.:: 2011 Driver Line-Up ::. (UPDATE: Liuzzi joins HRT)

On the red button on the BBC, and I'm not quoting exactly here, there was a small piece on Frank Williams saying that he was very impressed with Nico's driving, so I don't know if he'll get an offer or not but if it was up to Sir Frank, I think he would.

SUTIL SET TO STAY ON AT FORCE INDIA

Adrian Sutil reckons he will stay at Force India next year after revealing in Brazil that he is close to a new deal with his current team.

However, there has been speculation that the team could part company with the Italian and slot in Paul di Resta instead. 

AUTOSPORT 

If I were Sutil, personally, I'd be looking at that Renault seat considerably - that's IF the offer is there for him, mind.

Meanwhile:

Pedro de la Rosa is keeping a close eye on HRT's plans for next year, reinforcing speculation that he is close to securing a drive with the team in 2011.BBC Gossip Column

TRULLI RUBBISHES LOTUS EXIT TALKS

Jarno Trulli has rubbished suggestions that his future at the Lotus Racing team is in doubt, and he is certain he will be with the outfit in 2011.

Speculation in Brazil has suggested Hispania's Bruno Senna was set to replace Trulli at Lotus next season, and that the Italian was looking for a deal to continue racing in the NASCAR series.

The veteran Italian, however, says all the rumours have been simply made up.

"It seems all invented to me, as are the rumours that I would go racing in NASCAR," Trulli was quoted as saying by Autosprint magazine.

"The truth is that before coming to Brazil I went to Miami and met [Juan Pablo] Montoya to exchange the Audemars Piguet watches that bear our names.

"I'm calm about the future, as I've already been involved by [Mike] Gascoyne in the 2011 project."

Trulli's manager Lucio Cavuto also hit out at Senna's management.

"Those are just rumours bandied about by Senna, who as far as I know has even had trouble respecting the financial obligations he took with Hispania this year," he said.

SOURCE: Autosport

Oooh burn. Personally it wouldnt make much sense to me either to drop Trulli for Senna as Senna really has disapointed me this season. Klien seems to be the only driver at the Hispania team who comes close to the rest of the field towards the season end. I hope Hispania can sort out a more reliable model next year and get some more pace and have a consistent driver pack. At the moment Klien seems to be the best driver and then behind him is Senna and Chandhok followed by Yamamoto.

Disapointing really as the team started out reasonably but they just keep falling further and further off the pace and honestly I think the drivers are partially to blame on that when you see Klien come in and be almost a second a lap quicker than a driver who has been in pretty much most of the grand prix's...

HEIDFELD IN TALKS OVER RENAULT DRIVE

"At the moment it's my last race for Sauber, but I've said that before and I've come back so you never know what's going to happen."

AUTOSPORT 

I hope he replaces Petrov.sambob530

HULKENBERG TO LEAVE WILLIAMS

AUTOSPORT understands Williams was looking to sign Hulkenberg to a multi-year deal that would have placed him with the HRT team for the 2011 season, which the German declined.

AUTOSPORT 

WILLIAMS RETAINS BARRICHELLO FOR 2011

Williams has confirmed that Rubens Barrichello will remain with the team in 2011, and says it will annouce Nico Hulkenberg's replacement before the end of the year.

Team boss Frank Williams gave no reason for Hulkenberg's departure, but praised the German's rookie season.

"First, I would like to thank Nico for his hard work this year, and before that in preparing himself for Formula 1," Williams said. "We are very proud to have supported him as he secured the Formula 3 and GP2 titles and during his debut in Formula 1.

"At Williams, we have for many years tried to bring new talent into the sport - and we are convinced that Nico will go on to great things. We wish him well and hope that our paths will cross again in the future."

Williams added that he is happy to have secured the services of Barrichello for another year.

"We recruited Rubens knowing he would bring technical expertise, experience and passion," said Williams. "He has delivered everything we could have hoped for this season and we are delighted to confirm that he will drive for us again in 2011."

Barrichello finished 10th in this year's championship, with 47 points, and will extend his F1 starts record next year - during which he will turn 39. 

