F1 Racing News

FERRARI CONFIRM ROSSI TEST

2008-11-15T13:55:00.003-08:00

Rossi - eight MotoGP titles.

Ferrari have confirmed Valentino Rossi will be in action for the Scuderia at Mugello next week.

Having won his eighth MotoGP title last month, Rossi expressed his wishes to once again test a Ferrari F1 car and the team were quick to put his plans into action.

As a result the Italian will be back behind the wheel of a Ferrari at Mugello next Thursday and Friday.

"There's no secret about Valentino Rossi testing the Ferrari F2008 on November 20 and 21," team boss Stefano Domenicali told Autosport. "Everyone can attend. The Mugello celebrations must go on."

SURTEES: HAMILTON WILL INSPIRE KIDS

2008-11-15T13:55:00.001-08:00

Hamilton - will inpsire a new generation.

Former Formula One world champion John Surtees hopes Lewis Hamilton's title success will inspire a new generation of British drivers to take up the sport.

Hamilton overtook Timo Glock on the final corner of the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday to finish fifth and claim the championship by just one point.

At 23 years old, Hamilton is now the youngest man to lift the drivers' title in Formula One history.

Surtees became Formula One champion in 1964 and remains the only man in history to be world champion on two wheels and four after winning the 500cc world motorbike championship six years earlier.

Hamilton's win can now be the inspiration for young British drivers, according to Surtees.

"I hope it is a catalyst for getting more young people involved in British motorsport and giving them a chance to go out there and represent their country," he said.

"I hope it will do good things for British motorsport and inspire the kids who are all wanting to get onto the track involved with the sport.

"A lot of kids are starting out racing when they are eight or even six years old. They need a role model and Lewis can now provide that."

After narrowly missing out on the championship in his debut year in the sport, the 23-year-old now stands to become a global icon after his triumph.

Hamilton's win will be worth tens of millions of pounds to international brands and he stands to earn millions off the track on top of his lucrative racing contract with McLaren.

Surtees has warned Hamilton against being caught up in all the hysteria but insists he and his family are strong enough to keep Hamilton's feet firmly on the ground.

"He will now have to embrace all the wealth, luxury and all the hangers-on that come with it," said Surtees.

"But he is already a role model to many and I think generally he handles himself well off the circuit as well as on it.

"There was a lot of criticism flying about about him this year. I'd put that down to jealousy of his driving, his personality and his wealth.

"A lot of the responsibility for keeping his feet on the ground will be with his family. His father (Anthony) is an intelligent man and will guide him in the right direction.

"He will be key to keeping him in check. He wouldn't be so prominently involved with the team if he didn't have something between the ears. He is not a stupid individual and will know how to deal with these situations."

LEWIS 'STEPS TOWARDS DREAM'

2008-10-26T14:54:00.001-07:00

Hamilton takes the plaudits on the podium.

Lewis Hamilton described his victory at the Chinese Grand Prix as "another step towards my dream" as he heads into the final race of the season in Brazil with the World Championship in his sights.

The 23-year-old led from pole to flag in Shanghai with closest rival Felipe Massa in second and Kimi Raikonnen in third.

It means the Briton holds a seven-point lead over Massa heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos in two weeks' time.

Hamilton told the post-race press conference: "This is another step to the championship and towards my dream and towards my team's dream.

"The team deserve it. We've worked really hard."

The control Hamilton showed in Shanghai was in stark contrast to his travails in Fuji last week when he trailed in 12th after a mistake at the first corner.

"Our approach to this race was right," continued Hamilton. "It wasn't to go out and win everything in this race - it was to look at both races and score as many points collectively.

"Going to Brazil, it will be a much different situation to last year.

"We will be a lot more competitive than we are here.

"So that's comforting. We know we've got to do a good job

"It will be tough, these two (Massa and Raikonnen) will be pushing us hard."

He continued: "It was quite straightforward, we got everything right. "It was a great start, probably one of the best we've had this year which was needed.

"I took it easy for the first few corners and then started to build the gap.

"We were just very consistent, every lap was a bit faster and there were very few errors through the race. From there it was pretty smooth sailing.

