Some news tidbits from around the world of Formula 1:

‘Schumacher Factor’ Drives Higher Australian GP Ticket Sales: Michael Schumacher’s return to F1 has boosted ticket sales for the 2010 Australian Grand Prix. The Melbourne race has lost its coveted opening calendar slot to Bahrain, but Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief Drew Ward revealed on Monday that ticket sales are higher than at the same point last year. The Herald Sun newspaper said the increased figure is 20 percent compared with 2009. “The Schumacher factor has made a big difference,” said Ward at the media launch of the event at Albert Park.

No Pre-Season Testing For Mercedes’ Heidfeld: Nick Heidfeld is not likely to get any test mileage before the start of his season as Mercedes GP reserve driver. After a race career spanning 169 Grands Prix, the 32-year-old will travel to all the events this year in case Michael Schumacher or Nico Rosberg is unable to drive. But with only 12 days of testing left until the start of the season, the German will probably have to go to Bahrain next month without having driven the new W01 car. “It is envisaged that before the season start, Michael and Nico will get as many test miles as possible,” Mercedes’ competition director Norbert Haug told the German news agency SID. But Haug said Heidfeld is well equipped to cope with his new role. “In the unlikely event that he has to replace one of our regular drivers, Nick is well prepared to do a good job straight away,” added the German.

Coulthard Expects Button To Trail Hamilton: Jenson Button is not likely to keep up with his new teammate Lewis Hamilton in the opening part of the 2010 season. That is the admission of Button’s friend and former rival David Coulthard, who previously rebuked commentators’ claims that Hamilton will blow away the 2009 world champion this season. After experiencing seating position problems at Valencia last week, Button trailed Hamilton’s pace at Valencia as the pair got their first taste of the new MP4-25. The situation seemed to play out fears that Button walked into the lion’s den by switching from Brawn to McLaren. “I’d expect Lewis to have the upper hand in the early part of the year,” former long time McLaren driver Coulthard is quoted as saying by the Mirror. “But it’s a great chance for Jenson to show he’s a great driver and a worthy champion,” the Scot added.

Sutil Not Worried About Force India Saga: Adrian Sutil insists he is not worried about reports Force India may soon be forced to close its doors. In a saga played down by team owner and boss Vijay Mallya, the UK’s Companies House is threatening to dissolve the Silverstone based company for failing to file its 2008 financial accounts. “No, it doesn’t,” answered the team’s German driver Sutil when asked by the DPA press agency if the news makes him fear for his job. “My manager has asked the team about the situation,” the 27-year-old explained. “We are assuming that they (the team) will meet all the requirements in time,” Sutil added.