Formula 1 News

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MASSA BACKS 'FANTASTIC' SCHUMACHER

Felipe Massa believes Ferrari made the right call in asking Michael Schumacher to drive in his absence.

Massa today left the AEK military hospital in Budapest, nine days after requiring life-saving surgery following his accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

After being transported via ambulance to the city's airport, Massa boarded a private jet to Sao Paulo, along with his pregnant wife Raffaela and personal doctor Dino Altmann.

Massa will continue his recuperation from a fractured skull in his home city, with the only question mark appearing to be when he will return to Formula One.

Until then, seven-time world champion Schumacher will be behind the wheel, starting in Valencia with the European Grand Prix on August 23.

Schumacher visited Massa in hospital on Saturday, and although the 40-year-old has been in retirement for almost three years, no words of advice were required from the Brazilian.

"It was him who gave me many tips during my career when we were racing together, so I'm not in a position to say something to him," said Massa.

"He knows how to win, he knows how to drive and he's great. It was the best choice handing over the car to such a fantastic person.

"I'm sure everybody will be happy to see him back on the track again, although I hope I'll be back as soon as possible."

With a cheeky smile, Massa added: "If I'm at the track and I see he's driving a little wrong, then I will tell him straight away.

"But Michael knows exactly what he has to do."

Massa, in his first official interview since the accident, still has no recollection of the crash.

Massa was struck on the helmet, just over his left eye, at 162mph by a suspension spring that had worked loose off the Brawn GP of compatriot Rubens Barrichello before ploughing into a tyre barrier.

With the area around his left eye obviously swollen, and sporting a long cut, Massa is anxious to return to F1 as soon as possible.

"I know exactly what happened, that a spring came off Rubens' car and hit me on the helmet," Massa told Ferrari's official website.

"I know that something happened to me, but I didn't feel anything when it happened.

"They told me that I lost consciousness at the moment of the spring's impact on my helmet and I ran into the barriers, then I woke up in hospital two days later.

"I don't remember anything, and that's why what the doctors did had to be explained to me.

"When I saw Rob (Smedley, his race engineer), he asked me if I remembered Rubens, but the last thing I remembered was when I was behind him at the end of my fast lap in Q2, and then it's blank.

"It's difficult to explain, but I'm feeling much better now and I want to recover as soon as possible to get back behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

"We'll see how long it will take, but I hope it will be very quick."

Massa is also eager to return to as normal a life as possible prior to resuming his motor-racing career.

Asked about his first wish on his return to Brazil, Massa replied: "Checking everything is as it was before.

"Many things have happened over the last days and I want to get back to a normal life.

"I want to get back into the best possible condition, doing things you do every day."

Massa knows he is lucky to be alive, but has made a rapid recovery and is grateful for all the support received.

"I want to thank everybody who prayed and who wrote to me hoping that everything went well," he added.

"So many people wrote to me, many who aren't interested in Formula One, but had heard what happened to me.

"Thank you so much, and I want to tell them I'm also praying for them.

"I would have done the same if an accident had happened to another driver."

Referring specifically to his family, Massa added: "They've always been close to me during my career; victories, defeats, and the most difficult moments.

"I know they've suffered a lot and I want to thank them, and then there's another family I have to thank, the Ferrari family.

"They were great. They helped us in any possible way and it's a great thing to be part of this group."

 

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RECOVERING MASSA CRAVES NORMALITY

Felipe Massa is determined to return to "a normal life" after leaving hospital on Monday just nine days after requiring life-saving surgery.

Massa was transported from Budapest's AEK military hospital to the city's airport via ambulance prior to boarding a private jet and heading home to Sao Paulo with pregnant wife Raffaela and personal doctor Dino Altmann.

The 28-year-old will now continue his recuperation from a fractured skull surrounded by family and friends in his home city.

Asked as to his first wish on his return, Massa replied: "Checking everything is as it was before.

"Many things have happened over the last days and I want to get back to a normal life.

"I want to get back into the best possible condition, doing things you do every day."

Massa, giving his first official interview to the Ferrari website since his accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, still has no recollection of the crash.

Massa was struck on the helmet, just over his left eye, at 162mph by a suspension spring that had worked loose off the Brawn GP car of compatriot Rubens Barrichello before ploughing into a tyre barrier.

With the area around his left eye obviously swollen, and sporting a long healing cut, Massa added: "I know exactly what happened, that a spring came off Rubens' car and hit me on the helmet.

"I know that something happened to me, but I didn't feel anything when it happened.

"They told me that I lost consciousness at the moment of the spring's impact on my helmet and I ran into the barriers, then I woke up in hospital two days later.

"I don't remember anything, and that's why what the doctors did had to be explained to me.

