Auto News 5

As of July 2011, the city of Santa Fe, N.M.

Volvo is said to have won the approval of China's main industry planner to begin making vehicles in the country.

PSA has struck a deal with five French unions, representing 76 percent of its workforce, over severance packages that the automaker will offer employees as it seeks to reduce its headcount in the country by 17 percent.

From GMM

Now the popular and traditional home of Brazil's annual race, the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace is however regarded as perhaps the worst venue on the grid in terms of its ageing facilities.

Now, rumours of a change of venue have emerged.

"In Brazil, the economic situation is very strong," Indycar driver Helio Castroneves, whose category will race on the Sao Paulo streets in May, said last week.

"I heard now that formula one might move from Sao Paulo to the south of Brazil. Obviously it's all about how much the promoters are willing to spend. I think it's more than just interest," the Penske driver added.

Photo: Williams F1 Team

The warm-weather travel season is upon us, and chances are you'll soon hit the road with your family for trips, activities, visits, and exploration.

With spring comes challenging driving conditions across the country including temperature fluctuations, reduced visibility thanks to heavy precipitation, potholes, and freshly awakened wildlife wandering onto roadways.

Few things provide confidence on the road like knowing your ride is up for handling your family voyages safely and with maximum efficiency. A thumbs-up from a mechanic, a tune-up, and some fresh fluids can go a long way to ensure your ride turns in worry-free and fuel-efficient travels.


Consider our list of springtime maintenance tips to make sure you're ride is ready to tackle the season ahead.

Yank the winter tires
Once temperatures stay consistently above plus 7 degrees Celsius, it's time to remove those winter tires. Running winter rubber in warm weather will quickly wear them out, result in a noisier ride, and may adversely affect safety.

Remember to re-torque your wheel nuts approximately 100 kilometres after having the all-season tires and wheels mounted. Not doing so could cause an accident. Follow the instructions of your mechanic or tire installer.

Stay cool
The warm weather will soon push two key cooling systems on your vehicle to their limits: the car cooling system, and the passenger cooling system (or air conditioner). Have both checked out ahead of the heat to ensure both will work properly when called upon. A mechanic can inspect your engine cooling system in minimal time, looking for signs of leaks as well as worn hoses and belts, and the condition of the coolant itself.

The air conditioning system is similarly easy to have checked out, too. If possible, find the condenser assembly (it looks like a small radiator) and clear it of any leaves, sand or salt buildup that may have accumulated over the past few months.

The underside
If you've hit any frozen-solid slush boulders this winter on the road, they've probably struck the underside of your ride harmlessly -- against something like your muffler or axle. Still, peace of mind can be had by asking a mechanic to inspect the underside of your vehicle for signs of damage, just to be safe.

Charging system and battery
A quick and simple check of your ride's battery and charging system will tell a technician if there's an electrical problem that could leave you stranded in a parking lot, at home or on the side of the highway. Also, note that a common cause of electrical problems in vehicles comes from a simple buildup of dirt and salt around the battery terminals. Because of static, contaminants are naturally attracted to this part of the battery, so locate the terminals and clean them with a wire brush if they're caked with dirt and salt crystals.

See and be seen
With the increased risk of encountering wildlife on the roads and highways comes an increased need for maximum visibility from your ride. Check headlights for proper aim, replacing any burnt bulbs in the process. Your mechanic can help. Lose the winter wipers, as they will “lift” away from the windscreen at higher speeds which impedes effectiveness. Consider applying a water-repellant treatment, like Rain X, to your windscreen ahead of the April showers.

Alignment
If you've cranked any good potholes this winter or early spring, your vehicle's alignment might be out of whack. Not only is this a safety concern, but it can affect drivability, shorten the life of your tires and waste gas. Check for signs of bad alignment yourself by ensuring tread wear is even across the width of your tires. Uneven treadwear is a good sign of an issue. Ask your mechanic for help if you're unsure.

Fluid Check
Many mechanics say that fluid changes are the single most important part of maintaining the driveline of your ride. Winter is hard on your fluids, especially the transmission fluid and engine oil. Replacing these fluids increases your chances of worry-free travels for the spring and summer ahead.

