Adam Cooper F1

The first test for the 2014 cars in Jerez could be postponed by a week following a discussion in the F1 Strategy Group on Monday.

The test, currently scheduled for January 28-February 1, was originally brought forward because the teams wanted to run their new powertrains as soon as possible – while leaving a significant gap before the second test in Bahrain, which would give them at least some time to react to any major reliability problems.

However it seems that some teams won’t be as ready as they thought they would be, with Lotus apparently pushing the idea of a delay.

Although it seems unlikely that enough teams will ultimately agree to the date change – one team insider told this blog he thought there was a “30% chance at best” – for the moment all are in limbo until a final decision is made.

The introduction of a cost cap and double points for the last race are among the changes to the F1 rules agreed today in Paris.

A statement from the FIA reads as follows:

Following a meeting of the F1 Strategy Group and the Formula One Commission in Paris today, the following items have been unanimously approved:

These changes are immediately applicable, given the mandate assigned to the FIA President at the last World Motor Sport Council meeting, held on 4 December in Paris.”

Williams has announced two key aero appointments as the team continues to rebuild the team in the light of a bad 2013 season.

Dave Wheater moves from Lotus to be Head of Aerodynamic Performance, while Shaun Whitehead joins from RBR as Head of Aerodynamic Process. Both men report to Jason Somerville, Head of Aerodynamics.

Lotus has already lost key people to Ferrari while RBR’s aero head Peter Prodromou is of course heading to McLaren.

Somerville said: “I’m very pleased to have secured the first class talents of Dave and Shaun, both of whom have enviable track records within F1. With the exciting challenges ahead for 2014, I am confident they will both add strength and experience to the team here at Grove.”

Pat Symonds, Williams F1 Team Chief Technical Officer, said: “These two appointments show our commitment to both improving the process of aerodynamic development while focussing on the application of that development to true on-track performance.

“Dave and Shaun bring a wealth of experience to our team and I welcome them both to Grove and fully expect them to make significant contributions to the renewed competitiveness that we are all working so hard to achieve. With Dave and Shaun on board, and under Jason’s stewardship, we will be well positioned to make gains in this important area and support the continuing task of developing the FW36 in what promises to be an exciting year for the sport in 2014.”

The organisers of the Grand Prix of America say that they are “working on restructured financial arrangements for a 2015 race” in New Jersey.

Although it’s been clear for some weeks that the race had been dropped from the 2014 calendar, they waited until today before responding.

In a statement event chairman Leo Hindery said: “Our entire management team and our supporters in New Jersey, New York and throughout the Formula One community obviously want to see the inaugural Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial take place as soon as possible. Bringing a world-class race to the world’s largest media market is a huge undertaking that has required balancing construction of our road course, without tapping any public money, with the Sport’s own timing demands.

“I want to thank Formula One Management, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Mayors Richard Turner and Felix Roque, Roseland Property Company and the other local property owners involved for their patience while we’ve worked to get this right so that we can finally go racing in 2015.”

Long Beach founder Chris Pook, special assistant to Hindery, said: “This is a very complicated circuit and incredibly important to the overall Formula One program in North America. To get it right in New York will greatly increase awareness of Formula One and motor racing across the continent. I remain very confident about this event.”

Meanwhile Bernie Ecclestone was quoted as saying: “There is great demand for a race in New Jersey and I have no doubt we’ll be racing at Port Imperial in 2015. New races can take many years to get started, but there is significant momentum and we are close to realising a New York City F1 race.”

Force India has confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg will return to the team in 2014.

As previously reported here, Hulkenberg signed a deal some time ago – although he had until the end of the Brazilian GP weekend to change his mind.

The team has yet to identify its second driver, with Adrian Sutil and Sergio Perez both in the frame.

“When he drove for us in 2012, it became clear Nico was an exceptional talent and he has continued to impress everyone in the paddock with his strong performances this season,” said Vijay Mallya. “Having Nico in our line-up is a real statement of intent and a huge boost for everyone associated with the team. We have high hopes and expectations for 2014 and by signing Nico we have put ourselves in the best position to achieve those objectives and enjoy what could be our most competitive season yet.”

“The team is aiming high for next year and I believe that the experience I have gained over the years will help us achieve those goals,” said Hulkenberg. “I genuinely believe we can have a competitive package in 2014. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the Mercedes engine as well, so I think there is a lot to be excited about for next year. I know this team and I can see their determination; it’s a great bunch of people and we all share the same hunger for success.”