Vettel takes Pole as the new season begins

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Sebastian Vettel showed that Red Bull have the fastest Formula One car at the moment after the fight for pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix with the Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso ended in his favour by 0.141s.

Vettel was in excellent form, and used Bridgestone’s softer tyre to record 1m 54.101s in the final, Q3, session. Massa, also on the softer tyre, got closest with 1m 54.242s, with his new Ferrari team mate Alonso third on 1m 54.608s.

It was an interesting session, which suggested that McLaren are a long way off the ultimate pace as Lewis Hamilton’s fourth best time was 1m 55.217s. It was also a disappointment for Mercedes GP, after Nico Rosberg had been so quick thus far, to see him only fifth on 1m 55.241s. The young German has had the upper hand over returnee Michael Schumacher all weekend, the multiple champion lining up seventh on 1m 55.524s. Mark Webber slipped his Red Bull between them, with 1m 55.284s.

Jenson Button starts his first race for McLaren eighth, thanks to a lap of 1m 55.672s, and Renault’s Robert Kubica shares the fifth row with Force India’s Adrian Sutil, 1m 55.885s to 1m 56.309s.

Rubens Barrichello came to life on Saturday after working yesterday to get his Williams to his liking, and just missed out on Q3 with 1m 55.330s, which put him ahead of Force India's Vitantonio Liuzzi who failed to improve on his 1m 55.653s lap from his first run in Q2.

Then came Nico Hulkenberg in the second Williams on 1m 55.857s, Pedro de la Rosa in the disappointing BMW Sauber on 1m 56.237s, Sebastien Buemi in the lead Toro Rosso on 1m 56.265s, BMW Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi on 1m 56.270s and Vitaly Petrov who will make his Grand Prix debut from 17th on the grid in the second Renault, which he took round in 1m 56.619s.

Having run well thus far this weekend, Jaime Alguersuari was the first man to lose out in Q1, when he lapped his Toro Rosso in 1m 57.071s for 18th fastest time, ahead of all the new teams. Timo Glock’s Virgin was the best of them, with 1m 59.728s, ahead of Jarno Trulli’s Lotus on 1m 59.852s, so things were very close here.

Then came Heikki Kovalainen in 2m 00.313s in the other Lotus and Lucas di Grassi on 2m 00.587s for Virgin. At the back Bruno Senna took his HRT round in 2m 03.240s, while Karun Chandhok finally got a run and in the circumstances did an excellent job for 2m 04.904s in only seven laps.

McLaren chief looking forward to Di Resta's carrier

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McLAREN boss Martin Whitmarsh has revealed Bathgate's Paul Di Resta will go head-to-head with established Force India racers, Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi, when his new role as reserve driver for the Formula One team is confirmed next week.
While the 23-year-old continues to finalise the last few details on the contract which will propel him closer to a place on the grand prix grid, McLaren team principal Whitmarsh has confirmed the Scot will play a pivotal role for Force India. "Paul will be running, I believe, in the majority of the Friday sessions at grand prix weekends for Force India, so it's a great opportunity for him," Whitmarsh said.

"I'm happy for him. He's going to push like hell to make his case to have a race drive at Force India during the course of this year."

Di Resta, who worked with Whitmarsh when he tested with McLaren in 2008, has already impressed team bosses at Force India. During his three-day test at Jerez last month, the Scot lapped a full second faster than the team's established drivers.

"Since the test, for sure we have been in talks," the Scot said. "We are in the final stages of finishing off the programme they have set and hopefully we can build a very long and strong relationship."

Schumi may continue after 2012

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Michael Schumacher has said he may choose to continue to race beyond his three-year contract with Mercedes.

He will make his return to Formula One this year, after signing a deal to race until the end of 2012 with the German team. He has admitted that it might take some time before he is back at his best, and told German newspaper Bild that he might stay in F1 beyond the length of his current contract.

"It doesn't have to be the end after three years - the three-year deal was Mercedes' idea and it was a sign of confidence. I thought about everything very carefully: Am I just spontaneously high or will my enthusiasm last? I have been excited for quite some time and can imagine doing this for a few years."

Schumacher will be partnered by Nico Rosberg during his comeback year and team principal Ross Brawn believes the pair will work well together, with Rosberg learning from his more experienced team-mate.

"We signed Nico first and have tried to sign Nico for several years," Brawn told Formula1.com. "We see Nico as a great talent, but it needs finishing and maturing. He has not won a race yet, although he came very close, and I think it is a wonderful partnership between him and Michael.

