William's Still Strong

RBS plans to exit Formula 1. They were sponsors for Williams F1 Team. There will be a 25% reduction in sponsorship in 2009 and 50% by 2010. This is due to heavy losses announced by RBS banking group.

The RBS-Williams partnership began in 2005 and was renewed for a second three-year term in 2007.

Race Calendar

1
Mar 29
ING Australian Grand Prix (Albert Park, Melbourne)

2
Apr 05
Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang, Kuala Lumpur)

3
Apr 19
Sinopec Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)

4
Apr 26
Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (Sakhir)

5
May 10
Telefonica Spanish Grand Prix (Catalunya)

6
May 25
Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo)

7
Jun 07
Petrol Ofisi Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul)

8
Jun 21
Santander British Grand Prix (Silverstone)

9
Jul 12
Santander German Grand Prix (Nurburgring)

10
Jul 26
Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungaroring, Budapest)

11
Aug 23
European Grand Prix (Valencia)

12
Aug 30
ING Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps)

13
Sep 13
Santander Italian Grand Prix (Monza)

14
Sep 27
Singtel Singapore Grand Prix (Singapore)

15
Oct 04
Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)

16
Oct 18
Brazilian Grand Prix (Interlagos)

17
Nov 01
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina)

New Engine Rules

The FIA will clarify the new engine rules. According to the new rules the teams cannot change engines after Saturday's Practice.

Each driver will have eight engines for this year championship.

Charlie Whiting has now stipulated that no engine may be changed after Saturday morning's practice session has begun.

American Team Planning to enter Fomula 1

In 2010 American Team hope to enter Formula 1. The project, led by F1 veterans Peter Windsor and Ken Anderson, will be based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

They have not made any firm decisions on drivers or engine supply.

Offer Rejected

Honda rejected Ecclestones Offer. He had offered the team £100 million.
But I personally feel Honda did the right thing.

Force India

Force India will inaugurate their new car on Sunday in Jerez. The car is named as VJM02. Drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil will both be present at the launch of the Mercedes-engined car.

The majority of Force India’s rivals revealed their new cars last month and only Toro Rosso and the beleaguered Honda team have still to confirm launch dates.

Honda's Search For Buyer Still Going On

The Japanese car maker put the team up for sale in December. Although a bid from the Virgin Group and an internal management buyout have both been rumoured, Honda CEO, Takeo Fukui, disclosed at a press conference in Japan that the company’s search for a viable purchaser is still ongoing.
Fukui will step down as CEO and President of Honda in June. Takanobu Ito will replce him.