Auto News 5

There are no premium brands any more, just rivals. That's the view of Ford of Europe's newly appointed head of quality, Gunnar Herrmann, who is working to try to close the gap against Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. "Take BMW.

After trailing General Motors in China for eight years, Volkswagen edged ahead in third-quarter sales, putting it one step closer to its goal of becoming the world's biggest automaker.

French newspaper Le Figaro Thursday published an aticle that says that the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet now has definite chances of staging a Grand Prix of France in 2013.

Stephane Clair, the director of the circuit is quoted saying that arrival of new investors in the project could mean that the final approval for the race would be given before the end of November.

Clair made it clear however that this is not a consequence of the Grand Prix of New Jersey being apparently pushed back one year to 2014. The potential French Grand Prix would not take the place of the New Jersey event.

Photo: WRi2

The new French governement made it also clear that it would not invest any public money in the F1 race. For that reason, Clair and the officials of the Paul Ricard circuit had to find money somewhre else.

“We have two options. One would be the involvement of the promoter of international sporting events which would take all the financial risks,” said Clair in the article.

“Our second option is the involvement of foreign private investors who would join the public parties already interested in the project. They would bring the money we need to launch the project. They are willing to get involved to make the 2013 race happen,” he continued.

Clair added that the negotiations must be ended by the end of November to respect the planning. The organisers also need three months of work to adapt some of the infrastructures to the current F1 standards.

Clair believes that the Paul Ricard circuit has “90% chances” of holding the French Grand Prix in 2013. “I hope it will work out. On paper, it is feasable. My only worry is about missing some of the deadlines,” Clair said.

With two drivetrains, two engines, three cab styles and three cargo bed lengths, there are 11 Toyota Tundra models to choose from for 2013.

All of them come standard with a six-speed Super ECT automatic transmission and a limited-slip rear differential. Many receive enhanced available options packages including a backup camera with display integrated into the rear-view mirror, while 4x4 models are equipped with one-touch four-wheel drive.

Moreover, 2013 Toyota Tundra buyers can opt for a 4.6L iFORCE V8 rated at 310 horsepower or a 5.7L iFORCE V8 that delivers up to 381 horsepower.

''Serious work demands a serious truck -- the Toyota Tundra. And with a choice of three 4x2 models and eight 4x4 models, there's a Tundra for every job,'' said Tony Wearing, Senior Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. ''We also know that our Tundra buyers spend a lot of time in their pickup trucks, so we have made the Tundra a comfortable, well-equipped working environment, too.''

Starting at $26,210, the 2013 Toyota Tundra is now on sale across Canada.

From GMM

Ferrari has waded right into a political debate by vowing to display the flag of the Italian navy on its formula one cars in India this weekend.

The famous team said the move is "in the hope that the Indian and Italian authorities will soon find a solution" to a situation involving two Italian sailors.

Media reports said the sailors were being held by Indian authorities on murder charges, following the fatal shooting of two Indian fisherman mistaken for Somali pirates.

Photo: Ferrari

So far, the regional Indian governed has refused to agree a settlement while Rome pushes for the marines' return for prosecution in Italy.

In return, Italy has recalled its envoy from New Delhi, confirming its "strong displeasure" with India's handling of the incident.

Italian foreign minister Giulio Terzi welcomed Ferrari's support, and is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport: "This shows our naval guards that they have the support of the entire nation."

Article 1 of the FIA statues says F1's governing body "shall refrain from manifesting racial, political or religious discrimination in the course of its activities and from taking any action in this respect."

Regan Smith, who most recently substituted for Dale Earnhardt Jr., will be driving for the JR Motorsports team in the Nationwide Series.

Smith, who started the year as full-time driver for Furniture Row Racing, had been replaced by Kurt Busch. Coincidentally, Smith had been driving for the James Finch team which had a vacant seat after Busch signed with Furniture row. Smith had driven for Dale Earnhardt Inc, and was Rookie of the Year in 2008.

