Auto News 5

Group Lotus has told just-auto that the firm will not be attending September's Paris motor show. Further, the company says it is undertaking a review of all promotional activity.

The closure of PSA's factory in Aulnay, France, will reduce the automaker's fixed costs by 108 million euros ($132 million), Le Figaro reported, citing company documents.

Audi is investing hundreds of millions of euros in Germany and abroad in a bid to take on rivals like BMW and Mercedes.

The new Renault Clio's bold design and attractive options could help the company regain traction in Europe's biggest segment, where the French automaker has struggled.

The EU is expected go ahead with talks on a potentially groundbreaking free-trade deal with Japan despite opposition from carmakers.

U.S. dealers say they can't keep up with demand for the Range Rover Evoque -- the reigning North American Truck of the Year -- so Land Rover is stepping up production of the compact SUV in Halewood, England.

Car production in the Czech Republic rose in the first six months of the year but at a slower pace than in 2011 as demand for cars in Europe fell, the Association of Automotive Industry said Monday.

U.S. dealers say they can't keep up with demand for the Range Rover Evoque -- the reigning North American Truck of the Year -- so Land Rover is stepping up production of the compact SUV in Halewood, England.

As I encroach on 14 years of auto criticising, I find myself becoming very emotional. I won't start crying about the fact that I'm getting old, but I will share with you my softer side, the one that has shed many a tear over cars.

I am one with cars; I can feel them, communicate with them and care for them. I might be a little extreme about rubber, steel, aluminum and plastics but I can't help it: this is who I am.

Over the years, some cars have actually got me teary-eyed from the pure pleasure and satisfaction they have brought me. A select few cars have managed to reach so deep and far inside my person that they managed to bring me practically to my knees.

When a car is all that I believe it should be, my outpouring of emotions cannot be contained.

The latest car to have done this to me is the 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302. I'll be reviewing the car shortly but what I can tell you now (you may have already read some comments if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram) is that the Boss handles, turns, brakes, accelerates and commands attention like no other Pony car or performance coupe. And then there's the sound...

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Many of the cars on this list have logically made their way to my all-time favorite list mainly because of the way they make me feel, whether they have 140 hp or 500+ hp. The first car that had me practically bawlin' was a second-generation Mazda Miata. To this day, it remains one of my absolute favourites, and probably always will be.

The remainder of the crop features the likes of the B7 Audi RS4, the E46 BMW M3, the MKIV Volkswagen GTI VR6, the 997 Porsche 911 GT3 and the R35 Nissan GT-R.

The final car stunned me. I clearly recall opening the door to the basement garage in my old apartment building and catching a glimpse of the GT-R's fat rear down at the end. The sight of that huge ass, spoiler and tailpipes got me lightheaded every time. There was something magical about being under the same roof as this world-dominating juggernaut of a car; I felt as though I was in the presence of royalty. Strangely, this car has never been on my Top 10 list, though...

There are other cars that have affected me profoundly such as my uncle's 1967 Cadillac DeVille convertible and 1969 Ford F-100 and my own MKII Volkswagen Jetta GTX. I'm certain that there are countless other cars out there that would have me crying my eyes out like a little boy that's had his Hot Wheels taken away from him because he wouldn't come in for dinner when called upon.

Anyone else get stupid emo over cars?

From GMM

Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado are the crash-kings of 2012, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

The publication has calculated that Lotus' Grosjean would be ahead of Nico Rosberg in the drivers' championship had he kept his nose clean so far.

In Melbourne, he crashed with Williams' Maldonado; in Malaysia, he had contact with Michael Schumacher, and in Barcelona his rival was Sergio Perez, and at Monaco and Silverstone he came to blows on the first laps.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

"In total Grosjean could have 18 more points in his account," the journalist Michael Schmidt concluded.

Venezuelan Maldonado's botched points deficit is even higher.

In Melbourne he crashed alone, in Malaysia with his Williams teammate Bruno Senna, at Monaco with Pedro de la Rosa, at Valencia with Lewis Hamilton and at Silverstone with Sergio Perez.

Mexican Perez said two weeks ago: "He has no respect for other drivers. I don't know why the stewards don't take more action against him. We are risking our lives out there and if they don't do something he will hurt someone."

Photo: WRi2

Auto Motor und Sport said Maldonado's crashing has cost him no fewer than 45 points -- many more points than he has actually collected so far in 2012.

