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From GMM

Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive of Renault, said he does not regret keeping the Paris-based carmaker in formula one.

Renault no longer owns and runs its own team, but amid the manufacturer exodus of a few years ago, the marque chose to stay on the grid as an engine supplier.

"We are involved and we want to stay, definitely," Ghosn said at the Paris motor show.

Carlos Ghosn at the 2012 Paris motor show. (Photo: Renault)

"We made the right decision around 2008-2009, when many others like Toyota, Honda and BMW left completely. We stayed," he is quoted by the Russian website f1news.ru. "We supply engines to a team (Red Bull) that has already won two titles and still leads this constructors' championship."

Renault Sport F1 also supplies customer engines to Lotus, Williams and Caterham, and is actively developing a V6 unit for the new rules in 2014.

"We will stay in formula one -- we have a lot of obligations," said Ghosn.

Renault and Red Bull Racing agreed to a technical partnership in F1. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Meanwhile, Ghosn said he "understands" the French government's decision to refuse financial support to grand prix projects proposed by Paul Ricard and Magny Cours.

"In the current situation it is necessary to use the budget for primary needs," he said.

A meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) took place Friday September 29 in Paris and the 2013 calendar of the 2013 Formula 1 championship was approved.

In a press release, Jean Todt, the President of the FIA confirmed that positive and constructive discussions continue with regard to the new Concorde Agreement and it is anticipated a contract will be signed by the end of October.

Following a fax vote by the Technical Working Group, the 2013 Sporting and Technical Regulations were approved by the WMSC.

The 2013 FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar is confirmed as follows:

17/03 AUS Grand Prix of Australia
24/03 MYS Grand Prix of Malaysia
14/04 CHN Grand Prix of China
21/04 BHR Grand Prix of Bahrain
12/05 ESP Grand Prix of Spain (Barcelona)
26/05 MCO Grand Prix of Monaco
09/06 CAN Grand Prix of Canada
16/06 USA Grand Prix of Jersey (New York) *
30/06 GBR Grand Prix of Great Britain
14/07 DEU Grand Prix of Germany
28/07 HUN Grand Prix of Hungary
25/08 BEL Grand Prix of Belgium
08/09 ITA Grand Prix of Italy
22/09 SGP Grand Prix of Singapore
06/10 KOR Grand Prix of Korea
13/10 JPN Grand Prix of Japan
27/10 IND Grand Prix of India
03/11 ARE Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi
17/11 USA Grand Prix of USA (Austin)
24/11 BRA Grand Prix of Brazil

* To Be Confirmed

From press release

Takuma Sato will make his sports prototype debut with OAK Racing at the FIA World Endurance Championship rounds in Asia this October when the team returns to the LMP1 class following its switch to Honda Performance Development engines.

And the 35-year-old former Formula 1 driver has now been lined up to contest the WEC's final two rounds at Fuji (13/14 October) and Shanghai (27/28) aboard the Onroak Automotive designed and built No. 15 OAK/Pescarolo LMP1, which is now powered by HPD's proven AR6-LMV8 powerplant.

Photo: OAK Racing

The team's regular LMP1 drivers Bertrand Baguette and Dominik Kraihamer will also return to the car's cockpit alongside Sato in Asia.

Sato drove the car during a shakedown at Magny-Cours circuit in France Thursday where the new HPD engine and OAK LMP1 chassis were tested together for the first time.

A further full day of running is scheduled for Friday when Sato will have more time to familiarise himself with the car.

The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile has released the calendar of the 2013 World Endurance Championship.

Next year's calendar features eight events, with some notable changes such as the exit of the 12 Hours of Sebring, which usually opened the season.

The Sebring event will move under the Grand-Am umbrella, and the season will now start at Silverstone on April 14. The US raqce will be staged on the brand new Circuit of the Americas in September.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans will still be the highlight of the season, and will take place June 22-23.

The season will end in Bahrain November 30 , the event has been moved in order to provide lowest temperatures (the 2012 Bahrain race is ran this week end).