General Manager Kelley Earnhardt Miller said Smith will make his JRM debut this year, as the company will field three teams for the Nov. 17 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Regan Smith will join teammates Cole Whitt and Danica Patrick in the season finale.

In a statement Smith said: "This is an extremely good opportunity for m. Dale Jr. and I first started talking about this several years ago, but the timing never matched up to where we could make it happen. Now it's time. I'm happy to be a part of this organization. I don't want to just win races. I want to be the team that dominates races and contends for the championship."

Regan Smith in Dale Earnahrdt Jr.'s car. (Photo: NASCAR)

"Regan has always impressed me," said Dale Earnhardt Jr. "He gets the most of his car, no matter what he's driving or who he's driving for. He takes care of his cars and gets good finishes. With his experience and ability, we feel he can excel in our equipment. He has a super personality, and his ability to work with everyone here at JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports will be important in getting us back to the winner's circle."

After this year Danica Patrick's contract is up leaving Smith as the only driver signed for 2013.

At the present time Cole Whitt doesn't have a deal for his #88 Chevrolet for next year, but, the management team is trying to fund sponsorship for that drive.

“We feel it is important for our sponsors, our fans, and even Dale to keep his Nationwide Series number consistent with his Cup number,” Earnhardt Miller said. “His brand is associated with the No. 88. That's what makes him distinguishable on the race track, so it's only natural that he drives the No. 88 all the time. To do that, we are making our No. 5 Chevrolet our full-time entry. We hope to have Cole in the No. 7 full time in 2013, and we are working hard on securing sponsorship for that.”

"It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for me, but it's been great," Smith said. "Filling in for Dale Jr. was an honor, and it got me acclimated to the Hendrick Motorsports group, which obviously JR Motorsports works with hand in hand.  I was glad to fill in for Dale Jr., and I'm happy that he's back in his race car this week at Martinsville."

Last week, I told you that Quebec's Bruno Spengler could become the first non-European driver to win the DTM championship. And he pulled it off, in brilliant fashion no less!

Second in the driver standings, Spengler was trailing Gary Paffett (Mercedes) by three points with only one race left. After overtaking his rival at the start of the race, he did not make a single mistake and kept the lead all the way to the finish line.

Spengler's track engineer, Valentino Conti, had devised a somewhat risky strategy -- one that would guarantee a victory provided that Spengler executed it to perfection. His second tire change, which took a record 2.9 seconds, was a turning point.

Surprisingly, and a bit sadly, there were just two members of the Canadian media on hand in Hockenheim: Louis Butcher from Journal de Montréal and myself. What a shame.

After all, Spengler is the first Canadian driver to win a world championship in auto racing since Jacques Villeneuve earned the F1 title back in 1997 and Robert Wickens in Formula Renault 3.5 last year. That must be the problem: DTM is not F1. Most sports directors don't think it can sell a lot of newspapers.

Consider this: Hockenheim played host to 128,000 spectators during the three-day weekend. Not bad, eh?

I've been closely following Bruno's career since his karting days in 1999. Truth be told, we are good friends. Heck, I had the privilege to spend Sunday night with him celebrating his championship.

Other friends from Quebec, as well as buddies and family members living in France, had made the trip as well.

All of them were moved by the sight of Bruno standing tall on the podium and closing his eyes while listening to our national anthem. His parents, Corinne and Alexis, were visibly proud. All of a sudden, they had forgotten about the long weekends working on his kart, his accident in Formula 3 that resulted in two fractured vertebrae, the non-stop, anguishing quest for sponsors, and the bitter disappointment of watching the title slip away in past years (often for obscure reasons). It's all distant memories now.

Following the official interviews, Spengler ran over to his teammate (and last year's champion), Martin Tomczyk, to remove the No. 1 plate from his car. Later, he spent time with some BMW guests, signing autographs and smiling in front of the cameras. As his parents came in and hugged him, he became very emotional -- and so did I.

