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Fernando Alonso insisted today that Abu Dhabi holds no bad vibes him, despite it being the race where the 2010 World Championship slipped away.

The Spaniard pointed out that the title was lost over a full season rather than the one race.

“With respect to last year’s there’s not any special motivation to do well here,” said Alonso. “I’m still convinced that last year we didn’t lose the championship here in Abu Dhabi. We were not very competitive, we finished seventh. Maybe our realistic result last year was fifth.

“But in Valencia or Silverstone for example we were fighting for a podium, and we scored two zeroes there. So I think we lost the championship there, and not here in Abu Dhabi.

“Motivation is very high always, to get a podium especially. I have 72 podiums so far, so 72 trophies at home from all the circuits in the calendar, apart from Abu Dhabi. There is only one trophy missing at home, and hopefully this year and in the next coming years I can put Abu Dhabi as well there.”

Asked what went through his mind when he first arrived back one year on, Fernando said he liked the venue.

“When I arrived here I felt very good. I arrived last night, I went to sleep, and this morning I woke up and I went to the swimming pool here in the hotel. From there I saw the paddock, with the boats here, with the colours, I saw the asphalt with the blue paint on the outside. Nice temperature. And I said what a wonderful place to host a race.

“And also the flight was very convenient. Maybe because we came from India and Korea, which was not very comfortable, the flight etc, with five hours drive. When I arrived here I said what a wonderful place. I know it’s strange because we lost the championship, but that was honestly my first impression. Maybe tomorrow I’ll change that…”

Alonso said that he still wants to beat Jenson Button to second in the championship, mainly as a reward for the team.

“Definitely, it’s something, it’s better second that fourth or fifth. But we are competitive people, we like to win, and when we cannot arrive first, it’s not the same. It’s much more important to learn things for next year, to gain half a tenth for next year with some checks than to finish second in the championship.

“But at the same point I see all the guys, all the mechanics and the engineers really pushing to help me to arrive to this second place, because we know the tough year we had, we know the problems we faced in some parts of the year. I see an atmosphere in the team really motivated to help me gets second in the drivers’ championship. For them I will try to do my best for sure.”

Lewis Hamilton has made some fascinating revelations about his state of mind when he stressed how happy team mate Jenson Button is thanks to the group he has built around him.

Hamilton’s  frank admissions came after he was asked if Jenson’s success this year had made his own difficult season even harder to take.

“There’s not a lot of people who really understand the issues I’ve had this year and the problems I’ve been going through,” Hamilton said. “And which I’ve been going through for the last two years. I just can comment on them because it’s not really the place or time to do so.

“But Jenson’s done a great job to get things in the right place. He’s got his dad there, who’s there every single race, he’s got his management there, he’s got his friends, he’s got his girlfriend there all the time. He’s in a really, really… He’s got a great bubble around him, which he is really happy with.

“With that he’s able to go out and perform without any worries on his mind. Which I did have at one point, and lost that bubble, and I don’t have that around me at the moment. I’m working on having that for the future. The conscious and subconscious part of your mind is very important in this business.”

Intriguingly Lewis said he wouldn’t work with a sports psychologist to address his issues: “I would never work with a sports psychologist, I never have and I never will. But it is a priority for me to create that atmosphere around myself. Because it’s a happy bubble, you’re happy with your friends and your family and the people you love most. It’s just a big, positive bubble which I need to get around me.

“I feel positive every time I arrive – a lot of the time I feel positive. But subconsciously you’re perhaps less positive and less happy. So that’s something that I’m definitely going to try to correct before next season starts.”

Hamilton admitted he wasn’t happy with his season, and said a couple of wins to finish it off could turn things around.

“It would make a big difference, if I was able to have a clean two races without seeing the stewards, and without having a penalty. On top of that, winning, I think it would be really beautiful, it would be really nice.

“I know I’m up against the toughest drivers in the business, and I know that anything can happen. I’m aware that something can happen, I’m just going to try and go out there and avoid any of those obstacles.”

