Formula 1 News

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BUTTON MUST AVOID TROUBLE - STEWART

Sir Jackie Stewart has urged Jenson Button to leave nothing to chance as the Brawn star tries to get his world championship challenge back on track.

Button looked nailed on to become Britain's 10th Formula One drivers' champion after winning six of the opening seven races of the season.

But the 29-year-old's form has nose-dived in the last five Grands Prix, putting him in real danger of being remembered for one of the biggest collapses in motor racing history.

And Stewart knows from painful experience the longer Button leaves it to wrap up the championship, the more chance there is of bad luck coming into play.

A year before winning the first of his three titles, Stewart suffered the agony of seeing the crown slip from his grasp in the final race of the season.

"It went down to the last Grand Prix in 1968 and I lost the world championship with a mechanical issue," Stewart said.

In stark contrast, Stewart's first and second title successes were achieved at a canter, the latter in his famous 1971 Tyrrell 003, which he loaned on Tuesday to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The 70-year-old also revealed a new display to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his first world championship, which made him the fifth Briton to lift the crown.

Button's hopes of emulating him rest on getting his act together as soon as possible, according to Stewart.

"He's got to drive without making errors, staying out of trouble," he said.

"He got taken out in one of the last Grands Prix from being run into from behind. But he didn't start far enough up front, so therefore he was in a muddle where accidents can happen.

"I think Jenson knows what to do - he's a very sensible young man. He's mature, he's 29 years of age, a good age for a racing driver."

After his victory at June's Turkish Grand Prix, Button led the standings by 26 points.

Despite his slump, his rivals have only managed to cut that to 16 points with five races remaining.

Stewart said: "In the early part of the season, there's no doubt that Jenson Button had a car behind him and he was driving in a fashion that dominated the sport.

"Since then, for whatever reason, the combination of man and machine has somehow fallen apart a little bit.

"I think he'll come back; he's got every chance of securing the world championship this year.

"It's going to be an exciting end to the season but it didn't seem possible that he could lose the lead in the world championship that he had.

"But it has happened and now he has to pick himself up and so have the team."

Meanwhile, Stewart has urged the FIA to hit Renault with an appropriate punishment if they are found guilty of fixing the outcome of last year's Singapore Grand Prix.

The French team were last week charged with conspiring with their driver Nelson Piquet Jr to cause a deliberate crash, a move which helped team-mate Fernando Alonso win the race.

Renault could face severe sanctions, which may include expulsion from the current world championship.

Stewart, who also spent three seasons running his own eponymous team in the late 1990s, said: "The governing body of the sport have been somewhat inconsistent in past years and times with regards to some of their penalties, and I hope that common sense will prevail."



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HAUG PREDICTS THRILLER AT MONZA

Mercedes Motorsport boss Norbert Haug is convinced Sunday's Italian Grand Prix is likely to be the closest of the season.

The configuration of the Monza circuit - four high-speed straights punctuated by two hard-braking chicanes - makes it unique on the Formula One calendar.

McLaren duo Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen should be amongst the favourites as their cars are fitted with KERS, the device that provides a power boost at the touch of a button.

Given the chicanes, Monza will afford the KERS cars - Ferrari and Renault will also be equipped - the chance to use the system twice on one lap, and so seemingly offer a significant advantage.

Yet the fact the sport has enjoyed six different winners at the last six races underlines how closely contested F1 is these days.

Haug said: "Together with Monaco, Monza is the most untypical Formula One track.

"But whilst Monaco is a street course with the lowest average speed, Monza is a high-speed circuit at more than 250kph average, whilst the top speed in the dry will probably exceed 350kph this year.

"During the forthcoming race we will possibly see the closest field in Formula One history.

"Spa has shown the current Formula One is good for big surprises, and Monza will possibly underline this again."

Although Mercedes supply engines to championship leaders Brawn and improving Force India after the team broke their F1 points duck at Spa, Mercedes' natural affinity is with McLaren.

It is why Haug talks collectively when referring to McLaren, their partnership now stretching to 15 years, and his belief the team can still do more this season.

"Our target is to continue our upward trend," said Haug.

"After Lewis' win and second place in Budapest and Valencia, we were not where we wanted to be in Spa, even after Heikki managed to come home sixth from 15th on the grid.

"What is positive is, despite Lewis's accident on lap one through no fault of his own, no other team has scored more points from the last four races than Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

"In the remaining five races we will build on this with a healthy ambition, although without seeing us being the favourites for Monza.

"There will be at least a handful of teams, which is first class for the sport."




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ALONSO GEARING UP FOR CHANGE OF LUCK

Fernando Alonso is hoping to see his luck change this weekend for a Renault team currently racing under a cloud.

The Anglo/French marque face an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in 12 days' time over race-fixing allegations relating to last year's Singapore Grand Prix.

If found guilty of urging then driver Nelson Piquet to crash - and so help Alonso win the race - Renault could potentially be kicked out of this year's championship.

Before that crucial date, all within the team are staying silent as they attempt to make the Italian Grand Prix weekend as normal as possible.

For double world champion Alonso, the Spaniard can only hope for an improvement on a season which has yielded just 16 points - the 28-year-old failing to score in half of the 12 races to date.

Alonso, forced to retire in the last race in Belgium because of an issue with his left-front tyre, said: "It was very frustrating, because we missed another good opportunity to fight for a podium and score important points.

"It's true we were missing pace in qualifying. But the car was more competitive in the race, and things were looking good until my first pit-stop when it became clear that the car was damaged.

"I now hope my luck will change in Monza, because we have a competitive car, but we haven't been able to show the true potential so far.

"We saw how quick it was at the Nurburgring, Budapest and Valencia. But for various reasons, we haven't scored the points we should have.

"However, I always look forward, try to stay positive - and I will approach the rest of the season believing we can finish the year strongly.

"At least we know we have a car that is fast enough to get close to the podium, which will be my aim this weekend in Monza."

Alonso's target will be assisted by the fact Renault have decided to re-introduce KERS for this race, given Monza is a power circuit where the boost system should prove significantly beneficial.

Explaining the logic behind their decision, Renault director of engineering Pat Symonds said: "There are three aspects of KERS that need to be considered - lap time, the advantage it gives from the start and the ability to assist overtaking.

"Firstly, the gain in lap time of running KERS in Monza is likely to be around a quarter-of-a-second, and it's worth even more in qualifying because you can do one release before you start a timed lap and another release during the timed lap.

"In terms of the advantage at the start, it's a long way from the grid to the first corner in Monza, and KERS will give an advantage of well over 15 metres compared with non-KERS cars.

"For assisting overtaking, you have to remember Monza is a circuit where it's very difficult to overtake. But running KERS certainly won't disadvantage us in that respect.