The celebration continued inside the motorhome. His iPhone wouldn't stop ringing, but the loud music, constant mobbing and repeated drinks kept Spengler very busy and distracted.

Then, the group left to attend the BMW party, where the newly crowned champion made a triumphant entry and received a warm, sincere welcome. A fluent German speaker, Spengler thanked everyone including his mechanics from Schnitzer Motorsport, who all happened to wear traditional Bavarian attire!

The night culminated with the DTM banquet with drivers, organizers, officials, guests and team members. I left the scene shortly after midnight, looking for a place to cool off after these memorable times.

Congratulations, Bruno! Too bad so few of your fellow Quebecers know about you. You're now one of the biggest stars in international auto racing!

Bruno Spengler with his parents. (Photo: René Fagnan)

From GMM

Although now into his 40s, Bernd Maylander said he has no immediate plans to step back as F1's full-time safety car driver.

Formerly a race winner in the DTM series, the now 41-year-old has been the safety car driver since 2000.

Safety car in action in Malaysia in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Asked by the Kolner Express newspaper if he has started to think about retirement after 13 seasons in the pitlane, Maylander answered: "It's funny, because in the last two years I have been getting that question more and more often. The clock is ticking for all of us, but basically I can do the job for a few more years. I still feel fit enough to do all the travelling and to drive cars at the limit."

"Once you get gasoline in your blood, I see it as a positive addiction," Maylander smiled. "My contracts are ongoing and my partner is also quite happy that I am not at home all the time!"

''With one 3-door and two 5-door models, excellent fuel efficiency and safety, room for five or up to 286 litres of cargo capacity, plus a host of class-up features, there are many ways to love the 2013 Toyota Yaris Hatchback,'' said Tony Wearing, Senior Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc.

Weighing just under 1,050 kg, the 2013 Toyota Yaris posts a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.0L/100km with the five-speed manual gearbox, and 6.2L/100km with the optional four-speed autobox. Its 1.5L four-cylinder engine also produces 106 horsepower.

The 2013 Toyota Yaris Hatchback starts at $14,250 for the three-door model (CE), and $14,890 for the five-door model (LE). The five-door Yaris SE is priced from $19,250.

All are on sale now.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Former CART series' champion and paralympic games medallist Alex Zanardi was a guest of BMW at the finale of the DTM this past weekend at Hockenheim.

Zanardi sadly lost his two legs in a terrifying accident that happened in 2001 during a CART race on the Lausitzring oval in Germany. However, he raced competitively a BMW fitted with manual controls in the WTCC, and even drove a ChampCar and a Formula 1 car fitted with hand commands in the past.

Alex Zanardi won the WTCC race in Brno in 2009. (Photo FIA WTCC)

Now there are rumours that suggest that Zanardi would test a modified BMW M3 DTM car.

“To be honest with you, I really don't know. I have never even sat in the car before. We need to see if Jens (Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director) is willing to give such a present to an old friend! You know, I became the first driver without legs to win a major race (a WTCC race driving for BMW). So we'll see,” Zanardi explained.

There was also another rumour that started to circulate in America, saying that Zanardi would be interested to compete in the Indy 500 aboard a car fitted with hand controls.

New DTM champion Bruno Spengler with Alex Zanardi (Photo: BMW)

“You know me well. I talk a lot and journalists sometimes make me say things that I did not really said. I still have good friends in America but to contest the Indy 500 one day would be a huge project that would involved a lot of people. And it all comes down to your motivation. I am 47 now. I've been twice a CART series' champion and I also raced in Formula 1. But this is all behind me now,” Zanardi said.

“When you're just 20 years old, you can think about your passion all the time. But at my age, there are other things in life than motorsport. And if I cannot give 100% of my attention and dedication to a project, I prefer not to do it. Plus, I am linked to BMW and they are not involved in IndyCar racing, so that alone represents a major hurdle to tackle,” Zanardi continued.

