Post Japanese GP: Mix Ups, Penalties and More

After a weird pit-stop call for both Ferraris at the beginning of the race, all came to light during the press conference when an unhappy Kimi Raikkonen said that both him and Massa were told to come into the pits to have their tires changed. It turned out that FIA's email to the teams telling them to start on extra wet tires for the race did not manage to land in the Ferrari mailbox until late.

As a result, both Ferraris, which started on intermediate tires as they had set the car up for a dry race. Unfortunately, this resulted in a compulsory pitstop for both of them, which might have cost Kimi Raikkonen his Drivers' Championship chances.

Sebastian Vettel was ruled as the guilty party in the collision with Mark Webber, and as a result, he is hit with a 10 place penalty which will be carried over to the Shanghai Grand Prix next weekend.

His teammate, Vitantonio Liuzzi, who scored his first point of this season for himself and Toro Rosso, was unable to enjoy his solitary point for more than 5 hours after he was found guilty of overtaking under yellow flag. Adrian Sutil, in a very much improved Spyker, would be more than happy to score the first point for his team and himself after finishing in the 9th place initially, but would now move up one position in place of Vitantonio.

Japanese Grand Prix 07 - Lewis Retains Lead with 12 Points

In an extremely wet race of the Japanese Grand Prix, where the cars spent almost 20 laps behind the safety car, Lewis Hamilton managed to maintain his lead from pole position to clinch the victory. His teammate and closest rival Fernando Alonso however, crashed into the safety barrier after a suspected suspension failure, now trails the Brit by 12 points in the Drivers' Championship after failing to finish the race.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, who started from third, finished in third place behind fellow Finn Heikki Kovalainen from Renault. Heikki, who just scored his first podium finish, did a wonderful race to defend his 2nd position from the relentless attack of Kimi.

David Coulthard brought the Red Bull team to the fourth position behind the Finns and Giancarlo Fisichella, in the other Renault, although he qualified better than Heikki Kovalainen, managed a 5th position. Felipe Massa took a disappointing 6th position after being penalised for overtaking under safety car in the early stages of the race. However, his last-gasp duel with BMW's Robert Kubica left many of us breathless as the two took swipes at each other viciously before coming up to the start-finish line. Vitantonio Liuzzi then scored the first point for the Toro Rosso Team in the 8th position.

The most disappointed people, other than Fernando Alonso, were perhaps Mark Webber and rookie Sebastian Vettel. During the safety-car stint brought about by Alonso's crash, the two Red Bull affiliates, in 2nd and 3rd position respectively, lined up behind Lewis Hamilton while waiting for the race restart. However, an overzealous Sebastian unfortunately ploughed his Toro Rosso car into Mark Webber's Red Bull. Mark did not bother to hid his disgust as he threw his steering wheel out of the car before getting out, while a remorseful Vettel was seen in tears at the pitwall.

Results
01 L. Hamilton McLaren 2:00:34.579
02 H. Kovalainen Renault + 8.377
03 K. Räikkönen Ferrari + 9.478
04 D. Coulthard Red Bull + 20.297
05 G. Fisichella Renault + 38.864
06 F. Massa Ferrari + 49.042
07 R. Kubica BMW + 49.200
08 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso + 55.600
09 A. Sutil Spyker F1 + 1:01.100
10 R. Barrichello Honda + 1:28.300
11 J. Button Honda + 1 laps
12 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 + 1 laps
13 J. Trulli Toyota + 1 laps
14 N. Heidfeld BMW + 2 laps
15 T. Sato Super Aguri + 2 laps
Did not finish
16 R. Schumacher Toyota + 122 laps
17 A. Davidson Super Aguri + 46 laps
18 N. Rosberg Williams + 18 laps
19 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso + 21 laps
20 M. Webber Red Bull + 22 laps
21 F. Alonso McLaren + 26 laps
22 A. Wurz Williams + 48 laps


Source: PlanetF1

Japanese GP Qualifying: Mclaren Duo Up In Front

01 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:25.489
02 F. Alonso McLaren 1:25.438
03 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:25.516
04 F. Massa Ferrari 1:25.765
05 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:26.505
06 N. Rosberg Williams 1:26.728 *
07 J. Button Honda 1:26.913
08 M. Webber Red Bull 1:26.914
09 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:26.973
10 R. Kubica BMW 1:27.225
11 G. Fisichella Renault 1:26.033
12 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:26.247
13 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:26.247
14 J. Trulli Toyota 1:26.253
15 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:26.948
16 R. Schumacher Toyota no time
17 R. Barrichello Honda 1:27.323
18 A. Wurz Williams 1:27.454
19 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:27.564
20 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:28.628
21 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:28.792
22 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:29.668

* Nico Rosberg will suffer a ten-place penalty due to an engine change on Friday.

