Lotus = In - BMW = out

Following an intensive selection and due diligence process, the FIA has awarded the 13th entry in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship to the new Lotus team.

The FIA also received an impressive application from the BMW Sauber team. As such, it has awarded BMW Sauber the '14th place' in the championship meaning that it will be entitled to fill any vacancy that arises on the 2010 grid.

In addition, the FIA believes that a good case can be made for expanding the grid to 14 teams. The FIA will be consulting urgently with the existing teams regarding the introduction of an appropriate rule change to expand the grid to 28 cars in time for the first Grand Prix in 2010.

Detailed below is information about the new team that has been confirmed to compete in the championship from next year, joining fellow newcomers Manor Grand Prix, Team US and Campos Meta.

Company Name: 1Malaysia F1 Team Sdn Bhd

Team Name: Lotus F1 Team

Country: Malaysia

Team Principal: Tony Fernandes

A partnership between the Malaysian Government and a consortium of Malaysian entrepreneurs, 1Malaysia F1 Team returns the Lotus name as a constructor to Formula One for the first time since 1994. The team will initially be based at the RTN facility in Norfolk, UK, some 10 miles from the Lotus Cars factory. A 50,000 square foot fully equipped facility, RTN was built by Toyota for its initial Formula One programme and then used by Bentley for its successful Le Mans programme.

The team’s future design, R&D, manufacturing and technical centre will be purpose built at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit.

Team Principal Tony Fernandes is the founder and CEO of the Malaysian-based Tune Group, owner of the Air Asia airline. The team’s Technical Director Mike Gascoyne has over 20 years of experience in Formula One having previously performed the same role for the Force India, Toyota, Renault and Jordan Formula One teams.

As part of its application to compete in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship, the team has agreed an engine supply deal with Cosworth and a wide variety of technical partnerships including Xtrac and FondTech.

The team is understood to already have a shortlist of six drivers, including both Malaysian and international names, and an announcement confirming their line-up is expected in late October. Oh dear, they aren't going to bring back Alex Yoong are they?

Shumi Comeback 2009 = not gonna happen

Michael Schumacher has revealed he won’t return to Formula One racing at the European Grand Prix later this month. Schumacher had planned to replace the injured Felipe Massa for Ferrari at the Valencia race, but has been forced to cancel his comeback due to pain in his neck, which was caused by a motorcycle accident earlier this year.

“Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and team principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I'm not able to step in for Felipe,” explained the seven-time world champion in a statement on his official website. “I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out.”

USF1 Granted entry for 2010 Formula One Season

USF1 is one of three new teams that will line-up on the grid next season and the team is already attracting attention from drivers around the world seeking a move into Formula One.

But with the team adamant that they want American drivers, USF1 is already turning away hopefuls, even those willing to pay a staggering amount to race in F1. Is it possible that USF1 have enough financing to set up their freshman effort, develop a completely new chassis, and be competitive enough to justify a long term commitment?

No, while it should be acknowledged that drivers with pre-existing sponsor cash will be needed, USF1 insists that those drivers be American.

"We've been offered well over three-quarters of our racing budget by two drivers already, neither of whom have raced in Formula One but both have won races in GP2," Windsor told Sports Illustrated.. "Both of them have massive sponsorship they can bring us from their home country. Ken and I have got to be very strong, look one another in the eye and say, 'No, we're not gong to accept that money, we're not going to hire those guys because we're going to remain true to our convictions.'

"This team is about helping young Americans (drivers) as much as it is about anything else." But, those drivers are going to have to adjust to the European tracks, be well know enough to attract team sponsors, and be talented enough help develop the car against an aggressive schedule. There are many names that come to mind, Marco Andretti, Scott Speed, Graham Rahal, Danica Patrick... Jacques Villenenuve. But, Andretti lacks talent, Speed has already been thrown out of F1, Patrick is going to be too costly (and will probably end up making $$$ in Nascar soon) and Villenenuve is, well, Villenenuve. Meaning, my money is he'll drive part of the year and possibly teamed with Rahal. Let's see how this settles out. 

New Lotus Europa - this one's a type 46 Series 1A

Well, it's true, we've gone and purchased another Europa. 

This one's a 1967 type 46, Series 1A. And, there isn't anything that it don't need!

But, that's what you get for $100. And no, that's not a typo.

See some photos.

German GP - Hamilton WFT!

Short post here - but the start of the race saw Lewis Hamilton wildly overtake all starters, thanks to KERS... then completely loose it and collide with poll sitter and eventual winner Mark Webber.

Hamilton then pitted for adjustments and new tires and then asked his team if he could just sit the rest of the race out. His excuse was to "save the car". My question is, since when does a reigning world champion not get back in the fight - particularly after nearly putting themselves and nearly the leaders out of the race. What happened to Press On Regardless, 10/10ths, and fighting till the end. Remember Shui's final race - Gilles pushing on harder after a spin - what of that? It's a disgrace.