In brief, April 2009

Veteran journalist Peter Windsor and former Ligier and Onyx engineer Ken Anderson are creating an American F1 team for 2010 under the banner USF1. They will build a car at a facility in Charlotte, where Anderson has a wind tunnel, and use Joan Villadelprat’s Epsilon factory in Spain as a European base.

Singapore GP organisers have responded to criticism of last year’s race by modifying several parts of the track to improve overtaking. The pit entry and exit, both of which interfered with cars on the racing line, will be changed.

Max Mosley insists the FIA still wants to protect ‘traditional’ GPs – in essence the European events that have been in the World Championship since 1950. He indicated that should the MSA voice concerns that the British GP is under threat from Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA could get involved.

A GP is being mooted for the streets of Rome, with ex-F2 driver and race promoter Maurizio Flammini insisting it could run in addition to the Italian GP at Monza. But Luca di Montezemolo has opposed events such as Singapore and Valencia, and without Ferrari’s support the chances of progress are slim.

The Daily Mail reported in February that Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd made a £12m loss last year, and has total debts in excess of £66m. Boss Simon GiIlett responded by saying the company had not yet filed its annual report, and that details of the financial package behind the Grand Prix bid would be revealed in March.

Damon Hill has been given an Honorary Fellowship by Nottingham University in recognition of his career and success in F1. “My headmaster would appreciate the irony of the situation,” he said.

An online auction has been set up to raise funds for a memorial to Tom Pryce in his home town of Ruthin, Wales. VIP paddock passes for the nine European GPs are up for grabs, courtesy of every F1 team. To bid visit: www.tomprycememorial.com