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From GMM

F1 has invested financially in the project to put the sport amid the fabled New York skyline.

Amid suggestions the already delayed New Jersey street race might now falter altogether, the project announced this week that Long Beach grand prix founder Chris Pook has joined up.

"Chris has a history of great success in formula one, which I'm confident he'll bring to the grand prix of America race," Ecclestone said earlier this week.

Now, in the Barcelona paddock, the F1 chief executive revealed that he has committed some of the sport's money to the New Jersey project.

"There's no reason why it shouldn't happen," Ecclestone told Reuters on Saturday.

"We've put money behind it to pay a lot of the things off, a lot of their debts," he said, explaining that he will look to recoup the money later.

"We're going to try and make it happen next year."

Ecclestone also hinted he might be lining up a race on the streets of Long Beach as a potential alternative to New Jersey.

"If we do this (in New Jersey), it (Long Beach) won't (happen)," said the 82-year-old.

Highlights*
World-class performance and handling, great sound effects, and upgraded components make the 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI some of the best driver's cars under $50,000.

Lowlights*
These machines disappoint when it comes to interior fit and finish. Also, more supportive seats would be appreciated in the WRX STI. And given the car's weight and turbocharged power, fuel economy isn't exactly good.

Pricing
In 4-door configuration, the 2013 Subaru WRX ranges from $32,495 in base trim to $41,695 when equipped with the STI Sport-tech Package. Meanwhile, the 5-door variant starts at $33,395 and goes all the way up to $42,595. Similar to the regular Impreza, the hatchback always requires an extra $900 over a comparable sedan.

Photo: Subaru

Fuel consumption
The 2013 Subaru WRX posts ratings of 11.1L/100km city and 8.0L/100km highway. Expect 12.6L and 8.8L, respectively, with the WRX STI. In both cases, premium gasoline (minimum octane rating of 91) is necessary.

Styling
The current generation is now nearing its end, and no cosmetic changes were made for 2013. In fact, Subaru introduced the new WRX Concept at the New York Auto Show in late March 2013. Compared to the run-of-the-mill Impreza, the extroverted WRX and WRX STI models boast widened fenders and aerodynamic add-ons including a giant rear wing on the 4-door sedan that works to increase high-speed stability.

WRX vs. WRX STI
− High-pressure turbocharger and high-capacity intercooler boost output from 265 to 305 horsepower, and torque from 244 to 290 lb-ft;
− 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, down from 5.4 seconds;
− Larger, high-performance brakes courtesy of Brembo, with Super Sport ABS and double the number of caliper pistons;
− 6-speed manual transmission instead of 5-speed;
− SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive) engine management system;
− Multi-mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD);
− TORSEN limited-slip rear differential instead of shot-peen open-type differential;
− STI performance-tuned suspension.

Photo: Subaru

Cargo capacity
The sedan boasts a 320-litre trunk, while the hatchback's cargo area expands from 538 to 1,257 litres when you fold the rear seats.

Safety
In addition to the automaker's symmetrical full-time AWD system, the 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI provide confidence and protection thanks to Vehicle Dynamics Control (with lateral-g and yaw-rate sensors), traction control, collapsible pedals and steering column, along with six airbags.

Competitors
Honda Civic Si, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart/Evolution, Mazdaspeed3, Volkswagen Jetta GLI/GTI/Golf R.


*Based on expert reviews
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.518
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.546
www.subaru.ca

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Ergonomic controls, firm seating, the variety of available models, optional 4-wheel drive, comfort and great handling...all make this sedan a good contender.

Cons
However, you can fault the sedan for its overly-complicated multimedia system and lack of a manual transmission. Plus the C250's engine runs out of steam, fast, and you have to pump it with premium gas.


Price
The starting model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, the C 250, is offered at $37,300. This price includes 16-inch wheels, a multifunction steering wheel and heated rearview mirrors.

Just falling short $40,000, a psychological barrier to some, the AWD C 300 4MATIC is sold for $39,900 and features 17-inch wheels.

The C 350 is available from $44,750, including 18-inch wheels, the heated Mirror Package and the Sport Package (3-spoke steering wheel, upgraded calipers and aluminum pedals). In AWD, the C 350 4MATIC is sold from $47,700.

The powerful 4-door Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG starts at $65,300 and includes 18-inch wheels, AMG Sport steering, a 3-step Electronic Stability Program, Sport suspension, an AMG braking system, chromed dual-exhaust sport system and AMG Sports seats.

For an extra $6,000, the AMG Performance Package gives you red brake calipers, limited-slip rear differential, carbon fibre trim, an AMG spoiler and an additional 30 hp.

