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From GMM

Former F1 driver Alex Wurz has revealed he is still working for the Williams team.

The Austrian's last grand prix was with the Grove based team in 2007, but more recently he continued to work for Williams as a driver mentor.

But the Austrian sports magazine Sportwoche reports that 39-year-old Wurz is still working for Williams, albeit in a completely different role.

Wurz, also with a reputation as one of F1's best-ever test drivers, is reportedly working with Williams to help to restructure and recruit staff.

"My task at Williams is to analyse the structure of the team and offer ideas that will help us to make progress," he confirmed.

"Pat Symonds has come to us, but he is just one of several new people that Williams plans to hire," added Wurz.

Photo: Williams F1 Team

Alex Wurz played down speculation Williams might be grooming him to one day take over as team boss from 71-year-old founder Sir Frank Williams.

"When I finish my racing career," said Wurz, "and I want to go grey and have sleepless nights, maybe then I will try to be the head of a formula one team! Seriously, you never know what awaits in the future."

Alex Wurz still races a Le Mans prototype sports car, currently for Toyota, in the FIA's world endurance championship.

Kia has just released both pictures and the name of the of their new concept vehicle, which plans to launch September 10th at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The Niro, an urban SUV "has a number of intriguing features that we don't usually associate with smaller vehicles" along with atypical use of materials such as a stainless-steel roof.

Technical info has not been released at this point.

Photo: Kia

From GMM

Jean Todt is facing a challenger ahead of the next FIA presidential elections.

The first reports emerged in July, when David Ward - who worked closely with Frenchman Todt's predecessor Max Mosley - revealed he was "thinking about" running against Todt.

Until now, Ward has been the director-general of the FIA foundation.

But F1's official website on Thursday said Ward has resigned his post in order to contest this year's presidential election in December.

"After much careful thought I have decided to stand," Briton Ward, 56, confirmed in a statement.

F1.com said Todt has not yet confirmed his intention to run for a second term.

And "No other potential candidates have yet put their names forward," said Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary.

From FIA

This weekend the FIA European Rallycross Championship heads to Loheac, a small French village with a long rallycross tradition.

While the seventh round of the 2013 Rallycross Championship season will take place at a different site within Loheac, it marks a spiritual return to the sport's French birthplace. It is a return that is long overdue - despite continuing to host rounds of the French national championship, Loheac has not played host to a round of the European championship since 2001.

Of additional interest will be the presence of rally superstar Sebastien Loeb, one of the wildcard entrants at Loheac this weekend.

Loeb will be taking part behind the wheel of a 600-bhp Citroën DS3 run by Hervé “Knapick” Lemonnier.

Another famous face lining up to take part in the Loheac round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship is Kris Meeke, driving a Peugeot 208 for Albatec Racing Ltd. It will be the Briton's first time behind the wheel of a rallycross SuperCar

Defending champion Timur Timerzyanov arrives in Loheac as leader of the European Rallycross Championship; with 120 points accrued so far, the Russian racer has a four-point lead over second-placed Timmy Hansen of Sweden. Third in the standings is Frenchman Davy Jeanney, on 99 points.

Further down the order, Tanner Foust lies in eighth place on 50 points, while Petter Solberg is in tenth with 43 points.

From CTCC

Going into the last stretch of the season, Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) competitors are always looking forward to going back to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Historic, difficult, challenging and fast, Canada's home of motorsport is hosting the CTCC presented by Continental Tire once again.

With only one event to go after the Chevrolet Silverado 250, Velocity Motorsport Club/Honda Civic Si driver Scott Nicol (Barrie, ON) leads the way with a strong advantage in Super Class with 982 points.

Almost nose-to-nose in second place are teammates G1 Racing/Hyundai Genesis Coupe teammates Bob Attrell (Brampton, ON) with 798 points and Jonathan Rashleigh (Caledon, ON) with 795 points.

A tad behind, but close enough to be challenging, QuickSeries/Lachute Performance/ Subaru WRX Roger Ledoux (Rigaud, QC) is ready to jump up to the next position if one of the drivers in front of him makes the slightest mistake.

Photo: Paolo Pedicelli

Last year Touring Class Champion, Blanchet Motorsports/Honda Civic Si Damon Sharpe (Tottenham, ON) is ferociously defending his first CTCC championship this year, but he has to constantly fight with his rival Team Octane/MINI Cooper S JCW Michel Sallenbach (Roxton Pond, QC). Sallenbach leads Touring Class with 1107 points, but is staying vigilant, since Sharpe is very close behind with 1078 points.

