Formula One’s scramble for cash continues with 10 of the 24 seats being vacant and strong rumours of bids being sought by several teams for one or even both of their seats.
The top four teams from 2010 – Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes have all named both of their drivers and are sticking with what they know. Renault has confirmed Kubica, Williams has confirmed Barrichello.
Lotus (which is listed under the name Team Lotus – much to Mike Gascoyne’s delight but to noticeable overnight silence from the usually effusive Tony Fernandes) has confirmed both Trulli and Kovalainen, currently bed-ridden after a road accident.Fernandes did say, later “Team Lotus it is.” One suspects he’s worn out by the controversy which is taking away much of the fun. But he also says “Higham is pumped,” which is a bit of an understatement – not something he is usually known for.
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Sauber has retained Kobayashi but he will be joined by new boy Perez Medoza (two surnames, no hyphen) from Mexico.
Force India, Torro Rosso, Virgin and HRT have not confirmed any drivers. Virgin has confirmed a name-change to “Marussia Virgin Racing.
The constructors’ list throws up more interesting information. Renault has been listed as “Renault” and Lotus as “Lotus Renault.” The rumours of their possibly being two Lotus teams in association with Renault appear, for the time being at least, to have come to nothing. But the fat lady hasn’t sung yet and the FIA will allow modifications to entries for several months.
But now it is clear who is building what for who: Renault are building their own chassis and bodywork and in addition to powering their own cars, they are providing engine and drive-train to Red Bull and Lotus. Mercedes are doing the same, except that their customers are McLaren and Force India. Similarly Ferrari – their customers are Torro Rosso and Sauber. The big loser this year has been Cosworth: from powering almost half of the grid last year, they will now push only Williams, HRT and Virgin.
So, Vettel and Webber remain with Red Bull, Hamilton and Button remain with McLaren, Alsonso and Massa are at Ferrari and Schumacher and Rosberg stay with Mercedes.
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