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Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new plug-in electric version of the second-generation B class ahead of its public unveiling alongside other battery-powered models at the Paris motor show later this month.

From GMM

Carlos Sainz, a Spanish rallying legend, thinks Fernando Alonso could one day be regarded as the greatest driver in formula one history.

The two-time world rally champion defended his countryman, amid suggestions the Ferrari driver is not the friendliest driver on the grid.

"Fernando is much more normal than people think, simply he has a lot of pressure on him at most times," Sainz, 50, told El Confidencial.

"As a driver, there is little doubt that - today - he is the best in the world, and even in the history of formula one he is one of the greatest. It wouldn't surprise me if he is recognised as the best ever once he decides to retire," added Sainz.

Sainz's son, Carlos Sainz Jr, is currently racing through the junior single seater ranks, with Red Bull backing.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, at Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)

If you've been following the news on Auto123.com Racing, you've certainly read that ex-Formula 1 driver and Champ Car series champion, Alex Zanardi, participated in the recently held Paralympics in London, England.

Competing in three different hand-cycling events, Zanardi collected a bag of three medals: two gold and one silver.

A reminder here that Zanardi lost both legs in a horrific accident during a Champ Car series race, held on the Lausitzring circuit in Germany.

Suddenly immobilized on the track, Zanardi's F1 vehicle was cut in two by another Alex, the racecar of Alex Tagliani, who smashed into it at about 300 kph.

Photo: London Paralympic Games

The carbon monohull flew into pieces, as did both of Zanardi's legs. Rushed to hospital by helicopter, Zanardi, at that moment had just one litre of blood left in his battered body, and his heart stopped beating repeatedly.

However, Zanardi never felt sorry for his hapless fate. He learned to walk with his prostheses and even returned to racing. Plus, he got completely absorbed in physical training by taking up hand-cycling.

Racing drivers are forces of nature; human beings who are endowed with staunch determination and disproportionate competitive willpower.


If Zanardi chose to qualify and become a star at the Paralympics, it's because he knew he could do it. His incredible physical fitness and his fierce determination did the rest.

Three events, three medals. Hard to beat and deserving of our full respect.

And he's not the only one. What do you say about Niki Lauda who was seriously burned in a terrible F1 accident at Nürburgring in 1976? His precarious state was so touch-and-go that he received the last rites on his hospital bed. But he fought back. And just seven weeks later, Lauda was once again behind the wheel of his Ferrari, competing in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Seven short weeks: that's less than two months...

And there's also the case of Alessandro Nannini. This young Italian was an F1 driver for Benetton when he was badly injured, as were other passengers, in a helicopter accident. Nannini's arm was cut off by a rotor blade.

Doctors miraculously managed to reconnect the arm. Incredibly, Nannini returned to motor racing, too. Although his arm sorely lacked mobility and sensation, Nannini was still able to race in the Italian GT championship.

One final amazing case: that of Robert Kubica who had his right hand partially severed in 2011 in a terrible rally accident when a crash barrier penetrated the footwell of his car. Just recently, after long months of rehab, Kubica was back behind the wheel of his rally car and chalked up a victory in an Italian regional championship event

So, whenever I get a little scratch, I think of the exemplary courage of these drivers. Nothing can stop them.

I drive a lot of cars and trucks each year and, truthfully, very few of them deliver the promised fuel economy despite my eco-driving efforts. It's true, NRCan's fuel consumption test procedures are outdated and should become stricter in a few years.

However, the Germans seem to be closest to those optimistic Canadian fuel economy ratings. And the new-for-2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan is a perfect example: Powerful and fuel efficient, the 328i should be the inspiration for many manufacturers who market their vehicles as being “eco-friendly.”

The previous-generation 3 Series had few shortcomings, and the new model addresses pretty much all of them. This may well be the best compact luxury sedan on the market -- still.


Muscle and green-ness join hands
The 2012 BMW 328i Sedan gets a new (at least for the US and Canada) turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that develops 241 hp as well as 258 lb-ft of torque that peaks from 1,250 rpm all the way to 4,800. In short, plenty of muscle pretty much all the time.

Equipped with the new 8-speed automatic, the 328i blasts to 100 km/h in just over 6 seconds. Only a few years ago, you needed to get the top-shelf 335i for that level of performance.

