The rumors about Nico Rosberg's inception in team McLaren Mercedes is finally over! Whew!

Right. Williams has recently announced that Kazuki Nakajima is signed to the team to race in the 2008 season of Formula 1 along with Nico Rosberg. So it is official that Williams team will have a Japanese-German driver lineup for 2008. Nakajima is very happy that he will be retained in Williams team after his first race in the Formula 1 season finale in Brazil where he finished in the 10th place.

A statement from Williams team quoted Nakajima as saying, "This is the crowning of a great year for me. It was an amazing experience to drive out of the garage as a Formula One driver at Albert Park last March, and now to be confirmed as a race driver for AT&T Williams is a dream come true."

He added; "I am very grateful to Toyota for the support I have had through the Toyota Driver's Programme and to Williams for the team's faith in me. There is plenty of work to be done before next season starts, but I am resolved to do whatever is necessary and to show Williams and Toyota that they have made a good investment."

Meanwhile, Team Principal Frank Williams also commented:
"I am delighted to confirm that Nico will be racing for the team for his third consecutive year after demonstrating impressive and widely applauded form in 2007. Nico will be ably partnered by Kazuki, who has impressed the team over the past year. He has pace and the right aptitude to develop into a competitive Formula One racer and over the course of the next season, we will provide him with all the necessary support and assistance to hone his talents."

I am looking forward with Williams' new lineup for 2008. In the other hand, there are still no confirmations about Alonso next team for 2008. Rumors said Renault is planning to sign Alonso back to the team. Well, let us just wait and see for the outcome of this issue… soon.

Yeah, Schumi's back on F1 track. But don't be too excited. He will only be testing Ferrari at Barcelona next week to help the Scuderia team adapt to the traction control ban.

Everybody's favorite F1 Champ has been called up by Scuderia. The team wants to tap Schumi's knowledge of driving F1 cars without the use of electronic driver aids such as traction control. Schumi will get behind the wheel of Ferrari F2007 as part of the team's preparations for the upcoming season.

The former F1 Champ has remained part of the Scuderia team since quitting competitive racing just over a year ago and he attended several grands prix this season in his role as 'special advisor' to the Italian team. While next week's test will be partly for pleasure, the German could also make a valuable technical contribution for the upcoming season, when traction control will be forbidden from F1 racing.

Schumi's spokesperson said the former Champ's test does not mean he intends returning to racing. "It's probably a one-off. Michael does not intend at all to go back to F1," his spokeswoman told BBC Sport. "He's testing just as part of his contract, which is to help Ferrari in whichever area he can. He is much more experienced than the other drivers in cars without electronic aids, this will be good input for Ferrari. There is nothing intended about coming back to racing."

Schumi, the seven-time World Champ, who hasn't taken part in a F1 test since retiring from the sport at the end of the 2006 season, will be in action on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Circuit de Catalunya.  He is expected to spend a couple of days at the said circuit in Spain, during the first multi-team test since last month's Brazilian GP, which saw Scuderia and Finn Kimi Raikkonen grab the constructors' and drivers' titles for this season.

"Michael has a big experience in driving cars with no traction control and no electronic aids, so it makes sense for him to give his input," Schumi's spokesperson told Reuters.

Schumi has driven the F2007 on one previous occasion when he put in a handful of demo laps for Fiat bosses at Ferrari's Fiorano circuit in Italy recently, said F1's Official Web site.

Lucas di Grassi finally showed off at the Oxford Children's Hospital. The Formula One star of the future and Brazilian racing driver Lucas di Grassi was seen at the hospital with patients. He is also the current racer of the Renault Driver Development programme which is based in Enstone.

He has also visited the terrace play area in the hospital which the team sponsors and he also saw some of the patients testing Formula One cars.

Andrew House, the Head of Major Gifts for the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds, explains, "Renault F1 Team have been great supporters of our 0x00a315million fundraising campaign to build the Children's Hospital, by making a very significant donation and also giving us these fun toy cars, which the children love. It was great to be able to show Lucas and Donna what a difference their support has made. Donations like theirs have enabled us to create one of the best children's hospitals in the country."

Lucas di Grassi was noted commenting on the event: "It was wonderful to meet and talk to the children at the Oxford Children's Hospital. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to live out my dream by pursuing my racing career. But the determination and courage you have to show at the wheel, are nothing compared to what these children tackle and overcome every day. It has been a privilege and an inspiration to meet them, and I am proud to be part of a team that is committed to supporting the local community."