So far, both drivers have presented great battles and strong competition. Team Octane drivers also hold third and fourth positions in the Championship as teammates Eric Lacouture (Lorraine, QC) and Carlos Tesler-Mabe (Vancouver, BC) respectively have 1003 and 963 points.

In B-Spec Class, the Chevrolet Silverado 250 will be the fourth and last event of the season. The leader with 708 points is Ste-Rose Honda Racing/Honda Fit Karl Wittmer (Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC), followed by veteran Lucky7/Mazda2 Normand Boyer (Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, QC) with 660. In third place is Team Octane/MINI Cooper S JCW Alain Lauzière (Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC).

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, August 31th, CTCC competitors will have a qualifying session at 8:45 a.m., followed by Round Eleven at 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, drivers will be back on the track for a qualifying session at 9:45 a.m. and will be competing for Round Twelve at 4:45.

CTCC drivers will be available for fans during an autograph session on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

In addition to the live-timing (www.livetiming.net/ctcc), fans can also follow the race with the new CTCC App that can be downloaded for free on your smartphone.

For more details about CTCC, visit www.touringcar.ca or follow CTCC on Facebook and Twitter.

From press release

Construction of the first Nissan ZEOD RC chassis is nearing completion, and the car is set to hit the track for the first time in the UK in early September.

After the recent completion of the car's carbon fiber tub, a team of Nissan engineers has worked around the clock in the UK to finish the inaugural car build and fit the twin electric engines that will initially power the car.

Spaniard Lucas Ordóñez was announced last week as the official test and development driver for the program. The 28-year-old Spaniard was the inaugural Nissan PlayStation GT Academy winner and this year recently scored a third place class finish at the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour.

Ordóñez will climb aboard the Nissan ZEOD RC for the first time next week when his custom-molded seat will be manufactured. When the car hits the track for the first time, the ZEOD RC will run in pure electric mode with zero emissions.

Photo: Nissan Motorsport

"We're at a very exciting time in the development of the car and ready to kick off what will be an extensive test program between now and when we roll out the pit lane for the first time at Le Mans next year," said Nissan's Global Motorsport Director, Darren Cox.

Nissan's invitation from the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) to compete in the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours was announced by Nissan Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn in Japan in February this year. The car will compete under the ACO's 'Garage 56' entry - an additional spot on the grid for vehicles that showcase new and innovative technology.

Nissan has partnered with French tire manufacturer Michelin to produce tires for the new prototype. Nissan previously joined forces with Michelin on the Nissan DeltaWing program.

Goodyear, which was founded by Frank Sieberling, has been around since August 29th, 1898. Started with just 13 employees, the company's activities focused maiinly on the manufacturing of bicycle and buggy tires, as well as rubber horseshoes.

As of 1901, Goodyear is a supplier of racing tires for Henry Ford, who's ground-breaking 1908 Model T will be shod with Goodyear tires. The company becomes the world's biggest tire manufacturer in 1926. Goodyear remains a successful company to this day, with worldwide tire sales that surpass the 20 billion dollar mark.

Evolution of the Goodyear logo

Photo: Goodyear

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IZOD IndyCar Series have announced that Graham Rahal will be allowed with his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing DW12 car to turn laps on the infield road course on Wednesday, September 4.

This trial run has been authorised as to gather information about the current course layout as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway considers changes and upgrades to the track.

Speedway officials plan to invest nearly $100 million in the facility that could include modifications to the road course to allow IndyCar testing or racing in the future.

IndyCar Series President of Competition Derrick Walker said he expects to have Rahal test several configurations of the road course.

Auto123.com had already reported that the IMS, along with the IndyCar brass, are evaluating the feasibility of holding an IndyCar event on the IMS road course at the beginning of May to launch the Indianapolis 500 activities.

Although the idea could generate some interest in the racing world, some prominent drivers like Helio castroneves and Dario Franchitti have already stated their skepticism toward such an event.

The IMS road course has hosted several racing series including Formula One race from 2000-2007, the annual MotoGP event that debuted in 2008, and the Grand-Am Rolex Series that first competed at IMS in 2012.

From GMM

Even before his 2014 seat has been announced, Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull career has hit a snag.

The German-language Speed Week, and Italy's authoritative Autosprint, report that the Australian has been at Milton-Keynes for a seat-fitting in the 2014-spec RB10.