Suspended NASCAR driver, AJ Allmendinger's “B sample” will be tested on July 24 at the Aegis Analytical Laboratories according to a statement released by his representatives.

Allmendinger will have an “independent toxicologist” present to observe the procedure.

Just hours prior to the running of the Coca Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway NASCAR officials announced that the 30-year old driver of the No. 22 Penske Racing Dodge had failed a random drug test.

Under NASCAR regulations when a specimen is taken it is divided into two parts “A” and “B.” If someone, with a NASCAR license tests positive from the “A” sample that individual is given the opportunity to explain why prescription medicine and/or supplements may have contributed to that positive finding. NASCAR did not accept the explanation and put Allmendinger under a temporary suspension.

If NASCAR officials reject the explanation the suspended individual may request that the “B sample” undergo the same test which is the case now.

The statement attributed to Tara Ragan, vice president of Walldinger Racing says:

“We now have a confirmed date for the testing of AJ's “B” (split specimen) Sample. The test will take place on Tuesday, July 24 at 8 a.m. CDT and be conducted at the Aegis Analytical Laboratories in Nashville.

Pursuant to the 2012 NASCAR Rulebook and in line with the procedures, we have elected to have a designated independent toxicologist present on AJ's behalf.  Along with everyone else, we are looking forward to hearing the results as quickly as possible. AJ and all of us at Walldinger Racing have truly appreciated the outpouring of support from our fans, partners, and colleagues.

It has meant a lot to us during this difficult time. We are also grateful to Mr. Penske and his management team for their patience and respect of the process we are going through.”

On Sunday, at the Sprint Cup race in New Hampshire Roger Penske said “we're standing behind A.J. Hopefully we'll know something in the next week to 10 days. Our goal is, hopefully, that he'll be fine and he'll be back in the car in the next race. We have nothing else we can do. It's entirely in the hands of NASCAR.”

Sam Hornish Jr. filled in for Allmendinger in Daytona and New Hampshire. It's likely that he will race the Brickyard 400 for Penske if Allmendinger is not reinstated by then.

Hollywood film director and producer Ron Howard is putting the final touch on his most recent movie titled "Rush" that should be released in 2013.

The movie is a biography of Formula 1 champion driver, Ferrari driver Niki Lauda (played by actor Daniel Brühl) and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. Mere weeks after the accident, he got behind the wheel to challenge his arch rival, McLaren driver and playboy James Hunt (played by Chris Hemsworth).

According to reports, after announcing that it would not be back in the GP2 series in 2013, Scuderia Coloni could be looking at the IZOD IndyCar Series in its future plans.

The Italian squad has already confirmed its imminent departure from GP2 without explaining the reason behind the sudden decision although serious disagreements between team principal Paolo Coloni and the series organisers are to blame.

After being founded to run F3 and F300 championships, the founder, Enzo Coloni, tried his luck in Formula One in 1987. After staying for more than 5 unsuccessful seasons, the team decided to go back tom its original roots and run in a variety of national championships in Italy.

GP2 single seater. (Photo: Scuderia Coloni)

The team would make a comeback into International F3000, later renamed the GP2 category. Now, Paolo Coloni is hoping to use his network of talented and funded European drivers to expand Scuderia Coloni into the North American market.

"I'm open to many options, but I can't deny that bringing our name to race on the same field as a great family of American motorsport like the Andrettis, as well as competitive teams as Penske and Rahal Letterman [Lanigan], would be really motivating for us."

Sebastian Saavedra has been invited to join the Andretti Autosport/AFS Racing squad for the upcoming IndyCar race to be run at Sears Point in August.

It won't be the first outing for the Indy Lights driver with the team as he drove an AFS/Andretti car at this year's Indianapolis 500, and, according to reports, this could be the first step towards a full-time deal in 2013.

The Colombian, who won the 2009 Indy Lights Rookie of the Year honours, returned to Lights this season with Andretti's team after racing in IndyCar last year with Conquest.

Sebastian Saavedra drove for Andretti Autosport/AFS at this year's Indy 500. (Photo: IndyCar)

Penske Racing announced that Ryan Blaney will drive their No. 22 Nationwide Dodge “at selected events,” over the remainder of this year.

The 18-year-old Blaney made his Nationwide Series debut in Richmond this year starting eighth and finishing seventh for Tommy Baldwin Racing.

“Ryan is a driver with a great racing pedigree and we believe he has a very bright future in NASCAR,” said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. “We've been keeping an eye on Ryan's development and we feel he'll be a great addition to the No. 22 Nationwide Series team.”