The Children's Hospital opened its doors in January this year and has already helped tens of thousands of patients. It is a bright, colourful space, designed to make children and their families feel as comfortable as possible.

You can visit www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk/getinvolved or call 01865 743445 to know more about the Oxford Children's Hospital.

Ford driver Carl Edwards in currently on the 5th place at the Chase for the Championship in NASCAR Nextel Cup. But on the NASCAR Busch Series, Edwards already won the championship title. Right. The recent O'Reilly Challenge race that also took place at Texas Motor Speedway secured Edwards' title, although Chevy driver Kevin Harvick     won the race.

This is the first time for Edwards to win a NASCAR championship. Check out what he said during the press conference.

"I'm proud of my guys. We had an unbelievable first half of the season. We had some many points. These guys have been working very hard. I'm so grateful to be driving this car. To win it here at Texas, this track has a lot of memories here for me. It's just a really good feeling."

Anyway, just check out below for the final point standings of NASCAR Busch Series.

1    Carl Edwards    4494    
2    David Reutimann    3942    
3    Jason Leffler    3733    
4    Kevin Harvick    3713    
5    David Ragan*    3576    
6    Bobby Hamilton Jr.
7    Stephen Leicht    3337
8    Greg Biffle    3256
9    Marcos Ambrose*    3225
10    Mike Wallace    3188
11    Matt Kenseth    3136
12    Denny Hamlin    3011    
13    Clint Bowyer    2961    
14    Scott Wimmer    2907    
15    Jeff Burton    2812    
16    Kyle Busch    2748    
17    J.J. Yeley    2716    
18    Steve Wallace    2639    
19    Kyle Krisiloff*    2634    
20    Casey Mears    2536
21    Mike Bliss    2447    
22    Brent Sherman    2425    
23    Dave Blaney    2401    
24    Jamie McMurray    2087    
25    Brad Keselowski*    
26    Jason Keller    2069    
27    Kasey Kahne    1956    
28    Bobby Labonte    1929
29    Reed Sorenson    1881
30    Aric Almirola    1850
31    Regan Smith    1820
32    Shane Huffman    1727
33    Tony Stewart    1723
34    Juan Montoya*    1689
35    Todd Kluever    1687
36    Brad Coleman*    1680
37    Eric McClure    1639
38    Kelly Bires    1620
39    David Gilliland    1597
40    Ward Burton    1555
41    David Stremme    1554
42    Stanton Barrett    1212
43    Paul Menard    1208
44    Jon Wood    1154
45    Robert Richardson, II*    
46    Richard Johns    1057
47    Robby Gordon    1027
48    Danny O'Quinn Jr.
49    Ryan Newman    851
50    Morgan Shepherd 789

After the official announcement regarding Fernando Alonso's departure from Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, a lot of rumors bouncing around the F1 racing community if who will replace the Spanish driver and become Lewis Hamilton's teammate for the 2008 season. But the team have not yet confirm whether they will sign a new driver or put their test drivers on the McLaren seat.

Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of the team was quoted by the Guardian newspaper in the UK saying, "In truth I think we're rather dictating the driver transfer market at the moment. Until the second McLaren drive is sorted out I don't think you'll see much movement, so we're not really hurried."

He added: "Obviously there are some drivers who've approached us who are contracted elsewhere and we've had to say we can't talk to them unless they can prove they are free to negotiate."

Some sources also said that there is a possibility that Nico Rosberg will complete the McLaren driver lineup, as Lewis Hamilton said that Rosberg is one of the drivers that he would want to team up with. But Williams team confirmed that the German driver has already been signed to the team.

According to Engineering Chief Patrick Head:
"Nico is contracted to our team for 2008 and we have an option for his services for 2009. We are planning to go into next season with Nico as our lead driver, and we would not entertain any approach from McLaren for Nico."

Well, let us just wait for McLaren's announcement soon.

Another racing series ends. The season finale of the NHRA was concluded at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, in the NHRA 43rd annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals event.

Check out below for the top 10 final point standings in each NHRA category.

Top Fuel
1. Tony Schumacher, 3,186
2. Rod Fuller, 3,167
3. Brandon Bernstein, 3,149
4. Larry Dixon, 3,135
5. Bob Vandergriff, 2,358
6. Doug Herbert, 2,292
7. J.R. Todd, 2,273
8. Whit Bazemore, 2,182
9. Melanie Troxel, 1,173
10. Doug Kalitta, 1,045.

