ayrton senna

Rubens Barrichello has revealed that he never lost faith over the winter months that he would still be a fixture on the Formula 1 grid in 2009 - despite persistent and 'absurd' suggestions that the most experienced driver in the sport's history would be replaced by rookie compatriot Bruno Senna.

Niki Lauda has spoken to clarify remarks attributed to him last week suggesting current Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has no charisma, insisting that his comments were 'misunderstood' and that 'in any case, charisma doesn't make you go any faster'.

Murray Walker has claimed that the only reasons Honda should have for electing to promote Bruno Senna to Formula 1 in 2009 in place of Rubens Barrichello are financial ones, arguing the latter's experience would likely be of critical importance in the sport's brave new dawn.

Autocourse is the Formula 1 'bible' and 'a great publication' - that is the view of the sport's much-loved veteran commentator Murray Walker.

Formula 1 World champion-elect Lewis Hamilton has insisted that he does not 'fear anyone' when it comes to his rivals - though he does admit Robert Kubica and former team-mate Fernando Alonso will likely provide him with his sternest competition in the years to come.

With Bruno Senna believed to be in-line for a test with Honda's Formula 1 team sometime following next month's season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, rumours linking countryman Rubens Barrichello to an IndyCar Series switch next year have re-surfaced.

Bernie Ecclestone has said Lewis Hamilton's growing - if controversial - 'playboy' image is doling wonders for the popularity of Formula 1, and has called on his McLaren-Mercedes team to let the young Briton 'off the leash' more often.

Marco Andretti has claimed that McLaren 'sabotaged' his father's efforts during his one and only season in Formula 1 in 1993, insisting the Woking-based outfit went out of their way to 'make him look bad'.