Manipe F1 Gossip trail: Week 4

Formula One's first pre-season test of 2009 was completed last week, with rain and hail battering the teams' chances of development just weeks before the season-opening Grand Prix. As usual, rumours were everywhere to be read with stories about Ferrari, KERS, Bourdais and more all revisited below.

We begin this week's On the Gossip Trail with rumours about the legality of Ferrari's new F60. Launched on 12th January, the F60 is the only car to date to feature exhaust pipes that extend from the bodywork, with all other 2009 contenders featuring embedded exhaust outlets, something which has raised more than a few eyebrows in the paddock. A total of three team chiefs believe the exhausts are illegal, and at the Scuderia's first official pre-season test in Mugello last week, the F60 was seen running with noticably shortened exhausts, suggesting that the team has indeed noticed its mistake. It's likely the controversial exhausts will disappear altogether at the team's next test in Bahrain in February.

Next to the hot topic of KERS, and the possible use of the device in 2009. The Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems have received widespread criticism from all quarters of the sport, and it has been revealed that many teams could spend large parts of 2009 without it. BMW, who has been a staunch advocate of the innovative technology, may not even race the device from the start of the year, while at the other end of the scale, Toyota may not race with KERS at all in 2009. Most other teams are hoping to have their devices ready for Australia, but failing that, will look to introduce it mid-season, a risky option given the ban on in-season testing.

Meanwhile, although KERS may be causing some confusion within F1 circles, there have been quiet whispers suggesting that both Toyota and Renault's involvement in F1 after 2009 may be in doubt. A weakening global automobile market has already forced Honda to withdraw, while Toyota could be forced to quit if their 2009 performance is not up to scratch. Renault, meanwhile, are reportedly shedding 100 staff at their base in Enstone, while the expected withdrawal of title sponsor ING from 2010 will not help the team's cause.
Finally this week to rumours suggesting that 2008 Toro Rosso driver Sébastien Bourdais will be given a second chance in the cockpit of an F1 car when he is confirmed as the team's second 2009 race driver. It is being reported in France that it is only a matter of time before Bourdais is confirmed as Buemi's 2009 team-mate, ending Takuma Sato's hopes of returning to the sport. It's said that Bourdais's close links with Red Bull gave him the nod over the Japanese driver.

Source: Manipe F1