"They work well together and I see Michael helping Nico develop his career. Michael has come out of retirement but we have to accept that there will come a day when he has to stop forever and then we will have Nico. They must both try the hardest to beat each other but if it is done with the right spirit, with the right approach, then both will gain enormously."

The team will unveil and test its 2010 car next Monday at Valencia.

Donington loses British GP

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Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed there will be no British Grand Prix at Donington Park in 2010.

Speaking in Abu Dhabi, in the paddock of the new Yas Marina circuit, Ecclestone said: "There's no Donington.

"They've missed the deadline which we kept extending for them."

Donington's final deadline is understood to have been midnight on Tuesday, despite earlier suggestions it was noon on Monday.

Regardless of the specific timing, the Leicestershire circuit's ambitious plan to host one of British sport's blue-riband events is officially dead in the water.

It had been suggested Gillett had paid a £12million security owed to Ecclestone to keep the deal alive, but the Formula One supremo stated that was not the case.

Ecclestone added: "It's unfortunate for them.

"It was the credit crunch that caused them to be in trouble - because their intentions were good, that's for sure."

Simon Gillett, chief executive of Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd who lease the track from the owning Wheatcroft family, had signed a 17-year deal with Ecclestone.

But Gillett's plans to raise the £135million required to redevelop the circuit hit the rocks as banks shied away at a time when the global credit crisis was at its worst.

"It's bad for Tom (Wheatcroft), because he's been an old friend for a long time," added Ecclestone, who turned 79 this week.

As far as Ecclestone is concerned, the ball is now in Silverstone's court to agree a deal they shied away from 18 months ago - and which resulted in Gillett poaching the race from their grasp.

Silverstone Holdings stalled then, not because of the £12million annual asking price to host the race but because of a seven per cent yearly increase clause.

Ecclestone added: "We're talking. A deal can be done if they want to."

Asked if there was a difference of opinion over the details, he said: "There isn't actually.

"As far as I'm concerned, no problems."

Standing in the middle of the world's most expensive circuit, as the LED panels on the five-star hotel that straddles it glowed a variety of colours behind him, Ecclestone could not help but smile.

"It's a bit like Silverstone really when you think about it!" he joked.

In more serious tones, he added: "What they've done is unbelievable.

"It was in April 2006 I saw and spoke to the crown prince, and at that time we didn't start to discuss a race.

"But during dinner we came up with the idea that maybe we should have a race here, and what they've done is magic.

"I never thought it would be finished like this. I thought bits and pieces would be done. I said to them 'I hope we're not going to be racing on a building site'.

"But no one is going to top this ... although I'll be happy if someone does the same."

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has spoken to Ecclestone about the British Grand Prix, stressing the significance of the race, and was assured by the Formula One supremo he was doing "everything possible'' to retain the race in the calendar.

Lord Mandelson said: "I phoned Bernie Ecclestone this afternoon and I stressed to him the importance of Formula One and the British Grand Prix to the UK.

"This is a very British institution and every effort must be made to keep the race in the UK.

"Losing it would be a body blow to UK sport, the teams, and the fans.

"Bernie reassured me he was doing everything possible to maintain the British Grand Prix in the UK.''

Sutil and Trulli continue war of words

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Adrian Sutil and Jarno Trulli traded insults on Thursday as they continued a war of words sparked by their first-lap crash in Brazil.

Eleven days ago Toyota driver Trulli and Force India's Sutil came close to blows after a collision that forced from both out of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

Attempting to pass Sutil around the outside, Trulli put a wheel on the grass, sending him spinning into the back of the German's car and then into a wall.

The impact resulted in Sutil careering across the infield grass and his momentum taking him back onto the track where he was struck for a second time, on this occasion by Fernando Alonso.

An outraged Trulli leapt out of his car and ran over to confront a stunned Sutil, gesticulating furiously and clearly accusing him of causing the accident.

The exchange resulted in the 35-year-old Italian being fined £6,000 for what the FIA described as "aggressively confronting" Sutil.

In Thursday's main FIA press conference ahead of Sunday's inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when asked if they had settled their differences, the row erupted again.

Here is the transcript of their exchange which will likely spill over into Friday's customary drivers' briefing.

Trulli: "Obviously it was very disappointing to end the race like that, especially on the first lap.

"I had every reason to be extremely furious. I've got all the evidence to show I was there and was next to him, and tomorrow we are going to discuss it."

Sutil: "There's nothing to discuss, it was quite an obvious incident.

"In the end it was very disappointing for me, even more because I was the one who was driving, and he lost control of his car and crashed into my back.

"It's not my problem. It's his problem. I don't know why he's freaking out like that to be honest."

Trulli: "I don't know if you're blind, but I can clearly show you my front wing is next to your front wing."

