Auto News 5

Martin Tomczyk (BMW) explained how disappointed he was after he lost the first place in the very last corner at the Norisring, with Jamie Green (Mercedes) taking a last lap victory.

The German driver seemed to be on his way to his first victory with BMW, leading his team mate Bruno Spengler with two laps remaining. But Jamie Green's Mercedes went to pass both Spengler and Tomczyk in the last laps.

"It's such a shame to lead a race until lap 75 and then lose it on the last corner," Tomczyk explained. "You drive however many laps with maximum concentration in those weather conditions, and then to lose it so late... It's the worst thing that could have happened."

Martin Tomczyk, BMW. (Photo: DTM)

Tomczyk also talked about his misunderstanding with his BMW team concerning the laps remaining, which probably cost him the win. Due to the wet conditions, the race that was planned to be 82 laps long was shortened at the time limit, but the BMW team thought that there was one lap remaining while the checkered flag was waved for Jamie Green.

"If I'd known we were on the last lap, I'd have defended harder from Jamie," he added. "I got different information from my team. My pitboard said 11 laps to go, and on the radio it was five to go, and it turned out to be only four..."

From GMM

Spain's motor racing federation has vowed to help get to the bottom of the incident involving seriously injured female test driver Maria de Villota.

But Carlos Gracia, president of the RFEdA, expressed caution in light of rampant speculation following the 32-year-old Spaniard's impact with a team truck whilst 'straightline testing' Marussia's 2012 car in the UK on Tuesday.

De Villota is currently in hospital with reportedly "severe facial and head injuries".

Amid some reports she was fighting for her life and unconscious for a long time after the morning incident, Marussia confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Maria di Villota was conscious in hospital.

Maria de Villota. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

"Right now, the only important thing is the health status of Maria, and in this sense we call for the greatest prudence and respect," Gracia told the Spanish sports newspaper AS. "We have heard lots of things in the last hours but there should not be speculation about something so serious."

Reports in Spain said Maria de Villota underwent emergency surgery for a skull injury, thereafter regaining consciousness and the ability to move her limbs.

"I have direct information from the family and now we can only say that it will take longer before we have an accurate forecast," Gracia added.

He did reveal, however, that his officials have already commenced efforts to understand the circumstances of Tuesday's accident.

"We have asked the FIA to open up all the information to know what has happened in this test. We also want the Marussia team to offer its version of events," Gracia said. "I insist that now the main thing is Maria's recovery, but we also need to know what has happened, especially for the necessary measures so that something like this is not repeated."

Writing in the Telegraph, Tom Cary repeated speculation that the incident was caused by inexperienced Maria di Villota being caught out by the Marussia's anti-stall system.

But another British journalist, the Times' Kevin Eason, said the crash had "baffled Marussia team executives".

He also said Maria de Villota "was well enough last night" to phone her father Emilio, a former F1 driver.

Following Daniel Juncadella's exclusion from race 2 at the Norisring, no driver inherited from the first position and there is actually no winner.

Juncadella was penalized for having collided with race leader Pascal Wherlein, then with his teammate Raffaele Marciello, to take the lead in race 2.

The Spaniard was excluded from the race, but Will Buller and Emil Bernstoff remained 2nd and 3rd.

Juncadella won race 1, and Marciello took win in race 3. Both Prema Powerteam teammate remained first and second in provisional classification, respectively.

Daniel Juncadella. (Photo: F3 Euroseries)

From GMM

Paul di Resta has split with his manager, London's Telegraph newspaper reports.

Anthony Hamilton, the father of 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton, also no longer manages his McLaren-driving son.

Journalist Tom Cary said Force India driver di Resta's split with Hamilton snr "happened some weeks ago" and "was not planned".

Cary added that the "situation between the pair remains delicate".

26-year-old di Resta, who has been linked with a move to Mercedes next year, was available for comment, as was 56-year-old Hamilton.

"The reasons for the split remain unclear," said Cary.

Anthony Hamilton and Paul di Resta. (Photo: WRi2)

The new Fiat 500L just became the first production car in the world to offer a true espresso coffee machine, which was created in collaboration with Lavazza.