Rubens Barrichello says he’s still willing to wait for news from Williams about a possible contract extension into next season.

Despite the likes of Kimi Raikkonen and Adrian Sutil being linked to his seat Barrichello remains optimistic, and is refusing to concede that the Brazilian GP might be his last.

“I’m just waiting for people to call,” said the Brazilian today. “The only thing I have in mind is the year that I’m going to have ahead. I’m thinking like I did in 2008, just positive. I might go to the Brazilian GP without any confirmation or without anything, but I’m not saying goodbye to my fans. I want to be there next year.

“I just have to wait and see. The team have myself very motivated and just waiting for an answer. If God wishes, I will be on the grid for my 20^th year.”

Barrichello admitted that he was talking to teams up and down the paddock.

“I talked to all of them, to be honest. There’s no point in telling you who I’m talking to. It’s just nice situation to be in, to be talking to competitive teams. If I was on my first or second year I would be very worried, but it’s been such a long time… Life is too good to be moaning about the problems and why they haven’t signed me just yet. I’m just concentrating on the positive, really.”

Asked if he thought Kimi Raikkonen really wanted to come back, Rubens said: “I don’t know. To be honest I never talked to Kimi when he was racing, and he never talked to me! I believe that he had very little talks with the team, by any means.”

Nico Rosberg has extended his Mercedes contract with a multi-year deal, following the trend set by Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button.

The news puts an end to any speculation about the German heading to Ferrari any time soon.

Rosberg was already under contract for 2012. The team has not put a date on the new deal, saying only that it includes 2013 and beyond.

Rosberg said: “I am very excited to have extended my contract with the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. To win in a Silver Arrow will be one of the highlights of my life so far, and I greatly enjoy helping to lead our team in our quest to become the best in Formula One.

“I have every confidence that the team will provide me with a winning car, and that we will be able to contribute to the fantastic racing heritage of the Silver Arrows. I look forward to great times in the years ahead with the Mercedes-Benz family.”

Ross Brawn added: “We are delighted to have extended our contract with Nico as we know that he is a driver who can win races and championships. Nico has performed exceptionally well for our Silver Arrows team over the past two seasons, achieving results at the very limit of the technical capabilities of our
current car.

“He has an excellent work ethic and, together with Michael, this gives us a driver pairing who consistently push the team to improve and progress. As we continue to strengthen our team for the future, we look forward to providing Nico with a car which will enable him to compete right at the front of the field and achieve his deserved first win in Formula One.”

With the FIA having confirmed the chassis name changes last weekend both parties in the Lotus name dispute have issued a statement confirming that all has been resolved – and that Group Lotus now has the rights to the Team Lotus name.

Although in the recent FIA note LRGP retained its current name while Virgin and Caterham had new identities, it now clearly has the option to become Team Lotus.

The rebranded Caterham team will retain its green and livery next season.

A statement today said: “Proton, Group Lotus, 1Malaysia Racing Team and its owner Tony Fernandes are delighted to announce that the legal dispute in the English Courts relating to the “Lotus” and “Team Lotus” brands has now ended amicably with the parties agreeing settlement terms earlier this month.

“The terms of the settlement are confidential but the deal sees the “Lotus” brand reunited under the sole ownership of Group Lotus. This includes the rights to the “Lotus” and “Team Lotus” names in Formula 1 motor racing.

“1MRT will race in the 2012 Formula 1 season under the name “Caterham F1 Team” and will use a “Caterham” chassis.

“The deal also sees a working relationship established between the parties and they will work together on future projects in the automotive field.”

Both parties are now eager to win some goodwill from F1 fans.

Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said: “On behalf of Group Lotus and Proton I would like to express how pleased we are that this matter is finally closed and we can now focus on looking forward to the future.

“We understand that this has been a very difficult and confusing time for the fans of the sport and the Lotus brand so we are glad to have reached a clear resolution on this important matter – I would like to take this opportunity to thank our fans for their continued support, it means everything to us.”

