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We let you take the wheel of the Renault-powered Caterham CT03 Formula 1 car normally driven by Frenchman Charles Pic and Dutchman Giedo van der Garde.

Photo: WRi2

But before you go for a spin, let's review the various buttons, switches and dials of the hand-made, carbon fibre steering wheel.


Let's start with the top portion

Photo: WRi2

N (yellow): Puts gearbox in neutral
KERS (white): Activates KERS
TALK (red): To talk to the team by radio
10 - (green): To change a selected value by increments of 10
SC: Safety car (when running behind the SC)
MID (purple dial): To adjust differential in the middle of the corners
EXIT: (purple dial): To adjust differential at the exit of the corners

PIT (red): Speed limiter in the pit lane
WING: To activate DRS (Drag Reduction System)
ACK: To acknowledge message
1 + (green): To change a selected value by increments of 1
DRINK: To drink during the race
KERS (green dial): To make adjustments to the KERS
Green dial: Used to change multi-function map settings for RPM (torque settings, changes torque delivery), KERS (changes KERS maps), OIL (activates reserve oil tank) and DEF (various sensors)


Let's continue with the bottom portion

Photo: WRi2

OVER TAKE (white): To increase temporarily engine power to pass a rival
ENTRY: (purple dial): To adjust differential at the entry of the corners
CLUTCH: To change clutch settings
MIX (red dial): To change engine maps to save fuel, for example

PC BPF (white): Bite Point Finder, used to accurately measure the clutch bite point
TORQUE (black dial): To change engine torque, when driving in the rain, for example
TYRE (black dial): changed for each tire type and used to enable ECU to know what compound is on the car. Dry tires are obviously less circumference than full wets and inters so each setting tells the car's brain what tire is on it
REV (red): To change maximum revving speed of the engine

From GMM

Martin Whitmarsh has played down reports McLaren could end its crisis by pulling its winning 2012 car out of mothballs.

The famous British team, whose Jenson Button closed last year's campaign with a win in Brazil, was scrabbling for mere points in Melbourne as the shortcomings of the radical new MP4-28 became clear.

Given the depths of McLaren's problems, it triggered rumours McLaren could simply revert to its 2012 car, which could be easily converted to the similar new rules by tweaking the design for tougher wing load and impact crash tests.

McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: WRi2)

Team boss Whitmarsh fuelled the speculation early this week by saying "Purely from a technical point of view, it would be possible".

But he is now quoted by the BBC: "All our efforts are currently focused on understanding this year's car, not considering last year's car.

"At the moment we have to work hard on this car," the Briton added. "We know it has got some areas of high potential and we know it has potentially more downforce than last year's car. We just need to understand it and make sure (the performance) is accessible."

From wrc.com

Four weeks before he makes his World Rally Championship debut on Rally Portugal, former Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica has admitted that the loose-surface event is likely to be his hardest test of the year.

The Pole will contest the seven-round WRC 2 championship in a Citroen DS3 RRC, tackling the remaining events in the WRC calendar except the rounds in Argentina, Australia and the season finale in Great Britain.

Alongside him will be experienced Polish co-driver, Maciek Baran, who since 2003 has navigated for WRC regular Michal Solowow. The pair will also take part in four rounds of the European Championship, starting with next week's all-asphalt Rally Islas Canarias.

As he unveiled the livery of his new Citroen, Kubica explained that his objective for 2013 was to build experience of the rallies and of driving with pace notes.

“Each and every rally will be new to me,” he said. “This year Rally Portugal will be the hardest. Although some sources apparently claim that I have already done some test on gravel, in fact I haven't done it yet. We will test after the Canaries Rally. Rally Portugal will be my first world championship event, first gravel rally and for the first time I will tackle such long stages - one of them has over 50 kilometres. It will be a steep learning curve for us.”

“My goal is clear: to learn, learn, learn. Experience is essential here, more important than in racing. On circuits we do a lot of laps, the driver knows the track by heart. Here you have to trust the pace notes completely. For me it is important to work on my pace notes system, I feel it can be improved and this is the key to success,” he added.

