Valencia will not be on next year’s F1 calendar, Bernie Ecclestone said on Saturday.

He confirmed that, starting in 2013, an annually alternating deal between the Spanish port city and Barcelona will begin.

Barcelona, the scene of this weekend’s Spanish grand prix, will host the race in 2013, before Valencia returns to the schedule in 2014, the F1 chief executive told Reuters.

Less secure, meanwhile, is France’s touted spot on the 2013 calendar, particularly with the country’s new anti-F1 president Francois Hollande now taking power.

Until recently, the F1 chief executive was saying Paul Ricard was set to join the 2013 calendar, annually alternating a race date with Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps.

As for the state of the deal now, the 81-year-old admitted: “I have no idea. No idea what they (France) are doing.

“It’s a funny arrangement they were making anyway. So I just don’t know.”

Ecclestone is also working on a new deal for the popular Canadian grand prix, having told promoter Francois Dumontier that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve needs to be upgraded.

“There are two ways of looking at it,” Dumontier, in the paddock of the Circuit de Catalunya, is quoted by La Presse newspaper.

“Either Bernie requires an annual fee windfall, or he will charge a reasonable fee and ask in return for investment in the infrastructure.”

He said the contract on the table is for 10 more years, taking Montreal’s existing deal through 2024.

Ecclestone said on Saturday that he is sure an agreement will be reached, because Canada is one of F1′s most loved destinations.

“I remember saying to Bernie, ‘New York, Austin, I don’t know why you want to go there. Your sure bet is Montreal’. He knows that.

“He’s been in Montreal for 34 years. And in the 22 years of the grands prix in the United States, they’ve had eight different cities.

“He said ‘You’re right’,” added Dumontier.

Another rumour, repeated by The Times’ Kevin Eason on Saturday, is that the planned 2014 Russian grand prix in Sochi “is doomed”.

The fact F1 has chosen the Singapore exchange for the sport’s high profile floatation does not mean the city-state’s popular floodlit street race is guaranteed.

The night event’s existing five year contract runs out this year, although a two-year notice clause in the deal means Singapore should stay on the calendar at least until 2014.

On the face of it, a new deal seemed a certainty, given it was Bernie Ecclestone himself who chose Singapore as the location for F1′s forthcoming floatation.

“Formula one is known in Singapore, and Asia is thriving. It is a simpler market and not as restrictive,” he said recently.

Talks about a new race deal “are underway”, the local Business Times reported in March, “but it is understood that one sticking point is the sanction fee.”

An unnamed banker commented: “The Singapore government wants formula one to be listed here and for that to happen, it knows the race has to remain here.

“But at the same time, it doesn’t want to pay top dollar again. So the bargaining should continue for some time.”

However, the English language newspaper now reports that F1′s floatation plans, and the expiring Singapore race contract, could be entirely unrelated.

“We are in the process of negotiating a possible renewal of the (race) agreement and the outcome will be announced once discussions are complete,” said a spokesman for race promoter Singapore GP.

Second minister for trade and industry S Iswaran insisted that the mooted floatation will not influence the outcome of the race contract negotiations.

And the Singapore tourism board’s Aw Kah Peng added: “You’ve got to see whether the deal is right in every way.

“We’re hoping everybody sees value in it and we get a so-called good deal for Singapore, in terms of whether all the numbers can work out and everybody takes home something — a kind of a win-win proposition.”

Sauber’s ‘teaser’ has done the trick, triggering paddock speculation about its forthcoming major backer.

Last weekend in China, off the back of Sergio Perez’s recent push for victory at Sepang, the small Swiss team ran mysterious ‘Out of the blue’ signage on the C31′s engine cover.

The Blick newspaper said it was a “teaser” for a “big sponsor” that will be “announced in a few weeks”.

So who is it?

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport relayed paddock rumours hinting that the deal could be with AT-T, the American multinational who last year pulled its title sponsorship of the then-struggling Williams team.

Another paddock whisper is that Sauber’s new deal could be with the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, to promote his English premier league club Chelsea.