(Trulli then produced photographs to support his argument)

Sutil: "But you're trying to overtake me around the outside on the kerb. There was not a problem. You were off the power.

"The same happened in Barcelona where you lost control again and crashed again into a Force India car (Sutil).

"You have to sometimes respect the limits of the car. If you've nowhere to go, you have to back off. That's how racing is. I don't know how long you need to learn this."

Trulli: "In Barcelona I spun and he hit me because he cut the kerb, cut the circuit completely, and he didn't slow down."

Sutil: "I didn't hit you. You hit me. I don't know what is your problem. I really don't understand."

Asked what was said during their spat immediately after the accident, Trulli replied: "I was furious because he didn't see me.

"I was next to him and he kept on pushing me on the outside until I was obviously on the kerb."

Then the row continued:

Sutil: "It's not a problem to be on the kerb. Where's the problem?"

Trulli (sarcastically): "Yeah, no problem! As long as we know the rules."

Sutil: "I know the rules."

The verbal confrontation resulted in Alonso being asked for his opinion as he had a clear view of the incident prior to hitting Sutil.

With a smile, Alonso said: "I saw everything more or less, but as Jarno said we will discuss it in the drivers' briefing - deeply!"

Rosberg confirms Williams exit

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Nico Rosberg has confirmed he will leave Williams following this season's final race of the Formula One season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Speculation has been rife for the last two months that Rosberg was to end his four-year association with the Grove-based team.

Although the 24-year-old refused to divulge which team he will race with next year, it has been an open secret he will move to Brawn GP as new world champion Jenson Button's team-mate.

It is understood Rubens Barrichello will then switch to Williams on a one-year contract.

"This is my last race for Williams," revealed Rosberg.

"It's a bit strange because for four years it has been the only team I've worked with, so it's been a long time.

"I get on really well with everybody, a lot of respect has built up with all the mechanics, so it is going to be quite strange to leave.

"I can only use the opportunity to really thank the team because it has been very good for my career.

"Sir Frank, Adam Parr, Sam Michael and Patrick Head have really supported my career all these years, so quite a big thank you to them."

Rosberg stopped short of naming Brawn as the team he will now sign for, adding: "I don't want to talk about my future.

"I just want to say I won't be with Williams because that's sure."

Force India hope to finish well

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The born-again Force India wants to sign off with some more points in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

Force India chairman Vijay Mallya's assessment is the outfit has exceeded its own expectation in the second half of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship but he is candid enough to admit that things could have been even better.

Naturally, Mallya said, the idea would be to add some more points to the kitty on Sunday.

"Brazil was a missed opportunity to score points. Adrian (Sutil) was in a prime position to get some decent points, perhaps even a podium, but it was not to be," Mallya rued.

"But the Abu Dhabi aero configuration is roughly similar to Brazil and Valencia, and even though we cannot expect rain, we can expect a reasonable level of performance in qualifying that should put us in a good position for the race," he said.

"We could technically move up a position in the championship as we're just 13 points behind Renault, but it will be tough so we need to consolidate what we have already.

"Toro Rosso have been looking very strong in recent races so it's a matter of personal pride to keep them behind. Ninth place in the championship is one position higher than last year and we need that improvement to validate all the progress we've made this year," he added.

Looking back, Mallya said the second half of the season began on a promising note but the team could not make the most of it.

"I would say this year has even exceeded our expectations as we have secured a podium, pole and fastest lap. We can be really proud of this. All the same we have had opportunities we haven't been able to make the most of, for example Interlagos, Suzuka and Monza.

"This slightly mutes the satisfaction, but it does give a lot of cause for optimism - if we can get into a similar position next year and follow through all the chances we could be solid midfield in both championships," added Mallya, also the team principal.

Sutil was equally upset, having failed to score points in Brazil despite starting third on the grid.

"I was hoping a lot for that, so it's disappointing. We have to take that and carry it to the next race. Whether we can repeat in Abu Dhabi we will have to see, but it's a relatively low downforce track and we have performed well in these conditions before so I am optimistic," he said.

Teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi, who was promoted to the race seat after Giancarlo Fisichella switched to Ferrari, said he was looking to score his maiden points for the side on Sunday.

"I'll keep pushing until the end and am still optimistic of scoring my first points for Force India in Abu Dhabi," added the Italian.

Alonso gears up for emotional exit

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Fernando Alonso is steeling himself for an emotional farewell to Renault this weekend.

Alonso faces his last grand prix with the team ahead of his big-money move to Ferrari, ending a two-year association.

It is the second time the Spaniard will be saying his goodbyes as he faced a similar situation in 2006 after winning back-to-back world titles with Renault prior to his ill-fated move to McLaren.

