McLaren Unveils MP4-25, 2010 Formula 1 Car

Like other F1 teams, McLaren publically unveiled its latest Formula 1 car -- the MP4-25 -- this week.

The MP4-25 is as different from last year’s MP4-24 as that car was from its MP4-23 predecessor. Drastic rule changes implemented over the past two years have kept engineers on their toes to ensure their cars remain competitive. Last year, the FIA drastically revised the aerodynamic regulations, requiring a smaller rear wing and a larger front wing. A new ban on in-race refueling forced the use of a larger fuel tank, which in turn required the car’s wheelbase to grow. Subsequently, McLaren redesigned its cooling system and electrical architecture to accommodate the tank.

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Heidfeld gets reserve spot at Mercedes

It amazes me that Heidfeld is the reserve and Roseburg gets the regular seat. It should be the opposite.

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Nick Heidfeld is to join the new Mercedes GP Formula One team as reserve and test driver, Germany's Bild newspaper reported.

Mercedes were due to officially announce the signing later on Friday, according to the report.

If confirmed, Heidfeld would complete an all-German driver line-up at the team, alongside returning seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg.

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Ferrari 599 Hybrid Image Leaked Ahead Of Geneva Motor Show

The times, they are a changin', and even Ferrari is being dragged into the hybrid scene. We brought you news yesterday that, during the debut of Ferrari's 2010 F10 Formula 1 car, CEO Luca de Montezemolo revealed that a production-ready hybrid version of the 599 would be coming to Geneva. Today we have a preview image of the car leaked to the Web.

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Hamilton Sr to launch F1 testing academy

Anthony Hamilton, father of world champion Lewis, is planning to launch a programme called GP Prep Drivers Academy to help young drivers to get testing experience in current F1 machinery.

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Former F1 star Raikkonen crashes in rally debut

ROVANIEMI, Finland (AP) — Former Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen crashed into a snow drift at the Arctic Lapland Rally.

He trailed by more than 30 minutes after the first day of racing on Friday.

Raikkonen was just 5.5 seconds behind leader Dani Sordo before going off the road. His car was pulled out of the snow, and the former Ferrari driver and co-pilot Kai Lindstrom escaped unhurt.

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