"When I saw Rob (Smedley, his race engineer), he asked me if I remembered Rubens, but the last thing I remembered was when I was behind him at the end of my fast lap in Q2, and than it's blank.

"It's difficult to explain, but I'm feeling much better now and I want to recover as soon as possible to get back behind the wheel of a Ferrari."

For the time being, starting with the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23, seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher will fill in for Massa.

Although Schumacher has spent almost three years in retirement, Massa smiled when asked if he had any advice for the 40-year-old.

"Michael doesn't need my advice," exclaimed Massa.

"It was him who gave me many tips during my career when we were racing together.

"He knows how to win, he knows how to drive and he's great.

"It was the best choice handing over the car to such a fantastic person and I'm sure everybody will be happy to see him back on the track again.

"Although I hope I'll be back on the track with Ferrari as soon as possible."

 

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WILLIAMS BLOCK FERRARI TEST REQUEST

Michael Schumacher's bid to test Ferrari's current car has been blocked by Williams.

Ferrari last week wrote to the other nine Formula One teams and the FIA requesting Schumacher be granted a day at the wheel of the F60 ahead of his return to racing at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23 in the absence of the injured Felipe Massa.

Under current regulations in-season testing is banned, but with 40-year-old Schumacher barely turning a wheel in anger since retiring just under three years ago, Ferrari were hoping for leniency.

Out of courtesy, the other seven members of the Formula One Teams' Association - McLaren, Renault, Toyota, BMW Sauber, Brawn GP, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso - gave Schumacher and Ferrari the green light.

Williams, however, see no reason why seven-time world champion Schumacher should be given special dispensation, citing the recent arrival of 19-year-old rookie Jaime Alguersuari into F1.

"While we welcome Michael Schumacher back to Formula One, the fact is any form of in-season circuit testing is strictly prohibited, a regulation clearly laid out by the FIA and adhered to by all of the teams," said Williams in a statement.

"It was for this reason Alguersuari, who drove an F1 car for the first time in Hungary, did not have the opportunity to familiarise himself with the Toro Rosso before he made his race debut.

"Williams sees no distinction between Alguersuari's situation and Schumacher's and feels any deviation from the rule would create a precedent for the future."

Williams further noted Ferrari chose Schumacher over current test drivers Luca Badoer and Marc Gene, who are both familiar with the team's 2009 model.

"In a similar situation, Williams would unhesitatingly use its current test driver," added Williams.

"For the sake of consistency and fairness, therefore, we oppose Ferrari's proposal to test ahead of the European Grand Prix."

 

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DUMPED PIQUET LASHES OUT AT BRIATORE

Nelson Piquet fired a damning parting shot at Flavio Briatore after on Monday being released from his contract with Renault.

After 28 grands prix, and notably 10 this season without scoring a point, Piquet unsurprisingly finds himself out of Formula One.

Yet the Brazilian, rather than going quietly, has chosen to point an accusing finger at Renault team boss Briatore, describing him as his "executioner".

The 24-year-old has launched a stinging attack on Briatore, who also served as his manager, claiming his arrival at Renault was the start of "the black period" of his career.

"As a beginner in F1, I expected from my team a lot of support and preparation to help me in getting up to the task," said Piquet, who found himself alongside double world champion Fernando Alonso.

"Instead, I was relegated as 'someone who drives the other car' with no attention at all.

"In addition, on numerous occasions, 15 minutes before qualifying and races, my manager and team boss would threaten me, telling me if I didn't get a good result, he had another driver ready to put in my place.

"I have never needed threats before to get results.

"In 2008 I scored 19 points, finished once on the podium in second place, having the best debut year of a Brazilian driver in F1."

Piquet claims Briatore promised him 'equal treatment' this season after being made to sign a performance-based contract requiring him to attain 40% of Alonso's points by the midway point of the year.

However, Piquet insists the Italian reneged on his words as Alonso was often afforded the better car, leaving him with little or no chance in qualifying and the races.

"I believe without doubt in my talent and my performance," added Piquet, who finished second to Lewis Hamilton in the 2006 GP2 championship.

"I didn't get this far by getting bad results. Anyone who knows my history knows the results I am having in F1 do not match my CV and my ability.

"The conditions I have had to deal with during the last two years have been very strange to say the least - there are incidents that I can hardly believe occurred myself.

"If I now need to give explanations, I am certain it is because of the unfair situation I have been in in the past two years.

"I always believed that having a manager was being a part of a team and having a partner.

"A manager is supposed to encourage you, support you, and provide you with opportunities. In my case it was the opposite - Flavio Briatore was my executioner."

Piquet is now seeking out pastures new in F1, confident he has the talent to shine, even if his record says otherwise, in particular as he was out-qualified 27-1 by Alonso.

