Nov
24th
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- Beijing Motor Show 2024 preview: the Auto China car show juggernaut returns
- Beijing Motor Show 2024 – pictures
- Carwow Sell My Car: How it works and how to get the best price
- New Morgan Plus Four gets ‘design, dynamic and technological enhancements’ for 2024
- New 2024 Morgan Plus Four revealed – pictures
- New Kia Sorento 2024 review: a good car just got even better
- New Kia Sorento 2024 – pictures
- New Kia Sorento facelift: UK prices and specs revealed for updated SUV with EV9 overtones
- 2024 Kia Sorento facelift – pictures
- Volkswagen Tayron being tested – pictures
- New Volkswagen Tayron papped as Tiguan’s seven-seater sibling continues testing
The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Auto News 5
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Nov
24th
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Johnny Cecotto posted the fastest lap of the second day of collective testing in Jerez, Spain.
The Venezuelan driver, representing Team Arden, dominated both the morning and afternoon sessions on Friday, with a 1'25''694.
He led Brazilian Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson, who fastest on Thursday.
The next collective test takes place in February.
Jerez - Day 2:
1 - Johnny Cecotto - Arden - 1'25"694
2 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 1'25"719
3 - Marcus Ericsson - Coloni - 1'26"118
4 - Kevin Giovesi - Lazarus - 1'26"149
5 - Stéphane Richelmi - DAMS - 1'26"314
6 - Rio Haryanto - Lotus - 1'26"345
7 - Alexander Sims - Barwa Addax - 1'26"346
8 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 1'26"451
9 - Alexander Rossi - Caterham - 1'26"468
10 - Daniel Juncadella - Rapax - 1'26"543
Etc.
The Venezuelan driver, representing Team Arden, dominated both the morning and afternoon sessions on Friday, with a 1'25''694.
 |
| Johnny Cecotto (Photo: GP2series.com) |
He led Brazilian Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson, who fastest on Thursday.
The next collective test takes place in February.
Jerez - Day 2:
1 - Johnny Cecotto - Arden - 1'25"694
2 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 1'25"719
3 - Marcus Ericsson - Coloni - 1'26"118
4 - Kevin Giovesi - Lazarus - 1'26"149
5 - Stéphane Richelmi - DAMS - 1'26"314
6 - Rio Haryanto - Lotus - 1'26"345
7 - Alexander Sims - Barwa Addax - 1'26"346
8 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 1'26"451
9 - Alexander Rossi - Caterham - 1'26"468
10 - Daniel Juncadella - Rapax - 1'26"543
Etc.
Nov
24th
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From GMM
Kamui Kobayashi is hoping a new website will help him raise the money to stay in formula one beyond Sunday's Brazilian grand prix.
Sauber announced on Friday that it will pair Nico Hulkenberg with the Telmex-backed Mexican rookie Esteban Gutierrez in 2013.
"I think if a driver deserves to be in formula one he's definitely one of them and I hope he can get support from Japanese companies and stay in the sport," Monisha Kaltenborn, admitting the decision to oust Kobayashi was "tough", said in Brazil.
Indeed, Kobayashi admitted at Interlagos that the 'kamui-support.com' website is designed to collect money from his fans in order to secure one of the last seats on the 2013 grid.
"It (the website) has been (live for) just two days but it's going to help my career for sure," he is quoted by Reuters.
The website includes the popular 26-year-old's bank account details.
Kamui Kobayashi is hoping a new website will help him raise the money to stay in formula one beyond Sunday's Brazilian grand prix.
Sauber announced on Friday that it will pair Nico Hulkenberg with the Telmex-backed Mexican rookie Esteban Gutierrez in 2013.
"I think if a driver deserves to be in formula one he's definitely one of them and I hope he can get support from Japanese companies and stay in the sport," Monisha Kaltenborn, admitting the decision to oust Kobayashi was "tough", said in Brazil.
Indeed, Kobayashi admitted at Interlagos that the 'kamui-support.com' website is designed to collect money from his fans in order to secure one of the last seats on the 2013 grid.
"It (the website) has been (live for) just two days but it's going to help my career for sure," he is quoted by Reuters.
The website includes the popular 26-year-old's bank account details.
