Adam Cooper F1

Lewis Hamilton was frustrated to qualify only fourth in Brazil, and admitted that he couldn’t squeeze any more time out of his car, having finished the session some 0.2s down on Jenson Button.

This is the third time that Lewis has qualified fourth in Brazil, after 2008 and 2010. The only time he did any better was second on his first appearance at Interlagos in 2007.

“I just struggled to be any faster than I was with the package that I have,” said Hamilton. “Jenson was quicker than me today which has not always been the case in qualifying, so he’s obviously done a great job. I think I could definitely been a couple of tenths faster but I just wasn’t able to find that time.

“It’s a little bit disappointing, really. We’re still on the second row but of course we would have loved to have gone quicker. My performance, I’m not really too happy with that – again I just wasn’t quick enough.”

Asked about the advantage of the Red Bulls, Lewis said: “It’s downforce. If you look the Red Bulls put 8km/h worth of downforce on this morning, and we don’t have any more downforce to put on. They slowed down quite a bit [in a straight line] compared to us.”

Fernando Alonso is hoping that rain in qualifying or the race in Brazil will give Ferrari a better chance of a podium this weekend.

Alonso lost some track time this morning after an engine failure, and was fourth in the afternoon. He says that Ferrari’s pace suggests that the two cars are set to be on the third row, and are even potentially under threat from Mercedes in the dry.

“I think we need to wait and see what the weather is doing,” said Alonso. “In a dry race we are maybe not competitive enough with McLaren and Red Bull. Realistically we understand it’s more or less our position the last 10 races, being fifth and sixth. Here it seems even more obvious, this fifth and sixth. Even the Mercedes are a challenger for us as well, coming from behind. So in a normal race, not easy.

“From fifth we’re dreaming of a podium in the race, if it rains Saturday or Sunday anything can happen, then it’s much more open. Also if we had to choose maybe after today’s practice the rain would be welcome I think for us.”

Sebastian Vettel was happy with Red Bull’s progress at Interlagos today, but said that there was more to come – and cautioned that everything could change anyway if the expected rain arrives.

Vettel was fourth in FP1 today and moved up to second in the afternoon session.

“It was so-so,” said the German. “I think this morning I wasn’t too happy, but this afternoon I was happier. We were able to improve the cars, but definitely we need to make another step. It seemed to be very hot today, the circuit. It was very slippery. Arguably that’s not going to be the case tomorrow and Sunday, as there’s some rain on the way or rain forecast. It changes here pretty quickly. We’ll see tomorrow.

“The long run was pretty good, I was pretty happy with that. They didn’t fall apart. I haven’t checked what the others did, but ours seem OK.”

Vettel won the final race of the year in 2009 and 2010, and would be happy to lodge a third success.

“I think that’s why we’re all here. It would be great. Obviously it’s nice to finish with a good race, and ideally we’d like to win. It’s a long weekend, here is a crazy place, a lot of things happen, usually on Sunday. As I said possibly some rain, so we’ll see.”

Silverstone, Monaco and the season finale in Brazil are among the 10 races set to be shown live in the UK on BBC1 next year.

The other races in the live package (which includes BBC HD) are China, Spain, Europe, Belgium, Singapore, Korea and Abu Dhabi. These races will be covered as this year, with qualifying live and practice sessions shown on the Red Button.

The remaining races will be shown live on Sky, with highlight packages of 90 or 120 minutes shown on BBC1.

Those falling into this category are the first two events in Australia and Malaysia, plus Canada, the US, Japan, Germany, Hungary, Italy, India and Bahrain.

Highlights of races with an early start in the Asia-Pacific region will be shown at 1400, while races with a normal European start time will be at 1730. For some reason the timing for Montreal and Austin have not been specified. There will also be 75 minute qualifying highlight programmes of these events.

Tonio Liuzzi has a helmet design that he can modify at will

After sitting out FP1 Tonio Liuzzi will take to the track in FP2 today wearing a unique ‘home made’ design on his helmet.

