Auto News 5

Christian Meunier, who currently oversees Nissan Brazil operations, has just been named president of Nissan Canada effective January 1st, 2013. He replaces Allan Childs, who will retire after more than two decades of working for the Japanese automaker.

After joining Nissan in 2002 as general manager of sales and fleet, Meunier held a variety of positions including vice president of sales at Nissan Europe and vice president of marketing at Nissan North America.

Following his move to South America in 2010, Nissan became the fastest-growing car brand in Brazil last year.

Photo: Nissan

From GMM

The battle for the world championship has been blown wide open, with Sebastian Vettel set to start Sunday's Abu Dhabi grand prix - the third last race of 2012 - from the pitlane.

Having raced into a runaway lead in the points standings with four wins on the trot in his dominant Red Bull, the German pulled over after qualifying third at Yas Marina.

Immediately afterwards, team boss Christian Horner said engine supplier Renault had made the call.

"We saw something on the telemetry and did not want to risk the engine," said the French marque's Remi Taffin, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

However, as Red Bull and Renault could actually demonstrate to the FIA there was a genuine problem, the team escaped sanction at that point.

The team's problems, however, were not over, as the stewards looked into the incident for almost five hours after qualifying.

Ultimately, scrutineers were unable to extract enough fuel from Vettel's RB8 for the mandatory 1-litre testing sample.

The stewards sent Vettel to the back of the grid.

"We will withdraw the car from parc ferme in order to investigate further," said Horner, admitting the action will mean a pitlane start for Vettel.

The only good news is that Red Bull can install a new engine for Vettel without further penalty, even though the German has already run through his 2012 allocation of eight V8 units.

Horner however said the 25-year-old will have a "busy evening" on Sunday to minimise the likely damage to his championship bid, with Fernando Alonso promoted on the grid to sixth.

The Spaniard is currently 13 points behind Vettel, and so it is possible a podium finish on Sunday can give him back the world championship lead.

"This is an opportunity I have to use well," Ferrari's Alonso is quoted by SID news agency.

"For sure," Auto Motor und Sport quotes him adding, "the race will be easier with Vettel starting from the back."

Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) took full advantage of Lewis Hamilton's retirement to take his first victory since coming back to Formula One.

For once, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix kept everyone on the edge of their seat thanks to Sebastian Vettel's surge through the field and Fernando Alonso's late charge over Raikkonen.

Vettel, who was forced to take the start of the race from the pitlane because the stewards were unable to extract the one litre needed for tests purposes from his fuel cell, came through from 21st to 3rd.

Alonso, who thanks to Vettel's though weekend had a chance of re-taking the championship lead, needed to finish as high as possible up the order. Despite putting the pressure on Raikkonen, the Spaniard was unable to overtake him for the win.

Second, he nevertheless finished ahead of Vettel, which means the gap in the title hunt is reduced from 13 to 10 points.

Raikkonen's win, which wouldn't have been possible without Lewis Hamilton's retirement on lap 19, marks Lotus' first triumph since Fernando Alonso won the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix, back when the team was still called Renault.

McLaren, who lost a sure win, still picked up points thanks to Jenson Button's fifth place finish.

Williams managed to get two cars in the top 10, Pastor Maldonado coming in fifth and Bruno Senna in eighth. Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi (sixth), Ferrari's Felipe Massa (seventh), Force India's Paul di Resta (ninth) and Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo (tenth) are the other point scorers.

Mercedes' Nico Rosberg's and Red Bull's Mark Webber are the two most notable retirements of the race.

Rosberg's race ended when his car launched over the abruptly slowing down HRT of Narain Karthikeyan. No penalty were addressed since the fault was handed to a mechanical failure on Karthikeyan's car.

Webber too retired after a collision. The Australian, who had already spun earlier in the race trying to overtake Maldonado, was collected by Romain Grosjean's Lotus on lap 38.

Alonso now has only two races - the American and Brazilian grands prix - left to cover the last 10 points separating him from Vettel.

From GMM

Alain Prost has warned there is no guarantee France will return to the F1 calendar in 2013.

