Apr.22 (GMM)  More than 60 per cent of the respondents of a survey believe Michael Schumacher’s decision to return to formula one in 2010 was a mistake.

There has been much criticism of the seven time world champion’s comeback after four races, as he trails his teammate Nico Rosberg’s points tally by 40 points and has been outqualified on every occasion so far.

With results published on Thursday by the German news agency SID, the Dortmund-based German market research company Promit said 63.3 per cent of the respondents classified Schumacher’s return a mistake.

Only 33.5 per cent had a positive opinion about the 41-year-old’s comeback at the wheel of a Mercedes.

“Maybe he has lost his feeling for driving during the three years of his retirement,” Schumacher’s Benetton teammate Jos Verstappen wrote in his latest column in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

“What we are now seeing is that Schumacher is an ordinary man of flesh and blood and that even he cannot conduct magic,” he added.

Apr.22 (GMM) Most of the Force India and HRT teams are still stranded in Shanghai, it emerged on Thursday.

Four days after the chequered flag waved at the end of the Chinese grand prix, it was reported that most teams – and the crucial F1 freight and cars – are now arriving back on European soil.

Red Bull’s Christian Horner said the air travel delays due to the famous volcanic ash cloud will have little effect on the team’s plans for Barcelona, while Lotus’ Mike Gascoyne said planned developments for Spain will be applied “to both cars”.

But a Force India spokeswoman said in Shanghai on Thursday that while the drivers are back in Europe, “the majority of the team” is still in China.

With the team owned by the Kingfisher airline magnate Vijay Mallya, she told Reuters that they are hoping for their charter to leave “at some point tomorrow”.

Indian rookie Karun Chandhok also revealed that most of the HRT team is still in China, amid reports that hundreds of other F1-related personnel are in a similar situation and face waits for flights that could extend well into the weekend.

Apr.22 (GMM)  Christian Horner on Thursday said delays caused by the Icelandic volcano will not disturb preparations for next month’s Spanish grand prix.

With the sport’s freight – and all the cars – stranded in China while FOM’s 747s were grounded in Europe, it was feared that teams’ car developments would not be ready for the next race in Barcelona.

Red Bull boss Horner said before departing Shanghai with his travelling companion Mark Webber that an F-duct should be on the RB6 in Spain “providing we make it back to Europe” soon.

McLaren’s Martin Whitmarsh was also worried about the delay, explaining that if it (the delay) is a week or so … it will become an issue”.

We reported earlier on Thursday that the FOM freight has landed in Bilbao, and Horner confirmed that the team’s trucks are due to arrive in Milton-Keynes “today”.

“Thankfully, the way the calendar is with the extra week between the Chinese and Spanish grands prix, it (the delay) has a very limited impact,” said the Briton.

Horner also said the bulk of the race team is also due back in the UK on Thursday afternoon.

Apr.22 (GMM)  Rubens Barrichello has admitted there will be no quick solution to Williams’ current lack of pace.

The newly Cosworth-powered FW32 showed signs of promise in the pre-season, but has collected just 6 points from the first four races, causing technical boss Sam Michael to surmise that the car is “not fast enough”.

“We know exactly some of the areas in which we need to improve,” said Barrichello, who joined Williams from F1′s title winning team of 2009, Brawn.

“We are not suddenly going to find a second (per lap) from somewhere, but the important thing is that I am firmly convinced that the second is in the car,” he is quoted as saying by Speedweek.

“We want to be in the top six in qualifying, but even to achieve this, we need to find half a second,” added the Brazilian veteran.

On the positive side, the 37-year-old said that he and Williams – just his fifth team in 18 consecutive seasons in F1 – are already working well together.

“There is a good harmony between driver and team,” he is quoted as saying by Brazil’s Globo.

“The best thing is that I am not happy with the results and neither is the team.  We just need to keep on working.

“Williams are prepared to listen to me, which is good.  They really trust my inputs so I am feeling good about that,” added Barrichello.

Apr.22 (GMM)  Peter Sauber has reassured a close supporter of Pedro de la Rosa that the Spanish veteran is not about to lose his race seat.

