Mar
1st
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Toyota's UK engine plant, in Deeside, North Wales, has celebrated the creation of 70 new jobs in order to meet increased engine demand.
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- Beijing Motor Show 2024 – pictures
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- New Kia Sorento 2024 review: a good car just got even better
- New Kia Sorento 2024 – pictures
- New Kia Sorento facelift: UK prices and specs revealed for updated SUV with EV9 overtones
- 2024 Kia Sorento facelift – pictures
- Volkswagen Tayron being tested – pictures
- New Volkswagen Tayron papped as Tiguan’s seven-seater sibling continues testing
The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Auto News 5
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Mar
1st
Ferrari revealed what we hope is the last teaser for its Enzo successor on Friday.
Mar
1st
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Although advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are increasingly fitted to new cars as drivers request them, Euro NCAP's tightened safety requirements will boost such installed equipment rates over the next few years. In this interview, Matthew Beecham talked with executives of Ficosa to get a better understanding of the market for certain camera and sensor based ADAS, namely lane departure warning systems, cruise control systems and traffic sign recognition systems.
Mar
1st
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Getting a close look at the Alfa Romeo 4C when it debuts in Geneva will be a challenge if there is a repeat of what happened two years ago at the same show.
Mar
1st
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GAZ Group - part of Russian Machines - the machinery and engineering holding of Basic Element - recently started Chevrolet Aveo production at its Nizhny Novgorod facility 250 miles east of Moscow and also produces vehicles for Volkswagen and Skoda.
Mar
1st
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European automakers are marking record achievements in the United States. Jesse Snyder, a former editor for Automotive News Europe, explores why in this segment from Automotive News TV's First Shift newscast on Feb. 26.
Mar
1st
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Give credit to the organizers of the Geneva auto show, they know better than to mess with Ferrari.
Mar
1st
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This year's Geneva auto show highlights how automakers are increasingly pushing into new market niches as they seek to maximize showroom sales and profits.
Mar
1st
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ThyssenKrupp AG, Germany's biggest steelmaker, said an antitrust watchdog in the country raided its offices in the western city of Duisburg.
Mar
1st
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NASCAR took the severe route of indefinitely suspending Nationwide Series driver, Jeremy Clements for what the sanctioning body characterized as “an intolerable and insensitive remark.”
In a brief statement the penalty was characterized as “Jeremy Clements, a driver in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's Code of Conduct. On Feb. 23 at Daytona International Speedway, Clements was found to have violated Sections 7-5 (NASCAR's Code of Conduct) and 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing).
“During the course of an interview, Jeremy Clements made an intolerable and insensitive remark,” said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations.
“NASCAR has a Code of Conduct that's explicitly spelled out in the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book. We fully expect our entire industry to adhere to that Code.”
On Thursday Clements appeared on an ESPN interview admitting a racial slur was involved.
“When you say 'racial' remark, it wasn't used to describe anybody or anything," Clements told ESPN.
“So that's all I'm going to say to that. And it really wasn't. I was describing racing, and the word I used was incorrect and I shouldn't have said it. It shouldn't be used at all."
How it happened
The statement came about following the Nationwide Series pre-race drivers' meeting. A NASCAR official was escorting an MTV reporter who asked Clements how to find another driver.
"While we're walking they started, he [MTV] started, asking me questions," Clements told ESPN. "And it wasn't recorded. We were just talking. So I said one remark about how I wouldn't ..." and then he stopped. He also said he only said the offending word one time. That's pretty much how it happened," he told ESPN. "And even after I said what I said, they still kept asking me questions. It didn't seem like it was a big deal at all. I didn't even think twice about it, like, after.
“I know I shouldn't have said it. Even when I did say it, I shouldn't have said it. But I didn't think it was going to be a big deal."
Clement said he would be suspended for a minimum of two races and must undergo some sort of speech training.
Clement told ESPN that the interview was not recorded and that he later admitted saying the word. He said a NASCAR official called him on Sunday and asked him if he had used the word.
"There was just three people standing there when I said this,” Clement told ESPN. “And it was me, a girl that works for NASCAR and the MTV guy. There was no cameras. No recording. No nothing.