Alex Zanardi showing his three paralympic games' medals. Photo: René Fagnan

“People also ask me if I am going to compete in the next winter paralympic games. I don't know! I haven't even tried the sport yet! I am really proud of the three medals I won in handcycling in London. But this is also past history for me. I was the oldest competitor over there. I still can bite. But it's really different in motorsport. The young kids are hungry like wolves. That's why I would need to be totally dedicated to one project, whether that is DTM or Indycar to be really successful. And for the moment, like I said, I have other interests in life,”said the likeable Italian.

From GMM

Susie Wolff has revealed she carried a heavy burden when she recently made her debut at the wheel of a formula one car.

Williams' 29-year-old Scottish development driver made international headlines when she tested at Silverstone recently.

Susie Wolff. (Photo: LAT for Williams F1 Team)

Some of the media attention was simply due to her gender, but Wolff's appearance took on an even greater significance in light of the serious injuries sustained by fellow female test driver Maria de Villota earlier this year.

"After the publicity that surrounded Maria's accident, there's no doubt I felt an extra need to go out there, do a good job, and show her accident was a freak, one-off and it shouldn't generalise women in motor sport," Wolff told the Herald Scotland.

"It was very important for me to do it for both of us and show everybody that women can drive F1 cars successfully. And I think I did," she added.

From GMM

Sergio Perez's participation in the Indian grand prix is in doubt, after the Mexican failed to appear for his media commitments at the Buddh circuit on Thursday.

His team, Sauber, said the McLaren-bound Mexican has a heavy cold.

The Swiss squad's similarly Telmex-backed reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez, who is tipped to replace Perez full-time next season, is reportedly first in line to replace him.

Reuters and Sky said Sauber will decide early on Friday if Perez is well enough to drive.

Esteban Gutierrez. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

From DTM press release

Technical regulations of the DTM, which came into force at the start of the 2012 season, were fixed for next year as of October 15th.

The original homologation of the DTM coupés of the new era on March 1st, 2012, was extended for another year, based on a decision by the DTM commission, made up of representatives of the manufacturers and the DMSB.

Audi, BMW and Mercedes. (Photo: DTM)

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he is hoping to sign off at McLaren on speaking terms with his former mentor Ron Dennis.

Dennis, the former team boss and still the chairman of the McLaren group of companies, groomed Hamilton through the junior ranks and gave him his F1 debut in 2007.

But reports suggest the pair had not exchanged a word since it was announced that Hamilton is jumping ship to Mercedes in 2013.

Briton Hamilton returned to McLaren's Woking headquarters after the recent Korean grand prix, though, and the 27-year-old said in India: "I spoke to Ron and - me and Ron - we're planning to meet up I think it's in Abu Dhabi.

"We'll go for dinner, have a good chat," added Hamilton at a sponsor event on Wednesday.

Lewis Hamilton and Ron Dennis, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko on Thursday dealt a blow to the persistent rumours about Sebastian Vettel's future.

Some in the paddock believe the German has signed some sort of agreement that could see him switch from Red Bull to Ferrari in 2014.

German reports recently added fuel to the fire by acknowledging that while the reigning back-to-back world champion has a Red Bull contract for 2014, it contains some 'get out' clauses.

But Red Bull's Marko told Sport Bild: "I have to disappoint Ferrari and all the others.

"Sebastian has a bullet-proof contract with us through 2014. There are and there have never been any options or opt-outs," the team's driver manager insisted.

Sebastian Vettel committed to Red Bull until end of 2014. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

From GMM

Hungary is looking to secure its place on the F1 calendar for almost another whole decade.

Germany's sport1.de reports that Hungaroring boss Zsolt Gyulay intends to secure a deal with Bernie Ecclestone to extend the race deal from 2016 until 2021.

"I think we have a good chance to be one of the European tracks that stays on the calendar," he is quoted as saying.

