FIA Give Teams Ultimatum

So it appears the FIA and Max Mosley will be holding firm on their controversial budget cap plans after giving the FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) until the 17th June to sign up for next season.

The list of participants for next year has been announced with just three new entries alongside Ferrari, Red Bull and Toro Rosso, who are contractually obligied to participate, according to Mr Mosley.

The rest of the season taking part this season have been included on the list of participants for next season and told that if they sign up 'unconditionally' for next year that they will be part of talks to discuss next seasons rules.

The teams themselves are wary, as they should be, of signing up without a new confidential Concorde agreement that restricts drastic rule changes without the involvement of the teams.

They want a longer 'glide path' down to the propsed $40m budget cap and are disappointed by the FIA's unwillingness to discuss on their terms.

I'd side with the teams on this one as they are likely to be trapped if they agree to Mosley's unconditional offer. Should they sign they will be unable to influence the rule changes, and if they don't they won't have a sport to take part in next season.

Jenson wins with ease

Sometimes things come far too easily.

Jenson Button stormed to victory in Monaco with utter ease; his dominance reflects the sport as a whole at the moment – unexplainable and very surprising. As teams discussed and argued about the budget cap, Brawn showed that money doesn’t always get you success.

Button was not even going to have a drive this year but now he is leading the way as Brawn GP show that they are far superior to anyone else in the field and that’s without the elusive funds that some teams can boost.

Even team boss Ross Brawn is surprised how well Jenson is doing. He told the BBC, “I’m lost for words about him [Button] because he’s exceeding everything I thought possible. Stunning. “

And there is no surprises if Jenson goes on to dominate the rest of the season, no one seems to be getting close. This was Button’s fifth win out of sixth and only four other drivers have done that, Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio being two of them.

The glitz and glamour was on show at Monaco, the star names packed in to watch the biggest race on the F1 calendar but the race itself failed to live up to any of the expectation that was hoped for. In fact, it was rather dull.

Jenson’s partner Rubens Barrichello came in second place and it was another 1-2 finish for Ross Brawn and his team.

There was some good news for Ferrari or bad news if you like any other team, Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa finished third and fourth respectively as the team looks if it has improved significantly. The team said they could really push on and challenge, let’s hope that’s not true.

World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who won here in the wet last year, finished a miserable 12th after his mistake in qualifying and a change in gearbox meant he started at the back of the grid. It was a wasted opportunity for the Brit as this is his track and it’s also a track that McLaren do normally perform well.

He simply never got going and the team tactics did not master the expertises of Brawn, starting at the back he could have started in the pit lane with a full load of petrol and be out for longer. But this wasn’t the case as the McLaren crisis continues to suffer.

Red Bull had a mixed weekend, wonder kid Sebastian Vettel unfortunately crashed out and Australian Mark Webber finished a very respectable fifth spot as they look to get some, if any, pressure on the Brawn team.

Williams’ Nico Rosberg, Renault’s Fernando Alonso and Toro Rosso’s Sebastian Boundais filled the remaining point's places.

Lessons Learnt for Lewis

This day was going to be the day that everything went right for Lewis Hamilton, sweep the lies and the poor performances under the carpet and prove he is prevailing King here at Monaco.

Unfortunately for Lewis it did not quite happen. When you are tipped to succeed, it often tips in the other direction. This weekend there was no lies or poor performance but a man obsessed. He can walk away slightly more grown up and thankfully for what he does have.

He wanted to do well, he needed to do well but his egotistical self once again out did him. No one to blame but himself and with that he needs to refine what he wants and what he needs. He wrote off his chances soon into qualifying as he lost his car’s back end on the entrance to Mirabeau’s hairpin and smashed into the tyre wall, breaking his rear suspension.

McLaren worked hard for Lewis and the car looked like it’s going to compete and it would have probably competed.

But he has dropped out and will be starting down in 16th on Race Day, he is far better than that and he does know it.

It was good to see Lewis be aggressive and he contributed many quick lap times. His hero Aryton Senna had a formidable record here and if Lewis is going to emulate him, he needs to understand how to concentrate his aggression and where to direct it.

Lewis still has time on his hands but he demands perfection and it’s a great quality to have. He should not always point his finger to the direction of his team when something goes wrong but take responsibility. His lying to Stewards in Australia lost him many fans, but he walks away from this weekend grown up and as he has accepted his mistakes.

“I don't know what I was thinking, I made a mistake," he told BBC Sport. "I apologise to the team for wasting their time.

"It's been tough but you learn from these mistakes. They are bound to happen, but it's just a shame it happened in the first qualifying session.

"My race weekend for a win is for sure over."