Source: PlanetF1

In the wet-weathered qualifying, nothing unexpected happened and the drivers on top are the usual suspects - Mclaren duo vs the Ferrari duo. Lewis Hamilton did a fantastic flying last lap to snatch the pole position from right under teammate/rival Fernando Alonso's nose. Kimi Raikkonen took the third position, while Felipe Massa will be lined alongside his teammate in the 2nd row of the grid at the 4th position.

Nick Heidfeld, affirming BMW's position as the third fastest car, came into the 5th position on the grid, while Williams' Nico Rosberg registered a 6th fastest timing, but due to an engine change, he will be relegated to the 16th position. Jenson Button, in a surprising strong show for the Honda team, came in 7th fastest and Mark Webber's Red Bull also did a stunning performance in the 8th position. Rookie Sebastian Vettel managed an impressive 9th fastest while Robert Kubica of BMW falls short of his expectations to come in 10th.

Japanese GP Practice 3: Abandoned

The 3rd and final practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix was abandoned due to extreme bad weather. The practice session was initially delayed for half an hour, beginning at local time 11.30am instead of the planned 11am, but was eventually abandoned after 4 mins into practice time. Only Alex Wurz, Nico Rosberg and Jarno Trulli were able to set lap times in the respective sequence. All drivers other than Kimi Raikkonen managed an installation lap before the session was finally abandoned.

If the weather continues, it could set the background for a very interesting Fuji race. With the lack of familiarity of the track and the wet weather, the race could easily go in anyone's favour.

Singapore F1 Circuit Approved

The revised version of the Singapore F1 Circuit has been approved by the FIA - the governing body of F1. Work has already begun on the major facilities and additional roads required for the event that will take place next September 28.

However, there is still no word from the FIA regarding the proposal for Singapore to have the first ever night race in Formula 1 history.

Japanese GP Practice 2 - Mclaren Still Contenders

Times
01 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:18.734 38 laps
02 F. Alonso McLaren 1:18.948 34 laps
03 F. Massa Ferrari 1:19.483 36 laps
04 J. Trulli Toyota 1:19.711 35 laps
05 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:19.714 29 laps
06 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:19.789 40 laps
07 G. Fisichella Renault 1:19.926 39 laps
08 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:19.949 33 laps
09 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:19.969 40 laps
10 R. Kubica BMW 1:20.069 45 laps
11 M. Webber Red Bull 1:20.006 35 laps
12 A. Wurz Williams 1:20.233 37 laps
13 N. Rosberg Williams 1:20.270 43 laps
14 J. Button Honda 1:20.336 44 laps
15 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:20.462 36 laps
16 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:20.736 37 laps
17 R. Barrichello Honda 1:20.889 33 laps
18 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:20.985 44 laps
19 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:20.997 38 laps
20 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:21.007 34 laps
21 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:21.305 38 laps
22 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:21.352 34 laps

Source: PlanetF1

In what seemed almost like a reversed scenario of Practice 1, Mclaren found themselves on the top of the timesheet during Practice 2, with almost half a second off Kimi Raikkonen's fastest timing during Practice 1. Mclaren was the only team in the 1:18s timings while their closest rival, Felipe Massa of Ferrari, just managed a 1:19s.

Right now the odds look pretty even, and the race could very well go either way.

Japanese GP Practice 1 - Ferrari Leads the Way

Times
01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:19.119 26 laps
02 F. Massa Ferrari 1:19.498 27 laps
03 F. Alonso McLaren 1:19.667 27 laps
04 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:19.807 24 laps
05 N. Rosberg Williams 1:20.058 26 laps
06 R. Kubica BMW 1:20.297 26 laps
07 A. Wurz Williams 1:20.411 24 laps
08 J. Trulli Toyota 1:20.483 32 laps
09 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:20.516 29 laps
10 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:20.601 22 laps
11 R. Barrichello Honda 1:20.068 24 laps
12 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:20.718 27 laps
13 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:20.728 26 laps
14 V. Liuzzi Toro Rosso 1:20.808 29 laps
15 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:20.828 28 laps
16 G. Fisichella Renault 1:20.851 23 laps
17 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:21.186 15 laps
18 M. Webber Red Bull 1:21.437 18 laps
19 J. Button Honda 1:21.541 22 laps
20 S. Vettel Toro Rosso 1:21.854 18 laps
21 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:22.436 18 laps
22 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:22.902 17 laps

Source: PlanetF1

Kimi Raikkonen proved himself a formidable force by stamping his authority for the Japanese Grand Prix with an impressive first practice session. The Fuji Speedway, which was last used for an F1 Grand Prix back in 1977, is a relatively new circuit to all the current drivers. The teams spend much time getting to know the track and putitng in practice laps to ensure that the drivers get to know the circuit's every turn and bump.