Riad Asmat of the current Team Lotus added: “We are proud of what we have achieved by bringing the Team Lotus name back to Formula One when many tried and although we are sad to say goodbye to Team Lotus we are excited about owning our own future and being in control of our own destiny. Now we have no one to be compared to. We make our own history and we will remain green and yellow.

“Now we look forward to an exciting future racing under our new team name of Caterham F1 Team. Please continue to support our very special spirit of never say die and support us on the track as we move up the field and demonstrate that the good do win.”

Californian Michael Lewis will test a 2009 Ferrari F60 at Vallelunga on November 15 as his prize for being the top rookie in the Italian F3 Championship.

The Italian motor sport authority – the CSAI – has been arranging the award since 2008, and it is clearly aimed at promoting local talent. In previous years tests have been given the top three finishers, but this year, they chose only overall champion Sergio Campana and rookie winner Lewis.

The 20-year-old Lewis also finished second overall in the championship, having won three races. He previously competed in Formula BMW in 2009 and 2010.

CSAI president Angelo Sticchi Damiani said: “The test by which in cooperation with Scuderia Ferrari we award the best drivers of our F3 championship is a moment of great satisfaction and unfinished pride for the Italian federation.”

The Vallelunga test does not fall under the usual restrictions as it is taking place with an out-of-date car.

Unfortunately for the drivers concerned their outing will be overshadowed somewhat by the Abu Dhabi test, which starts the same day.

Team Lotus has finally confirmed the long expected news that Steve Nielsen is joining the Norfolk outfit as Sporting Director.

The former policeman held a similar role at Renault until leaving earlier this season. Nielsen worked for the original Team Lotus in 1986-94, and had a long spell as Tyrrell team manager, where he worked with Mike Gascoyne for the first time. He replaces former Toyota man Dieter Gass, who is leaving the team.

“It is excellent news for the team that Steve has accepted the offer to join us as Sporting Director,” said Gascoyne. “I have worked with him extensively in the past at both Tyrrell and Renault where we played our parts in helping to build Championship winning teams, which is what we are aiming to do with Team Lotus. I am sure he will integrate very quickly into our operation and will be made very welcome by everyone in Hingham and Malaysia.

“We have also had some more very good news with the confirmation that our Team Manager Graham Watson has signed a new contract after having played a vital role in the factory and the race team since the early days of Team Lotus. This gives us a trackside team with experience, vision and strength in depth and I am sure both Steve and Graham will help us keep pushing forward as we make our challenge for long-term honours.”

Tony Fernandes added: “I first met Steve in Singapore 2010 and offered him a job then which he turned down, so I am delighted he has finally taken up the chance to join us.

“It is a good mark of our team that we can attract people of Steve’s calibre and I am thrilled that someone who is so well respected, and is coming from a team that is ahead of us in so many ways, shares our belief in our ability to grow and, in due course, challenge the midfield.”

Toyota confirmed this morning that Alex Wurz, Kazuki Nakajima and Nicolas Lapierre will head its LMP1 programme next year.

The trio will drive the Cologne-built hybrid car at Le Mans and in selected rounds of the World Endurance Championship.

Wurz and Nakajima were of course team mates at Williams in 2007. The Japanese driver had the third driver role and then landed a race seat when Wurz retired prior to the last race in Brazil.

Toyota says that it “will work intensely with all three drivers to learn more about the specific demands of endurance racing, as well as continuously developing the car. In the near future, this will include sessions on TMG’s driving simulator, which already features the Le Mans track and an LMP1 vehicle model.

“Each driver has significant experience at the top level of international motorsport and they have been selected to help the team develop during what is expected to be a learning season in 2012. The length of the respective contracts remains undisclosed.”

Toyota added that: “One car will be entered in selected rounds, although the final identity of the team and its race schedule remain under discussion.”

