Adam Cooper F1

Lewis Hamilton says he’s confident of a good race in Brazil after qualifying fourth.

The McLaren man is behind his Red Bull title rivals, but crucially he is ahead of leader Fernando Alonso. However he will start on the less favourable dirty side of the track.

“It was tricky, but the track was improving,” said Hamilton. “Undoubtedly the last guy across the line probably was going to get pole position. He was the last one to go through the best patches on the track. I lost a bit of time on my last lap, as always! That’s the way it goes.

“The car was not too bad. It wasn’t spectacular in the wet. In the dry it definitely was feeling a lot better. At the end of the day they [Red Bull] are quicker in the dry that’s for sure, but it’s a surprise that they’re not first and second. We’re close, we can still fight.

“I think we’ve got a good race pace, a good end of straight speed, I think we’re in a good position for tomorrow.

Lewis said his target for Sunday was to “get ahead of everyone in front…”

The FIA General Assembly has approved a major change to the disciplinary process that will take F1 controversies out of the hands of the World Motor Sport Council.

Cases will now be heard by a newly created International Tribunal, which will feature judges chosen by another new body called the Judicial Appointment Committee.

The change was one of the major planks of Jean Todt’s campaign for the presidency. In the recent past major legal cases – such as the McLaren Spygate affair – were notable for the close personal involvement of Max Mosley. Anyone reading transcripts or listening to recordings of such proceedings was left in no doubt as to who was in charge and seemingly combining the roles of judge, jury and executioner…

The new system is intended to create transparency and give competitors more confidence that they will get a fair hearing.

An FIA statement explained the new process as follows: “The International Tribunal (IT) will exercise disciplinary authority in the first instance for example in the FIA Formula One World Championship and will judge all infringements of the Statutes, the International Sporting Code and the regulations of the FIA, without prejudice to the powers of the stewards of the meeting at the events.  It will comprise 12 judges who will act totally independent of the World Councils and of other FIA bodies.  The decisions of the IT can be appealed before the ICA.

The International Court of Appeal (ICA) will keep its present powers and will essentially continue to operate in the same manner.  It will comprise 24 judges who will act totally independent of the World Councils and of other FIA bodies.

The IT and the ICA will be comprised of judges nominated by competitors of the five FIA World Championships”

In addition the FIA has ratified two major changes that were announced some months ago. Holders of Superlicences can now be disciplined for road traffic offences, while senior team members will be licensed and thus subject to bans.

Confirming the latter, the FIA said: “All those involved in the FIA World Championships are directly subject to the FIA’s jurisdiction.  Those who are guilty of conduct contrary to the FIA regulations will be denied access to the areas under the control of the FIA in the events counting towards these championships.  The procedure for implementing this system will be examined within the framework of working groups specific to each of the FIA World Championships.”

In addition the maximum fine that can be levied by stewards has risen from $100,000 to €250,000.

HRT has confirmed that it has a new investor in the form of businessman Juan Villalonga, the former Telefonica boss who was behind that company’s move into F1 in the late nineties. There is now a clear push to emphasise the Spanish roots of the team.

Villalonga was named one of the world’s top 100 CEOs by the Harvard Business Review this year, and clearly his contacts book is of great value to the team, which has been given a hard time by Bernie Ecclestone in the media. However Villalonga has already met with Ecclestone to discuss his plans.

The team says that “as soon as the agreement was made, both parts said that their partnership has been established to reinforce the team, create and strengthen the project of the first ever Spanish Formula 1 team. The immediate aim, following the recently announced agreement with Williams F1, is to be able to have a much more competitive team.”

Team owner Jose Ramon Carabante said: “He has always felt, as I do, a clear passion for motorsport. We will substantially strengthen our ability to generate innovative activities in marketing and sponsorship with his incorporation. We will also be able to make the best of his leadership, knowledge and relationships in the fields of technology and communications, and therefore be able to fully exploit the opportunities we are given after this tough first year. This is a sum that multiplies and enhances our ability to grow as a team”.

Villalonga added: “Formula One is always associated with innovation, research and technology, and Hispania Racing must be represented on that level, with a stable leadership. The key is the quality and not the quantity of sponsors.”