The four-time world champion has agreed to join Paul Ricard's race bid as an advisor, and was promptly dispatched to Abu Dhabi reportedly for talks with Bernie Ecclestone and possibly also a meeting with potential local investors.

According to Auto Hebdo publication, however, the famous 57-year-old Frenchman is not very optimistic.

Earlier, Prost was heavily involved in failed attempts to revive the defunct French grand prix at Disneyland Paris, or a new circuit in Flins-sur-Seine.

Now in Abu Dhabi, he said on Saturday: "I was out of the case because it was too complicated, too politicised.

"Then I went to the world series (race) at Le Castellet and was asked the question.

"I said what I thought at the moment, that things could not be done without a minimum of public money.

While hopeful, Prost is realistic about Paul Ricard's chances.

"The weak point is the lack of funds, even though they are in talks with several potential partners," he said.

"The budget is far from being completed," said Prost.

"It will not be resolved in the meeting today, but it can be done in a couple of days, or not at all."

IndyCar regular Simon Pagenaud tested Olsbergs MSE's Global Rally Cross Ford Fiesta, Road & Track magazine has revealed.

"What I liked the most is that with this 4wd car, you can have oversteer or understeer, however you want, with the setup," he is quoted saying by the American publication.

"In an Indy car, you can [make] small adjustments in the race, but not like this. It's very cool."

Brian Deegan's Ford Fiesta (Photo: BrianDeegan.com)

Having tested 2012 vice-champion Brian Deegan's machine, the 28-year-old Frenchman who lives in Indianapolis is now hoping to get behind the wheel during a race.

"Obviously Global Rally Cross is growing in the US and I've always wanted to do the X-Games. It's good to get some experience and if we can make it happen, I'd love to compete in the X-Games and any other times that are possible."

Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) took full advantage of Lewis Hamilton's retirement to take his first victory since coming back to Formula One.

For once, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix kept everyone on the edge of their seat thanks to Sebastian Vettel's surge through the field and Fernando Alonso's late charge over Raikkonen.

Vettel, who was forced to take the start of the race from the pitlane because the stewards were unable to extract the one litre needed for tests purposes from his fuel cell, came through from 21st to 3rd.

Alonso, who thanks to Vettel's though weekend had a chance of re-taking the championship lead, needed to finish as high as possible up the order. Despite putting the pressure on Raikkonen, the Spaniard was unable to overtake him for the win.

Second, he nevertheless finished ahead of Vettel, which means the gap in the title hunt is reduced from 13 to 10 points.

Raikkonen's win, which wouldn't have been possible without Lewis Hamilton's retirement on lap 19, marks Lotus' first triumph since Fernando Alonso won the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix, back when the team was still called Renault.

McLaren, who lost a sure win, still picked up points thanks to Jenson Button's fifth place finish.

Williams managed to get two cars in the top 10, Pastor Maldonado coming in fifth and Bruno Senna in eighth. Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi (sixth), Ferrari's Felipe Massa (seventh), Force India's Paul di Resta (ninth) and Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo (tenth) are the other point scorers.

Mercedes' Nico Rosberg's and Red Bull's Mark Webber are the two most notable retirements of the race.

Rosberg's race ended when his car launched over the abruptly slowing down HRT of Narain Karthikeyan. No penalty were addressed since the fault was handed to a mechanical failure on Karthikeyan's car.

Webber too retired after a collision. The Australian, who had already spun earlier in the race trying to overtake Maldonado, was collected by Romain Grosjean's Lotus on lap 38.

Alonso now has only two races - the American and Brazilian grands prix - left to cover the last 10 points separating him from Vettel.




