Latest F1 news in brief
- Paffett, Karthikeyan, to race in 2007
- Hamilton may not win in 2007 – Fittipaldi
- Hakkinen rules out F1 comeback
- Ralf says Toyota can still win in 2007
Paffett, Karthikeyan, to race in 2007
British hopeful Gary Paffett has shelved his formula one dream for another year by committing to the DTM series in 2007.
After winning Germany's premier touring car series in 2005, the 25-year-old has signed to return this season at the wheel of a year-old AMG-Mercedes C-class.
As well as racing for the Persson team, Paffett will remain a McLaren test driver in 2007.
"I remain committed to finding a full-time formula one drive in the future," he said.
The DTM season kicks off next month.
Paffett's test driver colleague Narain Karthikeyan, meanwhile, who works for the Williams team, will race alongside Jean Alesi and Johnny Herbert in the new Speedcar stock car series, a statement said.
The Indian said: "The winter series is perfect for me as I can concentrate on formula one, my main obligation, but also be a part of a really serious racing series that keeps me competitive and racing, my only ambition."
The series begins in November.
Hamilton may not win in 2007 – Fittipaldi
Former world champion Emerson Fittipaldi has expressed doubt that formula one newcomer Lewis Hamilton can win a grand prix in his debut season of F1 in 2007.
The Brazilian, who won two drivers' titles in the 70s, has swam against the tide of hype following Hamilton's drive to the podium in Australia by suggesting that a victory is not necessarily the next step for the young Briton.
"I don't believe you can count on the fact that he will win races this year," Fittipaldi told the publication 'Sport'.
"After his impressive start in Australia he might have to be content with some further podium places."
Insisting that the jury still out on Hamilton, then, Fittipaldi labeled the rookie's McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso as "brilliant" and added that Lewis can "learn a lot" from the Spaniard.
He said: "(Hamilton) should consider Fernando as a yardstick; if Lewis can keep up with Alonso, then he can keep up with anyone."
Hakkinen rules out F1 comeback
Mika Hakkinen has ruled out ever returning to formula one.
The former double world champion, who a few years ago flirted with a return for the Williams and BAR squads, tested a McLaren over the winter and has been tipped for more tests with the team he raced for until 2001.
But at a fitness camp for Mercedes-Benz drivers in Mallorca, where he is preparing to compete in the DTM series for the third consecutive year, he said about formula one: "There is nothing that could motivate me to return."
Hakkinen, who is 38, added: "With my two titles, I have reached in formula one everything there is to reach."
Ralf says Toyota can still win in 2007
Ralf Schumacher says he has not given up on securing Toyota's first formula one win this year.
After a difficult winter test period, the German finished the Australian grand prix eighth, which although below Toyota's expectations for 2007 was better than expected for the Japanese owned outfit's disappointing new TF107 car.
But Ralf, 31, and his Italian teammate Jarno Trulli, also qualified inside the top ten for the 2007 season opener.
Schumacher, who this week traveled to India for PR activities, said: "I believe we will be able to win the first grand prix for Toyota in formula one this year, even if we still have a long way to go.
"We shouldn't forget that the distance to the top teams is still quite extensive."
In India, Ralf explained to reporters that success in formula one requires patience, and that although six years old, Toyota's Cologne based grand prix team is still young.
He added: "In the momentary situation, we simply have to be patient."