"After the second pit stop we were pretty much cruising, looking after the tyres and the engine.

"I knew there was an even bigger gap behind me.

"I just had to keep it under control, it wasn't tough at all.

"When you are at the front and you've got a gap and you can push a bit more.

"It is quite comforting, about keeping your head and keeping calm."

Hamilton paid tribute to the McLaren team, saying: "All weekend we've had God on our side as always and the team have done a phenomenal job really.

"We came here and the car felt fantastic all weekend - I owe so much to the guys, not just at the track but at home.

"The car is really a dream to drive.

"It was a fantastic team effort so a big thanks to them."

Massa appeared downcast and acknowledged Ferrari's best efforts were not enough.

"I didn't have a good start. We just stayed in the same positions.

"Lewis was a bit stronger in the beginning - he just started pulling away and this make his race more comfortable.

"For us we were driving on the limit trying to reduce the gap but it was not possible.

"Lewis had a better car for the whole weekend.

"I think for the championship it was not fantastic but for the constructors it was very good."

Massa passed Raikonnen towards the end of the race enabling him to reduce the gap between himself and Hamilton heading into Brazil.

Raikonnen explained: "We know what we want as a team and that is what we did, it is normal in these situations.

"Unfortunately we were second and third but hopefully (in the) next race we can challenge him a bit more.

"We gave the best but it didn't work out."

FERRARI WANT TEAM ORDERS

2008-10-25T14:59:00.001-07:00

Di Montezemolo - wants team orders to return.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is eager for the FIA to change the rules regarding the use of team orders in Formula One.

Team orders were banned in the wake of Austrian 2002 when Rubens Barrichello blatantly moved aside for Michael Schumacher, earning jeers from the crowd and worldwide condemnation.

However, just because they are banned that doesn't mean they are not used.

In Germany this season Heikki Kovalainen eased aside to allow his faster team-mate Lewis Hamilton to move up a position while in China Kimi Raikkonen did the same for Felipe Massa.

As a result di Montezemolo has admitted that he would like to talk with FIA president Max Mosley about changing the rules.

"I'll talk about it with Mosley, we need to get rid of this hypocrisy," di Montezemolo told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The important thing is not to damage others. Besides that, team work, in a team sport, is one of the best things. Think of a cyclist leading the sprint for another."

HAMILTON: MASSA EXPECTATION NO FILLIP

2008-10-25T13:54:00.003-07:00

Hamilton - has a sevn-point lead.

Lewis Hamilton believes Felipe Massa's home advantage could prove a double-edged sword when the rivals face off for the Formula One world title in Brazil.

Hamilton heads to Massa's home turf of Sao Paulo next week with a seven-point lead following the ninth win of his career in China on Sunday.

The 23-year-old just needs to steer his McLaren into the top five to become the youngest champion in F1 history, irrespective of how Massa fares.

The Ferrari star can only take the title if he wins and Hamilton is sixth or lower, or if he is second and the 23-year-old is eighth or lower.

Massa's 100,000-strong army of fans at Interlagos will fervently feel their hero can become the country's first champion since the late Ayrton Senna in 1991.

But while the support will undoubtedly help Massa, Hamilton also feels it could have an adverse effect due to the weight of expectation.

"It definitely gives you some form of boost, but it's hard to explain exactly what that is," remarked Hamilton.

"Nigel Mansell used to talk about it being worth a second per lap. It's clearly not worth that much, but there is something to what he said.

"I know Felipe is very proud to be Brazilian and that he'll be pumped up to perform in front of his home crowd.

"That gives you extra confidence and a mental boost for the whole weekend.

"I remember at Silverstone earlier this year when I won the British Grand Prix just how much appreciation I received from the crowd and just what it meant to me.

"But it does bring extra pressure too. You know you are there to entertain the people and you don't want to disappoint them by sending them home empty-handed."

However, Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali is convinced Massa will be able to shoulder the burden of responsibility.

"I'm not concerned about the pressure he might come under," said Domenicali.

"I think the race on Sunday was a more tense one for Felipe because he knew there was a possibility Lewis could be champion.