Funny Car
1. Tony Pedregon, 3,178
2. Robert Hight, 3,159
3. Gary Scelzi, 3,092
4. Ron Capps, 3,067
5. Jack Beckman, 2,358
6. Mike Ashley, 2,337
7. John Force, 2,191
8. Jim Head, 2,163
9. Del Worsham, 1,050
10. Ashley Force, 960.

Pro Stock
1. Jeg Coughlin, 3,217
2. Greg Anderson, 3,173
3. Dave Connolly, 3,126
4. Allen Johnson, 3,086
5. Jason Line, 2,292
6. Kurt Johnson, 2,278
7. Larry Morgan, 2,233
8. Warren Johnson, 2,180
9. Richie Stevens, 1,056
10. V. Gaines, 1,025.

Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Matt Smith, 3,211
2. Andrew Hines, 3,205
3. Chip Ellis, 3,204
4. Peggy Llewellyn, 3,108
5. Angelle Sampey, 2,309
6. Craig Treble, 2,283
7. Eddie Krawiec, 2,244
8. Karen Stoffer, 2,242
9. Steve Johnson, 746
10. Antron Brown, 708.

Meanwhile, check out below for some quotes from the champs in every NHRA category.

Jeg Coughlin
"It was spectacular. I woke up this morning and knew I was two rounds behind. We knew we needed to have an outstanding day personally, and a little bit of luck form the other two teams [in the running]. As soon as I cracked up the engine on my Chevy, I felt outstanding."

Tony Pedregon:
"It wasn't a good feeling losing in the first round. The Countdown may have its pros and cons, it was very stressful, but I saw a lot more media and a lot more excitement."

Matt Smith:
"This was a wild day. We came into this race just wanting to win the race. I thought we could get second [in points]. When I saw Andrew lose in the second round I thought 'Wow'. I knew we had a great bike and I'm just happy we could capitalize on it."

Tony Schumacher;
"I'm much happier being in the car having to win than to be on the side hoping someone else would lose. After the second round I thought this is dejà vu."

Hendrick Motorsports team continues to dominated every NASCAR Nextel Cup race this season. After Jeff Gordon won consecutive races, his teammate Jimmie Johnson is now on the spotlight with the recent victory at the Atlanta Motor Speedway for the
Pep Boys Auto 500 race.

Johnson commented after the race:
"Today is a great day on a lot of fronts, in so many ways. We had a good car today and as Chad pointed out, probably not the fastest, but his pit call at the end was really what put us in contention to win the race and got the job done for us."

Johnson added: "And then also with the California Wildfire Relief Fund, Mr. Hendrick and I were speaking last week, beginning of this week and we talked about donating the purse, Lowe's has jumped on board, Mr. Smith, Mr. France and I've heard of a few other corporations matching the purse today. We feel confident over a million dollars would be raised and sent out to the Red Cross and hopefully it encourages other people to get involved. Lowe's is using their other stores (inaudible/line static) and whether it's a special paint scheme, if it's for a charity like today, we seem to deliver and get the job done, and I'm happy about that."

Johnson is still on the 2nd place at the Chase for the Championship standings. He is only 9 points behind Jeff Gordon. Here is the result of the Pep Boys Auto 500 race.

1.      48           Jimmie Johnson      Chevrolet     
2.     99          Carl Edwards     Ford     
3.     41          Reed Sorenson     Dodge     
4.     17          Matt Kenseth     Ford     
5.     31          Jeff Burton     Chevrolet
6.     07          Clint Bowyer     Chevrolet
7.     24          Jeff Gordon     Chevrolet
8.     2          Kurt Busch     Dodge     
9.     9          Kasey Kahne     Dodge     
10.     83          Brian Vickers     Toyota     
11.     55          Michael Waltrip     Toyota     
12.     25          Casey Mears     Chevrolet     
13.     45          Kyle Petty     Dodge     
14.     19          Elliott Sadler     Dodge     
15.     29          Kevin Harvick     Chevrolet     
16.     84          A.J. Allmendinger      Toyota     
17.     5          Kyle Busch     Chevrolet     
18.     88          Ricky Rudd     Ford     
19.     21          Bill Elliott     Ford     
20.     44          Dale Jarrett     Toyota     
21.     7          Robby Gordon     Ford     
22.     16          Greg Biffle     Ford     
23.     96          Tony Raines     Chevrolet
24.     11          Denny Hamlin     Chevrolet
25.     8          Dale Earnhardt Jr.     Chevrolet     
26.     26          Jamie McMurray     Ford     
27.     15          Paul Menard      Chevrolet
28.     49          John Andretti     Dodge     
29.     10          Scott Riggs     Dodge     
30.     20          Tony Stewart     Chevrolet
31.     1          Martin Truex Jr.     Chevrolet     
32.     70          Johnny Sauter     Chevrolet     
33.     6          David Ragan      Ford     
34.     42          Juan Montoya      Dodge     
35.     18          J.J. Yeley     Chevrolet
36.     78          Joe Nemechek     Chevrolet
37.     12          Ryan Newman     Dodge     
38.     22          Dave Blaney     Toyota     
39.     40          David Stremme     Dodge
40.     66          Jeremy Mayfield     Chevrolet     
41.     43          Bobby Labonte     Dodge     
42.     38          David Gilliland     Ford     
43.     01          Mark Martin     Chevrolet     

