A sellout crowd will attend Sunday's 2009 season finale at the new Yas Marina circuit. (Photo: LAT Photographic)
Rossi Asks Ferrari For Another Test: Valentino Rossi has asked Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali for another test at the wheel of the famous team's Formula One car. The Italian, who last weekend successfully defended his latest MotoGP title, conducted a series of Ferrari tests some years ago but ultimately decided against switching full-time. Rossi told reporters his latest test would be to celebrate his title. "I have already asked Domenicali via text if I can have another test," he said. The flamboyant rider, however, will turn 31 next February, and his Yamaha boss Davide Brivio thinks the chance of a switch to motor racing's top four-wheeled category is now remote. "The more years that pass, the older he gets for F1. The chances are lessening in my opinion," he told Italian radio. Rossi's contract runs out at the end of next year, and a full-time change to rallying seems more likely. He will drive a Ford Focus in next March's Mexican round of the world rally championship.
Silverstone Can Sign GP Deal On Tuesday – Ecclestone: Tuesday is the day on which Donington's Grand Prix contract could be formally terminated, according to Bernie Ecclestone. Last Friday was track boss Simon Gillett's deadline to remedy the breach of contract after failing to come up with funding for the renovations required to stage the 2010 British Grand Prix. But Ecclestone, F1's chief executive, told the Daily Mirror that Tuesday is actually Donington's final deadline, after which the Silverstone circuit officials could sign the deal that is currently in their possession. "Silverstone have a contract on their table. All they have to do is sign it, get it back to me and the race could be theirs on Tuesday if things fall over with Donington," said the 78-year-old. The newspaper said Ecclestone and Silverstone are 2 million pounds sterling apart in terms of the annual promoter's fee. A Silverstone spokesman said the contract referred to by the billionaire is not "commercially viable", but Ecclestone insists he is not prepared to agree a "cut price" British Grand Prix deal.
Abu Dhabi Sold Out For 2009 Finale: A sellout crowd will attend Sunday's 2009 season finale at the new Yas Marina circuit, organizers of the inaugural Abu Dhabi grand prix have announced. 50,000 was named as the capacity crowd at the track, which uniquely boasts a section of underground pit exit and an undercover run-off area, a hotel that straddles the circuit, and status as the host of F1's only day/night race. "We've had an amazing response locally, nationally and internationally and every ticket has been sold," said Yas Marina Circuit boss Richard Cregan.