The predictions before the first practice session were generally that Ferrari would not do well here because of the track's similarity to other tracks like Montreal, Monaco, where Ferrari had failed to perform due to the cars. Mclaren were the hot favourites, but it looks like they have quite some work to do to match the pace of Ferrari.

Alonso to Ferrari, Massa to Toyota?

As the season nears its end, the usual speculation in the drivers' market is at full force. The latest rumour, sparked by a report on British's News of the World, Fernando Alonso, the disgruntled Mclaren driver, is said to have already negotiated a contract with Scuderia Ferrari for the next season. One thing for sure - Fernando Alonso is not likely to be staying in Mclaren. But a move to Ferrari and a partnership with the Iceman Kimi Raikkonen? Definitely this would result in a lot of sparks off and on the track as we all know beyond the Iceman façade, Kimi is not one to mince his words.

But to make way for the Spaniard, rumour has it that Ferrari's current driver Massa will be making a move to the Toyota team. According to the Daily Mail, Massa has already been engaged in preliminary talk with the Japanese team. Toyota has been reportedly fed up with the underperforming Ralf Schumacher, so they would definitely be on the lookout for a new driver. Massa, on the other hand, could possibly be worried about his peril position after Jean Todt's possible retirement at the end of this season for the return of Ross Brawn. Massa, who is currently managed by Jean Todt's son Nicholas, could find himself in unfavourable position if and when Ross Brawn takes over.

Spyker Sold to Michiel Mol and Vijay Mallya

The sale of Spyker F1 Team to Michiel Mol and Vijay Mallya has been announced. Spyker F1, whose drivers are perpetually out of point-scoring positions (whether is it the machine or the man, well, we'll leave it to you), bought over Midland F1 Racing (which bought over Jordan Grand Prix). None of these 3 teams were ever top-tier racing companies, which lead us to wonder if such teams are always at the bottom because of the limited development capabilities.

Bernie Ecclestone, owner of Formula 1, for one, isn't apologetic for Spyker's short stint in Formula 1. He expressed his feelings about how Spyker had not contributed anything to the sport freely, and the deal would be finalised on September 29.

Spyker's highest ever finish in a race was in last week's Belgian Grand Prix, when Adrian Sutil finished in 14th position.

Mclaren Will Not Be Appealing For Hungary Points

Mclaren has withdrawn their appeal for the team points lost in the Hungarian Grand Prix.

During the qualifying session of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso was found guilty of impeding teammate Lewis Hamilton during the pitstop. The stewards thus punished Mclaren for this unsporting behaviour by not awarding them any points scored during the Grand Prix.

In view of their oust from the 2007 World Constructors' Championship, Mclaren has decided to drop the appeal in an attempt to seek closure for the matter after the spy espionage. However, it is reported that this decision might affect the $100 milion fine sanctioned by the FIA against Mclaren as the final sum of the fine is calculated based on the team's earnings from its final standings in the championship deducted from the $100 million.

FIA Ready to Investigate Renault

Renault, which had recently been dragged into the spy espionage by team Vodafone Mclaren-Mercedes which was found guilty of breach of sporting rules, might be investigated by the FIA if Mclaren manage to produce substantial evidence against them.

Renault team boss Flavio Briatore however has insisted that the case brought forward by Mclaren against them was not related to the high-profiled 'Stepneygate'.

FIA president Max Mosley has already gotten into contact with Mclaren team principal Ron Dennis regarding their evidence against Renault, and has promised to take action against the French team if the evidence produced is damning enough. Ron Dennis on the other hand, has decided not to say anything to the press until the investigation has been carried out.

Spa-Francorchamp 07 - Raikkonen Leads Ferrari 1-2

With Mclaren docked of all their 166 points in the Constructors' Championship and thus banned from accumulating any more teampoints for the rest of the season, Ferrari looks to be heading towards a comfortable victory for the World Constructor's Championship.