AUTOSPORT 

Just echoing Redders really, dropping Hulkenberg seems a mistake, especially when they have signed on a driver who potentially may retire in the next season or two. I do hope they are not in big financial issues but given how they were a top team in the past and seem to be lacking now it would not be that big of a supprise.

Its a shame the BMW partnership broke really as that seemed to be working well for the team and since then they just keep slipping further and further backwards behind the manufacturers and private teams such as Red Bull.

At least Rubens gets a drive next year!

Rumours from the Italian press is that Hulkenberg is to replace Massa. Who keeps making these "get Massa out of Ferrari" rumours!?!

Also rumours going round Petrov may re-sign with Renault for next year in December.

RICCIARDO UNSURE OF 2011 PLANS

Daniel Ricciardo says he currently has no idea what is in store for him in 2011 despite his impressive performance in this week's Formula 1 rookie tests in Abu Dhabi.

The Red Bull reserve was on top by a comfortable margin throughout the two days of testing, and ended up beating Sebastian Vettel's grand prix pole time by over a second - although track conditions had improved since the race weekend.

Ricciardo has so far made swift progress through the junior categories, taking the British Formula 3 title at the first attempt in 2009 after winning the previous year's Formula Renault WEC crown, and then only narrowly missing out on the Formula Renault 3.5 crown in his rookie season this year, when the more experienced Mikhail Aleshin pipped him by two points.

At present Red Bull has no openings in its F1 line-ups, with Vettel and Mark Webber committed to Red Bull Racing and Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari secure at Toro Rosso - although AUTOSPORT understands that the STR duo only have firm deals for the first half of the season.

When asked by AUTOSPORT if he knew what his next step would be, Ricciardo said he had spoken to Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko as soon as the test finished, but that there was no news yet.

"I actually spoke to him after the last run, just to inform him of how it all went," said Ricciardo.

"And I asked him if he's got any news for me. But he genuinely said nothing has come up yet, there's nothing even close to being confirmed.

"In a way it would be nice to know something now, but it's not really under my control. The fact that he was being honest with me and telling me just for now to go back home and relax for a bit is not too bad.

"I can't really stress about something that could or won't be happening, so I'll just sit tight for now."

He said he was not getting too excited about his pace compared to the times set by the race drivers during the grand prix weekend.

"If I was 1.2s faster they'd do a contract tomorrow..." Ricciardo joked. "The circuit obviously has improved, how much? It's hard to say.

"Even from Tuesday it's already improved, it was a fair chunk faster [on Wednesday] for me and for everyone.

"It was good fun to compare with Sebastian on the data and to see I was faster in all the places was quite cool - even though I know it's not a fair comparison."

SOURCE: Autosport

TRULLI HINTS AT LOTUS RACING COMMITMENT IN F1

Jarno Trulli has hinted he will remain a Lotus Racing driver next season despite a troubled campaign this year.

The Norfolk-based team have yet to announce their drivers for 2011, but the Italian has revealed he has been working on next season's car.

"I'll go to the factory in a few days to get ready and prepare the 2011 season chassis, cockpit and seat," the 36-year-old told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"Then I will probably have a break with my family, just relaxing."

Lotus established themselves as the strongest of F1's new teams in 2010, finishing 10th in the constructors' championship.

But Trulli was hindered more by technical issues than his team-mate Heikki Kovalainen, with the pair ending up 21st and 20th respectively in the drivers' standings.

His best result came in Japan where he qualified in 19th and crossed the line 13th, but a 19th-placed finish in Brazil stands out in an otherwise disappointing season.

"It's really hard to find a highlight for me, but Brazil was a great weekend, nearly a smooth weekend for me," he said

"I qualified well, unfortunately during the race I had another failure, but my pace was unbelievably quick.

"At the end of the season I found something in the setup and car characteristic which gave me a good step in terms of performance.

"In the end I was happy with it even though it was a tough season."

Trulli has competed in 14 F1 seasons for six different teams, securing his only Grand Prix victory at Monaco with Renault in 2004.

After agreeing to join Tony Fernandes' Lotus team in January the prospect of fighting for position at the back of the grid and aiming for a top 20 finish could have come as a culture shock to the veteran.

"You've got to have the motivation in order to push harder, no matter where you are at the end of a lap," he added.

"Some performances have been pretty bad compared to what I was used to.