"Considering he was not competitive enough to beat Lewis, and you never know about reliability, you have to say 'okay, we did what we could to the maximum'.

"So I am expecting Felipe to be more - I don't think it's correct to say relaxed, but more tranquil in Brazil rather than in China.

"I'm pretty sure he will handle the pressure in a positive way."

KUBICA AIMING FOR TOP-THREE FINISH

2008-10-25T13:54:00.001-07:00

Kubica - impressive season.

Robert Kubica is intent on keeping Kimi Raikkonen at bay in the season-ending Brazilian GP and holding onto third place in the standings.

Kubica has had an impressive season with BMW, challenging for the drivers' title right up until the penultimate race in China.

In Shanghai, though, he dropped 19 points behind Championship leader Lewis Hamilton to fall out of the running.

However, Kubica is now hoping to finish third in the standings, although in order to do that he will need to keep Raikkonen behind him as the Finn is only six points adrift.

"It would have been excellent for myself to finish in the top three at the end of the season," Kubica said.

"You never know whether you'll get another chance over the next five years or so to lead the world championship after seven races.

"Our consistency and reliability is what kept us in the battle for the Championship."

"I was always quick, and had very few errors. Of course, I am very ambitious and always give one hundred percent, but you still always have the feeling that we could have done better.

"However, we should be happy with what we have achieved."

TEAMS EXPRESS CANADA 'DISAPPOINTMENT'

2008-10-14T13:54:00.007-07:00

Theissen - criticised decision.

A number of leading car manufacturer teams in Formula One are adamant it is a financial necessity to have a North American race on the calendar despite the decision to drop Canada for next season.

The FIA released a revised schedule for 2009 earlier this week with Abu Dhabi being added as Canada lost out.

But a number of teams are shocked at the decision and are keen to see a race return to North America in the near future.

"We are not happy about not being in North America," said BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen.

"The United States is the most important and biggest car market for BMW and I think for the industry as a whole.

"It has always been difficult to set foot into the US but Canada has always been a very strong operational base to get a second race up and running in the US.

"Rather than drop the Canada race we would rather use it or expand the operations in North America to have a Canadian plus at least one US race."

Honda chief executive Nick Fry agreed with Theissen, adding that the issue will be brought up at the next team meeting.

"We are hugely disappointed," he said. "It is difficult to emphasise by exactly how much.

"Honda is very successful in Canada, we make cars there and the local company is hugely enthusiastic about Formula One.

"We sponsor the event and we would like to see it back on the calendar as soon as possible.

"I think it will be a major topic of conversation at the next meeting of teams."

John Howett, Toyota team president and vice-president of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) added that is important for the sport to establish a strong foothold in the continent.

"We are sad because it is a great race and we like to go there," he said.

"I think one of the targets of FOTA is to actually ask the commercial rights holder to really establish a strong foothold in North America - particularly the United States - with a race which showcases Formula One well.

"It is a very important market for Formula One and hopefully in the next one to two years we can establish a proper race in the United States."

MASSA CUTS GAP FURTHER AFTER PENALTY

2008-10-14T13:54:00.005-07:00

Massa - he and Hamilton collided.

Felipe Massa rebuffed accusations he had deliberately collided with world championship leader Lewis Hamilton at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Hamilton, looking to move into fifth place having dropped from pole after a bad start, was spun by Massa on the second lap after the Brazilian had ran over the kerbs trying to regain his place.

The Ferrari driver was hit with a drive-through penalty for the incident while Hamilton was also penalised after he had earlier impeded Kimi Raikkonen.

But Massa insisted he could do nothing to avoid the collision.

"With two wheels on the gravel I could not stop the car and I was there because he (Hamilton) pushed me there," he said.

"For me it was a racing incident because he broke late but then I was a little bit wide in the turn.

"He put the car inside and I was outside but then he pushed me a little bit onto the gravel and then I put two wheels on the gravel and he closed and we touched."

Consequently Massa finished eighth in the race before being promoted to seventh after Sebastien Bourdais, who was sixth, was handed a 25-second time penalty for a collision with the former late on.

Hamilton, meanwhile, finished outside the points as Renault's Fernando Alonso won his second successive race.

