Bernie Ecclestone has admitted he is interested in buying back formula one.
The F1 chief executive currently works for the sport’s majority owner CVC, whilst retaining a small percentage of the commercial rights for himself.

It has been reported recently that Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation in collaboration with the Fiat-linked Exor company is interested in buying F1, as are the grandee teams.

Asked if he is interested as well, Ecclestone told the International Herald Tribune: “Yes, absolutely.

“I wouldn’t buy at the price that I think CVC would sell it. But I would certainly buy at the price that they (News/Exor) want to pay.”

Ecclestone, 80, was quoted recently as saying he thinks formula one is worth between $6 and 7 billion.

He reacted: “I have never quoted anything. It may have been written, but I haven’t quoted. A gentleman never speaks about money and last night.”

F1′s owner CVC Capital Partners has confirmed that Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation and the Ferrari-linked Exor company have made a “friendly” approach.

News Corp and Exor SpA, controlled by the Agnelli family and with a significant shareholding in Ferrari parent Fiat, confirmed jointly on Tuesday that they are “formulating a long-term plan for the development of formula one”.

CVC responded by insisting the potential takeover consortium knows F1 is “not currently for sale”.

“CVC recognises the quality of Exor and News Corporation as potential investors, but any investment in formula one will require CVC’s agreement and will need to demonstrate that it is in the interest of the sport and its stakeholders”, added the London based private equity firm.

Since news of the consortium’s interest in F1 broke, the sport’s chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has said repeatedly that CVC does not want to sell.

“You would think if somebody wanted to buy it they would approach the people who own it to see if they want to sell it,” he told the Press Association.

Fiat has bought back a 5 per cent stake in Ferrari that was sold five years ago to Abu Dhabi investment company Mubadala.

It is believed the move ties in with recent rumours the Italian carmaker is considering later selling a significant part of its majority stake in the famous Maranello based marque and formula one team.

The buy-back of the Mubadala stake, costing Fiat EUR 122 million according to the UAE newspaper The National, takes Fiat’s shareholding up to 90 per cent.

It is believed Fiat is then prepared to see this figure drop to as low as a controlling 51 per cent.

“I can confirm that Fiat has exercised the call option for the purchase of the Ferrari stake held by Mubadala,” confirmed a Fiat spokesman.

“We have no further comment to make,” he added.

The world championship leader Jorge Lorenzo, Fiat Yamaha rider, ended Friday in free practice on the Sepang track with the third fastest time, preceded by team-mate Valentino Rossi and Andrea Dovizioso (Honda HRC).

The Spaniard ran into difficulties, as well as for the heat and dirt on the track, in the fourth sector of the track, which caused him to lose precious tenths and did not allow him to close the session ahead. Then this will be the main goal for “Porfuera”, which is to improve on that stretch so that we can aspire to the forefront, if not the pole position, in what is the first weekend in which to meet the world title.

“The conditions today were quite difficult,” admits Jorge Lorenzo, “with the high temperatures and the dirt path. I’m happy because I felt good on the bike, I went fast and I finished near the top position.

We used the old engine again today, but tomorrow we’ll probably try the new one. We have to work a fourth area, which is where we are wasting time now, so tomorrow we’ll focus on that and try to improve it further. “

An intense duel, at least, spectacular. Jorge Lorenzo came out “losers” by comparison with Valentino Rossi at Motegi, falling off the podium for the second consecutive race finishing in fourth place. Some maneuvers Rossi did not go to the genius of “almost” World Champion, and was able to confide in the press release also disclosed by the same team Fiat Yamaha.

“It ‘was a great battle with Valentino, “says Jorge Lorenzo. “We were two warriors with the killer instinct! In my opinion, exaggerated in some places, we were both at the limit, but some of his moves were a little too over the top as we touched and went off course. We’re teammates, I am fighting for the title and the Yamaha has yet to win the constructors’ title and the team: we had to take it into consideration in the race today. “

Apart from the duel with Valentino Rossi, the two-time 250cc world champion can not be satisfied with the result, although in 7 days at Sepang can celebrate winning the world title with three games to spare …

“I’m disappointed because I wanted particularly missed the podium here in Yamaha’s home race, but that’s racing. We chose to run with the old engine to be safe, but unfortunately we were not in place, especially the front. Now I am close to realize my dream, I really hope we can do it at Sepang.

Italian carmaker Fiat has confirmed rumours it would consider selling some of its 85 per cent stake in Ferrari and the famous Maranello based F1 team.

