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Nine-time World rally Champion, Frenchman Sebastien Loeb recently tested the stunning Peugeot 208 T16 he will drive at this year's Pikes Peak hill climb in Colorado.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

Loeb declared himself extremely impressed with his new race car. “The 208 T16 Pikes Peak is a rocket! It's so powerful! The first time you drive it, each gear change practically stuns you. The shifts are really brutal, and it takes a little time to anticipate the sudden jarring. You get used to it, but it was quite disorienting to begin with,” said Loeb.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

“I've never driven anything that accelerates so fast!” he added. “In the lower gears, a Formula 1 car doesn't deliver maximum power. With the Peugeot, though, it's bang, bang, bang as you move up the box from standstill. Thanks to its four-wheel drive transmission and turbocharged engine, its pull-away performance is phenomenal! You find yourself in sixth gear at 240kph in no time at all!” Indeed, as the 208 can accelerated some zero to 100 km/h in just 1.8 seconds.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

“Thanks to its aerodynamic downforce and wide tires, the braking is amazing, too. In fact, the 208 package is a combination of the best of several worlds: it's got the downforce of a Formula 1 car, the wide tyres of an endurance racing prototype and a differential, like a WRC car...” Loeb explained.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

“The track here isn't very wide and there aren't any run-offs, so I'm taking things one step at a time. I don't know what the car's limits are yet but it was important to do this run on a circuit today. Now we have a better idea of where we stand and a better overview of the car's potential. After that, the challenge will be to try to feel totally at one with the car on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb itself. That will take some work...” Loeb declared.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

To get a proper understanding of the car's behaviour, Peugeot Sport has scheduled a busy test programme at circuits, on roads and at altitude as the next phase of this amazing project.

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo has played down rumours linking Lotus' newly departed technical director James Allison with a move to Ferrari.

Lotus announced on Wednesday that the highly-rated 45-year-old Briton, who worked at Maranello in the Michael Schumacher era, is leaving.

Reports immediately linked Allison with a return to Ferrari.

James Allison. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

"I know nothing," Italian reports quote Ferrari president Montezemolo as saying, "so I cannot deny anything. As far as I know, these are just rumours. I will say something if there is something to say."

Italy's Autosprint said Allison's next paddock destination is unlikely to be known for at least six months, the standard 'gardening leave' period.

Ferrari aside, "another possibility (for Allison) is a change to Williams," wrote Tobias Gruner in Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Autosprint's Alberto Antonini commented: "James Allison wanted better financial conditions, which Lotus could not provide."

Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' champion tested a Chevrolet-powered Andretti Autosport IZOD IndyCar Series Dallara DW12-Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

Andretti Autosport team owner and Indianapolis 500 competitor, Michael Andretti was on hand to provide driver coaching and assist Busch.

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

Busch went through the speed phases similar to the Rookie Orientation Program in which all drivers must participate to compete in Indianapolis 500 practice and qualifying.

More to come later.

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

(Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

Caterham F1 Team's newest video, "Access All Areas" was shot at the Magny-Cours circuit in France and gives an insight into a day in the life of an F1 team at work on track.

Viewers will have a rare glimpse into the lives of race drivers Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde, and views of the CT03 race car in 2013 race five (Spanish Grand Prix) specification for the first time this season.

"The whole team is proud to unveil our 2013 team film, a piece of work that gives a real insight into what we think makes a day in F1 so special," said Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal, Caterham F1 Team.

"The drivers have opened their doors to the cameras and, for the first time this year, we've been able to show what our definitive 2013 car looks like."

From GMM

F1's scheduled trek to New Jersey next year is hitting more roadblocks.

The debut race, amid New York's famed Manhattan skyline, had to be postponed last year, due to organisational and funding delays.

Now, chief marketing officer Trip Wheeler, and chief financial officer Michael Cummings, have left the project.

President Tom Cotter departed last August.

"While we have not yet named replacements, duties have been absorbed by our executive team and we look forward to announcing additional staff as we approach next year's race," a spokesman for race organiser Leo Hindery is quoted by nj.com.

