One Racing Licence Returned

Kimi Raikkonen returns to the pitlane after winning the Belgian Grand Prix this year. It will be his last win in F1 for now, as Kimi’s manager confirmed the former Ferrari driver won’t be returning to the cockpit in 2010. Also in the news today, Spa Francorchamps received the licence they need to host the Belgian GP next year.

Credit: Bridgestone Corporation

18-Nov-09: McLaren Confirm Button and Hamilton Lineup

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It’s the 18th November 2009 and this is F1 Minute.

It’s all happened today, with the first news to hit us this morning that Kimi Raikkonen wouldn’t be racing in F1 next year. It’s been a rumour, obviously, but his manager Steve Robertson confirmed that the Finn will not be in F1, and more likely to go rallying or take a sabbatical. Sad times indeed.

Then the Button to McLaren speculation came to an abrupt end when the team confirmed that the new world champion will be partnering the old world champion in 2010. Button and Hamilton at McLaren, leaving two spare seats at Brawn GP. Many, including Ross Brawn and Jackie Stewart believe this is the wrong decision from Button, but the Brit is confident he can challenge Hamilton in the races to come.

Finally, Grandprix.com reported that the Spa circuit has been given the necessary licence by local government to hold the Formula 1 race there next year. Excellent news.

That’s all for now, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.

The Only Way Is Up

The BBC film a segment for their coverage of the Belgian Grand Prix with teenage European Skateboard Champion Axel Cruysberghs. He started at the top of Eau Rouge and skateboarded down the circuit, reaching speeds of 30mph.

Credit: Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty Images

Fisi Finishes Second

Before the race began, Fisichella said his aim was to pick up some points, and it would be a dream to get on the podium. A dream it was, then, as he guided his Force India VJM02 across the line in second place, with Kimi Raikkonen the sole driver ahead of him.

Credit: Force India F1

The Unusual Suspects

The top three drivers of qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix line up for a photo call after the sessions had ended. The unusual collection includes a Force India, a BMW and a Toyota. What will the race hold in store?

Credit: BMW AG

08-Sep-08: Williams Move Development on to 2009

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This is F1 Minute for the 8th September 2008.

Everyone is still talking about the Hamilton penalty controversy, but I thought it would be good to look at some of the stories that have slipped under the radar this weekend.

Frank Williams has admitted that the team are putting most of their resources into the 2009 development now, especially after another disappointing race result at Spa. He said: “We recognise that this year’s car is almost as developed as we can successfully do it, short of a major revamp of all the aerodynamics and next year’s car is the one where we pin our hopes.”

Also this weekend, Autosport.com reported that Bernie Ecclestone has been discussing with team principals the possibility of a return of the US Grand Prix. There are no details, but we know the teams are keen to see a return to the US, for the fans and for the marketplace. Whether it would return to Indianapolis, we don’t know yet. Would you like to see F1 return to Indy, or would another US circuit be better? Let me know what you think at F1 Minute.com.

06-Jun-08: Massa and Hamilton Lead the Way in Canada Free Practice

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Hi everyone, this is F1 Minute and today is the 6^th June.

Massa led the way in Free Practice 1 in Canada, with Hamilton taking the top spot during the second session. The day was relatively uneventful, although some rain before practice began in the morning meant the first session was declared wet. There were plenty of drivers running off track but no major incidents. In FP2, both Kubica and Glock hit the wall, both Coulthard and Webber spun on track and both Massa and Piquet suffered mechanical troubles.

Elsewhere today, Bernie Ecclestone is in trouble for some remarks he made to The Daily Express, a UK newspaper, which the FIA African Council has found to be unnecessary and derogatory. Ecclestone’s quotes went something along the lines of Max not being able to do his job any better just because he had a few votes from extra Africa. The Council are asking for a withdrawal and an apology.

And finally, there are reports that the Belgian Grand Prix will be held at Spa until 2012 and maybe even 2015.

That’s all for today, I will be back with all the details of qualifying tomorrow in another F1 Minute.