F1 rookie Lucas di Grassi has bought into the GP3 arm of the Spanish GP2 outfit Addax.

Now a Virgin driver, the Brazilian has become a minor shareholder of the team that he and Vitaly Petrov drove to the GP2 constructors’ title in 2008, according to multiple Portuguese-language sources.

“We are convinced that with his tremendous seriousness and professionalism, he will make an important contribution to the success we expect to achieve in a short time,” said owner Alejandro Agag.

“After driving for the team, I’m offering my services in the sports area,” Brazilian di Grassi, 26, is quoted by publications including Terra, R7 and UOL.

“I am eager to work on a project that is a genuine platform for young drivers and will try to help them prepare technically and tactically,” he added.

GP3, a feeder series for GP2, was launched in 2010, and also features a team part-owned by Mark Webber.

Sebastian Vettel should not have been penalised for losing control at Spa-Francorchamps.

That is the opinion of an unlikely supporter of the 23-year-old Red Bull driver: Marc Gene.

Spaniard Gene is Ferrari’s occasional test driver, who said the drive-through penalty after Vettel crashed into Jenson Button on Sunday “was totally disproportionate”.

“It is true that he was too aggressive, but for there to be a penalty … he did nothing wrong, it was an incident of the race,” Gene wrote in his El Mundo newspaper column.

Niki Lauda’s is a harsher critique, predicting that one more mistake for the young German will end his 2010 title chances.

“You’re an absolute super-talent but you’ve taken excessive risks,” the former triple world champion wrote in Bild newspaper.

“One more mistake and your world championship will be over. Then you will have to drive for your teammate, which would be the ultimate penalty,” said Lauda.

He thinks Vettel is struggling with the pressure.

“You’re in the fastest car,” Lauda said, addressing Vettel personally. “The pressure can be paralysing, because everyone expects you to be in front and everything else is a disappointment.”

Lewis Hamilton, who according to British commentator Martin Brundle is driving better today than in his championship year in 2008, said Vettel’s lack of experience is showing.

“The older I get, the more I understand about experience. Mark (Webber) is a very mature man and that definitely helps,” said the McLaren driver.

David Coulthard advises his Red Bull successor Vettel to get used to the criticism, observing that “the knives seem to be out for him” now.

“I want to make it clear I am not trying to excuse Sebastian’s recent high-profile errors,” he wrote in the Telegraph.

“I see a young man who is suffering from his first spell of growing pains,” added the veteran of almost 250 races.

“I am not excusing them (the mistakes) – as I have said before, F1 is no finishing school – I’m just saying they are understandable,” said Coulthard.

The Italian press rounded on Fernando Alonso after the leading Ferrari driver dropped more than 40 points off the championship lead last weekend.

After showing early promise with the F10′s latest upgrades in practice, the team newcomer qualified just tenth at Spa-Francorchamps before being taken out on the first lap by Rubens Barrichello.

Ferrari then fitted intermediate tyres that had to be changed shortly afterwards, before Alonso lost control over a kerb and crashed.

“An Alonso flop. While Kimi Raikkonen always drove brilliantly at Spa, his successor slipped on a puddle,” remarked the Milan-published Il Giornale.

The sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport said Ferrari’s championship chances “are now gone”.

But that’s not the message being trotted out by the Maranello team’s officials, and La Stampa reports that Ferrari is pressing ahead with development of the car.

In the coming days, a straight line test at Vairano is scheduled.

“In addition to reviewing solutions for Monza, engineers will try to understand why the innovations introduced at Spa-Francorchamps did not work as expected,” said the La Stampa report.

Ferrari acknowledges it is running out of time.

“Everyone in Maranello is aware that if more ground is lost, it could compromise any chance of a comeback,” said the team.

Discussions about a pre-race test in Bahrain immediately before the 2011 season took place at Spa-Francorchamps.

We reported at the weekend that the team managers’ meeting about the 2011 test schedule took place on Friday.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport had said 15 days of winter testing, with four of them occurring in Bahrain in the days before the March 13 season opener, were on the table.

