Nico Rosberg to marry

Nico Rosberg is engaged to marry his long-term girlfriend Vivian Sibold, according to German reports.

"Yes, it's true," the Mercedes driver told Kolner Express newspaper. "We're getting married," added Rosberg, referring to Vivian, an interior designer.

"It all feels very, very nice.

"When and where it happens is still in the stars," added Rosberg.

The German driver lives with Vivian, who is also 28, in Monaco and Ibiza.

Daniil Kvyat to race for Toro Rosso in 2014

Russian 19-year-old Daniil Kvyat will race for the Toro Rosso team next season.

In a surprise move, the teenager, who competes in GP3, will partner Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne, who has been retained for a third season.

Kvyat replaces Daniel Ricciardo, who has been promoted to Red Bull to fill the seat vacated by Mark Webber.

Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost said Kvyat earned his seat with a "strong performance" during a test in July.

Portuguese Antonio Felix Da Costa had been next in line to replace Australian Ricciardo but has been overlooked after a mixed season driving in the Renault 3.5 category.

Da Costa said on his Twitter feed: "It hurts but it's like this. I'm happy for Daniil."

Kvyat described his promotion as "fantastic" and "a dream come true".

Tost said Kvyat had given "very informative technical feedback" at the young driver test at Silverstone.

"This suggests that the basic qualities from which he can progress are all in place," said Tost.

"Daniil can be sure that we will use all our experience of training youngsters to give him the best possible start to his Formula 1 career."

Webber will quit F1 at the end of the season to forge a new career leading Porsche's endurance racing programme.

At 19 years and 320 days by the time of the 2014 Australian GP, Kvyat will not be the youngest driver to debut in F1.

Competing in Formula 1 as a teenager is rare, but seven other drivers have taken part as 19-year-olds, as early as in the '60s with Mike Thackwell and Chris Amon.

The current championship contenders Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso made their debuts at the age of 19. Vettel at the 2007 United States Grand Prix for BMW Sauber, finishing seventh. Alonso at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix for Minardi, finishing 12th.

Porsche Supercup drivers campaign for Edwards

In an incredibly rare move, the drivers of the Porsche Supercup series are petitioning Porsche Motorsports to make the final round of the series, which is slated to be held at the Yas Marina Circuit on November 3, an exhibition, non-points paying race, allowing Sean Edwards to claim the title.

Edwards was killed in an accident last week when the car he was instructing in careened off track at the Queensland Raceway in Australia. If the field takes the green flag next month with a points paying event, surely another driver other than Edwards would claim the title.

Edwards currently has an 18 point lead in the championship.

The petition was started by Jon Miller, of the Pirelli World Challenge, on Change.org, a website that allows people to establish an official petition, to get it worldwide attention.

The petition states:

Porsche, you have the opportunity do something rare and very special. We are asking you to elect to hold the final two rounds of the 2013 Porsche SuperCup (rounds 8 and 9 on November 2/3 at the Yas Marina Circuit) as non-points scoring rounds.

We believe that the rightful champion of the 2013 season has already been crowned, however he won't be able to attend the final race to make it a formality. Racers and fans around the world are mourning the loss of driver, Sean Edwards, who currently leads the Supercup Championship by 18 points, with 3 wins in 7 races.

With a win being worth 20 points, and Sean never having finished lower than 5th, he was bound to be champion. If his nearest competitor were to win both races at the final round, Sean would only need to match his worst finish so far (5th) and the championship would still go to him. If Sean were to win the first race of the weekend, he could park his car and score no points during race 2 - and still be champion. Even his competitors can't argue: Sean Edwards has dominated Porsche Supercup this year. He deserves the title.

We want to make sure that Sean goes down in the record books as he was in the hearts and minds of his family, friends and competitors: a Champion. Please dedicate the final two races of Porsche Supercup to Sean Edwards, implore your drivers to race in his honor and put on a fantastic show for the fans. Pay them their prize money and hire the good ones to factory drives for next year. But do not award them any points.

Please, Porsche; make Sean Edwards your 2013 SuperCup champion and celebrate in his honor at the championship party in Abu Dabhi.

Thank you,

Racing fans, Porsche fans and Sean Edwards fans everywhere.

To be a part of this movement, check out the petition at: Change.org Sean Edwards Petition

Alonso and Magnussen to drive for McLaren in 2015

A Danish newspaper has looked into the future and spotted Kevin Magnussen, the brand new Formula Renault 3.5 champion, at McLaren in 2015.

