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From GMM

Ross Brawn has admitted Paddy Lowe is shaping up to replace him at the helm of Mercedes AMG.

"Yes, there's been a lot of speculation," Brawn told the German newspaper Die Welt.

He insisted, however, that no one should be surprised Mercedes made a move for Lowe, given his solid work for McLaren over the past two decades.

"However," Brawn admitted, "the plan was designed more for the future.

"The idea was that my role in the team would change with time and Paddy would then take on more responsibility.

"But now he's here early and we need to rethink our original plans.

"At the moment Paddy helps wherever he can," he said.

Paddy Lowe himself has been notably quiet on the subject, although it is known he definitely expects to lead the Brackley based team eventually.

Ross Brawn, Mercedes AMG team boss. (Photo: WRi2)

Ross Brawn said: "I am responsible, Paddy works for me, but at some point in the future it will change.

"I don't know when. I'm already looking forward to the new season, 2014 will be a very exciting year with completely new technology.

"Mercedes will be in good shape obviously and it will be great fun."

Pressed to reveal the timeline, Ross Brawn insisted: "I will work with Paddy for the next six months, maybe longer. When the transition occurs, it will be a soft handover."

But Ross Brawn might not step back completely.

"I don't know what role I'll have in the long term. There are various options," he said.

"I like the team, and the people."

From Speedway 660

This Saturday at 7p.m., the Best of the Best Pro Stock 150 highlights racing action at Speedway 660 in Geary, New Brunswick. In addition to one of the biggest pro stock races of the season, fans will also see competition in four other exciting divisions.

"The Best of the Best 150 is one of our most exciting events of the year and there will be a strong field of competitors from our RE/MAX Group Four Realty Pro Stock Division, plus this race always generates interest from the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour and Pro All Star Series race teams" said Speedway 660's Michelle Roy.

"The winner gets more than a trip to the Riverview Ford Lincoln Victory Lane on Saturday night, they'll get an guaranteed starting position in the Auto Value 250, coming up on SpeedWeekend."

There will also be racing in the Martins Home Heating Sportsman, DMR Auto Sales and Service Street Stock, Fredericton Gun Shop Sharp Shooter and West Wood Estate apartments Bandolero Divisions. Street Stock, Sportsman and Pro Stock heat races gets underway at 7PM, while the Bando and Sharp Shooter heats are scheduled for 6:20pm.

"Our drivers, in all five divisions, and our fans are looking forward to a great night of racing" said Roy. "After the Best of the Best 150, we'll take our annual break for the August holiday weekend so we expect some awesome action in every division this Saturday night."

Recent winners of the Best of the Best Pro Stock 150 include: Ben Rowe (2012); Greg Fahey (2011 & 09); Dave O'Blenis (2010) and; Kirk Thebeau (2008). O'Blenis and Thebeau are also former Auto Value 250 champions.

Adult ticket prices for the Best of the Best Pro Stock 150 are $20 - Youth tickets, for kids between 8 and 15 years of age are $15- our family Pass for two adults and two youths is $65- and - as always admission is absolutely free for Speedway 660's youngest race fans - seven and under.

The rain date for this race is Sunday at 2p.m. If the weather is unsettled on Saturday morning, fans and race team members are encouraged to call the race line at 506-454-7223 or visit www.speedway660.com for race day status updates.

Several drivers, teams and actors of various motorsport categories are showing their support to the victims and injured people of the terrible Santiago de Compostela train crash in Spain.

Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 has three Spanish drivers: Fernando Alonso, Marc Gene and Pedro de la Rosa.

This weekend, Alonso will wear a black armband at the Hungarian Grand Prix while test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Marc Gene asked the Scuderia to show its support for all the victims of the train crash. The team held a banner that read “Todo nuesto apoyo a las victimas de Santiago” (all our support for the victims in Santiago.)

Photo: Ferrari

Lotus F1 Team chairman, Gerard Lopez, born in Spain, also sent a message.

“I and all within Lotus F1 Team would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those affected and involved,” Lopez said in a press release.

“As a Galician, I will provide all the help and support possible to those affected by this disaster, which has taken place in an area of the country I know and love so well. As an expression of support, I would like to reach out to those involved and show my unity to the region.

