F1: Grand Prix News Briefs (Update 5)

Formula 1

F1: Grand Prix News Briefs (Update 5)

Sebastien Buemi isn't overly concerned about being on the hot seat in 2011...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted January 02, 2011 GMM Newswire

Sebastien Buemi could be in danger of losing his seat with Toro Rosso. (Photo: Getty Images)

Buemi Not Fazed By Ricciardo Pressure: Sebastien Buemi has revealed he is not overly concerned about the additional pressure on him in 2011. Once the cream of Red Bull's young driver program, the Swiss is now entering his third season with Toro Rosso and reportedly first in line to be replaced by the team's new Friday driver Daniel Ricciardo. "Daniel's presence will be a good thing," insisted 22-year-old Buemi when asked about his new Australian stablemate at the Valencia test this week." Anyway, that's just F1 — either you're good enough or you will be replaced by someone who is younger!" he laughed.

Santander Stays As McLaren Sponsor: Santander will remain a sponsor of the McLaren team in 2011. The Spanish bank's spokesman admitted last November that 2010 was a year of "transition" as the new major sponsorship with Ferrari began. "Who knows if in the future we will keep on having a relationship with them (McLaren) and their drivers?" he said. But Santander announced on Wednesday that the deal has indeed been extended, with the logo to now appear on the helmets and overalls of drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. "The relationship that we have built, initially with the McLaren team, and now its drivers, has been integral to creating and building the Santander brand in the UK," said Santander UK CEO Ana Botin. Spaniard Ana Botin is Grupo Santander chairman Emilio Botin's daughter. The McLaren/Santander sponsorship began in 2007.

Government 'Committed' To F1 In Melbourne: The state government on Wednesday said it continues to support the Australian GP. The Melbourne race beyond its 2014 contract has recently been the subject of speculation, with the city's Lord Mayor and the new Victorian premier publicly questioning the value of the annual event for taxpayers. F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone responded to the story by telling a German newspaper this week that "we (F1) don't need Australia." "The government has supported the Grand Prix because it is a significant international event which provides branding and tourism value for Victoria," state tourism minister Louise Asher said at the launch of the 2011 event on Wednesday. She also played down reports that new premier Ted Baillieu does not support the race inherited by his government. "In terms of the Baillieu government, we are committed to the Grand Prix," insisted Asher. And she said there are talks taking place with the organizing Australian Grand Prix Corporation about how to reduce costs.

Vettel Yet To Name 2011 Car: Sebastian Vettel has revealed that he is yet to think up a name for his new F1 car. Last year, the 23-year-old won his first title at the wheel of Randy Mandy, after the original RB6 named Luscious Liz was replaced due to damage after Monaco. The giving of an amorous female name has become one of the Red Bull driver's several F1-related superstitions, including the sliding of a lucky coin behind his boot laces. When asked about his new RB7 wearing the coveted No. 1 as it was launched at Valencia on Tuesday, Vettel told Welt newspaper: "The number looks good. I saw the car in one piece for the first time this morning. So I haven't got a name for her yet," he revealed. Vettel was also asked about reports that his friend Michael Schumacher suffers from motion sickness at the wheel of driver simulators. As for whether he has also been sick in a sim, he smiled: "Once, but only very briefly. I think it's an important tool with testing so limited, especially with regards to (learning) the tracks," added Vettel.

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Report - Corruption Threatening India GP?: It seems not everything is running smoothly as India prepares to host its inaugural GP in October. Last week, it emerged that Mark Hughes — the F1 boss of the race promoter Jaypee — had quit for "personal reasons" and switched to the Abu Dhabi project. Now, it has emerged that Suresh Kalmadi, the official who initiated India's F1 project, has been stepped down on suspicion of corruption. He was in charge of original F1 promoter the Indian Olympic Association, and is accused of hindering an inquiry of India's Central Bureau of Investigation. Autoweek said part of the investigation into malpractice surrounding the recent Commonwealth Games in Delhi could involve the alleged channelling of illegal profits through the current F1 promoter JPSK. 'JPSK' is reportedly an acronyn combining Jaypee with the initials of Kalmadi's son Sumeer, who co-owns the company.

Razia Admits Bringing Sponsor To Team Lotus: Luiz Razia is not hiding the fact that he is taking a personal sponsor to his new appointment with Team Lotus. It has been reported that, alongside Davide Valsecchi, Brazilian 21-year-old Razia — a GP2 driver and Virgin reserve in 2010 — will appear several times during Friday morning practice sessions this year. A report by Globo Esporte quoted Razia as admitting that "sponsorship is essential" for drivers today. "It was not crucial to the team hiring me, but it was welcomed," he said. Razia refused to disclose the name of his main sponsor. "At the moment I can't say anything," he insisted. "I'll only talk about it when I am allowed to." The report said Razia's first outing in the Team Lotus T128 will be at the Bahrain test prior to the 2011 season opener.

'All Teams' Eye Competitors' Staff - Haug: Norbert Haug has played down the recent movement of staff between leading F1 teams. After Ferrari signed Red Bull's strategy boss Neil Martin, Helmut Marko accused the famous Italian team of trying to poach the "spirit" of the new champions. Another high-profile signing by Ferrari is McLaren's Pat Fry, but Mercedes' Haug insists that staff transfers are commonplace. Asked if the German marque has also tried to engage some of Red Bull's personnel, he told the Welt newspaper: "I don't want to rule it out, or the reverse. We are all trying to improve our own teams and looking for good people." Haug has also revealed he is not in favor of allowing teams to field three cars per race. Ferrari, whose president Luca di Montezemolo is highly critical of the uncompetitive small teams, is pushing hard for the rule change. But Haug, Mercedes' competition director, is quoted by f1today.nl at the Valencia test: "Three cars per team is not something we support. It would be disastrous for the small teams, so we see the current situation as much healthier. If we can avoid having three cars per team, we certainly will do so."

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