The rumour emerged last week at the opening of the Paris motor show, with a newspaper report saying Fiat wanted to raise money to up its stake in the American carmaker Chrysler.

Fiat initially denied suggestions it is prepared to reduce its shareholding to as little as a controlling 51 per cent; a sale that is theoretically worth about $1 billion.

“No, we have enough financial resources to do everything we have to do,” Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne said in Paris.

But he also told the New York Times: “We would consider selling a part of Ferrari, but it’s not in the cards now, and I have no project on my desk.”

Meanwhile, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo played down suggestions Abu Dhabi investment company Mubadala will facilitate the move by releasing some of its minor shareholding.

The Italian said Mubadala “will remain for us a very important industrial partner”.

Fresh renewal (biennial) with Yamaha, Jorge Lorenzo took fourth time in official qualifying Grand Prix of Japan at Twin Ring Motegi and, for the first time this season, will start from the second row. The (almost) the 2010 World Champion has run into some more problems than expected in its turn from “pole”, however after having shown an enviable step over the free practice sessions.

“I am a little disappointed because this was not the result I expected, “said Jorge Lorenzo. “I would really like to get the front row in Japan in Yamaha’s home race, just after signing with them for another two years. Fortunately, the skills and appearance are just more important is that we are ready for the race, our pace was competitive and there are only two small issues still to be placed on my M1. “

Compared to yesterday Jorge Lorenzo has decided to use our engine as well as Valentino Rossi, with a view to obtaining positive impressions of a race which, according to the forecast, it should be wet from the rain.

“It is better, especially in higher gears, it’s definitely an advantage for us. In any case, scatter for the first time this year from the second row, but they are near the control and try to make the best possible start. Unfortunately the weather forecast is not the best, I hope the good weather, but must also be prepared for rain, “said the Fiat Yamaha rider.

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 “

Once you arrive on Sunday, willy-nilly, here again the domain of Jorge Lorenzo. The pilot put on display in the Majorcan Today the usual safety and precision driving, which led him to obtain the seventh hit of the season, before the public in Brno Forget the problems of yesterday, including fall, “Porfuera” was a hammer for all rounds played, gradually bending resistance of the only rider able to keep up in the early laps, or compatriot Dani Pedrosa.

This happened even closer to the Fiat Yamaha rider to finish both heard, or the drivers’ title at end of season: the # 99 for this reason should bring out the best in tests scheduled for tomorrow, to have the inertia to continue to do it right this road win.

“After the problems we had yesterday and the fall,” says Jorge Lorenzo “I did not expect this today. I would be very much harder. Once the lead I thought Dani would have stayed with me, I knew it was my time and I tried to push as much as possible. I thought I would try to pass me but I felt at ease, I pushed hard and gradually I disconnected.

I know I said that I headed for the championship, and it is still true, but when there is a chance to win if you take it! Get my seventh victory in a season is fantastic, thanks to all my tem for such a good job after struggling yesterday. Tomorrow we have an important test, which I hope will help us in the last part of the season and then you go to Indianapolis, a circuit that I love. “

It was not the best qualifying session of the year for Jorge Lorenzo, suffered a last lap crash available while attempting to conquer the pole position. Fortunately, the fall has not resulted in no effect on the physical level, and now need to analyze the state of his YZR-M1, to see if it is used in the race tomorrow or if we need to use the second bike.

“Porfuera” he jokes and says that you can not always be at the top, a position familiar to the Fiat Yamaha rider, in these times. In any case, the # 99 will start tomorrow from the front row behind compatriot Dani Pedrosa (author of the pole) and what will be, almost certainly, his teammate from next season, or the American Ben Spies.

“This was not the best session of the year for us”, admits Jorge Lorenzo. “We made some changes that did not work, and was mainly a problem at the front, which closed a lot. I was not fast and I had to take many risks. Then I made a mistake and the bike took off!

I hope that the engine is okay for today, fortunately I did not hurt and managed to get up right now. We are still in the first row, we can not always be top! I think tomorrow will be a tough race but we will be able to improve the setting and see what happens. “

Magneti Marelli is reportedly offering a KERS system to formula one teams for a price of US $1 million per season.

The Sesto San Giovanni-based company is a Fiat subsidiary and electronics specialist that was involved with Ferrari’s energy-recovery technology deployed in formula one last year.