Race results* - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina circuit)
1 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 55 laps 1.45'58"667
2 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 0"852
3 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 4"163
4 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 7"787
5 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 13"007
6 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 20"076
7 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 22"896
8 - Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 23"542
9 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 24"160
10 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 27"463
11 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 28"075
12 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 34"906
13 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 47"764
14 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 56"473
15 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 56"768
16 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'04"595
17 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'11"778

Fastest lap: Sebastian Vettel 1'43"964

Retirements
Lap 1 - Nico Hulkenberg
Lap 8 - Nico Rosberg
Lap 8 - Narain Karthikeyan
Lap 20 - Lewis Hamilton
Lap 38 - Mark Webber
Lap 38 - Romain Grosjean
Lap 42 - Charles Pic

Drivers' championship
1.Vettel 255; 2.Alonso 245; 3.Raikkonen 198; 4.Webber 167; 5.Hamilton 165; 6.Button 153; 7.Massa 95; 8.Rosberg 93; 9.Grosjean 90; 10.Perez 66; 11.Kobayashi 58; 12.Hulkenberg 49; 13.Di Resta 46; 14.Schumacher, Maldonado 43; 16.Senna 30; 17.Vergne 12; 18.Ricciardo 10.

Constructors' championship
1.Red Bull-Renault 422; 2.Ferrari 340; 3.McLaren-Mercedes 318; 4.Lotus-Renault 288; 5.Mercedes 136; 6.Sauber-Ferrari 124; 7.Force India-Mercedes 95; 8.Williams-Renault 73; 9.Toro Rosso-Ferrari 22.

*Unofficial results

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton's father and former manager Anthony has tipped his son to win the title for Mercedes within three years.

After six years, 20 wins and a title, McLaren careerist and long-time team driver Hamilton, 27, has decided to join the famous 'Silver Arrows' in 2013.

"I am sure Lewis will be champion at Mercedes in three years," father Anthony, who was sidelined as manager by his son a few years ago, told the German news agency SID.

"Lewis is very happy with his move and looking forward to the new challenge," he added, referring to speculation the British driver might already be regretting his decision due to Mercedes' current performance slump.

At the same time, it is being said in the paddock that Mercedes should also be wary of the move, given Hamilton's almost constant battle with controversy and personal upheaval during his F1 career.

Team boss Ross Brawn said: "All of my impressions of Lewis are as a result of the face to face meetings I've had with him; on everything else I can't comment because I don't know the details.

"But I don't think he's going to be difficult, I see a rational and intelligent person," he told the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

"In this business, drivers can become frustrated and you need to work on your relationship.

"So we will learn what he needs and how to give it to him, knowing that sometimes what is needed is to be left alone.

"For sure he will be something different, but I am not expecting any particular problems," added Brawn.

The Briton also insisted that F1 legend Michael Schumacher is fully supportive of Hamilton's arrival, even though it means the German great is returning to retirement in 2013.

"The discussions with Lewis and Michael were in parallel," said Brawn.

"The first contact with Hamilton was in the winter, because we all knew that his contract with McLaren ended at the end of this year, and so did Michael.

"Michael always knew we were talking to Hamilton and he was always thinking of what is best for the team.

"Michael did not want us to miss out on hiring Lewis," he said.

Asked in what ways Hamilton will be better than Schumacher, Brawn answered: "We don't know yet.

"What is clear is that one of his (Hamilton's) greatest qualities is his sheer speed.  Michael is very fast and has an amazing talent.  Who else can perform at that level?  Clearly, Lewis.

"I'm still not sure what he is going to bring, but - whatever it is - it will be at the same level as Michael," he added.

When one speaks of a Ferrari watch, it could actually mean one of three things. First, gift watches commissioned by il Commendatore,

News 3 Nov, 2012

Hamilton has qualified on pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while a penalty means Vettel starts from the pit lane

Ford, which clung to the road with a timely swerve before the 2009 crisis that bankrupted General Motors, may now be pulling a similar stunt in Europe.

The Detroit 3 automakers would endorse four more years with profits like those this week. A second term for President Barack Obama, who made saving General Motors a campaign pillar, hinges on whether voters give him the credit.

History/Description: The Pontiac G5 was a compact sedan sold by the now-extinct sporty General Motors brand. A twin of the Chevrolet Cobalt and, to some extent, the Chevrolet HHR, it came with 4-cylinder power, sporty looks, a good warranty and either a two- or four-door configuration.