For once his weekend was not ruined by his team, trust issues need to be readdressed quickly before the rest get too far ahead. But Hamilton show signs that

Last season’s triumph is still fresh in my memory, and Lewis looked a man to beat rather than a man to win as opposed to this term.

I am still convinced he will do well hear and if any unexpected showers were to fall, I’m sure Lewis would find himself somewhere near the front.

King Jenson of Spain

Jenson is the King of Spain, well Formula 1’s king in Spain at the time being.

There is no stopping the Brit.

He shows no indication that he is going to slow down, winning a drug and he is hooked.

This was his fourth win out of five and if Bernie E-man had his way, Button would have the title more or less wrapped up already.

Jenson would have four shiny gold medals to Sebastian Vettel’s one but fortunately, there is still points and the season is far from over.

Rubens Barrichello is still providing great support for F1’s favourite son. He finished second to give Brawn GP another 1-2 finish on their debut season, this one was again down to perfect tactics that ousted their rivals.

Mark Webber finished strongly and put the Bahrain disappointment firmly behind him.

His podium shows how good Red Bull can be, with Ferrari and McLaren failing to find form or a competitive car it will be up to Red Bull to challenge Brawn GP for top honours.

Teammate Vettel ended fourth with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa holding him up in the final laps to stop his pursuit for a podium.

The Brazilian finished sixth to double Ferrari’s points for the season while teammate Kimi Raikkonen limped out after 17 laps.

Home favourite Fernando Alonso couldn’t find any heroics in his homeland but his spirited late drive landed him fifth place to much delight to his fans.

BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld and Williams’ Nico Rosberg finished seventh and eighth
respectively picking up the remaining points.

Lying Lewis finished ninth as McLaren showed no improved updates, he even admits that his car ‘has no hope’.

But what made this race rather exciting was the opening lap where everything kicked off. Jarno Trulli, Sebastien Buemi, Sebastien Bourdais and Ardian Sutli all crashed out after the first corner bringing out a safety car for all the refuge to be cleared.

Trulli flew off the track at turn two before coming back on to the racing line that made him to collide with the two Toro Rosso cars and that caused havoc. Trulli should have had more sense; his mistake should not punish others. He should had held back and moved onto the track when it would be more safely to do so.

Circuit de Catalunya is a fine track and it was the only the fifth time that a safety car had to be introduced in 18 years.

But once again this weekend belonged to Jenson as he continues his perfect season.

The German stops Brits Supremacy

This season just gets better and better.
Jenson slips and a German takes all the glory. Sebastian Vettel is enhancing is ever growing stature as one of the better drivers in F1.

His stunning victory was wholly deserved and it gave Red Bull their biggest day in
F1 so far. And on this form, Vettel looks like he will be adding to his two modest race victories.

Ozzy Mark Webber finished second to make it a 1-2 for Red Bull to make it a weekend
to remember for the British based team.

Jenson finished third after the safety car was forever interrupting the race.

Brawn’s strategy was not key in this race as it was very difficult to determine an outcome with such horrendous conditions. Partner Rubens Barrichello finished fourth to keep Brawn GP in the points.

Brawn went with heavy fuel loads, as they knew they had the pace, but the speed of the Red Bull’s surprised everyone.

Poor visibility played a huge role in the races outcome; Renault’s Fernando Alonso began up top as his produced a majestic qualifying lap on light fuel. But that strategy was useless with the race starting with the safety car and he finished outside the points in ninth.

McLaren look relatively back on track with a vast improvement on previous races.

However disappointingly Lewis Hamilton may have seen this as a missed opportunity.

He is, by far, the best-wet conditions driver out there and the floods on the track could have played him well. He finished sixth, whilst partner Heikki Kovalainen managed to complete a lap, what he had failed to do this season, and he finished an impressive fifth.

Ferrari’s season just keeps getting better and better, Felipe Massa out after 20 laps and Kimi Raikkenon outside the points once again down in 10th. They predict that they are going to hit some good form. I definitely hope not.

Pole seems essential this season; this was the third consecutive race that the driver in pole won the race.

Let us see who claims pole in Bahrain.

Good Day for Brits

Brits lead the way again, and this time, in the Chinese Grand Prix.

Lying Lewis showed that there might be some honesty left in him after all as he clocked the fastest lap time in the first practice session in what looks to be a legitimate car.

Although dropping down to 13th in the Second Practice session, he would be encouraged by the new set of his McLaren. The car is sporting a new front wing and a new interim diffuser.

Joyful Jenson, once again, submitted the fastest time of the day. His Brawn GP car didn’t suffer any penalties for the use of rear diffusers that was contested earlier on in the week.

