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Pirelli, the official tire supplier of the Formula 1 World Championship has released its latest information about the 2012 season that saw Sebastian Vettel of the Red Bull Racing team collect his third consecutive world title.

Tires

Total number of tires provided for the season: Race tires: 31,800 of which 22,500 dry tires and 9,300 wet tires plus an additional 6,600 for the tests (not including development tires)
Of which (for race tires only): supersoft: 6 % / soft: 25 % / medium: 21 % / hard: 17 % / intermediate: 18 % / wet: 11 % / 2 % development tires
Total numbers of tires used: Dry tires: 21,400; wet tires: 2,100
Number of tires recycled during 2012: All, i.e. 31,800 race tires plus 6,600 test tires
Average life span of a dry compound this season: 180 km
Average life span of a wet compound this season: 140 km

Photo: Pirelli

Tracks, Races and Tests

Longest continuous energy input into a tire: India (turn 10-11)
Longest race of the year: Malaysia in 2hrs 44min 51.812s
Shortest race of the year: Great Britain in 1 hr 25min 11.288s
Most laps run on Pirelli tires: Hard - Kobayashi (798); Medium - Senna (869); Soft - Ricciardo (1,012); Supersoft - Raikkonen (237); Intermediate - Alonso (145); Wet - Kobayashi (104)
Highest top speed reached by a P Zero F1 tire: 346.0 kph (Raikkonen / Italy Race)
Highest average speed of a fastest lap: 248.241 kph (Hamilton / Italy Qualifying)
Slowest average speed of a fastest lap: 161.828 kph (Schumacher / Monaco Qualifying)
Most fastest laps in 2012: Sebastian Vettel (5 in race / 6 in qualifying)
Distance covered by Pirelli's Renault R30 test car in 2012: 7,012 kms
Number of different test tracks visited by Pirelli staff this year (incl. private tests): 9

Pit stops

Total number of pit stops for the year: 957 (of which 14 were a Drive Through and 2 a Stop & Go penalty)
Total average number of stops per race: 47.9, i.e. 1.9 per driver
Most pit stops in a race: 76 (Malaysia)
Least pit stops in a race: 24 (United States)
Fastest pit stop time: 2.31s (McLaren / Jenson Button at the German Grand Prix)

Photo: Pirelli

Overtaking

Number of overtaking manoeuvres in 2012: 1139
Most overtaking manoeuvres in a dry race: 90 at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix
Most overtaking manoeuvres in a wet race (= most ever): 147 at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix
Least overtaking manouevres in a dry race: 12 at the Monaco Grand Prix

Other interesting numbers

Total kilometres driven by all the P Zero compounds in 2012 (races and tests): Hard - 101,692; Medium - 121,840; Soft - 123,270; Supersoft - 21,993; Intermediate - 13,770; Wet - 7,930
Coldest track/ground temperatures Pirelli P Zero tires have run: United States Grand Prix at 11 degrees Celsius (17.11.); coldest overall: Jerez winter testing at 0 degrees Celsius (10.02.)
Hottest track/ground temperatures Pirelli P Zero tires have run: Brazilian Grand Prix at 55 degrees Celsius (23.11.)
Coldest air/ambient temperatures Pirelli P Zero tires have run: United States Grand Prix at 4 degrees Celsius (17.11); coldest overall: Jerez winter testing at -2 degrees Celsius (10.02.)
Hottest air/ambient temperatures Pirelli P Zero tires have run: Grand Prix of Europe at 37 degrees Celsius (21.06.)
Amount of time spent downloading all tire data on the RTS system this year (incl. tests): 92 hrs
Number of track/air temperature taken by tire fitter per race weekend: 124
Total distance travelled by all F1 tires in 2012 (off-track): 216,967 kms
Total number of tweets from Pirelli Media: 5,400
Words written on Pirelli press releases in 2012: 79,744
Total number of Pirelli recipe books produced (incl. translations): 10,000

