Essential Reading for January 14th, 2009

Recommended links for January 14th, 2009:

• Ecclestone drops in on Ferrari event – Bernie Ecclestone was a surprise visitor to the Ferrari media event at Madonna di Campiglio today and in reference to recent comments from Jackie Stewart, who called on Ecclestone, and Max Mosley, to step down, the F1 supremo hit back: "Most times – and I am frightened about this – when people get older, they become a bit senile and he's just caught it a bit early, that's all," said the 78-year-old.
• New twist for Button as Honda for £1 deal faces probe by DTI – Sportsmail understands that Daventry MP Tim Boswell, whose constituency includes the team’s Brackley base in Northamptonshire, has reacted to requests from staff concerned over their futures by contacting the DTI.

  One F1 insider said: "The level of anger and frustration at the factory is unbelievable. We wonder whether Nick is doing the right thing by wearing two hats. The DTI will be keen to make sure that Honda find the best, most competitive buyer."

• Bollywood star helps launch Force India team calendar – Force India’s preparations for the new season have stepped up a gear with the release of the team’s 2009 calendar, which was unveiled at an exclusive brunch on Sunday. Bollywood star Arjun Rampal and team principal Dr Vijay Mallya were both in attendance at the event, which took place in the Indian capital, New Delhi.