“Furthermore, as a mark of respect and display of moral support, Lotus F1 Team will drive with the Galician flag on the rear wing end plates of both E21 Formula 1 cars throughout the weekend of the Hungarian Grand Prix.”

World rally driver, Spaniard Dani Sordo will carry a Galician flag on his Citroen DS3 during the Rally Finland in memory of the victims of the train crash tragedy.

During a meeting held at the Hungaroring, Formula 1 team bosses voted against a rule change that would have set a minimum time for the tire changes during Grands Prix.

The directors met Thursday with FIA safety delegate, Charlie Whiting to talk about safety in the pit lane after a cameraman was hit by a wheel that came off Mark Webber's Red Bull.

TV broadcaster Sky commentators said on Friday that the idea of a minimum time for the pit stops was turned down because they are a big part of the spectacle and it would cause the teams to adopt the identical race strategies.

It emerged that drivers now face ten-position grid penalties for the following race if they are released from a pit stop without four properly attached wheels.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

The world of Formula 1 will stop spinning for a month following the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend, and everyone will surely use this refreshing summer break to regroup after a controversial and emotionally draining first half of the season.

Pirelli tires
F1 teams found out at the beginning of the year that the 2013 Pirelli tires wore out very quickly -- in fact, too quickly for most. They were outraged, and rightfully so: Why spend tens of millions of dollars to develop a car when the excessively fast-wearing tires are no good after 3 laps? Fortunately, the problem now seems to have been fixed by mixing the new compound with last year's rubber.

The Mercedes scandal
The German manufacturer was labelled a cheater by competitors after it conducted private, nearly secret tests with Pirelli against strict F1 rules. The subsequent disciplinary hearing resulted in a ban from a mid-July young driver testing session at Silverstone. For many teams, the penalty was little more than a rap across the knuckles.

Where will Kimi go?
Kimi Räikkönen may stay at Lotus or head over to Red Bull to take the spot left open by Mark Webber's upcoming departure. However, he's not the hardest-working driver around, and a move to Red Bull would mean lots of technical work, not to mention high-profile marketing operations -- which he absolutely hates. Given his hefty contract, expect the Finnish driver who talks like a penguin to race for Lotus again in 2014.

Bernie is indicted
We knew that Bernie Ecclestone was walking a tightrope ever since Gerhard Gribkowsky claimed to have received a bribe from the F1 tsar to boost stock value in order to smooth the sale to CVC. A German court indicted Ecclestone, and F1 manufacturers are now mad as heck, especially Mercedes which doesn't like participating in a sport headed by a man who will have to face justice.

The return of Honda
Thank God, it was not all bad news and controversy on and off the track: The announcement of Honda's return to F1 provided a happy and much-needed silver lining. The Japanese manufacturer will build an all-new 1.6L turbocharged engine for McLaren -- and maybe another team -- to race with as early as 2015. That's great news, because with just 3 engine manufacturers committed for 2014, F1 suddenly became vulnerable to any big blow. My guess is that Honda is back to win, not merely for a cameo. By teaming up with a strong partner like McLaren, Honda will be well positioned to succeed.

Enjoy your summer, dear F1 folks, and see you again at the Belgian Grand Prix in late August -- hopefully well rested and refocused.

Photo: WRI2

From press release

Hyundai Motorsport has added a third name to its test driver line-up with confirmation today that Australian WRC driver Chris Atkinson will be part of the team's testing programme for 2013.

33-year-old Atkinson will be behind the wheel of the i20 WRC for the first time next week in a private test session. The skilled Australian will support Hyundai Motorsport's main test drivers Juho Hänninen and Bryan Bouffier at selected tests during the remainder of the year.

Chris Atkinson. (Photo: Hyundai Motorsport)

An experienced member of the FIA World Rally Championship community, Atkinson has a wide knowledge of all the events and terrains featured in the series, as well as a good experience with the current specification World Rally Cars. The Australian is also the reigning FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Champion.

Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Michel Nandan said: “It is great to be able to integrate Chris into Hyundai Motorsport testing line-up for this season and I am convinced he will bring a lot of valuable WRC experience. Chris will support the work of our main test drivers Juho and Bryan. With the combined expertise of all three test drivers, we will be able to benefit from thorough and comprehensive input at every test session.”

Chris Atkinson commented: “It is such an exciting project. After visiting the Hyundai Motorsport factory three weeks ago, I am simply impressed by the team's commitment and achievements so far. I have a lot of experience of many different WRC cars and events, and I will utilise this knowledge to support the development of the 2014 i20 WRC car.”

Now that I'm over 60, it appears I'm no longer the smartphone-wielding car buyer who grew up playing video games that Lincoln targets.

The introduction of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid definitely signals a change of direction for the storied American brand. Ford wants to reinvent Lincoln and attract younger customers, which is neither a bad idea nor a small task.


What's a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is an environmentally friendly sedan that joins the base 4-cylinder turbocharged model and the more upscale V6-powered AWD model in the MKZ lineup.

Actually, with fuel consumption ratings of 4.2L/100km in the city and 4.3L/100km on the highway, it's the most efficient luxury sedan in Canada.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is an environmentally friendly sedan starting at $40,100, which I think is relatively cheap given the feature-laden content. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Price and specifications of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
The front-wheel-drive 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid combines a 141-horsepower, 2.0L Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.

Total output is a respectable 188 horsepower, while torque amounts to just 129 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. That's not a lot given that the midsize MKZ Hybrid weighs 1,705 kilos. Braking is handled by 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution, and regenerative braking.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid's standard equipment list includes a THX II certified premium sound system, inflatable rear seat belts, heated seats all around (and cooled up front!), and so much more. Pricing starts at $40,100, which I think is relatively cheap given the feature-laden content.

Total output is a respectable 188 horsepower, while torque amounts to just 129 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. (Photo: Lincoln)

Driving the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Three driving modes are available with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: Normal, Comfort, and Sport. When I took possession of the car for a brief test drive of 50 kilometres, it was already set to Sport. My 30-something-year-old driving partner and I tried but ultimately couldn't change it to Comfort, which goes to show you how complex the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system is.

Anyway, while crisscrossing the city, we both found the suspension a bit stiff in Sport mode. Some of the impacts we felt were rather unpleasant. Overall, though, the ride remained comfortable and quiet. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid proved very easy to drive.

Those among us who had the opportunity to sample the car in Normal mode managed to post an average fuel consumption of just over 6.0L/100km, which is pretty commendable.

As for the driving position, I personally had to raise my seat to be comfortable behind the wheel, which put the top of my head a mere inch from the headliner. Thank God, it didn't mess up my hair!

Overall, though, the ride remained comfortable and quiet. (Photo: Lincoln)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
While it draws some inspiration from the 1938 Zephyr, I very much like the design of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, starting with the split front grille that reminds me of eagle wings. This particular design cue was carried over to the dashboard, as well.

Like I said earlier, though, the various controls and menus of MyLincoln Touch generate plenty of frustration and head-scratching, especially if you're not the type to use voice command. If you ask me, this HMI causes more distractions than any smartphone. On the plus side, it does a really nice job of cleaning up the dashboard and centre console. Likewise, you won't find a shifter anywhere, because the CVT of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is controlled by buttons.

I very much like the design of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, starting with the split front grille that reminds me of eagle wings. This particular design cue was carried over to the dashboard, as well. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Comparing the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Clearly, Lincoln is grabbing the environmental bull by the horns and setting its sights on a wide range of entry-level luxury sedans, from the Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Genesis to the Cadillac CTS and Volvo S60.

Most of them are noticeably more expensive than the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. If you insist on taking the hybrid route, selection is very limited; the closest alternative would have to be the Lexus ES 300h.

American Le Mans Series' LMP1 leader, Lucas Luhr will make his IndyCar debut at Sonoma in August; having struck a deal with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing.

Luhr, 34-year-old, will join forces with squad regular Josef Newgarden at the California road course.

The German confirmed that his ties with Honda Performance Development, which is involved in his ALMS programme with Pickett Racing, was the decisive element that helped him secure this drive.