A difficult decision to take
Kubica acknowledged that the decision to switch from racing to rallying hadn't been easy, and he didn't rule out a return to the racetrack.

“Everything I do in my life, I do with one hundred per cent commitment,” he said. “My approach to rallies will be the same, but I will not put racing aside. Probably I will test a lot on circuit this year, but only if my rally schedule allows it.”

“The most important thing to me was to come back to competing at highest possible level in motorsport. I guess it worked out - only Formula 1 is at higher level than World Rally Championship, although in fact it is impossible to compare these two series. These are two different kinds of sport, so it's like comparing one of the most famous marathon runs in the world to 100 metres sprint run during Olympic Games,” he added.

Ford Motor Company has begun requiring that more than 100 materials and components meet stringent standards to minimize potential allergy issues on the new 2013 Ford Fusion and other vehicles.

From now on, engineers will avoid using materials such as latex, chrome, and nickel (a metal 10% of Americans are allergic to) that can cause allergic reactions. Common high-touch areas such as the seats, steering wheel, armrests, door handles, and shifters will also be tested for allergens.

Moreover, new cabin air filters improve driving comfort by reducing particle concentration, improve cleanliness, and protect climate control components from particle deposits. These filters also capture soot, smog, and tobacco smoke.

Ford testers also make sure dyes are strictly limited to levels that are acceptable even for clothing.

Finally, with SYNC AppLink, drivers can quickly access allergy information through the Allergy Alert app, and request to hear the types of allergen conditions they are likely to encounter.

From GMM

The buck will stop at Martin Whitmarsh if McLaren cannot quickly emerge from its early 2013 slump, according to former team driver David Coulthard.

Having lost team stars Lewis Hamilton and Paddy Lowe ahead of the new season, the Woking based team struggled markedly in Australia with the radical new MP4-28.

Whitmarsh, team boss, might ultimately shoulder the blame, Scot Coulthard wrote in a column for the Telegraph.

"You cannot escape the fact that there is pressure upon Martin Whitmarsh as team principal, for in the end, the captain of the ship is responsible for its navigation," said the 41-year-old, who drove for McLaren between 1996 and 2004.

"F1 is not a sport where people shy away from responsibility. Any evidence of a lack of commitment, lack of focus, or an inability to deliver consistently, is immediately addressed. Failure is not an option," Coulthard added.

Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren's team boss. (Photo: WRi2)

There has been talk of McLaren scrapping the MP4-28 in favour of reverting to the winning 2012 car, but that cannot be done in the very short term.

"Am I excited for the next race (in Malaysia)? We certainly will not be quick," Jenson Button is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

On the possibility of the 2012 car returning to action later on, Whitmarsh is quoted by Italy's Autosprint: "Purely from a technical points of view, it would be possible."

As the pressure ramps up, Button backed his boss.

"Everyone looks up to Martin," he is quoted by the Daily Mail. "It's difficult to always be strong, but he is doing a bloody good job. There is no finger-pointing. We want to improve, but it is going to be a long journey for us I think."

From GMM

Caterham has hit back at paddock rumours team founder Tony Fernandes has lost interest in the F1 project and could soon shut it down.

Late last year, Malaysian entrepreneur Fernandes handed over the role as team boss to Cyril Abiteboul.

And the decision to replace the highly rated Heikki Kovalainen with a second pay-driver for 2013 was seen by some as an acknowledgement that Caterham is unlikely to ever make the giant leap from the back even to the middle of the grid.

Indeed, the green cars lined up dead last on the Melbourne grid last Sunday, while Caterham was the only team whose drivers both finished the race two laps down.

Caterham CT03. (Photo: WRi2)

Riad Asmat, Caterham chief executive, dismissed all the rumours.

"If I remember correctly, our alleged demise has been reported about since we came into formula one in 2010," he is quoted by Speed Week.

