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2005 NEWS: WORLD AUTO RACING

2005 WORLD AUTO RACING NEWS             2005 WORLD MOTO RACING NEWS

PRESS RELEASE

F1: BARRICHELLO MOVES TO BAR ; MASSA JOINS FERRARI (AUG 3, 2005)

After 6 years and 9 GP wins with Ferrari, Rubens Barrichello will drive for BAR-Honda team from 2006. His place in Ferrari will be taken by 24 year old Brazilian Felipe Massa who currently drives for Sauber. Massa is a Ferrari protege having been its test driver in 2003 and is managed by Ferrari team boss Jean Todt's son. Before making his F1 debut in 2002, Massa had won the Brazilian Formula Chevrolet championship, European Formula Renault championship, Italian Formula Renault championship and the European F3000 championship.

• MASSA: "I am very happy and proud to be racing with Ferrari in 2006. Maranello has believed in me since 2001, when I had yet to make my Formula 1 debut. Now, I am in my third season as a Sauber driver and I can also count on a year's experience as a Ferrari test driver, an experience which helped me to grow a great deal. I feel ready for this new challenge, which is the best opportunity of my career. I am aware of the responsibility it places on me and I cannot wait to be part of a team like Ferrari, alongside the best driver in the world, Michael Schumacher. I wish to thank Peter Sauber for having had faith in me over these past three years. I will do my very best in the final six races of the season to get the best possible results for his team."
• FERRARI (Luca di Montezemolo, President): "We gave Rubens Barrichello the possibility of accepting an offer of a multi-year contract, longer therefore than the length of his relationship with us, while we also had the possibility of exercising an existing option in the contract we have with Felipe Massa, a young driver who nevertheless already has sufficient experience and whom we had already targeted as far back as 2001. I wish to thank Rubens for his contribution over the past few years, which, to date, has helped us to win five Constructors' Championships. From him, from everyone at Ferrari and from our technical partners, first and foremost Bridgestone, I am expecting maximum concentration and effort to get back to winning ways before the end of this season."

F1: TOYOTA ANNOUNCES JORDAN ENGINE EXTENSION (JULY 30, 2005)

Toyota Motorsport GmbH has today announced that it has renewed the existing contract with Jordan Grand Prix and the Midland Group, which will see Toyota supply customer engines to the team for the 2006 season. Details of the contract will be similar to the existing deal with Jordan in that Toyota will ensure that Midland receives the latest specification of RVX-06 engine throughout the entire season.

• Tsutomu Tomita (Chairman of Toyota Motorsport): "We are very pleased that Jordan Grand Prix and Midland have opted to renew the one-year contract. It has always been a priority for Toyota to support the independent teams in Formula 1, so we are happy to be in a position to continue this successful collaboration with the team for 2006. We are in an advanced stage of our V8 engine programme for next season and by finalising this new one-year deal with Jordan Grand Prix and Midland for 2006 at an early stage we will be able to accelerate development."
• JORDAN (Colin Kolles): "The co-operation with Toyota has been a key element for Jordan this season and with their commitment to our team they have put Formula One above their own exclusivity. We are in a transition year and the exceptional Toyota engine reliability record is essential for us to gather data to be used to develop the 2006 car. I also hope we can help Toyota in the battle for world championship honours."

F1: BUTTON CAUGHT BETWEEN BAR & WILLIAMS AGAIN (JULY 30, 2005)

Reminiscent of last year's legal tussle between BAR and Williams, Jenson Button's future is once again in crisis. Despite his wish to move to Williams, Button was forced to stay at BAR. But he signed a preformance clause which allows him to join Williams in 2006 if his championship points are less than 75% of the leader by the end of July 2005. As he is 72 points behind Alonso going into this weekends Hungarian GP, the clause will come into effect. That is he is free to join Williams next season. The only problem is Jenson Button now wants to stay at BAR because he feels Williams will struggle with non-works Cosworth engine next year.

• BUTTON: "The BAR team is my best chance of becoming Britain's next world champion ... For me, the best thing is to stay with BAR, not just in short term ... I hope people will understand I want to be with the best team possible and that's BAR ... I have been in Formula One for six years now and I am ready to win races. I am ready to challenge for the World Championship. I can't wait for another three years to build a team up. I need to be with a team that's fulfilling in the short term and one that has a works engine manufacturer ... To be competitive next year any team has to be with a manufacturer that is fully involved. The position has changed a lot with Williams from last year. A racing driver's career is short, so you have to make the best of it you can."
• WILLIAMS (F Williams): "We have a fully binding contract. There's no let up. It's clear to understand. Once you give your word you need to keep your word. Jenson is emphatically not for sale. We are a serious racing team and we need him ... We have a proper and correct legal right ... We require him to be here, our sponsors are predicated on his presence - we have promised ... I hear and understand his (Button's) concerns about his present team's competitive position and our uncompetitive situation ... We shall be back, if not in the second half of this year then certainly next season. What this demonstrates is that if, when it suits him, a driver says 'sorry I've changed my mind', it creates chaos in the paddock."
• BAR (N Fry): "It's between Jenson and Williams. The two contract teams need to sort things out. We've made it clear we would love to have him (Button) here for the long run but we can't really do a lot more than that ... Clearly from what's been said he has a contract with Williams. That's not one we have any knowledge of and clearly we haven't seen it. It's not really within our control particularly."

F1: HERBERT JOINS JORDAN MANAGEMENT (JULY 29, 2005)

41 year old Johnny Herbert who won 3 GPs has joined Jordan/Midland F1 team as part of its management team. He will the Sporting Relations Manager of Jordan, reporting to Colin Kolles, Managing Director.