The Italian has had a helmet specially painted with a matt black material that serves as a blackboard. The basic lines of his usual helmet were painted in in white, and then he’s filled in the gaps with his own chalk design – one that he can modify between sessions.

It remains to be seen what will happen if it rains. Let’s just hope that it doesn’t all run down his visor…

The message on the back is 'Thanks Colin,' addressed to Mr Kolles

COTA says that it is ready to pay Bernie Ecclestone the sanctioning fee for the 2012 US GP – but in the same breath accuses the F1 boss of making “unrealistic and unfeasible demands.”

COTA has signed its own version of the contract presented by Bernie and returned it to him.

A statement said: “Circuit of The Americas has responded to Formula One Management’s contract requirements by agreeing to an immediate cash payment of the sanctioning fee for the 2012 United States Grand Prix (USGP). In addition, Circuit of The Americas has offered to establish an advance payment schedule for USGP races beyond 2012. The offer comes after several weeks of talks, and once accepted, will secure the USGP on the Formula 1 race calendar.”

“We have been ready to send Mr. Ecclestone a sanctioning fee check for some time now,” added COTA’s Bobby Epstein. “He hasn’t received it yet because the new contract presented to us two weeks ago contained unrealistic and unfeasible demands. We have signed and returned a contract similar to what we anticipated receiving.

“This race should be a reality, but if we are going to make the 2012 race date, we must receive a countersignature in the coming few days. We believe the teams, fans, sponsors and local business share our enthusiasm and hope that their voices will be heard.”

Asked by this blog about Epstein’s comments, Bernie said:

“The guy that was going to do it in the first place [Tavo Hellmund] didn’t think it was unfeasible, and it’s not for him [Epstein] to say that it was unfeasible. What he should do is go to the bank and see if he can get some money.

“If he does what we asked him to do he’ll have a contract.”

Former McLaren sporting director Dave Ryan is back in the F1 paddock working for Lotus Renault GP.

Ryan joined McLaren in 1973 but left after the 2009 Malaysian GP in the wake of the Melbourne safety car scandal. He has since set up a GT3 team.

He is believed to be back this weekend in a temporary role with the job of taking a good look at the team and its operations, and reporting back to the management.

Having arrived from London today he had a meeting with trackside operations director Alan Permane at the track this morning. Thus far he has not donned an LRGP shirt…

HRT is finalising plans to move its operation to Spain, having already established a temporary home in Valencia.

Until now the team’s operations have been based near Munich, where Colin Kolles has an HQ.

“We’ve never denied that one of our objectives is to move and unify HRT’s headquarters in Spain,” said CEO Saúl Ruiz de Marcos. “As of today, taking into account every factor, that is the best option. Different departments are spread around in different places right now, and keeping in mind that the team’s license is Spanish, the natural thing would be to move there.

“For communication, logistics, coordination and cost reasons it is essential that all the departments work together. It would save us time and effort, and also give the team an added value if we were based in Spain. Besides, we are one of the smaller teams in Formula 1 so we have to offer something different to our sponsors. We’ve had a logistical headquarters in Valencia since the 1st of November where we will work until the definitive base is ready.”

De Marcos says progress is being made in all areas.

“Work on the design of the car has been going on for months and the line of development was defined a while ago. We have a technical office in Munich where, as of today, we have more than 60 people working on the F112, both in the development and design department and the aerodynamics department. The car will come to fruition for 2012 and we hope to get it on track for preseason testing, although to do this we must work hard against the clock.

“We are meeting our targets and on the right path but we still have a lot of work to do. The 2012 car is going well and so is work on a new headquarters. We hope to complete our driver line-up once the season is over. We are also working hard on next year’s sponsors and partners.

“We will make our first announcements soon and we also hope that the recent events will help to generate confidence and attract people towards us. We are aware that the current economical situation in Spain and the rest of the world isn’t ideal but Formula 1 is still an unmatchable showcase worldwide and we can offer an interesting and different panorama than other teams.”