“I'm very excited about the opportunity to drive for Penske Racing for the rest of this season,” said Blaney. ”With the team's strong tradition of success and the winning program they've established in the Nationwide Series, I believe I can learn a lot and hopefully we can produce some strong finishes in the No. 22 car.”

Brad Keselowski, Penske's Sprint Cup driver has driven the No. 22 Nationwide Dodge 14 times this year and has two wins and one pole. Last Saturday he won at New Hampshire Motor Speedway from the pole.

Brad Keselowski won last weekend with the Dodge No. 22. (Photo: NASCAR)

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel has denied yet again that a picture of his future would prominently feature the colour red.

Asked mischievously by the German newspaper Bild if he has any red clothes in his wardrobe already, the 25-year-old answered: "Ok, I can guess what you are after".

"Well, I definitely don't have any Ferrari overalls," Vettel, who is contracted to stay at Red Bull at least for another season in 2013, added.

The speculation is rampant -- multiple media sources insist the German has signed some sort of 'pre-contract', while Ferrari bosses have been quoted as openly praising the reigning world champion's skills.

"I am honoured that Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo have said they could see me as a Ferrari driver," Vettel acknowledged.

"But that's it. The truth is that I have not signed, I have not shaken any hands. But if you would ask the 24 drivers in formula one if they would like to be with Ferrari at some point in their career, they would all say yes. It's just an awesome racing team. But everything has to fit," insisted Vettel.

"Who knows, maybe it will and suddenly I will go somewhere else. But it may be that I never go anywhere else simply because there is no better package than Red Bull," he added.

Photo: Pirelli

Sebastian Vettel denied that he has already made plans beyond 2013.

"No, no and no," he insisted. "I really have enough to think about this season; the here and now is so crucial because it's already hard enough to defend my title this year. I can not and will not concern myself with what is maybe going to happen in a few years. It is much, much, much too early."

He did not deny, however, that he has had some contact with Ferrari chiefs.

"There is always contact," he admitted, "but just because I stand in the paddock and talk with Stefano Domenicali does not mean that soon I'm driving for him."

And he dismissed suggestions all the Ferrari flirting could be a rival's tactic to destabilise reigning champions Red Bull.

"There's no problem at Red Bull," Vettel insisted, "and my bosses know exactly how I feel -- we deal with each other absolutely openly."

In 2002, as I was working on a TV special on Ferrari, I probably conducted the last interview with Gaston Parent, Gilles Villeneuve's manager. The former businessman died less than 12 months after that interview.

In 1976, Gaston Parent was a prosperous and acute businessman in the fields of marketing and advertising. He got to know Gilles Villeneuve as the young driver needed money to race in Formula Atlantic.

At the time, Villeneuve badly needed $5,000 to compete in a Formula Atlantic race in Halifax to secure the Canadian title. Parent was impressed by the young charger. He decided to pay the bill.

Gaston Parent. (Photo: Musée Gilles Villeneuve)

Villeneuve raced in Halifax, won the race and the title. Weeks later, Parent attended the Trois-Rivieres Atlantic race where he beat F1 World Champion James Hunt who was driving an identical car.

Early 1977, Teddy Mayer of the McLaren F1 team proposed a four-race contract to Villeneuve. “I was too busy to go in England. I told Robert St-Onge (his right-hand man) that he would go with Villeneuve to sign the contract,” Gaston Parent told us. And the two later returned to Canada with a McLaren contract in pocket.

Villeneuve raced a year-old McLaren in the British Grand Prix in Silverstone and made a strong impression.

A few weeks later, Mayer faced a dilemma. He had signed Frenchman Patrick Tambay as a teammate to James Hunt for 1978 and he needed to get rid of Villeneuve. “Negotiations began between Teddy Mayer and Ferrari. Mayer did not want Gilles to go to Wolf - the new Canadian team. He wanted him to go to Ferrari,” Parent explained.

“One day, Gilles called me. He was overly excited. He said that Ferrari had called him and offered him a contract. We needed to go in Italy. In fact, Niki Lauda had decided to quit Ferrari and the Italian team needed a replacement driver. I did not want to go in Italy. But my friend Walter Wolf - who was the owner of the new Wolf Formula 1 team - convinced me to go.”

