Full Honda statement on F1 withdrawal

  Formula 1
The following is the full statement from Honda President and CEO Takeo Fukui regarding the firm’s decision to pull out of Formula One...

We, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.

Hamilton designs the ultimate F1 circuit

  by Lewis Hamilton

Ultimate F1 lap

To round-off Lewis Hamilton’s glorious winning season, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ Technology Partner, ExxonMobil, presented him a final challenge: to design the ultimate ‘Supercircuit’. This fantasy race track is a combination of the toughest corners, chicanes and straights from Hamilton’s favorite circuits around the world. It is also a fascinating insight into where adrenaline levels are at their highest, and the levels of performance that are required by the car, engine and race lubricant.

Massa wins Brazilian GP, Hamilton wins title

  by Mark J. Cipolloni
In the most exciting finish to an F1 championship fight ever, Felipe Massa did what he had to do by scoring the win in his Ferrari in very difficult weather conditions.  Lewis Hamilton appeared to be choking once again but luck came his way and he passed Timo Glock with just two corners to go to move up to 5th place and win the World Drivers Championship by just a single point over Massa. Quotes | Press Conference

Brazilian GP: Sunday Quotes

  F1
Felipe Massa (1st): "It was an exciting day. We did everything to perfection and we almost managed to pull it off. Then, as I crossed the line, Rob told me that Hamilton had finished fifth and therefore he took the title by one point. Sport is like this and one has to accept that. Congratulations to Lewis: whoever gets the most points deserves the title. I am very proud of the whole team and how much support they have given me during this fantastic season. Now we must be happy with what have done, namely bringing home the Constructors' title which I know is so important for the team. It was a season of highs and lows and we have learned a lot, from the good moments and from our mistakes. I can leave Interlagos with my head held high because once again I have won in front of my home crowd and because this is an unforgettable day. Now I want to celebrate with my family, my friends and my team. We deserve it!"

Brazilian GP: Sunday Press Conference

  Formula 1
1. Felipe MASSA (Ferrari), 1h34m11.435s
2. Fernando ALONSO (Renault), 1h34m24.733s
3. Kimi RAIKKONEN (McLaren Mercedes), 1h34m27.670s

Massa wins pole for Brazilian GP

  by Mark J. Cipolloni
Felipe Massa took a crucial pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix, as championship leader Lewis Hamilton could only muster fourth fastest time behind Jarno Trulli and Kimi Raikkonen.  While Massa dominated the crucial part of qualifying Hamilton appeared to be choking under pressure and it was only in the closing moments was he able to move up to the 2nd row. Press Conference | Quotes

Brazilian GP: Saturday Press Conference

  Formula 1
DRIVERS:
1. Felipe MASSA (Ferrari), 1m12.368s
2. Jarno TRULLI (Toyota), 1m12.737s
3. Kimi RAIKKONEN (Ferrari), 1m12.825s

Brazilian GP: Saturday Quotes

  Formula 1
Felipe Massa (1st, 1:12.368): "It's fantastic to have taken a third consecutive pole on this track and it's an incredible emotion to see everyone celebrating in the grandstands. I got a great lap on my first run in Q3 and I could have even not bothered to finish the second one, but you never know what might happen: I was the first to take the checkered flag and I would have looked stupid if someone had improved on my time. Anyway, I know I can count on a good strategy for tomorrow. The car is working very well and now I'm in the best possible position for the start. I will try and win: that is my aim. I'm not thinking about the rest, because it doesn't just depend on me or even on the team. I feel calm: there is so much expectation around me, but all this attention gives me a very positive energy which I will try and exploit tomorrow."

Brazilian GP: Friday Press Conference

  F1
TEAM PRINCIPALS:
Nick FRY (Honda)
John HOWETT (Toyota)
Mario THEISSEN (BMW SAUBER)
Hiroshi YASUKAWA (Bridgestone)

Brazilian GP: Friday Quotes

  Formula 1
Felipe Massa (2nd, 1:12.353): "It might only be Friday, but it's important to get off to a good start on such an important weekend. We found a good set-up for the car, which seemed to be well balanced in both sessions. The track here offers a lot of grip and so, even with today's low temperatures, that was not a problem, especially given the tires we have available to us here. My aim? To be in front of everyone, both tomorrow and on Sunday. Then we can do the maths when it's over. Racing at home, with the crowd on your side is a great motivation for me: it's a fantastic feeling, but difficult to put it into words."

Brazil race preview

  Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton heads to Interlagos for the second time this weekend in an almost identical position to last year, leading the championship as he bids for his maiden Formula One crown.  There are a couple of differences 12 months on though, the first being that Ferrari's Felipe Massa is the only rival still close enough to deny the McLaren-Mercedes man the title, and the second that Hamilton's overall lead is also greater.

Ferrari mystified as to why McLaren better in Shanghai

  Ferrari
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali admitted to being mystified after team drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen were beaten into second and third places by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton in today's Chinese Grand Prix on the outskirts of Shanghai. He said there was a lot to understand before going to the final round of the World Championship at Sao Paulo, Brazil, in two weeks time, with Massa seven points behind Hamilton.