"Being under pressure is not new to me," insisted Piquet, the son of three-times former world champion Nelson Piquet.

"I have had criticism throughout my career, and have also had a lot of expectations put on me due to my name.

"Up until now I always met those expectations - surpassed them even.

"I have never before felt the need to defend myself or fight back from rumours and criticism because I knew the truth and I just wanted to concentrate on racing - I didn't ever let it affect me.

"Fortunately, I can now say to those people who supported me through my career I'm back on the good tracks and considering the options for a new start in my F1 career in a fair and positive way."

With the seat now vacant, it is likely Renault will turn to test driver Romain Grosjean for the final seven races of the year.

 

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MASSA GRATEFUL FOR WORLDWIDE SUPPORT

Felipe Massa has delivered a resounding vote of thanks to family, friends, his doctors and a myriad of well-wishers who aided his recovery following life-saving surgery.

Massa is now back home in Sao Paulo after being released from the AEK military hospital in Budapest on Monday where he had spent the previous nine days.

Although still sporting a swollen left eye and deep gash where he was struck by flying debris which fractured his skull during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Massa is firmly on the mend.

And the 28-year-old believes the care and prayers of so many people ensured he was back on his feet quicker than expected.

"First of all I want to thank God," said Massa, who spent the first two days following the operation in a medically-induced coma.

"Then I want to thank the doctors at the track and at Budapest's AEK hospital, who have done a lot for me, and Dino Altmann (his personal physician), who came with my family from Brazil and who was extraordinary over the last few days.

"But I also want to thank everybody who prayed and who wrote to me, hoping that everything went well.

"So many people wrote to me, including many who aren't interested in Formula One but had heard about what happened to me.

"Thank you so much, and I want to tell them that I'm also praying for them.

"I would have done the same if an accident had happened to another driver."

Highlighting the pivotal role of his family, Massa added: "They are important to me.

"They have always been close to me during my career; victories, defeats, and the most difficult moments.

"There was only Edoardo (his brother) in Budapest when the accident happened, but then Raffaela (his wife, who is six months pregnant), my father, my mother and then my sister came to Hungary.

"I know they've suffered a lot and I want to thank them, and then there's another family I have to thank - the Ferrari family.

"They were great, they helped us in any possible way and it's a great thing to be part of this group."

The only question mark now hanging over Massa would appear to be the date of his return to Formula One.

Until then, seven-time world champion Schumacher will be behind the wheel, starting in Valencia with the European Grand Prix on August 23.

Massa firmly believes Ferrari have chosen the right man for the job, even though he has been in retirement for almost three years.

"He knows how to win, he knows how to drive and he's great," said Massa of the 40-year-old.

"It was the best choice handing over the car to such a fantastic person.

"I'm sure everybody will be happy to see him back on the track again, although I hope I'll be back as soon as possible."

 

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BRAWN FACES SPEEDING BAN

Ross Brawn could be banned from driving after he was charged with speeding, a court confirmed on Tuesday.

The head of Brawn GP is accused of doing 100mph in his Mercedes on the 70mph limit A30 at Sourton, near Okehampton, Devon, on May 30.

The 54-year-old, from Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, did not appear at Plymouth Magistrates' Court yesterday as he is abroad preparing for the team's next races in Spain and Belgium.

No plea was entered to the charge.

Brawn's legal team was granted an adjournment in the case which will now be heard on Friday, September 4.

Brawn is one of the highest profile bosses in motor racing and has worked in the sport for more than 30 years.

He is the former team principal at Honda and worked as technical director at Benetton and Ferrari.

Brawn GP currently leads the constructors' championship and Jenson Button leads the drivers' championship.

 

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ECCLESTONE ISSUES SCHUMACHER WARNING

Bernie Ecclestone has warned Formula One fans not to expect too much from the returning Michael Schumacher.

The seven-times world champion is due to deputise for Felipe Massa at Ferrari while the 28-year-old Brazilian continues his recovery after fracturing his skull.

After almost three years in retirement, Schumacher will make his eagerly-anticipated return in the European Grand Prix at Valencia on August 23 after answering Ferrari's call to arms.

However, Ecclestone feels the 40-year-old may find it difficult in a car that has not been a frontrunner this season, despite Kimi Raikkonen's second place in Hungary nine days ago.

"I don't think he (Schumacher) would have thought about taking it on if he didn't think he could be competitive," Ecclestone told Sky News.

"The car's not competitive for a start, so he's got a bit of an uphill struggle.

"But he'll be there for as long as Felipe can't drive. As soon as he's back in business then Michael will give the seat over to him."

Massa, who returned home to Sao Paulo yesterday nine days after his accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, is expected to be out of action for at least four races.

