Nico Rosberg has hinted he will stay at Mercedes beyond his current contract.
Recent reports said the German has been offered a new deal to keep him at the team for at least four more years.

“Nico and Mercedes are interested in a very long term cooperation,” admitted Norbert Haug.

The 26-year-old driver told FAZ newspaper in Singapore: “We are currently discussing that.”

Also on the cards is a new contract for Rosberg’s current teammate Michael Schumacher, whose current deal is also set to expire at the end of 2012.

Rosberg said the structure with “two leaders” in the cockpits is working well.

“Both drivers are on the same level, so that even if I’m faster there is always a corner in which he is faster, or a setup that he understands better.

“So you are always learning something. I’m very open, very interested in trying to pick up all the little pieces that you need. We clearly both benefit,” said the German.

His real goal, of course, is to be the number one.

“Of course, to be the most successful driver in the team is the only way I can win the races to become world champion,” said Rosberg. “It’s up to me to get into that position.”

Team Lotus has struck a deal with its technology partner Red Bull to use a KERS system in formula one.
Malaysian Tony Fernandes’ small team is this year using the hydraulics system and gearbox run by the reigning championship-winning outfit in 2010.

And Finland’s Turun Sanomat newspaper reports that, next year, the green liveried team will take yet another step forward because its Red Bull parts will be the ones currently used on Adrian Newey’s dominant RB7.

And the KERS to be used by Team Lotus, Turun Sanomat continued, will be the Magneti Marelli system that is developed in cooperation with Renault and Red Bull.

Fernandes confirmed: “Yes, we have agreed with Red Bull on KERS.”

Red Bull might be an odd choice as KERS supplier for Team Lotus, given the team’s struggles with the technology so far in 2011.

Newey said last month that energy recovery is “Not really our forte. We are an aerodynamics and, sort of, chassis composite engineering group rather than a KERS group”.

Ferrari is now happy with Felipe Massa, the Italian marque’s president Luca di Montezemolo has revealed.

Montezemolo said in May that there is “no question” Ferrari will honour its 2012 contract with the Brazilian, who struggled markedly in 2010 amid rumours Mark Webber or Nico Rosberg might be drafted in to replace him.

The rumours only intensified when Fernando Alonso’s contract was extended through 2016, raising suggestions Massa’s days at Maranello are numbered.

When asked about Ferrari’s driver lineup this week, Montezemolo told La Repubblica that Spaniard Alonso is “a great driver”.

“I am very happy to have signed a contract with him for a long cooperation, as we had with Michael Schumacher in his time,” he said.

“The fact that we will be together at least until 2016 is confirmation that both parties are happy with this relationship.

“I am also very happy this year with Felipe, who is reacting very well. We are pleased with our drivers; we need to improve the car to get Ferrari back where we want to be,” added Montezemolo.

Pedro de la Rosa is in close contact with HRT-owner José Ramón Carabantes: Returns to the Spaniards in 2011 actually again?

Pedro de la Rosa has his release with Sauber but suffered a severe setback in the comeback year, but the Spaniard pulls himself up once more. The 39-year-old would next year start a new venture. Currently, de la Rosa continued the Pirelli test work that started his successor Sauber Nick Heidfeld.

“This is not the decisive factor,” former McLaren test driver said of his insider knowledge of the new Formula 1 tires. “This knowledge gives me no cockpit, but I can maybe get a little closer,” said de la Rosa in the radio station ‘Onda Cero. ” Regarding 2011, he is currently working in close contact with HRT.
“I talk to the Carabantes, we are in a lively exchange. Warn me abreast of the progress,” says de la Rosa. “If the project is ambitious and interesting, then I would be happy if I could be there. They know it. But right now there is no hurry.” HRT is said future cooperation with Toyota Motorsport in Cologne.

After his banishment from cleaning the Spaniard with initial air his frustration. “I have my opinion and she knows Peter Sauber. That counts for me. I respect the decision, but that does not mean I think they are good. Now, we continue with Pirelli.” Neither de la Rosa still Heidfeld for 2011 a place in the Swiss free – Sergio Perez is new on board. “A good driver with good results and the important support of Telmex,” says de la Rosa.

Abu Dhabi has denied reports it is helping Bulgaria join the formula one calendar.

It emerged earlier this week that an economic cooperation agreement has been signed between the Bulgarian economy minister and the Emirates Associated Business Group, a state-owned Abu Dhabi company.

Bulgarian authorities, as well as local agencies and publications, claimed the agreement involves construction of a formula one circuit at the former air base at Dobroslavtsi, 15 kilometres from the capital Sofia.

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

But according to the Bulgarian daily Sega, Abu Dhabi has denied the reports.

A statement also said the Emirates Associated Business Group was so disappointed with the incorrect information that it will cancel its Bulgarian investments altogether.

Sega quoted the company’s chief executive Raid Abu Hudra as saying the officials had acted so unprofessionally that he would advise others against investing in Bulgaria.

He said a mediator from the Bulgarian prime minister’s office had invited Abu Dhabi to invest in an F1 track but “We told him we would not be interested”.

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.

Max Mosley admits it is “quite possible” Flavio Briatore is gearing up to return to formula one.

The former FIA president last year oversaw the imposition of the ousted Renault boss’ lifetime motor racing ban for the crashgate scandal.

But Briatore overturned that verdict in a civil court, before Mosley’s presidential successor Jean Todt agreed to let the Italian and Pat Symonds back into the paddock in 2013.

It is rumoured that Briatore, 60, could return in a promotional role alongside his friend and business partner Bernie Ecclestone.

“It’s quite possible,” Mosley said in an interview with Germany’s Welt newspaper.

“Should he come back, then it will certainly not be as team boss, but rather as a promoter or a manager of his drivers,” added the Briton.

Mosley acknowledged the rumours about Briatore possibly working alongside F1 chief executive Ecclestone.

“Bernie and Flavio are good friends and often go to lunch at a restaurant in Brompton Road, opposite Flavio’s London office.

“That’s all I know,” said the 70-year-old.

Mosley said he is still in contact with Ecclestone “from time to time”, but predicts trouble for the stability of today’s period of peace.

“Within the parties that make up this sport – the teams, the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone – there is constant friction. The cooperation is extremely fragile,” he warned.

“Strengthening the balance of this triangle is a major problem requiring a lot of skill,” said Mosley.