Robert Kubica has told the Lotus Renault GP team that he won’t be fit to race at the start of next season.

The Pole says that he needs more time, and the team has not ruled out employing him again when he is ready.

An LRGP statement said: “A test car is ready and waiting for him, and a dedicated crew is on stand-by. Of course, Robert will remain a member of the LRGP family in 2012 and he is already, through his management, holding talks about renewing his contract for the following season.

“Although very disappointed by the news, Lotus Renault GP will start assessing its options and will evaluate the most suitable candidate to drive from the first 2012 winter testing session.”

Vitaly Petrov, Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean remain the most likely options for the team, although the name of Rubens Barrichello has been mentioned in the media.

“Even if I’ve been working very, very hard over the course of the last few weeks, I came to the conclusion that I am not yet certain to be ready for the 2012 season,” said Kubica in a statement. “I have called the team and I have informed them of the situation. This was a difficult decision to make, but it is the most reasonable one. I also know that LRGP need to prepare for next year, and further extending deadlines would not have been the right thing to do.

“On a personal level, my recovery is still very encouraging and my doctors keep being impressed. I just need more time, as I want to be 100% ready before I commit to anything driving related. Finally, I regret not having been able to provide more news and not having appeared in the papers, and I thank my friends of the media for understanding that this has been the best way for me to cope with what has been the most difficult period of my life.”

Eric Boullier said: “Everybody in the team is, of course, very disappointed today. Robert not driving in Australia at the start of next season is not what we were all hoping for. However, he has taken a very mature decision, acting in the best interests of Lotus Renault GP. As a team and as a family, we remain 100% behind him and we’ll help as much as we can.

“A programme composed of simulator testing, single-seater and F1 track time is awaiting him. In the meantime, we will start talking to a few drivers in order to finalise our line-up for next year as soon as possible. Robert will take it step by step and will jump back in his racing car when he feels it is the right moment to do so. On behalf of all 520 members of the team, I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Pedro de la Rosa has left his role as McLaren third driver to take up a seat at HRT for 2012.

The Spaniard, who turned 40 earlier this year, has signed a two-year deal with the team.

In theory Tonio Liuzzi has a contract for 2012, and it remains to be seen whether the team intends to employ two experienced drivers rather than take a second driver with funding.

“This is a very important step in my sporting career and one of the most meditated ones I’ve taken,” said de la Rosa. “I’m at a very good stage in terms of maturity and am prepared to take on this challenge, which motivates me hugely. When deciding on joining this project, for me there were three decisive factors: my desire to return to the active competition, the fact that HRT is a Spanish team and getting to know the people leading this project, Luis Pérez-Sala being amongst them.

“I’m here to work hard, with modesty and humility, accepting where we are now but keeping in mind where we want to be in two years’ time. For me, this is the time to put into practice everything that I have learnt over the years at international top level racing teams so that we can grow together. I am proud that Spain has an F1 team and that I have this opportunity to be its driver.

“I can only show my gratitude towards HRT for having trusted in me for this. Lastly, I can’t forget to thank McLaren for allowing me to take this step. I have been very happy over the eight seasons I spent with them, growing as a driver and person. Without them I wouldn’t be here today.”

HRT team boss Colin Kolles said: “The team’s objective has always been to reinforce itself in every aspect: economically, technically and in a sporting aspect. Without a doubt, the addition of Pedro de la Rosa for next year will be a fundamental foundation in the development of our project. We are a young team that needs to continue progressing and with this incorporation I am convinced that we will do just that.”

Meanwhile McLaren’s Martin Whitmarsh paid tribute: “Pedro’s contribution to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has been fantastically valuable – perhaps even more valuable than may be apparent to outsiders in fact – ever since he joined us in 2003.

“As a test driver, he’s been extraordinarily hard-working – on track and, latterly, more often, in our simulator – and his feedback has been reliable and expert. But his contributions have gone wider and deeper than that: Pedro is the archetypal team player, a big motivational presence in our team, and, perhaps because of that, he’s someone whom I personally will always count as a true friend.”