 

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FERRARI HIT BACK IN TEST ROW

Ferrari have taken a swipe at Williams after they blocked their bid to test Michael Schumacher in this season's car.

Ferrari last week wrote to the other nine Formula One teams and the FIA requesting Schumacher be granted a day at the wheel of the F60 given he has been retired for almost three years.

The seven-time world champion is due to return to racing at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23 in the absence of the injured Felipe Massa.

But Williams adhered to the letter of the law that prohibits in-season testing, with team boss Frank Williams seeing no reason why Schumacher and Ferrari should be granted special dispensation.

That clearly angered Ferrari, who have made their frustration clear in an article on their official website, initially taking a pop at Williams.

"Guess who opposed the test with the F60?" questioned Ferrari.

"A team that hasn't won anything for years and yet didn't pass over the opportunity to demonstrate once more a lack of spirit of fair play."

Williams have also been backed by Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso, who were not allowed to test 19-year-old Jaime Alguersuari prior to his debut with Toro Rosso in Hungary.

Ferrari added: "Just for the record, the Scuderia Ferrari had given its approval to let Alguersuari test.

"But it seems even in this instance someone decided to stick to the precise wording of the regulations."

 

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PAIN IN THE NECK FOR SCHUMACHER

Michael Schumacher has revealed a neck injury is giving him concern ahead of his planned Formula One return later this month.

Since confirming his comeback last Wednesday in place of the injured Felipe Massa, Schumacher has been working intently on his fitness.

The seven-time world champion, who was behind the wheel of a 2007 Ferrari on Friday, has lost weight over the past few days.

However, after a crash during a motorbike test in Spain in February when he damaged his back and neck, the 40-year-old is still experiencing some soreness.

"I'm currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race," said Schumacher, who will be back on track in Valencia on August 23 for the European Grand Prix.

"I have already lost three kilograms, even if it is also important for me to build up muscles.

"All in all, the training is going pretty well, although I have to admit my neck pinches a bit.

"We have to get a grip on that as health has priority. That's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife (Corinna) too."

After almost three years in retirement, Schumacher is on cloud nine thanks to the overwhelming support he has received over the past few days from his fans.

"I really would like to thank all my fans who are keeping their fingers crossed for my plans and for all the positive feedback," added Schumacher on his personal website.

"It's incredible how much support I have been getting from all over the world. It feels as if a flush of positive energy is coming over me.

"I accepted the challenge and as you all know I love challenges. It seems as if my fans love them too."

 

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MASSA GIVEN ALL-CLEAR IN BRAZIL

Felipe Massa has taken another important stride towards making a complete recovery following life-saving surgery last month.

Massa flew home to Sao Paulo on Tuesday after spending nine days in Budapest's AEK military hospital following his horror smash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, in which he fractured his skull.

On his return, the 28-year-old was required to attend one of the city's hospitals for a series of tests to further evaluate his condition and determine if another operation was required.

Massa's personal physician, Dino Altmann, has confirmed the Ferrari star has been given the all-clear and was immediately dismissed.

"Felipe has had a remarkable recovery," said Altmann.

"We did a series of in-depth tests, and the outcome was very encouraging.

"Together with the hospital's medical staff, we decided it wouldn't be currently necessary to further intervene from a surgical point of view.

"The best thing for him now is to go back home, where he can calmly convalesce and rehabilitate."

It is anticipated Massa will still miss at least four grands prix, starting with the European in Valencia on August 23.

Michael Schumacher will deputise in Massa's absence, with the seven-times world champion agreeing to step out of his near three-year retirement at the request of Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.

 

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MONTREAL SET FOR F1 RETURN

Montreal appears poised to return to the Formula One scene in 2010 after the sport's commercial rights-holder Bernie Ecclestone stated that an agreement in principle has been reached for the Canadian Grand Prix.

The event was dropped from the 2009 Formula One calendar following disagreement over rights fees between Ecclestone and the race's promoters, but the F1 chief told Swiss magazine Motorsport Aktuell on Tuesday that a potential deal would keep F1 in Montreal for at least the next seven years.

He added that a formal agreement has to be reached in the next few weeks in order to make the deadline for the 2010 calendar.

"We have an in-principle agreement of how we're going to make the race happen," Ecclestone later told CBC Radio.

However, the waters have been muddied somewhat after Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay told RDS that negotiations are still ongoing and that Ecclestone has not altered his previous offer - the major reason why the race was dropped from this year's calendar.

"We've got the very funny, old-fashioned idea that when we go somewhere we'd like to be paid," Ecclestone added.

F1 officials reportedly sought 175million Canadian dollars to keep the race in Montreal for five years, a figure that the city's government declared was too much.