But FOTA chairman Martin Whitmarsh has revealed that there will actually be six full tests in the off-season, including one in Bahrain.

“It (Bahrain) hasn’t been quite agreed yet,” he warned.

“We want to make sure that it’s cost effective for the small teams,” added the McLaren team boss.

A more contentious issue for the small teams is their bigger rivals’ desire for some proper in-season testing, with the only non-race running allowed at present being straight-line tests and demonstrations.

“I personally would like to see more testing but I am respectful of the fact that there are teams still hurting,” said Whitmarsh.

“We’ve now got at least six tests in the winter so that’s a step further forward. What we haven’t got at the moment is agreement to test during the season.”

The flexible cars controversy slowed down the previously dominant Red Bull team at Spa-Francorchamps, according to Jenson Button.

Although the Austrian owned team claims the long straights of the Belgian circuit simply did not suit the RB6, McLaren’s Button suspects Adrian Newey had to modify the car to meet more stringent bodywork flexibility tests.

Button’s boss Martin Whitmarsh, and Mercedes’ Ross Brawn, said last weekend that they thought the front wings on the Red Bull and Ferrari cars were flexing less visibly than they had in Hungary earlier in August.

“I think Red Bull’s pace was affected by the new tests,” said the reigning world champion.

“I hope the new even more stringent tests for Monza will have even more of an effect. They say they won’t have to change anything but they said that here.

“Watching the car here on the track it was not flexing as much,” added Button.

The 30-year-old also does not expect Red Bull to obtain a championship advantage by appointing Mark Webber as the number one driver for the rest of the 2010 campaign.

“I don’t think they will. I think they love Vettel,” he said.

McLaren team boss Whitmarsh added: “I think (Red Bull) quite like their younger driver, so I doubt they will put their weight behind Mark.”

Abu Dhabi is set to help Bulgaria join the formula one calendar.

According to reports, an economic cooperation agreement was signed this week between the Bulgarian economy minister and the Emirates Associated Business Group, a state-owned Abu Dhabi company.

Standart News and Sofia news agency Novinite claim the agreement involves construction of a formula one circuit at the former air base at Dobroslavtsi, 15 kilometres from the Bulgarian capital.

The agreement would see Abu Dhabi pay for construction of the circuit, with the land provided by Bulgaria.

The press office of the Bulgarian economy ministry confirmed the news.

2012 is slated as a possible grand prix debut date, but the reports said a proposal is late being lodged with the FIA.

Protagonist in the tests, Andrea Dovizioso concluded only fifth in the race. If his team-mate Dani Pedrosa won the race with a tremendous pace, Dovi acknowledged some problems in the last third of the race, unable to repeat the rhythm shown in the tests so much to settle for 5th place which is the third in the championship .

“I was expecting something more, they are obviously disappointed with the result, “says Andrea Dovizioso. “The start was good and for two thirds of the race I was fighting for the podium. Then unfortunately I started to lose ground in several areas, Valentino passed me and I could do other than check to close the fifth position.

Dani (Pedrosa) improved pace compared to yesterday while I was not able to replicate the same time. It ‘going strong, I think his driving style has helped him: I’ll probably see something to make me even better with this bike.

I hope for Misano, where I present the third in the championship, the only positive note for a weekend where I expect much especially after the positive test. “

You can not use another term but “unfortunate.” Nicky Hayden, star of the trials in Indianapolis, has not gone beyond the sixth in the race because of an unusual problem. During the third lap he lost the “soap” left as a result of contact with the curb, the precarious condition in order to force without taking unnecessary risks.

“I can not believe it!”says Hayden. “In the first laps I drove carefully because it was easy to miss this hot track conditions. Unfortunately on lap seven I lost a moment earlier, and to remain in the saddle I touched the curb with the left knee: there was a drain contact and I’m left slide.

Unfortunately in Indianapolis most of the curves are left, so I practically being on the defensive from that point on, you risk falling. I destroyed the suit at that point, it was really amazing because I had evidence in a step to make a great race. ”

An unfortunate event that now requires Nicky Hayden chasing the seventh of the season, the past in one fell swoop by Valentino Rossi and Ben Spies.