"All these factors combine to make Monza a very favourable circuit for KERS."




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BUTTON FEELING GOOD ABOUT MONZA

Jenson Button is adamant he is "feeling positive," despite claims from others that he is a man under pressure.

Button's early-season charge towards Formula One world title glory has faltered alarmingly over the last five grands prix, in which he has taken just 11 points.

Throughout the slump, though, none of his championship rivals has been able to make significant inroads into his lead - which is still a healthy 16 points to Brawn GP team-mate Rubens Barrichello.

Yet Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, whose drivers in Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber are 19 and 20.5 points adrift, insisted after the last race in Belgium Button would ultimately be punished for his poor run.

Now Felipe Massa has waded into the debate by stating Button will throw away the title unless he starts to handle the pressure.

Massa, recuperating from the fractured skull sustained in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, feels the pressure has got to the 29-year-old.

Button is convinced this weekend's Italian Grand Prix will be a different story, at a Monza circuit he feels will play to the strengths of his car.

"Monza is a fantastic track, and I love the passion that the Italian fans bring to the race weekend," he said.

"The circuit is very different to most of the circuits we race on, because the car will be set up with the lowest levels of drag and downforce possible to take advantage of the long straights.

"It always takes a few laps to get used to - and because we haven't tested at Monza this season, the practice sessions will be very important.

"It's a circuit that should be reasonably good for our car if we get the handling right over the kerbs, so we're feeling positive and excited about the challenge."

Monza is also a track that will definitely suit the cars fitted with KERS, the device that provides a short power boost at the push of a button.

It means McLaren and Ferrari should be strong, while Renault have also dusted down their device for a one-off return.

That could leave Button, Barrichello, Vettel and Webber fighting over the scraps when it comes to the points at the end of Sunday's race.

On the fastest track of the season, Brawn boss Ross Brawn knows his team have to hit the ground running from Friday practice; otherwise it could be another long weekend.

"From a technical point of view, Monza should be a track where our car will work well - although we do expect the KERS cars to have a significant advantage," he confirmed.

"Our car is good on both brakes and traction, which are important at Monza, and we have the benefit of the Mercedes-Benz engine on this power-sensitive circuit.

"But with no in-season testing this year, we have not had the opportunity to test at the circuit before the race weekend - so it will be interesting to see how quickly everyone can adapt to the unusually low downforce configuration with limited running.

"The aerodynamic efficiency of the car is crucial, so we have a specific package designed to minimise drag levels and achieve the high top speeds required.

"Good engineering can make a significant difference at Monza, so we'll be working hard to get the car set up well to allow our drivers to be aggressive over the kerbs."

As the man at the front of the chasing pack, Barrichello is at a loss when it comes to assessing what twists and turns may unfold around Monza.

"It's the quickest circuit on the calendar, and our car has the potential to be strong there," he believes.

"But it's been a season full of surprises, so it's impossible to predict what the weekend will bring. I hope we can have a good one."




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WILLIAMS, FORCE INDIA REJOIN FOTA

Williams and Force India have been allowed to rejoin the Formula One Teams' Association.

The two teams were suspended from the organisation in May after signing up for the 2010 Formula One championship at a time when a breakaway series was a very real threat.

Williams and Force India both maintained they were contractually bound to confirm their participation for the FIA-run championship, otherwise they would be severely penalised.

Their move angered the other eight teams - Ferrari, McLaren, BMW Sauber, Renault, Toyota, Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso and Brawn GP - resulting in their immediate suspension.

But in the wake of peace breaking out between the FIA and FOTA, and following a "productive" executive committee meeting of the latter body in Monza on Wednesday, Williams and Force India can now return.

The three new teams due to compete from next season, US F1, Manor and Campos, have also been invited to join FOTA.

A FOTA spokesperson said: "FOTA re-affirmed all teams competing in Formula One are able to join the association.

"FOTA therefore welcomes back into full membership both Williams and Force India.

"The executive committee also looks forward to welcoming the new entrants to join the association whilst they continue to prepare for next year's championship."

FOTA's aim now is to sit down with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone in an attempt to improve the current spectacle of the sport, and with the intention of securing its future beyond 2012 when the recently-signed Concorde Agreement expires.

The spokesperson added: "The FOTA executive committee looks forward to working with the FIA and commercial rights holder to promote a healthy, dynamic and sustainable sport.

"To this end, FOTA intends to now enter into open discussion with the commercial rights holder with the wish to confirm arrangements beyond 2012.

"Furthermore, FOTA will now arrange a seminar, open to representatives of the major stakeholders, including media, sponsors and promoters, to discuss how working together we can develop the show, creating a more attractive spectacle for the fans."




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PRESSURE STARTING TO TELL ON BUTTON

Jenson Button insists he isn't, but then of course he would hardly say otherwise now would he? Whereas seasoned observers suggest he is.

Pressure affects us all, in any walk of life, and even at any age.

Do you remember your first spelling test at school for instance, and how you felt approaching it?

There would have been pressure - the pressure you may have placed on yourself to do well, pressure to beat your mates, and pressure from your parents, to make them feel proud.

We experience it at work - to meet a deadline, making sure a file is word perfect, to do your utmost in serving either customers or bosses, maybe even your country.

We experience it at home when it comes to paying the bills on time, raising children, taking good care of our loved ones.

Some days pressure is more tangible than others, depending on the circumstances, but it exists all the same, and in many guises.

Naturally, pressure for a sportsman such as Button will be far different to the normal every day pressures we are accustomed to.

For a start he is now a very well known personality, a man in the public eye, and with that comes expectation, not just from within his Brawn GP team, but from a worldwide legion of fans.

Over the years, and with maturity, Button has learned how to handle his fame; he is a more settled character these days compared to his wild and carefree days when he first started out in Formula One.

Behind the wheel it is a different story this season; yes, he has been under pressure before when there has been a need to perform in order to retain his seat.

But for the first time in his nine-season career in F1 the 29-year-old finds himself standing on the brink of becoming world champion, which in itself brings pressure of a far greater magnitude.

Since his victory in the curtain-raising grand prix in Australia, Button has remained out in front, his lead at one stage 26 points at a time when his rivals simply had no answer to man and machine in perfect harmony.

After six wins from the opening seven races, Button was strolling, making it look oh so easy and threatening to wrap up the title with a number of grands prix to spare.

But in the space of three months and five races, the landscape has remarkably altered due to a combination of factors.

The cooler conditions in Britain and Germany undoubtedly worked against Brawn and Button, the situation exacerbated by Red Bull Racing's resurgence on the back of a seismic upgrade.

The race in Hungary was the first definitive indicator Button's championship dreams were under threat because despite the heat in Budapest, his car no longer possessed the wow factor.

