The 2012 season is the second for Pirelli as Formula One's official tire supplier. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Pirelli Pushing Teams For 2011-Spec Test Car: Pirelli is pushing the F1 teams to agree to a track testing solution for 2012. Last year, the sport's new official tire supplier used defunct team Toyota's updated 2009 car — driven by Nick Heidfeld, Pedro de la Rosa, Romain Grosjean and Lucas di Grassi — to develop its P-Zero tires. But according to motor sport director Paul Hembery, the TF109 has been sent back to Toyota's Cologne headquarters because it is now too old. Finland's Turun Sanomat reports that Hembery has scheduled to discuss a new solution at the next meeting of the F1 Commission late next month. The newspaper said Hembery wants the teams to release a 2011-spec car for Pirelli to test throughout this season. "We don't have an agreement yet," he said. "We do simulation (work) but to do the kind of development we need to do, we also need to drive quickly on a track." Turun Sanomat said a stumbling block at the moment is the fracturing of the teams' association, FOTA.

HRT In Talks To House Team At 'Magic Box': HRT is in talks with the city of Madrid to relocate its headquarters to Caja Magica. Otherwise known as the Magic Box, the facility houses the Madrid Open tennis tournament, the Spanish Olympic Committee and — until last year — the Real Madrid basketball team. After its first two seasons under the German-based Colin Kolles' management, the former Hispania team has now entered a new phase with an increased Spanish identity. Madrid regional officials told the Europa Press news agency that negotiations with HRT are under way. The team "has approached the city with regards to relocating its headquarters to one of the spaces at the Caja Magica," an official confirmed. "At the moment there is nothing fixed, nor any pre-agreements signed," the spokesman added. HRT would not comment on media speculation.

Spanish Broadcaster La Sexta Races Off Grid: Spain's Formula One broadcaster La Sexta has raced off the grid, it emerged on Thursday. Publico newspaper, linked to Spanish F1 rights holder Mediapro, said other broadcasters can now bid for the coverage due to La Sexta's inability to pay. La Sexta held a contract for 2012 and 2013 but Mediapro "has terminated" it with immediate effect, Publico said, citing sources who blamed declining advertising rates. Mediapro issued letters this week advising that the deadline for interested replacement broadcasters is Feb. 6.