"(A NASCAR official) asked me point-blank: 'Hey, did you say this word?' And I said, 'Yes, I did.' I was being honest. I did. I messed up. It was just one word and it wasn't about anybody. It wasn't even used as that."
Facebook
On Clement's Facebook page there was a post attributed to him: “I apologize and regret what I said to the NASCAR writer and to NASCAR, my sponsors, my fans, and my team. NASCAR has a Code of Conduct that everyone must follow and I unintentionally violated that code. I will not get into specifics of what I said but my comment to the writer was in no way meant to be disrespectful or insensitive to anyone or to be detrimental to NASCAR or the NASCAR Nationwide Series. I will do what I need to do in order to atone for my error in judgment. “
In a brief statement the penalty was characterized as “Jeremy Clements, a driver in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's Code of Conduct. On Feb. 23 at Daytona International Speedway, Clements was found to have violated Sections 7-5 (NASCAR's Code of Conduct) and 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing).
“During the course of an interview, Jeremy Clements made an intolerable and insensitive remark,” said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations.
“NASCAR has a Code of Conduct that's explicitly spelled out in the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book. We fully expect our entire industry to adhere to that Code.”
On Thursday Clements appeared on an ESPN interview admitting a racial slur was involved.
“When you say 'racial' remark, it wasn't used to describe anybody or anything," Clements told ESPN.
“So that's all I'm going to say to that. And it really wasn't. I was describing racing, and the word I used was incorrect and I shouldn't have said it. It shouldn't be used at all."
How it happened
The statement came about following the Nationwide Series pre-race drivers' meeting. A NASCAR official was escorting an MTV reporter who asked Clements how to find another driver.
"While we're walking they started, he [MTV] started, asking me questions," Clements told ESPN. "And it wasn't recorded. We were just talking. So I said one remark about how I wouldn't ..." and then he stopped. He also said he only said the offending word one time. That's pretty much how it happened," he told ESPN. "And even after I said what I said, they still kept asking me questions. It didn't seem like it was a big deal at all. I didn't even think twice about it, like, after.
“I know I shouldn't have said it. Even when I did say it, I shouldn't have said it. But I didn't think it was going to be a big deal."
Clement said he would be suspended for a minimum of two races and must undergo some sort of speech training.
Clement told ESPN that the interview was not recorded and that he later admitted saying the word. He said a NASCAR official called him on Sunday and asked him if he had used the word.
"There was just three people standing there when I said this,” Clement told ESPN. “And it was me, a girl that works for NASCAR and the MTV guy. There was no cameras. No recording. No nothing.
"(A NASCAR official) asked me point-blank: 'Hey, did you say this word?' And I said, 'Yes, I did.' I was being honest. I did. I messed up. It was just one word and it wasn't about anybody. It wasn't even used as that."
On Clement's Facebook page there was a post attributed to him: “I apologize and regret what I said to the NASCAR writer and to NASCAR, my sponsors, my fans, and my team. NASCAR has a Code of Conduct that everyone must follow and I unintentionally violated that code. I will not get into specifics of what I said but my comment to the writer was in no way meant to be disrespectful or insensitive to anyone or to be detrimental to NASCAR or the NASCAR Nationwide Series. I will do what I need to do in order to atone for my error in judgment. “
Mar
1st
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From GMM
Italian tire manufacturer, Pirelli is pushing hard for an early decision about whether it will remain Formula 1's official supplier beyond 2013.
Now towards the end of its existing three-season deal, the Italian marque has made clear it wants to stay.
But "Time is pressing on," motor sport director Paul Hembery is quoted by Britain's Sky Sports.
And according to Italiaracing, the fluent Italian speaker added: "The negotiations are ongoing and there is progress, but nothing conclusive.
"For sure we should not be here in June or July, talking about how things are going," said Briton Hembery.
Italian tire manufacturer, Pirelli is pushing hard for an early decision about whether it will remain Formula 1's official supplier beyond 2013.
Now towards the end of its existing three-season deal, the Italian marque has made clear it wants to stay.