• JORDAN ( C Kolles): "I am pleased to welcome Johnny to the team. His experience and knowledge of motorsport will be of great value to us as we continue learning and moving forward. He is also an extremely likeable character and someone we are proud to have as a representative of our team. His involvement will add a positive dimension to every aspect of our operation and we are all very happy to have him aboard."
• HERBERT: "It is an honour and a pleasure to be back in Formula One racing with a team I feel so familiar with. Although I never drove for Jordan in F1, it still feels like a homecoming of sorts. At the same time, I am excited about my new role and look forward to contributing as much as possible as the team repositions itself as Midland for the 2006 season. Management and I have discussed plans for the launch of Midland F1 and I'm thrilled to be involved at the inception of such a dynamic and ambitious project."

F1: COULTHARD RESIGNS WITH RED BULL FOR 2006 (JULY 6, 2005)

34 year old David Coulthard has decided to remain with Red Bull Racing for 2006 season. The team was formed from the purchase from Jaguar Racing and had impressive debut season so far with both Red Bull drivers scoring points in many rounds.

• COULTHARD: "It has been a very positive new experience working with Red Bull Racing. The potential of the team is obvious and it made perfect sense to continue our partnership. Since I started with the team last December, the progress made has been remarkable. I'm looking forward to contributing to the development of the 2006 car with the Ferrari engine and enjoying continued success with Red Bull Racing."
• RED BULL (Christian Horner, Director):"David has clearly demonstrated that he is still one of the top drivers in Formula One. He has played a vital part in Red Bull Racing's on-track credibility so far this season. It was therefore a very easy and natural decision to extend our agreement for 2006 and retain him as our lead driver."

F1: JOINT PRESS RELEASE RE FIA CHARGE FROM US GP: (JUNE 29, 2005)

JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM:
B.A.R Honda
BMW Williams
Renault F1 Team
Sauber Petronas
Team McLaren Mercedes
Toyota Motorsport GmbH

Paris, France, Wednesday 29th June 2005

• The six Formula One Michelin teams identified above are very disappointed by the decision of the World Motor Sport Council to find them guilty of two of the five charges brought against them by the FIA in relation to the 2005 U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis.
• 1) In relation to the finding that they failed to ensure that they were in possession of suitable tyres, the Teams point out that they reasonably relied on Michelin, an approved FIA tyre supplier and a highly reputable manufacturer of tyres worldwide, to provide suitable tyres for that race. As Michelin have already acknowledged, they were responsible for the supply of unsuitable tyres for the Indianapolis circuit. The FIA's decision accepts that there were "strong mitigating circumstances" for the Teams. In truth, those circumstances provided a complete answer to the charge, given that the Teams cannot be held responsible for what occurred.
• 2) In relation to the finding that the Teams wrongfully refused to allow their cars to start the race having regard to their right to use the pit lane on each lap, the Teams respond as follows. The charges suggested only one means by which the Teams could safely have raced (the use of a speed restriction). On that charge, the Teams were found not guilty. The Teams cannot understand how they can be found guilty by reference to another proposed solution, which was not part of the charges brought against them, which was not suggested by the FIA at Indianapolis, which was considered unsafe and which, in any event, would not have achieved a satisfactory race for the fans.
• The Teams therefore will be lodging an appeal against each of these findings.
• The Teams explained to the World Motor Sport Council that, in the light of the clear and written advice from Michelin that it was unsafe to race at Indianapolis on the tyres supplied by that company, the Teams had no choice but to decline to race. Any other decision would have been irresponsible. Nineteen of the current Formula One drivers have expressed their agreement with the decision of the Teams.
• The Teams much regret that the American public were unable to enjoy a race involving all ten Formula One teams, and would like to express their thanks to the many fans who have communicated their support for the stance taken by the Teams and by Michelin on grounds of safety.
• The Teams are pleased that Michelin have agreed to compensate fans who attended the race.
• The Teams very much look forward to the next Grand Prix on Sunday.

F1: BMW BUYS SAUBER F1 (JUNE 23, 2005)

For the first time in its F1 history, BMW will run its own team from 2006. BMW which powers Williams cars this season has bought majority shareholding in the Swiss based Sauber team. Under new structure, BMW will control all aspects of its operation including engine and chassis (like Ferrari F1, Renault F1 and Toyota F1 teams). Peter Sauber formed the Sauber F1 team in 1993 with a Mercedes engine. In 1995 Sauber switched to Ford engine and currently uses customer spec Ferrari engine. The future of BMW Williams partnership is uncertain.

• PETER SAUBER: "the partnership with BMW is an ideal solution as it supports the two goals which have always been paramount for me. Firstly, to offer the team the possibility of improving their sporting performance and secondly, to safeguard the site at Hinwil and the jobs of today's 300-strong workforce. The partnership with BMW guarantees continuity. I know it will give the workforce a very good outlook."
• BMW (Professor Burkhard Göschel, BMW Board Member): "Success in Formula One increasingly depends on the perfect interplay of all factors. That is why we have resolved to extend our involvement beyond our present role of engine partner. With a team managed by BMW we will, as of next year, take on responsibility for the entire package, which will include the key factors of the chassis, tyres and drivers. Naturally this decision impacts on our partnership with WilliamsF1. We want to discuss the future options together with WilliamsF1 in order to find the right way forward for both sides. We do not expect instant success from the new constellation, but we are convinced that we have chosen the right path for the long term."
• BMW (Dr Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director): "The realignment of our Formula One strategy is based on two insights. Firstly, the influence of the engine on the winning potential of the overall package has diminished; the car, tyres and drivers play a greater role than they used to. Secondly, from our point of view, an optimal overall package can only be achieved with a fully integrated team and coherent processes throughout. In restructuring we are taking account of these insights. At Sauber we have found a solid foundation for vehicle development and production, along with the requisite know-how and one of the most modern wind tunnels. The results achieved there so far are worthy of respect in the light of the team's limited budget."
• "BMW will not only maintain this foundation but build on it. That applies both to the facilities and to the staff. Additional workplaces will be created at the Sauber headquarters in Hinwil. The new team will be managed as a fully integrated project from two locations, as has long been standard practice at BMW for series production."
• "We are aware that we face a learning curve, that although you can plan success you can't buy it off the peg. After showing that BMW is capable of building the best Formula One engine, we are starting out as it were at apprenticeship level on the complex task of tackling the vehicle as a whole. That demands patience and stamina. We possess both, as well as a concrete work programme. The technical cooperation has already begun."
• "In the partnership with WilliamsF1 we have celebrated successes together and taken the team forward. Both partners today are stronger than at the outset of our joint venture and are thus equipped for the future. What that future will look like will be decided over the next weeks. Irrespective of that decision, we are concentrating on the current season. We still have quite a few goals for this year and we will apply all our powers and professionalism to implement them together with WilliamsF1."

