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McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh is disappointed with McLaren's performance from the opening three rounds of the Formula 1 season.

Although Jenson Button finished fifth in last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, the team had to adopt an alternative two stop strategy to elevate the 2009 world champion to that position given the upgrades bought to the difficult MP4/28 car had not worked as well as expected.

"I am not delighted. I cannot be delighted. To be honest, I am disappointed about it,” conceded Whitmarsh. "I would like to be leading it [the race] when the chequered flag comes out.”

Photo: WRi2

Whitmarsh also said the Spanish Grand Prix, to which McLaren will bring a revamped car in May has to be a turning point in the team's season if it wants to feature in the battle for the wins and the championship.

“Overall I am a bit disappointed but we now have to make sure that the big package coming for Spain delivers,” he admitted.

When asked by Autosport what the team can expect from the upgrade in Barcelona, the McLaren man replied, "it has to deliver something."

Because of anticipated bad weather, IndyCar officials were forced to postpone the Rookie Orientation Program for the Indianapolis 500. It has been announced that it will now take place on the opening weekend of practice for the race.

The track session, which is designed to allow Indy 500 rookies to gradually get up to speed on the 2.5-mile oval, was originally scheduled for April 11.

The program will now be incorporated into the opening weekend of track activity for the 500, May 11-12.

Four drivers are currently scheduled to take part in the rookie session: AJ Allmendinger (Penske), Conor Daly (AJ Foyt Racing), Indy Lights' frontrunner Carlos Munoz (Andretti Autosport), and Tristan Vautier (Schmidt Peterson Motorsports).

IndyCar also confirmed that it will try to find an additional slot for any rookie drivers who are not able to drive during the opening weekend.

From GMM

Hankook, a South Korean company, has emerged as an alternative official tire supplier for formula one.

Currently the subject of intense criticism of its heavily-degrading 2013 product, F1's official supplier Pirelli has said it wants to stay on the grid beyond its initial three-year tender that runs out at the end of the season.

But the Italian marque's F1 chief Paul Hembery said last week that Pirelli is nervous it has not yet been offered a new deal for 2014 and beyond.

"We cannot remain in such a situation of uncertainty," he warned.

When Pirelli was given the nod to enter F1 for the 2011 season, another major contender for the contract was Hankook.

At the time, the Korean company's chief Hyan Bum Cho said he had negotiated personally with Bernie Ecclestone.

"We had a very good talk and maybe we'll have a shot for next term, or another term," he said in late 2010.

Photo: Pirelli

The source Italiaracing is now reporting rumours that Hankook is once again a possible alternative to Pirelli for formula one in 2014 and beyond.

For now, Hembery is unable to say if Pirelli is definitely committed beyond November's Interlagos finale.

"We want to know as soon as possible if we are continuing to be the supplier," he is quoted as saying, "as it also depends on the regulations. We are interested in F1 in the medium term, but only as long as there is a way to have it make financial sense."

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone is worried F1 cars will be five seconds per lap slower next year compared to 2013.

That is the claim of Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt, who said F1's chief executive is also pushing to increase the likely revs of the radical new turbo V6s next year from just 12,000rpm to 15,000.

The extra revs would alleviate some of Ecclestone's fears about the tamer tones of the V6s compared to this year's howling V8s, but Schmidt said the change is actually unlikely.

That is because of the current rules limiting the engines' flow rate to 100 kilograms per hour, and each car to just 135 litres of fuel per race.

The amount of fuel allocated to each car would be easy to adjust, but the engine manufacturers Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari are reportedly too far advanced with their V6 designs to now alter the maximum flow rate.

Photo: WRi2

Ecclestone has another problem. Coupled with aerodynamic changes next year, experts are predicting a laptime drop of up to five seconds in 2014.

"Formula one will be not far ahead of GP2 and the Renault World Series," wrote Schmidt.

The small teams are also worried. Currently, they pay around EUR 10 million per year for a customer engine supply, but next year's V6s are expected to cost between EUR 20 and 23 million.

Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda insists: "The longer the contract period, the less it will cost our customers in the long run. In the end, (it will cost them) no more than today."

Therefore, Sahara Force India has reportedly extended its Mercedes deal for five years.

Sauber, however, could be looking for a new solution, having hinted in Shanghai a week ago that it can not afford to pay Ferrari's price-tag around the 20 million mark.