Air filter
Air filters become dirty and clogged. That's what they're for. When this happens, they wind up impeding or blocking the stream of air to your engine, reducing performance and cranking up gas use. Constant exposure to dirt, sand, salt, and moisture over the winter months can clog an air filter in quick order, so be sure yours is clean and clear for the sake of performance and gas mileage.

German car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz confirmed Tuesday morning that it will run a AMG C-Coupe for Canadian, Robert Wickens in this year's DTM championship.

STIHL, a producer of chainsaws, will sponsor Wickens' car this season.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Canadian driver Robert Wickens is about to embark on his second season in the DTM.

In his debut year behind the wheel of a DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, Wickens achieved three Top 10 positions and finished 16th in the championship on 14 points.

Before making the move to the DTM, he acquired experience as a Formula 1 test driver with Marussia Virgin Racing and Lotus Renault GP. He also won the 2011 title of the Formula Renault 3.5 series, beating against drivers such as Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo, today Formula 1 drivers.

The season starts May 5 at the Hockenheimring.

Twenty-five will battle it out this weekend in the streets of St. Petersburg as the IZOD IndyCar series presents the opening round of its 2013 season.

Out of the 25 drivers, 7 are Americans, and only one is a rookie, Frenchman Tristan Vautier, the reigning Firestone Indy Lights series' champion.

The field is divided in 13 cars using Chevrolet engines, and the other 12 relying on Honda power.

Ryan Hunter-Reay's Dallara -- the series' current champion -- will carry the No. 1 plate this season.

Entry list
IZOD IndyCar Series
Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Car Driver Car Name Engine Entrant
1 Ryan Hunter-Reay DHL Chevrolet Andretti Autosport
3 Helio Castroneves Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet Team Penske
4 JR Hildebrand National Guard Panther Racing Chevrolet Panther Racing
5 E.J. Viso Team Venezuela/Andretti Autosport/HVM Chevrolet Team Venezuela/Andretti Autosport/HVM
6 Sebastian Saavedra Dragon Racing Chevrolet Dragon Racing
7 Sebastien Bourdais Dragon Racing Chevrolet Dragon Racing
9 Scott Dixon Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Target Chip Ganassi Racing
10 Dario Franchitti Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Target Chip Ganassi Racing
11 Tony Kanaan Hydroxycut KVRT- SH Racing Chevrolet KV Racing Technology
12 Will Power Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet Team Penske
14 Takuma Sato ABC Supply A.J. Foyt Racing Honda A.J. Foyt Enterprises
15 Graham Rahal Midas/Big O Tires Honda Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
16 James Jakes Acorn Stairlifts Honda Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
18 Ana Beatriz Dale Coyne Racing Honda Dale Coyne Racing
19 Justin Wilson Dale Coyne Racing Honda Dale Coyne Racing
20 Ed Carpenter Fuzzy's Vodka / Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet Ed Carpenter Racing
22 Oriol Servia Panther DRR Chevrolet Panther DRR
25 Marco Andretti RC Cola Chevrolet Andretti Autosport
27 James Hinchcliffe GoDaddy.com Chevrolet Andretti Autosport
55 Tristan Vautier (R) Florida Lottery c/w Schmidt Peterson Honda Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
67 Josef Newgarden Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing Honda Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing
77 Simon Pagenaud Schmidt-Hamilton HP Motorsports Honda Schmidt-Hamilton Motorsports
78 Simona de Silvestro Nuclear Entergy Areva KVRT Chevrolet KV Racing Technology
83 Charlie Kimball Levemir and NovoLog FlexPen Honda Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing
98 Alex Tagliani Barracuda Racing Honda Bryan Herta Autosport w/Curb-Agajanian

A total of 3,000 vehicles are now being recalled in Canada due to a problem with the passenger's side frontal airbag. Affected models include the 2013 Nissan Sentra, Pathfinder, and Altima, as well as the 2013 Infiniti JX35.

On certain vehicles, sensors within the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured incorrectly. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.

Dealers will therefore inspect and, if necessary, replace the ODS sensors.

Source: Transports Canada

Next week at the New York Auto Show, Cadillac will unveil an all-new 420-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 engine which will become the signature of the 2014 Cadillac CTS when it goes on sale this fall.