Designer Adrian Newey is known for his tight-fitting cockpits, and the packaging is reportedly even more problematic for 2014 given the new turbo V6 and 'ERS' regulations.

And while Ricciardo is slightly shorter than his Australian compatriot Mark Webber, the European media reports reveal that his hips are slightly wider than Webber and world champion Sebastian Vettel's.

Photo: WRi2

F1 legend Niki Lauda sees another problem with Red Bull's apparent decision to sign Ricciardo.

"Out of the new generation, Ricciardo is the driver with the most potential," the Mercedes chairman said in an interview with Bild newspaper.

"But at the moment no one knows if that potential is really enough. So it's a risk," said Lauda.

Another F1 grandee considering taking a risk for 2014 is Ferrari. According to recent reports, talks with Nico Hulkenberg about replacing Felipe Massa are underway.

"Hulkenberg is not bad," said Lauda, "but I think he needs another year. And Ferrari doesn't have time to waste."

The great Austrian said that if he was in charge at Ferrari, he would sign Kimi Raikkonen.

"He would give the team a boost, just as Lewis Hamilton has done at Mercedes," said Lauda.

"At Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo decides alone. Alonso would certainly not like it (Raikkonen as his teammate), but Ferrari does have a problem: if the car is not good, Alonso complains all day. If I was Montezemolo, I would pick Kimi," he added.

Finally, Lauda said the fact Nico Rosberg has been able to keep up with Mercedes' new recruit Hamilton in 2013 was a surprise.

Asked if Hamilton's 2013 title bid has been a surprise, Lauda answered: "No, as I knew that he would give the team a boost.

"What has surprised me is that Nico has been at eye-level. Nico has had more bad luck, but as far as the speed, they're both the same," he added.

Ron Fellows, one of Canada's most storied race car drivers, is trading his helmet for a promoter's hat this weekend when NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series makes its' debut at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Sunday.

And, according to the Ontario native it might be a more difficult task.

“It was a lot easier just being a driver,” Fellows said with a laugh.” No, it's been a great opportunity.  The Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is probably the most important international raceway.  It's a track I grew up not only learning how to race on, but a big part of my life was spent there as a kid watching races, and to be part of the ownership with Carlo Fidani has been a privilege, and it's been a great learning experience, as well. We've made a lot of progress in a short amount of time, and yeah, hopefully the weather stays great.  On the promotion side of it now, I find myself looking at the weather way more, especially this week.”

Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR

Still once a racer, always a racer and Fellows is not on the entry list.

“Yeah, I thought about entering -- there were a few opportunities to race, but I just didn't feel like it's the right thing to do.  I've got more races behind me than in front of me, and it seemed like that inside the weekend I'd probably be thinking more about things relative to the promoter side of it rather than the racer side of it, so that was a relatively easy decision to make.”

Looking ahead to Sunday's inaugural NASCAR race at the track, outside of Toronto, which used to alternate as the home of the Canadian Grand Prix Fellows explained what to expect.

“Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, like most Grand Prix courses, long, fast corners, more elevation than Watkins Glen, probably just a little bit faster at cornering, but very, very similar.  Two tracks that were built in a similar era, and that's probably the closest comparison for sure would be Watkins Glen.

I think that it'll make for a great race.  There are opportunities to pass because with these long, sweeping corners, you can capitalize on small mistakes, and that's what you want to have.  I think the long Andretti straight up the hill into Turn 8 will be a great place to watch in terms of passing opportunities.  Turn 3 -- I can't think of a bad one.”

Much work has gone on in the venerable facility once known as Mosport, but, Fellows says there's more to do.

“We've made a lot of improvements, but I think we'll all rest a lot easier when we get to Sunday night and hopefully it's a great weekend, we get great attendance, and I think that's when we'll relax.  Yes, we've come a long way when you look at the facility, but we want to continue to grow and move forward.”

From press release

The McLaren Group, which includes the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team, has formed an exciting new commercial partnership with YouTube.

McLaren produces a range of high quality, creative video content that is shared on the McLaren YouTube channel [www.youtube.com/user/OfficialMcLarenVids] and gives motor racing fans, petrol heads and people interested in cutting edge technology unique access to the heart of the company. This includes the award winning ‘Tooned' animated series, an anarchic behind the scenes look at McLaren's racing exploits.

