Saturday news briefs from Barcelona

New commercial manager for Rosberg

Nico Rosberg has begun working with a new manager.

Werner Heinz worked alongside Nick Heidfeld for much of the German’s grand prix career.

According to Germany’s Express, Heinz will now concentrate on commercial aspects for Mercedes race driver Rosberg.

The 24-year-old already has a personal cap sponsor - the jewellery brand Thomas Sabo.

Rosberg, meanwhile, played down claims Mercedes got an unfair pre-race advantage by testing its updated W01 car at Rockingham last week.

"Oh, what?" said the German. "Those few laps on rock-hard tyres ..."

No F-duct for Lotus in 2010

Lotus is not about to join those teams pushing hard to develop a so-called F-duct solution for its 2010 car, according to Finland’s Turun Sanomat.

The new Malaysian-backed team has made a big step forward with a revised package for the Spanish grand prix, but driver Heikki Kovalainen thinks the focus should soon turn to 2011.

"The sooner we begin to focus on the next car, the better," said the Finn.

"It is not that we are wasting resources with this car, but as soon as the confirmation of the rules comes we should turn everything to a new car," he added.

Meanwhile, it is rumoured in Barcelona that F-duct systems could be banned at the end of the season.

Ralf Schumacher eyes F1 team boss role

Ralf Schumacher has not ruled out launching a bid to become involved in the management of a formula one team.

The former grand prix winner is in the Barcelona paddock this week as the team principal of the new GP3 team RSC Mucke, which has performed strongly in Spain.

Asked by Germany’s Bild-Zeitung, the 34-year-old refused to rule out one day turning his management skills to F1, where he won 6 of his 182 career grands prix.

"I am very interested in the view from outside of the cockpit," DTM driver Schumacher admitted.

Ian Phillips, Grosjean, in paddock on Saturday

Ian Phillips on Saturday admitted he is looking for a new job in formula one.

The Silverstone based team’s long time director of business affairs left Force India earlier this year after a falling-out with boss Vijay Mallya.

The Briton was in the Barcelona paddock on Saturday.

"I’ve just enjoyed my first holiday for 40 years," said Phillips, who joined the team’s original guise at its inception as Jordan in the early 90s.

"I don’t miss the travel at all, but I need to work so we’ll see what opportunities arise," he added.

Also seen in the Barcelona paddock on Saturday was 2009 Renault driver Romain Grosjean.

Chandhok recovered from stomach bug

Karun Chandhok says he is "finally recovered" from a stomach bug that has been causing him problems so far in Spain.

We reported earlier that while the Indian rookie had to spend most of Thursday in his Barcelona hotel, he has been feeling better ever since.

He drove his HRT car on Friday afternoon, and told Reuters on Saturday morning: "I feel better now, fully recovered.

"I went to Munich on Monday and I ate something there. I have been really ill since. All of Tuesday I was in bed, I just couldn’t move," said Chandhok.