It has already been reported that Ferrari-powered Sauber is considering using a Magneti Marelli system next year, as is Red Bull, whose engine supplier Renault also turned to the Italian company for its KERS in 2009.

Autosprint reports that Toro Rosso, also powered by Ferrari, could also use a Magneti Marelli KERS in 2011, as well as the new teams Virgin, Lotus and HRT.

Luca di Montezemolo could be set to leave Ferrari.

It is reported that French broadcaster TF1 is predicting a change at the top of the Maranello based team.

Italian Montezemolo, 62, joined Fiat in the 70s and worked as Enzo Ferrari’s assistant before running the famous team.

He became Ferrari president in 1991, but for several recent years has been linked with a move into politics.

Tipped to be Montezemolo’s successor is 34-year-old Andrea Agnelli, part of the famous Agnelli family and currently president of the Juventus football club.

However, earlier in July, Fiat denied similar rumours that appeared in the Milan newspaper Libero.

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.21 (GMM)  Luca di Montezemolo has stepped down as chairman of the Italian carmaker Fiat.

He will, however, remain president of Ferrari, with 34-year-old John Elkann – a descendant of the founding Agnelli family – replacing him at Fiat because Montezemolo has “finished the task” he began in 2004.

Montezemolo, 62, denied the move is a precursor to moving into Italian politics or even founding his own party, insisting he is staying on the Fiat board and will not stop heading Ferrari.

On the same day, Montezemolo announced that he still wants “major teams” such as Ferrari “and McLaren” to be allowed to enter third cars in grands prix.

“We want a third car and I would do everything to have Valentino (Rossi),” he told reporters.

“When he wins this year’s MotoGP, enough is enough, he must also win in formula one,” the Ferrari chairman and president added.

Ferrari formula one racing is the best in the formula one world. Ferrari fans around the world watch Formula one every week. What makes Formula one so special? It’s hard to say. But Formula one gains more and more interest in public.
Scuderia Ferrari is a division of the Ferrari automobile company, which is concerned with racing. Scuderia means “stable” in Italian and Ferrari is after the name of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the brand. Scuderia was formed in the year 1929 and consisted of 40 racecar drivers including Enzo at that time.
Ferrari achieved great success in the Le Mans Races. The team made its debut into Formula One at the Italian Grand Prix with the model 125F1. Since then the team has been involved in the Formula One Racing and is one of the best racing teams in Formula One history.
Few of the finest drivers such as Niki Lauda, Phil Hill, Lorenzo Bandini and Michele Alboreto have contributed towards the success of the Ferrari Formula One team over the years. Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen are the current contracted drivers for the team. Both the drivers have been signed for three years contract after the retirement of “Michael Schumacher”. Michael Schumacher was the one of the best race drivers in the history of world racing.
Marlboro was a major sponsor for the Ferrari team since 1984. They backed the team till 2005, but had to withdraw, as tobacco sponsorship was made illegal in the European Union. Acer was one of the sponsors for the company till late 2008. Acer also sold laptops with Ferrari badges. Vodafone was also one of the sponsors till 2005, however they too withdrew in favor of the McLaren team.
Many others played the part of sponsors for the Ferrari racing team. FIAT is a major sponsor of the team including others such as Bridgestone, AMD, and Martini. Ferrari also saw sponsorship from the Gulf, such as Mubadla, an investment company of Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways.
The Ferrari racing team has achieved great success over the years particularly in the Formula One racing championships. The team and its drivers have won the “Mille Miglia”‘ 8 times, the “Targa Florio” 7 times and the “24 Hour Le Mans”, 9 times. Formula One achievements for the team are still marked distinctly.
Most Constructors Championship: 15, Most Drivers Championship: 15, Most wins (all time): 208, Most wins (season): 15, Most podiums (all): 617, Most podiums (season): 29, Most points (all): 4,887.27, Most points (season): 262, Most pole positions (all): 201, Most pole positions (season): 262, Most fastest laps (season): 262, Most fastest laps (all): 215, Highest winning percentage: 26%
The Ferrari team also managed to lead over Ford as the most successful F1 engine manufacturer with 182 wins compared to Ford’s 176 wins.
With years of hardship and trial, the Ferrari team still continues to dominate the Formula One racing world with its unmatchable endurance. The team has witnessed a massive fan following over the years. Italian fans for the team are known as “tifosi”. Recently, the Ferrari Formula one team saw its first win of the year 2008 at the Malaysian Grand Prix.