"But nevertheless I have always tried to get the best out of myself and the car, I've still enjoyed a lot of good fights."

SOURCE: BBC Sport

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug says there is "currently no contact" between the company and ex-Williams driver Nico Hulkenberg, in the wake of rumours that the German could join the team as third driver. Haug added that Hulkenberg would be better advised to take up a race seat at a "second or third-ranked team".BBC Gossip Column

RICCIARDO GETS STR FRIDAY PRACTICE ROLE

Daniel Ricciardo will drive for Toro Rosso in Friday practice sessions at all grands prix in 2011, the team has announced.

The Australian, a product of Red Bull's driver development system, was already a reserve for both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso, and dominated the recent Abu Dhabi rookie test for the former team.

Ricciardo will replace one of Toro Rosso's race drivers, Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari, in practice at each event, with the two drivers alternating in stepping aside for the 21-year-old.

Team boss Franz Tost welcomed Ricciardo's promotion and joked that it would keep Buemi and Alguersuari on their toes.

"When our team was created, its stated aim was to bring on young drivers from the Red Bull Junior Programme, so Daniel's appointment as our third driver is an obvious one," he said.

"Although Daniel has done some F1 testing already, running on Fridays at the grands prix will give him a valuable insight into the additional pressures of doing it for real during a race weekend.

"I am also sure that having a hungry youngster on the books will keep our current driver pairing nice and sharp!"

Ricciardo will also contest the Formula Renault 3.5 series again next season. He finished second in the championship at the first attempt this year.

"I am really excited at the prospect of driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso in the free practice one sessions at the grands prix next year, so I have to say thanks to Red Bull for this great opportunity," he said.

"My main priority for 2011 is to win the Formula Renault 3.5 championship, but my ultimate aim is to be a full-time Formula 1 driver and this new role has to be the best step towards achieving that ambition."

SOURCE: Autosport

DI RESTA EYES RACE SEAT AFTER DTM TITLE

Paul di Resta says he has his sights set on a Formula 1 race drive with Force India next year after winning the DTM championship on Sunday.

The Scot, who has been Force India's third driver during the 2010 season, clinched his maiden title in the German series after finishing in second place in Sunday's season finale.

Now di Resta is aiming to graduate to Formula 1 racing next year.

"Force India has given me a great opportunity this year," said di Resta after taking the DTM title. "It's always been my dream to be involved in a Formula 1 team and I've been able to do some great things with them this year.

"Obviously I'm hoping I can get a seat there and we can build a long relationship. F1 is my dream and I will keep working to make it happen.

"But Mercedes have been very good to me through my career and I don't want to forget that, so I'm just happy to win the DTM title with them right now."

Di Resta admitted he was elated to have secured the DTM title after charging back following a slow start to the season.

"It's great to win the DTM, this is a big championship to tick off," he said. "It's a great achievement, and I just want to enjoy it at the moment.

"Boy did we put a fight up from the middle of the year. We didn't have a great start, but to have three wins and two second places in the middle part of the season after that was fantastic.

"This just shows that you never give up. Everyone said in the middle of the season that nobody could catch Bruno, but we worked really hard to catch him and it's great to finally achieve this."

SOURCE: Autosport

There could be two Russians on the F1 grid in 2011 - Vitaly Petrov is looking increasingly likely to be retained by Renault and Renault World Series champion Mikhail Aleshin has told Russian news website gzt.ru that he has agreed a deal with an unnamed team. He has been linked to Force India, Lotus and Virgin.BBC Gossip Column

Indian Karun Chandhok, who raced for Hispania in the first half of 2010, is hopeful of sorting out a Formula 1 drive by Christmas.BBC Gossip Column

Lotus to keep Kovalainen and Trulli for 2011.

BBC Sport understands that Jarno Trulli and Hekki Kovalainen are confirmed as the 2011 driver line up at Lotus. Williams are considering a rookie driver next season to replace outgoing Hulkenberg. Also Petrov is still not a confirmation for Renault next season.

Source

BBC Sport

WILLIAMS ANNOUNCES MALDONADO FOR 2011

Williams has already announced that Rubens Barrichello will be retained as its other race driver next season, with Valtteri Bottas remaining in the test and reserve role.

