Cooper extend British F3 tyre deal

Cooper are to continue as control tyre supplier and title sponsor to the British Formula 3 Championship, having taken over from Avon in 2009. Avon had previously been the sole supplier to the series for 27 years.

Avon continue to supply British GT

Avon will supply the British GT Championship until 2014, a contract they have held since 2006. The new contract will start in 2012.

                          

Marc Webber could only manage fifth on the grid, whereas Vettel started from pole with a clear track ahead of him. On the first lap, Michael Schumacher spun and was immediately hit by Tonio Luizzi. It was a very nasty accident that both drivers were lucky to escape from. However was this incident that would impact profoundly on the rest of the race, as during the following safety car period Petrov and Nico Rosberg made pit stops for hard compound tyres that allowed them to last the whole race. Despite rejoining last, they were then able to move up the order as their rivals pitted. Eventually Alonso and Webber caught the Russian's Renault.

For lap after lap, despite some forceful harrying, Fernando Alonso could not get past Petrov's Renault. Once again it was the classic case of modern F1 aerodynamics and modern track design coming together to nullify opportunities to overtake. Marc Webber also appeared to be unable to get close to the Ferrari, even when the Spaniard made mistakes and left the track momentarily. Therefore we were treated to a typical display of modern F1: flash, glitz and a procession of more expensive hardware than a parade in Red Square in the 1970's. Yet there was no real racing.

It has to be said (and it's been said elsewhere by more authoritative writers than myself) that it was one of the most boring races I have every seen. A real snooze-fest to round off what has been one of the most exciting seasons for years. Why? Well, I believe that it is because the Yas Marina track is one of the worst tracks that F1 uses.  Hermann Tilke's company was given a blank canvas and a blank cheque, yet he still managed to design an awful layout that stops any racing from taking place. For a start, they have a chicane leading into a hairpin! If that doesn't encapsulate poor planning on their part, I really don't know!

However, let's not forget to congratulate Sebastien Vettel on becoming the youngest ever world champion. Despite being overshadowed by his team mate earlier in the year, he has shown winning form in the last few races.  While his winning of the title was a surprise, it is no less deserved.

                          

MotoGP

It's the San Marino Grand Prix (or Adriatic Grand Prix) or whatever else they call it this weekend, a race that every Italian in every class will want to do well in. Jorge Lorenzo, on the other hand, will be looking to consolidate his championship lead to keep ahead of the resurgent Dani Pedrosa and Honda. Valentino Rossi will also be hoping for a good result at home in front of his fans.

DTM

It's the Brand Hatch round of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft this weekend and I will be making my annual trek to see it with my brother. The big draw this year will be former Grand Prix star David Coulthard, who is racing for Mercedes this season in addition to his BBC duties. However, the real sharp end of the racing will be proved by Championship leader Bruno Spengler, McLaren test driver Gary Paffett and last years winner Paul DiResta.

I'll write a up a report of my weekend on Monday, telling you stories of sitting in the back of the van waiting for practice to begin, fry-ups in the Kentagon and the roar of those Mercedes and Audi's battling their way around the track. See you later!

                          

Instead I'm going to divert your attention to the fact that the silly season has started in earnest in MotoGP. For a start, the worst kept rumour in the sport has been proved right, Valentino Rossi IS going to Ducati next year. This is the key piece of the puzzle, as it means that Yamaha and Tech 3 can get on with signing riders and contracts etc. Ducati Corse will be using the rest of their savings account to pay for Nicky Hayden to stay on another year.  With Rossi gone, it is almost certain that Ben Spies will be moving up to the factory Yamaha team, with his place in Tech 3 being taken by the highly rated Englishman Cal Crutchlow (not confirmed at all as I write this). Where Colin Edwards is going is less clear, with murmurings of a return to WSB being mooted.

Over at Honda, we will probably find out shortly whether HRC will be fielding a three bike factory team next year or if Andrea Dovisioso will be taking his P45 to another team. What is certain is that Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa will be wearing the Repsol colours for Honda next year. The Gresini Honda squad also face a similar dilemma with Marco Simonchelli  and Marco Melandri, as it is said that Loris Capirossi maybe being lined up for a third seat.

So as you can see, the cards have been thrown into the air and we can only make an educated guess as to where they will land. However, expect them to hit the ground very soon now that Mr Rossi has done his deal.

                          

Dani Pedrosa led from the start once again but slung his Honda into the scenery on lap 11 after coming under pressure from his countryman Lorenzo. Casey Stoner continued his good form by finishing second on the Ducati. Nicky Hayden won his duel with fellow American Ben Spies to finish fifth and as the top American.

However, ride of the day really should go to the 'Doctor', I mean it's not like he's riding for the money, as he must have enough in his savings account. I think it's that need to be the best and of course, the speed. I imagine the others rider are worried already...

                          

The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has been built with a standard petrol engine, but with an additional electric motor which powers the front wheels. This is used as a boost for when extra power is needed, for either speed on the straights or when overtaking. When not in use, the motor is recharged by the turning of the front wheels.

Now as we all know, the Germans are very meticulous and thorough. They had to test it and where did they chose to test? Only at the Nurburgring 24 hours! This demanding event is not held on the small Grand Prix track, but on the  14 mile monster itself.

Take a look at the car in action below:

                          

• Use smaller engines such as a 1.5 litre turbo.
• Reduce fuel allotment to maybe 80kg.
• A rationalisation of the race calendar to prevent numerous continent crossings.

For more info on this, take a look at this story on the BBC website.

                          

The Englishman now leads Max Biaggi by fifteen points, but I imagine that the four time 250cc world champion and MotoGP star will give him a very tough time right through the season.