F1: FIA TO CHARGE MICHELIN TEAMS (JUNE 21, 2005)

FIA (World Motor Sport Council) MEETING SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 29. 2005.
7 teams (Renault, McLaren, Williams, BAR, Toyota, Red Bull, Sauber) who withdrew from US GP will be called to explain their action. Charges against the teams are:

• failure to ensure a supply of suitable tyres for the race and/or refusal to allow your cars to start the race and/or refusal to allow your cars to race, subject to a speed restriction in one corner which was safe for such tyres as you had available and/or combined with the other teams to make a demonstration damaging to the image of Formula One by pulling into the pits immediately before the start of the race and failure to notify the stewards of your intention not to race, in breach of Article 131 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations

F1: FIA STATEMENT ON US GP (JUNE 20, 2005)

• Formula One is a sporting contest. It must operate to clear rules. These cannot be negotiated each time a competitor brings the wrong equipment to a race.
• At Indianapolis we were told by Michelin that their tyres would be unsafe unless their cars were slowed in the main corner. We understood and among other suggestions offered to help them by monitoring speeds and penalising any excess. However, the Michelin teams refused to agree unless the Bridgestone runners were slowed by the same amount. They suggested a chicane.
• The Michelin teams seemed unable to understand that this would have been grossly unfair as well as contrary to the rules. The Bridgestone teams had suitable tyres. They did not need to slow down. The Michelin teams' lack of speed through turn 13 would have been a direct result of inferior equipment, as often happens in Formula One. It must also be remembered that the FIA wrote to all of the teams and both tyre manufacturers on June 1, 2005, to emphasise that "tyres should be built to be reliable under all circumstances" (see correspondence attached).
• A chicane would have forced all cars, including those with tyres optimised for high-speed, to run on a circuit whose characteristics had changed fundamentally -- from ultra-high speed (because of turn 13) to very slow and twisting. It would also have involved changing the circuit without following any of the modern safety procedures, possibly with implications for the cars and their brakes. It is not difficult to imagine the reaction of an American court had there been an accident (whatever its cause) with the FIA having to admit it had failed to follow its own rules and safety procedures.
• The reason for this debacle is clear. Each team is allowed to bring two types of tyre: one an on-the-limit potential race winner, the other a back-up which, although slower, is absolutely reliable. Apparently, none of the Michelin teams brought a back-up to Indianapolis. They subsequently announced they were flying in new tyres from France but then claimed that these too were unsafe.
• What about the American fans? What about Formula One fans world- wide? Rather than boycott the race the Michelin teams should have agreed to run at reduced speed in turn 13. The rules would have been kept, they would have earned Championship points and the fans would have had a race. As it is, by refusing to run unless the FIA broke the rules and handicapped the Bridgestone runners, they have damaged themselves and the sport.
• It should also be made clear that Formula One Management and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as commercial entities, can have no role in the enforcement of the rules.

F1: QUALIFYING FORMAT CHANGED AGAIN (MAY 24, 2005)

After just 6 races the controversial new 2005 qualifying format spread over 2 days has now been scrapped. As from the European GP (Nurburgring, May 29), qualifying will revert back to a single Saturday session:

• 1 hour qualifying session 1 - 2pm
• Each driver will start in reverse order to previous race result
• 1 flying timed lap with race fuel under parc fermé conditions will determine the starting grid.

FIA (Max Mosley): "It's very important to have the grid sorted out on Saturday. It irritates the public not knowing who is on pole. If you follow a particular driver and you know he's going to be on pole you might change your plans for Sunday. But on the other hand if you know he's at the back of the grid you might go and do something completely different. People need to know - it's no good telling them two hours beforehand."

BAR F1: BANNED FOR NEXT 2 GPs (MAY 6, 2005)

FIA International Court of Appeal on May 5th 2005 has decided to disqualify both BAR Honbda cars from San Marino GP results as well as banning them from the next 2 GPs. The penalty arose after Button's car was found to be underweight at San Marino GP where he finished 3rd. BAR cars were found to have a secondary fuel tank, which when drained left the car 5.4kg under the minimum allowed weight limit of 600kg.

FIA: "The evidence submitted to the Court confirmed that both vehicles competing for Lucky Strike BAR Honda in the event concerned had the same specification fuel tanks..."