In Valencia we then witnessed Button's first wobble as he backed off in an opening corner scrap with Sebastian Vettel.

Button was perhaps unfairly criticised for what many perceived as a tentative approach given the alternative was an accident that would have ended both their races and yielded nothing rather than the two points he did collect.

But then we have Belgium a fortnight ago, and a qualifying in which he was far from his authoritative self, in particular in comparison to team-mate Rubens Barrichello as 10 places separated them on the Spa grid.

Button complained of the car no longer working for him the way it did over those first seven races, a sign of the pressure starting to have an effect perhaps?

Crucially, it points to the fact that unlike frontrunners of the past, Brawn have failed to stay ahead of the competition.

You take a look at any particular season and you will find whoever is quick out of the box, as the saying goes, generally manages to stay one step ahead of their rivals.

That has not happened to Brawn, maybe due to a lack of resources after their battle to stay alive over the winter, as Ferrari and McLaren have caught and now passed the Brackley-based team.

At Spa we saw Toyota and BMW Sauber step out of the shadows, and even the remarkable coming of age of Force India.

Button insisted after the race, in which he failed to score a point for the first time this season due to a first-lap crash as a result of him starting so far back, that he did not want to win the title by finishing fifth, sixth or seventh for the rest of the season.

It is a fate he will have to accept unless Brawn can provide him with an upgrade to suddenly launch him back to the front because the other teams are now far stronger than Brawn.

It means, if he sincerely hasn't felt any burden up until now, he will do so over the final five grands prix because life teaches you when the stakes are high, pressure always comes to bear.


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BUTTON'S BEST CHANCE - MANSELL

Former Formula One world champion Nigel Mansell has warned Jenson Button that he will "never have a better chance" of winning the title as he prepares for the run-in to this season.

Button is currently 16 points clear of Brawn GP team-mate Rubens Barrichello in the standings with just five races remaining and looks odds-on to clinch his first title.

But the 29-year-old has endured a poor run of results since winning in Turkey in June, with a fifth-placed finish his best effort in the last five races.

Mansell dominated from the front to win the 1992 crown for Williams and believes that Button will regret it for the rest of his career if he throws away this season's title.

Mansell said: "Jenson has got himself into a wonderful position. He has a 16-point lead and he should really sew up the championship from that position.

"He doesn't need to win every race now but what he does need to do is make sure he finishes every race and picks up some decent points.

"He can still afford to let people finish in front of him and win the title but he needs to be careful.

"I think he needs to shake himself up a bit.

"He has gone off the boil in recent races for whatever reason and at the moment you would have to say that he is being outdriven by his team-mate.

"People react to pressure in different ways and we are seeing Jenson under real pressure for the first time now."

Mansell ended a 15-year Formula One career by finally claiming the 1992 title in a season which he dominated, winning nine races.

The 56-year-old won the first five races of that year to put himself in a commanding position from which there was no turning back.

Button enjoyed an even better start this year, winning six of the first seven Grands Prix, but has since struggled to leave Mansell doubting his ability to handle the pressure.

Mansell said: "He made an amazing start to the season but that brings pressure and expectation. When I won the title I thrived on that pressure and it made me stronger, and I was determined not to loosen my grip.

"I predicted that Jenson would win the British Grand Prix this year but instead what I saw that weekend was him tighten up a bit under the strain.

"He was slow at Silverstone until his third stint when he was flying which showed that it wasn't the car, it was that the situation had got to him.

"But he needs to get a grip right now because he will never have a better opportunity to be world champion. These chances do not come along very often and if he lets this one slip through his fingers, he'll never forgive himself."

Mansell is back in action this weekend at Silverstone as he partners his son Greg in the Autosport 1000km race.



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FISICHELLA FREE TO RACE IN 2010

Ferrari have revealed that Giancarlo Fisichella is free to race for another team next season despite signing on as their test driver.

Last week, the Scuderia announced that Fisichella would be joining them for the final five races of this year's Championship, stepping in to replace the under-performing Luca Badoer.

Part of the Italian's deal also sees him take the role of their third and reserve driver for 2010. But Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali says that doesn't necessarily mean Fisichella's racing days are over.

"There are no clauses that prevent him from racing with others," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "Quite the opposite, he could keep himself trained that way."

And although Fisi's signing sparked speculation that Badoer's days with Ferrari were over, Domenicali says the team is likely to retain the 38-year-old along with second driver Marc Gene.

"It's true that nowadays development is carried out by the race drivers, but we use test drivers also for promotional activities and for work on the road cars," he said when asked about Badoer's future. "We'll find a solution for him and for Marc Gene."

The trio may not be the only test drivers on Ferrari's payroll next season as the Scuderia are still eager to get Michael Schumacher back behind the wheel.

"By the way Michael responded to our call, I think in his head the will to be a racing driver again is still there," said Domenicali. "Otherwise he would have hung up his helmet. So, never say never."

But even if he doesn't drive, Ferrari are keen to continue their consultancy relationship with the seven-time World Champion.

"The aim is to find a solution, because Schumacher and Ferrari are inseparable," he said.



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SANTANDER TO BACK FERRARI

Ferrari have unveiled Santander as one of their title sponsors from next season after signing a five-year deal with the Spanish banking giant.

Speculation had been rife in Formula One that Santander were ready to end their three-year association with McLaren and switch to Ferrari.

The deal with Ferrari was announced at Monza on Thursday before the Italian Grand Prix - at which Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and Emilio Botin, the president of the Bank of Santander, are both present.

Santander, whose logos will appear prominently on Ferrari's cars as well as the driver's overalls and team members' apparel from next season, will continue to sponsor the Formula One grands prix in Italy, Britain and Germany

Botin said: "I dare say that Santander is today in banking what Ferrari is in Formula One - an irreplaceable pillar and a symbol of tradition, success and strength. Formula One has turned red hot."

Di Montezemolo said Ferrari and Santander are beginning a "very important and long-term cooperation" and that both companies share common values, such as "striving for excellence, a passion for competition, and an international approach".

"These values will make this a fruitful partnership, noteworthy around the world," he predicted.



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BARRICHELLO SPEAKS OUT IN CRASH ROW

Rubens Barrichello says it would be "very, very sad" if the latest allegations surrounding Formula One were found to be true.

Renault face the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on September 21 to answer charges his team conspired with Nelson Piquet to cause a deliberate crash at last year's Singapore Grand Prix.

The incident led to Fernando Alonso claiming an improbable victory as the double world champion had started from 15th on the grid for the sport's historic first night race.

Barrichello was involved in a controversial incident himself during the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix.