And with so much torque, you don't need to rev the hell out of the 4-banger for highway merging and passing. As a result, lower engine revolution means lower fuel consumption, and together with a standard start/stop system and an ECO PRO driving mode, we managed an excellent average of 6.8L/100km during the test week with the 2012 BMW 328i. Those are subcompact-hatchback consumption numbers, boys and girls.

I do have two concerns, though: First, when the start/stop system fires the engine back up, the whole car shakes making the process feel somewhat rough and unrefined. And second, I question the number of BMW fans who aren't pleased with the fact that the silky-smooth 6-cylinder was replaced with a turbo four in base trims of the 2012 BMW 328i, even if the new motor is more powerful and 22% more fuel efficient.

Handling wise, the 2012 3 Series Sedan has matured a bit, and you feel that the suspension has been slightly softened. On the other hand, the 328i remains a great back-road brawler, with sharp steering turn-in, superb reflexes, and a suspension setup that rewards the driver every time he or she is in the mood for spirited driving.

La BMW 328i 2012 est équipée d'un 4-cylindres turbo développant 241 chevaux et un couple de 258 lb-pi. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

Not sure about the colour
Our test 2012 BMW 328i arrived in our parking lot flaunting its $800 Havanna Metallic paint colour -- or if you prefer, light brown. Inside, we were treated to a beige coloured cockpit; nice and elegant, but not exactly to my personal taste.

Buyers of the new 328i and 335i must opt for one of three trim levels: Luxury, Modern and Sport. Our car was decked out in the Modern trim line, and was perhaps the most plain among the three. And that “Modern” badge on the front fender looks cheesy; I'd take it off.

We feel the Sport trim is more fitting for a BMW, but that's just us. At least now you have more choice. One thing's for sure: Fit and finish in the 2012 BMW 328i are a step up from the previous-gen 3 Series.

Oh, there's more rear-seat legroom as well which was one of the old car's shortcomings. There's also a bigger trunk, now rated at 480 litres.

À l'intérieur, on a eu droit à un habitacle de couleur beige : joli et élégant, ce n'est toutefois pas dans ma palette. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

Priced to go
The 2012 BMW 328i starts at $43,600 and comes well equipped with a power sunroof, an intelligent key, heated and power-adjustable front seats with driver-side memory, xenon headlights, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, iDrive, and a nine-speaker stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port.

Our test car included a bunch of option packages that added navigation, a rear view camera, a Harman/Kardon stereo, BMW Apps and Park Distance Control, totalling $51,100.

A base 320i starts at $35,900, while the well equipped and more powerful 328i costs $43,600. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

Competitors are numerous: Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Infiniti G37, and Volvo S60 to name a few.

Better than ever, the new 2012 3 Series remains one of our favourite luxury sport sedans, and raises the bar with more powerful engines that are also more fuel-efficient. Performance and low fuel consumption: that's what we call the best of both worlds.

From GMM

McLaren's 2013 car is being designed with Lewis Hamilton in mind, technical director Paddy Lowe has revealed.

Media speculation is rife that the team's 2008 world champion is on the verge of signing with Mercedes for next season.

But McLaren's Lowe on Wednesday sounded confident Hamilton will still be alongside Jenson Button in 2013.

"That's how we're working in terms of the design for next year," he said. "It is our assumption that they are the drivers who we will be fielding next year. We have two fantastic drivers in Lewis and Jenson and we are very keen to keep them."

But he also admitted that whether or not McLaren has to change a driver at relatively short notice is "not a huge issue" in terms of engineering and design.

Paddy Lowe, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

Hamilton, meanwhile, has played down suggestions his foul mood after winning last weekend's Italian grand prix was a sign he is set to quit McLaren.

"We buried my aunt that week, so she was constantly on my mind ... it has been a tough time for the family, and (I) just had a lot on my mind," he is quoted by Reuters.

"It was nothing to do with being unhappy. Trust me, I was happy," he added.

The stunning new 2013 Aston Martin DB9 will appear for the first time at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, which opens next week.

Combining the best elements of the outgoing Virage with a more powerful engine, the DB9 boasts a number of new features and key styling upgrades, including a redesigned front grille inspired from the One-77 supercar and a more pronounced rear spoiler to further enhance its aerodynamic performance.

The new Aston Martin DB9 houses a 6.0L V12 engine that produces 510 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. It sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 295 km/h.

Priced at US$185,400, the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 will begin deliveries this November.

Photo: Aston Martin

From Marussia

The Marussia F1 Team Thursday announced that Max Chilton has been elevated from the team's Young Driver Programme to the position of Formula 1 Reserve Driver with effect from the Grand Prix of Japan next month for the balance of the current F1 season.