 The team also issued a CV which gives some indication as to Villalonga’s profile in Spain: “Juan Villalonga Navarro (born April 8, 1953) is one of the most influential Spanish businessmen of the 21st century.  His high-profile career includes such prominent positions as chief executive officer (CEO) of Telefonica (1996-2000), partner at McKinsey & Company (1980-1989), CEO for Credit Suisse First Boston (1993-1994), and CEO of Bankers’ Trust in Spain (1995-1996). Today, he is a business advisor and accelerator for companies and management teams worldwide, using instinct, market vision and sharp analytical skills to help these companies identify new growth opportunities, increase revenues, and create cultures that encourage risk taking and develop value for the clients.  In 2010, Harvard Business Review named Villalonga one of the world’s top 100 CEOs. Villalonga grow Telefonica from a state-owned monopoly to one of the top three telecommunication companies in the world.  In just four years at the helm, he  increased Telefónica’s market cap by $127 billion, securing the company’s leadership position in Spain and transforming Telefonica into an international telecommunications force. His vision to enter in Brazil in 1998 was key to become one of the leading operators in the world.”

Mark Webber isn't throwing his hand in just yet

Mark Webber has played down talk of a rift at Red Bull Racing and denied – albeit with some qualifications – suggestions that he won’t be staying with the team next year.

On Thursday Webber suggested that the team’s support lay more with his team mate, Sebastian Vettel.

“It’s OK,” he said when asked about the situation. “Yesterday there were a few comments which I don’t think were too much of a surprise to people. It’s fine in the team, absolutely fine. I have a very good relationship with the right people to give me as I say technically a great chance to do a very good job. That’s the most important thing.”

Quized about the prospect of not being with the team in 2011, he added: “I think that’s a pretty big step. As long as I’m enjoying my driving, and performing reasonably well, which went OK today – as long as I don’t forget how to drive in the next few months, then I’ll be here.”

Preparations for the 2012 Austin event took a major step forward yesterday when the city’s environmental board passed the plans for the venue by a vote of 6:0.

The local media has been suggesting that the track faced some tricky hurdles before construction could start.

A statement from the promoters said that “this week’s City Hall vote with the Austin Environmental Board (considered the most difficult of the permits) is one of the last few hearings the US GP developers will need from city/county boards and commissions to begin construction of the world-class facility.”

Promoter Tavo Hellmund said: “We are pleased with the unanimous approval from the Austin Environmental Board and know that the site will continue to remain on schedule for the 2012 opening.”

Meanwhile Richard Suttle, an attorney for the event, said: “This project is on track. In fact, the development plan is right on schedule.  And, with the help from the city and county, we’ve been able to not only stay on track, but may even be ahead of schedule.

“Meeting with city officials to ensure the future facility meets all environmental and zoning requirements is not only standard procedure to move this project forward, but also an opportunity for us to show that we are committed to partnering with city officials in the construction of this international venue.”

Red Bull Racing has agreed to extend its deal with Renault for another two seasons, taking the arrangement up to the scheduled introduction of a new engine formula in 2013.

Renault seems finally to have woken up to the fact that it could win at least one World Championship as a supplier this year, and from this race onwards there will be more prominent branding on both the Red Bull cars and the drivers’ helmets.

In a statement Christian Horner said: “We’re pleased to announce this extension. We have always enjoyed a very straightforward relationship with Renault and they have supported us extremely fairly during the past four seasons, contributing to our 13 grand prix victories so far. The relationship continues to evolve and we look forward to working with them during our 2011 Formula One World Championship campaign.”

Renault has confirmed that it will supply the team we now as Lotus Racing in 2011 – but the company says the team will be called 1Malaysia Racing Team (UK) Ltd.

In addition the simultaneous press release from Lotus Racing makes no mention at all of Lotus, and avoids any references to the historical partnership with the French manufacturer in the Mansell/Senna era. Instead it calls itself the ‘Anglo-Malaysian team,’ a reflection of the current legal limbo.

Clearly the debate over the use of the Lotus name, which is believed to have delayed any announcement, is still very much ongoing. The 1Malaysia name would seem to be the most likely substitute, if Tony Fernandes loses the battle to Group Lotus.

Renault’s statement said: “The new arrival to the Renault fold will be 1Malaysia Racing Team (UK) Ltd, operating during the 2010 season as Lotus Racing and the season’s most successful start-up entrant, with whom an engine supply agreement has been reached for the next two years.”

Meanwhile Fernandes commented: “I am absolutely delighted that we can now officially talk about the partnership with Renault. There has obviously been a great deal of speculation about which engine will be powering our cars from 2011 and now the announcement has been made I think everyone can see just how ambitious we really are.

“The combination of the Renault engine and the Red Bull Technology gearbox and hydraulics gives our design and aero teams a successful, tried and tested platform to work with for next year’s car. 2010 has been all about building up our team from scratch and in just one year we have laid the foundations for many exciting seasons to come and the partnership with Renault will dramatically accelerate our development plans, both on and off track.

