F1 Gossip: Racing Point set for Aston Martin tie-up?

In today's Formula 1 Gossip collumn, Racing Point has been linked to a collaboration with Aston Martin, Pirelli says it is open to keeping its 2019 range of compounds for 2020 after mixed feedback, and Ferrari insists Vettel and Leclerc will be "free to race" at the beginning of the 2020 F1 season. 

- The Racing Point Formula 1 team could be rebranded as Aston Martin with billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll eyeing up a buy-in at the luxury car manufacturer, according to reports (RaceFans) 

- Pirelli would be open to keeping its 2019 tyre compounds for the 2020 season after mixed feedback from drivers during the two-day tyre test at Abu Dhabi (RACER) 

- Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto insists Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc will be “free to race” at the start of the 2020 F1 season (Sky Sports F1) 

- The FIA has increased the allocation of permitted power unit components for the 2020 F1 season, with drivers allowed a third MGU-K element (Motorsport Week)

- Zandvoort Circuit has released a video of a virtual lap around the revised track - featuring its new elevated banking - ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix’s return to the F1 calendar in 2020 (YouTube)

- McLaren has set its sights on catching F1’s leading three teams (Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull) after securing its best result of the V6 hybrid era with fourth spot in 2019 (ESPN, via Reuters) 

- The 2019 F1 Esports series has a new winner, with Ferrari's David Tonizza being crowned champion for the first time at the Gfiniity Esports Arena in London (F1.com)