Nakajima received a drive-through penalty for the incident that never happened and his race for points was ruined. His team, Räikönnen Robertson Racing, questioned the penalty and Jay Bridger’s team Litespeed also confirmed that Nakajima was ahead of Bridger during the so called incident.

But the damage was already done. The race director had checked with the flag marshalls three times before deciding on the drive through penalty and there are no CCTV to look at.

There’s nothing to do about it…

Team principal Nino Judge:
“I can confirm that we will be filing our application to the FIA today for entry to the 2010 F1 championship. This is an extremely exciting time in the history of F1 with the changes in technical and financial requirements. We have lodged our deposit with Cosworth and are extremely serious and excited about this venture. We wish all teams the very best whilst the decision process is taking place and look forward to the potential of being on the grid in 2010 and beyond.”

Source:
Litespeed lodges F1 entry ahead of deadline

Brendon Hartley will stay with Carlin Motorsport in 2009 but will move to the Formula 3 Euro Series, where he already raced a few races in 2008 for both RC Motorsport and Carlin. The young New Zealander also raced for Carlin in the Macau F3 Grand Prix where he made an amazing final race from the back of the field to end up in third.

The second Red Bull driver to join Carlin is young Australian Daniel Ricciardo. Ricciardo made a few F3 appearances for SG Formula during 2008 but his main challenge was in the Formula Renault 2.0 championships. He managed a total of 14 race wins in the 2 litre Formula Renault’s and became Western European champion and vice-European champion.

Brendon Hartley has not only carried out extensive winter testing for Carlin’s F3 cars he has also combined that duty with tests for the Red Bull Formula 1 team.

Team principal Trevor Carlin added, “Brendon is a very valued and well liked member of the team. He showed stunning pace in British F3 last year and towards the end of the season a new maturity and confidence emerged in his racing which I’m sure we’ll see again in F3 Euro Series in 2009.”

“In British F3 we’ll be joined by Daniel Ricciardo and I’m delighted that Red Bull have entrusted us with one of their most promising young drivers. Daniel has been fantastic so far in testing; he’s been quick, consistent and has gelled really well into the team. 2009 will be his first full year in F3, but I think we can expect some great performances from him.”

During 2008 Chilton claimed two podiums and two pole positions.

Commenting on his plans for next season, Chilton said, “In 2008 my aim was to be amongst the top runners but next year I’m in it to win.  I’m still young but I think I have enough experience to be a serious contender for the title.  It’s all down to me now, I know Carlin have the experience and resources to help me succeed in 2009.”

Team principal Trevor Carlin added, “We’ve been watching Max’s progress for some time and we’ve seen him develop from a young driver still very much in the learning process, to a very talented and quick driver capable of challenging for race wins.  Max showed great potential last year and I think with our help and support he will be a very strong contender in the 2009 championship.  We’ve been very pleased with his performance in winter testing so far and I’m delighted he will be racing with us next year.”

Marcus Ericsson stormed into the racing world in 2007 by winning the UK Formula BMW championship in his first year out of karts. He then went on to the British Formula 3 championship with Fortec Motorsport where he finished fifth with five podiums finishes, two pole positions and four fastest laps.

Team TOM’s have won the Macau Grand Prix twice in a row now and have dominated the Japanese Formula 3 championship for a long time.

“I am delighted to join Petronas Team Tom’s, Marcus Ericsson says in a press release. It’s one of the absolute best F3 teams on the planet and will provide a great opportunity for success in both the Japanese F3 Championship and the Macau F3 GP. It’s going to be both exciting and developing to live outside Europe for the first time in my career”.