BAR (N Fry): "BAR Honda are appalled at the decision of the FIA International Court of Appeal and assert that the judgement is contrary to all of the evidence heard yesterday. The team proved that they complied with the current regulations and the FIA now acknowledge that the regulations are unclear. We repeat that at no time did we run underweight at the San Marino Grand Prix and this was also unchallenged by the FIA. While the court rejected the FIA's original accusations of fraud and deception, BAR Honda say that this penalty is wholly and grossly disproportionate. The team are advised by their legal counsel that the judgement is plainly wrong based on the evidence presented and are currently examining their options. Our objective is to race this weekend. We need to get some judgement from a court very soon, probably tomorrow morning. We need to get a fair hearing and to clear our name. Our integrity is being challenged. The penalty implies we are guilty and we are not. We have to do what is right."

TOYOTA F1: DROPS APPEAL (APR 28, 2005)

Panasonic Toyota Racing has decided not to pursue its appeal against the 25s penalty added to Ralf Schumacher's race time in the San Marino Grand Prix. Schumacher dropped from 8th to 11th in the final classification as a result of the penalty. The team lodged an appeal on the evening of the race because it wanted the opportunity to undertake a detailed analysis of the incident. After an exhaustive review of the data, the team feels that the evidence is not conclusive and has decided not to take the matter further. The team will however work together with the FIA and the other teams to further clarify what constitutes the 'safe release' of the car by the competitor following a pit stop at the subsequent Team Managers meeting. Panasonic Toyota Racing will now focus its attention on the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona. (TOYOTA)

RED BULL F1: FERRARI TO POWER RED BULL NEXT YEAR (APR 23, 2005)

WILLIAMS F1: ROSBERG BECOMES TEST DRIVER (APR 22, 2005)

At 17 years of age, Nico was the youngest driver ever to take part in an F1 test. Rosberg's performance in Barcelona earned him two further runs with the team, first in Jerez in December 2003 and again in January 2004 in Barcelona. Working alongside Antonio Pizzonia, the German will play a key role in the ongoing development of the Williams BMW FW27, assisting the team in the 2005 Championship. In addition to his Formula One responsibilities, Rosberg will also be contesting the all new GP2 Series with the ART Grand Prix Team in 2005. Of the new appointment, Team Principal, Frank Williams confirms, "We are delighted to have another talented Rosberg in the team."

On the announcement of his new role with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team, Rosberg commented, "I'm really happy that I've been offered this opportunity. I'm now looking forward to helping the team and I'm sure I'll be able to do a good job. Formula One testing will also help me in GP2 as I will be in a position to learn so much more about the technical processes and about how the sport works at the highest level. Hopefully this will help me progress as a driver as well." As Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director, explained, BMW also places significant importance on the promotion of young talent. "Promoting, supporting and observing young drivers plays a key role in securing the future of this sport at the highest level.

In 2002, Nico Rosberg came out on top of the Formula BMW series against 28 other talented drivers, helped, in part by the diverse training programme that accompanies the BMW series. We're very excited that, after Ralf Schumacher, another young man has been promoted to the BMW WilliamsF1 Team from a new generation of drivers emerging from the pool of talent we're nurturing," he said. While Rosberg will regularly be on the track as an official test driver, reigning European Touring Car Champion, Andy Priaulx, will also be carrying out certain duties for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team this season.

Following a successful test with the team in January this year, an invitation extended by BMW in recognition of his efforts in winning the 2004 European Touring Car Championship, the British driver will be conducting driving duties at additional testing sessions and marketing days, including an appearance at the BMW Power Festival at Rockingham at the end of May. On his new role, Priaulx commented, "I'm really pleased that my relationship with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team is developing, and I hope that my single seater experience, combined with my working methods, will make a positive contribution to the team's testing programme." While Priaulx is looking forward to driving for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team, his main focus for 2005 will be on his role as a BMW works driver with the 320i in the new FIA World Touring Car Championship. (WILLIAMS F1)

Toyota young drivers ready to race (APR 8, 2005)

The three drivers signed to the 2005 Toyota Young Drivers' Programme (TDP) are ready to put their pre-season test kilometres to good use as the Formula Renault and Formula 3 Euroseries championships get underway in the next fortnight. Japanese youngster Kamui Kobayashi will open the TDP effort this weekend in the first Italian Formula Renault event of the season in Vallelunga. Kobayashi has already made his mark in the series, having taken two victories in his debut season in 2004. His dominance in pre-2005 season testing puts Kobayashi in a strong position to challenge for the championship this time around.

Frenchman Franck Perera and Japanese Kohei Hirate will lead TDP's assault on the F3 Euroseries this season. Following in the footsteps of inaugural season champion and fellow Toyota driver Ryan Briscoe, Perera finished top of the rookies' classification in 2004, courtesy of four excellent podiums during the season. Now in his second season with Prema Powerteam's F3 squad, Perera is looking for nothing less than the championship title in 2005. His pre-season test form has made him the man to beat in the competitive series, which starts next weekend in Hockenheim. Hirate will join Team Rosberg in 2005 and be looking to battle hard with his TDP colleague, Perera. 2005 will be a learning curve for Hirate having made a smooth transition from last year's Italian Formula Renault championship.

Managing the Toyota Young Drivers' Programme from Toyota Motorsport GmbH in Cologne, Yoshinori Arimatsu, has set high targets for the TDP trio this season: "Our three drivers for 2005 have all shown that they have unrivalled natural racing talent. Kamui leads our challenge in Formula Renault this year and has already been quick in recent testing. He has matured as a driver since last season and I think he is capable of challenging for his first title this year. Over in Formula 3, we have placed Franck and Kohei in different teams this year to double our efforts in the championship. As reigning rookie champion, Franck must be looking to get some race victories this year and take the drivers' title by the end of the season. Kohei has been learning all about his new Team Rosberg, getting to know the car and he is well placed to enjoy a competitive performance this year. All in all, TDP drivers should be at the sharp end of the grid at each and every event in 2005 and look to cement the Toyota Young Drivers' Programme as the most competitive scheme of its type in Europe." (TOYOTA)

De Ferran becomes the Sporting Director of BAR-Honda (APR 7, 2005)

Two times Champcar champion Gil de Ferran has returned to racing scene by becoming the Sporting Director of F1 BAR-Honda team. The 37 year old Brazilian retired from racing at the end of 2003 season after 9 years with Champcar and Indycar series in USA. He has been a motorports commentator with ABC and ESPN since his retirement.

