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From GMM

Four drivers appear to be prominently in the running for the last race seat on the 2013 grid.

Strangely in the ultra-professional world of F1, Force India launched and debuted its new car, the VJM06, at Silverstone on Friday with only one race driver under contract -- Paul di Resta.

"Whoever does that is surely having problems," mused veteran Swiss F1 correspondent Roger Benoit, who writes for Blick newspaper.

When asked the obvious question about the missing race driver, deputy boss Bob Fernley immediately admitted that Jules Bianchi and Adrian Sutil are candidates.

"Jules is a significant candidate, along with Adrian," he said. "And a few others. I think we shouldn't close any doors off."

Could one of the significant others be Bruno Senna, the former HRT and Williams driver? According to one rumour, Scot di Resta has confided to some that his teammate this year will be the well sponsored Brazilian.

Another rumour is that Japanese Kamui Kobayashi, despite already counting himself out of the running for 2013, is now back in the frame with new sponsors.

Who to drive the second Sahara Force India VJM06? (Photo: Sahara Force India)

The biggest betting money, however, is on Frenchman Bianchi, the Nicolas Todt-managed rookie who was Force India's reserve driver last year.

His place might also be bundled with a Ferrari engine deal for 2014.

"If we'd had an ideal world," said Bob Fernley, "we'd have liked to run Jules for two years as a third driver. What's happened with the Nico (Hulkenberg) departure is that it's just taken us out of our comfort zone in terms of where we were wanting to plan going forward."

Sahara Force India has said it plans to unveil the name of di Resta's 2013 teammate ahead of the second test in Barcelona later this month.

Jari Ketomaa (Ford Fiesta) wins Rally Liepaja, in Latvia, for the second round of the European Rally Championship.

Peugeot works driver Craig Breen was the first leader of the event aboard his 207 S2000 before the Finn was able to close the gap and finally take first position in the second day. Ketomaa retained the lead, and took his first season win 31 seconds ahead of the british driver. François Delecour takes the last podium spot driving a Peugeot 207 S2000 after a great fight with Jan Cerny (Skoda Fabia).

Jari Ketomaa, Ford Fiesta. (Photo: FIA ERC)

Jari Ketomaa takes first position in championship lead ahead of Jan Kopecky, who took win in the ERC opening round in Austria, but did not enter rally Liepaja.

The third ERC round will be presented in Islas Canarias, Spain, with possibly Robert Kubica at the start aboard a Ford Fiesta, if the Pole is not involved in DTM with Mercedes.

Auto advertisers were back in force in the 2013 Super Bowl with commercials that were funny and touching -- with a few that just fell flat.

Bosch has announced that its clean diesel technology will be featured in four new Audi TDI models now on sale in the US - the Audi A8, A7, A6 and Q5. It also forecasts that diesel volumes in the US will rise sharply.

Germany remains on track to have a million electric cars on its roads by 2020 according to a study by Horvath & Partners and the European Business School.

Due to a lack of confidence in the global business environment, the percentage of automotive companies planning to pursue acquisitions within a year fell to 19 percent, according to an Ernst and Young survey.

The surge that provided a strong end to 2012 continued into January as US light vehicle sales rose 14.2% to about 1.04m. The seasonally adjusted annualised rate came in at 15.29m, off just slightly from December's 15.37m, and well ahead of the 13.98m figure reported in January 2012.

OMG! They're back! Vin, Paul, Jordana and Michelle, the Our Gang of the underground criminal import racer scene return for -- yes, you're about to read this right -- the sixth time! May 24 the silver screen reignites with what Universal is calling...

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: I enjoyed the last Tacoma we had in the office and I remember saying it felt trucky.

Suzuki has failed to post a profit for its European operations in four years and cannot say when it will cease posting losses, its regional chief told a German business magazine.

Chinese brand Qoros will debut its GQ3 compact sedan at the Geneva auto show in March ahead of a European launch later this year.

Chinese brand Qoros will debut its GQ3 compact sedan at the Geneva auto show in March ahead of a European launch later this year.

Suzuki has failed to post a profit for its European operations in four years and cannot say when it will cease posting losses, its regional chief told a German business magazine.

From GMM

Mercedes' attempt to give eager fans a sneak peak of its 2013 car failed spectacularly when its website servers crashed.