"It is rumoured Sauber will have Honda power, alongside McLaren in 2015," Schmidt reported. "Honda would have preferred to focus on just one team, but FIA president Jean Todt apparently intends to make the manufacturers share the customers fairly amongst themselves."

From WRC.com

Last month Peugeot announced plans to win this year's unlimited class at the Colorado-based event with a one-off 208 T16 to be driven by nine-time World Rally Champion, Sebastien Loeb.

As the first pictures of the new car were made public, Loeb explained why he had chosen to get involved in the attempt.

“My career has been marked by many challenges, and its new challenges that motivate me,” he said.

"Pikes Peak is a combination of things but above all it's a great sporting challenge so it's a very nice project to be involved with. I admit that I had this race in a corner of my mind for some time - it was on my list of ‘exotic' things to do.”


"At a different level, Pikes Peak reminds me of my experience at the X-Games last year with the Citroën DS3 XL. It was a new type of racing - even though I knew the basic format. I faced new opponents and all this made it refreshing."


Photo: Peugeot Sport

To be run on 30 June, the 20km all-asphalt hill climb features 156 corners and a route that snakes up from an altitude of 2,800 metres to the 4,300 metres summit of Pikes Peak.


Featuring carbon bodywork and parts robbed from Peugeot's Le Mans 24 Hours-winning 908, the aggressive-looking 208 T16 was another draw for Loeb, who is bowing out of full time WRC competition this year.


"The ‘unlimited' category means you can drive unique cars - and that too was appealing," he said. "Almost everything is allowed: two or four-wheel drive, turbo or not, prototype, silhouette, hybrids and so on. I like the diversity, as well as the idea of taking the wheel of an unusual car, or at least a car whose philosophy is different from what I know."

With two Pikes Peak wins and nine WRC drivers' titles between them, the Peugeot / Loeb combination is one of the favourites to win.

But having never driven Pikes Peak before, and with only limited options to test on location, Loeb is not underestimating the challenge.


Official test sessions enable competitors to familiarise themselves with the course, but only one section at a time. The first opportunity Loeb will get to tackle the route in one go is when he does it for real on the day.

"I know I'm expected to do well. People expect me to shine at Pikes Peak, and my goal is always the victory. It is nevertheless a difficult race, whose preparation is special: in Colorado, we will encounter conditions that cannot be found anywhere else. Like the Le Mans Endurance, it seems difficult to make real simulations,” he said.

BMW's new Concept X4 sports activity coupe will make its debut this weekend at Auto Shanghai 2013, and we now have additional pictures to whet our appetite.

You can see the X3-based vehicle in its ''comfort zone,'' from downtown to the outskirts. It's said to give a pretty accurate preview of the upcoming production model that will hit the market next year.

Further details such as technical specs and pricing will be announced at a later date.

Photo: BMW

Porsche has confirmed Timo Berhnard and Romain Dumas as part of it's 2014 Le Mans plans.

The Stuttgart manufacturer will return to Le Mans for the first time since 1998 as a manufacturer backed entry when it fields its new petrol-electric hybrid LMP1 car.

"For this reason, the pair [Berhard and Dumas] are already closely integrated in the development programme of our new car and will embark on an intensive test schedule from the middle of this year,” said Fritz Enzinger, head of Porsche's Le Mans project.

Despite the comments, the company has still yet to rule out Mark Webber, who is rumoured to be leaving Formula 1 at the end of the season and join Porsche for its 2014 Le Mans assault.

Porsche will announce whether it will add to its 10 factory drivers later in the year, but few of its 10 factory drivers are expected to move from its GT projects to LMP1.

Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard. (Photo: Porsche)

Kelley Blue Book has revealed its list of the 10 best green cars of 2013, highlighting the impressive selection drivers now have to travel more efficiently.

1. Nissan LEAF (electric)
2. Tesla Model S (electric)
3. Ford Focus Electric (electric)
4. Chevrolet Volt (electric with extended range technology)
5. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (plug-in hybrid)
6. Ford C-MAX Energi (plug-in hybrid)
7. Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid (hybrid)
8. Honda Fit EV (electric)
9. Toyota Avalon Hybrid (hybrid)
10. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (hybrid)

From GMM

Heikki Kovalainen's return to formula one is an example of not burning one's bridges.

