Kimi Räikkönen Official 2007 World Champion After Mclaren Appeal Fails

Kimi Räikkönen's status as the F1 World Champion 2007 remains unchange as the FIA Court of Appeal ruled that Mclaren's appeal for BMW's Nick Heidfeld, Robert Kubica and Williams' Nico Rosberg to be disqualified from the Brazilian Grand Prix after being alleged of having used fuel at an illegal temperature.

Initially, Mclaren had launched the appeal claiming to seek clarity of the regulations, after the two teams were not penalised for using fuel at 10 degrees lower than the ambient temperature. Mclaren's lawyer Ian Mill QC then called for the disqualification of the 3 drivers and a review of the championship result.

If Nick Heidfeld, Robert Kubica and Nico Rosberg had all been disqualified, Mclaren's rookie Lewis Hamilton would have moved up a few positions and would have won the World Championship.

However, Mclaren, which are fined $50 million and disqualified from the Constructors' Championship, had no better luck in this appeal as the court ruled it 'inadmissable'.

Ross Brawn Heads Honda, Stefano Domenicali Replaces Jean Todt

Shortly after Honda F1 team announced ex-Ferrari Technical Director Ross Brawn as the new team principal, Ferrari released an announcement that Stefano Domenicali, current Sporting Director of Ferrari, would replace French man Jean Todt as the Director of the Gestione Sportiva. This change would take place with effect from the 1st January of 2008.

Mario Almondo, the Technical Director of Ferrari, will then become the Operations Director, while Aldo Costa will be the new Technical Director.

Jean Todt was placed in charge of Ferrari's F1 team since 1993 after a few successful years with Peugeot in various motorsports. Together, Jean Todt and Ferrari had won a total of 98 grand prix races, beating the record set by Enzo Ferrari's 93 grand prix races during his time.

Jean Todt's future has yet to be announced.

Renault to Attend WMSC Hearing

Renault has been named the latest accuse of the spying incident on Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes.

In the earlier hearings of the spying incident between Ferrari and Mclaren, in which Mclaren was punished and stripped off all their points in the Constructors' Championship, Renault was also mentioned in the investigation results done by Mclaren. While they were not investigated in the earlier stages, they are now being called forth to attend the hearing in front of the FIA World Motor Sports Council (WMSC) on the 6th of December.

According to the official statement released by the FIA, Renault is called to the hearing based on the suspicion of having "unauthorised possession of documents and confidential information belonging to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes". Supposedly, a former Mclaren team member had passed several CDs filled with technical information of Mclaren to Renault.

Over in the Mclaren camp, the MP4-23, which is the 2008 car of the Mclaren F1 team, has began to be subjected to scrutiny by the FIA officials to ensure that the design is legal (and not in anyway based on the technical information that they had from the Stepneygate incident). The results of the FIA's findings will be published on 7th December.

Michael Schumacher Back On Track for Testing

First it was for MotoGP, now Michael Schumacher will be testing the Ferrari F2007 during the upcoming winter testing at Circuit de Catalunya.

On Monday, after the final round of the MotoGP 07, Michael Schumacher took the Ducati Desmosedici GP7 on track for some fun testing under the guidance of Ducati's test rider Vittoriano Guareschi, Nicky Hayden and Randy Mamola, who gamely took Schumacher on a two-seater Ducati last season in Mugello.


However, for Ferrari, the testing will be done not for fun but rather for technical information purposes. With the banning of traction control in 2008 season, Schumacher's experience in handling a car that is not computer-aided will provide invaluable information for the two Ferrari drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa.

Mclaren Appeal Set on 15th November

The appeal lodged by Mclaren is set to be heard by the FIA Court of Appeal on 15th November.

Mclaren had lodged an appeal against the results of the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton, who finished 7th, lost out on the Drivers' Championship title to Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen by just one point. It was later found out that Williams' Nico Rosberg, BMW's Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld had fuel that was below the allowed temperature (it has to be at most 10 degrees below track temperature), thereby giving them a boost in their performance (lower temperature meant more fuel stored). Nico Rosberg, Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld finished 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.

If Mclaren's appeal is successful, it could mean that Nico Rosberg, Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld could all be stripped off their positions, thus handing the 4th position to Lewis Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton would then have enough points to beat Finnish Kimi Räikkönen and win the Drivers' Championship title on his debut season.

However, FIA president Max Mosley has played down speculations that Lewis Hamilton could be handed the Drivers' title even if the trio were found guilty.