"Race progress, including permitting and course construction, continues to move forward and we are on pace for a world class race in 2014," the organisation added in a statement.

But Christian Sylt, an F1 business expert and confidante of the sport's chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, is pessimistic.

"I would be absolutely astonished if this happens," he told the Star-Ledger.

"I have got no evidence that the organisers have obtained funding to host the race and, crucially, there is no evidence whatsoever that they have got a contract with (Ecclestone)."

Summary
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is expected to hit Canadian showrooms this summer and will surely cause quite a commotion in the compact sport sedan market according to Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen. The Essence prototype, which was launched at the Montreal International Auto Show, was the inspiration for the Q50. It's the 3rd generation of the popular G37

Price
Prices have yet to be disclosed.

Fuel Economy
Not yet available.

Photo: Infiniti

Exterior Styling
The fluid, tapering lines area a direct influence of the Essence prototype. The elegant hood panel mimics an ocean wave. The front grille design is extremely dynamic and sporty. It's equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels and has crescent-shaped rear side windows that boast the impression of motion. The intuitive, adaptive headlights adjust to ambient lighting conditions.

Interior
The interior oozes luxury with its ergonomic leather seats, hand-polished wood trim panels and driver-passenger oriented instrument cluster. The Q50 accommodates five passengers in luxury and comfort.

Technology is everywhere in the Q50, in an entirely intuitive and customizable digital environment. The steering, suspension, driving position and pre-set engine modes are just some of the systems that can be set to your personal desires.

A BOSE 14-speaker audio system with three 10-inch sub-woofers is standard in the Q50.

The Infiniti InTouch voice command system offers features such as Facebook compatibility, e-mail, and a touch-screen navigation system that can be enlarged as needed.

Photo: Infiniti

Cargo Capacity
The Q50 has 510 litres of available cargo room, which is comparable to the BMW 3 Series (480 litres) and far superior to the Audi A4 and Cadillac CTS with their respective 352 and 385 litres.

Drivetrain
The Q50 is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 that works in tandem with a lithium-ion battery that adds extra boost during hard acceleration such as overtaking traffic. The brake system provides a partial battery recharge. A total of 354 hp is available from this hybrid system.

Safety
Infiniti does not take safety lightly; the Q50 is equipped with four cameras for a 360 degree view, a perimeter-view screen and moving object detection. In addition, a safety shield with visual and audible warning features can apply the brakes if necessary.

Comparable Models
Competition for the Q50 will come from the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C Class.


References :
www.auto123.com
auto.sympatico.ca
www.infiniti.ca

In an unusual reversal, of previous rulings of this type, a three-member NASCAR appeals panel substantially reduced penalties imposed on Joe Gibbs Racing for an underweight engine part on Matt Kenseth's car.

Following the 2003 Sprint Cup Champion's victory at Kansas Speedway, on April 21st, a post race inspection of the winning engine found one of eight connecting rods to be less than three grams underweight.

NASCAR deducted 50 points from Kenseth, suspended crew chief Jason Ratliff for six races, suspended owner Joe Gibbs (from points in six races not physical suspension) and fined Ratcliff $200,000.

The panel, chosen by NASCAR, reduced Kenseth's points penalty to 12 points, reinstated a potential points bonus in the Chase, and reduced Ratcliff's suspension to only one race.

Matt Kenseth and Jason Ratcliff. (Photo: NASCAR)

Joe Gibbs contended that since this engine (and underweight part) were produced by a third party, i.e. Toyota Racing Development, his team did not have any intent to “cheat.” In fact they argued that the eight connecting rods, taken as a group, averaged to be over the minimum weight.

What was unusual in this ruling, the first step of the appeals process, is that in approximately 70 per cent of the previous appeals the panel of this type has supported the initial NASCAR findings. For example last's week's affirmation of the penalties to Penske Racing - which were later reduced at the second and final appeals level.

The sanctioning body was not pleased with the outcome of its' own appeals panel.