39-year-old de la Rosa, who returned to the F1 grid this year after a long stint as McLaren’s test driver, played down the rumours about his near future in China last week.

His boss Sauber had expressed doubts about the time it was taking the Spaniard to reacclimatise to racing, with de la Rosa insisted he is “driving well”.

At a media event this week ahead of the forthcoming F1 race in Barcelona, the head of the Spanish motor racing federation called on the press to support the Spanish drivers, especially de la Rosa.

A report in the Diario Sport newspaper added: “Carlos Gracia said Peter Sauber had assured him that he (de la Rosa) is not in doubt.”

Apr.22 (GMM)  Despite earlier fears that the race was endangered, the Spanish grand prix next month will not be affected by the European ash cloud.

As all the sport’s freight – including the cars – were stranded in Shanghai with FOM’s six 747s unable to leave Europe, it was feared earlier this week that the fifth round of the world championship might have to be called off.

But although many F1 figures have in recent days been zig-zagging back to Europe via a host of bizarre routes, European airports and routines were returning to normal throughout Wednesday as the ash cloud subsided — even though the volcano in Iceland is still erupting.

Air China said flights to Europe are now departing.

“Eurocontrol expects approximately 21,000 flights to take place today (Wednesday) in European airspace.  On a normal Wednesday, we would expect 28,000,” the air control organisation said in a statement.

Circuit de Catalunya chief Ramon Prederas said on Thursday that “everything is in place” for the May 5 Spanish grand prix.

“We are ready and working with absolute normality.  The cloud of the volcano did not affect us,” he is quoted as saying by Diario Sport, revealing that ticket sales are currently 10 per cent higher than at the same time last year.

It is also believed that F1′s freight landed successfully in Bilbao, Spain, where the team’s empty trucks were headed on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, contrary to earlier reports, Bernie Ecclestone did in fact give Sebastian Vettel – as well as Michael Schumacher – a seat on his private plane for a return trip to the UK.

Lotus’ AirAsia charter has now arrived in Europe from Kuala Lumpur, and Nico Hulkenberg touched down in Zurich ahead of his return home to the UK.

Apr.22 (GMM)  The boss of the Italian carmaker Fiat has backed calls for Valentino Rossi to switch to formula one in 2011.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo this week said he wants F1′s rules to be changed so that the Italian team can enter a third car for the multiple and reigning champion of MotoGP.

Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of the Ferrari parent Fiat, admitted that Rossi at the wheel of a Maranello built single seater is “a great idea”.

“Luca says he would like to have a third Ferrari car with Valentino — it’s a great idea if he (Rossi) is willing to do it,” said Marchionne in Italian reports.

The comments are despite Rossi’s contractual ties to Fiat, with the carmaker a major sponsor of his MotoGP team Yamaha.

Marchionne said he “cannot say anything” about Rossi’s future, with the 31-year-old’s contract expiring this year.

Apr.22 (GMM) Two more of Michael Schumacher’s supporters have backed the seven time world champion amid his currently lacklustre 2010 return to formula one.

On Wednesday, Bernie Ecclestone and Norbert Haug hit out at the negative reports about Schumacher’s form in the W01 Mercedes, and now his younger brother Ralf Schumacher is asking the critics to “lay off a bit” and “stay fair”.

“He himself knew that, after a three-year break, he could not go in and win again straightaway like before,” 34-year-old Schumacher told the German daily Bild.

“But the expectations from outside were, of course, very big. Clearly Michael probably hoped to be somewhat nearer the front after four races.

“With regard to the times he is not so far away as the points make it seem. I believe a good result is soon possible,” added Ralf.

David Coulthard said in the German press after Shanghai that the weekend had been “the darkest” in the 41-year-old’s entire career.

But on Wednesday, ahead of his debut in the DTM series this weekend, Coulthard insisted it is “ridiculous” to write off Schumacher now.

Niki Lauda said after China that the German’s performance had been “mediocre” but he thinks it can be remedied with “practice, practice, practice”.

