As Mark Webber finally delivered an overdue first grand prix win in commanding style at the Nurburgring, the political rows that have been the theme of the 2009 season continued to rumble in the background.
By the end of the weekend it seemed a final resolution had moved closer, however, despite a less than promising start when the FOTA teams walked out of a Technical Working Group meeting on Wednesday having been denied a vote. Amid all this, the story took a new twist as rallying legend Ari Vatanen officially announced that he would stand for the FIA presidency - regardless of what Max Mosley decided to do.
There some intriguing on-track stories this weekend too, headlined by the strong likelihood of Sebastien Bourdais losing his Toro Rosso drive before Hungary, and the genuine possibility that Sebastien Loeb could appear in that car in the Abu Dhabi season finale.
THE ACTION
Webber tops first practice in Germany
Hamilton sets pace in second practice
Hamilton tops final practice in Germany
Webber secures maiden Formula 1 pole
Webber overcomes penalty for first win
THE BIG STORIES
FOTA teams walk out of FIA meeting
FOTA says FIA putting F1 in jeopardy
FIA: FOTA was aware of observer status
Alonso rubbishes Ferrari 'rumours'
Bourdais denies doubts about F1 future
Theissen: Ecclestone apology necessary
FOTA pushing ahead with breakaway
Willis parts company with Red Bull
Vatanen to run for FIA presidency
Vatanen wants a new era for the FIA
Loeb: No F1 switch during WRC season
N.Technology takes FIA to court