That is the claim of the Finn's compatriot Mika Salo, a former formula one driver who has this week commented on Kovalainen's return to Caterham.

31-year-old Kovalainen was dumped by Caterham at the end of last season as 'pay drivers' Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde arrived.

But the Finn returned to the paddock recently as a guest of Caterham team owner Tony Fernandes, and on Wednesday it was announced he will drive in Friday practice in Bahrain and Barcelona in his new role as team reserve.

"Definitely, it proves that in formula one you should never burn the bridges behind you," former F1 driver and fellow Finn Salo, who will be the driver steward in Bahrain this weekend, told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

Caterham CT03. (Photo: WRi2)

"I did 111 grands prix in my career with seven teams, they know and trusted me, and I never allowed myself to criticise them," he explained.

The fact Kovalainen did not criticise Caterham in the wake of his 2012 departure has now led him back to the team.

"The point for Heikki is that he is back in the garage and also retaining the feel of a formula one car," said Salo.

"You never know what else might happen: you see what is happening at Red Bull and, if somebody leaves, everybody knows who it will be," he added, undoubtedly referring to the 'Multi-21' affair and Australian Mark Webber.

From GMM

New Ferrari tester Pedro de la Rosa has revealed he could also have signed for Mercedes or McLaren for 2013.

The 42-year-old Spaniard left his role as McLaren's respected test and reserve driver at the end of 2011 to return to the grid with HRT.

When HRT folded at the end of last season, de la Rosa was snapped up by Ferrari as the Maranello based team vows to develop the best driver simulator in F1.

Pedro De la Rosa at Jerez. (Photo: Ferrari)

But it is rumoured that his old McLaren teammate, Lewis Hamilton, also pushed hard for Mercedes team management to sign de la Rosa as test driver for 2013.

"It's true. Lewis has also confirmed it, otherwise I wouldn't say," de la Rosa insisted to Marca sports newspaper.

I don't want to say any more, but I talked seriously about being at Mercedes. It is also true that the first person I called when I signed for Ferrari is Martin Whitmarsh, because of the relationship that I have with McLaren. He was surprised and said 'It looks like we were too slow'," confirmed de la Rosa.

Asked how he ultimately made up his mind between Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes, he revealed: "I said in my head that if I am continuing in F1 as a test driver, I want to be at Ferrari. Otherwise it was more of the same; I had done it. Mercedes was attractive because the team is changing and it is a challenge, but McLaren would have been more of the same -- an organisation in which everything works already."

Asked which personal link - Fernando Alonso, Pat Fry or Santander's Emilio Botin - ultimately tipped the scales in Ferrari's favour, de la Rosa answered: "I don't know, honestly. I think you should ask them."

From Audi Motorsport

German engineer Dieter Gass has been named with immediate effect ‘Head of DTM' for running the eight Audi RS 5 cars in the 2013 DTM series.

Dieter Gass. (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

Within the new structure, Gass, aged 50 takes responsibility for the company's DTM program and will represent the brand with the four rings in the DTM. The engineer was previously active at Audi Sport as a technician between November 1994 and March 2001.

He subsequently worked in leading positions for Formula 1 teams (including Toyota) before rejoining Audi Sport last year in January.

Christopher Reinke will now assume the corresponding role for the Le Mans Prototypes (LMP) in the World Endurance Championship.

Both Gass and Reinke will report directly to Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich who in addition to his overall responsibility for all ‘factory' programmes will put his focus on the WEC events.

Yesterday at the Edmonton Auto Show, Mitsubishi finally revealed the name of the unidentified new subcompact car that made its Canadian debut earlier this year. Unsurprisingly, it will be known as “Mirage” like in other parts of the world.

The model is scheduled to arrive in showrooms this fall with a base MSRP below $13,000.

Inspired from the “Global Small” concept car, the 1.2L, three-cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage produces 74 horsepower. Fuel consumption ratings will be 4.9L/100km highway and 5.3L/100km city for CVT-equipped models. Expect 4.6 and 4.9L/100km, respectively, with the manual transmission.

“Fuel efficiency is our global focus, our company mission”, said Tony Laframboise, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada.