The 21-year-old Briton from Surrey is having a third season in the GP2 Series this year, competing for the Marussia Carlin GP2 Team.

Max Chilton at Silverstone, during the Rookie days. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

As the Reserve Driver, Chilton will attend all of the remaining Grands Prix of the 2012 season, taking part in the engineering commitments and preparing to deputise for either race driver in the event that they are unable to race.

“In the role of our Reserve Driver for the rest of the 2012 season, Max will be exposed to the demands of competing in Formula 1 to the extent that he will be fully prepared to step into the MR01 should it be required,” said John Booth, Team Principal in a press release.

“Max has already driven the car at our Young Driver Test, so this is an opportunity for him to build on his experience of working with the engineers as well as the other demands placed on our drivers, including marketing activity. We look forward to having him on board as part of the Marussia F1 Team,” he added.

From GMM

The specific design of Red Bull's RB8 could be the reason behind its Magneti Marelli/Renault alternator failures, according to a report.

With team owner Dietrich Mateschitz calling on engine supplier Renault to dump its alternator partner Magneti Marelli, the Kolner Express tabloid said Adrian Newey's chassis design could be the real problem.

Although Renault also supplies engines to Lotus, Williams and Caterham, the lion's share of the alternator problems have been suffered by Red Bull.

Photo: WRi2

'Express' said the problem could be the narrow construction at the back of the RB8.

A source is quoted as saying: "In other Renault cars, the alternator works perfectly. For the problems encountered by Red Bull, something is failing due to an external influence, which leads to overheating."

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko said: "Unfortunately we don't know the exact reasons for the defects. But we are unable to influence it from the chassis side."

Audi has decided to contest the remaining races of the World Endurance Championship with two Audi R18 e-tron quattro hybrids, starting with the Six Hours of Bahrain.

The duo made of Tom Kristensen/Alan McNish will leave its R18 Ultra Diesel for a R18 e-tron. Their teammates and championship rivals Andre Lotterer, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Fassler have driven a R18 e-tron since the beinning of the season.

Lotterer, Treluyer and Fassler are currently leading the provisional standings with a 7.5-point advantage over Kristensen and McNish, with three races remaining in the WEC.

The Six Hours of Bahrain will be held Sunday September 29.

Audi already entered a pair of R18 e-tron quattros at Spa and at Le Mans. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

Adapted from GMM

A lot of things are said in the paddock of the Marina Bay street circuit of Singapore, home of this weekend's Formula 1 Grand Prix. And several rumours concern the driver changes.

Jaime Alguersuari
Thursday, Jaime Alguersuari hinted he is set to return to F1 in 2013. He told his over 100,000 Twitter followers on Thursday: "Soon you'll all know where I will be driving next year. Thank you all again."
It is rumoured Alguersuari has found sponsorship that could take him to Sauber.

Jaime Alguersuari, Pirelli test driver in 2012. (Photo: Pirelli)

Max Chilton
The new Marussia Reserve Driver is surely now the favourite to replace Charles Pic, should the well-funded Frenchman move as is strongly rumoured to Caterham next year.
Max Chilton is also well funded, with his father Grahame being the vice-chairman of the Aon insurance group and a big motor racing fan.

Sergio Pérez
The Mexican driver is said to be going to McLaren, should Lewis Hamilton leaves the British team at the end of the season.

Kimi Raikkonen
The Finn is another fancied contender for Hamilton's seat - should the Briton jump ship to Mercedes.
"You never know," Raikkonen smiled. "There are a lot of other nice things to do than F1. Right now we have options and we'll see what happens."

Nico Hulkenberg
Some think Force India's Nico Hulkenberg is the favourite to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari.
"There is a good chance I will be with Force India next year," said Hulkenberg, "but nothing has been announced yet."

Nico Hulkenberg, still with Sahara Force India in 2013? (Photo: WRi2)

Michael Schumacher
Whether Michael Schumacher stays at Mercedes AMG or goes somewhere else is regarded as a key to the entire 2013 driver market.

So what if there is no room for the seven time world champion at Mercedes AMG?
"I would take him immediately," Peter Sauber, whose Mercedes-backed sports car team provided the springboard for Schumacher's F1 career more than two decades ago, smiled to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

From GMM

Back on track after his Monza ban, Romain Grosjean has travelled to Singapore with a new coach, according to France's RMC Sport.