Certainly, if the FIA decides to strip Kimi Räikkönen of his first title and hand it over to Lewis Hamilton, it would be a cruel blow to the Finn, as well as possibly cause an uproar against the FIA's decision.

Brazilian GP:Kimi Räikkönen Wins Race, Wins Drivers' Championship Title

It was an epic buildup to the race, and the race itself certainly did not disappoint with the dramas that happened.

Right at the start of the last race of the 2007 season, Felipe Massa, showing he is a worthy teammate to Kimi Räikkönen, moved right in front of Mclaren's Lewis Hamilton, allowing Kimi to move up right beside the Brazilian. Going into turn 1, Massa went ahead while Kimi slotted in neatly behind his teammate's Ferrari. Mclaren's other driver Fernando Alonso did not make things any easier for his teammate Lewis Hamilton by overtaking him and forcing the young British driver to make a mistake and ran wide. Several cars overtook him as he steered back on track.

The two Ferraris pulled away gradually after 3 laps when Fernando Alonso's Mclaren could not keep up with their pace anymore. Lewis Hamilton then shortly suffered gear box problems and coasted around the track on neutral gear for nearly 40seconds. By the time he managed to get his car to working condition again, he was already down in the 18th place and effectively out of the title race.

William's Nakajima, in his debut race, was unable to control his race car to a stop effectively in the pit, knocking over one of the mechanics who had to be transported to the hospital but looked visibly alright other than a hurt left leg.

Felipe Massa built a small lead over his teammate after the first pitstop, however, a mistake by the Brazilian allowed Kimi to close in on him slowly and steadily. With a few marvellous laps while the Brazilian was having his second pitstop, and a brillantly executed pit stop for the Finn saw him overtook his teammate in the pits for the second time of the year.

Even when his Ferrari crossed the line, all Ferrari's supporters and Kimi himself were left holding their breaths as the other cars crossed the line. Lewis Hamilton was in the 7th place and if he remained in that position, then the Drivers' Championship would be Kimi's to take. Despite Williams' Nico Rosberg and the two BMWs of Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica engaged in a fierce battle, they did not take out one another to the relief of the Red team and kept Lewis in his seventh spot.


Kimi Räikkönen, grateful for teammate Felipe Massa's help (who could have enjoyed a home victory but understood his position in the team and showed great teamwork when it mattered), got out of his car and thanked his teammate immediately.


The newly crowned World Champion Kimi Räikkönen with former 2 times World Champion Fernando Alonso on the podium. The Iceman, as Kimi is known for his cool and calm demeanor, showed rare smiles on the podium and looked visibly delighted.



Perhaps that was the defining difference between the two teams - Mclaren Mercedes, which looked like they had the two championships in the bag at the start of the season, and Ferrari, which showed great teamwork and unity when it mattered. Mclaren's team principal and rookie Lewis Hamilton will be left wondering about all the what-ifs and what went wrong for them this season when they had such a strong start.

Brazilian GP Results:
01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:28:15.270
02 F. Massa Ferrari + 1.493
03 F. Alonso McLaren + 57.019
04 N. Rosberg Williams + 1:02.848
05 R. Kubica BMW + 1:10.957
06 N. Heidfeld BMW + 1:11.317
07 L. Hamilton McLaren + 1 laps
08 J. Trulli Toyota + 1 laps
09 D. Coulthard Red Bull + 1 laps
10 K. Nakajima Williams + 1 laps
11 R. Schumacher Toyota + 1 laps
12 T. Sato Super Aguri + 2 laps
13 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso + 2 laps
14 A. Davidson Super Aguri + 3 laps
Did not finish
15 A. Sutil Spyker F1 + 28 laps
16 R. Barrichello Honda + 31 laps
17 H. Kovalainen Renault + 36 laps
18 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso + 37 laps
19 J. Button Honda + 51 laps
20 M. Webber Red Bull + 57 laps
21 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 + 69 laps
22 G. Fisichella Renault + 69 laps

Source: PlanetF1

Brazilian GP Qualifying: Felipe Massa in Pole Position

Times
01 F. Massa Ferrari 1:11.931
02 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:12.082
03 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:12.322
04 F. Alonso McLaren 1:12.356
05 M. Webber Red Bull 1:12.928
06 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:13.081
07 R. Kubica BMW 1:13.129
08 J. Trulli Toyota 1:13.195
09 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:13.272
10 N. Rosberg Williams 1:13.477
11 R. Barrichello Honda 1:12.932
12 G. Fisichella Renault 1:12.968
13 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:13.058
14 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:13.251
15 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:13.315
16 J. Button Honda 1:13.469
17 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:14.078
18 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:14.098
19 K. Nakajima Williams 1:14.417
20 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:14.596
21 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:15.217
22 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:15.487