Photo: Fiat

On July 4th, 1957, the first-generation Fiat 500 hit the market. Fifty years later, on the same day, a new generation entered the world. And today, the Fiat 500L arrives as a light yet surprisingly large loft on wheels.

This family-friendly model comfortably accommodates five adults and its spacious trunk of almost 400 litres can hold up to five roller suitcases.

The Fiat 500L also boasts a cutting-edge multimedia system complete with a 5'' display and eco:Drive LIVE software which provides personalized driving tips to save fuel.

Other highlights include a 1.5 square metre glass roof, up to 333 possible combinations for the interior layout, and a choice of three engines: 0.9L and 1.4L gasoline units as well as a 1.3L turbodiesel. A natural gas engine is under consideration for 2013.

The Fiat 500L can be ordered in Europe starting this summer, with the first cars to be delivered in October. Pricing hasn't been announced.

North American drivers will have to wait until next year to savour a rich espresso coffee in their Fiat.

Photo: Fiat

How many fresh engines are still available to each driver is an important matter since there are only six races remaining on the schedule. And the series has published the complete list.

Newsworthy is that IndyCar championship leader Will Power has only one fresh Chevrolet engine remaining, while Ryan Hunter-Reay who is right behind him has still two engines left. Third-ranked Scott Dixon is on his fifth and final Honda engine.

Photo: IndyCar

Car No.   Team    Driver   Engine(s) remaining
No. 2, Team Penske, Ryan Briscoe, one engine remaining
No. 3, Team Penske, Helio Castroneves, one
No. 4, Panther Racing, J.R. Hildebrand, two
No. 5, KV Racing Technology, E.J. Viso, two
No. 6/7, Dragon Racing, Katherine Legge/Sébastien Bourdais, two
No. 8, KV Racing Technology, Rubens Barrichello, one
No. 9, Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Scott Dixon, none remaining
No. 10, Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Dario Franchitti, one
No. 11, KV Racing Technology, Tony Kanaan, one
No. 12, Team Penske, Will Power, one
No. 14, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Mike Conway, none
No. 15, Rahal Letterman Lanigan, Takuma Sato, none
No. 18, Dale Coyne Racing, Justin Wilson, one
No. 19, Dale Coyne Racing, James Jakes, two
No. 20, Ed Carpenter Racing, Ed Carpenter, one
No. 22, Panther/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Oriol Servia, two
No. 26, Andretti Autosport, Marco Andretti, two
No. 27, Andretti Autosport, James Hinchcliffe, two
No. 28, Andretti Autosport, Ryan Hunter-Reay, two
No. 38, Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing, Graham Rahal, one
No. 67, Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, Josef Newgarden, one
No. 77, Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports, Simon Pagenaud, none
No. 78, Lotus-HVM Racing, Simona De Silvestro, none
No. 83, Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing, Charlie Kimball, one
No. 98, Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian Alex Tagliani, two

The world's first premium compact delivery van is a MINI, and it's coming our way in time for Christmas. Based on the MINI Clubman, the MINI Cooper Clubvan will use the same 121-horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder engine.

With two seats, five doors, great fuel economy and exceptional handling, the Clubvan fills a void in the light-duty commercial vehicle segment. It will appeal to entrepreneurs and professionals alike thanks to a host of functional features such as the six tie-down loops in the cargo floor and 12-volt sockets throughout the cabin.

MINI will release detailed specifications, including pricing and available options, closer to the model's market debut.

Photo: MINI

With a Mustang Boss 302 engine, a design inspired from the 1965 Shelby Cobra and classic Italian character, the new Puritalia 427 from the Naples-based manufacturer will try to make its presence felt in the glamourous world of exotic cars.

This two-seat roadster is hand-built on a semi-unibody architecture made of aluminum and carbon fibre, which explains its amazingly light weight of 1,090 kilograms.

Two engines are available including a 5.0L V8 that produces 445 horsepower and a supercharged variant that generates 605 horsepower. Both are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

"We decided to design and engineer the 427 simply because a similar car doesn't exist,'' claims Paolo Parente, founder of Puritalia.