In June, Quebec Finance Minister Raymond Bachand stated that the federal and provincial governments were ready to provide 5million Canadian dollars in financing while the City of Montreal is offering up another 5million Canadian dollars from a hotel tax to get the race back to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

 

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MASSA GIVEN ALL-CLEAR IN BRAZIL

Felipe Massa has taken another important stride towards making a complete recovery following life-saving surgery last month.

Massa flew home to Sao Paulo on Tuesday after spending nine days in Budapest's AEK military hospital following his horror smash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, in which he fractured his skull.

On his return, the 28-year-old was required to attend one of the city's hospitals for a series of tests to further evaluate his condition and determine if another operation was required.

Massa's personal physician, Dino Altmann, has confirmed the Ferrari star has been given the all-clear and was immediately dismissed.

"Felipe has had a remarkable recovery," said Altmann.

"We did a series of in-depth tests, and the outcome was very encouraging.

"Together with the hospital's medical staff, we decided it wouldn't be currently necessary to further intervene from a surgical point of view.

"The best thing for him now is to go back home, where he can calmly convalesce and rehabilitate."

It is anticipated Massa will still miss at least four grands prix, starting with the European in Valencia on August 23.

Michael Schumacher will deputise in Massa's absence, with the seven-times world champion agreeing to step out of his near three-year retirement at the request of Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.

 

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SCHU SET FOR ROUTINE CHECKS

Michael Schumacher is to undergo routine medical checks next week to determine whether he is fit enough to return to Formula One.

Schumacher is fully committed to deputising for the injured Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23.

The 40-year-old has embarked on a rigorous training regime which has resulted in him losing over six pounds in weight.

However, it was made clear from the outset a week ago any comeback after almost three years in retirement would largely depend on his fitness.

On Tuesday Schumacher voiced his own concerns about a neck problem sustained following an accident during a motorbike test in Spain in February, claiming it "pinches a bit."

Given the G-forces exerted on the neck throughout the course of a grand prix weekend, Schumacher knows how vital it is to withstand the stresses and strains that will be placed upon him.

"It is not sure yet the neck will hold and the comeback can be started," said Schumacher's spokeswoman, Sabine Kehm.

"It depends on medical investigations. Only after those will it be clear whether he will be able to drive."

Kehm added: "From the very beginning it was made clear Michael would require medical checks. It is normal.

"Michael is fully geared up, and fully on it. He has been for a week now.

"But he is a human being, and we have to make sure everything is fine."

 

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WHITMARSH TALKS UP McLAREN FUTURE

Martin Whitmarsh is confident McLaren can launch an assault on next season's Formula One world titles after rediscovering the winning habit.

McLaren team principal Whitmarsh has revealed "a dramatic re-think" was required to turn around the team's fortunes following a woeful start to the year that at one stage saw Lewis Hamilton endure a run of five races without a point.

But world champion Hamilton was back on the top step of the podium in Hungary 10 days ago, the 24-year-old's first win since October last year.

With McLaren now back on the right track, Whitmarsh has vowed there will be no let up for the remainder of this season as they build for a full-on championship tilt next year.

"Sometimes you have to take a step backward to go forward," said Whitmarsh on what was required to end the team's poor form.

"Inadvertently, for a whole variety of reasons, we had managed to get ourselves into a cul de sac of development, and we needed to reverse out of that.

"There was a high level of motivation from everyone, the designers, aerodymanicists, engineers, manufacturing staff, operational staff, the race team.

"It wasn't a significant issue causing people to focus on it, we knew what we had to do, we just had to find a way to achieve our goal.

"I'm glad to say we've made some good progress, clearly evident on the race track, but we're not going to stop at that.

"We're going to continue to develop this car, we want to win more races this year, but most importantly we want to ensure we have a competitive car for next season.

"We've every reason to be confident, but at the same time we can't be complacent. We know how competitive Formula One is.

"A lot of teams have already stopped their development for this year and are committed to next year.

"We have to make sure we do a better job than them, that we're competitive next year, and that's certainly the goal of this team - to be competitive, winning races and the world championship next year."

Whitmarsh has revealed that joining Hamilton on the podium for the first time as team boss, and in particular after all the struggles of the previous few months, was a remarkable feeling.

"I'm immensely proud and passionate about this team, one I've been involved with for a long period of time," added Whitmarsh.

"Although I've been on podiums before, involved in world title wins which have all been great, to stand on the podium as team principal was a very, very proud moment for me personally.

"I'm proud to be a member of this team, proud of what everyone has done.

"In any season it is difficult to recover, but to recover in a season with no track testing, is an amazing effort by everyone."