In order for him to get accustomed with his new mount, Luhr, who has driven single seaters in the past, will get two days of testing at the Sonoma Raceway ahead of the race.

He also said that he would be interested in contesting a full programme in IndyCar in the future.

Photo: Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing

Twin-turbo systems will become mandatory next year as part of an ongoing move to ensure parity between engine manufacturers Honda and Chevrolet in IndyCar.

The decision was confirmed on Thursday following an IndyCar Engine Committee meeting.

The change will most affect Honda, which currently races its 2.2 litre V6 in a single-turbo configuration.

Chevrolet returned to the series with a twin-turbo engine developed in partnership with Ilmor.

Photo: IndyCar

Three-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel led teammate Mark Webber in a Red Bull one-two in both Friday's free practice sessions for the Grand Prix of Hungary near Budapest.

It was already very hot this morning when Vettel turned his best lap (1m22.723), 0.259s quicker than Webber's, with Kimi Raikkonen third fastest for Lotus and Fernando Alonso fourth for Ferrari.

Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: WRi2)

The track remained slippery and very dirty all through the 90-minute session which saw ambient and track temperatures of 30 and 45 degrees Celsius, respectively.

It was the first time the teams got to run Pirelli's revised tires (2012 construction and 2013 compound) in competitive conditions and there were no dramas to report, as everyone ran exclusively with the medium compound.

Romain Grosjean was fifth in the other Lotus ahead of Jenson Button in a McLaren and Adrian Sutil in a Sahara Force India.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

Mercedes AMG's drivers, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, who did not taste the new Pirelli tires at Silverstone, were down in 8th and 13th spots, respectively.

It was still very hot in the afternoon for the second practice session.

As teams ran Pirelli's soft tires before focusing on long runs on the harder mediums, Vettel carried on where he left off this morning with the fastest time of 1m 21.264, but Webber was right with him this time, just 0.044s adrift.

Grosjean of Lotus was third, only 0.153s off Vettel.

Fernando Alonso. (Photo: Ferrari)

Then came the Ferraris of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, and the Mercedes of Hamilton and Rosberg.

Raikkonen, Button and Sutil completed the top 10.

At the back end of the grid, the Renault-powered Caterhams again outpaced the Marussia-Cosworths.

Adrian Sutil. (Photo: Sahara Force India)

Hungarian Grand Prix
Friday July 26, 2013

Free Practice session 1 - Results*
1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'22"723 - 19 laps
2 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'22"982 - 24
3 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'23"010 - 20
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'23”099 - 22
5 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'23"111 - 20
6 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'23"370 - 26
7 - Adrian Sutil (Sahara Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'23"390 - 20
8 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'23"531 - 28
9 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'23"591 - 26
10 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'23"911 - 21
11 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'24"119 - 21
12 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'24"150 - 27
13 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'24"157 - 28
14 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'24"204 - 15
15 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'24"299 - 19
16 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'24"314 - 23
17 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'24"383 - 24
18 - Paul Di Resta (Sahara Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'24"608 - 21
19 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'25"827 - 24
20 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'26"808 - 25
21 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'27"617 - 20
22 - Rodolfo Gonzalez (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'37"459 - 25

Free Practice session 2 - Results*
1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'21"264 - 34 laps
2 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'21"308 - 42
3 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'21"417 - 40
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'21”426 - 34
5 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'21"544 - 37
6 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'21"802 - 42
7 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'21"991 - 40
8 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'22"011 - 32
9 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'22"180 - 41
10 - Adrian Sutil (Sahara Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'22"304 - 41
11 - Paul Di Resta (Sahara Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'22"526 - 39
12 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'22"529 - 37
13 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'22"781 - 36
14 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'22"837 - 42
15 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'22"841 - 39
16 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'23"369 - 34
17 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'23"411 - 41
18 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'23"646 - 34
19 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'24"325 - 38
20 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'25"065 - 36
21 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'25"143 - 39
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'26"647 - 33

* Unofficial timings

From GMM

Legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker has revealed he will no longer have to undergo chemotherapy for lymphatic cancer.

The much-loved 'voice of formula one', who hung up his microphone more than a decade ago, revealed last month he would have to undergo the treatment after doctors detected the cancer when he broke his pelvis.