Ferrari’s new deal for the 2013 Concorde Agreement reportedly involves a $50 million annual fee.

It is believed the Italian team has now finalised its commercial agreement with Bernie Ecclestone.

The same is reportedly true for fellow top teams McLaren and Red Bull, whose annual additional fee is, according to German newsmagazine Der Spiegel, $35m apiece.

Ecclestone wanted to announce the conclusion of successful Concorde Agreement negotiations in Malaysia, but major teams including Mercedes and Williams were yet to sign up.

Instead, the F1 chief executive released a statement saying deals have been done with ‘the majority’ of the teams.

Mercedes, in particular, is more than unhappy.

“It can not be,” a Daimler insider is quoted as saying, “that transparency from our business partners is lacking regarding a contract through 2020.”

“The majority” of F1′s teams have agreed a deal over a new Concorde Agreement.
The news was announced by the sport’s chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, who remains in Europe, in time for Saturday’s final practice session in Malaysia.

Previously, it was reported Red Bull and Ferrari were set to agree separate new deals for F1′s future beyond the current commercial contract in 2013 and beyond.

But Ecclestone said on Saturday F1 has in fact “reached commercial agreements with the majority of the current formula one teams, including Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull Racing”.

It was not revealed which teams have not agreed the terms for the new Concorde.

 The future of the embattled Korean grand prix looks safe for now.
The Korea Herald reports that organisers of the Yeongham event have reached a deal with Bernie Ecclestone to reduce the race fees.

Completing its bespoke circuit at the last minute, South Korea joined the calendar in 2010 but soon bemoaned the huge costs.

Sunday’s media report said organisers will save more than $20 million this year by successfully negotiating a reduced race commission and annual television license fee.

The new deal will last until the end of Korea’s race contract, in 2016.

The Korea Herald said organisers paid almost $40 million to Ecclestone’s Formula One Management last year — a 10 per cent rise on 2010.

The new deal will see the 10 per cent increase scrapped, the report added.

“With the successful negotiation, we’ll be able to save a significant amount of money this year,” said organiser Kang Hyo-seok.

“It’s a still difficult situation, but we’re trying hard to improve it.”

Mercedes on Tuesday gave the strongest hint yet that Michael Schumacher is set to stay with the Brackley based team beyond 2012.
The seven time world champion returned from retirement with the German team in 2010, and has been widely criticised for failing to live up to the hype of his meteoric initial career.

But 2011 was undoubtedly a better season for the 43-year-old, moving team boss Ross Brawn to hint that Schumacher could receive a new deal for 2013.

“At the moment we aren’t talking to any other drivers,” he told Sport Bild magazine.

“I am also assuming that he is not talking to other teams.

“So if Michael is still enjoying what he’s doing while bringing in the results that we expect, then why not? He definitely has not said that he is toying with the idea of stopping,” added Brawn.

Mercedes’ competition director Norbert Haug added that the great German is “still one of the best race drivers in the field”.

Haug said Schumacher is often as fast or faster than his younger teammate Nico Rosberg, which is impressive “because Nico is undoubtedly among the five best drivers in F1″, he is quoted by FAZ newspaper.

Added Brawn: “It took a little longer than planned for Michael to be where he wanted to be — and even longer than I would have thought.

“The first year was difficult,” admitted Schumacher’s former Ferrari colleague. “I think he did an excellent job in the races in the second year, while Nico was slightly better than him in qualifying.

“I think that really frustrated him (Schumacher),” added Brawn.

Dani Clos insists he is delighted with his new role as HRT tester, despite some seeing him as little more than a ‘pay driver’.
A reporter for Spain’s Diario AS newspaper admitted to the 23-year-old from Barcelona that when he read the news about his Clos’ new role, he surmised that the driver must have some lucrative backers.

“That’s definitely not why I’m here,” Clos insisted.

He admitted however that he is also “looking at some options” to split his time between HRT and another race series this season.

“There are offers but I’m happy with HRT. Some people would give their right arm to be here.”