 

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BMW MISS CONCORDE DEADLINE

The future of BMW Sauber continues to hang in the balance after the team missed an initial deadline to sign the new Concorde Agreement.

BMW Sauber announced eight days ago they would be withdrawing from Formula One at the end of the season for corporate reasons.

On Saturday, it was confirmed the FIA, Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Administration and the other 12 teams who will be competing in F1 from next season had signed the Concorde after months of bitter wrangling.

The contract determines the participation of the teams in the championship and their share in its commercial success.

BMW Sauber were given until yesterday to put their name on the new document, but the limited timeframe meant they were unable to find a buyer.

In a statement, team boss Mario Theissen said: "Since the announcement on 29 July of our strategic realignment, we have done everything in our power to reach a rapid agreement on the sale of the team based at Hinwil.

"Regrettably, despite every effort, this has proved unsuccessful.

"The tight timeframe we faced simply did not allow us and the interested parties and investors enough time to find a solution for such a complex transaction.

"This means the team cannot sign the Concorde Agreement at present.

"The aim now is, over the coming weeks, to find a solution together with potential interested parties and Peter Sauber (former owner who retains a 20% stake).

"Beyond that, we will see the 2009 season through to its conclusion with our unstinting sporting commitment."

The Formula One Teams' Association have vowed to support plans for the team to sign up at a later date, providing the FIA are also in agreement.

 

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McLAREN SPIRIT RENEWED IN ADVERSITY

"We're back!" has been the McLaren boast since Lewis Hamilton returned to the top step of the podium in Hungary 11 days ago.

As McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale rightly noted, it has required "a Herculean effort" to erase the pain felt at the start of the season.

The team went into the first meaningful test at Barcelona in mid-March and found they were two seconds off the pace, a chasm in Formula One terms.

It was also of huge embarrassment just four months after Hamilton was crowned world champion in the most dramatic of circumstances.

But as a world champion, McLaren responded as only they know how, leaving no stone unturned and working around the clock.

As Neale said: "If we take a look at what happened this year, then clearly we didn't get the start we'd expected or hoped for.

"I, amongst others, was on record at the end of last year saying to our partners and others that we faced the biggest regulation change for nearly 20 years, and there could well be some upsets.

"At that time I was not predicting, nor was it part of the master plan, that we were going to be part of that upset.

"When we rolled the car out in Barcelona in week 11, along with the other teams, it was clear something was awry.

"But I have to say the organisation has reacted in a phenomenal way to that.

"It's very easy, when you find yourself under that kind of intense pressure, to start tearing yourselves apart and point fingers.

"So the job for the management team, myself and the engineers, was to pull everybody together and draw on the strength in depth we have, and provoke a fight.

"Not internally, but with the competition, and I've been delighted with the way the team has responded.

"It's been a phenomenal fight, one I'm very proud to have been associated with.

"But we are not declaring victory; what we're declaring is 'we're back', and now we have a lot of work to do through the summer to continue to fight."

There have been lessons learned and practices put into place that will undoubtedly serve the entire McLaren organisation well for the future should the team ever suffer a repeat of their earlier woes.

Only recently, Hamilton learned of one employee who had worked 36 hours straight at his machine to ensure the 24-year-old returned to winning ways.

The Health and Safety Executive might frown upon such ethics, but it was a case of whatever needed to be done, do it - a measure of exactly what has been required to get back to the front.

"We didn't do a good job by our standards over the winter months, so we needed to step up to the plate and put that right," remarked Neale.

"We put immense pressure into aerodynamics and design organisation to cut out all the non-priority tasks.

"A lot of the nice-to-have jobs were focused down very tightly, and then we said to the manufacturing team that we needed to halve the time to market on most of the items.

"We duplicated tooling, we worked round the clock, and we had some programmes we called the 'don't-put-down' programmes.

"These were items that if they were in your department, in your hands, you weren't to take a tea break.

"Whilst you had it, it was not going to be put down, and when you had done what needed to be done, you handed it to the next bloke."

The reward was the sight of champagne flowing again in the McLaren motorhome at the Hungaroring and their garish rocket red t-shirts being unpacked after Hamilton's success.

But as you can expect there will be no resting on any laurels now.

The team started their compulsory two-week factory shutdown at midnight on Sunday, but when the doors open again on the McLaren Technology Centre on Monday, August 17, it will be as if they have never been away.

"Nobody, me included, likes to get beaten. In fact I'm a really poor loser, I have always been a really poor loser," added Neale.

"I know Ron (Dennis), Martin (Whitmarsh) and many others are really poor losers, and we are not about to get used to that.

"We were really clear in saying to everybody, 'there are no magic solutions, no golden bullet to suddenly make everything perfect overnight'.

"But what we did was monumental, so on the Monday morning when we come back in, we will pick everything up as if nothing was missed.