Ahead of the season-ending inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alonso said: "I would love to finish the season and my Renault career with a great result.

"It will be an emotional race because I have enjoyed so many special memories with this team, and I am leaving behind a lot of friends.

"Renault is one of the great teams in Formula One, and I look forward to fighting with them on the track in the years ahead."

Paying tribute to Alonso, team principal Bob Bell remarked: "He's made a huge contribution to the team, especially winning two world championships in 2005 and 2006 so he will be missed enormously.

"It's often said he is the best driver on the grid, and I wouldn't disagree with that, so we're understandably sad to see the end of our very successful relationship.

"But we're also looking forward and we're all delighted to be welcoming Robert Kubica to the team as I believe he will quickly show that he is of the same calibre as Fernando.

"He's a strong team player, a great motivator and incredibly quick, so we have plenty to look forward to as we enter a new era for the team."

Trulli fined for violent reaction

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Jarno Trulli has been fined £6,000 for aggressively confronting Adrian Sutil in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Toyota driver Trulli and Force India's Sutil almost came to blows after a first-lap collision that resulted in their retirement.

Attempting to pass Sutil around the outside at one point of the Interlagos track, Trulli put a wheel onto the grass which sent him spinning into the back of the German's car.

As veteran Trulli struck a wall, Sutil went careering across the infield grass, his momentum taking him back onto the track where he was struck for a second time, on this occasion by Fernando Alonso.

Renault's double world champion was also forced out of the race, and as he clambered out of his car in the background, Trulli angrily confronted Sutil in the foreground.

Trulli was seen furiously gesticulating at Sutil as it was clear the Italian was accusing him of causing the accident.

However, after an investigation the stewards decided it was a racing incident requiring no further action.

Instead, the stewards reprimanded Trulli and hit him in the pocket as they determined he failed to leave the track as required by the marshals, and for his inappropriate actions towards Sutil.

McLaren were also fined £30,000 for another of the day's dramatic moments when Heikki Kovalainen left the pits with the fuel hose still attached to his car.

It came at the end of the first lap as both he and fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen had sustained damage to their cars in separate incidents.

Kovalainen immediately pulled in front of Raikkonen, spraying fuel onto the 2007 world champion's Ferrari directly behind him, causing a flash fire.

Raikkonen came through it unharmed, whilst Kovalainen pulled over outside the Brawn garage where that team's mechanics courteously removed the offending hose.

The stewards ruled it was an unsafe release from the pits and imposed the fine on McLaren as well as adding 25 seconds to Kovalainen's race time, resulting in him dropping from ninth to 12th.

Button takes title in Brazil

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Jenson Button finally has his hands on the Formula One world title following a pulsating Brazilian Grand Prix.

A combination of brilliant driving and dramatic incidents elevated Button into fifth place, with his title rivals Sebastian Vettel and Rubens Barrichello finishing fourth and eighth respectively.

Button now becomes the 10th British driver to claim motor sport's greatest prize, inheriting the crown from last year's winner Lewis Hamilton.

The 29-year-old may not have wrapped it up in the way he would have liked, having won six of the first seven races, but he is now world champion.

On a stunning day for Brawn GP, they also claimed the constructors' title just over 10 months after they appeared to be on the scrapheap when Honda pulled out of the sport.

As Button crossed the line after 71 remarkable laps at Interlagos he broke into a rendition of Queen's 'We Are The Champions,' before repeating the boast 'We're champions, we're champions.'

A euphoric Button told BBC1: "It's really amazing, especially after the last few races I've had. This makes up for it, it was such an awesome race and I'm world champion, baby!

"Twenty-one years ago I jumped in a car and I loved winning. I never expected to be world champion in F1 but we've done it today."

Red Bull's Mark Webber grabbed the win ahead of BMW Sauber's Kubica, the Australian ending a run of five successive races without scoring a point.

Hamilton was a stunning third from 17th on the grid, with Vettel fourth, Button fifth, Kimi Raikkonen sixth in his Ferrari and Sebastien Buemi a fine seventh for Toro Rosso.

It was a stunningly dramatic start to the race as Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Adrian Sutil of Force India almost came to blows after a first-lap collision that them sent both crashing into retirement.

Attempting to pass Sutil around the outside, Trulli put a wheel onto the grass which sent him spinning into the back of the German's car.

As Trulli struck a wall, Sutil went careering across the infield, his momentum taking him back onto the track where he was struck for a second time, on this occasion by Renault's Fernando Alonso, who was also forced out of the race.

