Whilst Lola sounds to be on a much better financial footing, one would hope that they also have a very generous sponsor in the wings as F1 is a huge undertaking and one that has proved too much for even stronger companies than that....:donut1: Would be great if Lola can make a real go of it this time!:fingerscrossed:
Rosberg signs extension through 2013 with Mercedes GP Source -Formula One: Rosberg extends his contract with Mercedes GP beyond 2013 - Autoweek
Yup, he said elsewhere that "... the appointments of technical director Bob Bell and technology director Geoff Willis earlier this year and the impending arrival of Ferrari's Aldo Costa as engineering director were "key reasons" behind his decision."
Since Raikkonen keeps coming up, a little nostalgia... [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ootzkh3emr8]Kimi Räikkönen´s first Formula 1 Test Drive 2000 - YouTube[/ame]
Kimi Raikkonen isn't just looking for a Williams race-seat for next season, according to reports he also wants a stake in the F1 team. Raikkonen is believed to be on his way to Williams next season with some reports claiming the deal is done while others say it is still in the preliminary stages. However, there appears to be a new twist to the tale. According to British motorsport journalist Joe Saward, it "is not as simple as most team-driver negotiations as I hear that Raikkonen is looking to acquire some equity in the team." Although shares in Williams were floated on the stock market earlier this year, Frank Williams and Patrick Head still remain in control with Sir Frank holding the biggest stake in the team. However, Raikkonen wanting to part-own and not just drive could be a stumbling block in the negotiations as Sir Frank is believed to be loath to handing control, even a small part, to someone else.
Here's one attempt to describe the current status of the silly season, apparently written before the de la Rose announcement. Good luck making it all the way to the end... Gray Matter: Kubica key to the driver jigsaw (uk.eurosport.yahoo.com)
I'm surprised to realize I'm more interested in HRT now. I don't expect them to do well all the sudden but de la Rosa is a great guy and I'd like to see him do well.
Hate this for him but wish him the very best and look forward to seeing him back in a race car as soon as ready.. Godspeed!
LRGP changed Kubica’s words, says manager (gpupdate.net) ... and a snip from another article that included the rest of the manager's comments about Kubica's health:
Silly season isn't as entertaining when the top drivers all decide to stay in place and re-sign. There are a number of moves expected still but the most entertaining speculation out there -- please note I said entertaining, not exciting -- is whether Raikkonen will be back. He seems to be no longer in the running with Williams but now the folks at Lotus (Renault) say he's on their list of options. Anyone expect Williams to retain Rubens?
No and I really like Rubens... He's a fine chap and has lasted for what would be deemed an eternity in F1, but, please Rubens, walk away with some dignity. If he gets another ride it will be one that he most likely will have to pay for and one that will assure him a spot at the very back of the pack. Not a place to end your career when at one time you were at the lofty place that is Ferrari.
It's Official: Kimi has signed for 2012 with Renault! Official: Kimi returns to F1 with Renault | Planet F1 | Formula One News and... How's that for a little bit of silly season? _Dave_
Oh my. In my best monotone Kimi voice: "I am really excited to be back in formula one and driving for a middle of the pack team". Slow blink, blink. And yet, The Iceman is still my favorite driver. I hope he brings his championship season form and not the lackadaisical effort of the following year to the table.
When asked what they thought about Kimi's possible return to F1, other drivers almost unanimously replied that they would be happy to see him back and there would be a marked improvement in the party atmosphere. Despite my comments above about being less excited than entertained by thoughts of his return, I'd love to see the old Kimi on the F1 track again. But just like the thought of Rubens slipping further down the order desperately clinging to his career in a backmarker seat, I'd hate to see Kimi end up frustrated by an under-performing car just to get back on the grid. I suppose he might have a better shot there than at Williams... Here's hoping Renault (Lotus) have been feverishly working on an improved car for 2012.