The Brackley based team had promised to reveal more of the unlaunched W04 every time a fan issued the Tweet "#f1w04reveal".

"Guys, server demand today has exceeded anything ever seen for Mercedes-Benz worldwide," the team said on its official Twitter channel.

The sneak-peak is now online at the team's official website, but the real W04 is currently en route to Spain, where it will be launched at Jerez on Monday ahead of the week's test action.

Model: 2007 to 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Vehicle Type: Truck

History/Description: With an eye for flexibility, capability and style, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac hit its second generation for 2007 and was carried on until 2010.

The dressed-up, four-door pickup was geared towards lifestyle-oriented shoppers, and included four-wheel drive, automatic transmissions and two engine choices. Shoppers could opt for a 4.0L V6 with 210 horsepower, or a 4.6L, 292-horsepower V8.

Look for chrome accents, step-boards, navigation, a sunroof, leather seating, reverse park assist, a power rear window, FordSync and plenty more. A top-line “Adrenaline” model adds more visual flare with a unique grille treatment, unique headlamps, 20” wheels, and more.

Unlike the Honda Ridgeline, the SportTrac rode a pickup frame chassis, and could tow up to 7,000 lbs. This machine is built, powered, and equipped like a pickup, and will consume fuel like one -- so be sure you're in need of its capabilities.

Photo: Rob Rothwell

What Owners Like: Sport Trac owners tend to rave about the available Pioneer stereo system, easy-to-clean interior, flexibility, space, traction, and a solid, tough and rugged feel. Performance with the V8 engine is also highly rated, as is the “real-truck” capability for towing and off-road work.

What Owners Dislike: Common gripes include difficulty accessing cargo due to Sport Trac's deep bed, some cheap interior trim, fuel mileage with the V8 engine, and cheap/filmsy door handles. Some owners wish for an easier-to-use tonneau cover, too.

Common Issues: Transmission problems come up first and foremost when checking out reliability of this generation of Sport Trac. Signs of trouble on your test drive include slipping, hesitation or roughness from the gear shifts, especially when switching between reverse and drive. In most cases, the problems are computer-related, not mechanical in nature, and a Ford mechanic can help ensure that's the case. The 6-speed transmission and V8 engine combination looks like the safest bet. The 5-speed automatic and V6 engine combination isn't recommended due to additional problems reported frequently in the owner's community.

Drive slowly while turning and “listen” for any unwelcomed popping, clicking or grinding sounds, which could indicate a problem with the rear differential or wheel bearings. Note that any sloppiness to the steering over bumps, possibly coupled with unwelcomed sounds, could indicate a problem with the front suspension, too.

Cycle through the four-wheel drive modes, ensuring all engage and disengage as outlined in the owner's manual. Check the air conditioner for proper operation, as well as all interior accessories. Pop the hood with the engine running, ensuring there is no excessive noise coming from the accessory belt and pulley.

Finally, note that looking at the condition of the Sport Trac's box and interior can provide a good indication of the sort of life it's had in the hands of its seller.

Photo: Rob Rothwell

The Verdict: It's the capability, flexibility and utility of the Sport Trac that will likely work hardest to attract customers to used models. The Sport Trac with the V8 engine is likely the most reliable bet -- but a mechanical checkover focusing on the transmission and rear differential should be considered mandatory ahead of your purchase.

Two-time World Rally champion (WRC) Marcus Grönholm will test a Motorsport Italia MINI on Monday.

The Finn, who retired at the end of 2007 season from the WRC, will be giving a bit of coaching to regular driver Michal Kosciuszko, ahead of the approaching Rally Sweden.

The former Peugeot and Ford driver therefore has to take the wheel of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC car to set a benchmark at the team's pre-test venue Monday, in Likenas, Sweden.

The Motorsport Italia MINI (Photo: Motorsport Italia)

"Marcus is a legend in the world of rallying," acknowledged team boss Bruno di Pianto. "[He] will help Michal with the particular style of driving need for Sweden."

"He'll also take our MINI John Cooper Works WRC out for a spin and test her limits, which'll allow us to compare his and Michal's data on the 6km test stage."

Subaru Canada's Pat Richard and his new co-driver Brit Rob Fagg have made the most out of Antoine L'Estage early retirement at the Perce-Neige rally, opening up the season with a win in Maniwaki, Québec.