“The new Cadillac Twin-Turbo brings a new dimension of technologically advanced performance to the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer. “Delivering power and sophistication, it marks another large step forward in the product-driven expansion of Cadillac.”

This engine is more powerful than the 3.0L unit in the BMW 535i (300 hp), and even the 4.4L V8 of the BMW 550i (400 hp). Cadillac says the new CTS will sprint from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in an estimated 4.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of about 274 km/h.

A naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 (321 hp) and a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (272 hp) will also be available with the 2014 Cadillac CTS.

Photo: Cadillac

Coroner Yvon Garneau is urging the Société de l'assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ) to penalize drivers who text behind the wheel with up to nine demerit points instead of just three.

His recommendation is the result of an investigation following the texting-related death of a Transport Quebec employee last October.

“Clearly, drivers don't get the message. The number of tickets keeps rising at an alarming rate, so it's time to stop talking and start acting,” Garneau wrote in his report.

Ever since the government increased from three to nine demerit points the penalty for drivers who get caught passing a school bus with a stop sign, the situation has improved dramatically.

The coroner predicts the same thing will happen with drivers who text on the road. He even suggested a 30-day suspension of the offender's cell phone.

Source: LaPresse

McLaren Electronics Systems, a company of Group McLaren issued a press release Tuesday afternoon to explain the problems that plagued the ECU running Mark Webber's Red Bull RB9 in Australia.

The complete press release reads as follows:

There is a new standard ECU (Engine Control Unit) in 2013 that featured on all Formula 1 cars that took part in the recent Australian Grand Prix.

It will power the 2.4-litre V8 engines this season and the new 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged parallel hybrid engines in 2014 and beyond.

New TAG-320 F1 ECU. (Photo: McLaren Electronic Systems)

Supplied by McLaren Electronics Systems, the new ECUs were run for the first time on the track by most teams in winter testing in February; just six weeks before racing began in Melbourne.

They replace the previous ECUs that have been running very reliably since the standard ECU was introduced by the FIA in 2008.

An ECU comprises several thousand parts; tens of thousands of solder connections and hundreds of thousands of lines of software. It is a very complex piece of equipment that controls the powertrain and DRS, and acts as a car's primary data system.

The electronic units themselves ran without incident in Melbourne, but there was a software-related issue that meant that Mark Webber's Red Bull Racing car's garage data system had to be re-started during the formation lap.

That disrupted his preparations for the start of the race, for which Mark and the team has our apology. We are working together with them to prevent any recurrence.

Sebastian Vettel's and Mark Webber's Red Bull RB9 Renaults ran very thin rear wings during the Australian Grand Prix last weekend in Melbourne.

As seen in these photos, the main wing plane and the flap of the rear wing of the RB9s were significantly thinner than those of rivals McLaren and Ferrari.

This is quite surprising because Melbourne, a temporary street circuit, normally requires quite a bit of downforce.

Running such a big rear wing as the McLaren requires a lot of top end power from the Mercedes V8, because a wing not only produces downforce but also drag, which slows the car down on the straights.

We can only assume that McLaren had to run their MP4-28s in this high-downforce configuration because they couldn't get the new Pirelli tires to their correct working temperature.

Red Bull-Renault RB9. (Photo: WRi2)

McLaren MP4-28-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

This significant difference also showed in terms of top speed at various portions of the circuit.

In qualifying, both Red Bulls were, on average, 5-7 km/h faster than the McLarens on the straights. The Ferraris of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa were amongst the quickest of all.

It was roughly the same during the race with Button, constantly the slowest. At the main speed trap, Button's McLaren was 6 km/h slower than Vettel's Red Bull. Jean-Eric Vergne's Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso was the quickest of all at 310.7 km/h, followed by Alonso.

We can conclude that -- like its predecessors -- the Red Bull RB9 generates a lot of downforce from his floor and diffuser. Therefore, the team can run its cars with thinner wings which allow better top speeds.

Bonhams will be offering for auction at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday July 12 one of the most historic Grand Prix car ever raced.

Bonhams has consigned the 1954 2.5-litre straight-8 Mercedes-Benz W196 - chassis number ‘00006/54' - in which five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio won both the 1954 German and Swiss Grand Prix races.