A perfect race in style Dani Pedrosa. Honda HRC only rival plausible (although the large gap from the top) Jorge Loranze for the drivers’ title, failed to complete what he had left unfinished twelve months ago, when after showing superiority embarrassing trial after pole, was sadly slipped in the race.

This year in Indianapolis, things went in a radically opposite: no first row of the grid, but overwhelming victory over their rivals, thanks to an impressive race pace that allowed him to take off their rivals, despite a Ben Spies in good form. Third win of the season, MotoGP career best route plan and a hope to replicate in the next stage, scheduled over the weekend that is at Misano Adriatico.

“I am very happy with this victory”, said Dani Pedrosa, “and it was very hard since the heat today. I have made the perfect start, but I was quickly into the first corner, staying close to the leaders. My pace was good and was in great shape despite Spies have managed to close the gap and pass. I am very happy with the performance of the bike because it was fast straight, and works well in corners. When I found myself in the head was hard to remain concentrated at the end of the race I was very tired but very happy because last year I fell and I could win.

There were many incidents this weekend and could easily make a mistake in the race, you just go a bit ‘from the ideal line and immediately find yourself on the ground, especially after the race when the tires are worn. I passed the barrier of two wins in MotoGP season and so I’m very happy. We are doing a good job and I hope we can maintain the level in the next weekend at Misano. I want to thank the team and all the people around me on this success. ”

Protagonist of the weekend in Indianapolis, Ben Spies hit a double objective in the race finish on the podium in second position, be the best Yamaha rider. Unable to keep the frantic pace of Pedrosa, the Superbike World Championship in office was “satisfied” with second place and beat in direct comparison Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi crossed the line behind him …

“I’m really glad I got my best result in MotoGP before the home crowd and on a track like Indianapolis, “admits Ben Spies. “I always said it wants to reach this goal, mission accomplished! After the pole position of my start was good and I must say it was nice to find myself for the first time in the head in a MotoGP race.

Unfortunately I did not pass Pedrosa, he played a really great race. Anyway I am happy because when I was leading I made no mistakes and I kept a steady pace, when Pedrosa passed me I knew not to follow him, so I let go and I am focused on keeping second place and remove Lorenzo.

I can not complain it was a good weekend and be the best Yamaha rider in the race which saw his fellow brand is something positive … I will try to replicate this result in Misano.

After the MotoGP race at Indianapolis has seen a Jorge Lorenzo in difficult physical conditions, so he preferred to avoid the park closed in order to resume, due to a physical decline. Also in the race Porfuera “did not appear the usual domain that we had used in the 2010, but by force of will has succeeded in every case to get a good third place, preceded only by countryman Dani Pedrosa and his future mate Team Ben Spies.

It is therefore not satisfied the leader of the world rankings, but the tour de force of this second part of 2010 season will not allow him to catch his breath, since the appointment of Misano Adriatico scheduled as early as next weekend.

“Obviously I should not be disappointed with third place,” says Lorenzo, “but at the same time are not happy with the race today, I drove so well as I could, and I made a good start. The weather was incredibly hard and just did not have the forces necessary to push the same way or to achieve the same timing of tests, it was like racing in Malaysia!

The track was really slippery and it was difficult to use the tires as I wanted, I think honestly that he was lucky to have finished third today. The good thing is we got some valuable points and now I have to focus on recovery before Misano, because we do not have much time. “

A fourth, given the turn of the weekend in Indianapolis in trial, is almost half success. To Valentino Rossi, the race circuit on the historic U.S. was more difficult than expected, with the Fiat Yamaha rider made the cross from the hot weather appeared on American track on Sunday, which put a strain on the physical form of Pesaro, of certainly not perfect after recovery from injury.

After three drops in the test, the “Doctor” was able to put together a decent test, finishing fourth and making it the third Yamaha rider at the finish, behind his successor Ben Spies official anchor and teammate Jorge Lorenzo . The trial next week in front of the warm public Misano, will be critical to test the psychological condition of the nine-time champion, as well as physical.