“Our sport has a due process system in place that has served the sport very well for more than 65 years,” said NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp after the ruling was read. “And that due process resulted in this decision here today. While we are disappointed in today's outcome, we stand firmly behind our inspection process.


“The inspection of engines and engine parts and pieces has always been regarded as the Holy Grail throughout the industry. That, along with fuel and tires. And in violations such as these, we have no other recourse in the reinforcement process than to penalize the team owner and team members. That's how our system works. The responsibility for such infractions falls on their shoulders. Our intensity and approach to inspecting engines will not change. We take this ruling and we move on to Darlington.”

Here's the text of the panel's findings:
Upon hearing the testimony, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to amend the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.

The amendments are as follows:
• Crew chief Jason Ratcliff: The $200,000 fine remains intact; NASCAR suspension now covers one championship points event. In addition, he will be placed on NASCAR probation until the completion of the next three championship points events following his reinstatement;
• Car owner Joe Gibbs: Loss of championship owner points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Driver Matt Kenseth; Loss of championship driver points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Manufacturer: The loss of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturer championship points has been increased to seven.

Making it attractive
Houston, TX - It has become ludicrous not to expect something great from the Korean giant that is Kia. At its North American premiere at the 2013 CIAS, the 2014 Kia Rondo was (in my eyes) an instant hit. Having only seen it, I was convinced it was going to be great.

The 2014 Kia Rondo pushes the design theme to a whole other level, thus completing the modernization of Kia's entire lineup. The new car is smashing to behold, the cabin is nothing short of stunning with great seats. Unfortunately, sentiments change drastically once on the road.


What is a Kia Rondo?
The 2014 Kia Rondo is a compact crossover that may moonlight as a minivan, but lacks the signature sliding doors found on its principal rival, the Mazda5. Without moving away from its family-hauler vocation, the new Rondo is a more modern and dynamic product than previous generations.

The Kia Rondo has been a small minivan substitute since its arrival in 2007, shortly after the 2006 Mazda5's debut. From that moment on, both have claimed strong sales from a consumer base looking for compact and economic alternatives to the large minivan.

The new Rondo offers a wider spectrum of kit and luxuries than it ever has. Without forgetting budget-minded families, the 2014 Kia Rondo is now offered with widely available niceties such as a panoramic sunroof and a navigation system.

The 2014 Kia Rondo is a compact crossover that may moonlight as a minivan, but lacks the signature sliding doors. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Technicalities
The 2014 Kia Rondo, like most other Kia and Hyundai products, drops the V6 engine option. Moving forward is now insured by a GDI 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine. It produces 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, down 11 and 13 respectively from the outgoing 2.4L in the 2012 model.

A 6-speed manual ‘box is standard in the base LX. A 6-speed automatic transmission is included with all other trims. Kia's electric flex steer power steering and a front independent rear semi-independent suspension are par for the course.

The base 2014 Kia Rondo LX retails for $21,695. The loaded EX-Luxury claims $32,195 from a potential buyer. The expected bestselling LX automatic version has a sticker price of $23,995.

Moving forward is now insured by a GDI 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine. It produces 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, down 11 and 13 respectively from the outgoing 2.4L in the 2012 model. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the Kia Rondo
On paper, the drop in displacement and power seem detrimental to the 2014 Kia Rondo's performance. Truthfully, the Rondo is adequate (and will be for most families) at best when merging and passing.

What works in favour of the output drop is the well geared autobox and the new Rondo's slight drop in curb weight. The upside is a theoretical 15% improvement in fuel consumption from the old.

Much attention was given to the 2014 Kia Rondo's ride and handling. In fact, all of the tuning was done by Kia of America in California and Michigan. Although the ride is smooth, there were a few issues.

Most of the road we travelled was flat, even and with hardly any curves. The few I encountered were met with a lag-y, disconnected steering feel even in Sport mode (Flex Steer: Comfort/Normal/Sport). In the other two modes, assistance is nearly exaggerated.

