Lewis Hamilton should have been disqualified from Sunday’s European grand prix.

That is the claim of disgraced former Renault boss Flavio Briatore, who after re-appearing in the Monaco paddock last month, was seen on the grid prior to the Valencia street race.

Although conspiring to fix the 2008 Singapore grand prix by asking Nelson Piquet to crash deliberately, Briatore agrees with Ferrari and Fernando Alonso that Hamilton’s drive-through penalty for overtaking the safety car was too mild.

“The rules aren’t precise,” he is quoted as telling Italy’s Sky Sport 24.

“You can’t have a penalty for Hamilton after 20 laps, it should be (after) 2 or 3,” said the 60-year-old.

Briatore added: “Passing the safety car is more like a black flag penalty.  Hamilton is lucky; everything he does turns out well.”

And as for the travails of his protege Alonso’s current team Ferrari, the Italian said: “What is Ferrari missing?  Speed; they are not on the level of Red Bull and McLaren.”

(GMM)

Formula one could soon return to Austria.

After dropping off the grand prix calendar in 2003, the A1-Ring in Zeltweg – located in central Austria – was demolished.

Supported by Red Bull mogul Dietrich Mateschitz, EUR 70 million reconstruction works began late in 2008, including new pit buildings and grandstands.

But although Mateschitz said at the time that “speaking about a return of formula one” to Austria “would be absurd”, a report in the Kleine Zeitung newspaper has now raised that possibility.

The Styria-based newspaper said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone sees the former Osterreichring as a potential replacement for a current Asian race.

Kleine Zeitung said the A1-Ring rumour was heard “several times” in the Valencia paddock last weekend.

The rebuilt circuit, with a DTM race already likely, is set to re-open in April or May of next year.

(GMM)

That is the claim of the Enstone based team’s boss Eric Boullier, amid a growing sense that the 25-year-old Pole is set to sign an extension of his current deal for 2011.

Kubica said in Valencia that he will make a decision about next year “very soon”, amid reports there is a 2011 option in his current contract that must be triggered by July 15.

But Boullier played down suggestions there is a time limit on the talks.

“Robert’s current contract expires at the end of this year,” he is quoted by Finland’s Turun Sanomat.  “We want to keep him, but there are no deadlines.

“Therefore, the decision may arise at any point,” added Boullier.

(GMM)

Joan Villadelprat has warned Fernando Alonso to put a lid on his overt criticisms of F1′s governing body.

Spaniard Villadelprat, bidding to bring his Le Mans team Epsilon Euskadi onto the F1 grid next year, was referring to Alonso’s accusation that a mild penalty for Lewis Hamilton in Valencia last week amounted to FIA manipulation.

In his column for the El Pais newspaper, he said countryman Alonso might be excused for mouthing off in the immediate aftermath of the race, but should now quieten his attack or risk official sanctions.

“I think Alonso was heated and just out of the car,” he said.  “I can understand their anger because Ferrari thought this race was a turning point in their championship.

“I also believe the stewards failed to react as they should.  But I cannot say that Lewis Hamilton deserved a more severe penalty because it happened exactly as is in the regulations.

“But the reaction should have been much faster — (the stewards’ decision) took about 14 laps!  I suppose they waited so long because they were analysing it before giving a verdict.

“In any case, Fernando needs to be very careful about what he says, because these types of attacks are of no benefit and could even cost a penalty.

“But even more, it’s because I don’t think he really believes the stewards acted intentionally for Hamilton and against his own interest.

“I know that in times like these it is difficult to keep your head and your tongue cool, but Alonso needs to concentrate on his work, on getting his car on pole position and on stemming the difference that still separates Ferrari from Red Bull and McLaren,” added Villadelprat.

(GMM)

A new war of words is threatening to break out between former sparring partners Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

Alonso was furious after Sunday’s European grand prix, when Hamilton overtook the safety car but still managed to finish second after serving a drive-through penalty.

“Even a child knows you cannot overtake the safety car, especially after an accident as serious as Webber’s,” the Spaniard fumed, according to the El Pais newspaper.

His 2007 McLaren teammate Hamilton, however, accused Alonso of “sour grapes”, suggesting his bad mood was made worse by being overtaken by the Sauber of Japanese rookie Kamui Kobayashi.

“It’s just sour grapes,” Briton Hamilton is quoted by the Sun newspaper.

“It is very unlike him to be overtaken by a Sauber so he must have been completely in another world.”

Alonso, accusing the governing body of manipulating the race, and Ferrari are furious at the delayed decision to meekly penalise Hamilton, saying the outcome threatens the sport’s credibility.

But Hamilton said: “The FIA are doing an incredible job because they are allowing us to race this year.

“I don’t understand why I affected his race so much.