So, the primary focus is still on Brawn and his racing team as they have continually produced result after result, as Button’s partner Rubens Barrichello was third fastest.

Their dominance is still there as Button goes in search for his third consecutive win.

The Brawn’s were only split by the impressive Nico Rosberg in the ever-improving Williams car.

Ferrari’s dismal start to the season gladly continues, Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen both suffered tyre problems and the disappearing act off the KERS system seems to have no effect. They have also not used their energy storage system in an attempt to reinitiate their spiralling championship charge.

Raikkonen struggled to find grip and was often found practicing on the grass.
The Red-Bull Renault pair Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel produced that they can compete at the top being the fourth and fifth quickest respectively.

Hamilton’s teammate Heikki Kovalainen ended up ninth fastest of the day as he looks to hit some form.

Brit Rule in Rain

Britain may be known for its rain; just as well, that Button was the man to take glory in a much rain affected Malaysian Grand Prix.

This was Button’s second win on the bounce; however, this was more of a hard fought victory compared to the hugely convincing win at Australia.

Button recovered from a bad start, where he dropped to fourth from pole, to win the Grand Prix after the race was abandoned due to torrential rain.

The Stewards and the FIA made the right decision in calling the race off early due to the heavy rain and the poor visibility.

BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld was second ahead of Toyota’s Timo Glock to complete the podium.

Lying Lewis crept up to seventh to claim his first legitimate points of the season, well we will see.

In a surprising twist, the top eight will only receive half points to make the World Champion board look rather odd.

It was particular good to see common sense prevail for once as safety, and not entertainment, was the prime focus. The introduction of the red flag on lap 51 was welcomed, as it was clear that the race would not fulfil its allotted time.

Malaysia continued the dominance shown by Brawn GP this season and Button remains pinnacle of that.

Despite his poor start, where Williams’s Nico Rosberg, Toyota’s Jarno Trulli and Renault’s Fernando Alonso all sped past him, Button had the control and the speed to reclaim top spot with some impressive manoeuvres.

However, it was the strategy Ross Brawn implemented secured the victory. Button reaped the rewards when staying out for an extra two laps and producing the fastest laps of the Grand Prix. He made the most of that extra fuel that was on board to dazzling effect.

From then on, it was clear that there was only going to be one winner. When other cars were pouring into the pits to stick on the extreme wets, Button established a lead of 18 seconds, all by lap 26. This showed how ruthless Button could be when he is in the position to do just that.

It adds to his character that he is disciplined enough to handle a fast car in horrendous conditions.

Moreover, Ferrari’s poor season got from bad to worse. But don’t smile about it for too long; they will come good eventually.

Kimi Raikkonen, who showed good form in qualifying, was put on extreme wets too early and this caused him to finish 14th. With Felipe Massa finishing outside the points, the reigning constructor’s champions now sit last.

But this weekend, again, belonged to Button.

Keep those Brits proud, Jenson.

The Need of Dusk

Williams driver Nico Rosberg believes twilight races are not the way to go, as it’s dangerous.

And to be fair you can’t blame him. His sidekick Nakajima slightly blamed lowered sunlight for losing control of his car when coming round a bend. Somehow, I don’t think it’s the sunlight mate! Perhaps Nakajima could borrow one of Jenson Button’s many sunglasses.

Rosberg wasn’t acting as a sore loser (Cough, cough, Alonso, cough) or anything, but he generally believes that mid-afternoon starts is not what racing is about.

These drivers control the fastest legal (Depending your view on rear diffusers) cars on the planet and why should a lowering sun be judge on the outcome of the race. The sport should test ability not who has the best visors.

European viewers are essential for the business but it would be better to have racing at his peak without any extra distractions.

Waking up at 3am was a good omen and a ritual too many F1 fanatics as it kicks off the season perfectly. Stirring that extra strong cup of coffee and sporting your finest pair of pants in your couch, engulfed in front of the television for 3 hours before heading back to bed was special.

This year I did miss it. With Sky+ becoming more and more popular surely, it would have not been as problematic as the heads suggested, well suppose not everyone has that luxury.

This upcoming weekend race in Malaysia is at a similar local time as Australia for European viewings to be maximised and Rosberg expects more problems.

The weather this weekend suggests a heavy down pour to make the race that little more interesting in Kuala Lumpur. Well organisers should have thought about how its monsoon season in Malaysia, the whole race may have to be stopped altogether if it gets bad. It would end up being more of a speedboat race.

On the other hand, one very good thing in keeping twilight races is that when the race finishes it will be dark and you will see less of Rubens Barrichello after he removes his helmet. He does look a bit like Frankenstein doesn’t he?