No details about pricing, but we know that the car will be sold only through direct orders.

Photo: Puritalia

Photo: Puritalia

Photo: Puritalia

Photo: Puritalia

The all-new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition aims to pay tribute to former and current members of the US Army. It offers a choice of three exterior colours based on the American flag including Deep Cherry Red, Bright White, and True Blue.

Outside, you'll notice a military-inspired star decal on the hood and rear quarter panels, a prominent “Oscar Mike” (military jargon for “on the move”) fender badge as well as Mineral Gray-painted grille and bumper inserts, among other highlights.

Meanwhile, the interior features black fabric seats with silver stitching and “Oscar Mike” logos embroidered on the seatbacks.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition is motivated by a 285-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine with a fuel consumption rating of 11.2L/100km.

Pricing is set at $28,165 for Wrangler two-door models and $30,670 for Wrangler Unlimited four-door models. Jeep will donate $250 from each unit sold to charities that benefit US military members and their families.

Photo: Chrysler

Photo: Chrysler

From WEC press release

BMW president, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, announced the expansion of technology collaboration with Toyota, in the presence of Akio Toyoda, his Japanese counterpart.

After an initial agreement in December 2011, both companies had already entered into a partnership last March on research in the field of fuel cells and the supply of BMW diesel engines for the European market. Now the cooperation is extended to research on electric vehicles, reducing vehicle weight and the design of future vehicles, including a sports car.

Toyota TS030 Hybrid. (Photo: WRi2)

Toyota, who has lost global leadership in 2011 in favour of General Motors, was a pioneer of hybrid cars with the Prius.

The Japanese manufacturer has used knowledge and experience of hybridization to develop the new TS030 Hybrid, seen for the first time at the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, in which Toyota is registered as a manufacturer. Neither of the two cars crossed the finish line, the first having retired due to an accident and the second with an engine problem, but they have shown a clear potential with the highest top speed on the grid.

From GMM

Christian Horner, the boss of formula one team Red Bull, has scotched reports star driver Sebastian Vettel is set to switch to Ferrari.

Numerous reports and sources have claimed double world champion and German Vettel, who turned 25 this week, has signed a 'pre-contract' that could lead to him moving to Ferrari in 2014.

"I can't see that," Horner is quoted by British newspapers, "because all contracts have to be declared with the Contract Recognition Board for a kick-off. I've also spoken to Sebastian about it, and he has made it quite clear he hasn't had any dialogue and hasn't signed anything with Ferrari, but I guess the rumour mill will always continue."

Horner dismissed the rumours as simply a part of formula one life.

"I think most of our team has been going to Ferrari at some point this year, whether it be Adrian (Newey), Mark (Webber), Sebastian, even myself at one stage was supposed to be going," the Briton smiled.

Mark Webber and Christian Horner. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

And after Sebastian Vettel recently said he is happy at Red Bull alongside Australian Webber, Christian Horner indicated the driver pairing is indeed likely to stay the same for now.

"They drive the car in a similar manner and it's important for us to have two drivers who do push each other to get the best out of each other," he said. "So I'm sure over the next few weeks we'll sit down and talk about the future with Mark."

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has played down a reported spat with Lotus, insisting he is only pushing the team to improve its steering system.

It has been claimed the former McLaren and Ferrari driver has repeatedly rejected Enstone based Lotus' efforts to tailor the E20 car to Raikkonen's precise needs.

"It's just because in other years I drove cars with really good steering," German reports quoted the 32-year-old as telling the Italian magazine Autosprint.

"There are a few things on which we can continue to work and improve. That's the only reason (for the reports)," said the 2007 world champion, who according to reports has been in the middle of a team dispute.

Raikkonen's steering wheel. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Raikkonen insisted that, in fact, the atmosphere at Lotus is "cool and relaxed", and run by people who "want to race and not have too much politics".

He clarified he is not therefore criticising Ferrari, who reportedly ended the contract with Raikkonen a year early in late 2009 because of the politics surrounding the arrival of Fernando Alonso and Spanish sponsor Santander.

"I felt good with them," he insisted.