The report said Grosjean, who was banned by the FIA following the first corner crash at Spa and in the wake of a string of similar incidents in 2012, is now working with Benoit Campargue.

Fellow Frenchman Campargue, 47, is a former two-time European Judo champion who coaches the current heavyweight Olympic champion Teddy Riner.

According to other media reports, Grosjean met with Campargue and Riner on a visit to the London Olympics.

Grosjean and Campargue have also previously worked together at the Institut National du Sport de l'Expertise et de la Performance (INSEP).

RMC said Grosjean and Campargue arrived in Singapore together on Wednesday night.

Romain Grosjean, Lotus E20. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

In an effort to become greener and cleaner, the City of Montreal plans to replace 300 of its 700 vehicles with smaller, more fuel-efficient cars while increasing the use of biodiesel throughout its fleet. A simulator will also be used to help operators develop fuel-saving driving habits.

''By 2015, our administration will have taken several actions to further position Montreal as a leader in sustainable development,'' said Alain DeSousa, Vice-chairman in charge of sustainable development, the environment, parks and green spaces.

Similar to Vancouver, Montreal also plans to acquire 12 electric vehicles and assess their performance and dependability. Next year, a total of 161 hybrid buses and seven ''midibus'' vehicles will hit the streets as well.

The administration predicts that its entire fleet will be electrified by 2025.

Source: Ville de Montréal

While several people expected Qatar to acquire the Citroën World Rally Team for next season, it seems now that a new partnership would link the French make to Abu Dhabi.

As we explained in previous articles, several signs seemed to confirm that Qatar would be leaving the World Rally Championship at the end of the season, and the Rallye de France Alsace would be the last WRC event for Nasser Al-Attiyah.

Now it seems that Abu Dhabi would back the two works Citroën DS3s for the full WRC campaign next season.

The first car would be driven by Khalid Al Qassimi, who has contested several WRC events in the past seasons ina Ford Focus WRC ran by the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team. T

he second car would be driven by Thierry Neuville, who'd be promoted as a works driver of the Citroën Rally Team. Neuville is currently driving for the Citroen Junior team.

Jari-Matti Latvala aboard the Abu Dhabi Focus Ford in 2010. (Photo: WRC)

Sebastien Loeb would stop full time rallying but could contest selected WRC events in roder to help Citroen.

Loeb's currenbt teammate Mikko Hirvonen's future is quite unsure. He may move back to Ford, replacing Jari-Matti Latvala if the Finn joins Volkswagen, or Petter Solberg if the Norwegian joins Hyundai, which is developing an i20 WRC for 2013.

Hirvonen could also join Hyundai himself next year, as the vast experience of the current Citroën driver would be very helpful to the Korean car manufacturer.

The deal linking Citroën and Abu Dhabi -- which would run for the next five years -- could be announced at the Rallye de France Alsace, next round of the WRC.

From GMM

McLaren is confident it can get through this weekend in Singapore without a reliability problem.

While Lewis Hamilton won at Monza recently, Jenson Button would probably have finished second if not for a fuel system problem.

With the former world champion's title hopes seriously dented, the British team returned from Italy unsure what caused the failure.

"It was a problem that we haven't had before and it wasn't an easy one for us to identify," technical director Paddy Lowe said in the regular Vodafone teleconference on Wednesday.

"We have fortunately managed to identify the root cause and it was a problem with the fuel pump. It's something we have now completely covered for the remaining races."

Photo: McLaren

For its first-ever international auto show appearance, McLaren Automotive will preview its next-generation supercar in Paris.

Largely inspired from the company's racing division, the McLaren P1 is actually a design study. A production version will be introduced next year and put on sale within 12 months.

''The McLaren P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,'' says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. ''Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with the McLaren P1 is to redefine it once again.''

In terms of price and performance, the McLaren P1 will trump the 12C and 12C Spider, whose 625-horsepower engine achieves 0-100km/h sprints in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 328 km/h.

Photo: McLaren

Looking at Mitsubishi's current lineup of cars and trucks, one might wonder where the Japanese brand is heading. The Eclipse, Galant and Endeavour have been retired leaving the Lancer, RVR, Outlander and i-MiEV to support the entire North American market.


And their halo car, the Lancer Evolution, which is supposed to represent the pinnacle of the brand's potential, vision and styling direction is now in jeopardy. Can the aura of the mighty Evo convince people to buy an i-MiEV? Hardly.

