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From GMM

Fernando Alonso insists Ferrari must plan to win more grands prix in 2012 if it wants to win the title.

The Spaniard said recently it might be possible for him to defend his 37 point lead in the drivers' chase simply by remaining on the podium at the remaining races of the season.

But he said during a media event in Spain this week: "Managing this points gap is going to be hard, because I think everyone is going to be on the attack. The whole situation can change in one race that goes wrong. So we have to keep developing, working hard, trying to win races. We can't be thinking about being fourth or fifth, or doing podiums, or how to manage (the points gap), we have to be thinking of winning races."

"37 points is nothing," he insisted.

Photo: Ferrari

Fernando Alonso said Ferrari is bringing developments to the F2012 package not only next weekend in Singapore, but also the subsequent races in Japan and Korea.

The 31-year-old was, however, reluctant to talk about the future, even when asked what his relationship is like with Sergio Perez.

Reports had linked the young Mexican with a move to Ferrari next year.

"I have nothing to say, especially in response to a report or a newspaper. The relationship (with Perez) is great, as it is with everyone else," said Fernando Alonso.

Canadian stock-car driver Maryeve Dufault will be back in action this week-end for the presentation of the ARCA Racing Series event in Salem, Indiana.

For Dufault, this coming race will be only the second one, after Pocono earlier this summer, in which she has participated this year. Last year, she took part in most of the ARCA schedule for Tony Marks Racing.

For this event, she will drive the No.04 Dodge owned by Carter 2 Motorsports.

Maryeve Dufault. (Photo: ARCA)

As gas prices continue to skyrocket, instead of complaining and wasting dollars at the pump, it's time we thought about how we can make the gas in our tanks last a little bit longer. Forget about going out and buying a brand new EV (you don't really want to do that, do you?), and don't even thinking about switching to public transit or a dreade bicycle; instead, here are some top hypermiler tips to keep your fuel levels high (as well as your street cred) for longer.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com

First off, what is hypermiling? It's a term that emerged a few years ago when gas was blissfully inching up to a $1/litre. Ah, those were the days. But those days instilled fear in the hearts of drivers everywhere, and special brand of vehicle owners emerged: hypermilers. This special breed of drivers squeeze as many miles out of a single tank of gas as they can. They use techniques that some may find extreme, others plain old boring. But they are techniques we can all learn from to become more fuel-efficient drivers.

Driving barefoot to better "feel" your throttle; only picking up cargo at higher elevations; pushing your car out of the garage or down a small incline before starting it; and circling a parking lot till you come to a stop in a parking space without using your brakes are all a bit extreme (and are also all valid hypermiler tips), but they aren't the only ways you can save a bit at the pumps.

Here are a few less-extreme (dare I say, cool?) hypermiler tips you can use on a daily basis to keep some extra cash in your pocket:

Don't be afraid to coast: As kids we're always told to drive forward, keep momentum and never stop. We're urged to soldier forward and keep on truckin'. God forbid we sit idly by and coast from destination to destination. Well, this tip means throwing all that childhood advice out the sunroof. If you're heading to a stop light or sign, or down a hill, consider popping your car into neutral and coasting to a stop. It's not hard to do and over time the gas mileage will add up.

Corridor Effect: This is a coined hypermiler technique that involves using your fellow motorists to aid in your quest for better gas mileage. It's not quite drafting (and we'll get to that in a moment), but it is using the flow of traffic to help you along. Basically, if you stick to a group on the highway, you're less likely to encounter wind resistance like you would driving solo. So, stop being antisocial and stick to a pack.


Drafting: This hypermiler technique is often poo-pooed on most gas-saving websites. Why? Because it can definitely be dangerous if left to the wrong driver and in the wrong circumstance. It has been proven that drafting a larger vehicle on the road (think RV, 18-wheeler) can increase your gas mileage over long stretches of road. However, to achieve said result you really do have to tailgate like the best of the douches. It is not the most pleasant hypermiler technique out there, but if you feel like being one of "those" guys, then go right ahead. Just make sure you pay attention to traffic changes and your drafter's rear lights.

Find a better route: In general, this hypermiler tip may also save your sanity. Instead of taking the same clogged, traffic-laden roads every day, do a bit of research and see if you can hit up a few back roads to save on time and gas. You may even discover a new coffee stop on the way (which could essentially defeat the gas-money savings, but who's counting when caffeine is involved?).

Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com

Crosswind barriers: This hypermiler technique kind of ties into the idea of drafting. It's all about wind resistance, and you'll want to choose the path of least resistance. So, aim for roads lined with trees or buildings. They do the job of blocking crosswinds, therefore giving you and your gas-saving vehicle a clear path to gas-saving super stardom.

Of course, these aren't the only tips and tricks you can use. From ensuring your oil is changed regularly to checking your tire pressure often, there are also maintenance tips you should adhere to keep your vehicle healthy and less likely to guzzle gas. Use cruise control when you can on the highway and consider turning your car off before you put it in park as this will save your engine turning over. But remember to put it into park (or neutral in the case of a manual transmission) once the engine is off, or you won't be turning your car on again after (or worse).