Photo: Pirelli

Pirelli F1 and its people

Total number of Pirelli people travelling to each race: 52
Total number of nationalities within the Pirelli F1 team: 10
Average amount of hours spent by each Pirelli staff member on a plane this year: 192 hrs (or 8 days!)
Number of Pirelli wristbands given out during the season in the paddock: 4,450
Total number of hotel nights booked for the Pirelli team: 1,498

Pirelli's F1 Trucks & Hospitality

Total amount of trucks at European races: 13
Total average kilometres travelled by each Pirelli truck in 2012: 31,125 km
Numbers of meals served at the Pirelli F1 hospitality (incl. tests): 24,132
Number of coffees served by Pirelli hospitality during the season: 28,350
Number of different pasta recipes cooked by Pirelli's chef this year: 314
Amount of mascarpone used for tiramisu and other dolci: 205 kg

From ROC press office

Team France will have a strong line-up at the 2012 Race Of Champions as reigning ROC ‘Champion of Champions' Sébastien Ogier returns to defend his title alongside Lotus Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean.

The French duo will team up for their home country at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium in the ROC Nations Cup on December 15 before competing for individual glory in the Race Of Champions on December 16.

Ogier has already climbed that summit, having fended off all comers to win the Race Of Champions on his ROC debut last year.

Grosjean made his Race Of Champions debut last year too, reaching the semi-final of the ROC Nations Cup alongside Ogier for Team France.

Photo: ROC press office

The Race Of Champions, which is being staged for the 25th consecutive year in 2012, brings together the world's greatest drivers from motor sport's main disciplines - including Formula 1, world rally, touring cars, Le Mans, MotoGP, IndyCar and the X-Games - and sets them free to battle head-to-head in identical machinery.

Drivers confirmed for the 2012 Race Of Champions:

• Michael SCHUMACHER, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion
• Sebastian VETTEL, Formula 1 World Champion 2012, 2011, 2010
• Jorge LORENZO, MotoGP World Champion 2012, 2010
• Mick DOOHAN, five-time 500cc MotoGP World Champion
• Ryan HUNTER-REAY, IndyCar Series Champion 2012
• Jamie WHINCUP, V8 Supercar Champion 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008
• David COULTHARD, 13-time Formula 1 grand prix winner
• Andy PRIAULX, three-time World Touring Car Champion
• Tom KRISTENSEN, eight-time Le Mans 24-Hour race winner
• Romain GROSJEAN, three Formula 1 podiums in 2012
• Sebastien OGIER, seven WRC wins and reigning ROC ‘Champion of Champions'

There comes a time in every family's life when they will embark upon a storied road trip. With the car loaded to the brim with too many bags, snacks for the road, offspring and pets (if they apply), remembering the all-important road trip distractions is sometimes hard to do. However, when you're travelling with the younger generation, sometimes those distractions can make or break a pleasant trip.

Teens can easily be kept docile and happy for hours with an iPhone, iPod or anything else i-related. However, it's the young'uns who can really stir things up if not kept occupied while on long trips. And so, I've put together a list of interesting road trip essentials to keep your little ones in your good graces throughout the duration of your family getaway.

Crayola ColorStudio HD
This nifty little product from Griffin Technology and Crayola works with your iPad and is the perfect road trip essential for your little artist. The iMarker works as a crayon, marker or paintbrush so your child can colour up a storm... without colouring the car as well. With a free App available (with the purchase of the pen), your child has a multitude of images to colour and create on the journey. Let creativity reign supreme with the Crayola ColorStudio HD iMarker.
Price: $29.99