FRY (CEO): "BAR Honda's second place success in the 2004 Championship was testimony to the team's strong operational structure and our pursuit of engineering excellence. However, to progress towards our final goal of winning the World Championship we knew there was a piece of the jigsaw still missing, which is hands-on experience of what it takes to win in single-seater racing at the highest level. There is no substitute for racing experience and Gil needs little introduction. He has a unique talent which combines a successful career at the wheel of a racing car with an analytical and methodical approach outside of the cockpit. This has helped steer the teams he has raced for to Championship glory ... The time is right for us to allow Geoff Willis to focus on technical leadership and doing what he does best -- designing and developing the race car -- without the distractions of running the car trackside. Equally, my focus should be harnessing the power of our enhanced relationship with Honda and providing overall company leadership. What we know Gil can do is to get the best out of the racing team, the race engineers and the race and test drivers by enhancing their teamwork and motivation, using his experience to help get the most from the car on-event and developing race-winning strategies"

DE FERRAN: "This is an enormously exciting challenge for me and in many ways a natural progression from my driving career. My interest in the sport always extended beyond driving and this opportunity is the best I could hope for. I first met Nick Fry many years ago through Jackie Stewart and we started having serious discussions about the team and how I could possibly make a positive contribution late last year. The talent and potential of B.A.R Honda is obvious for all to see. So, not only is it a great honour for me to be invited to join such a prestigious organisation, but during our conversations it became clear to me that I would have no problem fitting in with all the people involved. Over this last year or so, since I retired from driving, I have learned a lot, including the fact that I am a racer at heart. Although I am very excited about my new job, I leave my colleagues at ABC ESPN with a high degree of sadness. During the short time we worked together a strong and loyal bond was formed."

DMT: McNish ready for new challenge (APR 7, 2005)

Allan McNish bids to get Audi's defence of the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) off to a flying start when the Scotsman makes his saloon car debut at Hockenheim on Sunday 17 April. Scotsman drives the latest "works" entered Audi A4 DTM in the 11-race series for the German manufacturer which scored five wins last year. McNish, who has never raced a touring car in a 24-year motorsport career which saw the Dumfries-born race ace reach Formula One, is relishing the new challenge the cut-and-thrust 60-minute races will pose.

"In typical Audi fashion the new A4 DTM is an improvement over last year's championship-winning model and I'm sure it will give us a great chance of repeat success," commented Allan who also races for Audi in the Le Mans 24 Hours in June. "However, the competition is going to be tough but I can't wait to get to Hockenheim and get racing." Audi returned to Europe's most popular touring car series with a "factory" entered team last year and wrapped up all three titles: Mattias Ekström (Sweden) won the Drivers' title with Audi and Audi Sport Team Abt won the Manufacturers' and Teams' championships respectively.

McNish's former fellow ex-Grand Prix drivers Mika Häkkinen, Heinz- Harald Frentzen and Jean Alesi race in the DTM while Britons Gary Paffett and Jamie Green also compete in the series which, in addition to Germany, will also visit Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Turkey between April-October.

Allan added: "The wheel to wheel racing aspect of DTM was one of the things that attracted me to the series and now with such high quality drivers like Mattias, Tom and Mika I am sure it is going to be closer than ever." McNish will drive one of four 2005-model A4 DTM cars entered by Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline alongside Ekström, Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Martin Tomczyk (Germany). Audi Sport Team Joest looks after the quartet of year-old cars of Christian Abt (Germany), Rinaldo Capello (Italy), Pierre Kaffer (Germany) and Frank Stippler (Germany).

Unlike some of the 2005 DTM venues, the 2.84-mile Hockenheim track will be familiar to McNish. Having raced there for the first time in 1988 - alongside former team-mate Häkkinen in the Vauxhall-Lotus - Allan last raced there two years ago at the German Grand Prix. "Nowadays Hockenheim is like many other tracks but it was mega back in 88 before they added slow chicanes and finally changed it completely," concluded McNish who drives an A4 sponsored by electronics giant Siemens.

The DTM aims to deliver spectacular but at the same time, cost- conscious touring car racing. Numerous components such as the gearbox, propshaft, engine electronics, rear wing and carbon-fibre brakes are identical and stipulated by the regulations to be used by all manufacturers while traction control is not permitted. Regulations also dictate that all manufacturers use normally-aspirated 4-litre, V8 engines - the Audi A4 produces approximately 460-bhp. Meanwhile all competitors use Dunlop tyres while aerodynamics are also strictly governed to the extent that they cannot be changed once the season begins. (AUDI DTM)

A1 GRAND PRIX MARKS FIRST BIRTHDAY WITH AUSTRALIAN RACE ANNOUNCEMENT (MAR 30, 2005)

A1 Grand Prix marked its first birthday today with the launch of A1 Team Australia exactly one year on from the championship's official launch in Dubai. With 15 national teams signed up so far and another 10 teams in the final stages of negotiations, A1 Grand Prix is now counting down to its first race this September. To date, some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, with an estimated net worth of 50 billion US dollars, have demonstrated their commitment to the championship by investing in their national teams. Presidents, Prime Ministers and numerous government ministers, statesmen and high-profile celebrities have backed A1 Grand Prix through attendance at the five national launches which have taken place so far.