Trulli angrily confronted Sutil but Sutil said: "I think it was quite obvious he was on the outside and he lost control of his car and crashed into me.

"It was very strange he came to me and blamed me for the incident because he just crashed into me."

The accident brought out the safety car at the end of the first lap which culminated in more drama in the pit lane.

Heikki Kovalainen had been caught up in an incident with Ferrari's Giancarlo Fisichella at the back of the field as they made their way through the initial Senna S.

Fellow Finn and 2007 world champion Raikkonen, starting from fifth on the grid, had also had his problems as he had sustained a broken front wing and left-rear puncture in a separate issue.

With both forced into the pits, Kovalainen exited with the fuel hose still attached to his car and as he made his way down the pit lane, the stray hose sprayed fuel onto Raikkonen's car directly behind him, causing a flash fire.

Raikkonen came through it unharmed, whilst Kovalainen pulled over outside the Brawn garage where the mechanics removed the hose.

In all the mayhem, Button had moved up from 14th to ninth by the end of a first lap led by Barrichello, who had made a clean getaway from pole.

The 29-year-old put in a charge, swiftly passing Renault's Romain Grosjean and Williams' Kazuki Nakajima, who later suffered his own drama on lap 31.

In attempting to pass Kamui Kobayashi, Nakajima hit the left rear tyre of the Toyota debutant.

Nakajima was fortunate his car was not propelled into the air as it momentarily reared up before crashing back down.

He then hit a barrier before powering on across the grass, gravel and the track before slamming into a tyre wall.

In between, Barrichello lost his lead in the first round of pit stops, actually dropping to third behind Webber and Kubica.

And from that moment it all went wrong, in contrast to Button as the race and the title came to him.

He pulled off another great manoeuvre on Buemi at one stage and the championship was ultimately in the bag when Barrichello pitted late on for a third time due to a slow puncture.

From that moment it was a cruise to the line for Button, who was ecstatic after emerging from his car.

Barrichello was the first to congratulate his team-mate as they gave each other a bear hug and slaps on the back.

Emotional team boss Ross Brawn broke down in tears after the race, barely able to comprehend the size of his achievement.

A choked Brawn said: "It's still got to sink in.

"It will take a while... It's just special. Very special.

"The work the team did over the winter....all the people who couldn't be with us because we had to re-size the team after the winter, my thanks go to them.

"I hope they have enjoyed it because they have been part of what we've done."

Hamilton graciously acknowledged Button's achievement as he said: "I must say congratulations to Jenson. A great job. A great season."

Webber, even after the second victory of his career, offered his congratulations to Button.

"Jenson deserves the championship," said the Australian.

"He certainly drove well in the early part of the season. He's done a good job so I'd like to congratulate him and Brawn.

"He can sleep better now because he's been absolutely bricking it after the last few races. He can enjoy Abu Dhabi (the final grand prix on November 1)."

Button added on BBC1: "The last few races have been a bit stressful for me. I didn't win the race today but I came through.

"It's the most amazing day and I thank the fans for their support, and most of all a big thank you to my family and my girlfriend Jessica."

He added: "Yesterday after qualifying I felt sick because of how tough it was but it made it all better today."

Force India hope to do well in Brazil

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Force India chairman Vijay Mallya said the resurgent outfit would be giving it everything in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Mallya did not hide his disappointment at the team's failure to get into points in the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, where the track suited them. With Interlagos too being a low-to-medium downforce track, Mallya hopes to add to its World Championship points' total.

"We will be giving it everything we have," Mallya, also the team principal, said.

"Brazil should suit us, our car has performed well on tracks with a similar configuration, and now we've got the taste for points, we want to get some more. BMW are 11 points ahead of us in the constructors' championship so if Tonio and Adrian push hard we could at least close that gap.

"It's going to be difficult but we have everything to gain and nothing to lose by making this our aim," he added.

"We had high hopes for the Japanese Grand Prix. To a certain extent we got there as we qualified well, ran towards the front of the field and raced with larger teams. However, of course we missed out on points again so ultimately it was frustrating we could not capitalise on this," Mallya said.

"Based on this form I am however very optimistic we can make up ground in Brazil. Adrian and Tonio both know the track and the car is at its peak so I'm confident we should again be Q2 or higher and again racing for the points," Mallya said.

Sutil too described his Japan outing as a "missed opportunity" but sounded confident of Sunday's race.

"Interlagos is a great track, not that long, but with a lot of camber and undulation that makes it a bit like a rollercoaster - particularly with the bumps. There's a twisty section and then that long, uphill straight that needs a set-up somewhere between Spain and Belgium so there's a chance we could perform well there. I'm feeling confident about going well there," he said.