But "Time is pressing on," motor sport director Paul Hembery is quoted by Britain's Sky Sports.
And according to Italiaracing, the fluent Italian speaker added: "The negotiations are ongoing and there is progress, but nothing conclusive.
"For sure we should not be here in June or July, talking about how things are going," said Briton Hembery.
Mar
1st
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Highlights
A comfortable driving position, good ride quality, and generous cargo room make the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze a desirable compact sedan.
Lowlights
Unlike the Honda Civic and Ford Focus (two of its biggest competitors), the Cruze makes do with a semi-independent rear suspension. Meanwhile, the standard 1.8L 4-cylinder engine under the hood proves quite thirsty around town: 9.2L/100km with the automatic transmission, and 8.2L/100km with the manual gearbox.
Pricing
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze ranges from $16,795 to $28,345 (including freight and delivery charges). The more fuel-efficient Turbo model starts at $21,235.
Fuel consumption
The base 1.8L engine achieves a combined 6.9L/100km with the manual transmission, and 7.6L/100km with the autobox.
The 1.4L turbocharged variant burns an average of 6.6L/100km. In Eco trim, this number drops to 6.0L/100km (manual) or 6.5L/100km (automatic).
Model-year info
The Cruze was launched in 2011, and returns with no major changes for 2013 other than the available MyLink infotainment system.
Styling
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has a friendly face that proudly displays the brand's signature split grille. It definitely boasts modern flare with looks that will likely age well.
Cargo capacity
The trunk can swallow up to 425 litres of stuff. Among all compact sedans, only the Volkswagen Jetta offers more cargo room (440 litres).
Powertrains
Buyers have a choice of two 4-cylinder engines including a 138-horsepower 1.8L mill, and an equally powerful 1.4L turbocharged unit that produces 148 lb-ft of torque instead of just 125.
Safety
With class-leading 10 standard airbags and many additional safety features, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has received the NHTSA's highest safety rating.
Advice
The turbocharged Chevrolet Cruze Eco stands out with a lighter overall weight, low-rolling resistance tires, an Aero package, and specific programming for the manual transmission that contribute to a 10% gain in fuel economy, making this model attractive for many customers.
Competitors
Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta.
References
* Testimonies
Bouchard Jean-Pierre, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.178
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.174
** Insurance: ‘'L'Annuel de l'automobile''. Typical case: Three age groups (25, 40, 60). The insured driver lives in the Greater Montreal area, and travels 20-30 kilometres a day. No accident to report in the past five years. Deductible: $250. Civil liability: $1 million. Taxes included.
A comfortable driving position, good ride quality, and generous cargo room make the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze a desirable compact sedan.
Lowlights
Unlike the Honda Civic and Ford Focus (two of its biggest competitors), the Cruze makes do with a semi-independent rear suspension. Meanwhile, the standard 1.8L 4-cylinder engine under the hood proves quite thirsty around town: 9.2L/100km with the automatic transmission, and 8.2L/100km with the manual gearbox.
 |
Pricing
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze ranges from $16,795 to $28,345 (including freight and delivery charges). The more fuel-efficient Turbo model starts at $21,235.
Fuel consumption
The base 1.8L engine achieves a combined 6.9L/100km with the manual transmission, and 7.6L/100km with the autobox.
The 1.4L turbocharged variant burns an average of 6.6L/100km. In Eco trim, this number drops to 6.0L/100km (manual) or 6.5L/100km (automatic).
Model-year info
The Cruze was launched in 2011, and returns with no major changes for 2013 other than the available MyLink infotainment system.
Styling
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has a friendly face that proudly displays the brand's signature split grille. It definitely boasts modern flare with looks that will likely age well.
Cargo capacity
The trunk can swallow up to 425 litres of stuff. Among all compact sedans, only the Volkswagen Jetta offers more cargo room (440 litres).
Powertrains
Buyers have a choice of two 4-cylinder engines including a 138-horsepower 1.8L mill, and an equally powerful 1.4L turbocharged unit that produces 148 lb-ft of torque instead of just 125.