Nov
24th
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From GMM
Pedro de la Rosa has denied rumours Alex Wurz, his former McLaren test driver teammate, could be involved in the rescue of the dying Spanish team HRT.
Spain's AS newspaper said former F1 driver and Austrian Wurz, currently a 'driver coach' at Williams but also running his own company Firma Test and Technik, has been involved in talks to save HRT, whose lead driver is de la Rosa.
"No, it's not true," de la Rosa said.
"I believe Alex has already denied it, but I am sure he is here (at Interlagos) and you can see what he says."
De la Rosa, 41, acknowledged that Sunday's Brazilian grand prix could be his last grand prix.
And he warned others in pitlane about suffering HRT's fate.
"Apart from McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and maybe Mercedes, the future of all the other teams is not very secure," he is quoted as saying.
Pedro de la Rosa has denied rumours Alex Wurz, his former McLaren test driver teammate, could be involved in the rescue of the dying Spanish team HRT.
Spain's AS newspaper said former F1 driver and Austrian Wurz, currently a 'driver coach' at Williams but also running his own company Firma Test and Technik, has been involved in talks to save HRT, whose lead driver is de la Rosa.
"No, it's not true," de la Rosa said.
"I believe Alex has already denied it, but I am sure he is here (at Interlagos) and you can see what he says."
De la Rosa, 41, acknowledged that Sunday's Brazilian grand prix could be his last grand prix.
And he warned others in pitlane about suffering HRT's fate.
"Apart from McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and maybe Mercedes, the future of all the other teams is not very secure," he is quoted as saying.
Nov
24th
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From GMM
American multinational Mastercard could be set to return to formula one, according to the latest rumour from Brazil.
Russia's f1news.ru reported that Mastercard - having sponsored Lola's stillborn F1 effort in 1997 and then Jordan between 1998-2001 - has now agreed a trackside sponsorship deal with Bernie Ecclestone's company FOM.
The news follows American giant Coca-Cola's decision to sponsor Lotus from next year with its energy drink Burn, and the return to the calendar of a US grand prix.
Asked how it feels to have secured Coke's backing, Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez told Turun Sanomat newspaper: "As good as Kimi (Raikkonen)'s win in Abu Dhabi."
Team boss Eric Boullier, however, refused to say if Burn will be Lotus' title sponsor next year.
"I'm not going to release any more information," he said in Brazil.
"Whatever it is, it's always welcome."
American multinational Mastercard could be set to return to formula one, according to the latest rumour from Brazil.
Russia's f1news.ru reported that Mastercard - having sponsored Lola's stillborn F1 effort in 1997 and then Jordan between 1998-2001 - has now agreed a trackside sponsorship deal with Bernie Ecclestone's company FOM.
The news follows American giant Coca-Cola's decision to sponsor Lotus from next year with its energy drink Burn, and the return to the calendar of a US grand prix.
Asked how it feels to have secured Coke's backing, Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez told Turun Sanomat newspaper: "As good as Kimi (Raikkonen)'s win in Abu Dhabi."
Team boss Eric Boullier, however, refused to say if Burn will be Lotus' title sponsor next year.
"I'm not going to release any more information," he said in Brazil.
"Whatever it is, it's always welcome."
Nov
24th
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From GMM
Lewis Hamilton cried during a television interview whilst talking about his last career grand prix with McLaren.
Asked on Friday by the BBC reporter how he will feel when the chequered flag waves on Sunday, the 2008 world champion said in Brazil: "It's going to be tough.
"It's my family and I'll be going elsewhere. It's best I don't talk about it too much," he said, before welling with tears.
British newspapers believe Hamilton has fallen out badly with his former mentor Ron Dennis over his Mercedes switch, but he said telling boss Martin Whitmarsh about his move was "the most difficult (phone) call I've ever had to make".
"We'd grown so close and he had been so supportive and I didn't want to let people down," said the British driver.
"But at the end of the day you have to let people down sometimes to make decisions."
Hamilton likens leaving McLaren to finally "leaving home", and so Whitmarsh admitted he hopes the 27-year-old returns.
"We'd have him back, yes," he told British Sky television. "So let's hope it's just a gap year."
Lewis Hamilton cried during a television interview whilst talking about his last career grand prix with McLaren.
Asked on Friday by the BBC reporter how he will feel when the chequered flag waves on Sunday, the 2008 world champion said in Brazil: "It's going to be tough.