In the latest high-profile ceremony, Australia became the sixth country to unveil its A1 Grand Prix race car and the second nation to be announced as an A1 Grand Prix race venue. A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman Sheikh Maktoum took the opportunity to confirm Australia would host an A1 Grand Prix race at a location and date that will be confirmed when the final calendar is announced. Speaking of his country's involvement in the new championship, A1 Team Australia Chairman Alan Jones commented, 'There is no doubt that Australians love their sport and their motor racing. To compete in an international series and to have one race in Australia is very exciting. We are here not just to win but to use this as an opportunity for Australia's up and coming drivers'.

A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman Sheikh Maktoum spoke of his excitement for Australia's involvement in the championship. 'With over 200 countries in the world and only 25 places on the A1 Grand Prix grid, I'm delighted and honoured to have A1 Team Australia launch this evening with such national support from its government, businesses and people.' Sheikh Maktoum took the opportunity of the launch of the Australian A1 Team to announce the participation in A1 Grand Prix of Australia's closest rival, New Zealand. The franchise, which brings the total to 16, has been bought by entrepreneur businessman Colin Giltrap of Giltrap Group Holdings Limited. Christian Jones will take the wheel of the Australian A1 Grand Prix race car for a media demonstration at the Eastern Creek circuit on Thursday 31 March. (AIGP)

CHAMP CAR GOES TO CHINA IN 2006 (MAR 23, 2005)

CHAMP CAR WORLD SERIES REACHES HISTORIC AGREEMENT TO CONDUCT RACES IN BEIJING, CHINA IN 2006. As part of the continuing effort to carry the excitement of the Champ Car World Series to new fans and markets both in the United States and around the world, the series announced today that it had reached an agreement to stage a race in Beijing, China in 2006. Champ Car today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Beijing Auto and Motor Sports Association (BAMSA), clearing the way for the series to hold a race in Beijing. The inaugural event, which would be the first-ever Champ Car race to be held in China, would be part of the 2006 Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford calendar.

"This is a major step forward for the Champ Car World Series as we continue to establish our presence in the Asian markets," said series co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. "We believe these markets are fundamental to our Series growth and future success. Adding an exciting new event in China to go with races in Korea and Australia solidifies our presence in a very important region of the world." The agreement was signed with BAMSA, which is the government approved auto sports regulatory entity in Beijing that approves all racing events for Beijing. Today's announcement of the MOU signing allows Champ Car and BAMSA to work together to decide upon a promoter and final location for the event.

Mr. Zhang Junyu, Secretary General of BAMSA said, "As the capital city of China and the hosting city of 2008 Olympics, Beijing has now become a city with economic prosperity and steady improvements, as well as the best market for automobile races. Beijing is not only a city with auto manufacturing plants and purchasing power, but also a city with the best and most professional racing teams, drivers, and fans in China. The city is now working towards becoming an international sports center and to hold world renowned auto races is an important part towards accomplishing that goal. Therefore, as the city's auto race administration and organizer, BAMSA warmly welcomes the Champ Car World Series race scheduled to run in 2006 and we sincerely extend our best wishes for great future success of the race in Beijing for years to come." "We have several very qualified parties interested in securing the rights to this race. We expect to work very closely with BAMSA to make the proper selection," said Joe Chrnelich, Executive Vice-President, Development, Government Affairs & Planning. "After our recent visits to Beijing, there is no doubt that Champ Car has found a new and exciting market for our expanding worldwide schedule. Both the Beijing Government and resident business entities are excited about the future prospects for a Champ Car event, especially given the worldwide marketing platform we provide. Beijing is a great city with a rapidly expanding infrastructure, a wealth of historic assets and a very bright future. We look forward to helping Beijing project this new and dynamic image on the worldwide stage."

Initial discussions indicate that the race could be held in either May or September of 2006, but a number of factors will play into the final determination of a race date. "Today's announcement is no doubt a historic day for the Champ Car World Series, but we are excited because it is about more than just a race," Kalkhoven said. "The relationships forged through this process will benefit both sides tremendously. The warm reception we have received here could lead to even bigger things in the future, including the potential to bring Chinese drivers and teams into the series." (CHAMPCAR)

Toyota Young Drivers Programme Ready for 2005 (FEB 25, 2005)

Toyota has today announced that its European young drivers programme will be consolidated with three youngsters continuing with the scheme in 2005. The successful initiative will be renamed 'Toyota Young Drivers Programme' (TDP) in 2005, replacing the Toyota Drivers Academy (TDA) banner that has been in place since 2003. The TDP will continue to operate from Toyota Motorsport's base in Cologne, Germany by a team headed up by Noritoshi Arai.

F3 Euro series Rookie champion, Frenchman Franck Perera, will participate for a second year in the series, looking to challenge for the outright title in 2005. He will be joined in the series by rising Japanese star Kohei Hirate, who was runner-up in the 2004 Italian Formula Renault championship. Perera will continue with Prema Powerteam, whilst Hirate will join forces with Team Rosberg, run by former F1 world champion Keke Rosberg. "We have always had a good relationship with Prema Powerteam in both F3 and Formula Renault and we are pleased to continue our co-operation into 2005," explains Toyota Motorsport's Executive Vice-President, Yoshiaki Kinoshita. "We are still learning about the F3 series, so we have developed an additional contract with Team Rosberg. They are an F3 team with a top quality in engineering talent and one with whom we hope to be successful with in the future."