Source: PlanetF1



Home hero Felipe Massa did not disappoint the Brazilian fans. Fastest in Free Practice 3, Massa carried his wonderful form into the final qualifying of the 2007 season by clinching the pole position ahead of Mclaren's Lewis Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate Kimi Räikkönen.

Lewis Hamilton was embroiled in more controversies as he was allegedly blocking Kimi Räikkönen on his flying laps twice as he came out of the pits to do his installation laps. However, the stewards did not conduct any investigations, nor were there any formal complaint filed by the Scuderia Ferrari team.

Mclaren's Fernando Alonso managed a 4th position, and will line up behind his teammate. He admitted that the hopes for any championship title is grim now, and blamed having to start Q3 behind his teammate, "The main problem was starting behind my team-mate as usual," he told Italian television RAI. He would certainly be hoping for some miracle to happen as he believes that the two Mclaren would be on identical pit-strategy, so Lewis Hamilton will have the upperhand on him by starting in the front row.

Mark Webber was a surprise in his Red Bull, taking the 5th grid, but perhaps the recent races have shown Red Bull's improvement, while his teammate David Coulthard qualified on the 9th position. Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica's BMWs were normal in their performance taking the 6th and 7th spot, while the 8th was taken by Jarno Trulli in his Toyota.

Williams' rookie Kazuki Nakajima, replacing Alex Wurz who retired with immediate effect after the Chinese Grand Prix, managed a lowly 19th position, while a surprisingly horrible performance by Renault's Heikki Kovalainen put him in the 17th position on the grid.

Brazilian GP Prac: Home Hero is Fastest

Times
01 F. Massa Ferrari 1:11.810 22 laps
02 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:11.934 18 laps
03 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:11.942 21 laps
04 M. Webber Red Bull 1:12.446 14 laps
05 J. Trulli Toyota 1:12.461 23 laps
06 R. Barrichello Honda 1:12.478 24 laps
07 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:12.579 25 laps
08 F. Alonso McLaren 1:12.594 12 laps
09 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:12.767 18 laps
10 N. Rosberg Williams 1:12.823 20 laps
11 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:12.893 20 laps
12 G. Fisichella Renault 1:12.913 20 laps
13 J. Button Honda 1:13.015 22 laps
14 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:13.046 23 laps
15 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:13.090 20 laps
16 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:13.117 12 laps
17 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:13.299 16 laps
18 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:13.331 16 laps
19 K. Nakajima Williams 1:13.474 17 laps
20 R. Kubica BMW 1:13.525 14 laps
21 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:13.684 21 laps
22 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:13.872 21 laps

Source: PlanetF1

Homegrown hero Felipe Massa topped the timesheet for the first time this weekend in his homeground. On a contrary condition from yesterday's weather, today's third practice session was held on a dry track in a sunny weather.

Lewis Hamilton, Mclaren's hope for a Drivers' Championship in 8 years (their last Drivers' Championship crown was obtained in 1999), set the second fastest time during the last 3 minutes of the timed session. Ferrari's other driver Kimi Räikkönen was the third fastest, while the other title contender Mclaren's Fernando Alonso was a lowly 8th.

Robert Kubica faced technical problems when his car around Bico de Pato, bringing out the yellow flags.

With just half an hour to go before the final qualifying session of 2007, 3 title contenders, who will get the pole position?

Will Felipe Massa attempt a shot at glory in his home race, or would he help teammate Kimi Räikkönen by playing shotgun? Will Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton lose their cool?

Only time will tell!