Look for a 2.2L or 2.4L ECOTEC engine making 148 or 173 horsepower, respectively, and manual or automatic gearbox options for both. All units were front-wheel drive. Options and feature content included a sunroof, OnStar, Bluetooth, heated leather, a high-end Pioneer stereo, and plenty more.

Look for a 2.2L or 2.4L ECOTEC engine making 148 or 173 horsepower (Photo: Matthieu Lambert)

Consider the G5 / Pursuit in the used market alongside models like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra. Note that despite the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand, GM sales centers will be able to service, repair and warranty used G5 models, as they're mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Cobalt.

What Owners Like: Many G5 owners have reported a pleasing balance between fuel efficiency and performance, a pleasing balance between ride comfort and sporty handling, and also above-average performance from the factory stereo system. Low noise levels, good ride quality and handling round out the package.

What Owners Dislike: Common owner complaints tend to focus on a small trunk opening, very long and awkward doors on the coupe model, limited rear-seat space, and cheap interior trim materials. Many owners also wish for a better cupholder.

Common Issues: Start your test drive with a quick check for rust, dents and the overall condition of the paint. A quick scan of the interior for broken or missing pieces, and the condition of the seats is also advised.

Next, drive the G5 at a variety of speeds on as many different road surfaces as possible with the stereo system off. Listen for popping, clunking or “binding” sounds from the front suspension as you travel over various bumps at varying angles and speeds. Any unwelcomed noises could be caused by a fairly common and well-documented issue with worn control-arm bushings or front struts.

Ensure the power steering system operates as expected, too. Any uneven feel to the power assist, for instance, could be an indicator of another well-documented problem with the G5's electric power steering system. If this fails, it will be difficult to steer the car. This problem was addressed by a recall -- and a GM dealer should be able to determine whether or not it was performed on the vehicle you're considering.

Finally, avoid any model with the manual transmission that “grinds” or “bites back” while shifting gears, as this could indicate former abuse, bad synchros or shift forks in the gearbox, or a worn out clutch.

The Verdict: Lower-than-average resale values and well-documented problems should make the G5 an appealing buy. The powertrain looks solid and reliable, and other issues should be easily identified and diagnosed by a trained GM mechanic. If you're worried about driving a car from a now-extinct brand, shop for a Chevrolet Cobalt instead.

Next, drive the G5 at a variety of speeds on as many different road surfaces as possible with the stereo system off.(Photo: Matthieu Lambert)

Paris firefighters are not getting rid of their big red trucks anytime soon, but they can now count on a lovely Renault Twizy electric quadricycle to fight through heavy traffic on their way to an emergency.

The back of this single-seat vehicle (the standard Twizy has two) has been transformed into a huge cargo area for a fireproof suit, a first aid kit, as well as a pair of fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles. It could help first responders arrive earlier at the scene of a fire and potentially save lives.

Paris' Brigade des Sapeurs Pompiers (fire department) will evaluate the Twizy over an eight-month period and later determine if these small electric four-wheelers are suitable to join its regular fleet of emergency vehicles.

Source: leblogauto

Photo: Renault

From GMM

Ahead of Lewis Hamilton's arrival, Mercedes is reportedly preparing to boost the budget of its formula one team by many millions.

Bild newspaper said that after slumping in 2012 in the wake of Nico Rosberg's Shanghai breakthrough, and deciding to replace Michael Schumacher with McLaren's Hamilton for 2013, the German squad is set to fatten its budget for next year to almost EUR 200 million.

The report said that would be 44 million euros more than Mercedes spent on its Brackley based team this year.

"Under new supervisory board boss Niki Lauda, the austerity measures are apparently ending," said the German daily newspaper.

Bild said Mercedes is funding the boosted F1 budget partly by making cuts to its DTM programme, including reducing its number of cars in the touring car series from 8 to 6.

"The (Daimler) group has recognised that, otherwise, it cannot compete," said the report's authors.

Mercedes' Norbert Haug, however, insisted: "There will be no 30 per cent budget increase."

