grumpyf1

Whilst the big teams are choosing which Lear jet to take to the first race and the smaller ones are trying to remember where they put their sun-tan lotion and arguing with each other over whose turn it is to carry the engines in their hand luggage, there's still plenty going on in the world of F1. US F1 have finally admitted there is no way they can make it into the championship this year and have asked to defer their entry until 2011. This might well pave the way for Stefan to be given a last minute entry, which would be most entertaining. Especially if Jacques Villeneuve comes back, as that would make it 5 World Champions on the grid at the same time. Meanwhile, the Campos team have changed names before they've even turned a wheel. Recent shifts in ownership now mean they are the Hispanic Racing Team (or HRT for short. No, honestly. They should be a big hit with ladies of a certain age. Has it just got very hot in here, or is it me?). They should be having an official launch ...

US F1 kindly request that you let them off coming to the first four races of the year. They've been a bit poorly (financially) and need a bit of time to sort themselves out. Sounds reasonable to me, but I don't get to decide (more's the pity). I really can't see why anyone should object. Wouldn't it be better for them to show up part way through, but at least be racing, than a grumpy FIA to say NO and prevent them from coming at all? Good luck to them - I hope they can make it in May. Better late than never indeed. (Mr John Deacon is saying "ahmmmm" quite a lot in his interview now)

Oh dear. Oh dearie, dearie dear. Looks like US F1 really aren't going to make it. Assorted rumours doing the rounds suggest that: * They've cancelled their crash testing * Their HQ in Charlotte is up for sale * No testing has been announced * No launch date has been announced * Their major sponsor (YouTube's Chad Hurley) has decided to wave his cash at Campos Do these sound like the sort of stories that suggest they will be on the grid in a few weeks' time? Nope. Campos on the other hand may be out of the poo as it seems their major shareholder might well buy the team outright, thus securing it for the time being. Stefan might make it yet! (YeeeeHa! Appropriately enough the HiFi is currently blasting Steve Earle's "Johnny Come Lately".)