But the 89-year-old has now told the Daily Mail: "I went to have my pre-chemotherapy blood check this week and was understandably delighted when they said 'Your blood condition has improved so much that it is now nearly normal and you do not need the chemotherapy -- well not now, anyway'."

Murray Walker said he will still be checked regularly by doctors.

"If it (the condition) deteriorates I will have to have the chemo, but if it doesn't I won't. So although I am not completely out of the woods, I can certainly see the sunlit meadows ahead!" he added.

Subaru announced that the VIZIV Concept, which made its debut earlier this year in Geneva, will appear at the Frankfurt Auto Show from September 14-22, 2013.

This crossover, whose name stands for “Vision for Innovation,” represents the new design direction and technologies that will take the Subaru brand into the future.

Meanwhile, the Subaru WRX Concept, unveiled at the New York Auto Show this spring, offers a pretty good idea of what the next-generation WRX will look like. It features a more lightweight carbon fibre roof, a wider front grille, a broad rear bumper, as well as quadruple tailpipes.

The WRX Concept will have its European premiere in Frankfurt.

Photo: Subaru

Photo: Subaru

From GMM

India has emerged as the most likely host to fall by the wayside, as Bernie Ecclestone promises teams the 2014 calendar will not have more than 20 grands prix.

Next year, New Jersey, Russia and Austria are set to join the schedule, meaning that - as things currently stand - the calendar could blow out to 22 races.

But F1 chief executive Ecclestone has vowed to limit the schedule to 20.

German-language reports in Auto Motor und Sport and Speed Week said India and Korea are the races likely to fall victim.

India's problems are immiment. But the problem is not new.

Ahead of the first race near New Delhi two years ago, the event was threatened until the eleventh hour over a tax dispute.

The Indian government wants the teams and drivers to be taxed according to their high incomes, but so far Ecclestone has managed to placate the issue.

Now looking to trim the calendar, however, it is rumoured in the Hungaroring paddock that Ecclestone "will be tough this time".

So if the Indians do not calm their tax demands, "there will be no grand prix this year", Schmidt claims.

MINI recently used a virtual 3D hologram to present the new MINI Vision concept, which hints at the styling direction of future models.

Boasting a compact sporting presence, the MINI Vision combines design cues from the classic Mini with more contemporary touches. For example, it integrates both the bumper and auxiliary lights into the famous hexagonal grille.

The Glamorous Gold paint finish is a MINI first. Other exterior highlights include elliptical full-LED headlights, as well as a clear separation of the roof, greenhouse and body.

Providing maximum comfort within minimal exterior dimensions, the cockpit has a “floating” centre console and driver-selectable mood lighting. A “MINI Disco” floor can come to life, giving the MINI Vision the atmosphere of a nightclub. Lounge seats featuring dynamic piping add the finishing touch.

The next-generation MINI is scheduled to make its world debut in Frankfurt this fall.

Photo: MINI

From GMM

Oksana Kosachenko has reportedly left Caterham.

She joined the team as commercial director, in charge of acquiring new sponsors, earlier this year, after ending her duties as Vitaly Petrov's manager.

However, citing a source, the Russian website f1news.ru said Kosachenko has now left the team after both sides agreed to terminate the contract early.

"Apparently, the initiative came from the leadership of the team," the report said.

Oksana Kosachenko reportedly denied the report, while Caterham declined to comment.

Oksana Kosachenko. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

Kia's second-quarter profit beat analysts' estimates after South Korea's second-largest carmaker sold more vehicles in China. Net income excluding minority interests rose 8 percent to $1.06 billion, the company said in a statement issued Friday.

Infiniti has just announced pricing for the 2014 Infiniti QX80 and QX50 crossovers.

As an enthusiast, you're probably already worried about an autonomous car ripping the joy -- and the steering wheel -- from your hands.

Joe Holland last month attracted national publicity for challenging new federal laws requiring his West Virginia dealership to provide insurance coverage for contraceptives taken after sex.

Ted Foltz and Frank Peterson took home the hardware for their respective classes in the 48th annual Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb in Manitou Springs, Colo.