Safety
With class-leading 10 standard airbags and many additional safety features, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has received the NHTSA's highest safety rating.
Advice
The turbocharged Chevrolet Cruze Eco stands out with a lighter overall weight, low-rolling resistance tires, an Aero package, and specific programming for the manual transmission that contribute to a 10% gain in fuel economy, making this model attractive for many customers.
Competitors
Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta.
 |
| Photo: Chevrolet |
References
* Testimonies
Bouchard Jean-Pierre, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.178
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.174
** Insurance: ‘'L'Annuel de l'automobile''. Typical case: Three age groups (25, 40, 60). The insured driver lives in the Greater Montreal area, and travels 20-30 kilometres a day. No accident to report in the past five years. Deductible: $250. Civil liability: $1 million. Taxes included.
Mar
1st
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Did Danica Patrick manage to impress you with her driving skills at the Daytona 500?
Following a 2012 season spent learning the ropes of stock car racing in NASCAR's Nationwide series, along with a few starts in the Sprint Cup, Patrick made her real major league debut last weekend. And she did it on the iconic, yet intimidating, 2.5-mile long Daytona International Speedway, with up to 31-degree banking!
This year, she is racing for Stewart Haas. As it turns out, the gruff and grumpy Tony Stewart seems like a good mentor, providing useful advice and sincerely wishing her success. In fact, some would say that Stewart has taken Patrick under his wing and given her the tools to become a fearsome driver, starting with a fast car.
Heck, she shocked everyone by winning the pole position a week earlier. Any other rookie would likely have been crushed by all the pressure and media attention, but Patrick kept her cool and remained totally focused, ignoring the buzz and the hype we now know as “Danicamania.”
As for the race, I thought her performance was pretty solid. Patrick stayed in the top 3 until a long pit stop pushed her down the grid. However, she persevered and made it back to 3rd place with fewer than 10 laps remaining.
With just over two miles to go, Patrick must have listened to her inner voice (or the crew chief's over the radio), because she played it safe instead of risking a bold move and jeopardizing her chances of finishing the race. She eventually crossed the line in 8th place.
If you ask me, Patrick has cleared any shadow of a doubt left, and proven that she can go neck and neck with the best NASCAR drivers. She became the first woman to win the pole position at the Daytona 500, lead a Sprint Cup race for at least one lap, and finish this close to the podium.
Patrick has made a believer out of me with her flawless driving -- much like when she avoided all the traps and flagrant mistakes in Montreal last summer, returning to the pits after the race with one of the rare, undamaged cars.
If Patrick feels confident on oval speedways, she's bound to also make her mark on road courses later this year. Will she ever win a race? Based on what I've seen recently, she most certainly can.
Following a 2012 season spent learning the ropes of stock car racing in NASCAR's Nationwide series, along with a few starts in the Sprint Cup, Patrick made her real major league debut last weekend. And she did it on the iconic, yet intimidating, 2.5-mile long Daytona International Speedway, with up to 31-degree banking!
This year, she is racing for Stewart Haas. As it turns out, the gruff and grumpy Tony Stewart seems like a good mentor, providing useful advice and sincerely wishing her success. In fact, some would say that Stewart has taken Patrick under his wing and given her the tools to become a fearsome driver, starting with a fast car.
Heck, she shocked everyone by winning the pole position a week earlier. Any other rookie would likely have been crushed by all the pressure and media attention, but Patrick kept her cool and remained totally focused, ignoring the buzz and the hype we now know as “Danicamania.”
As for the race, I thought her performance was pretty solid. Patrick stayed in the top 3 until a long pit stop pushed her down the grid. However, she persevered and made it back to 3rd place with fewer than 10 laps remaining.
With just over two miles to go, Patrick must have listened to her inner voice (or the crew chief's over the radio), because she played it safe instead of risking a bold move and jeopardizing her chances of finishing the race. She eventually crossed the line in 8th place.
If you ask me, Patrick has cleared any shadow of a doubt left, and proven that she can go neck and neck with the best NASCAR drivers. She became the first woman to win the pole position at the Daytona 500, lead a Sprint Cup race for at least one lap, and finish this close to the podium.