It was a race in which Barrichello was cruising to victory, only to be ordered by his then Ferrari bosses to ease up and allow team-mate Michael Schumacher to take the win as he needed the points for the world title.

The notorious incident caused a storm of controversy and resulted in the banning of team orders by motor sport's world governing body, the FIA.

Seven years on and the sport is again under a cloud, with Brazilian Barrichello claiming there may be an agenda against Renault team principal Flavio Briatore.

"It's quite difficult to think somebody would crash a car because he was told to," said Barrichello.

"Very realistically speaking, I think it's easier to crash a Formula One car than drive a Formula One car.

"That's a fair point because of the amount of power and everything. It's very easy to crash the car.

"I was put in a situation in Austria which was the limit of the limit.

"There were eight laps of conversation, with things said to me that I had to give up in front of everyone. Everyone knew what was going on.

"If this is true it's very, very sad."

BMW Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld insists the circumstances surrounding last year's Singapore Grand prix could arouse suspicions about the way in which the race was run.

Alonso was carrying considerably less fuel than Piquet at a circuit where overtaking is difficult.

Alonso pitted on lap 12, with Piquet crashing two laps later. The crash happened on a part of the track where no crane was on hand, forcing the safety car into play.

Alonso ultimately inherited the lead later in the race before going on to take the chequered flag.

Heidfeld said: "I'm amazed it has taken so long, that nearly a year later it has become such a big issue.

"Immediately after the race, in the briefing, everybody who was there in the paddock had the thought it at least looked like it could have been on purpose."

World title contender Sebastian Vettel said Piquet and Renault would have been "stupid" if they had conspired deliberately to crash given the safety implications.

"There were some rumours going around.... but very quickly it went silent again," said Vettel.

Only the people directly involved would know what happened, Vettel said.

He added it would have been a very stupid thing to do because it would mean a great deal of risk for nothing.

"Of course as the driver you have the control of the car, and yes we are always driving on the limit and sometimes things go wrong and you might have a crash," Vettel added.



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ALONSO DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN SMASH

Fernando Alonso has categorically denied any involvement in the latest scandal to cast a shadow over Formula One.

An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council has been called for September 21 in Paris during which the suspicious events of last season's Singapore Grand Prix will be debated.

At the heart of the case are suggestions then Renault driver Nelson Piquet deliberately crashed his car to assist Alonso, who went on to take a surprise victory.

In the presence of FIA chairman of the stewards, Alan Donnelly, and members of the investigations firm Quest, Piquet is understood to have provided a sworn affidavit at the FIA headquarters on July 30 giving his version of events.

Should the 26 members of the WMSC, whose head is FIA president Max Mosley, determine Renault to be guilty of any offence, their powers of punishment are unlimited.

As witnessed two years ago with the 'spy-gate' saga when it was the word of McLaren against Ferrari, the WMSC sided with the latter and fined the Woking-based team a sporting record £50million.

In this instance, it would appear to be the word of Piquet against Renault, although it is understood the FIA also possess telemetry data that would indicate the crash was pre-meditated.

Piquet has referred to being "in a very fragile and emotional state of mind" due to concerns over his future with the team at the time of the race.

Despite finishing 12th in the drivers' championship last season in which he was out-qualified by Alonso at every race, the Brazilian was eventually retained.

However, Renault axed Piquet immediately after the Hungarian Grand Prix in late July after failing to score a point this year, after which the FIA were then alerted to investigate the events in Singapore.

Piquet was clearly an aggrieved man at the time of his sacking as he slammed Briatore as his "executioner," and claimed the Italian was someone with virtually no understanding of modern day Formula One.

The FIA's investigations in the month since Piquet's statement have prompted them into the extraordinary WMSC meeting where Renault may be expelled from the championship.

For his part, double world champion Alonso insists he is innocent, benefiting from an incident he was completely unaware of.

Alonso, of course, was a central figure in 'spy-gate' as it was his testimony that sparked a second hearing, and ultimately McLaren's astonishing penalty.

In this instance, asked specifically if he knew of what transpired, Alonso issued a firm and unequivocal "no."

Then questioned whether he wanted to be involved in a sport at the mercy of potential fixing, Alonso stated "of course (not)".

The 28-year-old insists whatever the outcome on the 21st, and even if Renault are thrown out or should they opt to withdraw from F1 given the bad publicity, it will have no bearing on his future.

With many expecting Alonso to join Ferrari next season, especially in the wake of Spanish banking giant Santander confirming a five-year sponsorship deal with the team from 2010, he said: "There will be no change."

Gagged by Renault's lawyers, Alonso was unable to offer little by way of his own personal insight into 'crash-gate', other than to express surprise at what has since unfolded.

"For me, it's difficult to understand this situation and these investigations," remarked Alonso ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

"It's another day. I'm preparing for this grand prix, trying for a good result here. I'm fully concentrated on the job.

"Of course, I'm very surprised. I can't imagine this situation, but it's time to start thinking about this race. I'm not spending any time on this.

"After the hearing on the 21st everything will be clarified, and that will be the time to say something."

Alonso at least provided a testimonial on behalf of Briatore, the flamboyant Italian whose career potentially hangs in the balance.

"He is nice person, a nice boss with me," asserted Alonso.

"He is a friend who has always supported my career from the time I was at Minardi.

"Flavio is one of the good people here, and he always has my support."

Piquet's role in the affair may make it difficult for him to find another F1 team willing to employ him in the future.

Alonso, though, still feels Piquet has a lot to offer as he said: "I had a good relationship with him.

"We were team-mates for a year and a half, and I never had a problem with him.

"He has the talent to be in Formula One. After a year and a half with Renault in not the most competitive car, he needs a competitive car.

"I'm sure he is capable of good results in the future."




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MANSELL SHOCKED BY LATEST STORM

Nigel Mansell has been left stunned by the latest allegations to rock Formula One.

An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council has been called for September 21 at the FIA's headquarters in Paris where an incident during last season's Singapore Grand Prix will be scrutinised.

Renault must answer charges that they conspired with former driver Nelson Piquet to cause a deliberate crash. Fernando Alonso subsequently went on to claim an improbable victory for the Anglo-French marque.

Mansell, who won his only world title in a Renault-powered Williams in 1992, is "staggered by the allegations".

The 56-year-old added: "It is obviously a much different team to when I was there, but it is an amazing allegation.

"I have no comment on whether it's true or not, but I was as stunned by every other F1 fan when I heard.

"From a driver's point of view, it is mind-boggling stuff.

"I can't compute the idea that a driver could have been asked by a team to deliberately crash.

"Everyone in the sport knows how dangerous it can be, and to deliberately put yourself at that risk, I find it hard to believe.

"But let's see. We are all in the dark at the moment, and we can only wait and see."