The report in the tabloid newspaper Ekstra Bladet also said the now 21-year-old Dane's Honda-powered teammate in two years time will be none other than Fernando Alonso.

Magnussen, the son of former F1 driver Jan, wrapped up the Formula Renault 3.5 championship in Spain at the weekend.

With McLaren's backing, he is now linked with a move to F1 next year with Marussia.

"I have focused entirely on achieving this goal (the 2013 title), because you cannot even dream of going to Formula One if you do not deserve it," he said in Barcelona.

Indeed, the Ekstra Bladet report might be slightly more than a speculative glance into the crystal ball.

Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper reports that there is more to the Alonso-to-McLaren story than mere rumours.

The newspaper said Honda has agreed with McLaren to split the Spaniard's huge annual retainer.

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali, however, insists he is not worried.

"I do not fear losing Fernando," he told the German magazine Sport Bild.

"He has a contract and he recently made clear that he is staying. He wants to win with us, and we want to win with him," Domenicali added.

New Jersey F1 race gets Valencia's barriers

Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly using the demise of Valencia's F1 project to give organisers of next year's provisional New Jersey race a boost.

Earlier this week F1 chief executive Ecclestone agreed to terminate Valencia's contract without financially penalising the Spanish hosts.

It means the Valencian government is avoiding a reported EUR 54 million in break costs.

"What we have agreed," said president Alberto Fabra, "is that we will not use any equipment in other circuits."

The Spanish sports newspaper Marca has now revealed more details of Ecclestone's termination deal with Valencia.

"Everything in Formula One has a price," wrote correspondent Paul Juanarena.

He said Ecclestone has negotiated to take possession of Valencia's street circuit equipment, including more than 10 kilometres of fencing and barriers, worth several million euros.

The beneficiary, Juanarena explained, would be organisers of the financially-pressed inaugural New Jersey Grand Prix, whose place on the 2014 calendar is conditional upon "circuit approval".

Maldonado sacked from Williams. Could Massa benefit?

Pastor Maldonado's exit at Williams could pave the way for Felipe Massa, the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo is reporting.

Correspondent Livio Oricchio claims talks between Venezuelan Maldonado's management and sponsors, and bosses of the Grove based team, are taking place now.

The 28-year-old has reportedly run out of patience at Williams, despite the fact his powerful sponsors PDVSA remain under contract to the British team.

Williams admits it has a problem.

"I've never seen a racing car that reacts so little to modifications," veteran team manager Dickie Stanford told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, referring to the FW35 that has powered Maldonado to just a single point in 2013.

One unnamed team member, however, said 2012 Spanish Grand Prix winner Maldonado has also been part of the problem.

"He still makes too many mistakes," the team member is quoted as saying.

"In Korea, we told him repeatedly in the last stint to take care of the right front and, if possible, stay out of the battles.

"But what did he do? Drives like a madman and ruins his tyres within three laps."

Maldonado also reportedly infuriated team bosses when he forced past teammate Valtteri Bottas in the final corner of the last lap in Japan, for a mere 16th place.

Both Germany's Auto Motor und Sport and O Estado de S.Paulo say Maldonado is eyeing departing Kimi Raikkonen's seat at Lotus.

Lotus would apparently prefer to sign Nico Hulkenberg, but that depends on the team finalising its 35 per cent sale to a group of investors known as Quantum.

"They (Quantum) are always saying 'We're coming, we're coming', but nothing happens," a Lotus source told Oricchio.

That is where Maldonado could come in. His sponsor PDVSA, bringing EUR 35 million a year to Williams, remains under contract to Williams for two more years.

But Oricchio said exit talks between the Maldonado camp and Williams are taking place.

Auto Motor und Sport's Michael Schmidt said deputy team boss Claire Williams was in Caracas recently, amid rumours PDVSA could pay millions to buy its way out of the deal.

Oricchio agreed that the exit talks have intensified since Suzuka.

The Venezuelan state oil company would then back Maldonado's switch to Lotus.

It is said Maldonado's manager, Nicolas Todt, is pushing for the deal to happen because it would open Williams' door to his other charge, Felipe Massa.

The Brazilian, who has reportedly put together a sponsor package worth about EUR 6 million, including Petrobras, is looking for a drive for 2014 after losing his seat at Ferrari.

Todt said: "Yes, it's been difficult for Pastor this year, with a car that does not allow the drivers to score points.

"They have to react and they have been hiring new people. Next year it (Williams) would be an excellent option for Felipe."

Hulkenberg to drive for Lotus in 2014

A Lotus contract with Nico Hulkenberg's name on it will be signed at Enstone "either today or tomorrow", the German newspaper Bild reports.

