Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina venue can stay on the F1 calendar “for ever”, F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has enthused.

“If only all the venues were as superb as Abu Dhabi I would be one happy man,” the Briton told Gulf News.

Abu Dhabi joined the tail-end of the F1 schedule last year, with the more than billion-dollar venue situated on the harbour of the superb tourism island Yas and straddled by a colour-changing five-star hotel.

Said Ecclestone: “After last year’s debut race there I just sat back and wallowed in all the compliments that were heaped on the place from people all over the world.

“How long is their arrangement to hold a grand prix? For ever. For as long as they want it. That’s how satisfied I am with the entire setup,” he added.

The 80-year-old’s enthusiasm might of course be coloured by the premium annual race fee of $40 million paid by the organisers.

Ecclestone replied: “I am well aware that I am regarded as hard, uncompromising and uncaring and that I am driven by money. I don’t care.

“There are plenty of people in F1 who are very wealthy because of the way I am and my attitude to business and the sport. And they should be thankful for the positions I have taken, not always popular, over the years to give F1 an international profile.

“Sure, I have benefited personally, but so, too, have the teams. I have put a lot back. A lot of effort. Between us we have a duty to be sure that F1 survives at all levels as an enhanced spectacle,” he said.

Ecclestone said F1′s other Middle Eastern host, Bahrain, is also one of his favourite stops on the calendar.

“I have nothing but the highest praise for the people behind both venues. They have been absolutely brilliant, a total treat to deal with, and have achieved everything I have asked without a single word of disagreement,” he said.

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh would even be disappointed if the new parts on the McLaren “We would not be a big step further forward.” The goal was, in every race for a quarter-second to be faster. Compared to ‘Reuters’ he gave on record that he certainly does not underestimate Red Bull, but “we have already fought several world championships and have therefore probably a little more experience than Red Bull to be the come back strong, so we have to develop the car well or we do not win races, and no World Cup. ”

His driver showered with compliments and Whitmarsh already designated it as the best drivers in the world. “This is a huge compliment. He has to bring in any event, two drivers, a solid performance. I am also glad and happy happy about Jenson’s performances,” says Hamilton, who expressed the first time about a possible second title: “He would have a much higher value, but to win in his second year, the World Cup is a great achievement. ” Button shows also highly motivated: “I had a good season so far, but there is more to come.”

Hamilton also said that it was now more difficult than in past years to take the title. “In the past three drivers have competed for the title, this year there are fewer than six or seven. One must always give his best. It used to be good enough and we got away with it. But now you have to be at the highest level, so that one before the other remains. Currently, I am as constant as never before in my career, “said the Briton, adding:” There will be some opportunities for me and I will grab with both hands. “

Nico Rosberg achieved the first podium finish for the Mercedes GP Petronas team at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia today. Nico Starting from second place on the grid, but Nico lost a place at the start and was running in third position at the end of the first lap.

He made his sole pit stop on lap 22 where superb work from the team enabled Nico to gain over a second on the chasing Robert Kubica. From there, Nico drove a composed race to the chequered flag to secure third position and his third podium finish,

Michael Schumacher was out of the race when a wheel nut came off one of the rear wheels and forced Michael to retire on lap ten.

Nico Rosberg
“Its a fantastic result today to achieve our teams first podium at the home race for our title partner, Petronas. I want to thank the whole team for all of their hard work this weekend and over the winter. This result is the start of the reward for our efforts. Its a great feeling to be back up on the podium again and to have so much support from the Malaysian fans here. My start didnt go that well today as I had a bit too much wheelspin and once I was in third place, I knew it would be difficult to follow the leading cars. I struggled a little with the options in the first stint which allowed Robert to stay quite close but once we switched to the primes, I felt really comfortable and we could manage the race home to third place. This is a great end to a strong weekend for us. Were not quite where we want to be yet so we need to push on but Im confident that well get there soon.”

Michael Schumacher
“It was a shame that I could not finish the race but unfortunately the wheel nut on the left rear wheel was lost. The car suddenly became very unstable in turn six and I could hardly steer and had no drive left. I initially thought it was something to do with the suspension but after I stopped and had a look, it was evident that was a wheel nut missing. It is something very unusual to happen and in testing we never had problems so we have to look it. I would have obviously wanted to finish the race and I think it could have worked out quite reasonably well. But in the end that is motor racing, I remember that very well. It makes no sense to get angry about it, you have to accept it as part of the game and look ahead. At least Nico scored our first podium finish and I am happy for him and the team.”

Ross Brawn
“That was an excellent drive from Nico today and a first-class performance to secure his third career podium and the first podium for the Mercedes GP Petronas team. We are delighted to have achieved the first podium for the Silver Arrows here in Malaysia and to be able to share the rewards of our hard work with our title partner Petronas at their home Grand Prix. My compliments to Nico for an assured performance today and over the weekend. Michael was in a good position after the start and we were looking forward to having a good race on his side but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. The car lost a wheel nut which is a problem that we haven’t experienced before. The wheel nuts are double-checked on the grid so we will investigate and put in place the necessary solutions.”

Norbert Haug
“A great drive from Nico and our first podium after starting from the first row in our third race. The team had a first-class strategy and Nico did not put one foot wrong and secured this first and for us historic podium finish, at the home race of our title partner Petronas. Our gap to the two Red Bull-Renaults in front of Nico was still considerable and we all know there is more work to be done in order to catch up. However it looks like we are heading in the right direction and the point standings after three races dont look too bad. Sorry for Michael who had a great start and was positioned sixth when a wheel nut came loose which stopped his race. We will work hard and concentrated to make sure that our car will be fully reliable in the future and get quicker step by step. After Melbourne, Nico and the team performed again the quickest pit stop which is very rewarding for our guys and sometimes very important to get the right amount of World Championship points. Last but certainly not least congratulations to Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing for their first and well deserved victory in 2010. Seb was the class of the field today.”

(YF1)