Liuzzi too shared his enthusiasm and said, "I like the circuit and I've been pretty fast there in the past so with the combination of this confidence and the car performance I think we could be really competitive. I'm looking forward to being in a strong position."

Williams end Toyota deal

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The Williams Formula One team have announced their engine supply deal with Japanese manufacturer Toyota will end at the conclusion of the 2009 season.

The announcement, which had been expected for several weeks, leaves the Grove-based team free to name its engine supplier for the 2010 season, with both Renault and Cosworth having been linked as a possible replacement for Toyota.

Williams team boss Frank Williams said: "At a time of great difficulty for us as a team, Toyota stepped forward and agreed to supply us with engines for 2007 through to the end of 2009.

"Toyota has been a very decent partner who have always respected our independence and provided us with a first-rate technical product. We are proud that we have been able to work with such a great company and we are grateful to the team in Cologne for their support.

"I would like to single out for our thanks the Toyota engineers and technicians who have worked within our race team tirelessly for the past three years."

Toyota motorsport boss Tadashi Yamashina said: "We have enjoyed a productive working relationship with Williams and I believe both companies have benefited from that partnership. We respect the wishes of Williams to look for other opportunities and wish them well for the future."

One man who could benefit from the new engine deal at Williams is current Brawn GP driver Rubens Barrichello.

The Brazilian has revealed he has had talks with Williams over moving to the Oxfordshire outfit next season.

The 37-year-old trails championship leader and Brawn team-mate Jenson Button by 14 points in the standings ahead of his home race at Interlagos this weekend.

Barrichello, in quotes reported by The Guardian, said: "I haven't signed with anybody yet. But it's true that I'm talking with Williams and Brawn."

Barrichello, who made his F1 debut in 1993, is the most experienced driver in grand prix history having started 286 races.

Massa completes Ferrari F1 test

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Felipe Massa has tested in a Formula 1 car for the first time since suffering a fractured skull, but Ferrari say he will not return to competition in 2009.

Massa is making good progress since his crash in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in July and the 28-year-old tested in an F2007 in Italy on Monday.

But Ferrari say they "want to proceed gradually" and do not intend to rush the Brazilian before he is ready.

"Talk of a proper return to F1 can wait until the start of 2010," they added.

Massa underwent neurological tests in Paris on Friday.

According to Ferrari, the outcome was "rather positive", prompting the decision to allow him to get behind the wheel of a privately-owned F2007 on Monday.

In-season testing is banned in F1, but the sport's governing body the FIA gave Massa permission to test using GP2 tyres at Ferrari's test track at Fiorano, as part of his rehabilitation.

But Ferrari insist there is no chance of a comeback in 2009, with only two races of the campaign remaining.

Hamilton: No pressure on McLaren

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Having endured a nail-biting outing last year, McLaren are looking forward to racing in Brazil without any pressure.

Lewis Hamilton captured the driver's title at the season-ending Interlagos last year, and while there are still two races remaining in this year's season the McLaren star cannot defend his title.

With only pride on the line the Briton admits he's looking to have a bit more fun in Brazil than he has had in the past, with the energetic crowd something he's looking forward to.

"I'm really looking forward to this year's Brazilian Grand Prix - it will be the first time I've travelled to Sao Paulo without being in contention for the World Championship, and I'm actually looking forward to taking in a bit more of the city and relaxing and enjoying the experience of driving on one of the world's greatest racetracks," said Hamilton.

"One of the greatest things about racing at Interlagos is the crowd. There's such a great atmosphere; the fans have so much energy and life. It's a party while you're working, and it's great to see everyone happy."

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh echoed the thoughts of his driver but insisted the team would not be resting on their laurels despite being out of the title race.

"Travelling to Sao Paulo this year with our focus solely on achieving the very best result will allow us to attack the race weekend without any additional considerations, and we are very much looking forward to that challenge," explained Whitmarsh.

For his part Mercedes-Benz Motorsport vice-president Norbert Haug insisted the race for the Championship title was far from over with Jenson Button only 14 points ahead of his Brawn teammate Rubens Barrichello and 16 points ahead of Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.

"The world championship fight is open and electrifying - I know from my own experience what I am talking about when I say that with a 16-point deficit of Sebastian to Jenson, nothing has been decided yet," said Haug.

Trulli all set for Toyota exit

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Toyota F1 president John Howett has dropped another hint that Jarno Trulli's days at the team are numbered.

Trulli joined Toyota in 2005, however, almost five full seasons down the line and he has yet to win a grand prix.

And with Toyota's F1 future on the line, the team is desperate to produce the results that will convince company bosses in Japan to carry on in the sport.