"It's my family and I'll be going elsewhere. It's best I don't talk about it too much," he said, before welling with tears.
British newspapers believe Hamilton has fallen out badly with his former mentor Ron Dennis over his Mercedes switch, but he said telling boss Martin Whitmarsh about his move was "the most difficult (phone) call I've ever had to make".
"We'd grown so close and he had been so supportive and I didn't want to let people down," said the British driver.
"But at the end of the day you have to let people down sometimes to make decisions."
Hamilton likens leaving McLaren to finally "leaving home", and so Whitmarsh admitted he hopes the 27-year-old returns.
"We'd have him back, yes," he told British Sky television. "So let's hope it's just a gap year."
Nov
24th
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Earlier this month, General Motors and ABB showcased a modular unit consisting of five used Chevrolet Volt batteries and capable of providing two hours of electricity needed by 3 to 5 average Canadian homes.
The unit was actually designed and built by engineers at GM Canada's Canadian Engineering Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. It was demonstrated during GM's Electrification Experience.
"In many cases, when an EV battery has reached the end of its life in an automotive application, only 30% or less of its life has been used,'' explains Pablo Valencia, GM senior manager of battery lifecycle management. ''This leaves a tremendous amount of life that can be applied to other applications like powering a structure before the battery is recycled.''
The automaker is committed to reducing waste throughout its operations, and secondary use provides the opportunity to fully utilize the battery resource.
The unit was actually designed and built by engineers at GM Canada's Canadian Engineering Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. It was demonstrated during GM's Electrification Experience.
"In many cases, when an EV battery has reached the end of its life in an automotive application, only 30% or less of its life has been used,'' explains Pablo Valencia, GM senior manager of battery lifecycle management. ''This leaves a tremendous amount of life that can be applied to other applications like powering a structure before the battery is recycled.''
The automaker is committed to reducing waste throughout its operations, and secondary use provides the opportunity to fully utilize the battery resource.
 |
| Photo: Chevrolet |
Nov
24th
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Model: 2002 to 2012 Mercedes SL
Vehicle Type: Luxury convertible
History/Description: Few machines exemplify top-level comfort, premium sophistication and advanced performance quite like the Mercedes Benz SL. A two-seat convertible designed for comfortable, high-speed, top-optional travels, it was available in its last full generation from 2002 to 2012.
Feature content for this luxo-rocket included a fully motorized power roof, navigation, heated leather seats with the “airscarf” neck-warmer system, Bluetooth, premium audio by Harman Kardon, driver-selectable suspension, and plenty more.
Engine options were numerous. Standard in the SL 500 was a 5.0L V8 with 302 horsepower in earlier years, though a 5.5L mill packing 382 horsepower became the base engine a few years later. This base engine necessitated a name-change to “SL 550.” An SL 600 model was also available, featuring a turbocharged V8 with a little shy of 500 horses.
What Owners Like: The head-tuning factor, on-road presence and performance of the SL were its most highly rated assets, according to many owners. Plenty of on-board storage and all-around comfort were also commented upon positively.
What Owners Dislike: Some owners wish for better fuel mileage and lower maintenance costs from their SL.
Common Issues: Complaints deal with noises, like squeaks and rattles, as the car ages. System malfunctions, which are typically referenced by a message in the instrument cluster, are also somewhat well documented. Be sure none of these messages are present on the model you're test driving.
Listen for a metallic “clanging” sound from the rear of the vehicle as it comes to rest, or while it's resting shortly after being stopped. Numerous owners have reported issues with baffles breaking off inside the fuel tank and floating noisily around. This is an expensive repair if not covered by warranty, though it's likely to mainly affect earlier models.
Ensure the motorized top works as expected, completing several full open and close cycles and listen for any binding, hesitation or strain. The roof should open smoothly and quietly. Any roof-related repairs could be pricey.
These issues aside, the SL's relatively low sales volumes and typically low-mileage operation mean that reliability issues are somewhat difficult to nail down. Still, this writer can suggest a few important points to remember when considering the purchase of a used SL.
Vehicle Type: Luxury convertible
History/Description: Few machines exemplify top-level comfort, premium sophistication and advanced performance quite like the Mercedes Benz SL. A two-seat convertible designed for comfortable, high-speed, top-optional travels, it was available in its last full generation from 2002 to 2012.
