Renault announced on Tuesday that Frenchman Eric Boullier has been appointed as their new team principal with immediate effect. Boullier started his motorsport career as an engineer ten years ago before he made the move into management. He takes over from Bob Bell, who filled the role on a temporary basis after the departure of Flavio Briatore last September.

Former BMW Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld has endured a tough few months following the conclusion of the 2009 championship and, after BMW’s subsequent withdrawal from the sport, remains without a confirmed drive for the coming season. Perhaps the biggest blow for Heidfeld came in the days leading up to Christmas when Mercedes announced their 2010 line-up

The achievements of Britain’s Jenson Button and former team boss Ross Brawn have been recognised by their country after both were named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Button, the reigning Formula One drivers’ champion, has been appointed an MBE (Member of the British Empire), while Brawn, who led his Brawn GP team to the 2009 title double, becomes an OBE (Officer of the British Empire)…

It’s been a memorable year for Formula One racing, not least for Jenson Button’s maiden drivers’ crown and Brawn GP’s spectacular debut campaign. As 2009 draws to a close, we would like to thank you for your support over the past season and wish our users the very best for the holiday period.

Michael Schumacher is back. And Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Management’s CEO, more than welcomes the German legend’s decision. Ecclestone predicts that the seven-time world champion could very likely add another title to his collection.

The dream team is reunited again – Michael Schumacher and Ross Brawn, a combination that bore so many titles at Benetton and Ferrari. Last season Brawn proved he can do it with another driver, but there is something special about seeing him and Schumacher set for even more wins with the newly-formed Mercedes team…

The new Mercedes team, formed following the German carmaker’s recent purchase of Brawn GP, has announced Malaysian national oil and gas company Petronas as its title sponsor. Under a newly-signed long-term agreement, the German squad plan to compete as the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team next season.

Their place on the 2010 grid is yet to be officially confirmed, but that hasn’t stopped BMW Sauber from signing one of the hottest talents to emerge from the 2009 season. Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi, who sprang to prominence after being drafted in to replace injured Toyota driver Timo Glock in the final two rounds, is set to race for the Swiss-based team next year…

Following a meeting in Monaco last week, the FIA’s International Court of Appeal (ICA) has decided to adopt a new system for Formula One appeal hearings ahead of the 2010 season. The revised arrangement grants the teams the authority to nominate judges, who will then be allowed to sit on the ICA panels. The body is traditionally made up of independent judges from 18 countries but will now be comprised of its existing elected membership plus these ‘co-opted’ judges.

Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi will partner Toyota refugee Timo Glock at Virgin Racing next season as the all-new team tackle their first Formula One campaign. Portugal’s Alvaro Parente and Brazil’s Luiz Razia will serve as test drivers.