“I know they were worried as it took so long to announce. Now they can all
enjoy their Christmas and look forward to what I think will be an excellent
2012.
“As far as the mid-ranking teams are concerned, Paul and Nico is probably
the most exciting driver pairing out there. They’re both great kids –
young, fresh, exciting – and I reckon they will push each other hard
next year.
“Paul has the advantage of having driven the Force India car more this year,
but Nico has a full season with Williams under his belt and the practice
sessions from this year too.
“I reckon it’s a level playing field but certainly if they drive well both
will have other teams knocking at their door.
“The great thing is that they are both there [at Force India] on merit,
which suggests the team is moving in the right direction.
Force India surprised a few people this year and I don’t think it’s beyond the
realms of possibility that we’ll see a couple of podiums next year.
That would be nice.”
Meanwhile, Silverstone has received planning permission for its 20-year
‘masterplan’, a major revamp programme which will see the addition of a new
business park, technology park, education campus, three hotels, plus new
spectator and leisure facilities.
The development is likely to bring an announcement regarding Silverstone’s new
leaseholder closer. The Alpha Group, a mysterious Qatari-backed consortium,
is believed to be in pole position for the 150-year lease.
Formula One’s chief executive Bernie Ecclestone said on Friday that there
“will be” a race in South Africa by 2013.