ZIM IS ME!

Go to your local McDonald’s and wait for bikers to show up.

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Michael is to return to driving an F1 car in races for the first time since his retirement at the end of the 2006 season. He has agreed to step in on a temporary basis from the European GP 2009 – to replace injured driver Felipe Massa. Indications are that Massa will not be able to return to racing this season, which could mean Schuey competing in the final seven races of the 2009 season. His step back into the cockpit was confirmed on Wednesday 29 July by both Ferrari and Schuey himself.

As the most successful F1 driver ever, Michael is sure to make a big impact on his return. Although he has not had the benefit of extensive testing of the car this season, and his fitness levels may not be at the level of when he was competing – he has the advantage of not having raced the first half of the season so could be less fatigued than the rest of the field. Fortunately the summer recess means the next race is not until 23rd August, allowing him time to prepare more fully, familiarise with the car and increase his physical fitness levels. Whilst the Valencia street circuit was not on the calendar when Schuey last raced he previously proved a quick learner of new circuits. It will be the first time recent winners Hamilton and Vettel have raced the legend.

A return to racing by Schuey is something his fans could only have dreamed of – let alone in a Ferrari. It goes without saying that Massa is wished a full recovery from his unfortunate accident.

Ferrari statement:
“Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro intends to put Michael Schumacher in Felipe Massa’s car untill the Brazilian driver will be able to race again. Michael Schumacher said he is ready and, over the next few days, will undertake a specifc training programme at the end of which confermation will be given of his participation in the Championship with effect from the European Grand Prix on the 23rd of August”.

Michael’s statement:
“The most important thing first: thanks God, all news concerning Felipe are positive. I wish him all the best again.

I was meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali (Ferrari Team Principal) and Luca di Montezemolo (Ferrari President) and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe. Though it is true that the chapter Formula 1 has been closed for me since long and completely, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am I also very much look forward to facing this challenge.”

Source

BMW to exit Formula One at end of 2009 season.

The BMW Group will not continue its Formula One campaign after the end of the 2009 season. Resources freed up as a result are to be dedicated to the development of new drive technologies and projects in the field of sustainability. BMW will continue to be actively involved in other motor sport series. The landmark decision to restructure BMW Motorsport’s activities was made at the Board of Management’s meeting yesterday (28/7/2009).

“Of course, this was a difficult decision for us. But it’s a resolute step in view of our company’s strategic realignment”, explained Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

“Premium will increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead. In line with our Strategy Number ONE, we are continually reviewing all projects and initiatives to check them for future viability and sustainability. Our Formula One campaign is this less a key promotor for us. Mario Theissen has been in charge of our motor sports program since 1999. We have scored a large number of successes in this period, including some in Formula One racing. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mario Thiessen and his team for this”, said Reithofer.

Read more here.

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Renault suspended from European Grand Prix
Renault will miss the next round of the championship for allowing Fernando Alonso to leave the pits with a wheel not properly secured during Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

A mistake attaching the front-right wheel at Alonso’s first stop led to it coming loose from the car once the Spaniard had returned the track. He limped back to the pits but was subsequently forced to retire due to resulting damage.

Budapest stewards decided Renault had been negligent in failing to secure the wheel, in knowingly letting Alonso leave the pits with the problem, and in failing to inform their driver of the issue.

Renault are to appeal the decision. Should that appeal fail it means Alonso and team mate Nelson Piquet will not participate in the European Grand Prix on August 21-23.

After a stunning start and overtaking Mark Webber a bit later Lewis Hamilton ran in 2nd place. After Alonzo’s pit stop (and subsequent retirement) Lewis never gave up the lead and won 16,5 seconds ahead of Kimi Raikkonnen.

This doesn’t mean that McLaren will also be the favorite to win Valencia in 4 weeks time, the twisty Hungarian circuit favors cars with a lot of pulling away power and not so much the top speed ones. Still, brilliant race and a motivational boost for McLaren.

Lewis Hamilton’s last win was during the Chinese GP in 2008.