Fuel Economy
The most fuel efficient of all the models, the C 250 consumes 9.L/100 in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway.

The C 300 4MATIC, C 350 and C 350 4MATIC all have similar fuel ratings, around 10.5 L/100 km - city and 7.3 L/100 km - highway.

For the C 63 AMG, its 15.8 L/100 km in the city and 10.1 L/100 km on the highway.

New and Improved for 2013

• Style modifications on the 2012 model
• The C 250 4MATIC has been dropped
• Some standard equipment now optional
• ECO start/stop function on V6 versions

Exterior Styling
With pure, simple contours, this conservative sedan presents a refined style. Modern and sporty, the C-Class also features a double-lamella radiator grille branded with a star, the Merc logo as well as headlights underscored by LED lighting, integrated indicators on the side mirrors and a sophisticated stern.

Drivetrain
The C250's 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo engine yields 201 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque to the back wheels.

The AWD, C 300 4MATIC is propelled by a 3.5-litre, V6 engine that delivers 248 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.

Both the C 350 (two-wheel) and the C 350 4MATIC (all-wheel) are equipped with the same 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. All engines are coupled with a 7-speed, 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

The C 63 AMG is equipped with a 6.2-litre V8 engine that packs 451 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. With the Performance Package, the hp is revved up to 481.

This model is also fitted with a 7-speed, SPEEDSHIFT MGT AMG transmission.

Cargo Capacity
There's 475 of trunk space in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan.

Safety
This model is equipped with seven airbags as well as many active safety systems, including crash-responsive pedals, brake warning wear display and NECK-PRO headrests.

Comparable Models
Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti G, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

*References
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.418
Gélinas Gabriel, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.444
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca

Model: 2006 to 2010 Kia Magentis

Vehicle Type: Sedan

The Verdict: Strong reliability, a well-loved driving experience and lower-than-average resale values compared to Japanese competitors make the Kia Magentis a strong contender for your used-car dollars.

Price: Earlier models in this generation with higher mileage can be had for under $6,000; while a newer, low-mileage unit can be had in the $13,000 to $17,000 price range, depending on options and condition.

What Owners Like: Kia Magentis owners in online forums really love their rides. Styling, luxury touches, ride comfort, gas mileage, fit and finish, and even fun-to-drive factor are all highly rated. The attractive price and aggressive warranty helped seal the deal in many cases.

What Owners Dislike: Complaints were minimal. Some owners wished their seats didn't attract lint so easily, while others wished for a more durable, chip-resistant paint job. Handling seems to be set more for comfort than driving, which some enthusiasts may take issue with.

Photo: Luc Gagné

History/Description: Kia's Magentis enjoyed several generations on sale before being replaced with the currently available Optima sedan. Magentis' last iteration was on sale from 2006 to 2010 (inclusively) and packed 4- or 6-cylinder power, numerous options packages, and room for four or five adults.

LX models were more basic, while EX models were more loaded.

Available feature content included heated and motorized leather seats, leather-wrapped accents, wood trim, sunroof, remote access automatic lights, and automatic climate control.

Four-cylinder models got a 2.4L engine good for between 161 and 175 horsepower, depending on the year. The available 2.7L V6 generated between 185 and 195 horsepower

Photo: Luc Gagné

Common Issues: Some owners reported “sticky” rear brake calipers that can become stuck in the partially engaged position, causing accelerated wear and reduced fuel economy. Have the brake system inspected on any Kia Magentis you're considering for peace of mind, and “feel” for any dragging sensation while you coast during your test drive.

Be sure there are no unexplained “check engine” lights illuminated, and check the engine for smooth idle and acceleration. Driveability issues, if present, are likely to be caused by faulty sensors, most notably the O2 and throttle position sensors: if one of these is acting up, there may be a “check engine” light illuminated.

You'll want to ensure all interior accessories work as expected -- including all windows, locks, sunroof, seat-heaters, and air conditioning. Note the condition of the upholstery and leather, too. Ensure both sun visors up front stay folded up on their own, as many owners report that they lose this ability over time.

Check that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) isn't showing any warnings, which could indicate a low tire or a bad sensor. Also, turn off the radio and “listen” for any unwelcomed noises from the suspension, especially at the rear of the vehicle. Some suspension noise seems to be normal in the Kia Magentis as it ages, though shoppers are advised to have a mechanic inspect the suspension ahead of their purchase, just in case.

Systematic and problematic issues relating to the engine or driveline were not apparent in searches of my usual online resources.

