Motorsport
F1 chief Ecclestone rules out return of French Grand Prix
Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has ruled out an imminent return of the French Grand Prix despite recent talks between the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours and Formula One Management (FOM).
Long Beach replaces Los Angeles on Formula E calendar
Formula E organisers have announced that Long Beach will replace Los Angeles as one of two US races for the debut season of the world’s first fully-electric motor-racing series.
Race of Champions ends bid to reinstate Bangkok event
Organisers of the Race of Champions have abandoned plans to reschedule the 2013 edition of the motorsport event after they were unable to find an alternate date.
Magny-Cours in talks over F1 return for French GP
The French Grand Prix could return to the Formula One calendar in 2015 after Serge Saulnier, chief executive of the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, said the facility is in talks over a race deal with Formula One Management (FOM).
Qualcomm and Amura Capital invest in Formula E
The Formula E motor racing series has received a boost ahead of its debut season with its promoter securing fresh investment totalling €50m ($69.5m) from existing partner Qualcomm and private equity fund Amura Capital.
FIA and local organisers maintain Russian GP on track
The International Motorsport Federation (FIA) and race promoters have maintained that Formula One’s inaugural Russian Grand Prix remains on course for its October debut in Sochi, despite ongoing concerns about the crisis in Ukraine.
FIA president blasts F1 cost-cutting proposals
International Motorsport Federation (FIA) president Jean Todt has labelled the cost-cutting proposals put forward by Formula One’s leading teams as a “joke”, adding that he is now seeking the input of the sport’s smaller outfits.
Russian and Azeri officials deny F1 race reports
Russian Grand Prix organisers have denied reports that Formula One’s inaugural race in the country is in danger, while Azerbaijani officials have rejected suggestions that Baku could step in to replace Sochi on the 2014 calendar.
Lotus owner calls for F1 prize money overhaul
Gerard Lopez, owner of the Lotus Formula One motor-racing team, has called for a rethink of the championship’s prize money structure if F1 is to retain all of its current teams.
Azerbaijani government confirms F1 race deal
The Azerbaijani government has announced it has signed an official agreement for Baku to host a Formula One race from the 2016 season of the motor-racing championship.
F1 supremo Ecclestone launches defence at German trial
Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone today launched his defence against charges of bribing a public official as court hearings commenced in Munich that could ultimately result in the 83-year-old losing his long-held status as the motor racing series’ most powerful figure.
New revenue sharing agreements eat into F1 profits
Increasing payments to the sport’s 11 teams, plus a new agreement with the International Motorsport Federation (FIA), resulted in the profits of the Formula One motor racing series falling by $137m (€99.3m) to $286m on an underlying basis in 2013.
World Rallycross shifts venue for Argentina’s season finale
Series promoter IMG Motorsports has confirmed that the Argentinian city of San Luis will stage the final round of the inaugural season of the World Rallycross Championship.
Haas outlines vision for new US F1 team
Nascar team owner Gene Haas has said he is yet to decide whether to launch his new Formula One motor racing outfit in 2015 or 2016, but said he plans to “beat the Europeans at their own game”.
Sao Paulo extends F1 race contract
Sao Paulo officials have signed a six-year extension to their contract to host Formula One’s Brazilian Grand Prix, while Rio de Janeiro has been dropped as a venue for the new Formula E motor-racing championship.
Domenicali exits as Ferrari team principal
Stefano Domenicali has resigned as Ferrari’s Formula One team principal, stating his decision has been made to “shake things up” following the iconic Italian outfit’s poor start to the 2014 season.
Formula One set for US team entry
The International Motorsport Federation (FIA) has accepted the proposal of a new Formula One entry by Nascar team owner Gene Haas, adding that it is also considering another bid from the Forza Rossa organisation.
F1’s Marussia changes hands
Russian sports car manufacturer Marussia Motors has relinquished ownership of its self-titled Formula One motor racing team and has ended its car making operations.