Photo: Griffin

Crayola MyPhones
Sometimes listening to that Disney movie for the 152nd time just isn't fun. I know. Instead of wishing Nemo was never found, ensure your children can hear every word of the dialogue they already know by heart via headphones specifically designed and made for them. Inner ear damage is always a worry with children, so these headphones from Crayola have a volume-limiting feature to ensure their little ears stay safe, while you stay sane. Available in different colours and as earbuds or headphones, the Crayola MyPhones can also be personalized with stickers and markers that come with each pair.
Price: Earbuds; $14.95 Headphones; $24.95

Photo: Griffin

Woogie
When you're a child, having a constant companion by your side is the ultimate desire. If you're sibling-free (as my son is), that constant companionship can come in the form of a stuffed animal or toy of some sort -- or you'll end up the long-lost buddy which means eternal entertaining on your part. Not really what you want to do on a long road trip. So, Griffin Technology has come up with a nifty little product that's not only cute, but an uber good buddy alternative for your child. Using your iPhone or Touch, the Woogie comes to life (after you download the free app) and interacts with your child. Play games, tell jokes and make sure the Woogie is fed and entertained and your child will have a friend for the entire trip or longer. Fear not, if you've more than one child, their Woogies can also interact with each other. Fun for all!
Price: $24.99

Photo: Griffin

Snack & Play Travel Tray
Some children's car seats feature cup holders and armrests, as well as headrests, but rarely do they offer a surface for your child to play/eat/draw on. Unless you're privileged enough to own a Jaguar XJL with the flip-down tray tables in the backseat, having a travel tray on which your child can do whatever he/she feels the need to do will keep them occupied and happy on the journey. Made of durable nylon (which is also easy to wipe down, always important) with foam inserts to keep it rigid (but pliable in case of an accident), the tray table features straps to attach to the car seat, stroller or even an airplane seat. There's also nifty little mesh side pockets so you can make sure everything is right within your little one's reach. Edging around the perimeter of the tray ensures your child's toys/snacks/crayons stay put, no matter how bumpy the ride.
Price: $19.99

Photo: Star Kids

Are We There Yet? Road Trips in the 21st Century
While this isn't a product directly related to your child, it's still going to help you on those long, tedious road trips by giving you plenty of tricks and advice on how to keep your child happy and pleasant for the entire journey. From classic games we all remember to 21st century, up-to-date methods, this book will ensure your keep your cool and your child smiling; something we can all hope for on any family vacation.
Price: Approx. $25

Photo: Amazon

Norwegian medias announce today that the talks between Ford M-Sport and Petter Solberg ahead of 2013 have failed.

Solberg, who clinched world title with Subaru in 2003, was left without an official seat after the japanese constructor announced its retirement at the end of 2009. The Norwegian driver ran the 2010 and 2011 seasons with his own private team, driving a Citroen C4 then a Citroen DS3.

In 2012, Solberg was back in an official team with Ford, that he reached replacing Mikko Hirvonen who went to Citroen. But Solberg failed to win any event this season, and made several off road that cost of lot to the Ford team.

Petter Solberg, Ford Fiesta WRC. (Photo: WRC)

Petter Solberg recently revealed that he was close to a deal with Citroen for 2013, but the talks between him and the french squad have stopped after his poor end of season. Today, several norwegian medias announce that he also failed to secure a seat with team M-Sport, and that he would stop his WRC career. After Ford stopped its involvement in WRC, team M-Sport has now to find budget to run its Ford Fiesta in

Another norwegian driver, Mads Ostberg, winner of Rally Portugal in 2012, has been promoted as number one driver in team M-Sport. Russian driver Evgeny Novikov seems very close to join him in the british squad.

After Sebastien Loeb, who will only run selected rounds next season, another great champion, and one the most popular driver, will leave the WRC next year.

German driver, Sebastian Vettel, is just 25 years old and he's already won the Formula 1 World Championship three times in succession. Let's review some of the most important moments of his career.

Sebastien Vettel in Formula BMW in 2004. (Photo: WRI2)

Sebastian Vettel began racing the karts series in 1995 at the age of 8. Having shown early talent, he was accepted into the Red Bull Junior Team at age 11 in 1998.