Photo: Luc Gagné

Adapted from GMM

"I've had enough of the 'T'-word," Sky commentator and former driver Martin Brundle said after the Spanish Grand Prix, referring to the heavily degrading Pirelli tire.

As ever in 2013, and arguably even more so this weekend in Barcelona, the race was all about managing the rubber.

As predicted by many in the paddock, qualifying dominators Mercedes reversed down the grid in the race as they burned through their tires.

Pole sitter Nico Rosberg finished sixth, and Lewis Hamilton scored no points at all.

Four pitstops per driver, and nursing the disintegrating rubber in between, was the order of the day on Sunday, which added up to well over 80 pitstops for the entire race.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: "When you are telling drivers not to push because we are saving tires, it isn't great for the sport or for the fans.

"We need to push the drivers harder and allow them to drive properly."

Indeed, immediately after the chequered flag on Sunday, Pirelli's Paul Hembery acknowledged the problem and hinted changes are on the way.

"Today was too many stops, we got it wrong, too aggressive," he wrote on Twitter.

"We will make changes, probably from Silverstone."

Pros and Cons*
Pros
One of the rare luxury SUVs on the market today, some of the 2013 Lexus GX's perks include its considerable amount of standard equipment, the quality of the materials used for interior furnishings, its high-grade finish, towing capabilities, soundproofing and powerful AWD, allowing it to travel on rugged ground.

Cons
However, the SUV's height makes it hard to climb aboard and its V8, for lack of a V6, is premium fuel hungry. Reduced visibility, numb steering and tight third-row seating are a few more of its disappointments.


Price
The Lexus GX 460 Executive starts at $62,500 and is delivered with steering wheel audio controls, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a 9-speaker audio system, leather seating, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels as well as a backup and parking sonar.

Two option packages are available for this model: the Premium Package for $6,650 or the SportDesign Package for $8,650.

Sold at $78,100, the GX 460 Ultra Premium is all-equipped, with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, a state-of-the-art pre-collision system and multi terrain select. There are no extra options offered with this model.

Fuel Economy
In the city, the Lexus GX is rated at 14.1 L/100 km and on the highway, the SUV consumes around 9.8 L/100 km, giving it a combined rating of 12.1 L/100 km.

Exterior Styling
With silver roof rails, chrome-finished door handles, horizontal grille lamelles merging with the front headlights, this very luxurious SUV can accommodate up to seven passengers. Designed on the same platform as Toyota's 4Runner, the GX is a hefty vehicle.

Drivetrain
Under the 2013 Lexus GX's hood you'll find a 4.6-litre V8 engine that yields 301 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an automatic, 6-speed transmission permanently in four-wheel drive.

Cargo Capacity
With the seats flat, the GX has 1,833 litres of accessible space in the back.

Safety
You'll find ten airbags on the 2013 Lexus GX as well as many standard active safety systems.

Comparable Models
Acura MDX, Audi Q7, ">BMW X5, Land Rover LR4, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Volvo XC90.

Photo: Lexus

*References
Masse Frédéric, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.374
Guay Jean-François, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.366
https://www.lexus.ca

Fernando Alonso has taken an emotional win for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix, 10 seconds ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and teammate Felipe Massa in a race heavily dictated by tyre strategy.

The Spaniard made yet another quick start in the Ferrari, and managed to jump from fifth to third with an audacious move around the outside of Lewis Hamilton into Turn 3 to take third position on the first lap.

However, it was the first of Alonso's four stops on lap 10 which gave him the lead of the race after the Ferrari team decided to pit him one lap earlier than Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull; a move that undercut the reigning world champions to give the Ferrari driver an advantage when Vettel emerged on lap 11.

The world champion would eventually finish fourth, one position ahead of Webber in the sister car.

The first row starting Mercedes' had a disappointing race as predicted, with both cars - similar to Bahrain - suffering from excessive tyre wear. Pole-sitter Rosberg finished sixth, one place ahead of di Resta's Force India, whilst Hamilton had a much more difficult afternoon and finished in 12th.

The revised McLarens had a better afternoon than expected, with Jenson Button finishing eighth, one position ahead of teammate Perez who generally looked the quicker of the two drivers.

Daniel Ricciardo also put in a good performance for Toro Rosso, and finished 10th for the Faenza based team.

Further down the field, Charles Pic won the battle of the backmarkers in the Caterham and finished 17th, ahead of the Marussias of Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton.

Pic's teammate, Giedo van der Garde, retired from the race after a rear wheel fell off his car on a weekend where he'd put in his best performance of the 2013 season.