Massa now trails Hamilton by just five points with two races remaining.

But the 27-year-old remained grounded over his prospects in China and Brazil.

"It could have been better but it could have been worse looking at where we started and where Lewis started," added Massa.

"We cannot leave here saying it was a disaster, it could have been better in terms of points but we at least finished in front (of the McLarens).

"You have to think race-by-race. Maybe you come here and you have a difficult result but in the next race you are very strong again.

"For me it will be two very difficult races. They (McLaren) can be very strong but so can we and we need to believe that."

Massa's team-mate Raikkonen finished third but the Finn believes he should have done even better.

The defending champion was involved in a thrilling tussle with Robert Kubica for second place, a battle the BMW Sauber driver eventually came out on top.

"Even if a third place has put an end to a run of poor results I am a bit disappointed because we had a means to win," said Raikkonen.

"I tried several times to attack Robert but he defended his position well.

"In any case I am happy to brought home important points for the team."

Ferrari lead McLaren by seven points in the constructor standings with two races remaining.

INDIAN GP IN 2011 - ECCLESTONE

2008-10-14T13:54:00.003-07:00

Ecclestone - set to add India to his calendar.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is reported to have confirmed India will be added to the race calendar in 2011 and hinted Russia may also get an event in the near future.

"In Russia we have two or three open options," Ecclestone told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The first regards Moscow obviously. But it is not the time to think about a date.

"Then there is India and here I can say that the race will be on the calendar in 2011."

For 2009 Canada lost its place on the calendar while Abu Dhabi was added as the season-ending race.

Consequently North America will have no race at all after the US Grand Prix was axed last year.

"America works differently," added Ecclestone. "Certain world events such as Formula One in some countries or Olympic Games are financed by the state.

"But in America they are organised by private entities who want to profit before the race is held. That is too much."

Following the success of Formula One's first-ever night race in Singapore two weeks ago there have been suggestions more night races could be added to the calendar.

But Ecclestone confirmed that Singapore will remain the only race under lights in 2009 while adding there is no reason for a European race to be held at night.

"A GP in Singapore was born from the requirement to have a race that was at an acceptable time to watch in Europe," he added.

"All GPs in that part of the world could in theory be moved to night (races) but in 2009 there will be just Singapore.

"In Europe I do not see any reason for a race to be held after sunset."

DENNIS CALLS FOR FINAL PUSH

2008-10-14T13:54:00.001-07:00

Dennis - baffled by drive-through penalty.

Ron Dennis has called on everyone at McLaren to "dig deep" in order to give Lewis Hamilton the best possible chance of securing the Formula One drivers' championship.

The young Briton failed to capitalise on a golden chance to extend his lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa at the Japanese Grand Prix when he finished 12th having started in pole position.

Fortunately for the 23-year-old, Massa could only manage to collect two points from the race having finished eighth before being promoted to seventh following Sebastien Bourdais' penalty.

The duo clashed on the second lap at the Fuji Speedway circuit when Massa ran wide at the chicane before colliding with Hamilton when trying to regain his place.

And McLaren boss Dennis believes that the outcome of the result could have been worse under the circumstances.

"All in all, as far as the Championship is concerned, I guess things could have been worse," he said. "But there is no getting away from the fact it was a disappointing weekend.

"However, Lewis is still five points clear in the drivers' championship with two races to go.

"I know that our whole team will dig deep from here on in.

"The fact is he (Hamilton) is a great driver, we will fight for the world championship but sometimes it is a bit of an uphill struggle."

Stewards handed Hamilton a drive-through penalty when he was deemed to have impeded Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen at the first corner at the start of the race.

And Dennis admitted he was dumbfounded by the decision.

"It was a very challenging day," he added. "We were a bit surprised that Lewis was given a penalty in respect of the first-corner incident, simply because we have all seen similar incidents that have triggered no such penalty.

"Drivers miss braking points and run wide. These things happen.

"Everyone had the same problem. As far as we are concerned it was just a racing incident.

"We were in very good shape for the race so it is very frustrating."

Ferrari moved seven points clear of McLaren in the constructors' standings with Massa's seventh and Raikkonen's third-place finish earning them eight points.