Feature content for this luxo-rocket included a fully motorized power roof, navigation, heated leather seats with the “airscarf” neck-warmer system, Bluetooth, premium audio by Harman Kardon, driver-selectable suspension, and plenty more.
Engine options were numerous. Standard in the SL 500 was a 5.0L V8 with 302 horsepower in earlier years, though a 5.5L mill packing 382 horsepower became the base engine a few years later. This base engine necessitated a name-change to “SL 550.” An SL 600 model was also available, featuring a turbocharged V8 with a little shy of 500 horses.
 |
| Photo: Justin Pritchard |
What Owners Like: The head-tuning factor, on-road presence and performance of the SL were its most highly rated assets, according to many owners. Plenty of on-board storage and all-around comfort were also commented upon positively.
What Owners Dislike: Some owners wish for better fuel mileage and lower maintenance costs from their SL.
Common Issues: Complaints deal with noises, like squeaks and rattles, as the car ages. System malfunctions, which are typically referenced by a message in the instrument cluster, are also somewhat well documented. Be sure none of these messages are present on the model you're test driving.
Listen for a metallic “clanging” sound from the rear of the vehicle as it comes to rest, or while it's resting shortly after being stopped. Numerous owners have reported issues with baffles breaking off inside the fuel tank and floating noisily around. This is an expensive repair if not covered by warranty, though it's likely to mainly affect earlier models.
Ensure the motorized top works as expected, completing several full open and close cycles and listen for any binding, hesitation or strain. The roof should open smoothly and quietly. Any roof-related repairs could be pricey.
These issues aside, the SL's relatively low sales volumes and typically low-mileage operation mean that reliability issues are somewhat difficult to nail down. Still, this writer can suggest a few important points to remember when considering the purchase of a used SL.
 |
| Photo: Justin Pritchard |
Nov
24th
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From GMM
Adrian Newey has denied rumours he only works four days a week for Red Bull.
"I wish!" world champion Red Bull's car designer, and undoubtedly the most highly respected technical figure in formula one, told the Spanish newspaper El Pais.
"That's a rumour I've heard more and more but it's obviously false," said Newey.
"Unfortunately I'm working harder than ever and I think that's just the times we live in.
"We have so much data at our disposal and we spend a lot of time analysing it all.
"I'd love to be in the factory only four days (a week), but I'm not," he insisted.
Adrian Newey has denied rumours he only works four days a week for Red Bull.
"I wish!" world champion Red Bull's car designer, and undoubtedly the most highly respected technical figure in formula one, told the Spanish newspaper El Pais.
"That's a rumour I've heard more and more but it's obviously false," said Newey.
"Unfortunately I'm working harder than ever and I think that's just the times we live in.
"We have so much data at our disposal and we spend a lot of time analysing it all.
"I'd love to be in the factory only four days (a week), but I'm not," he insisted.
Nov
24th
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Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel has moved a step closer to clinching a third consecutive Formula 1 World Championship by qualifying ahead of his arch rival in the title chase, Fernando Alonso of Ferrari.
The weather was a major talking point during qualifying, with a rain shower just before the start of qualifying and ambient temperatures of 23 degrees centigrade along with 25 degrees of track temperature.
More rain is expected for the race tomorrow, with a 60% chance of precipitation currently forecast, which will put the same accent on tire strategy that played a major part in qualifying today.
Hamilton was quickest in Q1 held on a slightly wet track in Sao Paulo.
No more rain fell during the second session and track temperature climbed to 34 degrees centigrade in bright sunshine, with Alonso going quickest in the early stages. Vettel then set the fastest time of the session using a set of new medium tires.
The final top 10 shoot-out was run just on the medium tires in warm and dry conditions. Hamilton set a 1m12.850 lap on his very first run. He was beaten by Red Bull's Mark Webber on the second run, but then claimed pole back in the final seconds with a time of 1m12.458: his 26th career pole position, ahead of his teammate Jenson Button.
Williams' Pastor Maldonado will be moved 10 places down rid after incurring a reprimand for missing the weighbridge in the second part of qualifying.
Because the reprimand for the incident was Maldonado's third of the year, he was given a grid demotion on this occasion.
