Countdown To F1 2009: Issue Three

A note from the author

Before you get your weekly F1 news, I would like to make a few announcements. Firstly, I would like to apologise/apologise in advance for my lack of activity this week and over the coming weeks. I am about to sit a lot of examinations and therefore need a lot of time to work so I’m sure you can understand why I haven’t been very active. This is also the reason that there are no pictures in this issue, I simply haven't had the time.

Secondly, there are going to be minor changes in the format of this magazine. Each issue will still contain a Featured Story along with Testing, Team and Driver News, but only three topics will be covered in the secondary sections.

Also, it isn’t too late to sign up for the Third Bleacher Championship on BATracer.com. Only half the grid has been filled and many good cars (Williams, Honda) still need you to challenge for the World Championship. If you are interested, the game ID is 34210 and the password is “gameon”.

Finally, after a great response to the quiz in Issue One I don’t think anyone took on the quiz in Issue Two. I am slightly disappointed, but by making the questions a bit easier hopefully more of you will challenge for the Pick of the Day prize.

This week’s issue covers F1 news from Nov. 23 – Nov. 30.

1.       A note from the author

2.       Featured Story

3.       Testing News

4.       Team News

5.       Driver News

6.       Quiz

Featured Story

Barrichello reveals all and considers Toro Rosso drive

After speaking on a Brazilian sports programme, F1 veteran Rubens Barrichello has finally spilt the beans on THAT Austrian Grand Prix.

Still driving for Ferrari at the time, Rubens was leading the race as it was coming to a close, with team mate Schumacher in second place. At the finishing line on the final lap, Rubens slowed down to let Michael through as it was “important for the championship.”

After an intense row with the Ferrari pit wall, Barrichello let the German through as he was threatened with the sack if he didn’t.

“I was told that they would take a closer look at my contract if I wouldn't move over. For me it was pretty clear. Take my foot off the pedal or get fired.”

Although the team got themselves in huge amounts of trouble after the race, Schumacher insisted he had nothing to do with it. Barrichello however thinks different.

“When I asked Michael if he knew what was going on he said he had nothing to do with it. But I have documents at home to prove that he was very well aware of everything that took place.”

Barrichello also stated that he is going to put his name forward for a Toro Rosso race seat next season should Honda let him go.

Although the Brazilian is still a candidate for Honda, Senna or Di Grassi are expected to line up alongside Button next season. With this in mind, Barrichello is hoping Toro Rosso will snap him up for the 2009 championship. “I have a chance of going to two very competitive teams: Honda or Toro Rosso.”

Testing News

Ferrari impressed by young testers

Ferrari team manager Luca Baldiserri was very impressed with a trio of young Italians who tested the F2008 earlier this week.

Mirko Bortolotti, Edoardo Piscopo and Salvatore Cicatelli were given the Ferrari test as a reward for taking the top three places in this year's Italian Formula 3 Championship. Bortolotti made a huge impression by setting the fastest lap time an F2008 has done at Fiorano before.

No other testing news this week. Expect a huge feature on the upcoming Jerez and Bahrain December Tests.

Team News

BMW and Toyota announce launch dates

BMW Sauber and Toyota F1 have both announced dates for 2009 car releases.

BMW will unveil their 2009 car at Valencia on 20th January when the F1.09 will be driven on an installation lap in front of the media and then a press conference with drivers and team personnel will take place.

Toyota’s launch will be very low key and untraditional. Instead of a ceremony, the team will release pictures on the internet on 15th January.

Red Bull regains control of Toro Rosso

Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz plans to buy out the 50% share of Toro Rosso from Gerhard Berger.

Should the deal go through, Mateschitz will own both teams and Berger will quit as boss of Toro Rosso.

The deal is pending approval by regulatory authorities.

BBC announce 2009 ‘team’

The BBC has announced their 2009 Formula One presentation team.

Martin Brundle has come from ITV to partner 5live commentator, Jonathan Legard whilst ex F1 driver and race winner David Coulthard will act as a pundit alongside former team boss Eddie Jordan.

The anchor for the show will be Jake Humphrey who has previously presented the Olympics. Commentating legend Murray Walker will also be contributing to the BBC Formula One website.

Driver News

Button believes wins are possible

Jenson Button is under the impression that Honda’s 2009 challenger can achieve podiums and even race wins again.

Speaking at the Honda Racing Thanks Day where Button in his RA108 raced against MotoGP star Dani Pedrosa, the Brit feels optimistic about the upcoming season.

“I've already seen what is happening with the car for next year, and it looks very positive.”

Di Resta happy with any car

Hoping to be the next Brit to enter Formula One, Paul Di Resta has stated that he doesn’t mind what team he drives for should he be on the grid in 2009.

With rumours suggesting that he is a candidate for a Force India seat, or whether McLaren themselves are future-planning with the Scot in mind; Paul just wants to be racing.

“What's a bad team to drive for?” said Di Resta whilst speaking to Autosport.

Webber set to return for February

Mark Webber hopes to recover from his broken leg and make the first pre season test.

With the Red Bull set to hit the track on 10th Feb. Sebastian Vettel and New Zealander, Kiwi Hartley are expected to be the primary testers for Red Bull before Webber returns.

The Australian hopes to be in tip-top condition for his home race in March. “I will make sure I'm in the best shape I can be for the first race.”

Just For Fun

With Barrichello being at the centre of attention this week, the quiz will be based on the most experienced man in F1. The answer for question five does not have to be spot on, but it has to be reasonable.

1.       Barrichello has won nine races, but how many times has he finished second?

2.       How many times has Barrichello been disqualified from a race?

3.       What football team does Rubens support?

4.       At what Grand Prix did Barrichello get Stewart Grand Prix their first podium?

5.       How many races did Barrichello compete in before his first Grand Prix win?