F1 Gossip Column

Robert Kubica is still "a few more months" away from being able to return to Formula 1, according to his doctor.
Full story: ESPN

Lewis Hamilton says he expects "the people of India are going to take Formula 1 to their hearts" as a result of next weekend's inaugural Indian Grand Prix. "I've been a few times before - we've done a few promotional days there," the McLaren driver said. "The last time was just crazy - just after Singapore, we did a demo run in Bangalore and were expecting 5,000 people to turn up. On the day, there were around 40,000 fans - it was just incredible. You can't believe how many people are aware of F1 and how many are looking forward to the race next week. There's already a great deal of knowledge about the sport - I think it's going to be a big deal." (McLaren)

Swiss Neel Jani has described India's new Buddh International track as "extremely exciting and fast" after becoming the first man to drive a Formula 1 car around it in a Red Bull demonstration.
Full story: Formula1.com

Michael Schumacher says he is sure Formula 1 "will be impressed" with the facilities at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix next weekend.
Full story: Mercedes

Sauber believes that its struggles in the Korean Grand Prix were down to set-up issues that hurt its front tyres.
Full story: Autosport

Formula 1 entrants Group Lotus and Team Lotus have come to an arrangement that appears to suit both sides. Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes has indicated that he is willing to give up the name and has applied to the FIA to change his team's name to Caterham, while Group Lotus-sponsored Renault wants to use only the Lotus name beginning in 2012. The changes have to be approved formally, something that will be addressed on 3 November at a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission -a grouping of teams and other interested parties - in Geneva.
Full story: Autoweek

A clarification has gone out from the FIA's Charlie Whiting to all teams regarding exotic engine maps, to the effect that they aren't allowed after the end of this 2011 season. Many engineers are rejoicing, because they feel that at last there is clarity on exhausts having an aerodynamic effect by continuing to blow over aerodynamic surfaces while the car is in corners. 
Full story: James Allen on F1