AUTOSPORT

Oh dear... oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

What has happened to you Williams...?

Well its worth a shot, I mean you dont win GP2 by pure luck.Garfield360UK

I don't doubt his capabilities of winning - he's good at that, yeah, but he's worse than Vettel when he's in a pack of cars.

That being said, Kobayashi was just... terrible, in GP2.

Frank Williams tends to pick out some good drivers every once in a while so I will give the guy a chance, but that doesnt mean he will be world champion one day nor does it mean he wont.

It is a shame Hulkenberg was dropped but cash talks in this sport unfortunatly and has done for some time. Sadly this will continue in the current Formula One format.

It is a shame Hulkenberg was dropped but cash talks in this sport unfortunatly and has done for some time. Sadly this will continue in the current Formula One format.

Garfield360UK

This :( Hope Hulk can find a decent ride for next year, or any ride for that matter.

GLOCK SAYS HE IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE

Timo Glock insists there are absolutely no doubts that he will be racing with the Virgin team in the 2011 season.

Glock has a contract with the team for next year, but there has been speculation that he would move elsewhere following a difficult maiden season for Virgin.

The German was not included on the official entry list published by the FIA earlier this week, but he made it clear it is 100 per cent certain he will remain with Virgin.

Glock said he is looking forward to 2011, when he expects the team to perform more strongly.

"I'm excited. And yes I am definitely driving for Virgin Racing," Glock said on Virgin's website. "There has been a lot of speculation about me wanting to leave the team, but it is not about leaving a team, it is about wanting to do better and keep moving forward.

"It is not just 99.9% certain that I will stay, as has been reported - it is 100% certain that I am staying! Since the beginning I have had a long-term contract with the team and I said then that I was doing this to help build a team for the future.

"It would not be possible to do that in one year from nothing. Plus I think with everything we have learned this year we can take a very good step up next season.

"This is a great team of people who have given blood, sweat and tears to our first season. Some people haven't seen that with their own eyes, like I have, so it's easy to criticise or be cynical."

Glock supported the team's decision to delay announcing who his team-mate will be next year, although he is hoping it will happen this month.

"Well, I am already confirmed so there is nothing new to announce about me. But I understand that the team wants to announce the line-up together when the second seat is confirmed.

"I think it is right to take our time and make sure we have the best combination of youth and experience, plus make sure we have the best information going back into the team at testing and races to ensure we can develop as quickly as we want to and keep moving forward.

"I don't think we will have to wait too much longer for that news - hopefully before Christmas!"

The German admitted the season had been very difficult and frustrating, but was also very proud of what the team had achieved.

"Extremely challenging and very hard work - for the whole team," he added. "2010 was a tough test for us all, but we survived and it was ultimately very rewarding for me.

"There were frustrations along the way and when things don't go well, as a driver who is ambitious, I admit it was sometimes difficult, but I joined Virgin Racing knowing there would be difficult times ahead so it wasn't really a surprise to me. We were building something from zero - no team, no factory, no previous year's car to develop from and no data.

"Everything we have we have built ourselves in the space of less than a year. We should also remember that we were also taking a pretty revolutionary design approach to the VR-01. If you look at our season from that perspective, we have achieved something pretty incredible."

SOURCE: Autosport

Yes! Because we all know that nobody is faster than Pastor.XSamFisherX

I hope he didn't write that on his CV

[QUOTE="XSamFisherX"]Yes! Because we all know that nobody is faster than Pastor.sambob530

I hope he didn't write that on his CV

HULKENBERG EYES FORCE INDIA SEAT

Nico Hulkenberg says Force India is his best chance to continue racing in Formula 1 next year after being dumped by the Williams team.

"Force India is our best shot, but it is also no secret that quite a few drivers are trying to land a seat there," Hulkenberg told the official Formula 1 website.

"We are talking to them and let's wait and see what develops."

When asked if he will be racing in F1 next year, he said: "Right now as we talk I am not sure. I hope, and we are working very hard, to get a deal done but it is no secret that there are not many good race seats left.

"The hope is still there and I am not giving up. I hope I can give you a positive answer very soon. Hopefully before Christmas."

