Formula One news

Friesacher debut thwarted?

F1's newest rookie, Patrick Friesacher, may not face a smooth ride onto the Melbourne grid. The Austrian, Minardi's newly signed driver - it is reported - might not be granted a 'superlicense' by the governing FIA.

Although the 24-year-old's top four finish in the F3000 championship should have led to automatic qualification, team principal Paul Stoddart might have let a deadline for the license application expire.

It means the F1 Commission would have to grant the application by fax -- a voting system questioned for legality by the Australian entrepreneur. "We cannot proceed until we receive Stoddart's clarification," said an FIA spokesman.

The 50-year-old Minardi owner reportedly called the story 'b*llocks.'

more news

• 21 Nov.
  • Fisichella not worried about drive
• 20 Nov.
  • Photos: Rossi tests Ferrari F2008
  • Rossi doing well at Mugello in F2008
  • Brawn praises Senna and Di Grassi
  • Vettel happy with early test form
  • Senna happy wih test performance
  • Sato unable to rate his chances
• 19 Nov.
  • Piquet wraps up Renault test
  • Vettel finishes test on top
  • 'STR's driver decision is purely a financial issue'
  • Senna enjoys warm welcome in paddock
  • Di Grassi enjoyed Honda opportunity
  • Photos: Wednesday in Barcelona
• 18 Nov.
  • Renault pushes on with test
  • Vettel fastest on day 2
  • Ecclestone to replace points for medals?
  • 'This is the worst looking F1 car ever!'
  • Hamilton joins side event Race of Champions
  • De la Rosa joins Force India in Barcelona
  • Photos: Tuesday in Barcelona
  • Wurz enjoying return of slicks
  • Renault happy with first day back
• 17 Nov.
  • Senna's dream comes true with first day at Honda
  • Loeb impressed with Barcelona test
  • Sato fastest on first day in Barcelona
  • Force India sees 2009 chassis delayed
  • Canadian Grand Prix officially axed
  • The 2009 season gets under way in Barcelona
  • Photos: Monday in Barcelona
• 16 Nov.
  • Schumacher gets Superbikes offer
  • Rampf hoped for more in second half of season
• 15 Nov.
  • Loeb happy with Silverstone shakedown
  • Williams extends key sponsor deal
• 14 Nov.
  • Van der Garde sitting tight at Renault
  • Raikkonen admits motivation problems
  • Shanghai could axe Chinese Grand Prix
• 13 Nov.
  • Kennard enjoys first F1 experience
  • 2008 my toughest season - Kubica
  • Glock aiming to keep up second half of season form
• 12 Nov.
  • Van der Garde to test Renault F1

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