Latest F1 news in brief

Troubled waters for F1 plans in India, US, Greece
Schumacher still strong insists Rosberg
Glock would enjoy Mercedes switch
Todt scraps plans for F1 commissioner
Barrichello offers to help with Williams shakeup
Hulkenberg splits with famous manager Weber

Troubled waters for F1 plans in India, US, Greece
(GMM) It is not all plain sailing for hopeful formula one hosts in India, Greece and the United States.

Even though the Buddh circuit near New Delhi, scheduled to host its inaugural grand prix in October, is reportedly almost completed, there has been violence in the surrounding area resulting in some deaths.

Farmers in the villages around the circuit are angry about the land acquisition compensation offered to them by the government and have threatened to disrupt the race and its preparations.

The state government has therefore increased the security and police presence at the track, which must be completed for homologation by the FIA in July.

Villagers are also angry about access to a temple being blocked. "When all our pleas fell on deaf ears, we had no option but to seek court intervention," said one village official.

"Hurting the religious sentiments can turn things ugly," added village resident Sunder Singh, according to the Hindustan Times.

Responded track boss Sameer Gaur: "We are talking to the people concerned and are confident a solution would be found."

There is also anger in Texas, where the state government is committing $25 million per year for a decade to support the scene of Austin's 2012 US grand prix.

"The developers should find the money through private sources," insisted republican senator Dan Patrick, according to Bloomberg.

And the Independence Party in Britain has condemned news that Greece is pushing ahead with a partly government-subsidized project for a F1 circuit.

Greece's embattled economy received a EUR 110 billion European bailout, contributed to by British taxpayers.

Referring to the F1 plans, UKIP spokesman Winston McKenzie said: "We should not pay a brass penny to the bailout while this sort of irresponsible spending continues."

Schumacher still strong insists Rosberg
(GMM) Nico Rosberg insists he is not getting complacent after proving stronger than his famous Mercedes teammate in the past two seasons.

Ever since seven time world champion Michael Schumacher returned from retirement in 2010, it has been 25-year-old Rosberg regularly setting the pace at the wheel of the Silver Arrows.

Calls for Schumacher, 42, to quit have intensified since his performance in Turkey, where after the race the German admitted he is missing the "big joy" of F1 at present.

But Rosberg has defended Schumacher, insisting he still respects the winner of an unprecedented 91 grands prix.

"He is and remains the most successful racing driver of all time," the German told Auto Motor und Sport.

"It is still very difficult to be faster than him and I must work hard in every session. Everything needs to fit together for me to stay ahead.

"I'm happy that it has worked well for me against him so far, but I also know that at the next race it may be difficult," added Rosberg.

The next race on the calendar is in Barcelona, where at the final test of the pre-season the W02 car seemed right on the pace.

But Rosberg warned: "The tests are far in the past and therefore now basically meaningless. In the last few races we have seen exactly where we stand."

Glock would enjoy Mercedes switch
(GMM) Timo Glock has admitted he would enjoy stepping up the formula one grid with a grandee team.

After switching to the startup team last year, the German has been openly disappointed with Virgin following Toyota's withdrawal at the end of 2009.

A reader of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport asked the 29-year-old where he would go if granted the freedom to move now to another team.

"Normally, you would just go to the team that is leading the world championship," said Glock.

"But the teams with the big names also appeal to me: Ferrari, that would be something, or of course as I am German, Mercedes."

Todt scraps plans for F1 commissioner
(GMM) Jean Todt has scrapped his earlier plans to appoint a commissioner in charge of formula one.

Upon being elected as new FIA president, the former Ferrari boss has as promised appointed commissioners for many of the federation's series including world rallying, touring cars and GT.

"Firstly, I still respect the principle of what I said I would do," he is quoted as saying by the French-language autohebdo.fr.

"The election was a new experience for me. My advisors suggested I create a commission for all the disciplines of the FIA.

"Except in F1, where the president of the commission owns the commercial rights – Bernie Ecclestone – we have committees in all disciplines.

"I think in the case of F1, you would end up with two separate commissions. That's why I abandoned the idea," explained Todt, who has been at loggerheads with Ecclestone over several political matters of late.

The 65-year-old also said it is too early to commit to standing for another term as FIA president.

"I've been here for 18 months. It has gone quickly but I still have 30 months as president to go. I can still accomplish many things before I take a decision," insisted Todt.

Barrichello offers to help with Williams shakeup
(GMM) Rubens Barrichello has offered to step up to the plate to help Williams turn around its faded fortunes.

Despite also threatening to walk away from the famous British marque at the end of 2011, the veteran Brazilian said he thinks he has something to offer at the team beyond his cockpit duties.

"I can recruit new people, looking in other teams," Barrichello, 38 and the most experienced driver in formula one history, is quoted by Portuguese language Agencia Estado.

"I can do that. I am one of the ten faces who has been in the paddock the longest. I know some people and am talking to them," he added.

Barrichello said Williams "needs a leader" to get back on track seven years after its last grand prix victory.

"There is still something missing. Sam (Michael) will give 100 per cent to the end of the year but we need a leader. We need a leader," he repeated.

"At the moment it's like we have too many but not enough. Many people are trying to say something, but it's not the point in the end. They need to focus on what they are doing," added Barrichello.

Hulkenberg splits with famous manager Weber
(GMM) Nico Hulkenberg has split with his famous manager Willi Weber.

With the 69-year-old German, Hulkenberg made his promising grand prix debut at Williams last season but lost the seat for 2011 to the well-backed Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado.

He is now Force India's Friday test driver and hopes to be promoted to the race seat for 2012.

A statement on Hulkenberg's website said he will "from now on take management matters in his own hands", supported by his former PR advisor Timo Gans.

"Both sides are currently working on a smooth changeover and on a satisfying solution for everyone," the statement added.

German Weber also brought the Schumachers into formula one but he no longer works with the brothers.