Romain Grosjean might be the next driver to score a win in 2012. (Photo: Getty Images)

Ferrari Could Scrap Pull-Rod Suspension: The Italian press is reporting that Ferrari could abandon the innovative pull-rod suspension layout of its disappointing F2012 car. The Spanish sports daily AS concurs, adding that the revised car could be ready as soon as next month, and certainly in time for Barcelona in May. "Ferrari may even give up its revolutionary front suspension," wrote correspondent Manuel Franco. Until the F2012, the pull-rod layout has not been seen at the front of a Formula One car since designer Gabriele Tredozi's 2001 Minardi. Interestingly, Spaniard Fernando Alonso raced both cars. According to O Estado de S.Paulo correspondent Livio Oricchio, Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni played down the reports. "But I am not so sure the information is unfounded," Oricchio insisted. At Sepang, La Gaceta reporter Carlos Miguel Gomez asked Alonso about the "big step" for the F2012 that is being imminently planned by Ferrari. "It is up to you to write that there will be a new car coming," the Spanish driver answered. "It won't be just us; I think everyone will make updates at every race. We just need to make ours work a little bit more. New parts will slowly come at every race and hopefully they work, but there's not one magic race or one magic moment when we think things can change."

Lotus Building Burns Down At Sepang: The drama at Sepang continued even through the night, as the hospitality building occupied by the Lotus team burned down. No one was injured in the blaze, which was caused by a faulty fridge. "The firemen arrived soon and put everything under control. Our hospitality was only invaded by smoke," Ferrari revealed on Twitter. Lotus added: "Luckily we've found a new base!"

Gascoyne Would Choose Button Over Hamilton: If Caterham's Mike Gascoyne was in the market for a McLaren driver, he would sign Jenson Button. The green-clad team's technical boss, Gascoyne was at Renault in 2002 when it was decided to oust Button in favor of Fernando Alonso. But a decade later, Gascoyne says the tables have now turned, as 2009 World Champion Button now heads the 2012 points standings for McLaren. "We weren't wrong (to replace Button); Fernando won two titles very quickly, but Jenson has developed into a hell of a driver," Gascoyne is quoted by UK Express newspaper. He said Button's advantage over Lewis Hamilton, his highly-rated teammate, is his mental strength. "The difference right now is that Jenson can handle it when Lewis wins, but Lewis really struggles when Jenson does," said Gascoyne. Another of Button's strengths, he explained, is his smooth driving style, which better conserves Pirelli's highly-degrading tires. "Lewis is struggling to match that, and then with his attacking style, the more aggression he puts in the harder it gets for him in the race," said Gascoyne. Comparing today's Button with the 22-year-old of 2002, Gascoyne concluded: "Jenson is still the same nice guy, same talent, but mentally so very strong. Right now, Jenson would be the man for me." In an interview with Spanish agency EFE, Pedro de la Rosa summed up Button with the words "finesse and intelligence."

Alonso Has 'Samurai' Tattoo: Fernando Alonso has kicked off the new 2012 season with a 'Samurai' tattoo on his neck and back, Marca sports newspaper reports. Publishing a photo of the artwork on the Ferrari driver's neck, the Spanish publication said the tattoo features Japanese characters. Marca said the Spaniard and two-time title winner was inspired by the Hagakure, the spiritual guide written by 18th century samurai Yamamoto Tsunetomo. The report said most of Alonso's tattoo is on his back.