In the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, Kimi Raikkonen led the race from the beginning to the very end with Felipe Massa doing a great job following safely in second place. The first lap of the race saw the two Mclarens nearly taking each other out if Lewis Hamilton had not backed off during the first corner. Fernando Alonso, whose terrible relationship with his team is the worst-kept secret in this season, forced his teammate off the track, resulting in Lewis losing the fight for the third place. The gap between current World Champion Leader Lewis Hamilton and teammate Fernando Alonso has been reduced to just 2 points, with just 3 more races to go.

Nick Heidfeld, who did not have a good qualifying session on Saturday, finished in the 5th place. Nico Rosberg, whose future for the 08 season is still being widely speculated, brought his Williams to the 6th place and technically securing the 4th place in the Constructors' Championship for his team. Mark Webber, in a surprising strong showing in his Red Bull, made it to the 7th place while Heikki Kovalainen's one stop strategy nearly backfired as he held on barely to the last point finish.

Results
01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:20:39.066
02 F. Massa Ferrari + 4.695
03 F. Alonso McLaren + 14.343
04 L. Hamilton McLaren + 23.615
05 N. Heidfeld BMW + 51.879
06 N. Rosberg Williams + 1:16.876
07 M. Webber Red Bull + 1:20.639
08 H. Kovalainen Renault + 1:25.106
09 R. Kubica BMW + 1:25.661
10 R. Schumacher Toyota + 1:28.574
11 J. Trulli Toyota + 1:43.653
12 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso + 1 laps
13 R. Barrichello Honda + 1 laps
14 A. Sutil Spyker F1 + 1 laps
15 T. Sato Super Aguri + 1 laps
16 A. Davidson Super Aguri + 1 laps
17 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 + 1 laps
Did not finish
18 J. Button Honda + 8 laps
19 A. Wurz Williams + 10 laps
20 D. Coulthard Red Bull + 15 laps
21 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso + 36 laps
22 G. Fisichella Renault + 43 laps

Source:PlanetF1.com

Next up is the Japanese Grand Prix (30th September), which will take place in the Fuji Speedway. It could go anyway with the drivers being relatively new to this circuit. However, as more news of the inevitable separation between Fernando Alonso and Mclaren appear, one can't help but wonder if there might be some strategic teamplay to favoritise Ron Dennis' protége, Lewis Hamilton for his first World Championship title.

Spa Qualifying - Ferrari 1-2

The grid on Sunday for the Spa-Francorchamps will be as follows:

01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:45.994
02 F. Massa Ferrari 1:46.011
03 F. Alonso McLaren 1:46.091
04 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:46.406
05 N. Rosberg Williams 1:47.334
06 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:47.409
07 M. Webber Red Bull 1:47.524
08 J. Trulli Toyota 1:47.798
09 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:48.505
10 G. Fisichella Renault 1:46.603
11 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:46.618
12 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:46.800
13 J. Button Honda 1:46.955
14 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:47.115
15 R. Kubica BMW 1:47.33415*
16 A. Wurz Williams 1:47.394
17 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:47.581
18 R. Barrichello Honda 1:47.954
19 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:47.980
20 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:48.044
21 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:48.199
22 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:49.577

Ferrari gets a 1-2 qualifying for the first time this year. Kimi Raikkonen qualified on the pole position on the track where he had won twice in Mclaren, while his teammate Felipe Massa will take the second position. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton took the 3rd and 4th spots respectively for the Mclaren team (which will receive no team points no matter what position they finish in). Robert Kubica did a good job getting 5th position, but he is penalised with an engine change and was demoted 10 places. Nico Rosberg thus takes over the 5th spot on the grid with BMW driver Nick Heidfeld taking the 6th place. Mark Webber, Jarno Trulli, Heikki Kovalainen and Giancarlo Fisichella round up the top ten places on the Spa-Francorchamps grid positions.

