari-expects-bigger-input-from-alonso/ Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:54:07 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/briatore-hits-out-at-provocative-mosley/
Former Renault team boss Briatore is bidding to overturn his indefinite ban from international motorsport and driver management in the French courts, after being found guilty by the governing body’s World Motor Sport Council of being part of a conspiracy to cause a deliberate crash in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

In documents from his case leaked in the British press last month, Briatore accused the WMSC, which was chaired by Mosley, of being “clearly blinded by an excessive desire for personal revenge" when they ruled on his involvement in the plot.

Mosley, who in October was succeeded as FIA president by Jean Todt, strongly denied Briatore’s allegations in a press statement on Thursday, calling the Italian’s attempts to overturn his ban "desperate and unsustainable".

The former FIA chief also described Briatore’s leaking of statements from his legal case a bid to “distract attention from his key role in one of the worst and most dangerous examples of deliberate cheating in the history of sport."

Briatore has now responded to the Englishman’s comments through his own statement on Friday in which he questioned Mosley’s motives for going public with his criticisms, while also reiterating his belief that he hadn’t been subjected to a fair trial by the WMSC.

“I was made aware of the terms of the press statement made by the former President of the FIA, Mr Max Mosley as regards the decision that he took as the head of the Motor Sport World Council on 21st September 2009,” Briatore’s statement read.

“It is difficult to ascertain whether Mr Mosley is just losing his temper while waiting the decision to be issued by the French courts or if, after having lost his position as a key person in motor racing, he is just eager to regain media coverage by making provocative attacks against myself, amongst others.


“Whatever is the answer, it is quite intriguing to hear that Mr Mosley would now pretend that the FIA rendered a fair decision against me at the end of a process of fair justice.

“This is certainly not the position that the current leadership of the FIA expressed before the French Civil Courts, where everyone could hear Counsel for FIA stating that the World Council took only a decision of an “administrative nature”, did not issue any ruling against myself and was thus actually not bound to comply with any standards of civilized justice.”

Briatore, who had already resigned from his long-held position as the head of Renault’s F1 team prior to the WMSC hearing into the race-fixing scandal, also took issue with Mosley’s view that he had been “given every opportunity to put his side of the story, but he chose not to submit himself to scrutiny”.


The Italian claims that in actual fact he was advised not to attend the hearing in person by Mosley himself as he was told it might not involve him being punished.

“I would also have been glad to hear Mr Mosley explain that he expressed to me over the phone on September 19th 2009, that my presence at the hearing of the World Council of 21st September was neither necessary nor desirable, in the context of a difficult session for Renault, while since such hearing may, in any event, not result into any decision against myself,” Briatore added.

The verdict of Briatore’s appeal against his motorsport ban, which is being heard at the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris, is due to be announced on January 5.

Flavio Briatore is taking court action against the FIA
Click for larger image
Bernie confirms seven-year Rome dealMerc GP signs Petronas as main backerFerrari expects Schu to join MercedesFerrari expects bigger input from AlonsoBrawn settles sponsorship disputeTurkish GP faces uncertain futureBernie: Schumacher return looks likelyKobayashi signs 2010 Sauber dealFerrari launches young driver academy Katayama rescued during Mt Fuji climbDeal leaves Kubica's future in doubtStand-in drivers to get test run outRBR welcomes continuing Renault dealGenii aims to return Renault to frontMassa 100% confident after latest test]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/briatore-hits-out-at-provocative-mosley/ Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:53:06 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/bernie-confirms-seven-year-rome-deal/ The Italian capital Rome is set to stage a Formula 1 race from 2012, Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed, after the historic city signed a seven-year deal...
The possibility of staging grand prix in Rome was first floated by former Formula 2 driver and world superbike promoter Maurizio Flammini in January, with any event to be run on streets around the outskirts of the city.

Following reports over the weekend that officials organising the event had been given the green light by Ecclestone, F1’s commercial impresario has now confirmed an agreement has indeed been reached.

The 79-year-old told The Times that he had negotiated an initial seven-year deal for a street race in Rome, with the contract including a further five-year option, and that he expects its first race to take place in 2012.

And, hinting the track layout will run close to the Vatican, Ecclestone quipped: “Every time there is an overtaking manoeuvre, we’re going to put the black smoke up.”

Flammini also confirmed to Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper that he had agreed on a deal with Ecclestone, but said that full details of the contract couldn't yet be revealed.

Rome’s mayor Gianni Alemanno, meanwhile, stressed that a grand prix in the city would not replace Italy’s legendary Monza event on the calendar, but complement it, while bringing crucial new revenue streams into the city.

“This would not be an alternative to the grand prix in Monza, but alongside it,” Alemanno said.

“We have calculated that there would be spin off benefits of €1 billion a year from this event and Rome needs to renew its tourist attraction with something aimed at families and young people.”

Italy had traditionally staged two grands prix on the calendar, at Monza and at Imola in San Marino, before the Imola event was dropped in 2007.

Spain, with races at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona and the new Valencia street circuit, is the only country currently with the honour of having two races on the calendar.]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/bernie-confirms-seven-year-rome-deal/ Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:51:01 +0000 graham http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/turkish-gp-faces-uncertain-future/

The race at Istanbul Park, which made its F1 debut in 2005, had already been considered one of the more vulnerable events on the calendar due to poor ticket sales in recent years, with attendances at this year’s race slumping to a new low and resulting in organisers putting black cloths across sections of empty grandstands.


And while the venue’s F1 contract was not thought to expire until after the 2011 event, Turkey’s English daily Hurriyet Daily News reports that Ecclestone wrote a letter to Faruk Nafiz Özak, the state minister responsible for sporting events, outlining the terms the country will have to accept if it wants to keep its race beyond next year.


It is reported Ecclestone upped the fees he would demand from a current level of $13.5 million (£8.3m) to $26 million (£16.1m), while asking officials to notify him as to whether it wanted to accept the deal by the end of December.

It is believed the F1 supremo also pointed out that other countries currently not on the calendar were willing to pay more for the chance to hold a grand prix.

However, an unnamed Turkish official claimed that the fees Ecclestone were demanding were not reflective of what was being paid by other European countries.

“In countries such as France and Germany, the Formula One CEO is requesting something between $1.5 million and $4 million,” the Hurriyet Daily News quotes the official as saying.

The report suggests that Özak will now seek the opinions of some of the country’s motorsport bodies, including the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation and Turkish Motorcycle Federation, before presenting a dossier on the race’s future to prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The 2010 Turkish GP will take place on May 30.]]> http://relatefirst.com/graham/blog/turkish-gp-faces-uncertain-future/ Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:49:37 +0000 graham