It was said that the team was poised to sign the 26-year-old German as soon as the deal with Quantum - formerly Infinity, a group of private investors who plan to buy 35 per cent of Lotus - is done.

If not, it could have opened the door to Pastor Maldonado.

Maldonado's lucrative sponsor PDVSA is locked in a contract with Williams, but O Estado de S.Paulo correspondent Livio Oricchio said the Venezuelan is desperate to move from uncompetitive Williams.

But Bild reports that Lotus' Quantum deal is finally now being formalised, which should boost the team's budget beyond EUR 200 million for 2014.

Sean Edwards 1986-2013

British racing driver Sean Edwards has died in a crash at the Queensland Raceway in Australia.

The 26-year-old, born in London, was a passenger in a Porsche which hit the barriers during a private test session.

Edwards is currently leading the Porsche Supercup championship, a series which supports Formula 1 races.

He is the son of former F1 driver Guy Edwards, who pulled Niki Lauda out of his burning Ferrari after a crash at the Nurburgring in 1976.

Edwards was taking part in the second day of a two-day coaching session for young drivers at the track in Queensland.

The driver of the car, a 20-year-old from Brisbane, survived the high-speed crash but was stuck in the car for more than two hours.

He is currently being treated in a local hospital having sustained severe injuries and burns.

Monaco-based Edwards won the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May. Driving a Mercedes, he joined forces with Bernd Schneider, Jeroen Bleekemolen and Nicki Thiim to claim his first major victory in endurance racing.

He also played his father in Ron Howard's movie Rush, released last month, which focused on the rivalry between Lauda and James Hunt during the 1976 Formula 1 season.

Past and present drivers have expressed their shock at the news of his death.

Three-times Le Mans 24 Hours winner Allan McNish said: "I knew his father initially from his sponsorship days, so I have followed Sean's career a bit closer than you would normally do.

"The tragedy of it is he was leading the Supercup championship after such strong performances through the middle of the year. It looked like he was going to win.

"Also, having won the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year, I would say this was probably his strongest year in racing.

"He won the Porsche Supercup race in Monaco this year by 20 seconds, which is unheard of in a one-make-spec championship.

"This was a breakthrough year for him. He was showing what talent he had, but had maybe never had the opportunity to actually display it.

"Apart from that, he was a guy who loved life, loved racing, loved cycling, was strong and fit."

Former McLaren driver and BBC F1 co-commentator David Coulthard tweeted: "Shocking news about Sean Edwards passing, top man and super talented racer, condolences to his nearest and dearest."

Marussia driver Max Chilton added on Twitter:  "Truly shocked to hear the devastating news about Sean Edwards, watched him win many races and will be a huge loss to the sport."

Former Benetton, McLaren and Jordan driver Martin Brundle tweeted: "Terribly sad news re the death of Sean Edwards, a very talented racer. Condolences to his family and friends. Motorsport can be too cruel."

Hartmut Kristen, head of motorsport at Porsche, said in a statement: "Our thoughts are with his family and we want to express our deepest condolences to his relatives."

The Motor Sports Association added in a statement: "Sean was a hugely promising young racer who came through the junior formulas in Britain, before making a career in international sportscar racing.

"The MSA extends its deepest sympathies to Sean's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."

Edwards had contested the Porsche Supercup series since 2008 and holds an 18-point lead in the championship ahead of the final two races at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi next month.

He had a short career in single-seaters, competing in the Formula Renault championship, before switching his attention to GT racing.

He also competed in the FIA GT2 and GT3 series, which he won in 2006, as well as the Le Mans Series before focusing on the Porsche Supercup.

His death follows that of former F1 reserve driver Maria De Villota, who was found dead in her hotel room in Seville last week.

The 33-year-old's death was believed to have been a consequence of the injuries she suffered during a testing crash last year.

Four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti also suffered a high-speed crash a week ago.

The Scot broke two vertebrae in his spine, two ribs and an ankle.

Alonso concedes championship is lost

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso said he was happy to have broken the all-time Formula 1 points record but admitted this year's championship is over.

The Spaniard finished fourth in the Japanese Grand Prix to pass Michael Schumacher in the all-time points list.

But he is 90 points behind race-winner Sebastian Vettel with 100 available.

"Even if Vettel doesn't finish all of the races I need to win nearly all, so it's a matter of time [until Vettel is champion]," Alonso said.

