In the round-up: Fernando Alonso backs Ferrari’s less conservative approach to 2012.

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Alonso has faith in Ferrari’s new approach (ITV-F1)

“Last spring, we made important changes to the structure of the technical part of the team and now we have adopted a new approach, a less conservative one, in the design of the new car. The philosophy behind the 2012 car is very different from that of 2011, especially in some key areas like suspension and aerodynamics.”

Ferrari hint at Vettel interest (Setanta)

Luca di Montezemolo: “[Sebastian] Vettel is a brilliant driver. He’s young, but seems very intelligent in the way he carries himself. He has a great future, let’s see. I like drivers who use their head more than their right foot.”

India establishes itself as a growing sporting nation with F1 (The Times of India)

“The Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida came in for free-flowing praise from the leading drivers, including the double world champion Sebastian Vettel. The grand spectacle could have been more appealing to the countrymen had Karun Chandhok also raced along with Narain Karthikeyan.”

I just want bacon sarnie for Xmas (The Sun)

Lewis Hamilton: “I’m so strict — even on Christmas Day I stick to my diet. It’s a protein shake for breakfast, with a few dates and some raisins — it’s horrible, it really is horrible but I just blend it up into a smoothie.”

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Comment of the day

Thanks to everyone for your festive wishes in yesterday’s round-up! I enjoyed a very relaxing Christmas with my family.

From the forum

Have you been unwrapping any F1 presents?

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to Michael S!

If you want a birthday shout-out tell us when yours is by emailling, using Twitter or adding to the list here.

On this day in F1

Moises Solana was born on this day in 1935. Solana is the only F1 driver to have started a race using the number 13. The number is not allocated to F1 cars by the FIA.

• Your questions: F1 and the number 13

Best wishes of the season to all of you from F1 Fanatic! Here’s today’s round up.

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Top F1 links from the past 24 hours:

Analysis: Schumacher top overtaker (Autosport)

Schumacher made 116 passes over the course of 2011. Sebastien Buemi was next with 114.

Vettel excited about new Red Bull (BBC)

“You try not to think consciously about yourself and your success and what you might have achieved. But then when you see you are now at the same step as these guys. It is hard to put into words.”

McLaren’s 50 Greatest Drivers No 14: Gerhard Berger (McLaren)

“In 1988 he was the only non-McLaren driver to win a race with a lucky victory at Monza ahead of team-mate Michele Alboreto.”

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Comment of the day

Prisoner Monkeys doesn’t buy Luca di Montezemolo’s explanation for Ferrari leaving FOTA:

Actions speak louder than words. Ferrari can say they left because they were tired of others having their own agenda – but they have also threatened to leave the sport (and on more than one occasion) in an attempt to get their way with the sporting and technical regulations because they believe the sport cannot survive without them and that they other teams (and the FIA) will be too afraid of that happening.

So call me a cynic, but I’m not prepared to believe that Ferrari are championing the future of the sport.
Prisoner Monkeys

From the forum

• How will Kimi Raikkonen’s 2012 comeback work out?

Happy birthday!

No F1 Fanatic birthdays today. If you want a birthday shout-out tell us when yours is by emailling, using Twitter or adding to the list here.

On this day in F1

Giancarlo Baghetti was born on this day in 1935.

Baghetti made history in 1961 by winning his first ever world championship Grand Prix, for Ferrari at Reims that year. He died in 1995.

• How Giancarlo Baghetti won his first ever F1 start

Former Italian Formula 1 driver Alex Zinardi, is backing Lewis Hamilton to return to form following a difficult season in which the McLaren driver finished fifth. Zanardi, whose best result came for Team Lotus in 1993 when he finished sixth at the… More »

Top 10 F1 Drivers of the Year 2011:6: Michael SchumacherTeam: Mercedes Petronas GPCar: Mercedes-Mercedes W02Races: 19Wins: 0Poles: 0Podiums: 0Fastest Laps: 0Championship points: 76Championship position: 8thIf Michael Schumacher can take anything… More »

London: Michael Schumacher might have had another tough year in Formula One after his return, but he ended the 2011 season as the top overtaker, according to data compiled by the Mercedes GP team.The seven-time World Champion recorded 116… More »