Bernie Ecclestone admitted that Monaco is the best Grand Prix of the year. "Monaco always comes close to the top, doesn't it, because it is Monaco," (Photo: LAT Photographic)

F1 'Can Do Without Monaco' - Ecclestone: According to Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One could survive "without Monaco". With India making its debut next year and the US returning to the 2012 calendar, the F1 chief executive is also desperate to tap into the Russian market. But he is believed to be confined to a new agreement with team bosses to cap the annual calendar at 20 races. With eight of the 19 current races, F1's traditional heartland of Europe is the most represented on the schedule, but those venues pay the lowest promotional fees. The Independent newspaper claims the average race fee is now $31.2m, but it is believed that historic Monaco pays nothing. "The Europeans are going to have to pay more money or we will have to go somewhere else," said Briton Ecclestone, 79. "We can do without Monaco," he added, admitting that axing the famous street venue is not likely but "they don't pay enough".

Schumacher - Witness For Weber: Michael Schumacher is a "potential witness" for the current proceedings of a Stuttgart court, according to his former manager Willi Weber's lawyer.
Weber, who now handles Williams rookie Nico Hulkenberg's career, is defending more charges relating to the company Pole Position Marketing. The company handled official Formula One merchandising for both Schumacher and his younger brother Ralf. Weber was sentenced to probation and a hefty fine two years ago, so for the latest charges - involving the embezzlement of DUR 1.2 million - he could be jailed. "Michael Schumacher," said lawyer Barbara Livonius, "would be a potential witness."

Petrov To Hold 2011 Renault Talks 'Later': Vitaly Petrov is currently being left out of talks about being Robert Kubica's Renault teammate in 2011. Despite being initially labeled little more than a pay-driver, the Russian rookie has been a solid performer this season. But the Enstone based team's management, targeting a return to the top of the podium in the wake of the crashgate scandal and change of ownership, is openly contemplating its options for next year. Asked about 2011, Petrov said at an F1 demonstration event alongside Jenson Button in Moscow at the weekend: "Next year is in hand, the talks will be held later." Several experienced drivers are reportedly being considered for Petrov's seat, including Kimi Raikkonen, Nick Heidfeld, Heikki Kovalainen, Christian Klien and Adrian Sutil. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said Sauber rookie Kamui Kobayashi is also on the list. "Some are fanciful, others are realistic because there are already discussions," boss Eric Boullier is quoted by France's Auto Hebdo when asked about the reported candidates.

Blown Diffuser Test By McLaren At Hockenheim: McLaren is still not committed to qualifying and racing with a Red Bull-style 'blown diffuser' exhaust layout. At Silverstone, the British team tried the specification in Friday practice but reverted to the original setup for qualifying and the race. McLaren and its drivers still head both world championships with more than half the season now run, but boss Martin Whitmarsh admits the team is "under no illusions" about Red Bull having the faster car. He confirmed that the blown exhaust will be back on the car in Germany for a "major test program" to compare the new and old floor layout. "And, if these (tests) prove positive, we'll then look at the deployment of the new floor for the remainder of the race weekend. But that's a decision we'll only make after a thorough analysis of the inherent risks and benefits," added Whitmarsh. It is expected that Sauber will also run a blown diffuser for the first time at Hockenheim.