On his own accomplishment, he admitted he had benefited from the fact that slightly more of his career than Schumacher's had come after 2010 when points awarded were more than doubled and extended to 10th place.

Alonso has now scored 1,571 points in his 12-year career, two more than Schumacher. Vettel is third on 1,351.

"We have different goals now and they told me I have the record for the most amount of points in F1 history, so it's a happy day. Leading points scorer in F1 is something great," he said.

"I know the points system changed, but when someone overtakes me in the points no-one will remember the points system changed."

To win the title, however, Alonso - who has won 32 grands prix in his career to Vettel's 34 - would have to win three of the remaining four races and finish second in the other, with Vettel retiring from them all.

Alonso acknowledged his Ferrari did not have enough pace to do that.

"We struggle a little bit to do so," he said, "so it is matter of time. We continue to try to do our best on Sundays. When it is mathematically settled we [will] congratulate him."

In fact, Vettel will clinch the title in the next race in India on 27 October as long as Alonso does not outscore him by at least 16 points.

"Regarding the championship, as I said, I think obviously we have a very, very good gap but we still keep pushing," said Vettel.

"I think we've proven in the last couple of years that we never give up. I think we've won one or two championships because of that.

"Obviously this year it looks very good at this stage - but it's not over before it's over."

Alonso's aim is now to secure second in the drivers' championship and do the same for Ferrari in the constructors' competition.

The Italian team extended their lead over Mercedes to 10 points after a bad race for the German team, who saw Lewis Hamilton retire with damage caused by a puncture and Nico Rosberg take eighth after a drive-through penalty for an unsafe release from a pit stop.

Lotus are also in the running for second place - they are 33 points behind Ferrari after Romain Grosjean took third in Suzuka and Kimi Raikkonen fifth.

Team boss Eric Boullier said: "Two weekends in a row we have gained some points on them. If we can keep it going it's possible."

The four remaining races are in India, Abu Dhabi, the United States and Brazil.

Maria De Villota 1980-2013

Former Marussia test driver Maria de Villota has passed away, aged 33.

The Spanish racer, daughter of ex-Formula One driver and British Formula Three series champion Emilio de Villota, raced in several categories including Spanish F3 and sportscars before joining Marussia as a test driver in March 2012.

In July of last year De Villota was involved in a serious accident during a straight-line test with Marussia at the UK’s Duxford airport, sustaining life-threatening head injuries and losing her right eye. She spent a month in hospital, but went on to make a strong recovery.

De Villota continued to be involved in motorsport, becoming an Ambassador for Women in Motorsport with Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, and also participating in both the FIA Drivers’ Commission and its Action for Road Safety campaign.

A statement on De Villota's Facebook page, signed by her family, read: "Dear friends: Maria has left us. She had to go to heaven like all angels. We are thankful to God for the extra year and a half that he left her with us."

The Marussia team said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we learned a short time ago of the news that Maria de Villota has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maria’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

As news of De Villota’s passing spread through the Suzuka paddock in Japan on Friday, numerous teams and drivers paid tribute to their former colleague.

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn, who worked alongside De Villota as a fellow Ambassador for Women in Motorsport, said: “We are shocked to hear the news of Maria de Villota’s death and would like to offer our sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends for this tragic loss.

“If anybody represented strength and optimism, it was Maria. Her sudden death is a big loss to the motorsport world as she was an important ambassador for relaying important messages to the youth, and particularly girls that aspire to a career in motorsport. Maria was an example of someone who never gave up, she always had a smile on her face and we will dearly miss her.”

Vettel losing drivers respect according to Nico Rosberg

Nico Rosberg has admitted he took objection in Singapore when world champion Sebastian Vettel suggested his rivals are lazy.

After dominating the floodlit Grand Prix, German Vettel explained Red Bull's advantage by insisting that while his team works "very hard", the others are "hanging their balls in the pool very early on Fridays".

It may have been a joke, but Mercedes' Rosberg did not laugh.

"Maybe he shouldn't be thinking about my balls," he is quoted on Thursday by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"It was definitely inappropriate," added Rosberg. "My team works its ass off. And he can't possibly know how much we work compared to them.

"My boys work like crazy."

And as F1 figures puzzle over why Vettel is being booed on post-race podiums, Rosberg said comments like the one made in Singapore do him no favours.

"He is in very clear danger of losing the respect of the other drivers," he said.

McLaren's Jenson Button agrees: "It was a wrong and unfair thing for Sebastian to say."

But Vettel said he found it "strange" that his comment was so controversial.

"It was not my intention to say anything against someone else," he said, "but only to show that our success is no accident."