There was added disappointment for McLaren as Heikki Kovalainen retired from third place due to engine failure on lap 17.

"I made a good start and, although I ran wide at the first corner, I still managed to slot in behind Robert (Kubica) and Fernando (Alonso)," said Kovalainen.

"I was feeling pretty confident about catching them both because the car was feeling fantastic and then, all of a sudden, the engine stopped.

"That was a real pity because our reliability has been fantastic all season."

BUTTON 'SAD' TO SEE CANADIAN GP AXED

2008-10-12T13:53:00.007-07:00

Button - disappointed.

Several Formula One drivers including Jenson Button have expressed disappointment after the Canadian Grand Prix was dropped from the 2009 calendar.

The FIA released a revised calendar on Tuesday which did not feature the Montreal race while Abu Dhabi was added, ensuring there will still be 18 races.

It will be the first time since 1987 that Canada has not featured, and the decision to drop the race also means there will be no race held in North America with the American Grand Prix having already lost its place.

But a number of drivers admitted the absence of the Montreal circuit is disappointing.

Speaking ahead of the Japan Grand Prix, Honda's Button conceded that while the circuit was starting to suffer he enjoyed the whole event in Canada immensely.

"I've obviously spent a few years racing at Montreal," said the 28-year-old British driver.

"I think it is a great city and it was one of the best races to go to. It is a lot of fun.

"The circuit itself was breaking up quite a bit over the last couple of years and causing a lot of difficulties for us.

"It is always sad seeing a circuit go. We do get a holiday now in the summer, which is nice, but it is sad to see it go.

"I don't know the reasons behind it but for sure I will miss the city."

Red Bull's Mark Webber echoed Button's sentiments, adding that there was always plenty of action on the circuit.

"It is a shame as it was a good race to go to and they always try very hard, especially last year they made such a good effort with the facilities," said the Australian.

"It always provides a good race with some action but it gives us a break now."

For Toyota driver Timo Glock the circuit holds special memories after the German picked up two points there in 2004, joining the select few who have scored points on their Formula One debuts.

"It is a shame we have lost Canada," he said. "I had really good memories as I scored two points in my first Formula One race there.

"It was one of the best races on the calendar and it is a shame we will be missing it."

Kazuki Nakajima is in his first full season in Formula One and although he failed to finish in Canada this year, the Williams driver is still sad to see it go.

"I think it is very sad news," he said. "I raced there only once this year. Even though the circuit was breaking up and there were a lot of problems the race itself has always been exciting.

"It is good to have a summer break but missing Canada is probably not a good thing."

BUTTON CALM DESPITE NO NEW DEAL

2008-10-12T13:53:00.005-07:00

Button - no rush to settle future.

Jenson Button is unconcerned he has yet to be confirmed as a Honda driver for next season.

The 28-year-old has been in discussion with the team for several months regarding his future but no agreement has yet been reached and he remains unsigned for 2009.

Honda have been chasing Renault's Fernando Alonso as they look to improve their fortunes on the track next season but Button insisted he was not worried.

"We are not in a rush, it's fine," he said. "There are a lot changes next year which makes it very exciting.

"Every team will say they are going to be quicker next year than this year, they are going to build a good car. There is one thing we can't do and that's make a slow car.

"I am positive for next year and hopefully I will be with Honda next season and we can build a very competitive car.

"I know that the team will do a great job in building a new car. It's what other people do, that's what we have got to wait and see."

Button was speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend and, after a rain-drenched race on the Fuji Speedway circuit last year, conditions look likely to be dry on Sunday.

"This is an interesting circuit," added Button. "It is very different to most places we go.

"There are a lot of very late apexes and it is very, very different to most.

"Last year we went well in the wet conditions. I am not sure if it is going to be the same situation this year. From looking at our weather forecast it is not going to be anywhere near as wet as last year either, so we don't really know how we are going to fare until we drive tomorrow.

"But it is nice to be back and it is nice to be back in Japan."

HAMILTON IN FOR A HARD TIME - MASSA

2008-10-12T13:53:00.003-07:00

Massa - won't give up.