Spa Practice 3 - Ferrari back on top with Kimi

01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:46.137 16 laps
02 F. Massa Ferrari 1:46.388 16 laps
03 F. Alonso McLaren 1:46.507 9 laps
04 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:46.782 13 laps
05 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:47.065 13 laps
06 J. Trulli Toyota 1:47.218 10 laps
07 N. Rosberg Williams 1:47.251 16 laps
08 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:47.359 15 laps
09 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:47.454 18 laps
10 M. Webber Red Bull 1:47.527 15 laps
11 G. Fisichella Renault 1:47.564 15 laps
12 J. Button Honda 1:47.767 17 laps
13 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:47.806 9 laps
14 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:47.838 19 laps
15 A. Wurz Williams 1:47.902 16 laps
16 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:48.129 16 laps
17 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:48.163 20 laps
18 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:48.348 18 laps
19 R. Barrichello Honda 1:48.528 16 laps
20 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:48.955 16 laps
21 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:49.179 14 laps
22 R. Kubica BMW no time 2 laps

Spa Practice 2 - Mclaren Duo Fight Back

01 F. Alonso McLaren 1:46.654 29 laps
02 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:46.765 29 laps
03 F. Massa Ferrari 1:46.953 27 laps
04 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:47.166 26 laps
05 J. Trulli Toyota 1:47.491 33 laps
06 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:47.946 34 laps
07 G. Fisichella Renault 1:48.086 30 laps
08 M. Webber Red Bull 1:48.271 29 laps
09 R. Kubica BMW 1:48.279 37 laps
10 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:48.567 38 laps
11 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:48.606 36 laps
12 N. Rosberg Williams 1:48.840 32 laps
13 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:48.883 17 laps
14 J. Button Honda 1:48.919 29 laps
15 R. Barrichello Honda 1:49.364 31 laps
16 A. Wurz Williams 1:49.393 28 laps
17 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:49.697 32 laps
18 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:49.720 34 laps
19 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:50.168 23 laps
20 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:50.399 24 laps
21 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:50.542 24 laps
22 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:50.865 9 laps

Source: Planet-F1.com

Spa Practice 1 - Ferrari First, Ferrari Last

01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:47.339 16 laps
02 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:47.881 19 laps
03 F. Alonso McLaren 1:47.994 17 laps
04 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:48.052 20 laps
05 N. Rosberg Williams 1:48.372 18 laps
06 R. Kubica BMW 1:48.605 20 laps
07 A. Wurz Williams 1:48.920 20 laps
08 J. Trulli Toyota 1:48.994 19 laps
09 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:49.138 22 laps
10 J. Button Honda 1:49.330 22 laps
11 G. Fisichella Renault 1:49.380 25 laps
12 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:49.548 21 laps
13 M. Webber Red Bull 1:49.894 23 laps
14 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:49.931 19 laps
15 R. Barrichello Honda 1:50.264 22 laps
16 S. Vettel Toro Rosso 1:50.482 27 laps
17 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:50.640 16 laps
18 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:50.648 20 laps
19 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:50.768 22 laps
20 V. Liuzzi Toro Rosso 1:51.628 12 laps
21 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:52.379 21 laps
22 F. Massa Ferrari no time 2 laps

-- Felipe Massa crashed into the tires barrier as his car failed to steer to the right at Rivage.

Source: Planet-F1.com

Mclaren Faces Expulsion from Constructors' Championship and Fined $100 Million

The verdict has been delivered - Mclaren will face expulsion from the 2007 Constructors' Championship - but drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton will not get their points deducted from the Drivers' Championship.

Mike Coughlan, the disgraced ex-Mclaren employee, had earlier on Thursday named several Mclaren key figures who knew about the Ferrari information that he had from Nigel Stepney. While he claimed to have merely glanced through the information, the FIA deemed Mclaren to be guilty of a breach in the sporting regulation, and other than disqualifying Mclaren from the Constructors' Championship, Mclaren has also been slapped with a US$100million fine, as well as having their 2008 car design subjected to approval by the FIA.

However, Ron Dennis, Nobert Haug and the Mclaren team have voiced their dissatisfaction over the FIA's ruling, maintaining their stand that the Mclaren team had not used the information in any way.

Ferrari, on the other hand, is very satisfied with the FIA's ruling, and as a result of Mclaren's disqualification from the Constructors' Championship, Ferrari will now lead the Constructors' Championship with 143 points.

Renault Part of Spy Scandal?

In the latest development of the spy-scandal involving Ferrari and Mclaren, the Woking-based team has indicated to the FIA that rivals Renault should be scrutinised for certain undisclosed matters.

Flavio Briatore, team principal of Renault, has denied of any problems with his team. However, he did not have much to worry about as the FIA has told Mclaren that whatever they were reporting about Renault had nothing to do with the hearing this Thursday - which was to be about the spy scandal between Ferrari and Mclaren.

India Commits to Building F1 Track

In a bid to host an F1 race, India has signed a deal to construct an F1 track. However, this deal is conditional on the term that India pays $30 million by the end of September for the rights fee.