“Everyone has a right to their opinions.  He must just be disappointed with his own result but I didn’t do anything to him,” added the 2008 world champion.

Lotus technical boss Mike Gascoyne also defended the FIA.

“I think it is just one of those things,” he is quoted by PA Sport.

“(Race director) Charlie (Whiting) is trying to do the job as he sees it, calls it as he sees it, and he has as difficult a job as anyone.”

FIA officials may be considering action against Ferrari in the wake of the Italian team’s post-Valencia outbursts.

Earlier on Monday, it appeared the governing body would not respond, after Fernando Alonso accused stewards of manipulating the race, and other Ferrari figures were similarly outspoken.

The famous team’s figures are angry about the mere drive-through penalty imposed on Lewis Hamilton for overtaking the safety car, allowing the McLaren driver to finish second in the race while Alonso was just ninth.

But in the past, especially in the reign of Max Mosley, the subsequent cries of foul might have met with a sanction, but sources indicated that the FIA is not considering disciplinary action against Ferrari or Alonso.

However, the Guardian then reported that “a number” of FIA officials are indeed “known to be angered” by the Ferrari outbursts.

Undeterred, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo joined the dissenting chorus on Monday, insisting the outcome of the race was “misrepresentative”, and the events “very serious and unacceptable”.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner commented: “I don’t think it was manipulated.  The FIA just need to look at the safety car rules in the future.”
(GMM)

Robert Kubica and his manager are turning their focus to 2012, as the chances of switching to a title-winning team next year fade.

Ross Brawn in Valencia scotched reports that Mercedes is looking to sign the 25-year-old Pole for 2011, and the lineups at McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull are also not changing.

Kubica will therefore almost certainly re-sign with Renault, and the simplest way to do this would be to activate a contract ‘option’ that it is believed will otherwise expire on July 15.

“Very soon I will have to take my own decisions and then we will see,” he said at the weekend.

The online magazine GP Week believes Red Bull could be an option for 2012, with Kubica’s manager Daniele Morelli confirming that “next year is not our focus any more, 2012 is”.

(GMM)

F1′s governing body is not expected to take action against Fernando Alonso or Ferrari.

The Italian team’s response to the outcome of the Valencia race has been incandescent, including Fernando Alonso saying Lewis Hamilton’s meagre treatment by the stewards amounted to “manipulation”.

Ferrari vice-president Piero Ferrari said the mere drive-through penalty for McLaren driver Hamilton’s overtaking of the safety car made the European GP a “false race”.

And reports on the team’s official website have quoted fans as saying Hamilton is a liar and a cheat, McLaren “thieves”, and the FIA a “Federation of clowns”.

British newspaper The Mirror correspondent Byron Young wrote on Twitter that in “Max Mosley’s day”, sanctions would now be likely, adding: “Are the FIA going to act or will Jean Todt dodge the first big F1 test of his presidency?”

According to sources on Monday, the FIA is not considering action.

Ferrari’s rage against the outcome of the European grand prix went from bad to worse on Monday.

With Fernando Alonso having accused the stewards of manipulating the Valencia race, the Italian team echoed the apparent view of some fans that Lewis Hamilton’s drive-through penalty for overtaking the safety car was a “scandal”.

But in another website report on Monday, Ferrari stepped up its attack, repeating the view of one fan that had hit out at “McLaren thieves” who were “up to their usual dirty tricks”.

Another fan said: “The FIA at Valencia showed it’s not entirely in charge of the events that it’s organising”, and yet another added: “Is this the latest version of Jean Todt?  Those who order and manipulate are always the same.”

Ferrari quoted another fan as saying: “Federation of clowns!  What help is a five-second penalty?  Useless and the usual English mafia!”

And another: “Enough with the help for Hamilton.  How can he lie and cheat and still get away scot-free?”

Mirror correspondent Byron Young wrote on Twitter that in “Max Mosley’s day”, there would be “sanctions” for accusing the FIA of fixing races.

When the rage intensified on Monday, he added: “Are the FIA going to act or will Jean Todt dodge the first big F1 test of his presidency?”

(GMM)

Mark Webber awoke on Monday morning determined to return to the cockpit of his Red Bull at Silverstone next weekend.

The Australian on Sunday survived one of the most frightening crashes seen in recent times, when his RB6 struck the rear of Heikki Kovalainen’s Lotus before backflipping and wiping out an advertising hoarding.

Webber, 33, then careered into a tyre barrier but emerged from the cockpit relatively unscathed.

After a visit to the medical centre and a shower, he told reporters at the circuit that he is sporting a few bumps and bruises.

“I’m a little bit tender here and there but the car did a great job,” he said.

And after a night’s sleep, he wrote on his AussieGrit Twitter account: “Feeling good this morning, roll on Silverstone”.