Alonso yesterday categorically denied involvement in the incident.

The Spaniard went into the race carrying far less fuel than Piquet at a circuit where overtaking is difficult.

Alonso pitted on lap 12, with Piquet crashing two laps later. The accident happened on a part of the track where no crane was on hand, forcing the safety car into play.

The double world champion ultimately inherited the lead later in the race before going on to take the chequered flag.

But asked specifically if he knew of what transpired on September 28 last year, Alonso issued a firm and unequivocal "no."

Then questioned whether he wanted to be involved in a sport at the mercy of potential fixing, Alonso stated "of course (not)."

Gagged by Renault's lawyers, Alonso was unable to offer little by way of his own personal insight into the incident, other than to express surprise at what has since unfolded.

"For me, it's difficult to understand this situation and these investigations," remarked Alonso ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

"It's another day. I'm preparing for this grand prix, trying for a good result here. I'm fully concentrated on the job.

"Of course, I'm very surprised. I can't imagine this situation, but it's time to start thinking about this race. I'm not spending any time on this.

"After the hearing on the 21st everything will be clarified, and that will be the time to say something."

Rubens Barrichello, meanwhile, has said it would be upsetting if these latest allegations surrounding the sport were proven.

"If this is true it's very, very sad," said the veteran Brawn GP driver.

"It's quite difficult to think somebody would crash a car because he was told to.

"Very realistically speaking, I think it's easier to crash a Formula One car than drive a Formula One car.

"That's a fair point because of the amount of power and everything. It's very easy to crash the car."


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RENAULT RETALIATE IN 'CRASHGATE' ROW

Renault have launched legal proceedings against Nelson Piquet Junior and Nelson Piquet Senior in the latest twist to the 'crash-gate' scandal.

The team have chosen to act in the wake of allegations made by their former driver Piquet Junior, that he deliberately crashed his car in last year's Singapore Grand Prix to the advantage of Fernando Alonso.

Renault are also acting against Piquet Senior over what they claim is an attempt to blackmail team principal Flavio Briatore.

A statement from Renault read: "The FIA has announced it is to hold an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on 21 September 2009.

"The ING Renault F1 Team is to attend that meeting and answer allegations that members of the team conspired with Nelson Piquet Jnr to cause a deliberate accident at the 2008 Singapore GP, so that Fernando Alonso might benefit from the resulting safety car.

"The ING Renault F1 Team had not commented publicly during the FIA's initial investigation into this matter.

"However, today the ING Renault F1 Team and its managing director Flavio Briatore personally wish to state they have commenced criminal proceedings against Nelson Piquet Junior and Nelson Piquet Senior in France concerning the making of false allegations and a related attempt to blackmail the team into allowing Mr Piquet Jnr to drive for the remainder of the 2009 season.

"The matter will also be referred to the police in the UK."

The team have filed their action through the criminal prosecutor in France who, given the severity of the case and the public interest, is to address the matter within the week.

It has also been referred to the UK police because Piquet Jnr resides in England, and the fact a second statement detailing the events of the September 28 race last year was provided in the UK.

Renault had previously remained silent on this matter, but in the wake of the initial statement provided by Piquet Jnr to the FIA in Paris on July 30, Briatore and the French car giant have chosen to act.

The statement was leaked on Thursday, prompting FIA president Max Mosley to be asked to confirm its authenticity. He said: "I haven't seen anything which I believe to be a forgery."

Piquet has claimed he held a meeting with Briatore and director of engineering Pat Symonds prior to the race at which he was told to crash his car, which he agreed to.

Believing his career with Renault at the time was in the balance, and although no guarantees were given at that stage, Piquet Junior felt it would enhance his prospects of retaining his seat.

Double world champion Alonso had started from 15th on the grid, and started on low fuel on a typical street track where it is notoriously difficult to pass.

Renault gambled on there being a safety car incident, and just two laps after Alonso made his first pit stop on lap 12, Piquet's crash turned the race on its head.

The Brazilian's crash also took place on a part of the circuit where there was no crane, otherwise the field might slowly have filed past under waved yellow flags whilst it was recovered.

But with the crane on track, it necessitated the safety car period, resulting in the pitlane being immediately closed.

When it eventually re-opened, virtually the entire field dived into the pits, culminating in Alonso emerging in fifth place.

Of those ahead of him, Jarno Trulli and Giancarlo Fisichella pitted later, whilst Nico Rosberg and Robert Kubica were penalised as they had been forced to stop when the pitlane was closed.

Alonso then inherited a lead on lap 34 he cemented with victory, Renault's first for two years, and at a time when it was strongly rumoured they were considering quitting the sport.

Piquet Junior was eventually retained for this season, only to be axed after the Hungarian Grand Prix in late July after failing to score a point this year.

Following the race the FIA were then alerted to what unfolded in Singapore.

Piquet was clearly an aggrieved man at the time of his sacking as he slammed Briatore as his "executioner", someone with virtually no understanding of modern day Formula One.

The FIA's investigations since Piquet's statement have prompted them into the extraordinary WMSC meeting where Renault face the prospect of being expelled from the championship should they be found guilty of conspiracy.



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FISICHELLA 'LIVING IN A DREAM'

Giancarlo Fisichella has found himself more popular this past week than in his previous 14 years in Formula One.

Fisichella's switch from Force India to Ferrari was unsurprising when it was announced last Thursday as the team were in desperate need of a replacement for the woeful Luca Badoer.

Remarkably, the 36-year-old will now become the first Italian to drive a Ferrari in his home grand prix at Monza on Sunday since Ivan Capelli in 1992.

Although living a dream, even Fisichella has been caught off guard by the attention he has received, in contrast to his years spent at Minardi, Jordan, Benetton, Sauber, Renault and Force India.

"Every day since last Thursday's announcement has been a fantastic experience, going to the factory, doing the seat fitting," said Fisichella.

"It is amazing for me to be here in Monza for my home grand prix with a new team and in a Ferrari car which has been my dream since I was young. It is just great.

"Going around now I'm much more popular after 14 years of Formula One, so Ferrari is amazing.

"As I mentioned, it's my life's dream, but especially so for my father and all my family.

"All my friends are really proud of what has happened to me. I've had a lot of texts and phone calls from a lot of friends, and that has been amazing.

"Even the press have been fantastic with me, so for a few days it's been like living in a dream.

"I'm now looking forward to being really comfortable in the team."

Fisichella is to race alongside Kimi Raikkonen for the final five races, with the aim of cementing third place in the constructors' championship for the Maranello marque.

Although Fisichella will require time to settle himself into a car that will be noticeably different to his Force India, he should be quickly on the pace.

Refusing to set himself too much of a personal goal, the Roman added: "I will spend all of this morning's practice learning everything.