All Richard had to do was stay out of trouble, as the two other contenders for the win, L'Estage and Leo Urlichich, retired.

L'Estage's day ended when the crankshaft under the hood of his Mitsubishi Evo X failed, on stage 3.

Pat Richard carving his path (Photo: Keith Morison/CARS)

Urlichich lasted longer, until the night. But eventually, his old "Crazy" self peered through. He went off the road, pushing a shock absorber right up the hood is Subaru.

Steeve Hobbs and co-driver Jean-Mathieu Tremblay (Subaru Impreza WRX), and Ugo Desgreniers and co-driver Érik Kirby (Subaru Impreza WRX) finished second and third respectively.

Paul Hartl and Chuck Storry won the two-wheel-drive class in their Volkswagen.


Final results Rally Perce-Neige Maniwaki 2013
1) Patrick Richard - Robert Fagg (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 2h12'19,5"
2) Steeve Hobbs - Jean-Mathieu Tremblay (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 2h14'21,6"
3) Ugo Desgreniers - Érik Kirby (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 2h16'17,8"
4) Simon Losier - Brian Maxwell (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.8) - 2h18'49,1"
5) Maxime Losier - Philippe Poirier (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.8) - 2h19'11,0"
6) Alexandre Béland - Lyne Murphy (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 2h19'19,5"
7) Max Riddle - Aaron Neumann (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 2h24'18,4"
8) Jeremy Norris - David Coles (Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS) - 2h27'41,6"
9) Alexandre R. Ouellette - Nicholas R. Ouellette (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 2h30'48,2"
10) Hardy Schmidtke - John Hall (Mitsubishi RKT Evo.9) - 2h32'49,8"
(...)

Infiniti Red Bull Racing has lifted the veil over its 2013 racer, the Red Bull RB9, today at the team's Milton Keynes base in the UK.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

The car, another creation of renowned designer Adrian Newey, is again powered by Renault Sports's normally-aspirated 2.4-litre V8 engine.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

It will be driven by reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel and his teammate Mark Webber.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

You can also watch this short film, put together by the team, of the RB9 being built.



Source: Red Bull Racing

Jean-Philippe Dayraut (MINI) has taken his third Trophée Andros title at this weekend's final round, presented at Superbesse, and won by Jean-Baptiste Dubourg (Renault Clio III).

Dayraut came into the final round at Superbesse with a huge lead, which he just converted to a third crown. Benjamin Rivière and Olivier Panis are respectively second and third in the standings.

In the race, Rivière took second behind Dubourg (there was only one race scheduled this week end), while Bertrand Balas (MINI) completed the podium ahead of teammate and new champion Dayraut. Jacques Villeneuve (Citroen) placed fifth, tied with Panis.

From GMM

Sauber has revealed the first major technical innovation of the 2013 season, and according to Germany's specialist Auto Motor und Sport it could be a masterstroke.

Reportedly, designer Matt Morris got the idea for the C32's ultra-narrow sidepods when Sergio Perez's sideways-crushed car got back to the Swiss team's garage after his huge Monaco shunt in 2011.

"If the trick works, the competition has a problem," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.

Schmidt said the C32's sidepods are 10 to 15 centimetres narrower than those on the 2012 Sauber.

The shrunken sidepods of the Sauber C32 (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

The benefit is clear: reduced drag and air disruptance to the diffuser and rear wing, and more scope for redirecting the flow to the most beneficial places.

"We endorsed the concept in July last year, because it influences the chassis and the crash structures," said designer Morris.

He explained, however, that the biggest problem was not the crash tests, but accommodating the radiators, electronic boxes, wire harnesses and other parts in the drastically reduced space.

"A nightmare," grinned Morris.

But arguably the biggest advantage of all is that, if Sauber has pulled off a masterstroke from left field, the competition will not be able to copy the innovation -- to do that, rival teams would have to build a new chassis.

Meanwhile, unlike McLaren, Sauber has not followed Ferrari's lead by introducing novel 'pull-rod' front suspension.

"There is probably an aerodynamic advantage," Morris admitted, "but to optimize the benefits and minimize the mechanical disadvantages would require a really complicated programme that goes beyond our capacity.

"This is a project for the 2014 car," he added.