UP...!!! The Australian Grand Prix may be moved from its traditional home in Melbourne as fears grow over the future of the race. The Albert Park street circuit - which plays host to Sunday's season-opener - has staged the event since 1996 but mounting financial losses have raised doubts about its viability.
Full story: the Times (subscription required)
Formula 1 commercial rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone has launched a stinging attack on Jean Todt, boss of motor racing's governing body the FIA. Todt took over as president of the FIA in 2009 after Ecclestone's former lawyer and friend Max Mosley resigned. Ecclestone called Todt "a poor man's Max" and described the Frenchman's efforts to make the sport more environmentally friendly as a "complete joke".
i might have a heart attack... i actually agree with the little prick!!!
Red Bull driver Mark Webber has warned F1's rule makers they risk destroying the "purity" of the sport after introducing a host of measures designed to liven up races. In the 2011 campaign drivers will have to cope with new moveable rear wings and the reintroduction of the Kers power boost system, as well as a new tyre supplier in Pirelli.
Full story: Daily Mail
But new F1 tyre supplier Pirelli believes the introduction of faster-wearing tyres to the sport should make strategy and tactics a major factor in deciding Sunday's Australian Grand Prix. Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said: "It would be fantastic for the sport if maybe some of the teams not normally in the top four could come up with a strategy that allows them to get on the podium, and maybe cause a mini upset." (AP)
The FIA has extended the moveable rear wing overtaking zone to before the final corner of the Albert Park circuit for Sunday's grand prix. The zone, which is the only place on the track where drivers will be able to use their moveable wing in the race, will now start from just before the final turn on to the start-finish straight.
Full story: autosport.com
Webber has taken a swipe at Lewis Hamilton after the McLaren driver described Red Bull Racing as "just a drinks company." Hamilton was referring to the fact Red Bull upset the natural order last year by winning both the drivers' and constructors' championships in only their sixth season. Unsure as to their longevity in F1 in comparison to Ferrari and his McLaren team, Hamilton said: "I am certain both teams will do everything in their power to make sure they can remain at the top. But I have no clue what Red Bull are planning to do because they are not a manufacturer, they are a drinks company." Asked for some thoughts ahead of his fifth season with Red Bull, Webber's initial reply was: "Well, we're just a drinks company in the end!"
Full story: sportinglife.com
Mercedes' seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher, who struggled on his return to the sport last season after a three-year absence, has warned his rivals to expect the real deal this season. Schumacher says he will have "no-one to blame" but himself if he does not perform.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Britain's Paul di Resta knows he has a fight on his hands to help drag Force India towards respectability this season. The Scottish rookie says the team's goal at the start of the year was for a fifth or sixth-placed finish in the constructors' championship but now concedes that is "going to be difficult".
Full story: Press Association via planet-f1.com
Lotus technical chief Mike Gascoyne reports that there has been rain at the venue for the opening race of the seaon, Albert Park. However, he says "the rest of the weekend is forecast to be dry, with Sunday forecast to be sunny and warm".
Full story: Mike Gascoyne on Twitter
Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi wants Formula One to use its global appeal to help support people suffering from this month's destructive earthquake and tsunami. Kobayashi, who will drive for Sauber in Sunday's Melbourne Grand Prix, said: "The situation in Japan is really bad and if the GPDA [Grand Prix Drivers' Association] and FIA [Federation Internationale de l'Automobile] can help us, we need the help." (AFP)
if anybody wants to do any of the races, let me know just please keep the same naming format Year TrackName - Live Thread