From GMM

McLaren-Force India deal looms
A deal to see Mercedes engines and other McLaren support could be in place with a customer team in the "next few days", Ron Dennis said at Fuji Speedway. Speculation on the verge of the Japanese grand prix this weekend suggests the Woking based team is in detailed talks with Force India, and perhaps another private team, about a collaboration for 2009.

Documents re-fire F1 political storm in UK
Newly released documents show former British prime minister Tony Blair triggered a change in policy to allow tobacco advertising at the British grand prix. The documents contradict claims at the time that a meeting with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone in 1997 had no influence on the country's decision to allow formula one an exemption from the ban of tobacco advertising. Ecclestone and Blair were also linked at the time to a sizeable donation from the 77-year-old to Blair's ruling political party. The donation was hastily refunded upon revelation by the press.

Alonso decides to stay at Renault - report
Back to back grand prix winner Fernando Alonso has indeed decided to stay at Renault for the 2009 season. Germany's most widely circulated newspaper, Bild, reported on Sunday that the Spaniard is now convinced the French squad is a better option than Honda for next year.

Alonso is hedging his bets that he will be best poised to switch to Ferrari should Kimi Raikkonen make an early exit -- a move that would please one of the Spaniard's biggest supporters who is keen to move from McLaren to Ferrari.

More moves to shake up F1 show
The new FOTA alliance of F1 teams is contemplating a proposal whereby Friday's fastest driver is awarded $1m. It emerges that more tweaks to the Friday practice format are possible. The format would accompany a total ban on in-season testing, with only limited post and pre-season testing allowed. The smaller teams are pushing for a budget cap, and a better distribution of the commercial revenue throughout the pitlane.

Also on the table, is a proposal for points from qualifying. Teams are also keen to alter the standard time for races to begin in Europe, with a late morning start favoured for the television audience.