He said "The investments we have already made for the new turbo era" beginning in 2014 is clear evidence Caterham has no intention of pulling out of F1.

"Why would we spend money like that if we're closing down?" the Malaysian asked rhetorically.

"Formula one is part of a larger picture of our business model," Asmat continued, "and a fundamental part of the complete philosophy.

"That is the second reason why the rumours of a withdrawal are nonsense. Caterham is staying this year, next year and for many more years," he insisted.

From GMM

Retirement is the right option for Ralf Schumacher, according to former F1 rival David Coulthard.

Despite Mercedes signing him up to stay in the DTM series in 2013, 37-year-old Schumacher surprised the racing world late last week when he announced he is hanging up his helmet.

Schumacher, whose older brother is the famous seven time world champion Michael, is instead moving into management, taking up a shareholding in the RSC Mucke Motorsport team.

Also hanging up his helmet late last year was Coulthard, the 41-year-old who raced in the German touring car series alongside Schumacher at Mercedes since 2010.

"I was surprised (about Ralf Schumacher's decision)," Coulthard told the Kolner Express newspaper, "because I thought he wanted to stay on for another year. But I know from personal experience how hard it is to compete against these DTM guys. For me it (retiring) was right, and I think also Ralf has realised that it is time to go."

Ralf Schumacher, Mercedes. (Photo: DTM)

I've said it before and will repeat it countless times in the future: I love cars. I especially love cars that have a purpose, a clearly defined one. Think Scion FR-S, Ford F-150, Mercedes Sprinter and Subaru Outback.

When I first glanced at pictures of the 2013 Chevrolet Trax, I thought I had found a new nameplate to add to my list. When I took delivery of my Trax, I was immediately smitten with its quirky almost cute mug. The love quickly dissipated in the course of our comparo as the Chevrolet Trax lost its grip in the shootout.


What is a Trax?
General Motors dubs the 2013 Chevrolet Trax the “smart SUV.” The fact of the matter is that it's a compact crossover that further blurs the definition of what a CUV is.

The Trax competes against the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan as well as taking on the Mitsubishi RVR and Subaru XV Crosstrek.

The name would suggest that the Trax is a minimally capable off-roader; however, this is not the case. Available with AWD, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax is primarily urbanite as its outer dimensions suggest maneuverability and its ability to fit in relatively small parking spots.

General Motors dubs the 2013 Chevrolet Trax the “smart SUV.” The fact of the matter is that it's a compact crossover that further blurs the definition of what a CUV is. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Technicalities
The 2013 Chevrolet Trax is shod out of the box with a turbocharged 4-cylinder ECOTEC 1.4L engine that produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The LS model has a standard 6-speed manual transmission in base trim, and a 6-speed autobox is optional, standard on all other trims. Front-wheel-drive is standard while AWD is a $1,950 option. Pricing starts at $18,495.

Driving the Trax
Despite the smallish displacement motor, the turbo manages to make things generally interesting. Perhaps the best aspect of the drivetrain is its impressively frugal fuel consumption numbers; we averaged fewer than 10L/100 km on test day, the best by far of the lot. Acceleration is decent, but the addition of three passengers to go along with the driver maxes out what the powertrain can achieve.

The optional 6-speed autobox swaps gears with skill, but prefers to do things at its rate. In other words, the Trax does not like to be rushed. With the available AWD, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax proves to be a competent tool to get around on snow-covered roads, particularly in the city. Where the countryside is concerned, as I found out firsthand during the comparo drive, things aren't as good.

What became evident was the Trax's suspension calibration or, better yet, lack thereof. The 2013 Chevrolet Trax suffered from poor weight transfer control on some of the twistier country roads. The same applied to strut rebound and compression control; in short, the Trax felt floaty while the others remained composed and surefooted.

Steering was numb with little feedback but thankfully, its precision was never put in doubt. As for the brakes, the top portion of pedal travel was mushy and therefore unresponsive. It was not as disconcerting as with a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu we recently entered in another comparo test.