Villeneuve was ecstatic about the idea of meeting Mr. Enzo Ferrari in person. “For me, it was totally different,” Parent told us. “I was a Canadian businessman who was going to Italy to meet an Italian businessman. Period.”

Fiorano track. (photo: Ferrari)

Continue reading Gilles Villeneuve: A few stories from his business manager, Gaston Parent

From GMM

Caterham has announced it will move into its new factory after this weekend's Hungarian grand prix.

It emerged in January that the Tony Fernandes-led team would relocate to the former Arrows and Super Aguri facility in Leafield, Oxfordshire.

From its 2010 inception, the former Team Lotus has been based in Hingham, Norfolk.

"With Leafield open for business, we have put in place the next vital stage for the continuing development of all the Caterham Group businesses," said Malaysian entrepreneur Fernandes, referring not only to his F1 team, but also Caterham's GP2 and road car arms.

"The first task is to refurbish the whole site and prepare it for a long and successful future," he added.

Tony Fernandes said the refurbishment will be finished in late October.

Factory in Leafield, Oxfordshire.

Roush Fenway Racing announced today that Bob Osborne, the long-time crew chief of Carl Edwards #99 Ford Fusion would be replaced by Chad Norris.

Edwards had been a Cup contender up to the final lap of the 2011 season, but this year is a very different story with only 2 top-five finishes in 19 races so far this year. Worse Edwards, who is eleventh in the points, hasn't seen victory lane since Las Vegas in 2011, 52 races ago.

RFR said that Osborne will remain with the organization as a senior member of the organization's management team and steering committee.

Bob Osborne and Carl Edwards. (Photo: NASCAR)

“I have had the pleasure of working with Carl Edwards for the past nine years and, during that time, my focus has been building a championship-caliber program,” Osborne said. “I'm proud of the 18 wins we've had together in Sprint Cup Series competition and our two second-place points finishes.”

“At this time in my life, however, concerns with my health have necessitated that I change my role within the organization,” Osborne added. “This transition is not an easy one, but I'm thankful to have the full support of Jack, Carl and the entire organization. I also have every confidence in Chad Norris, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to pursue a championship in 2012. I also appreciate the privacy and respect that the community will give me and my family during this difficult time.”

Osborne was Edwards' first crew chief for his Sprint Cup debut in 2004, and the two have combined for 18 wins and two runner-up finishes in season-ending Sprint Cup Series point standings.

“I cannot say enough good things about Bob Osborne,” added driver Carl Edwards. “I'm so thankful for what he's done for me as a driver, and he is without a doubt one of the smartest guys in the sport. I'm also appreciative of the fact that he'll continue to be a resource for me and our team as we focus on these final races. We're very fortunate to have Chad Norris as part of our organization to take over for the No. 99. I've known Chad for a long time and he is a fierce competitor. We've got our work cut out for us over the next seven races, and I've got every confidence Chad can lead our team to where we need to be.”

Norris has been with Roush Fenway Racing since 2005, and since 2011 has led Roush Fenway's research and development test program that has seen him serve as crew chief for Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., in his limited Sprint Cup Series schedule and Trevor Bayne in his limited Nationwide Series schedule.

Norris' first role as crew chief at Roush Fenway came in 2005 with the No. 17 Nationwide Series team. In his eight years with Roush Fenway, Norris has led multiple teams to victory lane, including Bayne's inaugural Nationwide Series win at Texas Motor Speedway in November of 2011.

“Our commitment to winning a championship with the No. 99 in 2012 has not waivered,” said team owner Jack Roush. “I'm committed to providing the resources to Carl and to his team to do that, and this restructuring of Bob's role and the introduction of Chad Norris as the crew chief for the No. 99 will put us in the best possible position for these final seven races before the ‘Chase' begins.”

After he secured his third season's victory at Brands Hatch, Gianmarco Raimondo, from St Catharines, Ontario, takes European Open F3 championship lead.

The F3 Open international championship is the former spanish F3 national serie, which grew up to an international calendar, now running on eight different countries in Europe. Last year, swiss driver Alex Fontana was crowned, before he moved to Formula 2 this season.

Beginning of the race at Brands-Hatch. (Photo: F3open.net)

After he ran the italian F3 championship in 2010, then the Euroseries F3 in 2011, 22 year old Raimondo moved to the Open F3 with team RP Motorsport. That was to be a successfull move. Raimondo claimed his maiden win at the Nürburgring, then won again at Spa. He took his third victory of the seasn at Brands Hatch, which allows him to take the championship lead.