He noted that the Mitsubishi RVR compact crossover achieves class-leading 6.1L/100km, and that the Mitsubishi Lancer is “not far behind”, while the all-electric i-MiEV hatchback never requires gasoline or an oil change.

Photo: Mitsubishi

Chevrolet used the Edmonton Motor Show to announce initial performance data and fuel consumption ratings for the all-new 2014 Silverado 1500 full-size pickup truck, which will officially launch later this spring.

The new 5.3L Ecotec3 V8 engine delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, it's not only more powerful than the previous unit, but also more fuel-efficient: 8.7L/100km highway for 2WD models, and 9.0L/100km highway for 4x4 models.

Moreover, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a completely redesigned cabin that's stronger and quieter, as well as class-leading towing capacity of 11,500 lbs.

Later in 2013, a 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 and a 4.3L Ecotec3 V6 will join the lineup. Specs and pricing will be revealed in the meantime.

Photo: Chevrolet

Marussia's reserve driver, Rodolfo Gonzales will take part in first practice for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

Gonzales was made the team's reserve driver in March, and will make his debut for the team in FP1 on Friday at the Sakhir International Circuit.

The Venezuelan is undaunted by the task given he has previous knowledge of the track and has tested for both the Caterham and Force India teams.

“I'm really happy with this opportunity to drive in my first FP1 session of the season," he said. "It will be a nice feeling to be back in a car - especially to drive a Formula 1 car again.”

“With my previous F1 experience,” he continued, “I feel more than comfortable and ready.

I love this circuit; it will be quite dusty in FP1 but it's also good fun and I'm looking forward to seeing what I can achieve.”

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

Gonzales will take the seat of the team's race driver, Jules Bianchi for the session.

“We are pleased to welcome our Reserve Driver Rodolfo Gonzalez to the car for his first FP1 session of the season," said Marussia team principal John Booth.

“On this occasion he will take over from Jules for the morning but we will see him taking part in this session at several of the races this season and we will alternate between the two cars.”

Highlights*
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback offers reliable performance, a comfortable ride, and generous cargo room.

Lowlights*
The brand's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system is not available on this model which may prompt some potential buyers to look elsewhere. Unlike the sedan, this five-door Lancer makes do with the smaller, 2.0L engine (no 2.4L available). Finally, rearward visibility is improved.


Pricing
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback starts at $19,798 in base SE trim. Equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats, a chrome grille, audio controls on the steering wheel, a 6-way adjustable driver's seat, 16” alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler.

Priced from $24,198, the more upscale GT model adds a 710-Watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, Fast-Key access, automatic climate control, leather seats, a chrome exhaust tip, fog lights, a power sunroof, and distinctive, 5-spoke wheels.

Fuel consumption
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is rated at 8.5L/100km city, 5.9L/100km highway, and 7.3L/100km combined with the manual transmission.

Opting for the CVT doesn't change the average fuel consumption. However, it changes city driving to 8.3L/100km and highway to 6.1L/100km.

Styling
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback looks just as aggressive up front as the regular, 4-door Lancer. However, it's a different story in the back where the very angular liftgate gives this model a unique profile among current hatchbacks.

Cargo capacity
The rear cargo floor offers 9 cm of height adjustment. In the raised position, the trunk can hold 391 litres of cargo; once you set it down, you get 433 litres. Of course, you can also fold the rear seats, which increases cargo capacity to 1,320 litres.

Powertrain
As mentioned above, the single engine choice with the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a 2.0L 4-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The standard 5-speed manual transmission can be replaced by a CVT (GT models even add paddle shifters).

Safety
Seven airbags come standard, as well as a tire pressure monitoring system, stability and traction control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist.

Warranty
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback boasts a 5-year/100,000-km comprehensive limited warranty, a 10-year/160,000-km powertrain warranty, plus five years of roadside assistance.

Competitors
Ford Focus Hatchback, Subaru Impreza 5-Door, Mazda3 Sport, Kia Forte 5, Volkswagen Golf

Photo: Mitsubishi

* Based on expert reviews.
Lachapelle Marc, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions de l'homme, 2012, p.476
Joubert Antoine, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal, Transcontinental, 2012, p.458
www.mitsubishi-motors.ca

As crazy as it sounds, oil companies may come to the rescue of electric vehicles. Sulphur from crude oil could indeed be used to manufacture battery parts.

