Fernando Alonso isn't keen on the trend toward pay-drivers. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Alonso Rules Out Becoming F1 'Pay Driver': Fernando Alonso has ruled out ever becoming a 'pay-driver' in Formula One. The Spaniard, a two-time World Champion now entering his third consecutive season with Ferrari, is believed to be the sport's current highest earner. But recent economic conditions have seen retainers become lower throughout the grid, while seasoned drivers like Rubens Barrichello, Jarno Trulli and Adrian Sutil have been left without seats as pay-drivers gain the upper hand. Alonso, however, vows to never become one. "My family and I made many sacrifices for me to race, from the age of three," he is quoted by El Periodico newspaper. "When I started, I knew that either I won or I went back to school. I will never be a paying driver. If I had to pay to race, I wouldn't race — it's unthinkable." As for his and Ferrari's prospects for 2012, the 30-year-old said: "I know that some people are saying we start with a disadvantage compared to Red Bull, McLaren or Mercedes, but we will only really see in Melbourne."

F1 To Reduce Pit Speed To 60kph In 2012 - Report: Race strategy looks set for a major shakeup in 2012, as it emerges the FIA intends to significantly reduce the pitlane speed limit. The latest edition of Italian magazine Autosprint reports that, ahead of the forthcoming 2012 season, the in-race limit will drop from 100kph to just 60kph throughout the Grand Prix calendar. The 2012 rules currently state that the race limit is 100kph, but that the speed "may be amended by the stewards following a recommendation from the FIA F1 safety delegate." Autosprint said FIA president Jean Todt made the decision after reviewing the pit speed limits of other series, including Le Mans, GT1 and NASCAR. The change, causing visits to the pits to take considerably longer than previously, could have a major impact on race strategy this year, the magazine concluded.

Wurz Not 2012 Reserve Driver - Wolff: Williams shareholder Toto Wolff has clarified that Alex Wurz's new role is not a driving one. Austrian Wurz, a former Williams race and test driver and currently a Le Mans racer for Toyota, has been drafted in by the Oxfordshire-based team to mentor 2012 drivers Pastor Maldonado, Bruno Senna and Valtteri Bottas. On Servus TV, fellow Austrian Wolff admitted it was his idea to bring in his countryman to Williams. "We have three young drivers, we must not forget Valtteri," Wolff said. "Pastor has been in F1 for a year and Bruno has not really been given the chance to show his skills." But that is where Wurz's involvement will end, despite Wolff admitting that from a "purely emotional and personal" perspective, it would be nice to see the Austrian return to the grid should Maldonado and Senna be unable to race in 2012. He clarified: "But I think in that case we would slot in Valtteri."

Rosberg Admits Father Opposed To Ferrari Move: Nico Rosberg has revealed that his famous father was adamant he should stick with Mercedes for the future. Last year, amid rumors Ferrari was considering dropping Felipe Massa, paddock banter said Rosberg was the main contender to be Fernando Alonso's next teammate. But Keke Rosberg, the 1982 World Champion and the highly-rated Mercedes driver's father, was dead against the Ferrari move. "He was just beside himself, saying that I should stay (at Mercedes) 110 percent," 26-year-old Rosberg is quoted by Sport Bild. "At the same time," the German added, "I was also quite certain that Mercedes is the best place for me." But Rosberg admits that a lot of his Monaco-domiciled friends are keen Ferrari supporters. "Some of the more patriotic of them were a little upset when I extended my contract," he revealed, "but I really believe in this project." Rosberg said his goal for 2012 is more than three podiums, therefore beating his 2010 tally. "That would be a great step on the way to the title, which is what we want to be fighting for in the coming years," he said.