"But I am sure by the afternoon's second free practice I will be much more comfortable and feel confident about being competitive.

"The target is obviously to finish third in the constructors', so Kimi and I need to score a lot of points.

"My own target is to score points in every race if possible, and it would obviously be nice to get on the podium, but we will see.

"I just want to do a proper job, to do my best and to be close to Kimi. That's all I have to do."

As a driver who has won three races in his career, it was suggested to Fisichella that as he was behind the wheel of a winning car, his ambition this weekend must surely to be victorious again.

"Of course, it's my dream to win straightaway," added Fisichella.

"But it won't be easy jumping from a Force India to a Ferrari and being comfortable so quickly.

"I'm sure I can do it, that I can be quick, so I'm positive. But let's take it step-by-step."



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[sky star 2]

LEWIS HAMILTON SETS MONZA PACE

Lewis Hamilton led a McLaren one-two in first practice for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

The reigning world champion hit the front early on in the 90-minute session with his first flying lap in his McLaren, and was never once deposed.

It was not a totally trouble-free morning as Hamilton lost his fuel flap at one stage after hitting hard one of the re-moulded and far higher kerbs that now dominate the three chicanes around the Monza circuit.

Hamilton, though, chipped away at his own time throughout the morning prior to wrapping up a dominant practice with a lap time of one minute 23.936 seconds for the 5.793km track.

Team-mate Heikki Kovalainen finished 0.396secs adrift of the 24-year-old, followed by Adrian Sutil for Force India, the German just over half a second down on Hamilton.

Despite Giancarlo Fisichella's switch to Ferrari, the team appear strong still, with Sutil looking to build on Fisichella's pole and second place at Spa.

With his car re-fitted with KERS for this race, the device that provides a power boost at the touch of a button, Fernando Alonso was fourth quickest in his Renault.

After their return to form in Belgium, BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld was fifth fastest, closely followed by Sebastien Buemi in his Toro Rosso.

Of the four title challengers, championship leader Jenson Button was the best of that particular bunch down in seventh, finishing 0.770secs behind Hamilton.

On his Ferrari debut, Fisichella finished eighth and quicker than team-mate Kimi Raikkonen in 10th by 0.029secs.

However, the Italian's time was deceptive as he completed the session on the quicker soft tyres compared to the majority of the field who had spent the morning on the harder compound.

Mark Webber in his Red Bull separated the Ferrari duo in ninth, with Rubens Barrichello in his Brawn 12th and Sebastian Vettel down in 18th in the other Red Bull.

However, due to his ongoing engine constraints as his team attempt to preserve the life in the few he has remaining, the young German only completed eight laps.

At the back of the field were the Toyota duo of Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock, the latter involved in the only incident as he spun at one stage before bouncing heavily over one of the new kerbs.

Times
01 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:23.936 26 laps
02 H. Kovalainen McLaren 1:24.332 27 laps
03 A. Sutil Force India F1 1:24.471 24 laps
04 F. Alonso Renault 1:24.477 21 laps
05 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:24.683 25 laps
06 S. Buemi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:24.703 35 laps
07 J. Button Brawn GP 1:24.706 21 laps
08 G. Fisichella Ferrari 1:24.732 24 laps
09 M. Webber Red Bull 1:24.759 19 laps
10 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:24.761 26 laps
11 R. Kubica BMW 1:24.813 20 laps
12 R. Barrichello Brawn GP 1:24.826 24 laps
13 N. Rosberg Williams 1:24.927 29 laps
14 K. Nakajima Williams 1:25.150 28 laps
15 R. Grosjean Renault 1:25.612 18 laps
16 V. Liuzzi Force India F1 1:25.689 29 laps
17 J. Alguersuari Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:25.742 30 laps
18 S. Vettel Red Bull 1:25.951 8 laps
19 J. Trulli Toyota 1:26.020 23 laps
20 T. Glock Toyota 1:26.325 17 laps



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[sky star 2]

BUTTON STILL ON TRACK - BRAWN

Ross Brawn has defended Jenson Button following a swathe of suggestions he is a man under pressure, mentally struggling to cope with the demands of leading the world championship.

Felipe Massa this week insisted Button is not handling the situation and will throw away the title unless he finds a way of doing so.

Nigel Mansell feels Button has tightened up of late and now needs "to get his head back on" - while Stirling Moss suggested "it's in the mind".

Brawn unsurprisingly offered a different perspective on Button but also an experienced view of witnessing at first hand Michael Schumacher's seven title triumphs.

"I think there has naturally been a change (in Button) - because he's now leading the world championship, which is a new experience for him," said Brawn.

"Undoubtedly that does influence your everyday thinking.

"With every driver I've worked with, when you're in a year when you don't have a chance to win the championship, they try just as hard and are committed.

"But it has a different flavour, a different character to when you are trying to build points - even in difficult situations.

"I have seen a change in Jenson, but I see it as a positive - one where he is diligently thinking how he puts together a championship year and how he works on maintaining his position.

"I don't see anything negative in his approach or attitude.

"Even with Michael, who won the title seven times, the seventh time was just as tense as the first.

"Sometimes being in front in a championship is the most difficult position -because the guys behind have nothing to lose.

"Jenson is having to re-engage his thoughts in fighting for a world title - and what I see is perfectly normal, nothing negative."

Lewis Hamilton knows exactly what Button is currently going through, having missed out on taking the title in 2007 before clinching it in the most dramatic of circumstances last year.

"At this stage you are just gunning for as many points as you can - going for wins, aiming for consistency," said Hamilton.

"But then maybe, with three races to go, you just want to finish the races and bag the points.

"What you have to remember, and it's easy to forget, is that he has won six races this year.

"It's not easy to do that, and they were quite ahead of everyone else at the time.

"But he has still done the job and he is still 16 points ahead, so I don't particularly believe he should be sweating at all.

"He's got five races left to do it [win the title]. It's different when it comes down to the last two races, and you've got to squeeze something out.

"But he's not got that at the moment. He's got plenty of time. I think he's doing fine."

For his part, Button insists he is "in a good place", refusing to take any heed of the comments being aired - even if they are from reputable figures such as Massa, Mansell and Moss.

Although taking just 11 points from the last five grands prix, Button said: "I've won six of 12 races this year, which is great.

"I've also got a 16-point lead, which is a good position to be in as the championship is coming to a close."

Asked whether he had managed to switch off from the title pressure, Button replied: "Not really. It's just experience of being in this situation, because I've been leading for months now."

Button, team-mate Rubens Barrichello and the Red Bull duo of title rivals Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel all struggled in practice on Friday before Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

Force India's Adrian Sutil was the surprise name at the top of the timesheets, with Hamilton quickest in the morning, and second overall over the two 90-minute sessions.