Audi and Toyota will finally fight at Spa-Francorchamps, in May 2013. (Photo: Toyota)

2013 World Endurance Championship calendar:

14 April - Round 1 - 6 Hours of Silverstone GBR

04 May - Round 2 - WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps BEL

22/23 June - Round 3 - 24 Heures du Mans FRA

24 August - Round 4 - 6 Hours of Sao Paulo BRA

22 September - Round 5 - 6 Hours of Austin * USA

20 October - Round 6 - 6 Hours of Fuji JPN

10 November - Round 7 - 6 Hours of Shanghai * CHN

30 November - Round 8 - 6 Hours of Bahrain BAH

*to be confirmed

In addition to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive and smart BRABUS Electric Drive, visitors at the 2012 Paris Auto Show can see the premiere of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Concept, due for market launch in 2014.

The B-Class Natural Gas Drive and the new A-Class, which is already proving extremely popular across the pond, are on display as well.

“Electric cars are a significant component of our strategy for sustainable mobility,” says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler AG board member in charge of research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development.

The B-Class Electric Drive Concept uses a 100 kW electric motor and provides a range of 200 kilometres, while the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is equipped with four electric motors generating a total of 552 kW and delivering 0-100km/h sprints in just 3.9 seconds. That makes it the fastest electric-drive production vehicle in the world.

As for the tiny A-Class, Mercedes-Benz has taken around 70,000 pre-orders in Western Europe alone. More than 700,000 visitors took part in the market premiere - the most successful experienced by the German brand to date.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

From WRC

Sebastien Loeb's desire to keep driving meant he ruled out stopping altogether after he confirmed a reduced schedule of FIA World Rally Championship events in 2013.

Loeb, who can win a ninth WRC drivers' crown on Rallye de France Alsace next week, will only contest a partial WRC campaign with the factory Citroen team next year as it works towards a possible FIA World Touring Car Championship programme from 2014 with Loeb potentially at the wheel of one of its challengers.

Sebastien Loeb, Citroen. (Photo: WRC)

Speaking at the Paris Motor Show yesterday, Loeb said: “On the one hand I thought about calming things down and stopping, but on the other hand I didn't want to feel like I was retired. So now we have a new challenge and a different style of driving, about which myself and Citroen still have a lot to learn, and that is very exciting.”

Of his decision to reduce his WRC schedule, the 38-year-old added: “The driving bit is the strongest part of rallying: in terms of the sensations you feel and the way you have to improvise with the car. But then again I've been there for a number of years and won everything. Now there is the opportunity of a new project with Citroen, who I've won everything together with in rallying, and that is the ideal solution.”

From press release

The Mercedes AMG team announces a three-year agreement with Lewis Hamilton, from the 2013 season.

Lewis is one of four drivers, along with Juan Manuel Fangio, Mika Häkkinen and Jenson Button, to have won the Formula One world championship with Mercedes-Benz power. With 20 Formula One victories, he is equal with Mika Häkkinen as the most successful Mercedes-Benz Formula One driver.

The recruitment of the 2008 world champion marks the start of a new chapter for the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Lewis will replace Michael Schumacher, who has contributed significantly to the development of the Silver Arrows works team over the past three years.

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) fighting at Monza in 2011 with Michael Schumacher (Mercedes). (Photo: WRi2)

In parallel, Mercedes-Benz has put in place the right technical structure and given the team in Brackley and Brixworth the tools it needs to achieve long-term, durable success in Formula One. In the near future, three-time world champion Niki Lauda will also bring his extensive experience to the role of non-executive chairman of the team's board of directors, further reinforcing the strength in depth at MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS.

Michael Schumacher
“I have had three nice years with the team which unfortunately did not go as well as we all would have wanted on the sporting side. I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve the success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment. I will now concentrate on the next races.”

Lewis Hamilton
“It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share.
“Together, we can grow and rise to this new challenge. I believe that I can help steer the Silver Arrows to the top and achieve our joint ambitions of winning the world championships.”

One podium until now for Michael Schumacher with Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

Ross Brawn, Team Principal
"On behalf of MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, I would first of all like to thank Michael Schumacher for the important contribution he has made to the growth of our team over the past three seasons. His energy and commitment have never wavered, even when results have not matched our own expectations, and we are determined to finish the 2012 season together on a high. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Michael. 

"Looking ahead to 2013, I am delighted to welcome Lewis Hamilton to our team. The arrival of a driver of Lewis' calibre is a testament to the standing of Mercedes-Benz in Formula One and I am proud that Lewis shares our vision and ambition for the success of the Silver Arrows."

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
"Mercedes-Benz has supported Lewis throughout his career, from karting, to Formula 3, to our successful partnership with McLaren, and it will be a very nice moment for all of us in the team to see him at the wheel of a works Silver Arrow next season, following in the tradition of British Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix drivers Sir Stirling Moss and Richard Seaman.

