Williams is holding Nico Rosberg (Left) and Kazuki Nakajima (Right) to their contracts until the last day in December. (Photo: LAT Photographic) » More Photos

No British GP Deal Yet: Despite the stream of Silverstone officials through the Abu Dhabi paddock turnstiles last weekend, a deal for a 2010 British Grand Prix was not concluded. But Damon Hill, who like circuit managing director Richard Phillips and the track's chief negotiator was present on Yas Island, suggests that the talks did bear some fruit. "There was a lot of excitement when the opportunity came back and Bernie said he was prepared to discuss the situation," the 1996 world champion, who is president of the Silverstone owning British Racing Drivers' Club, told PA Sport. "We did go over to Abu Dhabi to try and get a deal done, but the distraction of the weekend meant it was not the right time. So we'll let the dust settle and see what happens over the next week or so." To the Guardian newspaper, 79-year-old F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone revealed that he has made some concessions to Silverstone in the past days. "Maybe I've backed off on a few little things that perhaps I shouldn't have done to give them a helping hand, but that's it," said the Briton. "The contract is there. If they want to sign it, that's fine. If not, then it's up to them.”

Williams Not Releasing Rosberg Until January: Williams is holding Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima to their contracts until the last day in December. It is believed the decision explains the hold-up in an announcement about Rosberg's team for 2010, with the German's deal not likely to be made public until after 1 January. "Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima remain our drivers until the end of 2009," reads an excerpt of the media statement in which Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg were confirmed as Williams' drivers for next season.

Thousands Sign Petition To Save Spa Track: Nearly 30,000 people had signed an online petition Wednesday vowing to defend the popular Belgian GP venue Spa-Francorchamps. A local court recently revoked the historic track's operating license until 2026, following the complaints of local residents about noise. The petition, which can be found at www.defendonsfrancorchamps.be, is run by "people who live near the track". "We want to confirm that we are not disturbed by the permanent work of the circuit," they said.