Furthermore, the few rough patches of pavement we came across revealed a suspension that experienced difficulty managing rapid changes in amplitude be it with the 16” or 17” wheels.

Few noises permeated the quiet cabin. The most present came from the base of the windshield, thanks in no small part to the enormous wipers.

What works in favour of the output drop is the well geared autobox and the new Rondo's slight drop in curb weight. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and out of the Kia Rondo
The new 2014 Kia Rondo conquers aesthetically. Surrounded by its immediate competition, the Rondo stands shoulders above. The broad and bold beltline wraps around the entire car, capturing the brand's signature grille and large projector headlights.

Front and second row passengers will find comfort. Those up front are treated to a well designed and appointed dashboard replete with nice materials and a straightforward HMI experience.

The front seats are really comfortable, offering unexpected side bolstering and, when leather-clad, an extendable lower seat cushion. The rear bench will accommodate three adults or any mix including kids and baby seats.

The available 3rd row in the 7-passenger version is a toddler's delight. Access to the 50/50 split-folding bench is difficult at best for an average, slim-ish adult. As I'm not slim-ish, I decided not to crawl in the rear for fear of never returning.

With the 3rd row folded, the trunk is quite capacious. The opposite is very true when it is up.

The new 2014 Kia Rondo conquers aesthetically. Surrounded by its immediate competition, the Rondo stands shoulders above. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the Kia Rondo
The 2014 Kia Rondo matches and surpasses all of its competition, namely the Dodge Journey and Chevrolet Orlando.

It also crushes them where value and equipment, fit and finish are concerned. Unfortunately, and unlike other recent Kia products I've evaluated, it does nothing to move the driving experience forward.

In the end, it is more family oriented than any car on the road at moment.

The 2014 Kia Rondo is on sale now.

Following the decision of NASCAR appeals officer John Middlebrook, Penske Racing released the names and roles of crew members while the two-race suspension, Darlington and Charlotte.

Team Manager: Mike Nelson, currently Vice President of Operations, will fulfill this role

No. 2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion (Driver Brad Keselowski):

• Crew Chief: Kevin Buskirk
Buskirk, a former driver and crew chief, joined Penske racing prior to the 2012 season. He currently manages the test teams for Penske Racing.

• Race Engineer: Jonathan Hassler  
Hassler, served as the lead engineer for the No. 22 Sprint Cup Series team last season and helped the No. 22 Nationwide Series team earn six victories in 2011.

• Car Chief: Nick Hensley
Hensley, has worked with Penske Racing since 2007 and has worked with the No. 2 team since the 2011 season.

Photo: NASCAR

No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Fusion (Driver Joey Logano):
 
• Crew Chief: Steve Reis
Reis, who normally serves as one of the team's engineers, has been with Penske Racing since 2009 and has been with the No. 22 team since 2011. Before, he served as the race engineer on the No. 77 Penske Racing Sprint Cup team 

• Race Engineer: Ben Atkins
Atkins is an engineer with Penske Racing and worked with Todd Gordon during the 2011 season. 

• Car Chief: Jeffery Thousand
Thousand, who has been with Penske Racing for close to twenty years, served as the car chief for the No. 22 through last season. 

Photo: NASCAR

*Note: Greg Erwin, Sam Hornish Jr.'s crew chief in the Nationwide Series, will sit atop the pit box on race day for the Shell-Pennzoil team and serve as a race strategist. Erwin will continue in his role as Sam Hornish' s crew chief in the Nationwide Series.

Sigmar Gabriel, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, recently proposed a 120 km/h speed limit on the autobahn -- where drivers often hit 200 km/h or faster -- and had to face harsh criticism for doing so... even from his own party.

According to Gabriel, statistics show lower accident rates on restricted sections of the autobahn, so imposing speed limits could save lives.

Through her spokesman Steffen Seibert, German chancellor Angela Merkel was quoted as saying she doesn't endorse the proposal.

Transport minister Peter Ramsauer is also against speed limits, arguing that the most serious crashes often take place on smaller roads rather than the autobahn.

