F1: Grand Prix News Briefs (Update 5)

Formula 1

F1: Grand Prix News Briefs (Update 5)

Michael Schumacher has the full support of Mercedes' Norbert Haug...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted July 21, 2010 GMM Newswire

Mercedes competition director Norbert Haug says personnel changes within the team may be imminent. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

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Mercedes Not Looking for Schumacher Replacement - Haug: Michael Schumacher is "definitely not" considering abandoning his return to Formula One after a single season. That is the continued insistence of Mercedes' Norbert Haug, after the German marque's competition boss recently confirmed that Schumacher "will go for the title" in 2011. The seven time World Champion's lukewarm return so far has been much criticized, but Haug insists that he is the best possible teammate for Nico Rosberg. As for rumors that a different driver will be alongside Rosberg in the next Mercedes car, Haug told DPA news agency: "Definitely not. As soon as we have a winning car then he will look for victories, just like Nico Rosberg will," said the German. Haug defended Schumacher's recent performances. Michael finished in fourth place twice in the last six Grands Prix. That's not much for Schumacher or Mercedes standards but it's a lot when you consider what was possible in these races." And he said the 41-year-old should not be ashamed to be 54 points behind Rosberg in the drivers' standings. "Nico is one of the best around. Who knows, he could even be the best of them all," said Haug. "We will make it to the very top. We know what it takes to win races; we've done it before and we'll do it again." In the context of his three-year retirement that began at the end of 2006, Schumacher also said he is satisfied so far. "I am at a level that allows me to be happy," he is quoted by Welt newspaper. "Apparently, some others are not so happy, but that's their position."

HRT Close To Toyota Technical Deal - Report: HRT is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement with Toyota's former Cologne based F1 team. Italy's 422race.com said the struggling Spanish outfit will sign the deal "in the next few days" after a long period of negotiation. The team's current car, the slowest in the 2010 field, was built by its former partner Dallara. The website said the HRT deal will involve use of Toyota Motorsport's Cologne headquarters, staff and designs of the unraced 2010 car, the TF110. Before the money arrives from Spain, Toyota is reportedly rehiring engineers including by publishing announcements in specialist magazines.

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Monaco Axe Threat Just Ecclestone 'Negotiations' - Tambay: Patrick Tambay has taken issue with Bernie Ecclestone's claim that Formula One can "do without Monaco." The F1 chief executive said recently that because of a growing list of potential race hosts but the schedule capped at 20 Grands Prix, "the Europeans are going to have to pay more money. We can do without Monaco," he insisted, adding that organizers of the famous street race in the Principality "don't pay enough." But Tambay, a winner of 2 Grands Prix in the '70s and '80s, told French radio RMC that Monte Carlo "would be a huge loss" to F1. "It is the highlight of the season and the Grand Prix with which partners and sponsors from around the world want to be involved," insisted the 61-year-old former McLaren, Ferrari and Renault driver. "There are things that probably need to be put straight. There are plenty of candidates who want to organize new Grands Prix, while the others pay fees that may need to be revised upwards. All of this is a matter of negotiations that Bernie Ecclestone is currently conducting with the Automobile Club de Monaco."

Red Bull Drops F1 Reserve Hartley - Reports: Brendon Hartley's management has declined to confirm reports the 20-year-old New Zealander has been axed by Red Bull. Alongside Daniel Ricciardo in 2010, Hartley was the energy drink company's joint F1 reserve driver, and recently attended the British Grand Prix. But unconfirmed blog reports on Tuesday suggested Hartley, racing this year in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, has been ousted from the Red Bull Junior Team. It is claimed Frenchman Jean Eric Vergne, driving in British F3, is the replacement, but at the time of writing Hartley is still listed on the Junior Team website. According to the NZPA news agency, Hartley's management refused to confirm the reports. But Auckland radio NewstalkZB on Wednesday quoted Hartley as saying he is "looking for another team" because of his severed ties with Red Bull.

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