British GP Preview: Force India

The British Grand Prix from 19 – 21 June marks the halfway point in the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship. The race is held at the historic Silverstone circuit in the heart of England, right opposite Force India’s HQ. As such, the British Grand Prix is seen by many personnel as the team’s ‘home’ race.

Ferrari fight on after French court defeat

Ferrari hit back on Wednesday after a French court rejected their bid to prevent Formula One’s governing body introducing controversial new rules next season

Coulthard - I quit F1 one season too soon

Test ban eases workload for 2009 racers David Coulthard believes he might have quit Formula One at least a season too soon...  

McLaren get suspended three-race ban

• WMSC praise team principal for 'open and honest' response• Ban will only be enforced if there is a further breachMcLaren have been handed a suspended three-race ban by the World Motor Sport Council after apologising for lying to race officials.The team's pro-active approach in the run up to the extraordinary hearing of the WMSC in Paris appeared to have played its part in softening the blow as McLaren escaped a heavier punishment, having pleaded guilty on all five counts of breaching the International Sporting Code.A WMSC statement read: "Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren team principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate."That penalty is a suspension of the team from three races of the FIA Formula One World Championship. This will only be applied if further facts emerge regarding the case or if, in the next 12 months, there is a further breach by the team of article 151 c of the International Sporting Code."As expected, reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton has avoided any further punishment after his disqualification from the Australian Grand Prix. Hamilton was initially promoted from fourth to third after the race stewards in Melbourne handed Jarno Trulli a 25-second penalty for passing the Briton behind the safety car.Hamilton and Dave Ryan, since sacked as McLaren sporting director, insisted at the time no order was relayed from the team demanding he allow Trulli to pass. However, evidence in the form of pit-to-car transmissions and an interview Hamilton gave immediately after the race contradicted their story, and resulted in the case being re-opened.Deciding they had been "deliberately misled", the stewards at the Malaysian Grand Prix disqualified Hamilton and McLaren from the classification. Ryan was soon suspended, while Hamilton apologised for his actions in the FIA press conference room in Sepang where he also notably blamed Ryan.The FIA then charged McLaren with five counts of being in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code which relates to fraudulent conduct and acts prejudicial to the sport. As it was recognised by the FIA that Hamilton had been put in an "impossible position" by Ryan, it appeared at that stage McLaren would be hauled over the coals by the WMSC.However Ryan was sacked, meaning he could not answer to the World Council as they are unable to summon any person no longer in the employ of a particular team. Of considerable significance, Ron Dennis announced his decision to stand down as chairman of the McLaren Group as from 1 June, and as CEO of McLaren Racing with immediate effect.In taking up the running of the automotive side of the company, Dennis insisted his motive had nothing to do with F1. Many observers, though, felt his action was designed to appease the FIA – with whom he has often had a fractious relationship – and to save McLaren, a team he had built up since taking over in 1981.Since his exit, Whitmarsh – whose offer to resign was rejected by the shareholders – has since knocked down a few barriers that had previously existed between his team and the FIA. Celebrating his 51st birthday today, Whitmarsh has kept an open channel between himself and the governing body in a bid to repair the damage, and to deaden the impact of any penalty. That building of bridges appeared today to have played its part in what must be viewed as a lenient sentence.McLarenLewis HamiltonFormula oneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Race Review - Ferrari

Sakhir, 26th April 2009 - Kimi Raikkonen finished the Bahrain Grand Prix in sixth place, driving an attacking race to bring home the first points of the season, (three) for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro.

Race Review - Force India

The Force India Formula One Team has achieved yet another solid double finish in today’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Giancarlo Fisichella brought his VJM02 home in 15th position, with Adrian Sutil under three seconds behind in 16th following a physically challenging race that saw both cars running firmly in the competitive midfield.