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[sky star 2]

FIA TO PROTECT NELSON PIQUET JR

Nelson Piquet Junior has been granted immunity from prosecution by the FIA after providing evidence in the 'crash-gate' scandal.

The situation is akin to the spy saga of 2007, when McLaren drivers Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and reserve Pedro de la Rosa were informed by the FIA no action would be taken against them in return for providing statements relating to the case.

The evidence of double world champion Alonso, in particular, proved especially damning for McLaren as they were fined a sporting record £50million after being found guilty of being in possession of files belonging to rivals Ferrari.

Motor sport's world governing body have now decided to protect Piquet Jnr after details emerged relating to last year's Singapore Grand Prix, sparking a case they regard as more serious than the McLaren issue.

At an extraordinary hearing of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on September 21, Renault will answer charges they conspired with Piquet Jnr to cause a deliberate crash to the advantage of Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the sport's first night race.

In a further twist today, Renault and managing director Flavio Briatore have commenced legal proceedings in France against Piquet Jnr and his father, Nelson Piquet Senior.

It concerns "the making of false allegations and a related attempt to blackmail the team into allowing Mr Piquet Jnr to drive for the remainder of the 2009 season".

FIA president Max Mosley, however, has confirmed Piquet Jnr will not face any punishment after providing the organisation with two statements.

Asked whether any promise had been made to the Brazilian for his co-operation, Mosley replied: "Yes. We have said that to him.

"I don't know exactly how it was phrased but he has been told if he tells us the truth he will not be proceeded against."

Mosley insists, even if the WMSC side with Renault, or no decision is reached due to an element of doubt, Piquet Jnr will still avoid any personal penalty.

Piquet's initial statement was yesterday leaked, to which Mosley was today asked to confirm its authenticity, responding: "I haven't seen anything which I believe to be a forgery."

Piquet has claimed he held a meeting with Briatore and director of engineering Pat Symonds prior to the race at which he was told to crash his car, which he agreed to.

Believing his career with Renault at the time was in the balance, and although no guarantees were given at that stage, Piquet Jnr felt it would enhance his prospects of retaining his seat.

There is no doubt as to the severity of the matter in Mosley's eyes, with the suggestion the punishment will match the crime if the case is proven against Renault.

"If, and it is a very big if, they are guilty, obviously it is very serious indeed," added Mosley.

"It is not really for me to say whether it is as bad as the McLaren case. That would be for the World Motor Sport Council.

"On the one side, one of the bad things about McLaren was that they did not tell the truth, so that went against them.

"But on the other hand, what is alleged to have been done here is probably more serious.

"As for any penalty, if you look at any other sport, if somebody fixes the result then it's usually taken seriously.

"Fixing is one degree worse than cheating, like if you're a cyclist and you take dope, that's cheating.

"If you bribe the other cyclists, or you get somebody to have a crash in the peloton so the yellow jersey guy crashes, that's more serious.

"Then if it puts human life at risk - whether it's the spectators, the marshals or the drivers - then it's more serious again.

"But I stress, until they put their defence in, we've got to assume they're innocent."

The 68-year-old, in his final few weeks in office after a 12-year reign, has further dismissed suggestions there is a vendetta being waged against Briatore.

"It is fundamentally implausible," added Mosley.

"Number one, we get a report from a driver. We have to investigate.

"If they (Renault) are innocent, they will have a complete answer.

"There is no point in us pursuing them if we thought they had done nothing. If it was some sort of conspiracy it would be demonstrated and we would look stupid.

"The only reason we've done it is because things have been put on the table.

"Looking at it from the other side, if we said we were ignoring it, the whole world would turn around and say, 'Formula One is not a sport, it's a business.'

"They would also say, 'because there is a big car company involved they're not going to do anything, or because Bernie (Ecclestone) is friends with Flavio and they've a football club (QPR), they're not going to do anything.'

"The world would see us as corrupt."




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[sky star 2]

PIQUET JNR: I HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR

Nelson Piquet Junior is adamant he has "nothing to fear" after Renault launched criminal proceedings against him and his father.

On a day of twists and turns, remarkable even by the standards of Formula One, Piquet Jnr has robustly stood his ground in the face of Renault's considerable clout.

The team, following Thursday's leaked publication of a statement made by Piquet to the FIA detailing the conspiratorial events of last season's Singapore Grand Prix, today turned the furore into a legal matter.

It concerns what Renault described in a statement as "the making of false allegations and a related attempt to blackmail the team into allowing Mr Piquet Jnr to drive for the remainder of the 2009 season."

The team have filed their action through the criminal prosecutor in France who, given the severity of the case, is to address the issue within the week, whilst it has also been referred to police in the UK.

Piquet, though, is refusing to wilt despite the legal pressure now being brought to bear upon him and his three-times world champion father.

"Regarding the current FIA investigation, I confirm that I have co-operated fully and honestly with the sport's governing body," said Piquet.

"Because I am telling the truth I have nothing to fear, whether from the ING Renault Team, or Mr (Flavio) Briatore.

"Whilst I am well aware of the power and influence of those being investigated, and the vast resources at their disposal, I will not be bullied again into making a decision I regret.

"I have every confidence in the FIA investigation and World Motor Sport Council, and I will be making no further comment until the conclusion of the hearing of 21 September, 2009."

At that meeting of the WMSC in Paris, Renault will answer charges they conspired with Piquet Jnr to cause a deliberate crash to the advantage of Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the sport's first night race.

Piquet has claimed he held a meeting with Briatore and director of engineering Pat Symonds prior to the race during which he was told to crash his car, which he agreed to.

Believing his career with Renault at that time was in the balance, and even though no guarantees were given at that stage, Piquet Jnr felt it would enhance his prospects of retaining his seat.

Briatore, speaking for the first time in the paddock at Monza ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix since the allegations first came to light 12 days ago in Belgium, is confident he and the team will win their respective cases.

"We don't feel we have done anything wrong," insisted Briatore.

"The fact is we put forward a plan today in the criminal court in Paris against the two Piquets, and we are very confident the truth will come out.

"We have enough confidence, our lawyers, myself and Renault, about this happening, and that we will be successful."

Briatore refused to elaborate on any of the details, as to whether a meeting with Piquet did take place, or the nature of the alleged blackmail.

The Italian, though, does fear for Renault's future in light of the bad publicity that has surrounded his team this season.

"I feel really upset, really sad," remarked Briatore.

"What you have seen with this leak is that everything was against Renault.

"Wherever it has come from, it has caused major damage to Renault, and the members of Renault.

"It's not just about me and the drivers, it's the 500 to 600 people working for Renault.

"It is making Renault consider whether or not to be a part of this world any more.