Saving money at the pumps really is on everyone's minds these days. And if walking, biking or hopping on the bus just isn't an option for you, then consider these hypermiler techniques to save you a few bucks at the pump. We promise not to call you granola.

From GMM

Charles Pic's management is reportedly shopping around for a better car for the French rookie.

Pic, 22, has had a solid formula one debut this season alongside the experienced Timo Glock, but their 2012 Marussia single seater is among the very slowest in the field.

Charles Pic made his debut this year with the substantial backing of the family business Groupe Charles Andre, a leading European transport company.

"There is the technical help from McLaren," he is quoted by Le Dauphine Libere, "but it takes time to develop a young team like Marussia."

Pic said he is "happy" with the first half-season of his F1 career, having set the target of getting close to the pace of his teammate Glock "as soon as possible".

Charles Pic working with his engineer. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

According to paddock rumours, the next step could be a move to a faster team.

French broadcaster TF1 last week mentioned Caterham as one possibility for 2013, given Vitaly Petrov's reported funding problems.

Another rumour is that Sauber could be an option for Pic.

Asked about the speculation, Pic answered: "I'm focused on what I have to do to get out 100 per cent of the potential of my car. Of course it (the future) is open, and Olivier Panis and Didier Coton, who take care of me, are talking with teams, but that's normal at this stage of the season."

"We'll see," he added.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has backed Lewis Hamilton as the 2008 world champion considers leaving McLaren at the end of the season.

After just a single season alongside then-rookie Hamilton in 2007, Spaniard Alonso left the British team.

This week during a media event in Spain, the now Ferrari driver said leaving McLaren "was the best decision of my life".

"So if Hamilton is also evaluating that option, I don't see why anyone should say it (Hamilton leaving) is not possible. McLaren is a great team, but they won the world championship in 2008 only at the last corner of the last race. If we remove that title, you have to go back a long way to find another one," added Alonso.

Alonso and Hamilton clashed infamously as teammates in 2007, but it is clear the pair now have a great respect for one another.

Alonso confirmed: "I have said he is the only one capable of winning without having the best car. The others win if the car is good, and when it is not (good), they do not (win)."

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

From GMM

Amid all the hype about Lewis Hamilton's supposed move to Mercedes, the German squad appears to be preparing to extend Michael Schumacher's career.

The major German daily Bild said 43-year-old Schumacher's negotiations about 2013 and beyond are now "in full swing".

The report claims Mercedes AMG is offering the seven time world champion a new contract for 2013, while Schumacher is apparently pushing for a unilateral option that would allow him to decide to keep racing in 2014 as well.

The carmaker's motor racing president Norbert Haug said: "There is still no decision. We are continuing to negotiate."

Michael Schumacher, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

With Nico Rosberg already under contract for 2013, a new deal for Schumacher would appear to lock out McLaren's Hamilton, who according to Bild is demanding EUR 25 million per year from his next employer.

But Rosberg's name has also been connected with McLaren in recent days, raising the prospect of a Schumacher-Hamilton driver lineup at Mercedes in 2013.

Mercedes engines might also be playing a big role in the whole affair.

With former works partner McLaren now needing to pay the Stuttgart manufacturer for its power units, a cartoon at motorsport-magazin.com depicted Haug telling Martin Whitmarsh: "Kein Lewis, Keine motoren" (No Lewis, no engines).

From GMM

Ross Brawn has revealed he is not planning to retire for at least a few more years.

The 57-year-old, who soared to success in past decades as a leading engineer at Benetton and Ferrari, is now the team boss at Mercedes, three years after selling the title-winning 'Brawn GP' outfit in 2009.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

And amid rumours Lewis Hamilton could switch to the Brackley based camp for 2013, Brawn has told the Daily Mail he is not going anywhere for now.

"I am not planning to retire at the moment," he said.

Also being reported at present is that Michael Schumacher could be close to signing a new at least one-year contract extension for 2013.

Brawn said he is motivated by F1's switch to radical new engine rules in 2014.

"I am very excited about this 2014 engine programme," he said. "I think it is quite a game-changer in F1. I still have a strong engineering passion, so having such a different engine and different package in 2014 is exciting and developing the team is exciting. For how long, who knows? But I have no interest in stopping in the near future."

I am darn glad that the GMC Sierra Crew Cab 4X4 Short Box showed up when it did and I'm even happier that it came with a drop-in bedliner. Anything after that was gravy! The reason for all the joy was that my son was finally coming to get the rest of his stuff after moving out.

The only drawback to using this Sierra 1500 as a moving truck was the fact that it had a short box. Some of the furniture didn't fit as well as it could have. Mind you, the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 would have the same issues. On the other hand, it wasn't hard to tie everything down. All we had to do was pop the covers off the corner tie-down hoops and use a few knots that my son hadn't seen since cubs and scouts.


Interior
The back seat came into service for passengers on one trip, and for that it was excellent. The seatback was adjustable for rake and the seat cushion was long enough to provide leg and thigh support. Foot space was very good.