Source: lepoint.fr

Former Indianapolis 500 winner and IRL series' champion, Buddy Lazier has entered one car for the 97th edition of the May classic after finalising a deal to race the car owned by his father, Bob Lazier.

Lazier Partners purchased the Dallara DW12 chassis that former Formula 1 driver, Jean Alesi drove for Fan Force United in last year's edition of the race. Lazier served as Alesi's driver coach during his 2012 Indy preparations.

Lazier's entry brings the confirmed entry count to 33, with more drivers still scrambling to complete last-minute deals.

Photo: LAT/IndyCar

2013 Indy 500 entry list

#   Driver   Team/Car
1  Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Dallara-Chevy
2  AJ Allmendinger Penske Dallara-Chevy
3  Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara-Chevy
4  JR Hildebrand Panther Dallara-Chevy
5  EJ Viso Andretti/HVM Dallara-Chevy
6  Sebastian Saavedra Dragon Dallara-Chevy
7  Sebastien Bourdais Dragon Dallara-Chevy
8  Ryan Briscoe Ganassi Dallara-Honda
9  Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara-Honda
10  Dario Franchitti Ganassi Dallara-Honda
11  Tony Kanaan KV Dallara-Chevy
12  Will Power Penske Dallara-Chevy
14  Takuma Sato Foyt Dallara-Honda
15  Graham Rahal Rahal Letterman Lanigan Dallara-Honda
16  James Jakes Rahal Letterman Lanigan Dallara-Honda
17  Michel Jourdain Jr Rahal Letterman Lanigan Dallara-Honda
18  Ana Beatriz Dale Coyne Dallara-Honda
19  Justin Wilson Dale Coyne Dallara-Honda
20  Ed Carpenter Carpenter Dallara-Chevy
21  Josef Newgarden Sarah Fisher Hartman Dallara-Honda
22  Oriol Servia Panther DRR Dallara-Chevy
25  Marco Andretti Andretti Dallara-Chevy
26  Carlos Munoz Andretti Dallara-Chevy
27  James Hinchcliffe Andretti Dallara-Chevy
40  tba Carpenter Dallara-Chevy
41  Conor Daly Foyt Dallara-Honda
55  Tristan Vautier Schmidt Peterson Dallara-Honda
60  Townsend Bell Panther Dallara-Chevy
77  Simon Pagenaud Schmidt Hamilton Dallara-Honda
83  Charlie Kimball Ganassi Dallara-Honda
93  Buddy Lazier Lazier Partners Dallara-Chevy
98  Alex Tagliani Herta Dallara-Honda
tba Pippa Mann Dale Coyne Dallara-Honda

Bonhams will auction off John Lennon's very first car, a 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Coupe, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12th.

As soon as news broke out that the lead singer of the Beatles got his driver's licence in 1965, dozens of Maseratis, Aston Martins and other luxury cars wound up in front of his house, as automakers desperately wanted to profit from Lennon's popularity. He eventually picked the Ferrari.

Initially sold for £6,500 (the equivalent of £110,000 today), the car is expected to fetch anywhere between £180,000 and £220,000, or $281,000 to $343,000.

Source : Bonhams

Photo: Bonhams

Chrysler Canada is recalling 28,542 Jeep Commanders (2006-2010) and Grand Cherokees (2005-2010) equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system.

In some cases, the transfer case controller could fail, and shift into or through the neutral position, which may allow the vehicle to roll away even with the transmission in the PARK position.

Therefore, Jeep dealers will reprogram the final drive controller with updated software on all affected units.

Source: Transports Canada

Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), the North American manufacturer of Subaru vehicles, will expand its plant in Lafayette, Indiana to shift production of the popular Impreza compact sedan and hatchback from Japan to America.

The move will require an investment of $400 million and create 900 new jobs, boosting the plant's annual output by about 100,000 units in the process.

“The Subaru Impreza has been a favoured choice of many Canadians as it delivers more than what's expected in a compact car,” said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. “FHI's decision to move production to SIA illustrates their confidence in Subaru's North American market as we continue to set sales records and gain market share.”