From GMM

Media mogul James Murdoch is in Abu Dhabi for talks with formula one chiefs, the Mirror newspaper reports.

The report said figures from top teams McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes are set to meet with Murdoch, the News Corporation and Sky official.

The Mirror said Murdoch's father Rupert, arguably the world's most influential media figure, has had his interest in formula one sparked by his British channel Sky's new subscription coverage of the sport.

Now he is considering "a bigger slice" of F1, the report added.

Interestingly, FIA president Jean Todt is also in Abu Dhabi for a rare grand prix attendance.

Asked if the entire future of the sport could be on the agenda, a key F1 figure is quoted as saying: "Why not?"

Memories of Groupe Octane's François Dumontier announcing the shocking end of the partnership between NASCAR and the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve are still fresh in everybody's mind.

The news shook the motorsport community, and it triggered the interest of Dominic Fugere, the former journalist turned into the general manager of the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres.

'What about bringing the NASCAR Nationwide race here in Trois-Rivieres?', he asked his team.

Start of the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire race at the GP3R (Photo: Yannick Gougeon)

"We looked into it and soon we received the green light from our financial partners and from the municipal, provincial and federal authorities. For Tourisme Québec, it was very clear the Nationwide race was not to leave the province," Fugere told Auto123.com.

Fugère is adamant the race is financially viable for the event. As for the practical side, he insists there is lots of room in the paddock for the trucks of every Nationwide team.

"Our track was inspected by [ASN Canada president] Roger Peart. He granted us a three-year license that allows us to stage this kind of race."

The plan for Fugère was to make sure everything was feasible before presenting the project to NASCAR officials. He now hopes the series will accept the idea of moving the event from the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve to Trois-Rivières, while keeping the same dates as the Montreal race.

"Instead of putting together an event around the Nationwide race, we integrated it to our existing program. By keeping the same dates, the only difference for the team is that they have to drive 140 km more.

"The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières exists since 1967; it's well known all over North America. Our race is a true and serious event which success is guaranteed by deep roots and devoted fans.

"NASCAR should like that," concluded Fugère.

UPDATE:
The technical report of the FIA says that car No. 1 had 850ml of fuel onboard which is not enough for the one-litre fuel sample. The Red Bull team asked Vettel to stop his car on the race track because they knew they were really short on fuel.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel's run of superb form came to a grinding halt in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Crucially, the championship leader is ahead of his title rival Fernando Alonso on the grid, enquiring of a reporter immediately after qualifying third: "Is he (Alonso) sixth?"

But it has been far from smooth sailing in the desert heat.

Red Bull is struggling to keep up with pole sitter Lewis Hamilton's McLaren, and Vettel was also outpaced on Saturday afternoon by his own teammate, Mark Webber.

Earlier, Vettel was stuck in the pits in the important third practice session with a serious brake problem, and right at the end of qualifying, he pulled to the side of the track.

"I don't know why," he said. "I was asked to stop."

Team boss Christian Horner revealed that engine, KERS and alternator supplier Renault ordered the stoppage, but paddock speculation suggested Vettel may have simply run out of fuel -- which will send him right to the back of Sunday's grid.

"There was a request (from Renault) but at the moment I don't know why," Horner told the BBC.

It should be noted that Renault's problems with its 2012 alternators have been well documented this year, and the French marque's Remy Taffin confirmed in Abu Dhabi that an all-new specification will not be ready to debut until Austin.

"That's the work we've achieved so far, that's where we are," he said on Friday.

Technical troubles aside, Vettel is the championship contender looking most under pressure in Abu Dhabi, with commentators saying he made more mistakes on Saturday than he has for several entire race weekends.

Asked on Saturday about Vettel's problems in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari's Alonso admitted: "In terms of our championship hopes, it always helps."

From GMM

Ferrari this week asked a question to the FIA about championship contender Red Bull's car, according to the Spanish sports daily AS.

The report said Ferrari, whose Fernando Alonso is pushing to catch runaway title leader Sebastian Vettel, asked the governing body if Red Bull is allowed to use a system whereby it changes the fluid levels of two tanks between qualifying and the race.