On the second round, I folded the back seat down out of the way and loaded four or five two-cubic-foot boxes in. They stacked up quite well and made the trip to my son's place without issue.

Up front, heated seats may be available, but they weren't installed on my cloth-seated tester. That didn't stop the bucket seat from being very comfortable over a wide range of roads, with the ability to provide good lateral and lumbar support without being restrictive.

One area where the 2012 Sierra 1500 shines is that just about every control is large enough to be worked with gloves on. Someone has finally figured out that controls need to be used even when it is real cold out. Still on the large front, both the tach and speedometer are big enough to be easily seen, even in direct sunlight.

One area where the 2012 Sierra 1500 shines is that just about every control is large enough to be worked with gloves on. (Photo: General Motors)

Getting In
Being able to enjoy all the creature comforts offered was a bit of work. Running boards are optional and the driver's side does not have an entry assist handle. The only item close enough to provide an assist for that giant leap was the steering wheel.

Once firmly in place, you can drive away in comfort. Front-seat passengers have a much easier time since there is a handle for them to grab onto to get in.

On the road
Suspension upgrades are pretty much a necessity if you go far off pavement. GMC has a couple of different packages that tend to build on each other. Some competitors such as the Toyota Tundra and the Nissan Titan make their heavier-duty suspension packages part of trim packages.

With the Sierra, the basic building block is the Z71 off-road suspension which includes a locking differential, larger diameter monotube shocks and a larger sway bar. If you need more, it is available, but this covers the basics and does a good job of getting engine power to the ground when needed.

The 5.3L V8, which develops 315 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, got the job done quite nicely and this is where you need to pay attention to the order sheet because there are several engines that can be ordered. In the Crew Cab 4X4 version, a 302-hp 4.8L V8 is standard and a 403-hp 6.2L V8 is also optional.

Driving in town was no big deal because just about everyone knows what trucks are like and that they take up space, so other drivers tend to give you the room you need. Parking is the only issue since many parallel spaces are about the same length as the truck.

Angle spaces seem to be easier to get in and out of, mall spaces are usually long enough, but a bit on the narrow side. Parallel parking requires practice and longer spaces than the average city provides.

With the Sierra, the basic building block is the Z71 off-road suspension which includes a locking differential, larger diameter monotube shocks and a larger sway bar. (Photo: General Motors)

Market Position
GMC positions the SLE trim as a bit upmarket from the entry-level work truck, although it does still have a “truck interior.” To get into the lap of luxury, you have to step up to the SLT or Denali trim levels. My SLE Crew Cab 4X4 tester with the short box starts at $39,935.

Following GMC's declaration that Sierra is a “Professional Grade Truck,” the option list of individual items for each trim level is long, as is the list of packages available. Adding “packages” is often the best way to get the truck you want, but you do have a choice and you can really tailor the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 for what you want it to do.

Team Toyota was fastest in the first free practice sessions ahead of the Sao Paulo Six Hours, fifth round of the World Endurance Championship.

Nicolas Lapierre set the fastest time aboard his TS030 Hybrid LMP1 prototype, with a lap in 1'23''272.

The frenchman was quicker than his team mate Alex Wurz, who will share the car with him during the race, alongside Kazuki Nakajima.

Photo: Toyota Motorsports

Newcomer Luca di Grassi, who replaces Dindo Capello in the Audi R18 Ultra prototype, set the third best performance. The former F1 driver will make its prototye debuts alongside Alan McNish and Tom Kristensen.

LMP2 class was dominated by Olivier Lombard's Oreca-Nissan Signatech. The Aston Martin Vantage driven by Darren Turner was the quickest of the GTE cars.

BMW is breaking from its illustrious tradition of longitudinally mounted engines with the unveiling of a plug-in hybrid prototype.

A safety recall for 1,491 2004-2006 Gallardo coupes and spyders was handed down by

Toyota and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute are teaming up to conduct a study on teen driver distraction -- one of the first to include driving behaviors of parents and teens in the same family.

Ally Financial CEO Michael Carpenter has joined the board of directors of Autobytel, an online auto shopping service and lead provider. Carpenter also will become a member of the company's audit committee, Autobytel said in a statement today.

A union boss at Ford's factory in Genk, Belgium, said he failed to win assurances about the plant's future from the automaker's European management.

Three auto suppliers today unveiled a partnership that they say will develop a more efficient type of transmission technology that could be well-suited for electric vehicles while achieving fuel savings in gasoline-powered passenger vehicles and...

The 2013 Buick Enclave SUV will sticker for $39,270 including $825 for destination and handling.

Also in this episode: The Ford police interceptor gets a new engine, and we mourn

Average used-vehicle prices will fall 4 to 5 percent over the next 12 months, according to ALG's Industry Report released today.

The Mini Paceman will become the seventh vehicle in Mini's lineup when it debuts at the Paris auto show later this month. It rides on the same platform as the Mini

Global economic waters are far from calm, but Ferrari has managed to steer clear of the turmoil.