Starting grid, Grand Prix of Brazil
Row 1
Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'12"458 - Q3
Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'12"513 - Q3
Row 2
Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'12"581 - Q3
Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'12"760 - Q3
Row 3
Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'12"987 - Q3
Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'13"206 - Q3
Row 4
Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'13"253 - Q3
Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'13"289 - Q3
Row 5
Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'13"489 - Q3
Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'14"121 - Q2
Row 6
Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'14"219 - Q2
Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'14"234 - Q2
Row 7
Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'14"334 - Q2
Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'14"380 - Q2
Row 8
Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'14"574 - Q2
Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'13"174 - Q3 **
Row 9
Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'14"619 - Q2
Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'16"967 - Q1
Row 10
Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'17"073 - Q1
Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'17"086 - Q1
Row 11
Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'17"508 - Q1
Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'18"104 - Q1
Row 12
Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'19"576 - Q1
Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'19"699 - Q1
** 10-place penalty
The weather was a major talking point during qualifying, with a rain shower just before the start of qualifying and ambient temperatures of 23 degrees centigrade along with 25 degrees of track temperature.
 |
| Webber, Hamilton and Button. (Photo: WRI2) |
More rain is expected for the race tomorrow, with a 60% chance of precipitation currently forecast, which will put the same accent on tire strategy that played a major part in qualifying today.
Hamilton was quickest in Q1 held on a slightly wet track in Sao Paulo.
No more rain fell during the second session and track temperature climbed to 34 degrees centigrade in bright sunshine, with Alonso going quickest in the early stages. Vettel then set the fastest time of the session using a set of new medium tires.
 |
| Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull (Photo: WRI2) |
The final top 10 shoot-out was run just on the medium tires in warm and dry conditions. Hamilton set a 1m12.850 lap on his very first run. He was beaten by Red Bull's Mark Webber on the second run, but then claimed pole back in the final seconds with a time of 1m12.458: his 26th career pole position, ahead of his teammate Jenson Button.
Williams' Pastor Maldonado will be moved 10 places down rid after incurring a reprimand for missing the weighbridge in the second part of qualifying.
Because the reprimand for the incident was Maldonado's third of the year, he was given a grid demotion on this occasion.
Starting grid, Grand Prix of Brazil
Row 1
Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'12"458 - Q3
Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'12"513 - Q3
Row 2
Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'12"581 - Q3
Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'12"760 - Q3
Row 3
Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'12"987 - Q3
Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'13"206 - Q3
Row 4
Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'13"253 - Q3
Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'13"289 - Q3
Row 5
Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'13"489 - Q3
Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'14"121 - Q2
Row 6
Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'14"219 - Q2
Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'14"234 - Q2
Row 7
Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'14"334 - Q2
Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'14"380 - Q2
Row 8
Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'14"574 - Q2
Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'13"174 - Q3 **
Row 9
Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'14"619 - Q2
Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'16"967 - Q1
Row 10
Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'17"073 - Q1
Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'17"086 - Q1
Row 11
Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'17"508 - Q1
Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'18"104 - Q1
Row 12
Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'19"576 - Q1
Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'19"699 - Q1
** 10-place penalty
Nov
24th
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From GMM
Fernando Alonso stands to win a whopping EUR 10 million bonus if on Sunday he can win Ferrari's first drivers' world championship since 2007.
The odds are stacked against the Spaniard, given his inferior Ferrari and Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel's 13-point advantage with just the Brazilian finale to go.
But Alonso is not giving up.
"Obviously it will be good to be on the podium and score a minimum 15 points and then when we cross the line we see where Sebastian is and we try to do some numbers after that," he said at Interlagos.
Italy's La Stampa newspaper said Alonso's likely reward for success would be a EUR 10 million bonus, as per his contract with the famous Maranello based team.
Nick Heidfeld, a former long-time F1 driver, thinks both Vettel and Alonso would deserve their spoils.
"I think both have driven the season of their careers, which is incredible since they are both double world champions," the German told Spox.
"But even though many in Germany don't want to hear it, I have been the most impressed by Fernando.
"I can honestly say that since I've been in F1 or watching F1, I have never seen anyone drive a whole season completely error free and always at the maximum."
Another grand prix veteran, Rubens Barrichello, agrees.
"Car for car, Vettel has the greatest chance," he is quoted by Agencia Estado on a visit to the Interlagos paddock on Friday.