Clos conceded, however, that if he had lots more money to spend on formula one, he might have been appointed as Pedro de la Rosa’s teammate in the place of Narain Karthikeyan.

“It’s obvious that if you contribute more then you have more options,” he said, “but for me this is my place now, and where I have to be right now.”

He revealed that the role will include running on Friday mornings at grands prix, rather than the symbolic role played by many ‘test drivers’ nowadays.

“Yes, yes, I’ll do Fridays,” said Clos. “I will not be one of those who are there just to be there.”

He also denied that his new deal could fall apart the way countryman Andy Soucek’s did at Virgin in 2010, when the Spaniard was promised track time that never materialised.

“I have no fear in that regard,” insisted Clos. “I trust the team.”

 Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche on Thursday indicated he would like Michael Schumacher to extend his Mercedes GP contract beyond 2012.
Seven time world champion Schumacher’s existing three year contract, dating back to his decision to return to F1 in 2010 after a three-year sabbatical, runs out this year.

Zetsche is quoted by Seddeutsche Zeitung newspaper as saying Mercedes is fully committed to formula one, with an “engagement for the long term”.

As for involving 43-year-old Schumacher in those plans for 2013, Zetsche admitted it was “an attractive possibility”.

“He is still a motor sports icon,” he added.

Schumacher said at the Jerez test this week that while he might not have a title-winning car this year, Mercedes will build one in the future.

“We have to build our way there. I’m confident we can do that, in future, but let’s take it step by step,” said the German.

As for the possibility of a new contract, Schumacher answered: “I never gave any prognosis about my career. The right time will come to discuss my future.”

Mark Webber has vowed to improve despite now sharing a team garage with F1′s youngest ever double world champion.

Less than a year ago, the Australian arrived at the season finale as a favourite for the championship, amid rumours he might be snapped up by Ferrari.

But ten days into October of 2011, his teammate Sebastian Vettel is the back-to-back title winner.

“We have had some problems but, ultimately, the problem is that I have not been fast enough or consistent enough to fight for wins with Sebastian,” admitted the 35-year-old.

Webber said he has struggled to adapt to the Pirelli tyres and make good race starts but “It’s true that I have struggled with Seb”, he told the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

“He has not had any problems with the tyres, with getting up and running at a good pace without destroying them. I have to improve,” said Webber.

El Pais also reminded Webber that, last year amid the Silverstone front wing saga, he said that if he knew he was subordinate to his teammate, he would not sign a new deal.

“What has changed to make you sign for another season?” asked the newspaper.

Webber answered: “I re-signed because I had no choice.”

But he denied that his single year deal is making him nervous, with drivers like Fernando Alonso and now Jenson Button locked into contracts for the long term.

“They are younger than me, but it doesn’t worry me too much,” insisted Webber. “You can sign for two or three years but I am sure that Jenson and Fernando have clauses to opt out if they don’t have competitive cars.”

And he insists he is not necessarily now Vettel’s ‘number 2′.

“Well, both this year and last year we started on equal terms but it ended well for Sebastian. This time I have just been fighting to win races.

“I have to be prepared because, maybe, he’s not going to like the new car or is not comfortable with it,” said Webber.

But he acknowledged that Vettel is likely to remain up to speed because the RB8 “is going to be very similar to what we have now”.

Jerome d’Ambrosio cannot count on staying at Virgin for a second season of formula one.
That is the claim of the Belgian newspaper De Morgen, reporting that a few candidates look ready to out-spend the 25-year-old’s sponsors.

“Dutchman Giedo van der Garde, Frenchman Charles Pic and Canadian Robert Wickens all have an advantage over d’Ambrosio — more money,” read the report.

The Belgian rookie admitted at Suzuka that his management team and Virgin are yet to agree a new deal for 2012.

“There are obviously talks going on and management speaking with the team, speaking for my future about next year,” said d’Ambrosio.

“I think I had my best grand prix so far in Singapore and throughout these (next five) races I need to focus on the present and not what will happen next year,” he added.