"I have to say though that we need to find the right level of investment, because the track is already very well utilised," added Gyulay.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

General Motors is revealing the all-new, seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette bit by bit. After the redesigned Crossed Flags logo last week, we now have a sneak peek of the new engine that will sit under the long hood.

A direct-injected 6.2L LTI V8 producing approximately 450 horsepower will propel the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than four seconds while exceeding the 2013 EPA-estimated 26 mpg rating on the highway, the automaker announced.

''Our objective for the development of the all-new LT1 was to raise the bar for performance car engines,'' said Mary Barra, senior vice president, global product development. ''We feel that we have achieved that by delivering a true technological masterpiece that seamlessly integrates a suite of advanced technologies that can only be found on a handful of engines in the world.''

She added: ''What makes this engine truly special is the advanced combustion system that extracts the full potential of these technologies. The art and science behind that combustion system make the Corvette LT1 one of the most advanced V8 engines in the world.''

Photo: Chevrolet

From GMM

The German bank BayernLB wants Bernie Ecclestone to repay US $400 million, the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reports on Thursday.

The bank claims that is the amount it lost due to its sale of formula one shares some years ago to the sport's current owner CVC, with the transaction having been subsequently called into question over the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption scandal.

Suddeutsche Zeitung said BayernLB's lawyers have sent a letter, detailing the extraordinary damages, to F1's billionaire chief executive.

BayernLB claims that, with Gribkowsky allegedly bribed millions by Ecclestone and now providing information to authorities, the now-jailed banker vastly undervalued its F1 shares.

Once again, automakers will use the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 30th to December 9th, 2012) to introduce new electric, hybrid, clean diesel, and highly-efficient gasoline vehicles.

"We're excited to be able to provide one of the world's best stages for manufacturers to display their very latest achievements that match virtually every budget," said Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the LA Auto Show.

There will be two dozen all-electric or plug-in electric models on display, such as the Ford C-MAX Energi, Fusion Energi, and Focus Electric, the Fiat 500e, and the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid.

On the clean diesel front, Mercedes-Benz will showcase the GLK 250 BlueTEC (which is set to go on sale in the U.S. by 2014 along with seven other BlueTEC models), and Volkswagen will present the Beetle Convertible TDI Clean Diesel.

Not to be denied, advanced four-cylinder gasoline engines that achieve 40 mpg (5.88L/100km) will be featured in cars like the Dodge Dart Aero, Ford Fiesta, Fiat 500 Abarth Cabriolet, and MINI Paceman.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Two more Formula 1 teams - Caterham and Lotus -- have confirmed their driver line-up for the Young Driver Test to be held at the circuit of Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, November 6-8.

Caterham
The Caterham F1 Team has confirmed that 27-year old reserve driver, Dutch Giedo van der Garde will be in the car for days 1 and 2 of the test with 21-year-old Test driver, American Alexander Rossi taking over for day 3. Both drivers will be driving one of the team's Caterham CT01s powered by a Renault engine.

Alexander Rossi and Giedo van der Garde. (Photo: Caterham F1)

Lotus
Nicolas Prost, Edoardo Mortara and Davide Valsecchi will join Lotus F1 Team for the Abu Dhabi Young Driver test, which will take place following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit next month.

The running order for the Lotus F1 Team drivers over the course of the three day test is as follows:
• Tuesday 6th November: Nicolas Prost
• Wednesday 7th November: Edoardo Mortara
• Thursday 8th November: Davide Valsecchi

Davide Valsecchi, Edoardo Mortara and Nicolas Prost. (Photos: Lotus F1 Team)

“I think we have a great line-up of drivers to work with the team in Abu Dhabi and it will be very interesting for us to see how they stack-up; especially as we will have all the data from the Grand Prix which takes place the week before,” said Eric Boullier, Team Principal.

“Nicolas we know well from his existing work with the team, while Edoardo and Davide are new to us so it should be a productive three days; not just for the drivers, but also the team as we evaluate new parts on the car for our final push at the last two races of the season,” Boullier added.