The number of subscribers to McLaren's YouTube channel has increased by 397% in the last year and revenue generated from the new commercial channel will enable the company to invest in exciting future video projects.

“As a business, this partnership is extremely positive,” said Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren Group CEO.

“McLaren and YouTube are both highly respected brands and combining our content with their expertise will help us both to achieve even more. Being able to gain revenue from our content will also enable us to invest more in future videos, which will be good for our brand, good for our partners and good for our fans.”

McLaren's YouTube channel is home to a range of creative and insightful videos. Examples produced in recent years include:
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-28 - Be a Part of History - SNEAK PEEK
McLaren 50 ‘Courage' video
McLaren Scalextric Race (commentary by Murray Walker)
Mobil 1 'Get personal' competition with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 
Tooned Episode 1: The Bruce McLaren Story
Jenson & Lewis meet up with a hero of the past: Ayrton Senna's legendary MP4-4

Goodyear, which was founded by Frank Sieberling, has been around since August 29th, 1898. Started with just 13 employees, the company's activities focused maiinly on the manufacturing of bicycle and buggy tires, as well as rubber horseshoes.

As of 1901, Goodyear is a supplier of racing tires for Henry Ford, who's ground-breaking 1908 Model T will be shod with Goodyear tires. The company becomes the world's biggest tire manufacturer in 1926. Goodyear remains a successful company to this day, with worldwide tire sales that surpass the 20 billion dollar mark.

Evolution of the Goodyear logo

Photo: Goodyear

2014 Chevrolet Suburban

Once upon a time, the Suburban was the darling of Chevrolet's consumer truck lineup.

New For 2014

The Suburban 2500 model is no more, but mid-grade Suburban LS models gain a raft of standard equipment, including remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a rearview camera, and rear park assist -- all features previously available as optional equipment.

2014 Chevrolet Suburban | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 Chevrolet Suburban

Once upon a time, the Suburban was the darling of Chevrolet's consumer truck lineup.

New For 2014

The Suburban 2500 model is no more, but mid-grade Suburban LS models gain a raft of standard equipment, including remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a rearview camera, and rear park assist -- all features previously available as optional equipment.

2014 Chevrolet Suburban | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 Chevrolet Suburban

Once upon a time, the Suburban was the darling of Chevrolet's consumer truck lineup.

New For 2014

The Suburban 2500 model is no more, but mid-grade Suburban LS models gain a raft of standard equipment, including remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a rearview camera, and rear park assist -- all features previously available as optional equipment.

2014 Chevrolet Suburban | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 Chevrolet Suburban

Once upon a time, the Suburban was the darling of Chevrolet's consumer truck lineup.

New For 2014

The Suburban 2500 model is no more, but mid-grade Suburban LS models gain a raft of standard equipment, including remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a rearview camera, and rear park assist -- all features previously available as optional equipment.

2014 Chevrolet Suburban | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

2014 Chevrolet Suburban

Once upon a time, the Suburban was the darling of Chevrolet's consumer truck lineup.

New For 2014

The Suburban 2500 model is no more, but mid-grade Suburban LS models gain a raft of standard equipment, including remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a rearview camera, and rear park assist -- all features previously available as optional equipment.

2014 Chevrolet Suburban | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Ford is adding another niche trim level to its lineup of full-sized pickups: the F-150 STX SuperCrew. It is aimed at first-time buyers or value-conscious customers who are returning to the market.

2014 Chevrolet Suburban

Once upon a time, the Suburban was the darling of Chevrolet's consumer truck lineup.

New For 2014

The Suburban 2500 model is no more, but mid-grade Suburban LS models gain a raft of standard equipment, including remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a rearview camera, and rear park assist -- all features previously available as optional equipment.

2014 Chevrolet Suburban | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Volvo Concept Coupe First Look

A P1800 for the 21st century.

Volvo's senior vice president of design, Thomas Ingenlath, freely admits that the Swedish automaker's recent cars have looked "vanilla" -- in other words, bland and unexciting. So the first vehicle he styled after arriving at the company a year ago is supposed to redefine Volvo styling and set a new course for upcoming cars. "Our future cars will show that there are new, exciting ways to express Sweden's soul," Ingenlath says. The Concept Coupe is the first of three show cars that will pave the way toward that new design language.

Photo Gallery: Volvo Concept Coupe First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Volvo Concept Coupe First Look - Automobile Magazine

Volvo Concept Coupe First Look | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us