He then won the ADAC Formula BMW title in 2004. In 2005, he graduated to the Formula 3 Euroseries where Vettel ranked second in the in 2006.

Formula BMW, 2004. (Photo: WRI2)

The young German competed in the World Series by Renault in 2007, and took his first win at the Nürburgring. Vettel was leading the championship when he was called up to Formula 1 to be the reserve driver of the BMW Sauber team.

He contested his first Grand Prix in Indianapolis at the wheel of a BMW Sauber F1.07 in 8th place. For the Hungarian Grand Prix, he drove for Toro Rosso.

Vettel collected his maiden F1 win at Monza during the very wet 2008 Italian GP. The following year, he raced for Red Bull Racing, and captured the world title in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Formula 3 Euroseries in 2006. (Photo: WRI2)

Contesting his first Grand Prix in Indianapolis in 2007. (Photo: WRI2)

Scoring his maiden Formula 1 win in Monza with Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRI2)

As a teammate to Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions. (Photo: WRI2)

Winning his third World Championship in Brazil, 2012. (Photo: WRI2)

2012 Fisker Karma EcoChic

It's pretty much impossible to overstate what Fisker has accomplished.

It's pretty much impossible to overstate what Fisker has accomplished. The five-year-old start-up has broken into one of the world's toughest and most regulated industries with a product that is more beautiful and more advanced than what's being produced by companies that have been at it for 50, 75, and 100 years. Fisker has had plenty of help from established suppliers and automakers, but the Karma's parts add up to something completely original.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fisker Karma EcoChic - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fisker Karma EcoChic - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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American Suzuki, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month, will continue to offer consumer rebates and zero percent financing to woo potential customers as the brand winds down its U.S. auto sales operations.

Fiat is holding a contest in conjunction with the release of the Fiat 500e electric vehicle.

BMW's sales in the United States rose 45 percent in November, further chipping away at Daimler's Mercedes-Benz in luxury-auto deliveries this year.

Local auto shows offer a unique opportunity to shop new vehicles without any sales pressure.

We like to poke a little fun here at Autoweek when a and#8220;newand#8221; Bugatti Veyron model comes out.

Also in this episode: Lincoln hopes to rev up sales with an advertising blitz, and the Chevy SS will tear up the trackand#8212;and streetand#8212;beginning in 2013.

New vehicle sales at both Ford Motor of Canada and Chrysler Canada made big gains in November, lifted by strong consumer demand for cars and growth in the Canadian auto industry.

Higher demand for pickups and small cars helped Ford achieve a 6 percent U.S. sales increase in November.

American Honda posted its best November ever, with sales rising 39 percent to 116,580 units. Despite the strong showing, Honda still trailed Chrysler Group by 5,985 units as the fifth-ranked automaker in the United States for the month.

Two sibling vehicles lifted November sales for Nissan North America's Nissan and Infiniti brands.

General Motors' November sales rose 3 percent, but an unexpected decline in pickup sales left GM with swollen truck inventories.

First Drive: 2013 Kia Rio SX 6MT

Hot design, lukewarm performance.

Since the Kia Rio's current generation debuted for the 2012 model year, it has gone from the butt of automotive jokes to one of the most stylish and feature-laden offerings for under $20,000. A great deal of credit for the subcompact's radical transformation goes to Kia's design chief, Peter Schreyer (previously with Audi), who bestowed the littlest Kia with the clean lines and fetching styling that permeate the brand and help this subcompact differentiate itself from the rest of the segment.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Kia Rio SX 6MT - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Kia Rio SX 6MT - Automobile Magazine

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After joining the Super Bowl's ad ranks in 2011 and sitting out in 2012, Mercedes is poised to redefine its appeal to the game's massive TV audience.

Paul Everitt, CEO of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is leaving to take up a new position outside the automotive sector at the end of January 2013.