And another former GP winner Jochen Mass, who raced in the 70s and 80s, said he is neither “surprised nor disappointed” about Schumacher’s current form.

“No one should forget that he hasn’t driven for three years and could do hardly any testing,” he told Express.

“We might not see the old Michael back again, but he can still be very good, further forward in the rankings and with a little luck winning again,” added Mass.

Apr.22 (GMM)  A third name has emerged as a potential supplier of formula one tyres in 2011.

It has been confirmed that Michelin, favoured by the FOTA group, as well as Avon-Cooper – believed to be favoured by Bernie Ecclestone and small F1 teams due to its lower-cost proposal – are in the running to replace the departing official supplier Bridgestone.

Milan-based Pirelli said late last year that it did not want to enter F1 because it “prefers to develop tyres for racing that will also be used on the road”.

But after a shareholder’s meeting in Milan on Wednesday, chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera said Pirelli might rethink its attitude if certain conditions are met.

Like Michelin, he said Pirelli wants the diameter of F1′s tyres to be increased from 13 to 18 inches, and would also need to supply its product with an economic benefit to the company.

According to Italian reports including ANSA and the Milan daily Il Giornale, Tronchetti Provera added that if those conditions can be met, Pirelli would “look into this (F1) world with greater attention”.

He insisted however that at the moment “there is nothing” more to the rumours.

Apr.21 (GMM)  A couple of formula one drivers came within a cloud of volcanic ash of racing in this weekend’s season opener of the 2010 DTM championship.

Because Mercedes’ Paul di Resta and Gary Paffett were delayed in Shanghai due to the ongoing European air travel disruptions, the German marque feared the pair might not be back to drive at Hockenheim.

Mercedes’ F1 reserve driver Nick Heidfeld, who was among the first to leave China, and his German countryman Timo Glock, were lined up as potential replacements.

Like Heidfeld, Glock – who drives for Virgin but with close ties to the DTM backer Deutsche Post – was among the fortunate few to secure an early return flight to Europe.

“We did not know when they (Paffett and di Resta) would come back.  There was definitely the possibility that Nick and Timo would have driven the cars,” Norbert Haug is quoted as saying by motorsport-total.com.

Ultimately, the two DTM drivers – and Mercedes’ competition director Haug – arrived in Germany “earlier than anticipated”, Haug said.

“But on Monday afternoon, no one could tell us whether we are flying on Thursday, Friday or Saturday,” he added.

Glock confirmed that driving in DTM this weekend was part of Mercedes’ “emergency plan”.

“I have had a good relationship with Norbert Haug and Mercedes for many years, so I would have helped them out.

“I felt honoured that in this case they thought of me,” he added.

Apr.21 (GMM)  Bernie Ecclestone has defended Michael Schumacher amid criticism of the seven time world champion’s lacklustre return to formula one.

The 41-year-old German’s comeback with a three-year deal at Mercedes was the talk of the pre-season.

But his new form hit a low in China last weekend, when he was trounced by his teammate Nico Rosberg in qualifying before finishing a minute down at the finish in the sort of slippery conditions in which previously he would have thrived.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone said the criticism of his performance so far is not justified.

“Anybody who criticises Michael is wrong.  He deserves better,” the Briton said in a joint interview with Mercedes’ Norbert Haug.

Haug agreed: “No, for sure he doesn’t deserve that.”

The German told F1′s official website that Schumacher’s effect at the Brackley based team is being tangibly felt behind the scenes.

“He stimulates everybody, including Nico.”

Ecclestone said he is not surprised that 24-year-old Rosberg currently has the upper hand, and tips Schumacher to be back on top soon.

“Nico is very talented and Michael was on holiday for three years.  Ask me the same question after another two races,” said the 79-year-old.

There have been theories that Schumacher will – or should – make a quick retreat in order to cease the humiliation and safeguard his legacy.

It has also been suggested that his form reflects the fact that he has only returned to beat the boredom of retirement.

“We all know that Michael would be his first and foremost critic if he realised that this job is not for him anymore.  But that’s not the case,” said Haug.

“Within the team, Michael is extremely constructive.  This enthusiasm is firing up the whole team.”