He told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport: “I have a bit of swelling in some places, but I’ll be fit for Silverstone.”

Red Bull is yet to confirm the health of the actual car; the same one driven by Webber to a handful of pole positions and his wins in Barcelona and Monaco.

“It’s been good to me,” he smiled.


Cosworth has played down rumours that Lotus is set to switch to Renault power for the 2011 season.

Recently, the British independent engine maker also played down speculation Williams could change suppliers, insisting the team last year signed a three-year contract.

But Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that, like Williams, Lotus has also been disappointed with Cosworth’s 2010 engine, including driveability issues and performance degradation.

“With Lotus, as with all the new teams, we have a three-year contract,” Cosworth’s business director Mark Gallagher said in Valencia.

He said he has spoken with Lotus team owner Tony Fernandes about the rumours.

“He told me that they were contacted by all three of the engine companies,” said Gallagher, referring to Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes.

“That is the reward for being the best of the new teams,” he added.  “He (Fernandes) told us that for next season, they are planning (to be) with us.”

(GMM)

The controversial events surrounding the current safety car period at the European Grand Prix in Valencia at Ferrari make for great excitement. For Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso drove directly behind the other, as Hamilton was violating the safety car rule, but afterwards he gave his improper behavior, the much better result.

For while Alonso bravely behind the safety car was and as accurately as team-mate Felipe Massa was passed back when he had to come in the next round to the pits, could Hamilton up a lead that was enough, even after the pit stop to stay in second. When he came back after his drive-through in second place on the box, you felt at Ferrari naturally treated unfairly.
Ferrari published on the website of the team, a report in which the race was called the “scandal”. Later we rowed back: This was the opinion of Tifosi around the world, not the official line of the racing team. But the anger is great, the fact that has been specially published a statement by Piero Ferrari, who usually logs in Formula 1 matters rarely speak out.

“I am incredulous and bitter, not only for Ferrari, but for the sport as a whole, because this is not something you would expect of professionals,” criticized the son of the legendary company founder Enzo Ferraris. “I have been following now for a long time trials in several U.S. Championships, where the safety car is used very often, but there I have never seen anything like what is now happening on the course in Valencia.”

The fact is that Hamilton, who has violated the rules was punished by the conditions less harsh than Alonso, whose conduct was entirely legal. It comes naturally to discussions on the current Safety Car rules. Ferrari, it also considers it “more than appropriate” to speak about the circumstances that have now led to a “wrong race.” An official complaint with the FIA has already deposited the team.

The press round of Stefano Domenicali after the race began in Valencia because of the late decision of the stewards was later than usual, but very rewarding. For Ferrari had just made the website a controversial review online, in which the Grand Prix of Europe as a “scandal” was called.

Earlier, Fernando Alonso has indicated that he thought the race had been manipulated. But Ferrari back row: On the website you have not published the opinion of Ferrari, but the Ferrari fans around the world, Alonso had made his statement “in the heat of battle.” Team boss Domenicali attempted to clarify this point in discussion with media representatives from around the world.
Question: “Stefano, on the Ferrari website, the race today called scandal, Fernando said that it has been manipulated …”
Luca Colajanni (Ferrari spokesman): “The speech by the voice of the fans – you should have read the message carefully!”
Stefano Domenicali: “I am the official voice of Ferrari. Ask me, I then answer that.”
Technical progress made

Q: Can you explain why you are so angry today? ”
Domenicali: “Naturally we are very angry because we did not get the points we have in this race because of our performance really need to do. If I analyze this weekend even from the technical side, we have but one step forward, even if he is still not large enough to catch Red Bull. In the first round we saw that things were in the right direction. ”

“The frustration is so great because we made the right move, but still less points than in the most difficult race of the year. This is very frustrating. Do I have to say from the sporting angle that we had bad luck today. The only four cars on the home straight were when the safety car was on, were Vettel, Hamilton, Fernando and Felipe. Vettel stopped before the safety car, Hamilton had ignored the yellow flags and the yellow light, but we had a full lap behind the Safety- Car driving. In the meantime, took the field that was in the pits, back on us, so we fell behind when we came into the pits. The plan you can not. ”

“Before some decisions are made, you should be sure they are right and wrong. If we now know, however, that the date of a decision affects the race, then they must be taken quickly, otherwise the consequences of unfair have. Today, the Ferrari has affected quite badly, so we must make sure that something like this happen again. More I would say not really. also ran against a lot of cars still an investigation. That I think is not good. ”