"It seems that this is one of the tricks (Adrian) Newey has used to improve the car," read the media report.

The FIA reportedly replied that the fluid levels could be changed in the event of an imminent failure, but if not, the car would theoretically need to start the race from the pitlane.

AS said Ferrari neither confirmed nor denied the story, instead insisting that it is common for teams to ask the FIA for clarifications.

Who said Jimmie Johnson isn't superstitious? It was Jimmie himself as he remained in his car after winning the provisional pole then waited for it to become official for the second week in-a-row.

Johnson, who went out fairly early in qualifying for the Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway, turned his fourth pole winning lap of the season at 28.261 seconds/191.076 mph. around the 1.5-mile track

"I was ready to get out," said Johnson continuing "and my engine tuner stuck his head in the car and said 'Hey man, you are going to be sitting here a long time this week'. And I went 'Oh yea, that is right. I'm not superstitious, but I'll sit here'.

"And, I sat there. It doesn't mean anything, but may as well. At this point in the season, you have to pull out the stops. It gives us a nice talking point I guess through it all."

Speaking of his accomplishment he added "that was a white knuckle lap. Blasted off a great lap."

Brad Keselowski who holds a slim two-point lead over Johnson seemed genuinely happy with his eighth place star. "It feels like the pole," he said.  It may not be the pole, but it feels like the pole for us.  Our car has had a ton of speed since we've been here in race trim.  Qualifying trim has been our weakness all year.  I think that bodes very well for us on Sunday."

Greg Biffle, who qualified second in a Ford, at 190.382 mph was a little confused that the fast time came earlier, rather than later when he said "You know what is weird is that normally you can write a book about how the speed will pick up throughout qualifying, always.

"Today it wasn't really like that. Not taking anything away from the 48 (Johnson) but from when the 48 went and I went guys weren't going fast."

Trying to overcome his lowest race win number - one since 2007 - Kyle Busch was third. "It was a really good lap: guys did a great job of making the changes. Hadn't done that many times before at Texas."

Clint Bowyer was fourth fastest.

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) emerged as the man to beat, as he grabbed pole position ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, at Yas Marina.

Hamilton showed strong in practice, and asserted his pace when he had to in qualifying. Mark Webber (Red Bull) beat his unusually messy teammate Sebastian Vettel to the one spot left available on the front of the grid.

Championship leader Vettel made a number of costly mistake, which are unlike him. Nevertheless he came out on top in his duel with Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) who, amid the title fight, ended only seventh on the grid.

Williams' Pastor Maldonado (fourth), Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen (fifth), and McLaren's Jenson Button (sixth) all did better than the Spaniard. Although Button bested  Alonso, he fell some six tenths adrift his teammate Hamilton.

Nico Rosberg (Mercedes), Felipe Massa (Ferrari) and Romain Grosjean (Lotus) complete de top 10. Further down the grid, Michael Schumacher, much like Button, failed to match his teammate's pace. Of his own admittance, a mistake costed him a shot at qualifying in the top 10.

Also, Charles Pic (Marussia) did well to qualify ahead of both Vitaly Petrov (Caterham) and Timo Glock, in the second Marussia, on top of beating both HRT drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan.



Qualifying results* - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina circuit)
1.Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'40"630 - Q3
2.Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'40"978 - Q3
3.Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'41"073 - Q3
4.Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'41"226 - Q3
5.Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'41"260 - Q3
6.Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'41"290 - Q3
7.Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'41"582 - Q3
8.Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'41"603 - Q3
9.Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'41"723 - Q3
10.Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'41"778 - Q3
11.Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'42"019 - Q2
12.Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'42"084 - Q2
13.Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'42"218 - Q2
14.Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'42"289 - Q2
15.Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'42"331 - Q2
16.Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'42"606 - Q2
17.Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'42"7765 - Q2
18.Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'44"058 - Q1
19.Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'44"956 - Q1
20.Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'45"089 - Q1
21.Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'45"151 - Q1
22.Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'45"426 - Q1
23.Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'45"766 - Q1
24.Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'46"382 - Q1

*Unofficial results