Felipe Massa insists he will push Lewis Hamilton all the way as the duo continue their battle for the world championship title at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.

The Ferrari driver trails McLaren's Hamilton by seven points with three races of the season remaining.

It could have been a different story if Massa had not suffered misfortune in the pits in Singapore two weeks ago.

The Brazilian drove off with the fuel hose still attached after being given an incorrect signal from Ferrari's automated system and consequently he failed to finish in the points to hand Hamilton a big advantage.

However, Massa is adamant he is over that disappointment and is ready to resume his title fight on the Fuji Speedway circuit.

"At this moment he (Hamilton) has the advantage but maybe by the next race it is different," he said.

"I think he is a very strong driver. He is a very strong man and will be very hard to fight with but I think we are very strong also.

"We have shown we can have great performances as drivers, we have a great car and that is for sure the most important thing for the last three races.

"I will try to do well in qualifying, try to do a good run in the first stint and then an even better in the second and third stint."

With team-mate Kimi Raikkonen's title hopes all but ended his attention has switched to helping the team finish the season as strongly as possible.

And Massa insists the whole team has an important role to play at this stage of the season.

"As a team the job from all of us is crucial," added the 27-year-old.

"Everybody is important throughout the season but they are even more important now."

After the events in Singapore Ferrari have decided to revert to the traditional hand-held 'lollipop' system in Japan.

And Massa believes that though it is a slower method it will reduce the chances of a mistake happening again.

"I think it is the right decision," he added.

"The big difference by having the lollipop is if there is a problem then the guy with the lollipop can move it and make a huge shunt with your head so that you brake.

"In terms of performance, the traffic light is quicker. We always try to get the quickest performance in every area, but unfortunately if you have a problem it doesn't help.

"We have made another small step aerodynamically with the car and the lollipop but that are the only changes..

"Everybody is pushing 110% to get what we want."

FORCE INDIA WELCOME COST CUTTING

2008-10-12T13:53:00.001-07:00

Mosley - plans to cut costs.

Force India's director of business affairs Ian Phillips has welcomed plans by Formula One bosses to reduce costs in response to the global credit crunch.

FIA president Max Mosley said earlier this week teams could not afford to survive on billionaires' handouts and must become more cost-effective if the sport is to survive.

The world governing body will meet all the members of the Formula One Teams' Association after the Chinese Grand Prix on October 19 to discuss ways of reducing costs.

And Phillips is fully supportive of any action which will ease the financial burden, especially on the smaller, independent teams like Force India.

"A redressing of the balance has been overdue for some time," he said.

"Probably for five years we have been overspending and it is time to pull back. The credit crunch has brought it to a head.

"I work for an independent team. It has had four owners in four years and each one of those has not been able to fulfil their desires financially in Formula One and have got out.

"But I think things have pretty much balanced out now."

Phillips also praised Mosley, whose private life has been in the news more than his professional dealings in the last year having sued the News of the World over lurid allegations they made against him, for taking a stand in trying to safeguard the sport.

"He wants to leave a legacy in motorsport that is not related to his personal life," he told Radio 5 Live.

"If he carries it through what he says he is going to do I have no doubt he will leave a legacy."

CANADIAN GP AXED FROM 2009 CALENDAR

2008-10-09T23:19:00.037-07:00

Kubica - 2009 Canadian GP winner.

The FIA have confirmed that the Canadian Grand Prix, won this year by Robert Kubica, has been dropped from the 2009 Formula One season.

Bar a sabbatical in 1987, the Canadian GP has been held every year at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve since 1978.

The decision also means North America will have no race next year after the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis was dropped from the calendar this year.

Next season will once again comprise of 18 races. The Turkish Grand Prix moves from August to June as motorsport's governing body kept the status quo regarding the traditional summer break for teams.

2009 calendar:
29 March - Australia
5 April- Malaysia
19 April - Bahrain
10 May - Spain
24 May - Monaco
7 June - Turkey
21 June - Great Britain
28 June - France
12 July - Germany
26 July - Hungary
23 August - Europe (Valencia)
30 August - Belgium
13 September - Italy
27 September - Singapore
11 October - Japan
18 October - China
1 November - Brazil
15 November - Abu Dhabi

CANADIAN GP AXED FROM 2009 CALENDAR

2008-10-09T23:19:00.035-07:00

Kubica - 2009 Canadian GP winner.