How? Sulphur is currently being used to synthesize thermoformed plastic; by adding a specific molecule, it is possible to make cathodes for batteries.

Given the low demand for sulphur, global stocks have now reached gigantic proportions, and represent a golden opportunity for companies in the sustainable development industry.

Research by Jeffrey Pryun and his team at the University of Arizona indicates that sulphur has electrochemical properties that can help improve lithium-sulphur battery performance and longevity.

While cheaper, lighter, and more efficient than lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulphur batteries don't last nearly as long. However, by adding sulphur to the plastic used for cathodes, they could have a very promising future.

By the way, a single litre of gas contains about 2.7 grams of sulphur.

Source: Futura-Sciences

Nine NASCAR Sprint Cup teams shook down tires for Goodyear on Tuesday and Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway ahead of the race on Saturday, July 6.

Photo: NASCAR/Getty Images

Drivers that participated in both single-car runs and drafting sessions in the tire test were: Jamie McMurray (Earnhardt Ganassi Racing), Kasey Kahne/Regan Smith (Hendrick Motorsports), Danica Patrick (Stewart Haas Racing), Greg Biffle (Roush Fenway Racing), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Roush Fenway Racing), Michael McDowell (Joe Gibbs Racing), Trevor Bayne (Wood Brothers Racing), Austin Dillon (Circle Sport) and Carl Edwards (Roush Fenway Racing).

Photo: NASCAR/Getty Images

“Goodyear is looking for different compounds and different sidewall constructions and continue to learn about this race track and these cars and tires,” said Biffle, who won the Coke Zero 400 back in 2003.

“That's why we're here is to help Goodyear and it gives us a chance to learn some stuff, get some data, try a few things to get ready for the summer race.”

Photo: NASCAR/Getty Images

Sauber admits a big step in performance is still needed to get on top of its difficult C32 car.

Despite Nico Hulkenberg leading the Chinese Grand Prix and matching the pace of Sebastian Vettel for a number of laps, the German finished down in 10th after a difficult race in which the aerodynamic tweaks and a new rear wing introduced by the Swiss outfit had not worked as expected.

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

"Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn conceded that whilst the upgrades were a step in the right direction, the team was still unhappy with the performance it showed in Shanghai.

"We came here with the intention to introduce certain measures from what we saw in Malaysia," she admitted to Autosport."

“We were not happy with that and we saw ourselves somewhere else. What we can see is that the measures we introduced are a step in the right direction. You cannot expect miracles, but they are at least a step in the right direction."

In a stark contrast to last season, where Sauber lay fourth in the constructor's championship after three races, the team currently lies down in eighth with just five points compared to 31 in 2012.

Lotus' Romain Grosjean has admitted to being frustrated with the way he has started his 2013 campaign.

Whilst teammate Kimi Raikkonen lies second in the driver's championship with 49 points from the three opening races, Grosjean has scored just 11 after struggling to match the 2007 world champion.

The Frenchman believes the set-up difficulties he is enduring with team's E21 car are the cause of the difference in performance, but he insists he is working closely with his engineers to get on top of the issue.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

“I would be lying if I said the car is exactly where I want it and we are having quite an adventure to get the setup and feeling from the car how we want it,” said Grosjean.

“This is very frustrating for a driver, as you want your car to be obedient. It's something we really want to get on top of as quickly as possible. I'm spending a lot of time with my engineers and we're all working hard to make improvements,” he concluded.

Lotus, however, praised Grosjean's efforts this year and has admitted it needs to do a better job to help the Frenchman get the most from a ‘tricky' car.

“What seems to be clear [from Kimi's weekends] is that the car is a tricky little beast to get just right,” said Lotus' technical director, James Allison, in a Q&A with Formula1.com.

“The truth is that it's certainly not Romain causing the problem. Romain is fast, smooth and good at looking after tyres, however we have not yet managed to give him a consistent car that lets him bring his talent to bear. It's not him; it's that we haven't got it quite right for him yet.”

In 2012, Grosjean beat his teammate 10-9 in qualifying, despite finishing 111 points behind Raikkonen in the driver's standings.

Toyota Motor is being offered nearly $147 million in tax incentives by Kentucky to add a model and expand a plant in the state that's already the company's largest in North America.