“Considering the weekend we have experienced, this was a good race for us,” said Rossi. “Fourth is a good result given the circumstances, but the important thing is that my race pace was good and I feel much more comfortable on the bike.

I made some good laps and I was not very far from the other Yamaha’s, but unfortunately I paid too much lack of fitness in this heat, and in the end I had to stop pushing because I had no strength remaining in the body. I’m happy anyway, since we have returned to a good setting and I drove well and if we consider the three falls piccoel remedied, fourth place is not so bad. I now look forward towards Misano, my home race “

Mark Webber is looking to resurrect his outdoor adventure challenge.

The Australian’s last multi-discipline charity event in Tasmania, comprising cycling, trekking and kayaking in harsh terrain, took place after the 2008 season.

Webber badly broke his leg in a mountain bike stage, which derailed his winter testing programme and threatened his entire career, amid rumours it was Red Bull Racing who ordered the event be cancelled for subsequent years.

But the 34-year-old said at the time that it was actually the global financial crisis that caused the event to lapse, due to the expiry of major sponsorship contracts.

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper indicated that the next Mark Webber Challenge could be held in late 2011 — after his current contract with Red Bull runs out.

When asked last week what he plans for his retirement, Webber answered: “We’re looking at reintroducing my Tasmania challenge — in fact, we’re in the throes of finalising a deal which will hopefully see it return at the end of 2011.”

Sebastian Vettel was bearing the brunt of the international media’s post-race wrath after the Belgian grand prix.

Italy’s La Repubblica said the Red Bull driver gets involved in incidents “at every race”.

“He could easily have won this world title, but now it is certain that he will not,” said the major Rome-based newspaper.

German Vettel, 23, lost control of his RB6 at Spa-Francorchamps and took out fellow championship contender Jenson Button.

“Vettel is the big loser of this season,” agreed the Milan published Corriere della Sera.

Said triple world champion and commentator Niki Lauda: “We’ll see if this error costs him the world championship.

“There is pressure and you have to deal with it,” added the great Austrian.

But there is support for 2009 runner-up Vettel.

“Check it off and look ahead,” advised seven time world champion Michael Schumacher, according to the SID news agency.

“The worst thing is when so-called experts – and I must include myself – give him all sorts of advice.  He knows what happened and what should have been different.

“All I can say is the year is still long,” added Schumacher.

Former German grand prix driver Christian Danner said: “It’s not that he wants too much — he was just too impatient.”

Swiss counterpart Marc Surer added: “He wanted to overtake and it went wrong.  You can’t blame him; following someone is not his style and I like that.

“Yes, it went bad, but on the other hand, you have to attack.”

And famous German touring car driver Klaus Ludwig said: “The conditions were extremely difficult — you can’t believe how much.  It’s like walking an extremely narrow tightrope.”

Renault’s formula one team has rubbished rumours suggesting the pacesetting Red Bull Racing is set to switch engine suppliers for 2011.

The rumour has already been denied by Force India, who were apparently to the be the recipient of the Renault power plant next year while Red Bull moved to Mercedes.

Enstone based Renault is now majority owned by Genii Capital and essentially separate to the French carmaker, but team boss Eric Boullier nonetheless said those engine rumours are “nonsense”.

The rumours have also been played down by Mercedes, as well as McLaren, who have the contractual right to veto a Red Bull/Mercedes deal.

Meanwhile, Boullier told the La Libre newspaper that Belgian GP2 driver Jerome d’Ambrosio, already with a relationship with Renault, is likely to test the F1 car in Abu Dhabi in November.

It is also reported that d’Ambrosio could test another car – possibly the Virgin – at the young driver test.

“He has shown lately that he deserves it.  Let’s say it is a good option,” said Boullier, also admitting that Czech driver Jan Charouz is a contender for the young driver test.

The team’s French boss also indicated that changes will be made to Renault’s young driver programme for 2011.

“It will continue but in another form.  We are considering an academy, a bit like Ferrari’s, with young drivers able to test a (2009 F1 car) R29,” said Boullier.