"Of course, it takes a great driver to replace such a legendary and successful one as Michael Schumacher. Over the past three years, Michael has been a great driver and an exemplary ambassador for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS. His experience has been an important factor in guiding the development of our team in Brackley and we extend our sincere thanks to Michael for his loyalty, team play and commitment. We will be working very hard together in order to achieve the best possible results in the remainder of the 2012 season."

The Auto123.com team is delighted to announce that it will once again be competing in the Rallye international vert de Montréal, from September 28th through September 30th behind the wheel of a 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

Last year, Auto123.com teamed up with Porsche for the first time, piloting the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and managed an 11th place finish after the weekend was up.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

The event, unique in North America, is part of the FIA's international Alternative Energies Cup, which has been held for the last six years in 10 countries on four continents.

Olivier Delorme and Emilie Asselin-Mercier (covering the event for Auto-Venus.com) will join forces and represent our team for the 600-km event where precision is key.

The Porsche Panamera S Hybrid will be up against some pretty stiff competition against the likes of the Toyota Prius Plug-in (as well as the Prius c), Lexus CT 200h -- both winners in the 2011 Rallye international vert de Montreal -- Mitsubishi i-MiEV and even propane-driven GMC Sierras and an F-150.

Registered vehicles will be split into several classes including hybrids, EVs, biofuel and diesel, as well as weight categories (car, SUV, truck, prototype, etc.).

Photo: Philippe Champoux

The event starts the evening of Friday, September 28th as companies like Add Energie, Hydro Quebec and Circuit Electrique host booths on McGill College in downtown Montreal. When the rally begins on September 29th, there will be three circuits per day, each approximately 60km in length, for the drivers to complete with strict restrictions and rules to follow. McGill College Avenue will serve as both the start and finish line throughout the weekend.

Throughout the weekend, Auto123.com will publish updates of the rally experience, and the results of the rally will be posted early next week. Stay tuned for the trials and tribulations of Olivier and Emelie as they embark on their Green Rally adventure, and follow them on Twitter throughout the weekend!

Émilie Asselin-Mercier: @autovenus

Olivier Delorme: @odelorme

Miguel Molina (Audi) set the best performance in the first free practice session in Valencia, Round 9 of the 2012 DTM championship.

This first session was held in the rain.

Miguel Molina, Aiudi (photo: dtm.com)

The Spaniard set his best lap in 1m37'.547 ahead of his teammate Timo Scheider and Augusto Farfus' BMW.

The best Mercedes driver was Ralf Schumacher who was classified 5th, 1.2 seconds slower than Molina.

Concerning the title contenders, Canadian Bruno Spengler (BMW) was in the best position, as he ranked 8th overall, 1.6 seconds down to Molina.

Mercedes drivers Gary Paffett and Jamie Green had a difficult practice session, taking 17th and 19th position, respectively.

From press release

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team officially names Jenson Button and Sergio Perez as the new driver line-up, starting in 2013.

The up-and-coming Mexicain already scored three podiums this season and has been signed by the Woking team on a multi-year contract.

Sergio Perez leaves Team Sauber for McLaren. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

"I'm thrilled and delighted to have become a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver," said Sergio Perez. "The McLaren name is one of the greatest in the history of Formula One. For more than 40 years McLaren has been a team that every racing driver has aspired to drive for - I was brought up on the great stories of Ayrton Senna's many world championship triumphs for McLaren - and I'm truly honoured that they've chosen me to partner Jenson from 2013 onwards."

"I've spent the 2012 season working very hard to demonstrate my potential, but I've always remained humble and focused. I am, and always will be, extremely grateful to Peter [Sauber] and everybody at the Sauber Formula One team for their belief in me, and for giving me the chance to race in Formula One. I'm under no illusion that it is indeed a very big step - as it would be for any driver - but I'm ready for it."

"I'd like to thank Carlos Slim Jr, who has helped me since I was 14 years old, without whom I wouldn't be where I am today... Finally, I'd like to thank my beloved family, who've encouraged me at every turn, and last but far from least the people of Mexico, my home country, whose magnificent support I'll do my very best to reward with future successes with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes."

Martin Whitmarsh will no more supervise Lewis Hamilton's qualifying. (Photo: McLaren)

Martin Whitmarsh (Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes) said: “On behalf of everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, I'm delighted to welcome Sergio on board. His performances throughout 2012 have convinced us that he's an extremely exciting prospect for the future.