"But this leak is damaging to Formula One, and it brings the sport into disrepute."

When asked as to his feelings towards the Piquets, Briatore could not resist another dig at the 24-year-old.

"Every time he is racing it is because he owns the team as well," said Briatore, referring to the fact his career has been financed by his father.

"I feel Nelsinho is a very spoiled guy. He is very fragile."

Piquet Jnr, though, has been granted immunity from prosecution by the FIA after providing his evidence via two statements.

The situation is akin to the spy saga of 2007 when McLaren drivers Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and reserve Pedro de la Rosa were informed by the FIA no action would be taken against them in return for providing statements relating to the case.

Asked whether any promise had been made to the Brazilian for his co-operation, FIA President Max Mosley replied: "Yes. We have said that to him.

"I don't know exactly how it was phrased, but he has been told if he tells us the truth he will not be proceeded against."





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[sky star 2]

ADRIAN SUTIL STARS IN MONZA PRACTICE

Adrian Sutil was the surprise name at the top of the timesheets as Force India threatened another shock result in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

A fortnight after Giancarlo Fisichella claimed pole and finished second in Belgium, breaking the team's points duck in Formula One, Sutil underlined their improvement.

The German posted the fastest lap of the day in the afternoon 90-minute session around Monza, narrowly edging out Lewis Hamilton, who was quickest in the morning, by 0.012 seconds.

Sutil recorded a time of one minute 23.924 seconds for the 5.793 kilometre track, finishing 0.239secs ahead of another shock name in Renault's Romain Grosjean.

The French marque, currently embroiled in scandal over the 'crash-gate' furore, finished second and third in the afternoon session, with double world champion Fernando Alonso nearly 0.4secs adrift of Sutil.

Renault's improvement is due to the fact they have re-installed KERS on their cars for this race, the system providing a burst of power at the touch of a button.

McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen, who had finished second to Hamilton earlier in the day, was fourth in the afternoon, followed by the BMW Sauber of Robert Kubica and Toyota's Timo Glock.

Glock had finished bottom in the morning, with the German involved in the only major incident of the day, spinning prior to bouncing heavily over the newly re-moulded and far higher kerbs that now dominate the three chicanes around the track.

Nick Heidfeld was seventh for a resurgent BMW Sauber, with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen eighth, followed by the Williams of Kazuki Nakajima and Toro Rosso's Sebastien Buemi.

Hamilton was forced to settle for 11th, almost a second slower than his morning run and evidently running a different spec.

Vitantonio Liuzzi, on his debut for Force India after replacing Fisichella, was 12th, just under a second behind team-mate Sutil.

If the top of the order was a surprise, so was the bottom five as Rubens Barrichello was 16th for Brawn GP, followed by Nico Rosberg in his Williams and Sebastian Vettel for Red Bull.

Championship leader Jenson Button was a lowly 19th in his Brawn, 1.5secs behind Sutil and 0.7secs slower than in the morning as he, too, tested out different options.

As for the rear of the field, that was brought up by Fisichella on his first drive for Ferrari, but, like Hamilton and Button, his time of 1:25.543 was appreciably slower than his best lap earlier in the day.

Times
01 A. Sutil Force India F1 1:23.924 28 laps
02 R. Grosjean Renault 1:24.163 31 laps
03 F. Alonso Renault 1:24.297 35 laps
04 H. Kovalainen McLaren 1:24.482 41 laps
05 R. Kubica BMW 1:24.622 40 laps
06 T. Glock Toyota 1:24.634 36 laps
07 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:24.693 34 laps
08 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:24.796 39 laps
09 K. Nakajima Williams 1:24.799 36 laps
10 S. Buemi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:24.884 44 laps
11 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:24.902 32 laps
12 V. Liuzzi Force India F1 1:24.921 39 laps
13 J. Trulli Toyota 1:24.967 40 laps
14 M. Webber Red Bull 1:24.979 25 laps
15 J. Alguersuari Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:25.003 34 laps
16 R. Barrichello Brawn GP 1:25.140 38 laps
17 N. Rosberg Williams 1:25.215 38 laps
18 S. Vettel Red Bull 1:25.386 27 laps
19 J. Button Brawn GP 1:25.424 32 laps
20 G. Fisichella Ferrari 1:25.543 36 laps





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[sky star 2]

HORNER HEAPS PRESSURE ON BUTTON

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner believes Jenson Button is "a worried man", adding his voice those who feel the Briton is cracking under the pressure.

Ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, Horner has issued a damning indictment on Button's championship chances following a woeful run that has yielded 11 points from the last five races.

Horner feels Button is starting to choke after seeing his dominance rapidly fade after the 29-year-old seemed an odds-on certainty for the title after winning six of the first seven grands prix.

Playing the psychological mind games, in particular with his drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber still in with a shout of glory, Horner said: "He finds himself in uncharted territory.

"Unfortunately he's got everything to lose. He is inexperienced at being the favourite.

"Everything that is happening to him must be playing on his mind. It can't not be.

"He has not been anywhere near the podium since early June and he's probably trying to understand why. Until he answers those questions its difficult to see a recovery.

"I'd be a worried man if I was him. Wouldn't you be? Things have not been going right for him lately. You can see he has tightened up since Turkey.

"He's scored 11 points since then, when before that he was getting 10 points at pretty much every race, and that makes a difference to your mental state."

Horner feels if the title goes to the wire in Abu Dhabi on November 1, Button will finally crack altogether.

"I would put money on both of my guys if it came down to a street fight at the last race," added Horner.

"Both Mark and Sebastian are brilliant competitors. They can see he is vulnerable and sense the championship is there to be taken.

"It's down to mental strength at the end of the day. It's like the top 25 tennis players. They can all play the strokes, it's who wins the big points. It's the same in any sport."

Horner even asserts Button's Brawn GP team-mate Rubens Barrichello now has the mental edge over the Briton after a resurgence that has taken the Brazilian to within 16 points.

"In the first six races you'd put your money on Jenson for the championship and in the last six Rubens. The tables have turned," said Horner.

"In the last few races Rubens has extracted more from the car than Jenson, who certainly doesn't look like he's attacked the last five races.

"He's been lucky, though, no one has put a run together and taken a big chunk of points out of his lead. He's had a stay of execution, and it can't go on forever."

Although Vettel is 19 points adrift and Webber 20.5, Horner only has to recall Kimi Raikkonen's remarkable triumph in 2007 to know what can be achieved.

"Kimi was 17 points down with two races to go and won the title, so it's totally do-able," insisted Horner.

"This championship will come down to who wants it most. Jenson has a comfortable lead right now, but another DNF and a big result by our two guys or Rubens and he's in trouble."


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