Question is: “When the FIA driver got into the race management – today it was Heinz-Harald Frentzen – first of all were happy, but in the last race there were many contentious decisions. How do you comment that?”
Domenicali: “had the present situation to do with the driver Commissioner nothing, I think. They had indeed nothing to do with the fact that a driver knows that there is slowed down or this and that is in the cockpit. I think that was the day a normal thing for the Commissioners.
“But I want to say something else. First of all, I am very pleased that Mark Webber doing well, because that is the most important thing. In life, have possible priorities. Today he had a very tragic accident, so I am happy that He’s healthy. But the accident has clearly shown that the large performance difference between the cars can be very dangerous. We’re talking about for some months, but today we were fortunate that we have not seen play. As braked different and there are different lines driven. Furthermore, we need to think about. ”

Q: If the safety car not normally catch the leaders and all others to pass through? ”
Domenicali: “I know that the race management, the safety car rausschickt regardless of what happens on the track, if it is necessary. I think correctly. The cars should also be waved through to the leader as quickly as possible behind the safety car is. This as I understand it, they wanted to now the medical car to protect the safety car to prevent the cars rushing around the track. ”

Q: You just said something about the big speed difference and that is dangerous. If the by the adjustable rear wing does not get worse? ”
SD: I think we need to examine carefully. When the leader must not press the button and Hintermann already created a difference in speed. Today we have seen, this can lead to.

Q: Just to clarify again: On your website is a scandal of the speech. If you say that this is not the Ferrari’s opinion? ”
SD: You were here all the time. Did I say scandalous? ”
Only the opinion of the fans

Q: No. But it is on the Ferrari website. ”
Domenicali: “The text there is the opinion of all Tifosi against the world. But I am the official voice of Ferrari and I have never said that.”

Q: Fernando, says the race was manipulated. ”
Domenicali: “We need him to admit that he has said in the heat of the moment, but I can understand him, because the race was broke by factors that were beyond our control. That is why he said that.”

Q: Will you bring this matter to the FIA or discuss with the teams? ”
Domenicali: “We have submitted the topic already in the FIA. That is completely incorrect.”

Q: What does this mean? Could it even be a different race result?
SD: No. The outcome is certain, but we are concerned about the future. We want to talk about it, so something in the future can not happen. ”
Q: You had prior to this Grand Prix a PR day of shooting, on some team bosses have complained. Must be made clear what a day of shooting and what is a test? ”
Domenicali: “It is not my style, something the public unsubscribe, but if there is something to discuss, then I pick up the phone. That’s my style. The shooting day was clear. If people want to change the wording of the rule We have no problem with that. ”

Q: one hand, you walk the day of shooting on a very fine line when it comes to the limits of the rules to explore the other hand, the rules today against you … ”
Domenicali: “One can not even compare it. To day of shooting, we have the allowed 100 kilometers used to supply our customers, our network and our dealers with material. Under such conditions it is difficult to learn about the car . But as I said: If someone has a problem, he can talk to us, then we explain it. ”

Q: Let’s auspicious on a topic. Pat Fry moves from McLaren to you. Can you describe his area of responsibility?
Domenicali: “When we found out that he has been on the market, we immediately realized that he was a great technician with much experience. I know that he also had offers from other teams, but we saw this as a good opportunity to join our team. He works as vice-head of technology. This is a very important task, not only for this year, but especially for the future. ”

Q: Do you find it okay that the drivers who have violated the safety car rule were punished only with five seconds? ”
Domenicali: “The danger of today’s decision is, I think that one might be tempted in future to violate the rules against better knowledge, to have an advantage. This is dangerous.”

Felipe Massa backed his team on Sunday after Ferrari said Lewis Hamilton racing to second place after overtaking the safety car was a “scandal”.

His teammate Fernando Alonso, running behind Hamilton’s McLaren at the time but ultimately finishing just ninth, was furious after the European grand prix at Valencia.

And after a separate stewards enquiry, no fewer than nine drivers were found guilty of driving too quickly under safety car conditions, but handed just 5 second penalties that left Brazilian Massa out of the points.

“It was a disaster for us,” said Massa, also criticising the stewards for needing “20 minutes” to determine that Hamilton had breached the rules.

“The decisions of the stewards were completely wrong,” added the Brazilian.

(GMM)

The results of Sunday’s European grand prix are largely unchanged after a post-race stewards enquiry.

Nine drivers were summoned to the FIA officials in Valencia, accused of driving too quickly under safety car conditions.

Less than three hours after the chequered flag, all of them were found guilty and handed 5 second time penalties.

Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Robert Kubica and Adrian Sutil finished in third through sixth, but their penalties did not affect those placings.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, however, moves past the penalised Sebastien Buemi for eighth place, while Nico Rosberg – 12th at the flag – moves ahead of both Pedro de la Rosa and Vitaly Petrov.

The German therefore takes the final point from Sauber’s de la Rosa, while Vitantonio Liuzzi drops from the non-scoring 13th to 16th.

(GMM)