The German rookie admitted he was surprised to have been dropped by the team after having secured a shock pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"Of course. This Brazilian pole position was something that Williams had not tasted in years, but then again, one lap does not change the course of history," he said.

"There had been signs before that there was something brewing, because the team repeatedly delayed contract talks, putting it off to 'mañana', so I was forewarned that something was going on. Nevertheless I would have liked to stay with them."

Hulkenberg will be replaced by GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado but the German suggested Williams must have needed the financial backing from the Venezuelan.

"From the outside it is obviously hard to understand, but there must have been circumstances within the team that required such a step," he said.

SOURCE: Autosport

LOTUS RENAULT: PETROV IS "FIRST CHOICE"

Vitaly Petrov is the re-branded Lotus Renault team's first choice to partner Robert Kubica next season, but he must convince the team that he has the focus to perform consistently in 2011, according to team co-owner Gerard Lopez.

The 26-year-old Russian is set to re-sign for a second season with the team after scoring 27 points during his rookie year. But Lopez believes that he must still demonstrate that he has what it takes to deliver results every weekend.

"Our preferred choice at this stage is to continue with Vitaly, but he has to sit down with us," Lopez told AUTOSPORT.

"Vitaly was having an operation last week, so he didn't have time to sit down with [team principal] Eric Boullier and the engineers.

"The situation is that we will make the decision based on that discussion with Vitaly and his understanding of what it means if he stays at the team.

"Our expectation is that he can do what he did in Hungary or Abu Dhabi more consistently. We know that he has got the speed, but we also know that he sometimes lacks the focus to deliver on a full weekend. If we stay with Vitaly, he has to be able to do that more consistently."

The deal with Lotus Cars to re-brand the team will not change Petrov's situation, and the desire to further exploit business opportunities in Russia will not hurt his chances.

Boullier believes that Petrov is a strong candidate, but that others remain in contention.

"The process will remain the same," said Boullier of the driver decision. "We are clearly considering different options, but Vitaly is one of the strong ones and could remain.

"I would definitely like to fix everything before Christmas."

SOURCE: Autosport

The 28-year-old Malaysian completed two test days for the team during the winter, and also participated in Friday morning practice for the Malaysian, British, German, Singapore and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix in his role as reserve driver.

A statement from Fauzy's Mofaz Racing organisation, which ran as Junior Lotus in Formula Renault 3.5 this year, said that he had now been released from his Lotus deal.

"Just last week, Lotus Racing prematurely released Fairuz from what was supposed to be a five-year contract, a move some may see as a detriment to the team after the insight, experience and exposure Fairuz has gained over the last 12 months with Lotus Racing," said the statement.

The statement added that Fauzy had received approaches from elsewhere in F1, and intended to combine one of these deals with a racing programme in another championship.

"In view of such developments as well, Fairuz has decided to contemplate other options and offers he has been receiving as of late from other Formula 1 teams, which also affords him the opportunity and flexibility to compete in other racing series at the same time."

SOURCE: Autosport.com

LIUZZI: FORCE INDIA SEAT IS SAFE

Vitantonio Liuzzi thinks his place at Force India is 'safe' for next season, despite speculation suggesting that he will have to move aside for either Nico Hulkenberg or Paul di Resta.

The Italian already has a contract in place with the team for 2011, but there has been much talk in recent weeks that the outfit wants to replace him with someone else for next year.

The stories were fuelled by the fact Force India had not lodged Liuzzi as one of its drivers on the entry list for next year.

Speaking to Autosprint, however, Liuzzi said he had not been told anything other than he was racing for Force India - and that he was currently preparing as normal for the next season.

"Each time a driver is said to interest Force India, looks like it's always me the one who has to move over," he said. "This is obviously just what part of the media says, because on my part I'm very calm.

"In the team no one has told me anything about it, I have a contract for next year, and I'm already at work with that in mind. I feel safe, not just with the contract I have in my hands, but also with the fine relationship I have with the team.

"I don't need to talk to the team about this: the situation is clear, the rest is just speculations. The team has told me it can't stop the media, and it has already denied those rumours at the Suzuka press conference. The fact that my name is not on the FIA list matters little, as other drivers who have already signed are missing too. Things are more than clear between me and Force India."