However, with the introduction of the new Outlander plug-in hybrid, Mitsubishi is clearly heading in an environmentally friendly direction. And that's why the Lancer Evo is in troubled waters, because it's far from being green and doesn't represent the brand's future plans.

But boy, what a stupendously fast track beast!

145 hp per litre
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L 4-cylinder engine produces an impressive 291 hp, and an even more impressive 300 lb-ft of torque. The GSR trim gets a 5-speed manual transmission, while the MR gets a double-clutch 6-speed sequential with paddle shifters.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR blasts to 100 km/h in 6 seconds, but what's really amazing is the amount of available torque once the car is in motion. Passing power is incredible, and all of a sudden, you'll find yourself repeatedly slowing down and accelerating just for kicks.

You likely won't get a kick out of the 2012 Evo GSR's fuel consumption. Drive it like it begs to be driven and you'll average 15L/100 km. Eco-driving can lower that number to 12L/100km, at which point you'll wonder why you bought an Evo in the first place. You'll basically burn a 55-litre tank of gas in about 400 km, so you'll meet a lot of people at gas stations.

The Evo's turbo 2.0L engine develops 291 hp and 300 lb-ft. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Massive cornering grip
There's very little that can unsettle the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Its tenacious grip is great for when you feel like hitting the track. Thanks to a bunch of components such as an Active Centre Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Stability Control (ASC), and a helical limited-slip front differential, S-AWC is a full-time setup.

On slippery surfaces, the system can distribute engine torque up to 50:50 front/rear, and then split between the left and right wheels. There's also a rocker switch with three available traction modes, Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo never seems to lose traction -- ever. Here's a car with an all-wheel drive system as capable in the snow as on a racetrack.

On city streets, however, the ride is pretty rough. Scrubbing off speed is not a problem for the Evo, with Brembo ventilated disc brakes and four-piston calipers up front.

Its tenacious grip is great for when you feel like hitting the track. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Still got the looks
I tested a Lancer Evolution GSR back in 2008, and since then the car has been left virtually unchanged. It's not necessarily a bad thing, depending on how you look at the situation.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo has aggressiveness written all over it with its wide-mouth grille, its hood vents, its bulging fenders, its twin exhaust pipes and its rear wing. It all perfectly suits the mainstream Lancer's angry stance. Still, a nip and tuck over the years wouldn't have hurt, if only to make the car look newer than a 2008 model.

The same issue can be seen inside. Apart from a sportier wheel and silver accents, the dashboard also hasn't changed since the Lancer's 2007 redesign, and the overall appearance doesn't feel richer than what you'd find in a base $16K Lancer DE.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo does get super-supportive Recaro front seats, which feature heavy back and hip bolstering. Climbing in and out of them is somewhat of a hassle (although, you eventually get used to it), but boy, once you're in you ain't moving an inch even when you're in the middle of an apex.

Mitsubishi preferred weight distribution and structural rigidity over versatility; the rear seatback doesn't fold down, and truck space is reduced to 195 litres due to the relocation of the battery and washer fluid tank. Yes, you must top up the window juice in the trunk. Good luck, and carry a funnel.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo has aggressiveness written all over it with its wide-mouth grille and its hood vents. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Not cheap
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's turbo engine and trick AWD system don't come cheap as the GSR starts at $41,998 before taxes, freight and delivery charges. A Handling Package, which adds the MR trim's BBS alloy wheels, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, and Brembo two-piece brake rotors, can be had for an extra $3,000.

Competitors include the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, which is a little less expensive ($38,195 base price), slightly more powerful (305 hp) and just as capable. You could also consider the less-hardcore $39,675 Volkswagen Golf R, if they haven't all been sold yet.

The future of the Lancer Evolution is still unclear; rumours mention a new-generation model with a hybrid powertrain which would be interesting and fit better with Mitsubishi's greener philosophy. Right now, the Evo is a stupendously fast machine that's brilliant on a track and a little rough around the edges on the open road. If you're in the market for one, it might be wise to shop sooner rather than later.

Price is always the No. 1 consideration when it comes to buying anything. If money wasn't an issue, we'd all be driving Audis, wearing Armani and eating Kobe beef and caviar. Such is not the case.

As the winter season rapidly approaches, the questions are starting to roll in: “What winter tire should I buy?”

In order to partially counter the onslaught of queries, I've devised the following: A “best bang for the buck” line-up of winter tire suggestions.

