F1 members admitted to hospital in Austin

Members of F1′s travelling circus have been admitted to hospital in Austin, the Swiss newspaper Blick reports.

The report said three members of the press from Portugal, Denmark and England respectively, and “some members” of the Red Bull team, are in hospital.

Rumours suggest the Briton involved is the well-known photographer Keith Sutton, while the other two press-men are journalists Peter Nygaard and Luis Vasconcelos.

The newspaper claimed they have contracted infectious diseases after being bitten by mosquitoes in India late last month.

During the Indian grand prix weekend 20 days ago, we reported that the swarms of mosquitoes in the Delhi area could be carrying the infectious and potentially life-threatening dengue fever.

Blick also mentioned malaria.

Source: F1zone.net

Heikki Kovalainen likely to face Caterham axe to a pay-driver

Heikki Kovalainen has admitted that he might lose his Caterham seat at the end of the season. 

Although the Finn is highly regarded by the Tony Fernandes,  Caterham is facing up to the prospect of losing millions in projected Concorde Agreement earnings, due to losing tenth place in the lucrative constructors’ championship standings to Marussia.

When asked specifically about his future, Kovalainen answered in India: “For our team it’s quite important that we try to regain that tenth position back.”

“So, the main focus is on that and regarding the future with the team and with Tony Fernandes, we haven’t decided yet,” he said.

“I think he (Tony Fernandes) knows what he gets with me but then he’s evaluating other options I think to see what he wants to do. And I’m waiting.

“In the meantime, of course, my management is also working.”

The implication is clear: if Caterham’s budget falls short due to the lost Concorde earnings, the team will be tempted to replace the money with a ‘pay driver’.

Marussia’s well-funded Charles Pic has been linked with a 2013 Caterham seat, as has Giedo van der Garde, who took over Kovalainen’s car in first practice in India on Friday.

Kovalainen is quoted by Turun Sanomat newspaper: “He ( Tony Fernandes) has to decide whether to have two drivers who bring budget with them, or (to keep) me. I do not bring any money,” he clarified.

“Tony has not told me directly what he intends to do.”

Prodrive interested in buying Cosworth

Prodrive boss David Richards has admitted an interest in buying Formula One engine manufacturer Cosworth which was put up for sale last week.

The British company, which also manufactures parts for the aerospace, defense and automotive industries, currently supplies Marussia and HRT with V8 engines.

Richards admits he has taken a look at Cosworth, but doubts the value of the company considering it’s likely to quit F1 when the new 2014 engines are introduced.

“We’ve just started to take a look at Cosworth although I think they have rather over-priced themselves as I understand they don’t own the brand and they will be out of the F1 business within 12 months,” he told the Daily Mail, adding: “Nonetheless, they’re worth a look.”

Richards attempted to start his own team in 2010 which would likely have come under the Aston Martin moniker, of which he is the chairman, but failed in his endeavours.

 

Source: The F1 Times