From GMM

FIA proceeds with standard engine
F1's governing body is pressing ahead with controversial plans to introduce a standard engine formula by 2010. In a statement on Friday, the FIA confirmed it has opened a tender process "for the appointment of a third party supplier of engines and transmission systems" for the entire grid between 2010-2012.

Teams can choose engine implementation
Teams will be free to choose how to implement the FIA's imposition of a standard engine formula from 2010. After a tender process for a third party supplier of engines was announced on Friday, a spokesman clarified that the mandatory aspect of the regulations will be for the use of the designated design.

The standard engine proposal is highly controversial among F1's carmakers, who are behind rumours in the paddock that some may pull out if their technological freedom is further curtailed.

Bernie plays down team quit threats
Bernie Ecclestone on Friday played down speculation that the introduction of a standard engine formula could cause teams to leave the sport. There is no doubt that the rumours in the Shanghai paddock were fuelled by carmaker-backed teams including McLaren-Mercedes, Toyota, BMW and Honda, who are furious with the FIA's announcement.

"I don't see why they should leave. We're saving them an awful lot of money, I hope. All the technical things will still be there, and they can still show all of their talent," Ecclestone said.

Kubica deserves 2008 title - Villeneuve
Neither Lewis Hamilton nor his main challenger Felipe Massa fully deserves to be 2008 world champion, former title winner Jacques Villeneuve says. "The one who really deserves it now is Kubica," the French-Canadian said. "He has not been in as good a car as either Felipe or Lewis yet he has produced a season without mistakes," 37-year-old Villeneuve said.

Ecclestone wants 'no dirty tricks'
Bernie Ecclestone has ordered a 'hard but fair' conclusion to the 2008 championship, as rivalries threaten to spill onto the circuit with two races to go."We want fair play at all times," Ecclestone, F1's chief executive, said. "Hard and close racing, yes, but fair play, too without drivers being put in danger.

"The wider world is watching and waiting the outcome of what has turned into a great championship. We don't want it spoiled and we will crack down on any dirty tricks," the 77-year-old added.

FIA not told of Magny Cours axe
F1's governing body says it is "gravely concerned" with the news that the promoter of the race at Magny Cours has cancelled the 2009 French grand prix. "The FIA secretary general has written to the president of the FFSA today to seek an urgent clarification of the situation of the French grand prix. Up until today we have heard nothing."

Mallya confirms Force India drivers to stay
Force India will keep the same race drivers for the 2009 season, high profile team co-owner Vijay Mallya said on Friday. "I've made it quite clear I'm happy with Adrian (Sutil) and Giancarlo (Fisichella) and they will continue through 2009," he told reporters in Shanghai.

Sand shifts on customer car issue
The future looks brighter for Toro Rosso. Earlier this year, the partly Gerhard Berger-owned squad was in serious trouble, given Red Bull's dithering support and the looming end of the era when using a customer car is allowed.

But on both counts, the sand appears to have shifted somewhat. On the topic of customer cars it emerged recently that Bernie Ecclestone has proposed that teams already involved in formula one should be allowed to share technology, including the buying and selling of entire cars. "If Bernie's proposal actually goes through, I think it will be excellent for all independent teams and bring down costs substantially," Force India Mallya said.