"But if you think about the experience and determination of Alonso ... if Vettel takes a single breath, he will lose the title," said the Brazilian.
Fernando Alonso stands to win a whopping EUR 10 million bonus if on Sunday he can win Ferrari's first drivers' world championship since 2007.
The odds are stacked against the Spaniard, given his inferior Ferrari and Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel's 13-point advantage with just the Brazilian finale to go.
But Alonso is not giving up.
"Obviously it will be good to be on the podium and score a minimum 15 points and then when we cross the line we see where Sebastian is and we try to do some numbers after that," he said at Interlagos.
Italy's La Stampa newspaper said Alonso's likely reward for success would be a EUR 10 million bonus, as per his contract with the famous Maranello based team.
Nick Heidfeld, a former long-time F1 driver, thinks both Vettel and Alonso would deserve their spoils.
"I think both have driven the season of their careers, which is incredible since they are both double world champions," the German told Spox.
"But even though many in Germany don't want to hear it, I have been the most impressed by Fernando.
"I can honestly say that since I've been in F1 or watching F1, I have never seen anyone drive a whole season completely error free and always at the maximum."
Another grand prix veteran, Rubens Barrichello, agrees.
"Car for car, Vettel has the greatest chance," he is quoted by Agencia Estado on a visit to the Interlagos paddock on Friday.
"But if you think about the experience and determination of Alonso ... if Vettel takes a single breath, he will lose the title," said the Brazilian.
Nov
24th
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From GMM
Adrian Sutil is on his way back to formula one and Force India, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.
However, the Silverstone based team's sporting boss Otmar Szafnauer denied the deal is done: "We have not signed a contract with any driver," he insisted.
Team owner and boss Vijay Mallya, however, has mentioned German Sutil's name several times in recent weeks, as the team looks to replace the Sauber-bound Nico Hulkenberg.
"I think in the next two weeks we can announce something," Szafnauer said.
Long-time Force India driver Sutil, 29, was left without a seat for 2012 in the wake of his criminal conviction for assault.
His return to F1 would be bad news for Bruno Senna, Jaime Alguersuari, Sebastien Buemi, Jules Bianchi and several others who were hoping to secure the Force India seat.
But Auto Motor und Sport said there could still be a hiccup with the Sutil deal, if his criminal conviction causes him problems entering China, the US and Canada next year.
Adrian Sutil is on his way back to formula one and Force India, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.
However, the Silverstone based team's sporting boss Otmar Szafnauer denied the deal is done: "We have not signed a contract with any driver," he insisted.
Team owner and boss Vijay Mallya, however, has mentioned German Sutil's name several times in recent weeks, as the team looks to replace the Sauber-bound Nico Hulkenberg.
"I think in the next two weeks we can announce something," Szafnauer said.
Long-time Force India driver Sutil, 29, was left without a seat for 2012 in the wake of his criminal conviction for assault.
His return to F1 would be bad news for Bruno Senna, Jaime Alguersuari, Sebastien Buemi, Jules Bianchi and several others who were hoping to secure the Force India seat.
But Auto Motor und Sport said there could still be a hiccup with the Sutil deal, if his criminal conviction causes him problems entering China, the US and Canada next year.
Nov
23rd
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Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half the sports-car maker, three people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.
Nov
23rd
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Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half the sports-car maker, three people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.
Nov
23rd
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Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half of the sports car maker, sources said.
Nov
23rd
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Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half the sports-car maker, three people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.
Nov
23rd
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As a baby Benz convertible, the SLK is supposed to be posh, flashy, comfortable, and quick--a top-down, feel-good machine.
Auto writers are forever criticizing the SLK because it's not really a sports car. I don't know why it never dawns on them that the SLK isn't trying to be a sports car. As a baby Benz convertible, the SLK is supposed to be posh, flashy, comfortable, and quick--a top-down, feel-good machine. Boxster-like driver involvement and Miata-like tossability are not a part of the program.
Photo Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Nov
23rd
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“E” is for eking to the max.
Dear Optimizer:
Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi - Automobile Magazine
Nov
23rd
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Nov
23rd
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Renault Brazil is continuing with the old Clio model but with a facelift inspired by the redesign launched at the Paris motor show. It is called New Clio rather than the Clio Mio used in Argentina where it is built.