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[Frosty]

Sebastian Vettel has joined the ranks of Formula One drivers who enjoy eight-figure annual salaries, according to the German newspaper Bild.

It was announced on Friday that the 22-year-old has extended his contract with Red Bull Racing through 2011, with an option to also include 2012.

Bild claims Vettel is earning about €3.5 million per year in 2009 and 2010, but the new deal increases to €10m in 2011 and beyond.

The suggestion is therefore that Vettel was prepared to sign up for 2011 even without knowing if Red Bull's next car is a title challenger, and amid rumours teams like Ferrari, Toyota and McLaren were interested.


He responded: "I doubt that we are going to be bad next year, and when my contract ends, I am only going to be 25; I am not going to have grey hair!"

As for the reported pay rise, Vettel added: "As I said before, I feel good."

I hope he got some bonus clauses in there for if he wins a championship or something similar! McLaren would of paid him more....

[richindarlo]

by the sounds of it he is earning quite enough at RBR

[darwin dali]

"A massive regret to me is losing a star like Fernando," Whitmarsh told the German news agency DPA. "He's one of the greatest racing drivers. I regret that we didn't make it work: we failed to manage the situation.

"This a good team, he is a good driver. We could have had more success than we've had."

His praise of double world champion is not an immediate bid to woo the driver back to McLaren, given that at Valencia on Friday he said confidently that Alonso is bound for Ferrari in 2010.

Whitmarsh is however running McLaren with a different style to that of his predecessor Dennis, and it seems reuniting with a driver like Alonso cannot now be ruled out.

"Sometimes we've been too arrogant, we have to accept it," he admitted. "I have been always very open in the company, my style is completely open."



Does the bear sh!t in the woods?

[darwin dali]

Toyota looks set to part ways with its Italian driver Jarno Trulli at the end of the season. A report of the German news agency SID said that while the Japanese team is likely to retain Timo Glock, its relationship with 35-year-old Trulli is near the end.

"We have an option on Timo,” Team President John Howett is quoted as saying. “It is very probable that we will take it up, however we will separate with Jarno Trulli.”

He praised Glock as "very, very good" in the races but said he must work on his qualifying form. "We will do everything to help him," Howett said.


As for Trulli, who is Toyota's top points scorer in 2009, Howett explained: "We have spoken with him, however up to now we have reached no agreement."


Trulli for Campos or USF1?

[richindarlo]

can anyone see Alonso returning to McLaren!? Perhaps McLaren are thinking "Hmm...we aint gonna get Vettel for next year, lets go for Alonso again now we are under new management?" At the end of the day, Hamilton has won the championship, its out of his system now, they might want to maximise their chances, Alonso is fantastic, and Hamilton is showing how good he is again in these last few races.
But McLaren should hold out for Rosburg cos he is leavin Williams, possibly i think opening the door for Heidfeld.

[Jensonb]

Toyota looks set to part ways with its Italian driver Jarno Trulli at the end of the season. A report of the German news agency SID said that while the Japanese team is likely to retain Timo Glock, its relationship with 35-year-old Trulli is near the end.

"We have an option on Timo,” Team President John Howett is quoted as saying. “It is very probable that we will take it up, however we will separate with Jarno Trulli.”

He praised Glock as "very, very good" in the races but said he must work on his qualifying form. "We will do everything to help him," Howett said.


As for Trulli, who is Toyota's top points scorer in 2009, Howett explained: "We have spoken with him, however up to now we have reached no agreement."


Trulli for Campos or USF1?

I'm amazed by this one. I mean, who can they possibly hire who'd be better? Sure there are plenty of better drivers going about, but that'd want to drive for Toyota? Slim pickin's

[darwin dali]

Toyota looks set to part ways with its Italian driver Jarno Trulli at the end of the season. A report of the German news agency SID said that while the Japanese team is likely to retain Timo Glock, its relationship with 35-year-old Trulli is near the end.

"We have an option on Timo,” Team President John Howett is quoted as saying. “It is very probable that we will take it up, however we will separate with Jarno Trulli.”

He praised Glock as "very, very good" in the races but said he must work on his qualifying form. "We will do everything to help him," Howett said.


As for Trulli, who is Toyota's top points scorer in 2009, Howett explained: "We have spoken with him, however up to now we have reached no agreement."


Trulli for Campos or USF1?

I'm amazed by this one. I mean, who can they possibly hire who'd be better? Sure there are plenty of better drivers going about, but that'd want to drive for Toyota? Slim pickin's

NH?

[Frosty]

Toyota looks set to part ways with its Italian driver Jarno Trulli at the end of the season. A report of the German news agency SID said that while the Japanese team is likely to retain Timo Glock, its relationship with 35-year-old Trulli is near the end.

"We have an option on Timo,” Team President John Howett is quoted as saying. “It is very probable that we will take it up, however we will separate with Jarno Trulli.”

He praised Glock as "very, very good" in the races but said he must work on his qualifying form. "We will do everything to help him," Howett said.


As for Trulli, who is Toyota's top points scorer in 2009, Howett explained: "We have spoken with him, however up to now we have reached no agreement."


Trulli for Campos or USF1?

I'm amazed by this one. I mean, who can they possibly hire who'd be better? Sure there are plenty of better drivers going about, but that'd want to drive for Toyota? Slim pickin's

From the way i read this "We have spoken with him, however up to now we have reached no agreement." I would say that it is Trulli who has decided that he wants to leave rather than him getting kicked out.

[f1ea]

can anyone see Alonso returning to McLaren!? Perhaps McLaren are thinking "Hmm...we aint gonna get Vettel for next year, lets go for Alonso again now we are under new management?" At the end of the day, Hamilton has won the championship, its out of his system now, they might want to maximise their chances, Alonso is fantastic, and Hamilton is showing how good he is again in these last few races.
But McLaren should hold out for Rosburg cos he is leavin Williams, possibly i think opening the door for Heidfeld.

I dont see Alonso returning to Mclaren. I think Whitmarsh is just showing class and admitting part of the management's fault at handling the situation...
So far i think Mclaren is doing well with Lewis, and if they manage to get someone like Kubica or Rosberg, then every other team will have their handful at trying to beat Mc for the next few yrs.

Its hard to tell what the driver scenario is going to be... but with the new teams, several doors open for the vets, rand also for BMW's drivers. Lots of open doors:

- Brawn: Button + ?
- RBR: Webber + Vettel
- Ferrari: Alonso + ?
- Mclaren: Lewis + ?
- Williams: Kazuki + ?
- Renault: Grosjean + ?
- Toyota: Timo + ?
- Campos / Manor: ??
- BMW: ??

While the open drivers are: Nico, Kubica, Heidfeld, Trulli, Senna ?, Heikki, De la Rosa... who else?

[bud]

you dont rekn Massa will be at Ferrari?

[darwin dali]

you dont rekn Massa will be at Ferrari?

Exactly.

[richindarlo]

Surely Massa and Ferrari wont part ways. But if he did where would we like to see him?
Brawn or McLaren would be cool

[Brandz]

you missed out USF1, plus i cant see nakajima stayin at williams, hes done terrible.

[f1ea]

you dont rekn Massa will be at Ferrari?

Exactly.

Dont want to completely count out Kimi + Alonso.
I think it will be Massa + Alonso. But until it is said... rather leave it open

[texasmr2]

I like Whitmarsh's attitude and openess in that he can admit honestly shortfall's made unlike Ron.