Despite the less than stellar performances on the open road, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax proved to be an excellent and comfortable steed in the city. It is clear why GM refers to it as the “REAL” city adventurer.

The 2013 Chevrolet Trax is shod out of the box with a turbocharged 4-cylinder ECOTEC 1.4L engine that produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Inside and out of the Trax
The most endearing aspect of the 2013 Chevrolet Trax is its outer appearance. Stout and snub-nosed, its short overhangs and wheels at all four corners really make it the perfect “cute” urban jungle-conquering vehicle.

Its tall 5-door body configuration lends itself well to young, small family duty; however, fitting anything more than two adults (or three kids) on the rear bench will work if only for a very short period.

Sadly, the remainder of the cabin takes a serious nosedive. GM designers may have thought to fit a large number of storage areas throughout but they did not think to make it all fit harmoniously together. The dashboard is a smorgasbord of cheap looking, differently textured and poorly assembled pieces of plastic.

The high points include the very easy to use and pleasant to behold MyLink that just about seamlessly brings music, video, smartphones and the like together in a fun-to-use way. Fair marks go to the front seats, the driving position and overall visibility.

The dashboard is a smorgasbord of cheap looking, differently textured and poorly assembled pieces of plastic. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Comparing the Trax
As we discovered in our comparo test of Compact Crossover Alternatives, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax has everything it needs on paper but falls short in execution.

The most hurt on the Trax comes from its pricing. Our AWD 2LT came in at just under $29,000 which is quite pricey when you consider that it has no heated seats or fog lights while those of equal of less money in the comparo did.

Subaru will launch its all-new XV Crosstrek Hybrid at the upcoming New York Auto Show. Also making its world debut in the Big Apple will be a new performance model in concept form.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is the Japanese brand's first-ever hybrid vehicle. It will hit the market later this year, although no exact date has been announced.

As for the concept, Subaru provided zero information, so it's all speculation until next Thursday.

Photo: Subaru

Volvo will announce a new and exciting addition to its North American model lineup next week at the New York Auto Show. The Swedish automaker will also host the world premiere of its latest R-Design models, as well as the North American premiere of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

The world's first diesel plug-in hybrid will take centre stage as one of three remaining candidates for the prestigious 2013 World Green Car of the Year award (along with the Renault Zoe and Tesla Model S). It can travel 50 kilometres on pure electric power, and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds on the strength of 285 combined horsepower.

Come back next Wednesday to discover Volvo's brand new vehicle.

Photo: Volvo

Been a while, hasn't it? No, seriously, when were you this impressed by an F1 rookie's race debut as you were with Jules Bianchi's last time out in Melbourne? Fernando Alonso with Minardi in 2001, maybe? Or Sebastian Vettel in Toro Rosso colours in 2008? Either way, it's been a long time since a new driver made such an impression in their debut race.

Undoubtedly, the young Frenchman who comes from the Ferrari Driver Academy showed himself to be the best of the newcomers after an impressive drive to 15th in a Marussia - whilst vastly improved and now with KERS - that should not really be there. Then again, a driver wouldn't be noticed by Ferrari for his mediocrity would he?

Photo: WRi2

Certainly, you could argue that the much-hyped Valtteri Bottas was the most impressive of the rookies with a mature drive to 14th in a tricky Williams, and don't forget he also comes highly rated from Sir Frank Williams, a man who were you to cut him, would seep petrol.

However, also do not forget that Sir Frank also rated Antonio Pizzonia... It just appeared that Bottas performed little better than Bruno Senna who he replaced. Given the hype, it was just all a little underwhelming.

Furthermore, Bianchi was also the sole backmarker to finish on the same lap as the leaders. This placed him ahead of his teammate Max Chilton, and the two Caterhams of Giedo van der Garde, and compatriot Charles Pic who drove for Marussia last season.