Race results - Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona)
1 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 66 laps
2 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 9"3
3 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 26"0
4 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 38"2
5 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 47"9
6 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'08"0
7 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'08"
8 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'21"7
9 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1 lap
10 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
11 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1 lap
12 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1 lap
13 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1 lap
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
15 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1 lap
16 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
17 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1 giro
18 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - laps
19 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 2 laps

Retirements
Lap 52 - Jean-Eric Vergne
Lap 21 - Giedo Van der Garde
Lap 8 - Romain Grosjean

Drivers' championship
1.Vettel 89; 2.Raikkonen 85; 3.Alonso 72; 4.Hamilton 50; 5.Massa 45; 6.Webber 42; 7.Di Resta 26; 8.Grosjean 26; 9.Rosberg 22; 10.Button 17; 11.Perez 12; 12.Ricciardo 7; 13.Sutil 6; 14.Hulkenberg 5; 15.Vergne 1.

Constructors' championship
1.Red Bull-Renault 131; 2.Ferrari 117; 3.Lotus-Renault 111; 4.Mercedes 72; 5.Force India-Mercedes 32; 6.McLaren-Mercedes 29; 7.Toro Rosso-Ferrari 8; 8.Sauber-Ferrari 5.

Chrysler Group is recalling about 469,000 SUVs worldwide to update software after some vehicles' circuit boards were found to be transmitting signals that trigger inadvertent gearshifts to neutral, the automaker said Saturday.

VW Group has confirmed a German newspaper report that said it will build a factory with an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles in Changsa, Hunan province, China.

VW Group will build a factory with an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles in Changsa, Hunan province, China, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said on Saturday.

Beijing Automotive Group, which makes vehicles with Daimler and Hyundai, started selling its first sedan based on Saab technology as it prepares to list its BAIC Motor Corp. unit in Hong Kong.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR SHERRICE GILSBACH: This

Some of the 204 Fiat dealers in the United States are struggling to turn a profit selling several versions of the Fiat 500 subcompact and some dealers said they anxiously await more details from Chrysler and its Italian parent, Fiat S.p.A.

Matt Kenseth established himself as the team leader of Joe Gibbs Racing with a convincing win at the Southern 500 at Darlington.

The 2003 Sprint Cup champion passed teammate, Kyle Busch, who led a race-high 265 laps with 13 laps to go for his third win of the year. Denny Hamlin, another teammate, finished second in his first full race following the back injury he suffered in February.

"He's a good leader," Gibbs said. "Denny and Kyle really like having him there and hearing what he has to say. And on the track, he's got a gift."

Busch seemed to have the race in hand but it turned out to be a slow leak in his right rear tire which ended what appeared to be an unbeatable run.

It's been a roller coaster of emotions for Kenseth, who joined JGR, at the beginning of the year. He's been capable of winning almost every race.  He had an engine problem at Daytona. Then, when he won at Kansas, NASCAR found a connecting rod that was underweight.

After the severest penalties NASCAR has levied his team got those penalties reduced on appeal this week. But Kenseth still lost his new crew chief, Jason Ratcliff, for this race.

It's no wonder Kenseth was elated with the win on Saturday night. "I don't know that I've had a win that feels bigger than this," said Kenseth who has two Daytona 500 victories to his credit. To be able to win a race at a track like this, especially the Southern 500, man, it's big.

In my mind, it's one of the biggest races we have of the year really.  It's just a special place to win at."

Kyle Busch who ended up 14th had no post-race comments. "Yeah, he definitely won't be happy, that's for sure," Hamlin said. "But it's tough when you have a car that was as dominant as his, then the last run, whatever happens happens."

As for his second place run "this is a tough, gruelling race," added Hamlin."Nothing to hang our heads about coming up second for second year in a row.

Jeff Gordon finished third in a Chevrolet his 700th consecutive Sprint Cup race.

Busch's only other serious competition came from Gordon's teammate Kasey Kahne who appeared to have passed him for the lead with around 50 laps remaining at the egg-shaped 1.366 mile track.

Only they made slight contact with 35 laps to go, Kahne lost control and hit the wall ending up 17th.

"Three times this year me and Kyle had contact and I had a chance, capable-winning cars, it's disappointing on the points side and not winning some of these races," Kahne said.

"Whether he hit me or just blew the air off, whatever it was, he blew his entry. I'm not sure what he was thinking on that."

From GMM

McLaren will surely be Honda-powered in 2015, according to Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt.

Reporting from Barcelona, he said McLaren has let a deadline pass whereby it could have extended its customer deal with Mercedes beyond next season.

"That can only mean Honda in 2015," said Schmidt.

Reportedly, the Japanese carmaker - having withdrawn from F1 amid the global financial crisis at the end of 2008 - will not charge McLaren for its turbo V6 engines.