Sensational Button!

Jenson, you’ve done it! You beauty!
He won the first Grand Prix of 2009. Well we did expect him to, didn’t we?

My neighbours would have not been happy as joyful high-pitched screeches as early as 730 would have probably woken them up. But it doesn’t matter, Button you were definitely worth it.

The Brit is back and loving it, many thought, including me that he went off the boil when decided to devour many glamorous women, and had a poor habit of showcasing big ridiculous sunglasses in public.

Although the glasses are still there, and probably the women too, he looked a man obsessed, loving what he is doing. So much enthusiasm was evident as he took all the glory in what must be Ross Brawn’s proudest victory. Just over three weeks ago, this team never existed but what a breath of fresh air they are.

Button always threatened to throw a match on previous Honda cars but he is in a car now that he should be proud off, it suits his driving style to a tee and it definitely showed.

Button was not the only successful Brit as POMs ruled once again in Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton’s win last year was followed by a lucky shunt up to third at Jarno Trulli’s expense. But this podium symbolised so much more for the World Champion.

It had the essence of a true Champion drive, already knowing that he didn’t have the sheer pace to keep up, Hamilton solely relied on textbook methods to keep himself competitive. He attacked when the time was right and defended properly when he needed too.

It is the massive indication yet that he has matured with his racing. Lewis was even gracious and very much surprised that he took as many points and well done to him.

McLaren needs to improve and quick. Perhaps a rear diffuser could come in useful.

Nevertheless, this day belonged to Button and to his second win in F1. And on this form, he will add to that. The vastly experienced Rubens Barrichello came in second to give Brawn GP a 1-2 finish on their debut, the first time that has happened since 1954.

I was a little disappointed to see a German and Pole in conflict once again. But instead of drawing arms, they decided to batter each other’s car instead.

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel showed great form and looked set on a decent finish but he paid the price when he gave BMW’s Robert Kubica time to catch up. They locked wheels and both retired a lap later after colliding. They are still two very young drivers that still have a lot to learn, they have massive careers in front of them.

To top the day off, Ferrari failed to do anything. Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen retired early on to make it an all round perfect weekend for the British viewer.

Roll on Malaysia!

Brawn Again

Jenson has done it, the widely acclaimed favourite to win here in Australia has taken pole with team mate Barrichello completing the front row.

Brawn GP were simply sensational on their debut, backing up their initial practice and qualifying promise to take a surprise lead in F1.

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica will make up the second role.

World Champion Lewis was left in the dust with a 15th position out of 20 as McLaren continued their dismal form. Lack of drive in the gearbox was blamed for a lack of speed. It looks very likely that he won’t win here tomorrow like he did in his Championship winning season.

Brawn GP pole position is a first for a brand new team since Scotland’s Jackie Stewart for Tyrrell at the Canadian GP in 1970.

And now the team has the backing of Sir Richard Branson’s money to fulfil their promise throughout the season. The team will soon be named Virgin BGP 001.

The top end of the field was two tenths of a second and shows early indication how close the race could be.

Let us hope for a thriller.

Nico Fastest!

What a baffling day in the first practice of the season.

Nico Rosberg was the fastest in both sessions in Australia for Williams, and who would have thought it?

This was certainly an interesting and intriguing day, Toyota, Brawn GP and Williams, who all initially fought off Thursday’s protest about diffusers, were extremely impressive and quick.

The fastest drivers of the day were unfamiliar - Rosberg, Barrichello, Trulli, Webber, Button, Glock, Nakajima, Vettel, Sutil (How was that possible?) and last year’s runner up Massa all make up the top ten.

Not a McLaren nor a World Champion insight. Hamilton, Raikkonen and Alonso were nowhere to be seen.

These protests against rear diffusers will hopefully run out of steam, the complaints were ignored that the cars using them were not up F1 regulations, although an appeal hearing is due shortly to ban them.

And those cars that can boost the diffusers, at the moment, were the fastest around Melbourne’s Albert Park street circuit, no doubt, Ferrari will kick a fuss and the diffusers will probably be branded illegal soon enough.

So it still begs the question whether these surprising front-runners are actually legit. I do hope they are.

Brawn GP showed why they could be consider as favourites clocking notable times, three weeks ago the team never existed. Perhaps Jenson may appear from Hamilton’s rather large shadow to lead the way for the Brits and fulfil his potential that has been left wanting recently.

Hamilton looked completely astounded, he has even said the dreaded ‘still come good’ line. McLaren will need to find a fix and fast just to keep up. They were completely off the boil.

Qualifying will definitely be interesting.