Honda Saved

$100m buyout has saved Honda. Ross Brawn and Nick Fry will take control of the team.
Honda will compete in the Australian Grand Prix. But there will also be many job cuts at Honda.

Softer Tyres will have Green Band in 2009.

In 2009 we will be again seeing a come back of Slick Tyres. 11 seasons we saw grooved tyres.

This year the softer compound will have a Green Band. This acts as a distinguition between the 2 compounds. It also signifies Bridgestone's support for the FIA's Make Cars Green Campaign.

There is a change in tyre allocation rationale too. For 2009, non -consecutive allocations will occur at most races.

Opening Races Tyre Allocation:

Australia - super soft, medium
Malaysia - soft, hard
China - super soft, medium
Bahrain - super soft, medium
Spain - soft, hard

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.