“As soon as I heard about the possibility to join the team I was instantly excited and keen to be involved,” said Wurz. “I love endurance racing and I have been a fan of Le Mans since my childhood, so I have great memories of Toyotas competing there, particularly the GT-One which was a really sexy, cool-looking car.

“As an ambitious Le Mans racer, this heritage combined with the immense technical capabilities at TMG makes a very attractive combination. So I am extremely happy to be involved, along with Nicolas and Kazuki. One of the most important things in endurance racing is the connection between the drivers. If the drivers are working together it is a very productive situation for the team and ultimately improves lap times and results.

“Nicolas has shown his speed while I really rate Kazuki as a person and a driver so I think we will be a strong team. I can’t wait to get started and I am fascinated by the new challenge of competing with a hybrid car. It is the future of racing so I am very excited that Toyota comes in with this technology. I know Toyota has a lot of expertise in this area and I hope this plays to our advantage.”

Lapierre said: “TMG has some very impressive capabilities and, together with the hybrid system, we have the potential to develop a really strong car. I am interested to experience the hybrid system for the first time; this adds a different aspect to our challenge and we have to consider some different strategic factors.”

“Le Mans will be a new experience for me but it is one I am very much looking forward to,” said Nakajima. “I am familiar with endurance racing thanks to my time in Japanese Super GT and this will help me to adjust.”

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has moved quickly to counter suggestions that Felipe Massa’s seat is under threat from Nico Rosberg for 2012.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo was also keen to put an end to the rumours when the pair met the media at a Ferrari event in Mugello today.

Speaking about Massa, Domenicali said: “As for the rumours regarding all the drivers who are due to arrive in Maranello to replace him, I can only repeat my words and indeed those only recently uttered by our President, in every possible way, Felipe will also be with us in 2012 and that should make you understand how much faith we have in him.”

The team boss admitted that returning to Abu Dhabi next weekend – where last year’s title slipped out his hands – will be hard for Fernando Alonso.

“I am sure that, in the next few days, going back to Abu Dhabi will have an effect on Fernando, given what happened there last year, but this negative emotion will be a further incentive for him to turn things around in 2012. I am also counting heavily on Felipe’s will to fight back as he knows next year will be a key one in which, and I’m convinced of it, he will be able to show his true worth.”

Meanwhile he insisted that Ferrari would bounce back after its disappointing 2011 season.

“Clearly, we are not pleased, as we have said so often. In the remaining two races, we want to try and get on the podium and try all we can to get Fernando to second place in the Drivers’ classification.

“Meanwhile, everyone at Maranello is working to produce a car that is competitive right from the start of next season, when, as we are well aware, we can have only one goal, which is victory.

“We started very badly but then, coming into summer, we staged a good recovery which, among other things, saw us take the significant win at Silverstone. Then we had a programme of further development on the car, which should have brought us much closer to the front runners.

“Unfortunately, the updates introduced in Spa did not produce the results we hoped for and so we took a step backwards, partly because by then, we had interrupted the development of the 150 Italia to concentrate all our energies on next year’s car. In the last few races we also tested a few ideas and parts which will be useful in the near future and we will continue to do that in Abu Dhabi and Brazil.”

LRGP Eric Boullier has said that FIA confirmation of the change to the Lotus chassis name for 2012 is good for the sport, since it removes ambiguity – and he adds that it starts a new chapter for the Enstone team.

The three teams involved in name changes had not commented on last Thursday’s meeting pending official approval, which came through today.

“We are very pleased that our chassis name change has been approved,” said Boullier in a team statement. “We have said all along that, in the interests of the sport, it is important that we remove any ambiguity on this matter. It is also important that there are clearly identifiable teams on the grid, and today’s announcement goes some way towards ensuring that.

“It is the start of another chapter for Enstone, but not a whole new beginning. The team’s history and experience will allow us to take up this challenge with a controlled and swift process. We’re very much looking forward to 2012.”