Expectations were high for the Villeneuve/Durango F1 project even when FIA decided not to inculde a 13th team in the grid for the 2011 season. but after failing to purchase an existing F1 team entry, former ex wordl champion Jacques Villeneuve has now admitted that he has given up on trying to get back into F1.
Following safety complaints from F1 drivers about potential trouble spots on the "almost" ready Yeongam circuit, Korean Grand Prix organisers have decided to make minor modifications to the new Formula 1 track, reminding strongly the controversial fiasco of the 2005 US Grand Prix when safety reasons in the parabolic turn of the F1 layout of the Indianapolis Motor speedway that caused Michelin-backed teams to retire from the race before its start..
An announcement by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes confirms the deal with vodafone for the extension of the title partnership since 2013.
Durango/Villeneuve F1 project might have lost the 13th F1 grid position as well as the other candidates but Villeneuve promised to move to a possible "plan B" purchasing the entry of an existing F1 team. Moreover, Durango boss Ivone Pinton admited that they have not yet given up on some kind of F1 involvement in 2011 or an alternative NASCAR participation instead if things don’t work out for F1, following latest Villeneuve's excellent NASCAR performance with Braun Motorsports.
Following the announcement of forthcoming Indian, US and Rome Grand Prix within the next years, Rusian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has signed a 6-year contract with Bernie Ecllestone for a Russian Grand Prix since 2014 in Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Although speculations for a call off, The Korean Grand Prix will go ahead after FIA's Charlie Whiting gave the newly-laid circuit his approval for racing.
GP2 championship runner up Sergio Perez will be Kamui Kobayashi's teammate at Sauber F1 Team for the 2011 season after an agreement that involves a sponsorship by Mexican communications giant Telmex.
While Volkswagen Group is the midst of completing a merger that will put German automakers VW, Porsche and Audi brands under one ownership structure, along with Skoda, Bentley and other European brands, there are huge speculations at the Paris Motor Show that the merged company will increase its participations in the world motorsport in the near future after the termination of the merge procedures.
Italian media reported that Nigel Stepney who was accused of sabotage and leaking confidential data to McLaren in a 2007 spy scandal, has been jail sentenced to a year and eight months on prison and handed a £516 fine - but Italy's legal system means he is highly unlikely to serve any time in prison after given a plea bargain.