De Morgen said Virgin is not likely to announce Timo Glock’s 2012 teammate until the beginning of 2012.

Nico Rosberg has revealed he would be happy to have Michael Schumacher as his teammate beyond the 2012 season.
The German’s comments are a clear indication that he intends to sign a new deal beyond the expiry of his own contract.

And Rosberg thinks seven time world champion should do the same.

“Definitely,” he is quoted by the German news agency SID. “Of course it’s up to him to decide if he’s still enjoying it but for the team it would be a good thing.”

Schumacher, 42, was asked in Singapore at the weekend if he will still be racing in 2013. “Next year I’ll decide,” he answered simply.

His boss, Mercedes’ motor racing vice president Norbert Haug, joined Rosberg in hoping Schumacher will stay on board.

“We are very satisfied with the drivers we have,” he said. “We want to climb up the ladder with the combination that we have.”

Jaime Alguersuari has admitted he was not happy when he learned that Mark Webber has secured a new contract with Red Bull for 2012.
Spaniard Alguersuari and his Toro Rosso teammate Sebastien Buemi were hoping they would be considered for the seat at the energy drink-owned company’s main team.

Instead, they are now regarded as being in a fight to secure the single race cockpit alongside likely Toro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo next season.

Asked by Spanish radio Cadena SER if he is upset about Red Bull’s decision to re-sign Webber, Alguersuari admitted flatly: “Absolutely.

“I want to be with a team that can win races. I am very happy with Toro Rosso and delighted that I got to go to formula one at (the age of) 19, but I want to win.”

In an apparent swipe at 35-year-old Australian Webber, Alguersuari added: “If I was constantly half a second behind my teammate, I would be out.”

The 21-year-old hailed his career-best run to seventh place at Monza as “one of my best races”, but offered only barbed praise for 2011 champion-elect Vettel’s victory.

“He has a car that allows him to do the poles and win all the races that he has,” said Alguersuari.

Mark Webber had already signed his new contract for 2012 before the summer speculation stepped into its highest gear.
Throughout the August shutdown, it was not certain whether the Australian would be staying alongside Sebastian Vettel next year, or giving way to a youngster like Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Buemi.

In fact, Blick newspaper said Swiss Buemi was “disappointed” with Saturday’s official news because he had “secretly expected” Webber’s seat.

But birthday boy Webber, 35, said he has known about 2012 for weeks.

“(It was) signed not long ago, I think it was the last race (Hungary), actually, on the Sunday,” he said after qualifying third at Spa.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner insisted Webber is once again guaranteed equality with Vettel in the new deal.

Webber, meanwhile, was asked whether it is his preference to always sign one-year deals, or the team’s.

“Little bit of both, I think,” he answered. “The one year extensions are not too bad for me, and also I think it suits them as well. Bit of 50-50.”

Mark Webber’s plans for 2012 could be decided this week, but it might not be public knowledge for “months”, the Australian driver suggested on Tuesday.
Dr Helmut Marko stirred the pot in Hungary by suggesting that the 34-year-old will “probably” retire after racing one more season with Red Bull in 2012.

Team boss Christian Horner played down the Austrian’s comments by suggesting Webber might decide to stay in F1 for a few more years, agreeing that a new deal for 2012 is likely.

“I am having fun,” Webber said on Austrian television Servus TV on Tuesday, “and on Thursday will have a good conversation with Dietrich Mateschitz.

“During the summer break we will discuss it one way or the other, then we will know in the next few months.”

Webber has had a less than satisfying 2011 campaign so far, while his teammate Sebastian Vettel ran away with an arguably unassailable title lead.

But the Australian thinks he is improving.

“The next victory will come when I least expect it. Just as with my first one,” he said.

“I have the feeling that I am getting stronger all the time. It’s going in the right direction.”

Webber insisted that he has not decided what to do in 2012.

“Whether I’m here depends ultimately on my motivation and whether I can race at the top level. At the moment it looks as though I will keep going.

“Naturally I’m speaking to the people who are close to me and who have supported me and I will make my decision when I need to. Soon,” he said.