Brazilian GP Prac 1: Kimi First on a Wet Session

Times
01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:19.580 9 laps
02 F. Massa Ferrari 1:20.062 10 laps
03 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:20.829 19 laps
04 N. Rosberg Williams 1:21.064 14 laps
05 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:21.121 10 laps
06 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:21.243 22 laps
07 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:21.598 22 laps
08 M. Webber Red Bull 1:22.104 12 laps
09 J. Trulli Toyota 1:22.104 26 laps
10 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:22.250 17 laps
11 R. Barrichello Honda 1:22.434 23 laps
12 J. Button Honda 1:22.477 22 laps
13 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:22.667 16 laps
14 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:22.929 19 laps
15 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:23.248 30 laps
16 K. Nakajima Williams 1:23.261 26 laps
17 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:23.551 20 laps
18 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:24.366 25 laps
19 N. Heidfeld BMW no time 1 laps
20 R. Kubica BMW no time 1 laps
21 F. Alonso McLaren no time 1 laps
22 G. Fisichella Renault no time 2 laps

Source: PlanetF1


Kimi Raikkonen came up on top of the timesheet for the first practice of the Brazilian Grand Prix. As predicted, it looks like we could be in for a wet race in Brazil following the wet ones of the Japanese Grand Prix and the Chinese Grand Prix.

Championship title contender Lewis Hamilton looks lacklustre in his first Brazilian GP by setting a time that only puts him on the fifth place, while his Mclaren teammate Fernando Alonso, together with BMW's Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, as well as Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella failed to set a timing.

Ferrari Extends Felipe Massa's Contract Till 2010

Ferrari has extended Brazilian Felipe Massa's contract till 2010, effectively ending any further speculation of Mclaren's unhappy driver Fernando Alonso's chances of ending up in a Ferrari seat. Kimi Raikkonen, the other Ferrari driver, is currently ia contract up till 2009.

Chinese GP: Kimi Raikkonen Ultimate Winner of the Weekend

Chinese GP Results
1 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:37:58.395
2 F. Alonso McLaren + 9.800
3 F. Massa Ferrari + 45.800
4 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso + 53.500
5 J. Button Honda + 1:08.600
6 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso + 1:13.600
7 N. Heidfeld BMW + 1:14.200
8 D. Coulthard Red Bull + 1:20.700
9 H. Kovalainen Renault + 1:21.100
10 M. Webber Red Bull + 1:24.600
11 G. Fisichella Renault + 1:26.600
12 A. Wurz Williams + 1 laps
13 J. Trulli Toyota + 1 laps
14 T. Sato Super Aguri + 1 laps
15 R. Barrichello Honda + 1 laps
16 N. Rosberg Williams + 2 laps
17 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 + 3 laps
Did not finish
18 R. Kubica BMW + 23 laps
19 L. Hamilton McLaren + 26 laps
20 R. Schumacher Toyota + 31 laps
21 A. Sutil Spyker F1 + 32 laps
22 A. Davidson Super Aguri + 45 laps

Source: PlanetF1

Lewis Hamilton's bright beginning to the Chinese GP ended off with a dramatic and tragical sizzle. At the start of the race, light rain began to drizzle down the track and the teams all opted for the Intermediate tires. Lewis Hamilton kept a strong hole on the first position, and at one point, even opened up a wide gap between him and 2nd placed Kimi Raikkonen.

The top 4 drivers - Lewis, Kimi, Fernando and Massa went into the pits and made the decision not to change their intermediate tires (which were beginning to become slick tires given their wear-and-tear) since it looked like the track was beginning to dry up. Massa began to experience problems with his intermediate tires first as he struggled for grip on the track. Fernando Alonso had a couple of run-offs but managed to keep his third place, while Lewis Hamilton, under the tremendous pressure from Kimi Raikkonen, lost out the most.

As he was coming into the pitlane for tire change, he was unable to stop his car from sliding off the track and into the gravel at the pitlane entry. He was unable to get his stuck car out of the gravel even with the help of race marshalls. That was the end of the race for him, and he collected no points at all.

Kimi Raikkonen then went on to collect the 200th victory for Ferrari, which is also the 600th time a Ferrari driver has gotten onto the podium, while his teammate Felipe Massa finished in third place, behind Mclaren's Fernando Alonso.

Sebastian Vettel, with an impressive one stop strategy, finished in the 4th spot ahead of the Honda of Jenson Button, while the other Toro Rosso Vitantonio Liuzzi finished in 6th place. Toro Rosso had a really great weekend as they collect their first points finishes. Nick Heidfeld managed a disappointing 7th position, having struggled all weekend, while Red Bull's David Coulthard took the last point-finishing spot.

With just one race left, the drivers head to the Brazillian Grand Prix in 2 weeks' time with this standing:

1. Lewis Hamilton - 107 points
2. Fernando Alonso- 103 points
3. Kimi Raikkonen - 100 points

Just 7 points separate the top 3 drivers.