Meanwhile, below is the Chase for the Championship standings.
 
1.      Jeff Gordon      6201      
2.     Jimmie Johnson     6192    
3.     Clint Bowyer     6090    
4.     Carl Edwards     5940    
5.     Kyle Busch     5882    
6.     Tony Stewart     5879    
7.     Kevin Harvick     5809    
8.     Jeff Burton     5801    
9.     Kurt Busch     5782    
10.     Denny Hamlin     5777    
11.     Matt Kenseth     5753    
12.     Martin Truex Jr.     5688    

 

Yes, finally the appeal was lodged! This is what I’ve been anticipating just after the Brazilian GP.

McLaren Mercedes has formally lodged an appeal against the decision not to punish 3 drivers in Sunday's Brazilian GP because of fuel irregularities, the Formula 1 team announced Tuesday.

The Woking Team has appealed to the FIA after Nico Rosberg of Williams as well as Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica of the BMW Sauber were left unpunished under rules concerning fuel temperatures.

What’s the significance?

Should the 3 drivers have their results in Sunday's race at Sao Paolo nullified then McLaren's Lewis Hamilton would win enough points to be crowned world champion instead of Scuderia's Kimi Raikkonen.

"The significance of this matter and its timing is, of course, regrettable," the Woking team said in a statement on its Web site (www.mclaren.com). "The team wishes to win races and Championships on the track. However, if there has been an irregularity, which is not the fault of the team, we feel that the matter must be properly examined to ensure that the rules are applied. This is something that we believe the FIA would fully support and would wish to be seen to have done."

Raikkonen won the race to take the Formula One crown by a single point from the sensational Briton rookie Hamilton and his Spanish double world champion teammate Fernando Alonso.

McLaren are appealing the stewards' decision to take no action against Williams and BMW Sauber, whose fuel was found by checks after the race to have violated technical regulations. To note, their fuel was more than 10 degrees Celsius below the ambient temperature as reported by Reuters. That also means potentially significant performance advantage because fuel performs better at cooler temperatures.

Stewards found that there was a 'considerable discrepancy' between ambient temperatures recorded by F1 Management's monitors and the FIA-contracted meteorologists Meteo France. They ruled that there was therefore 'sufficient doubt' as to render a penalty unsuitable.

The Woking team said it did not question the integrity of BMW Sauber or Williams. "Neither team would have sought to gain an advantage by such an irregularity and the situation could only have arisen as the consequence of an operational error within the team on the day," said McLaren. "Ultimately we feel that the FIA should determine whether an irregularity occurred or not, and the team will fully respect the process and any decision that is ultimately given."

The FIA's International Court of Appeal will hear McLaren's appeal on the 15th of November.

Hamilton finished the race behind the Williams of Nico Rosberg and the BMW Saubers of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld but if all three were removed from the results, that would give the Briton the title, reported Planet-F1.

But Max Mosley, president of the FIA which governs F1, said: "For us, the World Championship is over, the result is what it is. A team presented an appeal; at the moment, this doesn't change anything - it's up to them to prove they are right," Mosley told Autosport.

"You could argue whether McLaren had a right to appeal," he added. "They could have protested the result, but they didn't. Apparently they didn't measure the temperature of the fuel. But even if the cars classified ahead of Hamilton would be excluded, would this change his position? The court of appeal will have to rule on that."