Photo: The Spitzley/Monkhouse Collection

These great victories were the first two to be achieved in succession by the frontier-technology Mercedes-Benz factory Formula 1 team in its postwar racing come-back. Chassis ‘00006' also has special significance as the first open-wheeled slipper-bodied postwar Mercedes-Benz ever to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix race - having made its debut in that German GP.

The car's innovative W196 design also marked the successful introduction to Formula 1 of the technologies such as fuel-injected engine, all-independent suspension and multi-tubular ‘space frame' lightweight chassis design and all-round inboard-mounted brakes.

The IndyCar Series has incorporated into the IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook its standardized push-to-pass parameters that will be used on streets and road events for the upcoming 2013 season.

Push-to-pass, a device that increases temporarily the power of the engine and which was introduced to the new engine-chassis package last July on the streets of Toronto, will have parameters for each of the road/street course events, including doubleheader races at Detroit, Toronto and Houston.

There's no delay in activation or refresh time.

According to the new rules, if a driver chooses to use a blast of power, they cannot cancel it. Therefore, it will make it more difficult to choose to use as a defense mechanism rather than as an overtaking opportunity.

Photo: IndyCar

IZOD IndyCar Series-controlled push-to-pass parameters

Event   Total pushes    Time per push    Total time
St. Petersburg    10 times   15 seconds   150 seconds
Barber   10   20   200
Long Beach   10   20   200
Sao Paulo   10   20   200
Detroit   10   15   150
Toronto   10   20   200
Mid-Ohio   10   20   200
Sonoma   10   15   150
Baltimore   10   15   150
Houston   10   15   150

Highlights*
Pleasant driving dynamics, a wind-slicing silhouette, and great fuel economy are some of the key attributes of the 2013 Toyota Prius c, the most affordable hybrid in Canada.

Lowlights*
Experts agree that interior trim quality is sub-par. Moreover, the car makes do with a semi-independent suspension (torsion beam) and drum brakes in the back while most competitors use a fully independent setup and four-wheel discs.


Pricing
The 2013 Toyota Prius c starts at $20,440. The more upscale Technology model, available at $23,415, adds convenient features such as XM satellite radio, navigation, steering wheel controls, 15” alloy wheels, push-button start, a leather-trimmed instrument panel, and more.

In some provinces, such as Quebec and Ontario, Prius c customers are eligible to receive a tax credit for the purchase or lease of an energy-efficient vehicle.

Fuel consumption
The 2013 Toyota Prius c has a rating of 3.5L/100km in the city, 4.0L/100km on the highway, and 3.7/100km combined. The hybrid powertrain helps a lot, of course, but so does the start-stop system that turns the engine off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop in traffic or at a stop light.

Together with the electric motor, the car generates a net output of 99 horsepower. (Photo: Toyota)

New for 2013
Based on the concept that made its debut in 2011, the Toyota Prius c appeared for the first time as a production model in Seattle one year ago. In its second model year, option packages have significantly changed. The base MSRP is now $500 lower, while the Prius c Technology is $250 more expensive.

Styling
As a quintessential city car (that's actually what the “c” stands for), the 2013 Toyota Prius c rides on the same B-segment platform as the Yaris. Styling is also similar, although the unique taillights and more aerodynamic profile give it away as a genuine member of the Prius family.

As a quintessential city car (that's actually what the “c” stands for), the 2013 Toyota Prius c rides on the same B-segment platform. (Photo: Toyota)

Cargo capacity
The trunk of the 2013 Toyota Prius c can hold 481 litres of cargo, which is in the same ballpark as the competition.

Powertrain
The 1.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine that's part of the Toyota Prius c's Hybrid Synergy Drive system is derived from the Yaris. Together with the electric motor, the car generates a net output of 99 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) also fits into the equation.

Safety
The 2013 Toyota Prius c boasts nine standard airbags. Like every other model in the lineup, it benefits from the Japanese automaker's STAR Safety System to avoid accidents: ABS, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control, traction control, and Smart Stop technology.

