Essential Reading for January 9th, 2009

Recommended links for January 9th, 2009:

• Di Resta rates F1 chances as ‘very slim’ – aul di Resta reckons there is still a 'very slim' chance he will be involved in Formula One this year, as he awaits news about his future plans.

  "The main thing is I am involved with the McLaren-Mercedes family and there are different options in there. We are just pushing on to see what we can get to drive, who knows what it will bring in 2009."

• Dennis sceptical on Donington plans – McLaren boss Ron Dennis says he remains sceptical about Donington Park's chances of hosting the British Grand Prix in 2010 despite the track securing planning permission for circuit changes this week.

  "I really do struggle to understand how the economics of Donington will work. They have had a 25% swing in the dollar and the contract will be a dollar-based contract. It has got a massive investment into infrastructure."

• Interview with Donington boss Gillett – Autosport.com spoke exclusively to Gillett on Friday morning to hear his views on the progress of the plans, what the financial situation for the circuit is and what his reaction to the critics has been.

  "We were fencing yesterday with the construction team and we are on site today. That is it – we are now full speed ahead. If you go up to Donington Park today you will see some big holes have started being dug."

  "Well, I've been told I wouldn't get the circuit. I've been told I wouldn't get planning. I've got both. So I am hoping now people will tell me I won't get on the grid and I won't be able to build it on time."

• Nick Fry keen to become big wheel at Honda – Nick Fry, the chief executive of Honda Racing, has emerged as a surprise front-runner to take over the stricken Formula One team.

  Fry's own involvement only came to light when various bidders – including the Greek shipping tycoon Achilleas Kallakis – expressed dissatisfaction with elements of the process.