Rubens Barrichello admits F1 career could end
Honda Formula 1 driver Rubens Barrichello has admitted he might not secure a contract to remain in formula one beyond this season. The 36-year-old Brazilian, who is the most experienced grand prix driver of all time, has had a difficult year with Honda but insists he has never considered voluntarily retiring. "I see my future in a F1 car, but if it doesn't happen, it's not the end of the world," he said in Fuji.

New Safety Car rules for 2009
The current controversial safety car rules will be scrapped following next month's final race of the 2008 season. It has been agreed to minimally revert to the old system, whereby the pitlane will stay open for refuelling even immediately after the deployment of the safety car. It is expected that, to accompany the revised system for 2009, drivers will need to adhere to a minimum lap time as they drive slowly after deployment of the SC.

Gerhard Berger surprised at new Nick Heidfeld contract
Co-owner of the Toro Rosso team Gerhard Berger, formerly joint BMW motor sport director, has expressed mild surprise at the renewal of Nick Heidfeld's contract to race with the Hinwil based formula one team. "Nick is a good driver," Berger told the Munchener Abendzeitung newspaper, "but he is not of the calibre of Raikkonen, Alonso, Kubica, Rosberg or Vettel."

Honda trial 'traffic lights' pit stop system
Just as Ferrari abandons its unique 'traffic lights' approach to F1 pit stops, rival team Honda has begun testing a near-identical concept at the scene of the Japanese grand prix. The Brackley based squad does not intend to replace the traditional 'lollipop' system either at Fuji Speedway or elsewhere in 2008. It is believed the system, to be further tested over the forthcoming winter period, is being evaluated in view of a possible debut next season. It is believed that Honda's new system can only trigger a green light if the fuel hose is removed from the car, irrespective of any manual button controls operated by mechanics.


Photo Credit : Honda