“It was a string of giant-killing performances, a trio of podiums and a brilliant fastest lap in this year's Monaco Grand Prix that showed us that Sergio lacks nothing in terms of speed and commitment. We've been monitoring his progress carefully for some months - and, now that he's become part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, our task will be to refine and develop his abilities as his career progresses over the coming years. He's perfectly poised to develop into a world championship challenger."

“Finally, it's entirely appropriate that I should take this opportunity to pass on our thanks to Lewis [Hamilton]. He wrote a huge chapter of his life and career with us, and was, and always will be, a fine member of an exclusive club: the McLaren world champions' club.

“It goes without saying that we all wish him well for the future, just as it also goes without saying that we hope and believe that Sergio, too, will become a member of that exclusive club before too long.”

Morten Lundal (Group Chief Commercial Officer, Vodafone) said: “On behalf of all at Vodafone, I'd like to say how pleased we are that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has signed Sergio to a multi-year deal. We look forward to enjoying success with Sergio and McLaren.”

As fuel prices and environmental concerns reach an all-time high, automakers are striving to launch more efficient vehicles and technologies, including hybrids and electric cars. Transit companies are no different, as evidenced by the plug-in electric bus prototype that Nova Bus unveiled yesterday.

More importantly, it was entirely designed and produced in Quebec!

''The government of Quebec is developing a strategy to drive the manufacturing industry and we believe that one of the ways to succeed is to bank on clean energies,'' said Élaine Zakaïb, Minister for Industrial Policy and the Economic Development Bank of Quebec, who attended the launch.

Photo: Nova Bus

The Nova Bus electric bus prototype offers a range of 120 kilometres with a full charge of four hours - numbers that could improve as the project evolves. And thanks to the flexibility of the electric drive system, passenger room is maximized.

The goal of Consortium Bus électrique - Projet 1, which involves Nova Bus along with several key partners such as TM4, Bathium, Précicad, René Matériaux composites, and Giro, is to put a demo vehicle on the streets as early as 2014.

Photo: Nova Bus

Structures CPI, Infodev, and Styl&Tech, which are part of Consortium Bus Électrique - Projet 2, are currently working on an electric microbus entirely made of aluminum for suburban transit and touring.

In order to carry out these two projects, hundreds of employees from more than 35 companies across the province will participate.

Nova Bus is confident of delivering a 100% domestic, 100% electric mobility solution for Quebec's transit agencies in the short term.

DesignLine, based in the U.S., launched its own electric bus in 2007; however, it has yet to be certified by Transport Canada. Still, vehicles like these are one more step in the right direction.

Sources: Nova Bus

Unionized workers at General Motors' Canadian operations voted in favor of a four-year labor agreement with the company, the Canadian Auto Workers union said. The union said 73 percent of the GM workers who voted backed the deal.

Unionized workers at General Motors' Canadian operations voted in favor of a four-year labor agreement with the company, the Canadian Auto Workers union said. The union said 73 percent of the GM workers who voted backed the deal.

Chrysler is pulling out all the stops for this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas.

General Motors CFO Daniel Ammann, who advised the automaker on the eve of its 2009 bankruptcy while working as a Morgan Stanley banker, testified that he didn't know at the time that the bank sat on the other side of a deal he was negotiating.

General Motors CFO Daniel Ammann, who advised the automaker on the eve of its 2009 bankruptcy while working as a Morgan Stanley banker, said a lawsuit over some Canadian notes may harm the company by as much as $918 million, or 50 cents a share.

Ferrari brought its entire model lineup to the Paris motor show, but the bare carbon-fiber chassis set to underpin the

Opel/Vauxhall expects to sell 200,000 fewer vehicles this year, ahead of an even tougher market in 2013, Opel's sales chief Alfred Rieck told Reuters on Thursday. Last year, the carmaker sold 1.

Opel/Vauxhall expects to sell 200,000 fewer vehicles this year, ahead of an even tougher market in 2013, Opel sales chief Alfred Rieck said. Last year, the carmaker sold 1.21 million cars and light commercial vehicles.

The Mexican unit of Nissan expects its 2012 vehicle production to rise by 20 percent to 25 percent. Nissan produced 607,087 units in Mexico last year, becoming the largest car maker in Latin America's second-biggest economy.