^^^LOL I can't imagine anyone doubted this decision?!?!
Changes to qualifying in 2010 rules
The FIA's new sporting and technical regulations for the 2010 Formula 1 world championship, published today, feature changes to the qualifying procedure to accommodate the expected 26-car grid next year.
The hour-long session will still be split into three segments, but will now see the slowest eight dropped in the opening 20-minute Q1 session, and another eight in Q2 to allow for 10 drivers to contest the shoot-out over 10 minutes.
Moreover, in a move that will please fans, Q3 will now be run in low-fuel configuration with the regulations taking into account the re-fuelling ban for 2010.
Other significant points in the document,
posted on the FIA's website, include a continuation of the current points system, as opposed to Bernie Ecclestone's previously mooted winner-takes-all medals scheme.
Each car's minimum weight has been raised to 620kg, to take into account the added weight of KERS - which will still be allowed under next year's regulations, despite FOTA's agreement not to use the system.
Tyre warmers will also be allowed, despite previous indications that they would be banned on cost-saving grounds.
The re-written regulations also no longer contain any reference to the proposals for a two-tier Formula 1, that was at the centre of the row between the sport's governing body and the Formula One Teams' Association prior to the signing of the tri-partite Concord Agreement last month.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77775
Kovalainen told to raise his game
Heikki Kovalainen has been told that he needs to raise his game over the remainder of the season if he is to have any chance of keeping hold of his seat at McLaren in 2010.
AUTOSPORT understands that Kovalainen's option for next year with McLaren has now lapsed, although the team has not ruled out retaining the Finn. Team principal Martin Whitmarsh has made it clear however that Kovalainen needs to deliver more in the next few races than he has shown so far this season - and the Finn was informed of the situation during a factory visit on Wednesday.
"Heikki is doing, as a team player, a fantastic job in this team," Whitmarsh said in a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 'Phone-In' media call. "On his own evaluation he has not raced as well as he would have liked and we would have liked him to this year.
"I was frankly just talking to him on the subject a few minutes before this call. He is working hard...
"A lot of us want to see Heikki get some good results this year, and that will ensure that he remains with us. That is certainly our wish. His goal going into Valencia this weekend is to win - and he is capable of winning the race this weekend.
"He has been a good qualifier, he has done some good qualifying times, and he is capable of qualifying well and winning this race. So that is what he is going to focus on, and I've just had that conversation with him. Then on Sunday evening he will start thinking about Spa, and that is what we want him to focus on - not all the speculation."
In a boost to Kovalainen's situation, McLaren is adamant it has not begun discussions with any other driver yet about a seat in 2010, despite fresh rumours linking Nico Rosberg with the outfit now that the German's previous likely destination BMW Sauber is out of F1.
"Speculation is normal," said Whitmarsh. "We are not commenting on it, but I can confirm that contrary to some of the speculation we are not in discussions with any other drivers outside this team at the moment."
And, denying any talk that McLaren was under pressure to take a German driver to appease engine partner Mercedes-Benz, Whitmarsh said: "In terms of nationality, obviously some nationalities from a marketing perspective are more convenient, but McLaren continues to have the strategy and policy that we will get the two best drivers in our cars every season, and that is what we will continue to do."
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77771
Ferrari Valencia Gp preview:
In Valencia Luca will meet another old friend of his: Kimi Raikkonen. “We’ve got an excellent relationship and I’m sure that we’ll work very well together as teammates. He’s got his character, but that’s nothing new; I feel very good when we’re together.”
Kimi Valencia preview:
I’ll have a new teammate at Valencia. Instead of Felipe – and I want to wish him all the best for a speedy recovery again – there will be Luca Badoer. He has been the official Scuderia test driver for many years, and I’m glad that he finally got the chance to race a Ferrari. I really wish him good luck and I’m sure that we’ll work well together.
Sounds good that the 2 likes each other, don't you think? I've always felt that Kimi likes Luca and vice versa.
I think Kimi likes him more than Felipe.