Ecclestone agreed: “Michael would have never returned had he not been convinced that he can do the job.  He is not a tourist in the paddock — he’s here to win.  And he will win again.”

Apr.21 (GMM)  Flavio Briatore has revealed he has no intention of attempting to reconcile his broken relationship with former F1 colleague Max Mosley.

In his last year of FIA presidency in 2009, Mosley oversaw the imposition of ousted Renault team boss Briatore’s lifetime ban over the crashgate scandal.

But Mosley has since turned 70 and is now effectively retired, replaced by Jean Todt who has halted crashgate by agreeing to end Briatore’s ban in 2013.

Italian Briatore, now 60, also celebrated a birthday this month, and is currently at home with his model wife Elisabetta and their newly born son Falco.

But he told the Italian magazine Chi that he is not interested in making up with Mosley.

“He sent me a text message to congratulate us on the birth of Falco, but Mosley is part of my former life.  In my future there will be no place for him,” said Briatore.

“I’m happy for Jean (Todt),” the Italian added, “my friend of 20 years.  Thanks to him, the FIA can now quietly and serenely breathe new air.”

Briatore, who has always maintained his innocence despite conspirators Pat Symonds and Nelson Piquet admitting to plotting the deliberate crash of Singapore 2008, said he is not about to forgive the stain on his reputation.

“It was very bad for my story.  I suffered an injustice.  But the truth, the power of the truth, wins every time,” he insisted.

Apr.21 (GMM)  Toro Rosso has vowed to buck the current trend in formula one by not working on a F-duct device.

With the exception of the sport’s three new teams, it is believed the Ferrari-powered STR5 will therefore soon be the only car on the 2010 grid not exploiting the downforce-spoiling concept pioneered by McLaren.

Technical boss Giorgio Ascanelli said Toro Rosso’s decision is based on financial considerations.

“If I have ten euros and am hungry, I would buy two sandwiches instead of three grams of caviar,” he is quoted as having told the Italian magazine Autosprint.

So far, Sauber, Ferrari, Mercedes and Williams have tested F-duct-like devices on their 2010 cars, with varying levels of success.

Mercedes’ Ross Brawn said in China that those teams who are hoping to match McLaren’s straight-line advantage are now “learning just how complex” the integration of an F-duct is.

Ascanelli added: “You might see some benefit after five months of development, but in that time we can improve and develop other parts of the car.”

It is believed Red Bull, Red Bull and Force India will be the next teams to run F-ducts on their cars at forthcoming grands prix.

Apr.21 (GMM)  Lewis Hamilton has contradicted Martin Brundle’s claim that F1 stewards this year are being too lenient.

Former driver and British commentator Brundle said on Tuesday that Sebastian Vettel and Hamilton should have been penalised rather than merely reprimanded for their wheel-to-wheel pitlane stoush in China.

Brundle also said Jenson Button should have received a penalty for unduly slowing behind the safety car in Shanghai.

But after several years of harsh judgements from the stewards at grands prix, Hamilton said he welcomes the seemingly more hands-off approach of 2010.

“Racing stewards this year have been the best that I have probably experienced in formula one, I think,” the Briton said at a sponsor event at Kyalami in South Africa.

Despite claims by his fellow drivers that the manoeuvres were dangerous, Hamilton was warned but not penalised for weaving in front of Vitaly Petrov in Malaysia two and a half weeks ago.

“More racing has been out there.  You know there are drivers who are (now) not afraid to have a real battle with someone without having the worry of receiving the penalty,” added Hamilton.

Apr.21 (GMM)  A naming sponsorship is possible but not crucial ahead of Canada’s return to the F1 calendar in 2010.

After its absence in 2009, the popular Montreal race is back this year with a June 13 date. But unlike most other events on the calendar it has not yet announced a title sponsor. “Yes, there are companies (interested in sponsorship),” the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve event’s new promoter Francois Dumontier told RDS.

“But with a partnership the important thing is long-term visibility.  So we are working on that rather than solely on 2010.” The new $75 million Canadian GP contract is for five races.