While this deal does not mean that India will definitely host an F1 race, it is viewed as a significant step towards their bid to host an F1 race in the near future.

The proposed circuit will be built in New Delhi.

Italian Grand Prix 07 - Mclaren 1-2 despite tumultous week

In the home grand prix of Scuderia Ferrari, Mclaren managed a 1-2 finish, and enjoyed the honour of being the Highest Scoring Constructor for this grand prix.

Earlier, before the qualifying had started, Italian police called upon the Mclaren camp and served 5 writs to top management of the Vodafone Mclaren-Mercedes Team. Those served included team boss Ron Dennis, Martin Whitmarsh, Jonathan Neale, Paddy Lowe and Rob Taylor - all who were the key figures in the design and strategy of the Mclaren team. It all leads back to the white powder found on the cars of Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen a few days before the Monaco Grand Prix, which sparked the spy-scandal of Nigel Stepney - ex-head of performance development for Ferrari, and Mike Coughlan, ex-chief designer of Mclaren.

While Mclaren appeared unruffled by this 'unnecessary visit' (as Ron Dennis calls it) from the Italian police, emotions were frayed and the tv images showed just as much - an emotional Ron Dennis getting a hug from his wife and wiping away tears from his eyes before he went onto the podium to receive the Constructor's Trophy. He denied the rumours of his retirement, which were no doubt sparked by the spy-scandal incident, and his description of this season being "the most extreme" one of his 41 years in F1.

On with the race report, Felipe Massa could only lament on his poor luck as his car failed with what seemed to be possibly transmission problem just after 9 laps. David Coulthard had his front wing disintegrated by what he claimed to be the result of a contact with Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella.

After the retirement of teammate Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, who suffered a huge shunt during Free Practice 3 on Saturday, was able to move up to 3rd place. He started from 5th position, but a great start saw him leapfrogging BMW driver Nick Heidfeld into the 4th place. Going on a 1 stop strategy, he had a brief moment in 2nd place, until Lewis Hamilton, in a desperate attempt, braked late in the first turn and overtook Kimi. As described by Kimi in the post-race conference, he was not able to hold up his neck during braking after the shunt on Saturday, thus affecting his performance during the later stages of the race.

Fernando Alonso then proceeded to win the Italian Grand Prix with ease, while breaking many tifosi* hearts. Lewis Hamilton completed the 1-2 victory by Mclaren in 2nd place, the lone Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen taking third spot. A delighted Nick Heidfeld took the 4th place, teammate Robert Kubica 5th (can anyone separate these two BMW drivers?! Lol!), a strong show from Williams driver Nico Rosberg got him a 6th place, while Renault driver Heikki Kovalainen took the 7th spot with Honda driver Jenson Button completing the top 8 drivers.

*Tifosi - italian word for sports fans. An affectionate term used to call the Ferrari fans in F1 context.

Singapore F1 Grand Prix PR Account Awarded to Fulford

Fulford, a public relations firm which has experience in handling major sports events, have been awarded the PR account for the Singapore F1 Grand Prix. The company will be in charge of promoting the event in the regional markets, which includes Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and more.

Singapore GP handed the account to Fulford based on its track records in handling motorsports events. The company previously handled the PR for team Mclaren F1 for four years. The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, Lexus Cup women's golf tournament, Singapore Swimming Association and the Netball Singapore national federations - all the big names, are currently in Fulford's portfolio.

The exact number of firms vying for the prestigious account was not made known, nor the value of the account. However, it is understood that the contract stands for 14 months.

Construction for Singapore F1 GP Pit Building Begins

The construction for the Pit Building on Marina Bayfront has begun as of 31st August 2007, after a ground-breaking ceremony led by the Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang. In order to be in time for the race next year on September 28, the Pit Building will be completed within 9 months, with the estimated date of completion sometime in the end of May next year.

The Pit Building, which includes the usual team garages, VIP lounges, media centre and other facilities, is estimated to cost about SGD 33 million. With most of the walls made of glass, it provides an excellent view for the exclusive guests to have a bird's eye view on the action in the pits, as well as along the start-finish straight.

During races, pit strategies are critical as a well-timed pitstop could very well leapfrog a driver from the second place to the first place, as Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen had proven twice this season during the French Grand Prix and the Santander British Grand Prix.

The FIA would announce next month whether the night race is approved for the Singapore Grand Prix, but in a similar move in MotoGP, the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar 2008 will be ran on the night of March 9th.