Brits on Pole

Is it that time already? The first winter testing session has kicked off in Barcelona with everyone from world rally champions to former GP2 frontrunners turning up to play on a cold but bright and sunny day.

F1 fans worrying that they might have to face the new season without the wit, insight and occasional dogged determination of Martin Brundle, fear not! He’ll be on the BBC - but hopefully without the damn grid walk…

Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his appearance at December’s Race of Champions event at Wembley - but rather than take on the likes of Michael Schumacher, Sebastien Loeb and Matthias Ekstrom he’ll be going head to head with a man on a bike.

To long-time F1 fan Sean Mills, making figures to add extra detail to his model cars was the start of something special - making collectable figurines, with Lewis Hamilton his latest project. Brits on Pole caught up with him by email.

The Evening Standard has reported that the Donington Park planning application will now not be settled before January 27.

And so our year in McLaren’s Grand Prix League competition comes to an end. We had fun, did moderately well - and learned a few handy lessons for next year. Here they are.

A major shake-up at Force India has seen the departure of its engine supplier, team principal and technical director - could the drivers be next? And, if so, will it be Paul di Resta who gets his F1 break?

Bernie Ecclestone has told British F1 fans that not even a home champion will be enough to save their grand prix in 2010 should Donington Park fail to meet its obligation to stage the event.

The story about Lewis Hamilton featuring at this year’s Race of Champions just refuses to go away - despite receiving absolutely no public encouragement whatsoever from the driver or his team.

Lewis Hamilton, 2008 F1 world champion, has said he doesn’t find racist abuse aimed at him funny in the least - but he has thanked his UK fans for supporting him through such negativity.