"There will be no time for a slow ramp-up. It will be a full-court press, to use a basketball analogy."

There will be no titles for McLaren this year, replaced instead by an immense amount of pride at the amount of effort required to turn their season on its head.

It is that kind of attitude that separates winners from also-rans.

 

[sky star 2]

SAUBER 'DEVASTATED' AS RESCUE FAILS

Peter Sauber has pointed an accusing finger at BMW after failing with a rescue bid to save the team.

Sauber had attempted a takeover of the Formula One marque after BMW announced eight days ago they are to pull out of the sport at the end of the season.

The 65-year-old Swiss, who still holds a 20% stake after selling his Sauber team to BMW in 2005, had hoped to complete negotiations ahead of yesterday's deadline to sign the new Concorde Agreement.

However, Sauber has revealed talks broke down due to BMW's demands being "far too high for me".

Speaking to Autosport, Sauber added: "Consequently, I have been unable to sign the Concorde Agreement, which guarantees payments worth millions and would have secured the future of the team.

"I am incredibly disappointed and disconsolate. For me this is the bitterest day in my 40-year career in motor sport. It is also a devastating setback for the team.

"Other solutions must now be sought. The responsibility for that lies in the hands of BMW. Needless to say, I am willing to help, as before."

On Saturday, it was confirmed the FIA, Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Administration and the other 12 teams who will be competing in F1 from next season had signed the Concorde after months of bitter wrangling.

The contract determines the participation of the teams in the championship and their share in its commercial success.

BMW Sauber were given until yesterday to put their name on the new document, but the limited time-frame meant they were unable to find a buyer.

In a statement, team boss Mario Theissen said: "Since the announcement on July 29 of our strategic realignment, we have done everything in our power to reach a rapid agreement on the sale of the team based at Hinwil.

"Regrettably, despite every effort, this has proved unsuccessful.

"The tight time-frame we faced simply did not allow us and the interested parties and investors enough time to find a solution for such a complex transaction.

"This means the team cannot sign the Concorde Agreement at present.

"The aim now is, over the coming weeks, to find a solution together with potential interested parties and Peter Sauber.

"Beyond that, we will see the 2009 season through to its conclusion with our unstinting sporting commitment."

The Formula One Teams' Association have vowed to support plans for the team to sign up at a later date, if a buyer is found, providing the FIA are also in agreement.

 

[sky star 2]

BRAWN 'EXCITED' BY SCHU COMEBACK

Ross Brawn is relishing the prospect of seeing his former protege Michael Schumacher return to Formula One later this month.

The Brawn GP boss masterminded Schumacher's seven world championship triumphs - two with Benetton and five with Ferrari.

Now, when Schumacher hits the track in Valencia for the European Grand Prix on August 23, Brawn will be charged with the task of ensuring he does not disrupt Jenson Button's tilt at the title.

Although Schumacher has spent almost three years in retirement, Brawn is far from surprised the 40-year-old has come to Ferrari's aid with Felipe Massa sidelined with a fractured skull.

"After Massa's terrible accident, it was natural for him to say yes given the need of his old team," Brawn told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"In my opinion there is also another aspect to consider: the fact that this is for a limited time.

"Michael will return with his usual determination and seriousness, but above all with the intention of having fun.

"Personally, I admit I'm excited and can't wait to see him at work."

As far as Brawn is concerned, whether Schumacher adds to his 91 grand prix victories will be more to do with the car than the man himself.

Brawn, though, has no doubts Schumacher will quickly be back on the pace, adding: "I'm convinced he will be strong.

"He has to familiarise himself with the car, but I'm sure if he doesn't win one of the remaining races of the season it will not be his fault, but because Ferrari is not in a winning position."

 

[sky star 2]

McLAREN SPIRIT RENEWED IN ADVERSITY

"We're back!" has been the McLaren boast since Lewis Hamilton returned to the top step of the podium in Hungary 11 days ago.

As McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale rightly noted, it has required "a Herculean effort" to erase the pain felt at the start of the season.

The team went into the first meaningful test at Barcelona in mid-March and found they were two seconds off the pace, a chasm in Formula One terms.

It was also of huge embarrassment just four months after Hamilton was crowned world champion in the most dramatic of circumstances.

But as a world champion, McLaren responded as only they know how, leaving no stone unturned and working around the clock.

As Neale said: "If we take a look at what happened this year, then clearly we didn't get the start we'd expected or hoped for.

"I, amongst others, was on record at the end of last year saying to our partners and others that we faced the biggest regulation change for nearly 20 years, and there could well be some upsets.

"At that time I was not predicting, nor was it part of the master plan, that we were going to be part of that upset.