The third driver of the programme will be Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi, who will take part in a second successive season in Italian Formula Renault with Prema Powerteam, as well as racing in the Eurocup championship. "Looking at our overall driver line-up from 2004, we wanted to select who we believe are the best all-round drivers," Kinoshita explains. "Kamui was second best of the rookies last season, but he won two races and we believe he will be a real challenger for the title in 2005." "We have also delighted that Ryan Briscoe, who has developed himself in our young driver programme since 2001 has stepped forward to race for a Toyota-powered team in the US IRL series. He has already proved his speed among the top US open wheel drivers in the open tests and his immediate future looks extremely promising." Kinoshita adds. Although the TDP is a European-based driver programme, the scheme will be totally united with Toyota's successful Japanese programme: the Formula Toyota Racing School (FTRS), which will also adopt the TDP name from 2005. Kinoshita concludes: "At Toyota, we always operate on a global scale, so it is logical that we bring our young driver programmes closer together. With the merge of FTRS and TDA, we are now looking to find and develop Toyota's racing talent of the future in the top racing categories of the world. And both of these projects will enjoy the benefits of a unified management team." (TOYOTA)

DTM: MG to enter two ZT's for the 2005 DTM season (FEB 25, 2005)

The British automobile manufacturer MG returns to DTM to battle it out with Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Opel. MG will contest the eleven rounds of the most popular international touring car series with two MGs ZT, powered by a Zytek V8 4.0-litre engines. "I'm truly proud and delighted that we have the opportunity of welcoming MG as additional DTM manufacturer," said ITR Chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht. "MG's involvement proves DTM's attractiveness for manufacturers. With four brands on its grid, DTM has got on a solid basis and will provide even more excitement and thrill in its forthcoming season." Years ago, already, the company enjoyed great success in DTM. In both 1984 and 1985, the British brand Rover was just pipped in the battle for the title and finished runner-up, but in 1986, Rover won the championship with Kurt Thiim. Two weeks after the official launch in Hamburg, taking place on 5th April, DTM and its four manufacturers will kick the new season off on 17th April, with six of its eleven rounds taking place in Germany and the other five being held abroad, in Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France and Turkey. (DTM)

F1: 2005 FERRARI F1 CAR (FEB 25, 2005)

The engine cover has been redesigned, as have the aerodynamic devices on the side pods, with a secondary winglet introduced in the area of the roll-hoop. The layout of the exhausts is fundamentally different to that of the previous car, eliminating the aerodynamic profile which characterised the rear section, which is now almost entirely integrated within the bodywork. While retaining the longitudinal architecture for the transmission, the entire rear end has been changed in an attempt to get the most out of the size of the gearbox, which is smaller than its predecessor and made from titanium and carbon fibre. Naturally, the limitations introduced by the new regulations were taken into account during the design stage.

The rear suspension has been revised, with the twin aims of improving the car's dynamics in order to optimise the efficiency of operation for the Bridgestone tyres, while also improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the rear. The floor of the car has also been substantially redesigned to fit in with the new dimensions of the gearbox and comply with the new regulations. Two areas that benefited from a major effort during the design stage were the braking and electronics systems, this work carried out in conjunction with technical partners.

The 055 engine is load-bearing and mounted longitudinally. Much of the internal componentry derives from the last version of the 053, currently fitted to the F2004 M. The main changes centre on the mounting points to chassis and gearbox. Its designers aimed to come up with an engine able to maintain a sufficient level of performance, doubling its life given that the sporting regulations introduced this year require the use of the same engine for two consecutive race weekends. As always, Shell's help has been invaluable in the definition of fuel and lubricants to best meet the set targets.

The F2005 represents the final evolution in a line of Ferrari Formula 1 cars fitted with a ten cylinder engine. As usual, right from the design stage, much attention was paid to performance and optimisation of the materials used as well as quality control, in order to increase performance levels with maximum safety, all within the framework of the new rules introduced this year. (FERRARI)

WS RENAULT: Carlin Motorsport signs Andreas Zuber (FEB 16, 2005)

World Series by Renault Team, Carlin Motorsport, has signed an agreement with the former F3 Euroseries driver Andreas Zuber. The Team hopes to make an announcement soon regarding the second drive. Twenty-two year old driver Andreas Zuber has reached an agreement with the British top team Carlin Motorsport for the World Series by Renault 2005 Season. The Asutrian driver had contested his two latest racing seasons within the Team Rosberg (F3 Euroseries) reaching top 10 positions. Andreas will be behind de wheel of the WS car this weekend, during the Collective Tests scheduled in the Circuit Paul Ricard HTTT (19-20 February). The second drive of the Team will be announced later this week.

Harvey Spencer takes Team Manager role in Carlin. Former race engineer in the WS, Harvey Spencer has replaced Adrian Burgess in the role of Team Manager. As it was announced in the last month, Burgess has moved to the Jordan Midllands F1 Team alongside Trevor Carlin, Team Owner of Carlin Motorsport. Carlin is the new Sporting Director of the F1 Team. Harvey Spencer has played an important role as a race and chief engineer in all the major single-seater categories like World Series by Nissan, Champ Car or IRL, starting his career in Formula One. (CARLIN)

GP2: Premat joins ART GP (FEB 9, 2005)

FORMULA 1: Valencia Test Round-Up (FEB 5, 2005)

Jarno Trulli - Chassis TF105/03; Best lap time: 1m10.208s; Total laps: 198; Total distance: 792km

- Jarno, what have you been working on at Valencia this week?
I spent Thursday doing work on setting up the car on long runs, putting in 100 laps. On Friday we moved onto tyre work. These Valencia tests have been the first time we can get a real idea of how the TF105 works - after a shakedown at Jerez and a week of difficult conditions in Barcelona. This was also the first week that the other new cars have started running so we can now start to get a better idea of where we stand.
- So how is the TF105 performing?
The car has been pretty reliable and it also seems to be quick and competitive. Our best times compared quite favourably with the others, but there are still some problems with consistency over longer runs. We still have three weeks to go before we leave for Melbourne so we will now investigate what's happening and we hope to resolve that as soon as possible.

