SpeedRead

The brand new Mercedes team made some news today, settling its dispute with Henkel, after a former company employee signed a sponsorship deal without the company’s approval, as well as agreeing to a deal with Petronas.

What? There was bigger news?

Oh yeah, the team signed some German driver to a three-year contract.

That’s right, heeeeeeeeeee’s baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.



Seven-times champion Michael Schumacher has come out of retirement to driver for old boss Ross Brawn.

The 41-year-old will partner with Nico Rosberg, 15 years his junior.

“After three years I have the energy back and I'm ready for some serious stuff,” Schumacher was quoted by the BBC. “I want to have fun out there and I feel as fresh as ever. I've recharged myself after a three-year break. The challenge is what I look for - I want to know it.”

Schumacher, who called off a return last year subbing for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari due to a neck injury, the result of a motorcycling accident, says he is fit as a fiddle and ready to go. He credited his return to Mercedes, who gave him his F1 break.

“I got a call from Ross asking me to race again, telling me Mercedes were going to be involved. The only reason I came back was because of old friends at Mercedes. I spent years trying to get into F1 with Mercedes but it wasn't possible before. I hope I'll be judged by what I've done before but Mercedes is a strong partner and I'm thrilled to be back.”

US F1, Campos Meta say they will be on the grid

Newcomers US F1 and Campos Meta found themselves once again defending their commitment to participating in 2010 after comments by Bernie Ecclestone cast doubts on their ability to make it on the grid in March.

“I'm surprised Bernie said that. We will be there. We're in good shape,” US F1’s Peter Windsor told the BBC.

Adrian Campos echoed Windsor’s surprise. “My opinion is Bernie does not have all the information. We are working very hard.”

Ecclestone’s statements appeared in the Times.

Cosworth, supplying engines to both teams, did not express concerns when asked by the BBC.

“There is no indication that operationally there are any issues,” Cosworth commercial director Mark Gallagher said.

Teams scupper combined launch plans

The Formula 1 teams have shelved a plan to launch on the same day, due to concerns about the ability of several teams to meet the Luca date and over press coverage, but will revisit the idea for 2011.

Sauber have signed Kamui Kobayashi, who impressed subbing for Timo Glock last season at Toyota, for 2010.



The tester finished sixth in Abu Dhabi.

It is undetermined who will be his teammate at the former BMW squad, now back in the hands of Peter Sauber. Giancarlo Fisichella, Pedro de la Rosa, and Nick Heidfeld have all been mentioned in connection with the team.

Team retains engine manufacturing base

Renault will remain in Formula 1, but the French auto manufacturer has sold approximately 75 percent of the Enstone operation to Luxembourg-based investment firm Genii Capital.



Renault maintains control over engine manufacturing facility in Viry-Chatillon, and the team will continue to supply Red Bull for 2010, as well.

Red Bull's engine supply had been in doubt while Renault weighed its options.

What effect this will have on drivers, including Robert Kubica, who had been signed to replace the departing Fernando Alonso, is unknown. The team is slated to run on a limited budget. What is assured is the team will continue to compete as Renault.

Renault had claimed to have multiple suitors to the team. One was David Richards' Prodrive.

A letter of intent should be concluded next year.