"When we rolled the car out in Barcelona in week 11, along with the other teams, it was clear something was awry.

"But I have to say the organisation has reacted in a phenomenal way to that.

"It's very easy, when you find yourself under that kind of intense pressure, to start tearing yourselves apart and point fingers.

"So the job for the management team, myself and the engineers, was to pull everybody together and draw on the strength in depth we have, and provoke a fight.

"Not internally, but with the competition, and I've been delighted with the way the team has responded.

"It's been a phenomenal fight, one I'm very proud to have been associated with.

"But we are not declaring victory; what we're declaring is 'we're back', and now we have a lot of work to do through the summer to continue to fight."

There have been lessons learned and practices put into place that will undoubtedly serve the entire McLaren organisation well for the future should the team ever suffer a repeat of their earlier woes.

Only recently, Hamilton learned of one employee who had worked 36 hours straight at his machine to ensure the 24-year-old returned to winning ways.

The Health and Safety Executive might frown upon such ethics, but it was a case of whatever needed to be done, do it - a measure of exactly what has been required to get back to the front.

"We didn't do a good job by our standards over the winter months, so we needed to step up to the plate and put that right," remarked Neale.

"We put immense pressure into aerodynamics and design organisation to cut out all the non-priority tasks.

"A lot of the nice-to-have jobs were focused down very tightly, and then we said to the manufacturing team that we needed to halve the time to market on most of the items.

"We duplicated tooling, we worked round the clock, and we had some programmes we called the 'don't-put-down' programmes.

"These were items that if they were in your department, in your hands, you weren't to take a tea break.

"Whilst you had it, it was not going to be put down, and when you had done what needed to be done, you handed it to the next bloke."

The reward was the sight of champagne flowing again in the McLaren motorhome at the Hungaroring and their garish rocket red t-shirts being unpacked after Hamilton's success.

But as you can expect there will be no resting on any laurels now.

The team started their compulsory two-week factory shutdown at midnight on Sunday, but when the doors open again on the McLaren Technology Centre on Monday, August 17, it will be as if they have never been away.

"Nobody, me included, likes to get beaten. In fact I'm a really poor loser, I have always been a really poor loser," added Neale.

"I know Ron (Dennis), Martin (Whitmarsh) and many others are really poor losers, and we are not about to get used to that.

"We were really clear in saying to everybody, 'there are no magic solutions, no golden bullet to suddenly make everything perfect overnight'.

"But what we did was monumental, so on the Monday morning when we come back in, we will pick everything up as if nothing was missed.

"There will be no time for a slow ramp-up. It will be a full-court press, to use a basketball analogy."

There will be no titles for McLaren this year, replaced instead by an immense amount of pride at the amount of effort required to turn their season on its head.

It is that kind of attitude that separates winners from also-rans.

 

[sky star 2]

BURTI: HELMET VISORS MUST BE STRONGER

Former F1 driver Luciano Burti has called on the FIA to strengthen helmet visors in the wake of Felipe Massa's horrific Hungarian qualifying accident.

Massa is set to miss the upcoming Valencia and Belgium races, if not more the remainder of the season, as he recovers the injuries sustained when a spring came loose from Rubens Barrichello's car, hitting him on the visor and knocking him unconscious.

The accident, while deemed by many to be a freak incident, has already prompted FIA President Max Mosley to ask the FIA Safety Commission to prepare a report into Massa's debris-related accident.

However, Burti, who himself suffered a huge accident at Spa back in 2001 that resulted in a brain concussion similar to Massa's, believes the first step towards improving safety is to strengthen the helmet visors.

"After Felipe's accident at the Hungaroring, I can see the helmet's evolution since my accident in the Belgium GP 2001," Burti told his website.

"Looking at the pictures of my helmet, we can see that if it was made of carbon fibre, like they are today, the damage would have been be less significant.

"This shows the merit of the FIA and helmet constructors on improving drivers' safety.

"But at the same time, I would like to point something out. You can see on my helmet, even with the strong front impact against the tyre barriers, the visor remained attached because it was fixed by four screws, different than most helmets which have two screws only for visor fixing (to reduce weight).

"But on Felipe's accident, we could see the visor became loose because the screw didn't resist the strong impact, and with the face exposed, he could have suffered worse consequences, especially for his face.

"I would like to make clear that I trust the FIA and the helmet constructors, I already said they are doing a fantastic job regarding drivers' safety.

"But looking at those facts, in two different accidents, we can see the visor's fixing, for all helmets brands, needs to be improved to make sure it doesn't open or get detached when the helmet suffers strong impacts.

"It is still a clear improvement when compared with a helmet of eight years ago. As I had my own experience in 2001, I felt responsible to make the point about it."