Competitors
Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, Scion iQ, Volkswagen Golf TDI, Honda Fit


* Based on expert reviews.
Lefrançois Éric, L'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.547
Brière Francis, L'Annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.578
auto.sympatico.ca

The GT3: Brief history
The Porsche 911 GT3 is mesmerizing. The first such GT3 came about at the very end of the ‘90s as a special edition of the then current 996 generation of one of the most famous sports cars in the world: The Porsche 911.

Through the 997 generation, the car got more powerful and ever more desirable. Colour schemes, initiated by the previous 996, grew wilder with the 997 as did the versions and special editions.

The 996 RS, the kingpin, was available in a limited run between 2003 and 2005. The 997 RS was more common, however, its skills and abilities shone brighter than the sun; ask anyone. The 997 GT3's legacy culminated in the most powerful and most desirable iteration ever and it was the RS 4.0L Limited -- truly a bucket-list car.

My love affair with the GT3 came full circle when I finally got to drive the car in 2010. On that day, every notion of driving dynamics, grip and acceleration that top-notch auto journos talk about reverberated through my being; I became part of the hype. The addiction began.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

2014 991 Porsche 911 GT3
And now, the hype begins all over again. The new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 was just unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show and it once again rocked my world. And, I've yet to even drive it... here's hoping I actually do get to take it for a spin.

Regardless of my luck in the future, the details on the new GT3 are enough to make high performance drivers, tech-nuts and car enthusiasts' heads spin. I may as well be locked up for good...

No mo' clutch pedal
For one, some car nuts would like to see heads roll for one simple, yet overtly important, point: A PDK (dual-clutch transmission) now replaces the once untouchable 6-speed manual gearbox. Taken aback, angered and frightened even, I quickly came to my senses and realized that Porsche's decision in this matter was inevitable.

The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is first and foremost a machine to go quickly. Let's put it this way: give Tiger Woods Ben Hogan's clubs and have him play against Rory McIlroy... Despite Tiger's supposed talent, he'd be ill-equipped to take on Rory.

The same logic applies here. The PDK is by far the superior transmission and so, if the goal is to set lap times, it is the best equipment. Notice that the + and - shift marks beside the lever have changed positions, now reflecting true racecars; the downshift is a forward push; up is a pull. Nice touch.

Future heel & toe historians (such as I) need not chop off their left foot just yet. My guess is that the nice people from Stuttgart will more than likely make a rowing ‘box available in time.

50 years of doing performance right
The engine is, and always will be, in the rear. As with the 997 GT3, the flat-6's displacement remains at 3.8L. Output rises to 475 hp from 435 in the 997. On its own, the increase is little to write home about, however, the performance changes are worthy of a revised edition of the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

If you were not convinced of the advantage brought on by the PDK, know that 0-100 km times have dropped from a posted 4.0 to 3.5 seconds. Nürburgring Nordschleife lap times have tumbled to under 7:30 minutes from 7:40+ minutes for the outgoing MKII 997 GT3. A few other stats for your viewing pleasure: 200 km/h is reached in less than 12 seconds and the top speed is now 315 km/h in 7th gear.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Rear steer
The most novel piece of news to go along the announcement that the new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is effin' fast is the introduction of active rear-wheel steering.

The advantage to the 4-wheel steering is always speed based. Depending on rate of ground coverage, the rear wheels steer in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels. This has a direct impact on lateral dynamics, improving stability and agility. From U-turns to rapid passing manoeuvres on a track, every steering wheel input will be met with more immediacy.

To go along with the rear-wheel steering, the GT3's all-aluminium chassis can still be adjusted for height, toe and camber. This car has a serious purpose.

The GT3 great gritty
The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is 44mm wider than the Carrera S on which it is based. Specific to the GT3 are sweet and malicious looking 20” forged alloy wheels with central locking. We must not forget the massive signature fixed rear wing. Front and rear bumpers are Kobe-beefed up and look delicious.

The cabin of the 991 GT3 is sexy, albeit not as bare as it once was. The long and wide centre console, now standard across Porsche's lineup, brings elegance and luxury to an area that was once reserved for fast-business meetings only.

Alcantara remains the material of choice, and I'd have it no other way. Grippy sport bucket seats are a must as is the Alcantara-swathed steering wheel. The Sport Chrono Package is an option and allows the ability to display performance data.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

When can you get one?
Never. I'm buying them all!