Liuzzi said his 2010 season had been disappointing - but there were many factors behind the form, including trouble with his chassis, with the F-duct and then the team's overall development potential.

"The team knows what has happened, that's why there are no problems," he said. "Should the team take decisions that exclude me, then those decisions wouldn't be down to a problem with my on-track speed. The team has never complained to me about it.

"If we look at all pre-season tests, when we ran by taking turns on the same car, I was always quicker or as quick as Sutil. Since the start of the season, with two different chassis, our performances have changed. It's all clear in the telemetry."

SOURCE: Autosport

PETROV TO REVEAL PLANS NEXT WEEK

Vitaly Petrov is to confirm his future Formula 1 plans next week after announcing on Friday that he is to host a press conference in Russia.

The Renault driver has been widely expected to remain at the Enstone-based team for 2011, with senior management stating that they will keep him on board if he can demonstrate some increased commitment to the job.

Although there has been no formal announcement from Renault, Petrov has called a media event for next Wednesday in the Press Center of Television and Radio Russia to recount on the past season and 'share his plans for the future.'

Renault F1 chairman Gerard Lopez told AUTOSPORT last week: "Our preferred choice at this stage is to continue with Vitaly, but he has to sit down with us.

"Vitaly was having an operation last week, so he didn't have time to sit down with [team principal] Eric Boullier and the engineers.

"The situation is that we will make the decision based on that discussion with Vitaly and his understanding of what it means if he stays at the team.

"Our expectation is that he can do what he did in Hungary or Abu Dhabi more consistently. We know that he has got the speed, but we also know that he sometimes lacks the focus to deliver on a full weekend. If we stay with Vitaly, he has to be able to do that more consistently."

SOURCE: Autosport

D'Ambrosio secures Virgin race seat

Jerome D'Ambrosio has secured the second race seat at Virgin Racing for 2011, the team announced on Tuesday.

The Belgian conducted third-driver duties for the team in Friday practice sessions towards the end of last season and had been one of the favourites to race alongside Timo Glock next year.

And after weeks of negotiations, as the team weighed up other options including retaining Lucas di Grassi or signing Giedo van der Garde, Virgin has finally decided to commit to D'Ambrosio.

Speaking about the deal, which now gives him plenty of time to get ready ahead of the first running of Virgin's 2011 car, D'Ambrosio said: "I'm thrilled to have achieved my goal of a Formula 1 race seat with Marussia Virgin Racing.

"When I came to the team in September this year it was everything I could hope for. I had a tough test to complete because there was a lot of competition for this seat, but at the same time I got on well with the team and felt that I had found my home.

"I feel very comfortable with them - they are extremely professional and ambitious people and it is exciting to think that I can be a part of shaping the team's future."

Virgin team principal John Booth said that the team's decision on signing D'Ambrosio was made very easy after it saw how good he was in the Friday sessions he did with the outfit.

"Jerome had been on our radar for quite some time as a driver we should seriously consider for a 2011 race seat. We had followed his progress in GP2 closely and it was clear he was 'one to watch', but when we put him in the car for the four race weekends and the Abu Dhabi test he surpassed even our own expectations.

"He slotted into the team perfectly and everyone took a shine to him, including our partners and the media. Apart from his obvious skill at the wheel of a Formula 1 car, he is an immensely personable young guy who is a pleasure to have around.

"He has secured this seat absolutely on merit and I think coupled with Timo we have the perfect blend of youth, experience, speed and potential and we can't wait to see what they can achieve together next season.

"Timo has done an excellent job for us in our debut season, in often challenging circumstances. There is no doubt that he has helped us to establish a strong foundation from which to develop the team and the package. We look forward to being in a much stronger position to deliver the car he deserves in 2011.

"Finally, I must thank Lucas di Grassi for the important role that he also played in establishing the team. He contributed a great deal to our development and we wish him every success in his future career, which we have no doubt will be an exciting one."

D'Ambrosio is part of the Gravity Sport Management programme that is headed by Renault F1 chairman Gerard Lopez and its team principal Eric Boullier.

SOURCE: Autosport.com

Yeah its a shame Di Crashi didnt get another go at the wheel. I hope he returns or gets picked up as a test driver somewhere.Garfield360UK