Testing Returns To Barcelona

The final week of pre-season tests began today - held in Barcelona instead of Bahrain as originally planned, due to the unstable political situation in the Country.

Red Bull's Mark Webber set the fastest time of the day, which was faster than anyone managed to acheive at the track a month ago.

Second was Jenson Button, although he was quick to admit that his McLaren team will not be quick enough to compete with Ferrari or Red Bull in the first race in Australia in under three weeks time.

Vitaly Petrov took third for Lotus-Renault, running in the afternoon in place of his team mate Nick Heidfeld who only drove in the morning due to suffering from a cold.

At the close of the session, it appeared that Sauber's Sergio Perez would take the headlines with a blistering time, significantly quicker than Webber's, however it later emerged that the Mexican had cut the chicane, and therefore the time would not count.

For more details on today's session, visit www.autosport.com

Brawn Profits

Mercedes GP boss Ross Brawn has made a sizeable return on his investment in the sale of the team to Mercedes-Benz owners Daimler.

Brawn, along with four others, purchased the struggling Honda team in a management buy-out for a symbolic £1 at the end of 2008, following a fairly unsuccessful campaign.
The team's fortunes were turned around the following season, winning both the Constructors crown and Drivers Championship for Jenson Button.

Englishman Brawn has now agreed to sell his shares in the team for a figure believed to be in the region of £100m.

For more on this, visit www.dailymail.co.uk

Ecclestone's Frank Interview

Mr Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone, has given a very typically straight-talking interview with Formula1.com.

Ecclestone discusses the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix "I think it was the right decision", Michael Schumacher's chances "If Mercedes give him a competitive car, he will win again", Robert Kubica "For me Robert Kubica is one of the top drivers" and the safety of modern Formula One cars "if you could choose your kind of accident I am sure they would all choose a Formula One car".

The Englishman also admitted to favouritism when asked who he would pick between the two current Red Bull drivers "Very clearly Sebastian (Vettel)!", and said that if he could manage a team again, he would pick Ferrari "because of the myth", with Vettel and Fernando Alonso as drivers. The third driver would be "Probably the one with the most money, or Nico Hulkenberg".

Controversially, the often outspoken boss said that he would like to "make it rain", by artificially wetting the tracks during the race with little warning, in an effort to make the show more of a spectacle. This has, however, already received some opposition, particularly from Mark Webber - although the Australian may have been offended by Ecclestone's earlier remarks regarding his preference for Vettel!

It's a very interesting article, and well worth reading in full, which can be done HERE.

Twitter Feed

James Allen's website (www.jamesallenonf1.com) features a live Twitter feed from selected contributors, including us!

It's an interesting read, and relays information, rumours and opinions from Motorsport fans from all over the World!

Check it out HERE.

To follow us, visit www.Twitter.com and search for @F1Predict

Pay Drivers - Good Or Bad?

Is it right that drivers can effectively 'buy' a seat in a Formula One car?

In the 2011 campaign, there will reportedly be six drivers who have brought funds with them to their team.

Jerome d'Ambrosio (VIR); Segio Perez (SAU); Pastor Maldonado (WIL); Vitaly Petrov (REN); Narain Karthikeyan (HRT) and TBC (HRT) are each believed to have brought between £5-10 million in backing.
However, Vitaly Petrov was awarded a contact extension, and is now in his second year with the Lotus-Renault team.

The most obvious advantage of paid drivers is the money they bring to the team through backing and sponsorship.
However, another advantage is that it brings opportunities to drivers who may not have ever had a chance of a Formula One drive otherwise. Although scouts and talent-spotters operate extensively in Europe and UK, it can be much more difficult for a Russian or South American to break into the mainstream.
The sport itself can also benefit as it can gain exposure in Nations where previously Formula One was relatively unknown. This is having a noticeable effect already, as car makers Lotus, Marussia, Infiniti and Lada have recently become involved.

The disadvantage of pay drivers is that some highly talented drivers may be unable to obtain a race seat, or even (in the case of Nico Hulkenberg) lose a seat, as they are unable to obtain the necessary funding required.

There is still one race seat available for the 2011 season with Hispania, which is believed to be available for £5 million! If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, visit www.hispaniaf1team.com

Glock Taken To Hospital

Marussia-Virgin driver Timo Glock has been taken to hospital in Switzerland with suspected appendicitis.

The German was successfully operated on, and is not expected to miss any Grands Prix, but is unlikely to appear at the final pre-season test in Barcelona.

Glock used his Twitter account to thank fans for their support:
- @realTimoGlock - "Hello everyone thanks for all the great messages that helps recovery :-) ! Greetings from the Hospital to everyone !!!Will be back soon Timo"

To follow Timo, visit www.twitter.com

Red Bull Will Not Use Infiniti Engines!

Contrary to previous rumours, it has been announced today that Red Bull's Renault engines will not be rebranded as Infiniti.

The American car company will, however, sponsor the current Champions in a two year deal, which is likely to lead into a longer term strategic partnership.

For more on this story, visit www.autosport.com