It's very simple actually: If you want to spend as little as possible, a moderate amount or if price is no object, I've come up with the best picks for each price range. Actually, I consulted with my friends at Talon Tire, who are very well versed on the subject of winter tires.

As compact cars are very popular in Canada, I've selected the following P205/55R16 size as the yardstick. Keep in mind that these winter tire picks can be applied to most cars, minivans and crossover vehicles.

Here are the top 2012 winter tire picks (note: price is per tire):

Best cheap tire: $100-$150

Champiro IcePro or Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter

Both of these winter tires provide good to exceptional snow and slush traction. Both tires are studdable for added ice traction.

Champiro IcePro and Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter (Photo: Champiro and Goodyear)

Best moderately priced tire: $150-$200

Toyo Observe Garit KX or Continental Extreme Wintercontact

These winter tires offer heightened performance and overall snow and ice traction. They feature state-of-the-art compound technology.

Toyo Observe Garit KX and Continental Extreme Wintercontact (Photo: Toyo and Goodwrench)

Best tire: $200 +

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta R

This pair of winter tires is at the top of the winter-tire game. Their tread patterns are optimized for maximum snow, slush and water channeling, providing the best possible grip in all conditions.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R (Photo: Bridgestone and Nokian)

From GMM

Former F1 driver Cristiano da Matta has slammed well-known F1 engineer Mike Gascoyne.

In 2003, Gascoyne - who currently heads the technical side at Caterham - joined the now-defunct Toyota outfit, whose driver at the time was Brazilian da Matta.

Before the end of the following season, Cristiano da Matta - who subsequently returned to American open wheel racing and was seriously injured in a 2006 Champ Car crash - was ousted.

Cristiano da Matta, 2002. (Photo: Toyota)

So how did da Matta's F1 career really end?

"I don't know if I can say this," the 39-year-old told Brazil's Totalrace, "but in the end the big problem was Mike Gascoyne. He joined the team earning a lot (of money), but every new thing he did, we just got worse, not better."

History recounts that Toyota ousted da Matta not only for a lack of performance, but because he was verbally critical of the car's technical direction.

Mike Gascoyne, Technical Director of Caterham. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

Mike Gascoyne also split with Toyota, early in 2006, reportedly due to technical differences with the former Cologne based team.

"Now comes the gossip," da Matta continued. "In 2005, when I had returned to Indy, I was in Long Beach and I saw a guy wearing a Toyota shirt. I thought, 'What is this guy doing here?' He came to me and said, 'Da Matta-San. I'm here on behalf of Toyota. The things you said in the past were right'. I told him I was happy even if the news had come late, but that I liked the respect that he had for my work."

Spanish Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, already a two-time World Champion, said during a promotional event for Shell in Singapore that McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton is probably is main rival in the title chase.

Ferrari's Alonso is currently first in the point standings with 179 points with Hamilton in second place with 142.

“There are many teams that are strong and are still contenders, with maybe five or six drivers that can fight for the title,” Alonso said in an interview posted on the Ferrari web site.

“Lewis (Hamilton) is second at the moment and since February, we have said that he is the one that probably I respect the most, because we know what he can do in good cars or bad cars,” he added.

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) chasing Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) at Montreal. (Photo: WRi2)

“McLaren has won the last three races and so they are the favourites here as well. Hopefully we can stop their dominance: we have brought some new parts for the car and are optimistic that we can do well here and at the next two or three Grands Prix. We need to see how we perform on Friday, but our aim is to fight for pole and the win in this race. We were competitive in Monaco and Canada, which are similar circuits and so we are optimistic. We know how important is pole position here,” Alonso indicated.

Robert Kubica, a close friend of Alonso, recently made a winning return to competition, driving a Subaru Impreza WRC in an Italian rally. Could the Pole be back in F1 one day?

“I have known Robert since he was 12 years old and he is a nice guy and a very talented driver,” said Alonso.

“It was good that he has been able to drive in a rally, but if he wants to be back in Formula 1, he can't just leave hospital and start. You need practice and you need to “wake-up” your driving skills and start a training routine physically and also mentally, as you need to become again a professional driver in your head. Driving in that rally was part of this process,” the Ferrari driver explained.

Nine time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi will run the 5th round of the Blancpain Endurance Series presented this week end at the Nürburgring.

The Italian rider will drive a Kessel Racing's Ferrari F458. In April, Rossi was already at the start of the Blancpain opening round in Monza, where he classified 18th overall, and 8th in Pro Am classification.

Photo: Kessel Racing