Patrick has made a believer out of me with her flawless driving -- much like when she avoided all the traps and flagrant mistakes in Montreal last summer, returning to the pits after the race with one of the rare, undamaged cars.
If Patrick feels confident on oval speedways, she's bound to also make her mark on road courses later this year. Will she ever win a race? Based on what I've seen recently, she most certainly can.
 |
| Photo: Getty Images/NASCAR |
Mar
1st
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Frenchman Jules Bianchi will replace Luis Razzia at Marussia in Formula 1 this season, after the sponsors of the Brazilian failed to fulful their obligations.
Bianchi, a member of the Ferrari development programme failed to get the second drive at Sahara Force India just days ago.
A former GP2 series' driver, Razia was announced as a Marussia race driver during the first pre-season Formula 1 test at Jerez after his backer made an initial payment for the seat. Apparently, the second scheduled payment deadline was missed.
Ferrari, which has nurtured Bianchi's career, was known to be keen on him racing this year. Marussia and Ferrari apparently agreed on the conditions that will allow the Frenchman to make his debuts in Formula 1.
With Max Chilton and Bianchi, Marussia will be running two rookie drivers this season.
Bianchi, a member of the Ferrari development programme failed to get the second drive at Sahara Force India just days ago.
A former GP2 series' driver, Razia was announced as a Marussia race driver during the first pre-season Formula 1 test at Jerez after his backer made an initial payment for the seat. Apparently, the second scheduled payment deadline was missed.
Ferrari, which has nurtured Bianchi's career, was known to be keen on him racing this year. Marussia and Ferrari apparently agreed on the conditions that will allow the Frenchman to make his debuts in Formula 1.
With Max Chilton and Bianchi, Marussia will be running two rookie drivers this season.
Mar
1st
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A DRS, Drag Reduction System will be tested on the DTM cars during the collective tests at be held at Barcelona at the end of the month.
In order to improve the show during races with more overtaking, the DTM organizers are looking to introduce the DRS this season, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
The three car manufacturers involved in the DTM championship, Audi, BMW and Mercedes will test the system during the collective tests held in Barcelona, March 26 to 29.
Reigning DTM champion, Canadian Bruno Spengler will take part in this important test session.
If the tests are successful, the DRS could appear on the DTM cars as soon as the opening round opf the season at Hockenheim in May. If introduced, the DRS could only be activated in one section of the race track.
Unlike Formula 1, the teams would use a standard DRS system provided by the series' organisers.
In order to improve the show during races with more overtaking, the DTM organizers are looking to introduce the DRS this season, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
 |
| The 2012 fixed rear wing of the BMW M3. (Photo: René Fagnan) |
The three car manufacturers involved in the DTM championship, Audi, BMW and Mercedes will test the system during the collective tests held in Barcelona, March 26 to 29.
Reigning DTM champion, Canadian Bruno Spengler will take part in this important test session.
If the tests are successful, the DRS could appear on the DTM cars as soon as the opening round opf the season at Hockenheim in May. If introduced, the DRS could only be activated in one section of the race track.
Unlike Formula 1, the teams would use a standard DRS system provided by the series' organisers.
Mar
1st
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Day 2 of the last Formula 1 winter test session of 2013 at Barcelona saw Frenchman Romain Grosjean set the best lap time in the Renault-powered Lotus E21.
Grosjean set his best performance in the afternoon (1m22,716) on a set of soft Pirelli tires.
The team completed system checks, temperature monitoring, data correlation, assessment of the performance of the car with its initial aerodynamic package and new rear suspension set-up evaluation.
Jenson Button was second in the Mercedes-powered McLaren on a set of medium tires, four tenths of a second slower than Grosjean.
Pastor Maldonado ranked third in the Williams-Renault, also on a set of soft tires. Reigning World Champion, Sebastian Vettel made a late improvement and was fourth for Red Bull Racing, almost a full second down to Grosjean.
Nico Hulkenberg, in the Sauber, Adrian Sutil (Sahara Force India) and Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) followed in order.