For Lewis Hamilton, all he needed to do is to finish ahead of both Fernando and Kimi to win his first championship title.

For Fernando Alonso, he needs Lewis Hamilton to finish 5 points behind him, and Kimi Raikkonen to finish behind him.

For Kimi Raikkonen, he would need a victory for himself, Lewis Hamilton to finish 6th or below, and Fernando Alonso to finish 3rd or below to collect his first, and long awaited drivers' championship title.

Chinese GP Practice 3: Kimi Fastest But Hit By Reliability Issues

Practice 3 Times
01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:36.100 15 laps
02 F. Alonso McLaren 1:36.126 13 laps
03 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:36.227 14 laps
04 F. Massa Ferrari 1:36.405 14 laps
05 R. Schumacher Toyota 36.959 18 laps
06 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:36.964 13 laps
07 R. Kubica BMW 1:37.024 23 laps
08 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:37.106 14 laps
09 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:37.176 18 laps
10 M. Webber Red Bull 1:37.315 13 laps
11 N. Rosberg Williams 1:37.323 16 laps
12 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:37.463 18 laps
13 J. Button Honda 1:37.564 19 laps
14 J. Trulli Toyota 1:37.679 20 laps
15 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:37.732 15 laps
16 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:37.759 19 laps
17 G. Fisichella Renault 1:37.791 17 laps
18 R. Barrichello Honda 1:37.920 20 laps
19 A. Wurz Williams 1:37.926 16 laps
20 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:38.577 16 laps
21 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:38.868 20 laps
22 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:39.517 21 laps

Source: PlanetF1

Kimi Raikkonen sets the fastest timing for the third practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix, however, it looks like he was hit by reliability issues as he went back early into the pits and spent some time talking to his engineers.

Fernando Alonso sets the second fastest timing for the third time of the weekend, and has beaten his teammate Lewis Hamilton again. Ferrari's Felipe Massa took the fourth spot.

Williams has indicated their decision to drop Alex Wurz from the team line up next season. In an interview, Frank Williams, team principal of the Williams team has said that while Wurz "has been reliable" he is not sure if he is going to give him a chance to race again in the next season.

Chinese GP Practice 1 and 2: Kimi Sets the Pace

Practice 1 Times
01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:37.024 23 laps
02 F. Alonso McLaren 1:37.108 18 laps
03 F. Massa Ferrari 1:37.128 21 laps
04 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:37.210 20 laps
05 N. Rosberg Williams 1:37.707 23 laps
06 R. Kubica BMW 1:38.055 23 laps
07 J. Trulli Toyota 1:38.208 30 laps
08 G. Fisichella Renault 1:38.217 16 laps
09 K. Nakajima Williams 1:38.270 30 laps
10 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:38.445 13 laps
11 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:38.551 17 laps
12 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:38.661 23 laps
13 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:38.700 25 laps
14 J. Button Honda 1:38.942 18 laps
15 R. Barrichello Honda 1:38.945 22 laps
16 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:39.238 23 laps
17 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:39.497 22 laps
18 M. Webber Red Bull 1:39.535 23 laps
19 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:39.539 20 laps
20 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:39.898 24 laps
21 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:40.126 27 laps
22 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:40.149 26 laps

Practice 2 Times
01 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:36.607 31 laps
02 F. Alonso McLaren 1:36.613 28 laps
03 F. Massa Ferrari 1:36.630 29 laps
04 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:36.876 33 laps
05 J. Trulli Toyota 1:37.151 36 laps
06 M. Webber Red Bull 1:37.450 34 laps
07 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:37.524 32 laps
08 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:37.617 27 laps
09 N. Rosberg Williams 1:37.646 36 laps
10 G. Fisichella Renault 1:37.970 32 laps
11 H. Kovalainen Renault 1:38.062 21 laps
12 J. Button Honda 1:38.205 41 laps
13 R. Barrichello Honda 1:38.304 40 laps
14 R. Kubica BMW 1:38.379 39 laps
15 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:38.388 16 laps
16 A. Wurz Williams 1:38.531 32 laps
17 A. Davidson Super Aguri 1:38.975 38 laps
18 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:39.062 36 laps
19 A. Sutil Spyker F1 1:39.224 37 laps
20 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:39.360 37 laps
21 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:39.404 34 laps
22 S. Yamamoto Spyker F1 1:40.051 38 laps

Source: PlanetF1

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 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.

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 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