"I won a world title and I have no feelings at all towards them, neither good nor bad. I'm happy with what I have. Things probably could have gone better, but what does it matter now? I know the reasons why I didn't stay, but I don't want to talk about it now. As I said, I don't have problems with anyone."

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

He denied he opted to leave F1 rather than accept an alternative offer from McLaren because of a money dispute.

"That's not true," Raikkonen said. "The real reason is that I didn't see any need to sign for a number of months.

"I wasn't desperate or willing to do anything to stay in F1," he added.

Following a strategic review of Chevrolet's motorsport and marketing programs, Chevrolet will leave the World Touring Car Championship at the end of the 2012 season. 

The information has been released this Wednesday. The british team RML was in charge of the running of the Chevrolet works car since the World Touring Car Championship debuts in 2005. After the Lacetti until 2009, Chevrolet ran the Cruze with a great success.

In 2010, Chevrolet clinched its first world titles, with the constructors championship, and the drives title for Frenchman Yvan Muller. Muller was crowned again the following season after an epic battle with his team mate Rob Huff. The american brand was the only factory team involved in WTCC after BMW left the serie at the end of 2010.

That is a bad news for the FIA WTCC, which was about to host a new constructor team with Honda at the end of 2012, while Lada was considering to come back in the championship next year. Two privates Chevrolet Cruze are currently ran by team Bamboo Engineering.

Yvan Muller, Alain Menu, Rob Huff. (Photo: Chevrolet)

Chevrolet will continue to be present in global motorsports with its many other race series, including IndyCar and GT racing.

The three Chevrolet drivers, Yvan Muller, Rob Huff and Alain Menu, who lead the current standings, will have to find another team for 2013.

Marussia press release

Marussia F1 team issues an update on Maria de Villota's medical condition, this Wednesday afternoon.

Subsequent to yesterday's official statements from the Marussia F1 Team, the surgical team at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge embarked on a lengthy procedure to address the serious head and facial injuries sustained by Maria in the accident. The operation began yesterday afternoon and she was in theatre until this morning. Maria remains in a critical but stable condition.

John Booth, Team Principal of the Marussia F1 Team, with the consent and support of Maria's family, would like to give the following update, which provides as much detail as is possible at this time: “Maria emerged from theatre at Addenbrooke's Hospital this morning after a lengthy operation to address the serious head and facial injuries she received in the accident at Duxford Airfield yesterday.

“We are grateful for the medical attention that Maria has been receiving and her family would like to thank the Neurological and Plastics surgical teams. However it is with great sadness that I must report that, due to the injuries she sustained, Maria has lost her right eye.

“Maria's care and the wellbeing of her family remain our priority at this time. Her family are at the hospital and we are doing everything possible to support them.

“We ask for everyone's patience and understanding with regard to updates on Maria's condition. We will provide further information when it is appropriate to do so and with consideration for her family.

“In the meantime, we would all like to take this opportunity to praise the emergency services at Duxford Airfield, who were on stand-by yesterday, as is usual procedure for a Formula One test.

“With regard to the accident, we have embarked on a very comprehensive analysis of what happened and this work continues for the moment.

“Finally, we have been overwhelmed by messages of support for Maria, her family and the Team and we would like to express our sincere gratitude for those.”

Mercedes-Benz' sales in the United States, fueled by a new sport-utility vehicle and compact coupe, rose 7.6 percent in June, furthering the German automaker's lead for the year over BMW.

As the Waldo Canyon fire approaches what may be containment in a few days, organizers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have announced a new date for this year's race and#8211; Sunday, August 12, and#8220;barring any further threats to safety.

A handful of photos leaked out on Monday showing what appears to be the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster.

First Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS

Previewed in near-production guise as at this year's Detroit auto show, the RS is more than a sporty trim kit.

With the introduction of the 2012 Sonic, Chevrolet looked to banish the memory of the Aveo and get buyers to see the bowtie brand as more youthful. In a move that was easily anticipated, Chevrolet is now furthering that effort with the Sonic RS.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

First Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said today that Chrysler's operating profit in 2012 could exceed its $3 billion target after commenting on June sales numbers released earlier in the day.