The FIA have confirmed that the Canadian Grand Prix, won this year by Robert Kubica, has been dropped from the 2009 Formula One season.

Bar a sabbatical in 1987, the Canadian GP has been held every year at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve since 1978.

The decision also means North America will have no race next year after the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis was dropped from the calendar this year.

Next season will once again comprise of 18 races. The Turkish Grand Prix moves from August to June as motorsport's governing body kept the status quo regarding the traditional summer break for teams.

CANADIAN GP AXED FROM 2009 CALENDAR

2008-10-09T23:19:00.033-07:00

Kubica - 2009 Canadian GP winner.

The FIA have confirmed that the Canadian Grand Prix, won this year by Robert Kubica, has been dropped from the 2009 Formula One season.

Bar a sabbatical in 1987, the Canadian GP has been held every year at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve since 1978.

The decision also means North America will have no race next year after the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis was dropped from the calendar this year.

Next season will once again comprise of 18 races. The Turkish Grand Prix moves from August to June as motorsport's governing body kept the status quo regarding the traditional summer break for teams.

POINTS FRUSTRATION FOR HAMILTON

2008-10-09T23:19:00.031-07:00

Hamilton - hard to curb natural instincts.

Lewis Hamilton has revealed his hatred of driving for points as he attempts to become Formula One's youngest world champion.

Hamilton found himself curbing his natural racing instincts during last Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix when he finished third at the end of the sport's first night race.

But the 23-year-old McLaren star also feels it proved a valuable lesson which will stand him in good stead over the remaining three races in Japan, China and Brazil.

"I think I learned something when I was behind David Coulthard in Singapore," remarked Hamilton, who has a seven-point cushion over nearest rival Felipe Massa.

"Previously, you'd tell yourself to be consistent and avoid any unnecessary mistakes, but it's one thing saying it and another to do it.

"Once you get in the car it can be hard to stop the instincts you have been developing since you were eight years old.

"But I actually think Singapore was a good learning experience.

"There was less pressure to achieve a victory because of the unusual circumstances, which meant I was actually able to start thinking of the world championship.

"I hate driving for points, but I think we can all see the benefit of that approach at the moment."

The unusual circumstances referred to by Hamilton relate to the problems suffered by Massa, who finished an eventful 13th after starting from pole.

The Brazilian was embroiled in a pit-stop fiasco when he exited too early, knocking over two mechanics before heading down the pit lane with the fuel hose still attached to his Ferrari.

Massa was also given a drive-through penalty for an unsafe release from the pits, before a spin late on caused Adrian Sutil to crash.

Such a disastrous race means Hamilton has a healthy advantage over Massa going into next Sunday's race in Fuji where he triumphed last year during a torrential downpour.

Hamilton is naturally looking forward to returning to the scene of such a memorable victory, and hoping for one notable change.

"I love Japan," enthused Hamilton.

"Last year might have been difficult because of the wet weather and the poor visibility, but I actually really enjoyed that weekend.

"One of the questions I get asked most is whether I prefer to drive in the rain, and my answer is always the same - I'll race in the wet or dry, I don't mind.

"But it's always easier for us drivers to race in the dry, so I'd always prefer a dry race."

CANADIAN GP AXED FROM 2009 CALENDAR

2008-10-09T23:19:00.029-07:00

Kubica - 2009 Canadian GP winner.

The FIA have confirmed that the Canadian Grand Prix, won this year by Robert Kubica, has been dropped from the 2009 Formula One season.

Bar a sabbatical in 1987, the Canadian GP has been held every year at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve since 1978.

The decision also means North America will have no race next year after the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis was dropped from the calendar this year.

Next season will once again comprise of 18 races. The Turkish Grand Prix moves from August to June as motorsport's governing body kept the status quo regarding the traditional summer break for teams.

POINTS FRUSTRATION FOR HAMILTON

2008-10-09T23:19:00.027-07:00