Construction of the planned expansion is slated to begin this fall and should be completed by the end of 2016.

From GMM

F1 team bosses have voted to introduce a penalty points system for 2014 that could see drivers banned for repeat offenses.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, and Speed Week, said that during a meeting with Charlie Whiting on Wednesday, the scheme - with drivers allowed to accrue only 12 'demerit points' against their super licenses before a race ban is imposed - survived a vote by 7 to 4.

The proposal will now be taken to the FIA's World Motor Sport Council for approval next month.

Photo: WRi2

The new system would not completely replace the current regime comprising fines, grid penalties and warnings, but stewards will also be able to impose points penalties for on-track infractions.

As the vote demonstrated, not everyone is supportive.

"What happens if Vettel has 12 points before the German grand prix, or Alonso before Spain -- are they going to ban them in their home race?" an unnamed and sceptical team boss told German correspondent Michael Schmidt.

Reportedly, drivers will earn penalty points for pitlane speeding, causing a collision and dangerous driving, driving over the pit exit white line, ignoring flag signals, and many other infractions.

At the same Barcelona meeting, team bosses voted down Ferrari's proposal to bring back extensive in-season track testing, although some teams were in favour.

Following a successful trial last summer, police in West Midlands, England, recently took delivery of 30 Nissan LEAF electric cars to be distributed among the 10 local policing units (LPU). They will be used to attend pre-arranged meetings with crime victims and locals who have contacted the police.

With a range of 160 kilometres, the Nissan LEAF is perfect for such duties, which represent about 64-72 kilometres a day. Dedicated charging points installed at each LPU will be available to charge the LEAFs, meaning officers won't have trouble finding leads.

So, while police in Dubai opt for exotic cars, authorities in the U.K. prefer to take the green route.

Photo: Nissan

As of tomorrow, the European part of the 2013 Formula 1 season will have started in Barcelona. Unfortunately, the Spanish Grand Prix has a reputation for not holding the most exciting or mesmerising of races, but when it does, it does so in style.

We at Auto123.com have gone through the history books to discover one of Barcelona's most scintillating races; the 1996 Spanish Grand Prix.

The 1996 Spanish Grand Prix, despite not being one of the most action packed races ever seen in Barcelona, was one of the most spellbinding with Michael Schumacher guiding an unfancied Ferrari to take the first win of his career with the team in treacherous conditions.

Not only was the Spanish race special for Michael as it was his first victory in red, but the way he did it was one of the reasons why he was dubbed the rain-master.

Photo: WRi2

After finishing the warm up some 0.86 seconds from the quickest time set by Damon Hill in the Williams Renault, Schumacher gambled with a two-stop strategy and a full wet setup on light tanks.

The start of the race almost didn't happen for Schumacher, with the Ferrari almost stalling on the grid and dropping to ninth. Meanwhile, Jacques Villeneuve had jumped his Williams teammate Damon Hill to lead into the first corner ahead of Jean Alesi's Benetton.

However, the full wet setup seemed to benefit the Ferrari in the worsening on-track conditions, as Schumacher had managed to recover to sixth by the end of the first lap.

Schumacher's progress, whilst undoubtedly helped by the strategy and setup, thereafter was scintillating; the then-double world champion was managing to find lines that shouldn't have been there, straying off of the rubber laden racing line to find grip on the wetter extremities of the tarmac, which given the wet tyres on the car, gave him a grip advantage.

After taking advantage of Eddie Irvine's spin and Damon Hill's off-track excursion, the Ferrari was up to fourth a few laps later, and by lap five, he'd passed Gerhard Berger's Benetton for third. By now, Schumacher was lapping two seconds a lap faster than anyone else, and had closed to within six seconds of the race lead. The following lap, he went quicker again and was lapping 3.7s than race leaders Jacques Villeneuve and Jean Alesi.

