Silver Arrows Return to Formula 1

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it has bought a controlling stake in the recently-crowned Formula 1 champions Brawn GP and re-named it Mercedes Grand Prix.

World Champ Button Says Thanks to Brackley Staff

Jenson Button

Newly crowned Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button made a trip to Brawn GP’s factory in Brackley to say thank you.

“I’m really here today to say a massive well done and thank you to everyone at the team,” Button said. “We’ve worked so hard for these achievements for so many years.

“Some of us were here from the beginning back in 1998 and I arrived halfway through our journey in 2003 but everyone has put so much work in. I know that there have been a lot of very difficult times and over the winter there were times when we didn’t think that we would be here at all.

“It’s very sad that not everyone can be here who worked on this fantastic car. But the team had to become smaller to continue and together we produced a car that has been exceptional this season.”

Button spoke of the emotional extremes he has experienced over the past months.

“To be able to achieve the Constructors’ and the Drivers’ Championships in our first year, especially after such a difficult winter, is an amazing achievement,” he added. “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions.

“The first few races were magnificent. It looked like it was a walk in the park but it really wasn’t. Then we had some difficult races, especially myself but also as a team where we struggled. But we fought back hard and when we needed to improve the car, you guys did it.

“Rubens [Barrichello] gave us two more wins in Valencia and Monza at an important time to boost our morale and prove just how quick the car was. We have a great leader, a fantastic leader, in Ross. The Big Bear can’t be here today but I know that when he gets back, he’ll be celebrating with you.”

Button secured the World Championship last Sunday at the Brazilian Grand Prix with 5th place finish. The Formula 1 season concludes on November 1st with the Grand Prix of United Arab Emirates.

Source: PlanetF1.com

Brawn Welcomes Schumacher’s Return

Ross Brawn, the mastermind behind Michal Schumacher’s seven Championships, is excited about Schumi’s return as long as it doesn’t disrupt Brawn GP’s Jenson Button Championship in 2009. Brawn has gotten to know Schumacher well over the years, and was not surprised when the he accepted the opportunity to jump back in a Ferrari after his retirement in 2006.

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

Schumacher has been affiliated with the Ferrari Formula 1 team since his retirement as an advisor for the team.

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

“Personally, I admit I’m excited and can’t wait to see him at work.”

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

Schumacher will be return to Formula 1 on August 23rd in Valenica, Spain.

Source: Planet F1

Felipe Massa Awake After Horrible Crash

Felipe Massa

Felipe Massa is now awake and visiting with family members after his frightening high speed crash during qualifying in Hungary. The Ferrari driver was fighting for his life after a spring came loose from Rubens Barrichello’s Brawn car and hit Massa in the head while he was going approximately 150 mph. The impact from the spring knocked out Massa and he then slammed head-on into a barrier at 60 mph. He suffered brain swelling and damage to his eye.

Massa is reportedly now breathing under his own power and is able to move his limbs. He is described at groggy but is able to answer questions. Massa is not expected to return to Formula 1 this season. His future in the sport is questionable.

Button Confident of Returning to Winning Ways in Hungary

Jenson Button

Jenson Button is looking to get back to his winning ways with at least a podium finish in Hungary for Brawn GP this weekend. The current points championship leader hasn’t finished in the top three in the past two races after starting the season with a blistering pace.

Button scored his first Formula 1 win at the Hungaroring three years ago and didn’t reach the podium until this season after a miserable stint with Honda.

“It’s not a race where I’m going in worried too much,” Button told the Associated Press after the German GP. “I’m going there thinking we do have a really good chance of winning. The Red Bulls are quick, they’ve made improvements, but I don’t think it’s as big as it looks at the moment.”

Source: USAtoday.com

Formula 1 Rebel Teams Announce Break Away From FIA

The Formula One Team Association (FOTA) has announced their intention to withdraw from the Formula One Championship at the end of the season and create their own championship series for 2010. FOTA is comprised of Brawn GP, McLaren, Renault, Ferrari, BMW Sauber, Toyota, Red Bull and Toro Rosso. FOTA has been frustrated by recent budget cap proposals of £40 million and a general disregard of the team’s opinions by the FIA.

Click through to read the statement released by FOTA:

Ferrari Scrambles as Questionable Diffuser Design Ruled Legal

Formula 1 Diffuser

The complaints over the double-decker rear diffuser designs have been rejected as the diffusers were ruled legal by the FIA’s International Court of Appeal. Brawn, Toyota and Williams were all using the different diffusers which are believed to give the cars at least a half second advantage per lap.

Following the recent ruling, Ferrari stated that they have no choice but to modify the Ferrari F60 in 2009 in order to be able to compete.

Ferrari have gotten off to a horrible 2009 campaign as team drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen haven’t secured even one point in the first two races.

Source: Formula1.com

Brawn Reigns Supreme in Melbourne F1 Debut

The Brawn GP debut in Melbourne, Australia couldn’t have been any better. The team finished the race taking the top two spots with Rubens Barrichello finishing 2nd and Jenson Button winning the race from pole. There is still a great deal of controversy regarding the diffusers used by the Brawn GP, Williams and Toyota teams. Ferrari, Red Bull and Renault protested the use of the diffusers stating they were illegal. The race stewards dismissed these claims and decided the diffusers were acceptable according to FIA regulation. It is believed that the protesting teams will follow up with their previous complaint claiming that while the diffusers are technically legal according to the regulations, they violate the “spirit” of the rule.

Nico Rosberg Fastest in First Melbourne Practice Round

Nico Rosberg of Williams-Toyota had the fastest lap in the first 90 minute practice session. His fastest lap was set at 1:26.687. Teammate Kazuki Nakajima had the second fastest lap of 1:26.736, which was 0.049 seconds behind Rosberg. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen finished 3rd with a time of 1:26.750. Brawn GP team driver Rubens Barrichello had the 4th fastest lap at 1:27.226. The pre-race favorite, Jenson Button, also of Brawn GP, maintained the 6th best lap with 1:27.467.