Rookie Max Chilton enjoyed another great day of running in the Marussia-Cosworth, claiming the 8th fastest time ahead of some famous names, including Nico Rosberg (Mercedes AMG) and Fernando Alonso (Ferrari).
Pos. Driver Car Time* Laps
1 Romain Grosjean Lotus 1:22.716 88
2 Jenson Button McLaren 1:23.181 72
3 Pastor Maldonado Williams 1:23.628 75
4 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:23.743 65
5 Nico Hülkenberg Sauber 1:23.744 79
6 Adrian Sutil Sahara Force India 1:24.215 62
7 Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:25.483 61
8 Max Chilton Marussia 1:25.598 75
9 Giedo Van Der Garde Caterham 1:26.316 48
10 Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG 1:26.655 120
11 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:27.878 102
*Unofficial timing
Grosjean set his best performance in the afternoon (1m22,716) on a set of soft Pirelli tires.
 |
| Romain Grosjean, Lotus (Photo: WRI2) |
The team completed system checks, temperature monitoring, data correlation, assessment of the performance of the car with its initial aerodynamic package and new rear suspension set-up evaluation.
 |
| Jenson Button, McLaren (Photo: WRI2) |
Jenson Button was second in the Mercedes-powered McLaren on a set of medium tires, four tenths of a second slower than Grosjean.
Pastor Maldonado ranked third in the Williams-Renault, also on a set of soft tires. Reigning World Champion, Sebastian Vettel made a late improvement and was fourth for Red Bull Racing, almost a full second down to Grosjean.
 |
| Pastor Maldonado, Williams (Photo: WRI2) |
Nico Hulkenberg, in the Sauber, Adrian Sutil (Sahara Force India) and Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) followed in order.
Rookie Max Chilton enjoyed another great day of running in the Marussia-Cosworth, claiming the 8th fastest time ahead of some famous names, including Nico Rosberg (Mercedes AMG) and Fernando Alonso (Ferrari).
 |
| Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber (Photo: WRI2) |
Pos. Driver Car Time* Laps
1 Romain Grosjean Lotus 1:22.716 88
2 Jenson Button McLaren 1:23.181 72
3 Pastor Maldonado Williams 1:23.628 75
4 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:23.743 65
5 Nico Hülkenberg Sauber 1:23.744 79
6 Adrian Sutil Sahara Force India 1:24.215 62
7 Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:25.483 61
8 Max Chilton Marussia 1:25.598 75
9 Giedo Van Der Garde Caterham 1:26.316 48
10 Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG 1:26.655 120
11 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:27.878 102
*Unofficial timing
 |
| Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso (Photo: WRI2) |
Mar
1st
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Tristan Vautier (Schmidt Motorsports) proved once again that he was a fast driver by leading a 1-2-3 sweep for France at the IndyCar test at Sonoma.
Vautier ramked first ahead of the Chevy-powered Dragon Racing entry of Sebastien Bourdais and his teammate Simon Pagenaud.
“I didn't set any expectations for myself before. Before that last run, I was a bit further off, so the good lap at the end was a big step, which was good, but none of these times count when the season starts,” said Vautier.
The French trio was followed by Tony Kanaan who lost the morning session after a fire broke out in the engine bay of his KV Racing Chevy.
Panther DRR's Oriol Servia finished fifth followed by Dragon Racing's Sebastian Saavedra, KV's Simona de Silvestro, Panther Racing's JR Hildebrand and Ed Carpenter (Ed Carpenter Racing).
Vautier ramked first ahead of the Chevy-powered Dragon Racing entry of Sebastien Bourdais and his teammate Simon Pagenaud.
“I didn't set any expectations for myself before. Before that last run, I was a bit further off, so the good lap at the end was a big step, which was good, but none of these times count when the season starts,” said Vautier.
The French trio was followed by Tony Kanaan who lost the morning session after a fire broke out in the engine bay of his KV Racing Chevy.
Panther DRR's Oriol Servia finished fifth followed by Dragon Racing's Sebastian Saavedra, KV's Simona de Silvestro, Panther Racing's JR Hildebrand and Ed Carpenter (Ed Carpenter Racing).