On lap nine, the Ferrari swept around the outside of the fourth gear Renault right hander to take Alesi for second after braking late and putting the nose of the Ferrari into such a position, that the Benetton driver simply had to get out of the way. Three laps later, Schumacher put the same move on Villeneuve to take the lead of the race and come the end of the lap, had pulled three seconds clear.

Photo: WRi2

Fast-forward to lap 14. Schumacher once again records the fastest lap, some four seconds quicker than Villeneuve. After his 12 laps in the lead, the Ferrari driver had consolidated a jaw-dropping 40 second lead by the time of his first stop on lap 24, giving him around 20 seconds in pocket when he emerged from the pits.

Before his second and final stop on lap 42, Schumacher had by one point, extended his advantage at the head of the field to a staggering lead of a minute and a half; a 90 second lead in a car that was far from the class of the field.

On lap 65, Schumacher crossed the line to take the emphatic first win of his Ferrari career by a huge 45 seconds in a race marked by six finishers due to the appalling conditions.

The win was made even more incredible by the fact that the Ferrari finished the race at all; on lap 33 the F310 lost a cylinder - despite rectifying itself later in the race - and also suffered a cracked exhaust.

"It [the exhaust problem] started on lap 33," said Schumacher after the race. "I thought I was running on eight or nine cylinders. I guessed it was probably caused by the water, but I was worried.”

"I wouldn't have bet a penny on myself winning this race," he continued. "In Brazil the car didn't handle and it hadn't felt good in the wet warm-up at Monaco.

“I've no explanation other than that it is very sensitive to the circuit.

“Here, we hadn't been competitive in the dry, but suddenly, in the wet warm-up, it felt great. We made a few more changes afterwards and it was perfect."

And on that wet day in Barcelona 17 years ago, with the right setup on a car which was far from the class of the field, Michael Schumacher was just that; perfect.

From GMM

Abu Dhabi has now officially thrown its name into the hat as a potential pre-season testing venue for next season.

We reported last month that venues in Bahrain and Qatar have applied to host F1 next winter, as teams look to the Middle East for better testing weather than wet and cold Spain.

"There is an interest to do pre-season testing outside of Europe which would be of interest to us," Richard Cregan, boss of the Abu Dhabi venue at Yas Marina, is quoted by AP news agency.

"It seems particularly related to the new engine where they obviously want to test the new engine configurations in harsh conditions," he added.

Abu Dhabi circuit allows testing with extreme heat during the day and cooler temperatures at night. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Jonathan Neale, McLaren's managing director, has likened the British team's problems in 2013 with rival Ferrari's early troubles a year ago.

He told reporters the main issue with the uncompetitive MP4-28 has been the correlation of information between the wind tunnel and the track.

"I'm sure," said Neale, "if we sat down and had a quiet conversation with our colleagues in Italy and said 'how did the first quarter of last season feel for you?', they would understand with some clarity what we're going through at the moment."

McLaren is unveiling a big package of upgrades this weekend in Barcelona, but Neale is keen to play down expectations.

"Setting ourselves up for a blow on the chin from you (reporters) isn't very funny," he said.

Photo: WRi2

From GMM

Gerhard Berger, the former McLaren and Ferrari driver, thinks Nico Rosberg is just as good as Lewis Hamilton.

The famous Austrian, who formerly co-owned the Toro Rosso team, was asked whether Briton Hamilton's arrival at Mercedes is the ultimate test for German Rosberg.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

"That's what they said about (Rosberg alongside Michael) Schumacher," Berger, referring to Rosberg's former teammate, smiled to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"Rosberg has proved how good he is. If he can also hold Hamilton at bay, it will be another milestone. For me, those two (Rosberg and Hamilton) are on the same level. Each has his own strengths. One has the cooler head, the other more emotion, and it's pretty even," he added.

Gerhard Berger, 53, also said he has not been surprised by Mercedes' clear step forward in 2013.

"It's not surprising," he insisted, "because they have the best engine and two great drivers. It was clear that at some point they would start to get the chassis right. Step by step they are coming to the front."