But should Toyota continue, which Howett believes they will, it does not appear as if Trulli is part of their future plans.

"You have to look over five years," said Howett. "I don't wish to be tough but we had a more competitive position leading the start of Spa, and we didn't deliver.

"So I think you have to respect the fact - and I am not trying to knock Jarno, because he is a great person and what he does for the earthquake victims... there are so many strong qualities.

"But still unfortunately as a team this sport is intensely competitive and we have to find the best opportunity to win."

The Italian, though, did finish on the podium at the previous race in Japan, a feat that Howett admits will help secure Toyota's future at least.

"It always helps, doesn't it? But I can't say that it is really the fundamental issue," he added.

"I think it is still all down to Toyota's overall profit and loss situation and the image of Formula 1 and whether we can get away from the rather sordid side that we've had recently to a much more dynamic future looking at all the great things that this sport really has.

"Talking to my colleagues, it's a similar problem everywhere. That's the biggest challenge we face."

Chequered flag honour for Massa

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Felipe Massa will be in Brazil for his home grand prix on October 18 - as a special guest to wave the chequered flag.

Massa is currently on the road to recovery after requiring life-saving surgery towards the end of July following his accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

After completing two days in the Ferrari simulator this week, the 28-year-old is scheduled to drive a 2007-spec car on Monday after undergoing a medical check-up in Paris tomorrow, with the FIA in attendance.

Massa, who has not ruled out the prospect of driving in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 1, will then return to Brazil for the penultimate round on the calendar.

Massa will become the third celebrity to wave the chequered flag at Interlagos in the past eight years, following in the footsteps of Pele and model Gisele Bundchen.

Hopefully, Massa will at least have his eyes on the conclusion of what could be the title decider, unlike Pele, who famously failed to carry out his duty.

The world's most famous footballer was looking the other way when Michael Schumacher beat his brother Ralf by half a second in 2002.

Massa unlikely to return this year

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Recovering Ferrari driver Felipe Massa says his chances of making a return to action this season are "very, very low".

The Brazilian has been sidelined since fracturing his skull in an incident in qualifying for July's Hungarian Grand Prix but had hoped to be fit to take part in the season finale in Abu Dhabi on November 1.

It now appears he and his bosses at Maranello have elected to err on the side of caution, meaning understudy Giancarlo Fisichella will remain at the wheel of Massa's F60 for the remainder of the campaign.

"I hope I'll be back soon but I also know the best thing is that I'm coming back 100% at the start of the next season," Massa told Ferrari's official website.

"My dream would be to race in Abu Dhabi. But the possibility is really, really low."

After completing two days in the Ferrari simulator this week, the 28-year-old is scheduled to drive a 2007-spec car on Monday - after undergoing a medical check-up in Paris later today, with the FIA in attendance.

Although in-season testing is banned, Massa has been granted permission to drive the two-year-old Ferrari, fitted with GP2 tyres.

"I'll go to Paris for some medical check-ups at the FIA and on Monday, if the weather is fine, I should finally be behind the wheel of a Formula 1 single-seater," he said.

"I hope I can do many miles and do well, not only in terms of performance but also as far as constant lap times are concerned.

"I'm confident and I think there won't be any problems. It's true that a Formula One vibrates a lot and there is lots of physical stress, but I'm used to it."

Following Monday's test Massa will turn his attentions to building his sharpness for the start of the 2010 season, when with a new car and new team-mate in Fernando Alonso he will be bidding to capture his maiden world title.

"I'm sure that with Alonso we'll form a great team and we'll work together very well. The goal will be very simple - winning," Massa added.

"I saw the model of the new car in the wind tunnel - it's different from the actual one, also because there will be new rules. Let's hope it will be fast."

Kubica rides in at Renault

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Robert Kubica is convinced he can fight for next year's Formula One world title after agreeing to join Renault from 2010.

Kubica will replace Fernando Alonso at the team after the recent confirmation of the double world champion's switch to Ferrari.

The 24-year-old Pole, who has spent the last three and a half years at BMW Sauber, has been forced to find a new team given the German manufacturing giant are pulling out of F1 at the end of this year.

Although Renault have struggled since their title triumphs of 2005 and 2006, even with Alonso back at the wheel these past two years, Kubica is confident they can again be a force.

"I'm very happy I will be joining Renault in the 2010 season," said Kubica.

"I feel I have a special connection with this team because in 2005 I won the World Series by Renault.

"This gave me the chance to test with the team in Barcelona, which led to my debut in Formula One.

"I share with Renault a strong winning mentality and feel comfortable with their friendly and open attitude.