Ralf Schumacher - Chassis TF105/03, TF105/02; Best lap time: 1m10.774s; Total laps: 287; Total distance: 1148km

- Ralf, how have things gone for you this week?
It's been a pretty good test and I've made some progress with setting up the car. On Wednesday we put in over 90 laps and completed our planned programme. We had one or two reliability problems during the week but mechanically the car is good and it seems to compare quite well with the others.
- How are things progressing for Melbourne?
Looking at the last two tests we look slightly better than we expected. Here at Valencia most of the cars were generally putting in times within about half a second of each other. So we're pleased with what we've seen so far and we appear to be pretty competitive. But exactly how competitive we'll only find out in Melbourne when everyone brings what they think is the best package they have. (TOYOTA F1)

WORLD RALLY: LEADER FORD AIMS TO SEND SWEDISH CHILL THROUGH RIVALS (FEB 5, 2005)

Central Sweden's numbing cold and barren, ice-bound countryside traditionally provide the harshest environment of the FIA World Rally Championship season and a cruel contrast to the glitz of last month's opening round in Monte Carlo. But for BP-Ford World Rally Team's drivers, the Scandinavian winter provides the perfect opportunity to keep the heat turned up on their rivals. Debutant drivers Toni Gardemeister and Jakke Honkanen and team-mates Roman Kresta and Jan Tománek gave BP-Ford a superb start to the season on the French asphalt in their Focus RS World Rally Cars. Second for Gardemeister and eighth for Kresta means the team will start the Swedish Rally (10 - 13 February) as joint leaders of the manufacturers' series. It is strengthened by the addition of Norwegians Henning Solberg and Cato Menkerud, who are nominated for manufacturer points alongside Gardemeister, in place of Kresta who is less experienced in these specialised conditions.

The rally is the only pure winter event of the 16-round series. Fast, flowing and frozen snow-covered roads are a driver's delight as tyres fitted with tungsten-tipped steel studs bite into the icy surface to provide incredible grip. But until last week, the Värmland region which hosts the event was lacking the main ingredient for a winter rally ? snow. However, recent falls and temperatures dropping to -10°C suggest conditions will be tolerable, with more snow forecast in the next week. What might be missing are the frozen snow banks which line the tracks. Drivers use them as an integral part of their driving style, 'leaning' their cars into them to guide them around corners at maximum speed. Difficulties arise if temperatures are not cold enough to freeze the snow adequately. Instead of bouncing off the packed banks, cars can be either dragged into the crumbling snow where they become stuck or plough through them and off the road. Even with minimal snow and ice, the roads will be treacherous. BP-Ford will combat those conditions by fitting the Focus RS cars with skinny Michelin ice tyres, equipped with studs that are available in different lengths to provide grip. As a result the rally is one of the fastest and most spectacular of the year. As part of championship-wide cost reduction measures, only one tread pattern will be available to drivers for the first time.

Along with the Rally Finland, 29-year-old Gardemeister rates Sweden as his favourite rally. "The roads are fast and flowing and it's fun to play with the car in winter conditions. Competing on snow is similar to driving on a fast gravel rally. Sometimes studs give even better grip than gravel. If there is a clear line on the road, it's important to stay in it because that's where the grip is found. Move off the line onto fresh snow and the grip becomes less and time is wasted," he said. "It's still early in my career with Ford and the Focus RS, but this is one of the rallies where I think a win is realistic. Much depends on the weather. We will start the first day second on the road. If temperatures are above freezing and the snow is soft, we will have poor grip in that position and will lose time clearing the snow for those behind to have a cleaner line. But if it's old snow and the roads are frozen and icy, then grip will be good," he added.

Milder weather would bring other difficulties. As the roads thaw, the studs pierce into the gravel beneath, which in turn rips them from the rubber blocks on the tyres and leaves drivers with precious little grip. "Grip is everything on this rally," said 28-year-old Kresta. "In real winter conditions the studs provide great traction, but when the temperatures warm up it can be very hard on both tyres and studs. The Czech driver has competed in Sweden once, finishing 14th in 2003. His aim is to gain more knowledge and feels the decision not to nominate him for manufacturer points, eases the pressure. "I don't have great experience in Sweden, but I enjoy driving on snow and ice and had a good test there before Christmas when I drove the Focus for the first time," he said. "It's easier for me now that I don't have to worry about points because I can concentrate on improving my knowledge. If I can score drivers' points that would be superb, but it will be difficult because there are many competitive drivers and cars entered. My result in Monte Carlo gave me good confidence. Every day I was quicker and on the final leg my speed was constant, not just on some stages. I have a much better feeling with the car," he added.

Solberg claimed a career-best sixth place in Sweden last year. "I started competing on snow and that's why I love those conditions. I'm delighted Ford has the confidence to nominate me for manufacturer points. I drove a 2002-specification Focus last weekend in Norway and that was the best car I've driven. The 2004 Focus will be even better. I will have the best car and the best tyres, so the rest is down to me. I like to have en easy car to drive and the Focus is smooth. I'm looking forward to competing in a car with the gearchange system mounted on the steering wheel. I've never had that opportunity before but it's much easier and faster," he said. Solberg is expected to start the opening day 16th on the road and so faces a contrasting situation to Gardemeister. "If conditions remain as they are now, then competitors higher up the start order have the advantage. If it starts snowing heavily, I will have a good position," added Solberg.

2005 WORLD AUTO RACING NEWS