Essential Reading for December 11th, 2008

Recommended links for December 11th, 2008:

• Hamilton gets hands on F1 trophy – The 23-year-old has had to wait since 2 November when he won the world title in thrilling fashion on the final day of the season in Brazil.

  An hour long ceremony preceded his introduction before being unveiled next to his McLaren at the FIA Gala dinner.

  "This year has been very special, the fulfilment of a dream," he said.

  "It is the conclusion of an ambition that has taken me and my family on an amazing journey.

• Donington boss sure of planning permission – "We're confident we've got planning (permission) in the bag," said Gillett, during a visit to the Monaco Business Forum. "We are not sitting there having not spoken to the council and not worked with them.

  "We've been through consultation for the last few months and we are recommended for approval. We are going there on January 8 expecting to come out with a piece of paper.

• Hamilton opposes standard engines – F1's governing body the FIA has agreed with the teams a plan to cut costs over the next two seasons but the details have not yet been revealed.

  World champion Hamilton told BBC Sport: "I don't think that (a standard engine) is ever going to happen.

  "I can't see that happening simply because the manufacturers play such a huge role in the sport "