Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado is returning to Williams in 2013. (Photo: Getty Images)

Red Bull Ring Can Host 2013 Race - Marko: The chances Austria could return to the F1 calendar in 2013 are rising. With the Turkish government ruling out state support for Istanbul Park's return, the former A1-Ring - now called the 'Red Bull Ring' - has emerged as the favorite to fill the reserved twentieth spot on next year's calendar. The energy drink company's motor racing chief Dr Helmut Marko told Speed Week: "We have made the FIA aware that we have a track with a full F1 license." As for who will pay the bill, the Austrian answered: "There is the province of Styria, and the republic of Austria." Another stumbling block could be a lack of accommodation in the Spielberg area, but Marko insisted: "Nonsense, there was enough in the 70s and 80s." And he said Graz, Austria's second largest city after Vienna, is not far away. The A1-Ring, totally refurbished since then, hosted F1 until 2003.But what about the difficulties or organizing a Grand Prix at such short notice?: "No problem," said Marko. And the small media center?: "It can be expanded," he promised.

Webber Has Leg Surgery In Australia: Mark Webber has had successful leg surgery in his native Australia. Just ahead of the 2009 season, the now 36-year-old badly broke his leg in a downhill mountain cycling crash during his outdoor adventure challenge in Tasmania. Now, four years later, Webber has had another operation on the leg, mere days after contesting his Tasmanian challenge yet again. "Hospital trip planned a while back," he announced on Twitter. "I needed further surgery from previous injury. All good and on the mend." Posting a photo of his hospital breakfast, the Red Bull driver added: "Hospital brekkie in bed. Leg finally all done."

Force India To Announce Driver This Week: Force India is set to announce the identity of Paul di Resta's 2013 teammate. The Indian news service IANS said that although the official announcement has been delayed, the Vijay Mallya-led team is finally almost ready now to make the call. "The announcement should take place next week," a 'top source' at the Silverstone based team was quoted saying late last week. "Adrian (Sutil) looks the best bet to partner di Resta as he has got the required experience in Formula One. At the same time, Mr Mallya also considered all other available options," the unnamed source added. It is believed the others under consideration are Kamui Kobayashi, who has been raising funds through a fan website, and the sponsored Brazilian Bruno Senna. The source said Force India's Ferrari-linked 2012 reserve driver Jules Bianchi is not experienced enough to seriously compete with German Sutil for the seat. As for Force India's existing 2012 driver di Resta, the source commented: "He was always expected to carry on. He has delivered so far and it makes sense to retain him."

Spain To Host All Three Winter Tests: There will be three pre-season tests prior to the 2013 season, reportedly all in Spain. Peter Sauber revealed last week that the Swiss team's 2013 car, the C32, will be launched on the first day of official pre-season group testing next February 5, at Jerez. The Italiaracing website said that will be a four-day schedule at the southern Spanish venue, before Barcelona hosts the second test of the winter period between February 19 and 22. Barcelona will also host the third and final pre-2013 season test, again over four days, beginning on February 28. The venue, Circuit de Catalunya, confirmed the news. The third test will conclude on 3 March, precisely two weeks before the 2013 championship kicks off in Melbourne.

Parr Confirms Ecclestone Triggered F1 Exit: Former Williams chairman Adam Parr has confirmed it was Bernie Ecclestone who pushed him to leave Formula One. Earlier this year, Briton Parr - Williams' de-facto team principal - suddenly quit, despite his apparently rising stature within the Oxfordshire based team and the F1 paddock. His shock departure was met with cynicism, as it coincided with the end to an impasse with F1's chief executive over Williams' stalled Concorde Agreement negotiations. The Telegraph hinted at the time that Parr "was the victim of a power play", and the latest rumor is that he could be set to commence legal action against Ecclestone, F1's chief executive. At the time, Williams said Parr resigned simply to spend more time with his family. He has now admitted in his new book 'The Art of War - Five Years in Formula One': "I had resigned that week, rightly or wrongly believing that Ecclestone had told my board that no Concorde offer would be forthcoming while I was running Williams. "Under the circumstances, I chose to stand down so that the team could make the best deal possible with him. The offer arrived the day after my resignation had been announced," added Parr.

Toro Rosso Must Improve - Mateschitz: Toro Rosso must improve, its owner Dietrich Mateschitz has revealed. The Faenza based team, formerly Minardi, is the second team owned by energy drink Red Bull's mogul Mateschitz, whose premier F1 outfit Red Bull Racing has dominated Formula One for the past few seasons. In contrast, Toro Rosso has finished the past three seasons in either eighth or ninth places. "Toro Rosso is our rookie team and its goals differ from those of Red Bull Racing," billionaire Mateschitz told the FIA's international journal Auto. "But that's not to say we're happy with the development of the car. Significant improvements need to be found and are being called for."

Ecclestone Eyes Vodka Brand For F1 Sponsor Deal: With the Rolex deal freshly under his belt, Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that a vodka label and a mobile phone operator could be the next in line to conclude major sponsorship deals with Formula One. "We are chasing one or two people that want to be involved," the sport's chief executive told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt. "We are looking at phones and drinks," Ecclestone is quoted by the Telegraph. "People like vodka and things like that, they are out there." Sylt said Belvedere, a luxury Polish vodka, is in pole position for the official spirits deal, even though its president Charles Gibb insisted "there are no discussions taking place with F1". "It is unclear with which telecoms company F1 is in talks," Sylt added.