“That is an important point – we have started a partnership with Renault and, much like taking on experienced drivers in our first year, we will be working with people who know how to win and who will help push us even further forward towards the front of the grid. We are realistic – we know what needs to be done to be challenging for ultimate honours in Formula One and this partnership will play a very important role in helping us push ahead.”

“Today’s announcement is the latest confirmation of how far this team wants to go in Formula One,” said Mike Gascoyne. “Having worked with Renault before I know exactly what they will bring to our team and I am delighted that they will be playing an integral role in the next chapter of our story. The engine itself gives our designers, engineers and drivers an excellent platform to work with – it is very drivable, has good reliability and comes with a track support team who have a wealth of experience and knowledge. We are all looking forward to working with Renault and are very excited about the future for our partnership and our team.”

Christian Klien is to get another chance to race for HRT this weekend in Brazil as he stands in for Sakon Yamamoto.

This time the team hasn’t claimed that the Japanese driver has food poisoning, and no reason has been given for the change.

For those keeping count technically it’s the team’s sixth driver change of the year following Senna-Yamamoto, Yamamoto-Senna, Chandhok-Yamamoto, Yamamoto-Klien, Klein-Yamamoto, and Yamamoto-Klien again. Wonder who will drive in Abu Dhabi…

In a team statement Klien said: “I am excited to come to Brazil where I already raced two times, the last time in 2005, and where I could achieve good results. The circuit is quite challenging and we are racing anti-clockwise which is going to be tough for the neck.

“There are many slow corners and the long straight at the start-finish-line where high speeds are possible. I am very happy to get a second opportunity to do another Grand Prix here after Singapore and I hope that we are doing a good weekend with positive results.”

Bruno Senna says he’s looking forward to competing in the Brazilian GP for the first time, at a track where his uncle Ayrton Senna was so revered by the home crowd.

Senna has never raced in his home country, having started his career in the UK.

“Interlagos will be quite emotional,” he told this blog. “The big build-up for me is in myself. It’s going to be the first time in my life that I’m going to race at home. I never did any competitive racing in Brazil – nothing.

“I’ve been to the Grand Prix in the last few years, but it’s not the same thing. You’re not on the grid. Rubens told me it’s a great ambience when you’re driving in Interlagos, it’s really, really special.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be tough, because the Brazilian supporters are very demanding, so they expect you to take the car that finishes last on the grid and take a pole or get a win if it’s wet, which is not very realistic! But nonetheless it’s going to be a great experience, for sure.”

Although he was successful in GP2 Senna says his fame in Brazil has grown massively since the start of this season.

“When you go into F1, especially in your own country, people know you. Even if you’re not in the front, people will know you, because F1 is such a popular sport in Brazil. I think now people have been aware of me for the whole year, so going to Brazil at the end of it is quite busy.”

Craw, Hellmund and Tilke partner Peter Wahl are happy with progress

Preparations for the US GP in Austin took a step forward this week when FIA Senate President Nick Craw visited the site and met with promoters and officials. Also President of ACCUS, Craw is a close associate of Jean Todt, and his stamp of approval is a major boost for the project.

“It will be great,” said Craw. “This has some of the most interesting, exciting and different features, drawn from other successful venues around the world. It is a very strong team they’ve assembled here. I think it’s a very good plan and a very solid business model. They’ve set the bar pretty high.”

Accompanied by Tim Mayer, Craw also met with various public officials, including Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell and Susan Combs, the Texan Comptroller who has authorised state backing of the event, albeit not the construction of the venue.

Promoter Tavo Hellmund commented in a statement: “We were pleased to have Mr Craw and Tim Mayer, alternate FIA delegate, visit the facility site and meet the incredible team assembled to build and operate what we believe will be one of the premiere racetracks on the circuit and a world-class venue. Our team is committed to building more than a race track, we are thinking far beyond the expected and are developing an environment that will provide an entertainment experience for both participants and spectators alike.”

Meanwhile in the light of the dramas in Korea there is talk of the FIA enforcing the 90-day inspection rule. With the first race expected to run in June 2012, in conjunction with the Canadian GP, that would give Austin barely 15 months to finish the project from the planned start of construction in December.

Craw said: “That probably protects everybody’s interest a little better than running right up against the event,” but apparently he added that he would lobby against it if the Austin organisers so desired.

Hellmund commented: “While we would love to have the luxury of having a completed track 90 days in advance of the event date – the schedule, much like the construction schedule for the last five grand prix track developments and races added to the schedule, will potentially not afford us this opportunity. All of these events have been successful in their own right and it wouldn’t make sense to invoke a 90-day mandate now, that would affect only one track in the world – ours.”

However the 90-day rule would also presumably put pressure on India, where the first race is scheduled for October 30 next year.