"I'm highly motivated and optimistic that together we can be at the front of the grid next year, and hopefully fighting for the world title."

Kubica pushed Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa for last year's world title, winning his only race of 55 grands prix to date in Canada.

Kubica, though, has failed to recapture such form this year due to the team failing to provide him with a competitive car, collecting just nine points from 15 races.

But with Alonso's departure, Renault now have a strong replacement as recognised by team principal Bob Bell.

"We are very excited to have signed Robert," said Bell.

"Ever since Robert made his grand prix debut in 2006, he has been on our radar as one of the most naturally talented drivers of his generation.

"He has delivered on that promise so it's great to have secured him in one of our cars next season.

"Renault has high ambitions and hopes for the future of the team and we feel Robert can play a big role in fulfilling them."

Liuzzi takes Fisichella spot

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Force India have confirmed Vitantonio Liuzzi has replaced Giancarlo Fisichella for the remainder of the season.

Liuzzi has been promoted from his role as test and reserve driver with the team, a position he has held since the start of 2008.

The 28-year-old will now make his race debut with Force India in front of his own fans at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Liuzzi, who last drove in Formula One at the end of the 2007 season with Toro Rosso, appreciates he has been given his chance courtesy of the chain reaction sparked by Felipe Massa's accident

"I can't wait to get back into the car in race trim, particularly at my home grand prix in Monza," said Liuzzi, who competed in 39 grands prix over three seasons from 2005 to 2007.

"I really appreciate the opportunity Vijay (Mallya) has given me, particularly now Force India has a great car that's performing very well.

"I am confident I can carry on our progress. I'm very motivated, in good shape and hungry to get some more points on the board.

"Although it's unfortunate this came about as a direct result of Felipe's accident, this is my opportunity to show people what I can do, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Team owner Vijay Mallya, who released Fisichella to Ferrari last week, is confident Liuzzi will not let down the team.

"I'm delighted to give Tonio the opportunity to get back into a race seat, which I know he has been itching to do for the past two years," said Mallya.

"Force India is now in a very competitive position and we need a driver who can continue this momentum.

"This will be the chance for Tonio to demonstrate to both the team and the field he has the commitment, speed and professionalism to perform, and I am sure he will seize this opportunity."

Renault could be severely punished

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Renault could be thrown out of the Formula One world championship if found guilty of causing a crash at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The crash helped Fernando Alonso win last year's inaugural night race.

Just five days after details emerged of the incidents that unfolded in the sport's historic first night race last September, the FIA will now sit in judgment on Renault.

An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council will take place in Paris on Monday, September 21, with Renault facing charges of being in breach of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.

Article 151c relates to 'any fraudulent conduct or act prejudicial to the interests of any competition, or to the interests of motor sport generally'.

The charge is that "the team conspired with its driver, Nelson Piquet Jr, to cause a deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix with the aim of causing the deployment of the safety car to the advantage of its other driver, Fernando Alonso".

In this instance the FIA's powers are wide-ranging, as McLaren found to their cost in 2007 when they were fined £50million for being in breach of the same article in relation to the spygate saga.

Should Renault be punished, it is almost certain the penalty will be severe, especially as deliberately crashing a car puts the lives of not only the driver, but also marshals and spectators at risk.

Alonso would naturally be stripped of his victory, potentially even all his points from last season, which may result in Renault being forced to pay back all their prize money for 2008.

In addition, there is the real prospect of their exclusion from this year's championship, which in turn may ultimately lead to Renault's decision to withdraw from the sport altogether.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone sounded a warning this week there would be "a lot of trouble" if the allegations are found to be true.

Ecclestone also suggested Renault could follow Honda and BMW out of F1 due to the adverse publicity they are currently receiving.

Alonso certainly appeared fortunate in taking the chequered flag in Singapore as the double world champion had started from 15th on the grid.

Intriguingly, Renault had opted to fuel Alonso short for his first stint, a bizarre tactic when starting so far down and on a typical street track where it is notoriously difficult to pass.

Renault gambled on there being a safety car incident, and just two laps after Alonso made his first pit stop on lap 12, Piquet's crash turned the race on its head.

It brought the safety car into play, shaking up the field, with the Spaniard ultimately giving Renault their first win for two years at a time when it was strongly rumoured they were considering quitting the sport.

Piquet explained the incident away by claiming he was trying too hard, made a mistake and scraped one wall a little too closely.

Only recently Piquet was sacked by the team, with the suggestion it was he, or his father/manager Nelson Piquet snr, who blew the whistle, prompting an investigation, and now subsequent hearing.

Renault were last night refusing to make any comment, and confirmed they will not do so before attending the hearing.