Expect some serious head scratching from Pic, as the Caterham looked to be in possession of some seriously evil handling traits and given Bianchi's 19th place lap time was almost two seconds quicker than Pic's in 22nd, was by far the slowest car on the grid.

Photo: WRi2

Although Bianchi had every right to describe himself as “very happy” and unable to “imagine a better start” to his Formula 1 career, these post-race quotes were a master class in understatement.

Other figures - race lap times, qualifying times - make for further impressive reading. Whilst 19th place on the grid seems about right for where a newcomer in a Marussia should be, Bianchi placed the car ahead of Chilton by almost .800 of a second, and around half a second behind Esteban Gutierrez's Sauber in 16th and the Williams of Pastor Maldonado one place ahead in 15th.

Of all of Bianchi's achievements last weekend, setting the 11th fastest lap time with a 1m30.454 was the most outstanding. This put him on the same page - in terms of lap time - as Vettel (1m30.409), Button (1m30.198) and Massa (1m30.239), and made him by far the quickest of 2013's new drivers.

To put it into perspective, Bottas clocked a 1m30.652 as his best effort. The Marussia driver's sector times also made an impression as the first sector saw him once again keep on the pace of Vettel and Massa.

Photo: WRi2

Still, the story of Jules Bianchi almost did not happen at all. Following a ‘this is not a shoot-out, honestly' shoot out with Adrian Sutil for the second Force India over the winter, the young Frenchman lost out to Formula 1's latest comeback kid and it seemed he would have to spend another year on the side-lines as a reserve driver.

Then the issue of then Marussia driver Luiz Razia's funding cropped up... Razia was ousted, Bianchi was given the seat and had just two days to get used to the Marussia before the team prepared to head to Melbourne.

From GMM

A dark cloud has moved above next year's inaugural Russian grand prix.

Speed Week is reporting that the debt-ridden race organiser, Formula Sochi, has gone bankrupt and been liquidated by authorities of the Krasnodar region.

Just one month ago, Sochi mayor Anatoly Pakhomov announced that the city "will host" formula one next November.

Speed Week claims that the bigger company, promoter and circuit builder Omega, has taken over full responsibility for the race preparations.

Official Dmitry Erofeev was quoted by the news agency Izvestia as saying the preparations will continue as normal.

Sochi mayor Pakhomov said last month: "The Krasnodar region administration do not have the right for any kind of failure in this project as the country's prestige is at stake. In the event of any problems we would definitely receive all the required help from our neighbours and state."

The future Russian Grand Prix track.

BMW's new X4 model will bring a new type of customer to the brand, sales chief Ian Robertson said. The X4 will launch next year as a sportier version of the X3 SUV with a lower roofline and coupe styling.

BMW's new X4 model will bring a new type of customer to the brand, sales chief Ian Robertson said. The X4 will launch next year as a sportier version of the X3 SUV with a lower roofline and coupe styling.

Also in this episode: Fangio's famous Benz is for sale and Lotus lives another day.

As its name suggests, NGK Spark Plug Co Ltd develops and manufactures spark plugs for vehicles, motorcycles and aircraft. It also produces oxygen sensors for vehicle engines through its NTK brand. In this interview, Matthew Beecham talked with Tim Howes, Deputy General Manager - Supply Chain and Technical Service and Tim Ward, Deputy General Manager - Sales & Marketing, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) about trends in the spark plug market.

Hourly workers at Ford's plant in Genk, Belgium, will get $750 million in severance as part of a deal that allows the automaker to close that factory by the end of 2014.

Hourly workers at Ford's plant in Genk, Belgium, will get $750 million in severance as part of a deal that allows the automaker to close that factory by the end of 2014.

Detroit Electric, the Detroit electric vehicle startup led by former Lotus executive Albert Lam, said today it plans to start building a two-seat electric sports car this summer in Michigan.

The Guinness Book of World Records has the longest drift set at an amazing 19,035 feet, or about 3.5 miles. It was set in China in 2011. On May 11 Johan Schwartz, BMW Performance Driving instructor working in Greer, S.C.