Pricing should hover around the $150,000 mark, and so I may ever only get to own a used rear tire...

All kidding aside, the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 perfectly ushers in the 50th Anniversary of the fabled 911. It should arrive in Canadian dealerships by the end of 2013.

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has admitted he is happy to have "proved people wrong" after leaving McLaren.

Many critics rounded on the 2008 world champion when he announced his decision to leave McLaren, an established top team, for the recently underperforming Mercedes in 2013 and beyond.

But Hamilton's new W04 looked competitive in winter testing and then in Melbourne last weekend, while the 2013 McLaren is struggling.

Lewis Hamilton in Melbourne. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

"Lewis Hamilton recently acquired a dog and so, it seems, has (Jenson) Button; only Button is driving his," wrote Guardian correspondent Paul Weaver.

Lewis Hamilton cannot hide his joy at the situation, aiming fire at his critics including Sirs Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart: "They don't know what they're talking about.

"It's nice to prove people wrong," admitted the 28-year-old after touching down in Malaysia.

"It has been everyone (criticising), particularly all the ex-drivers commenting that it was the worst decision ever. The team (Mercedes) have done well, I'm really proud of my team. I'm proud of my decision as well," added Hamilton.

Owners of 2004-2008 Acura TSX sedans in Canada need to be aware of a recall on 16,990 units.

On certain vehicles operated in areas where road salt and de-icing chemicals are used, if the driver enters the vehicle with a salt/snow mixture on their feet, this could melt and soak the carpet, allowing the salt-water solution to contact the base of the Engine Control Unit (ECU). As a result, the ECU could suffer corrosion damage, which may cause the engine to stall.

Acura dealers will install a waterproof cover over the ECU. Any damaged ECU will be replaced.

Source: Transports Canada

From GMM

McLaren has hit back at arch-rival Red Bull's claims that the British team was responsible for Mark Webber's troubles in Melbourne.

After Webber had a terrible start and then KERS trouble during Sunday's season opener, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: "You need to ask McLaren why the ECU didn't work".

McLaren subsidiary MES (McLaren Electronic Systems) mandatorily supplies electronic control units to every team in F1.

The new ECU TAG-320. (Photo: McLaren Electronic Systems)

A new unit for 2013, in preparation for the radical new V6 engine rules next year, caused several problems in recent winter testing.

Martin Whitmarsh, the McLaren team principal, told PA Sport he was "distressed" when he heard about Horner's criticism.

"We'll put our hands up if it's a fault that's derived from the hardware or the Bios," he said. "You can also inflict ECU problems on yourself by how you set it up, but I will look into it. I'll be disappointed if it is our fault because in F1, NASCAR and IndyCar, we've not yet stopped a car, and we're very proud of that record."

Meanwhile, as McLaren grapples with its uncompetitive new MP4-28, Christian Horner admitted his surprise that the British team scrapped the successful 2012 car in favour of a radical design.

"I think McLaren had a very good car last year," he said. "Arguably for large parts of the season they had the fastest car, so they will know their own reasons why they have chosen to go the route they have."

From GMM

Niki Lauda has slammed the tire situation in formula one, accusing Pirelli and the FIA of confusing the fans.

"The situation with the tires is absolutely stupid," the forthright triple world champion, broadcaster and Mercedes team chairman and shareholder said.

"Artificially creating more and more pitstops is wrong," Lauda told German newspaper Bild. "Pirelli can't really help it as they are only doing what the FIA ordered them to do, but 90 per cent of the time no one understands what is happening in the races now."

Photo: Pirelli

Pole sitter Sebastian Vettel finished the 2013 season opener third on Sunday, while Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen did one fewer pitstop and surprisingly won for Lotus from seventh on the grid.

Niki Lauda said the current situation, with the tires more influential than ever before, is confusing for the fans.

"My advantage is that I can ask our (Mercedes) engineers. The fans cannot. But even our people are confused. When the tires are so soft, it's bad for formula one. The fans don't understand if there are more than two pitstops. (For F1) it's a fundamentally wrong path."

Pirelli's Paul Hembery hit back: "Many fans have told us they think the racing is more exciting now."