Honda, however, will surely subsidise its development costs with one or two customer deals, and Sauber and Lotus are thought to have already expressed interest.

"We are studying (the idea of returning to F1) as seriously as possible," Honda president Takanobu Ito said recently.

Lotus could be on the move due to the apparently high price of staying with Renault in 2014 and beyond.

Auto Motor und Sport said Renault wants to charge its customers between EUR 20 and 23 million per season, while the Mercedes engine will cost 17-19 million.

Ferrari is reportedly offering the cheapest package, with the price tag between 15 and 17 million.

IndyCar returnee A.J. Allmendinger has been confirmed as the driver for Team Penske's third entry for the upcoming Belle Isle Grand Prix Dual in Detroit.

The American will drive the No. 2 Quicken Loans Dallara/Chevrolet on the 2.3-mile street circuit. It is IndyCar's first doubleheader weekend, with races on both June 1 and June 2.

Allmendinger came back to open-wheel racing in 2013, following a six-year spell in NASCAR before which he competed in the defunct Champ Car series.

Allmendinger has raced in four Cup Series events for Phoenix Racing in addition to two IndyCar Series starts. He will race in the Indianapolis 500 later this month.

From GMM

James Allison's next destination in F1 will be known in two weeks.

That is the claim of former F1 driver Alex Wurz, who said in Barcelona on Saturday that he has spoken with Lotus' newly departed technical director since he decided to leave the Enstone based team.

The big paddock rumour is that Briton Allison, 45, is heading to Italy.

"He feels good in Italy," Austrian Wurz told ORF television from Spain, "but of course that could be Toro Rosso."

James Allison (Photo: Lotus)

Wurz knows Allison, who worked at Ferrari in the ultra-successful Michael Schumacher era, since his days as a Benetton driver in the late 90s.

"We worked together really well," he said.

"I have asked him what he's doing next, but he didn't want to say other than it will be (known in) two weeks."

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso hinted that Allison might have a future in red, but his boss Luca di Montezemolo played down the rumour, just this week.

Neverthelss, the fabled Maranello team's chief designer Nikolas Tombazis said in Barcelona: "I'm very good friends with James.

"I think he's a super bloke both technically and 'humanly'. I think that any team having him would be making a good buy."

From GMM

Munich prosecutors could be set to formally charge Bernie Ecclestone for bribery, the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reports.

The German report said authorities have now completed an investigation into the 82-year-old F1 chief executive's payment of millions to jailed F1 banker Gerhard Gribkowsky, and could publish the outcome this month.

If the court accepts the indictment, the trial would reportedly begin later in 2013.

Munich prosecutors, and Ecclestone's lawyers, declined to comment to Suddeutsche Zeitung.

Bloomberg reported on Friday that Gribkowsky has dropped the appeal against his eight-year sentence, having been convicted of receiving $44 million from Ecclestone amid the sale of the sport to CVC some years ago.

From GMM

Pirelli is considering more tweaks to its tire design for 2013, following the failure at the rear of Paul di Resta's Force India on Friday.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton had an almost identical problem in Bahrain, where the tread peeled off the tire.

"It's a big concern for us," McLaren's Sergio Perez is quoted by Finland's MTV3 broadcaster.

"Every weekend we're seeing two or three cars with this problem. It could cause a very serious accident," added the Mexican.

Photo: WRi2

Pirelli, F1's official tire supplier, admitted it is also concerned.

"We're looking at it and seeing if there are things we can do to eliminate it," motor sport director Paul Hembery told reporters in Barcelona.

He admitted, however, that making significant mid-season changes is difficult.

"We are very limited in terms of tire tests," said the Briton.

"And if we change the structure, it can affect the aerodynamics, which could advantage or disadvantage some teams," he is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

A significant change for 2014, however, is on the cards.

"We will probably make the rear tires wider," Hembery said, "because the new engines have more torque."

From GMM

F1's winter test season will kick off early ahead of the 2014 championship.

Normally, pre-season running doesn't begin until February, but because of the radical new rules next year - including the shift to turbo V6 engines - some teams have been pushing for more testing.

That hasn't happened, but the teams have agreed to push forward the first of next year's three winter tests to January.

McLaren's sporting director Sam Michael also revealed: "There's the possibility of a non-European test or tests.

2013 winter testing kicked off in February (Photo: WRi2)

"I think there'll be a test in January and two in February."

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said the first test, in January, is likely to take place at Jerez, Spain.

Renault engine boss Rob White said the limited test programme is no big problem, despite the huge regulation changes.

"We can do a lot of development work on the test rigs," he said.