Auto News 5

Ford of Europe is adopting a tactic that Ford Motor Co. used during the 2008-2009 recession in the United States by bulking up its lineup as it awaits the European car market's recovery.

Al Chalashtori, general manager of Universal Nissan and Universal Hyundai in Orlando, Fla., says lots of shoppers are finding his stores from an often overlooked source: Yahoo! and Bing.

From GMM

For the first time in more than 40 years, F1 could be without a Brazilian driver in 2014.

Felipe Massa has lost his seat at Ferrari, but his manager Nicolas Todt is hoping Lotus will sign him as Kimi Raikkonen's replacement.

Meanwhile, it had been reported young Brazilian Felipe Nasr was close to breaking into formula one, but Dr Helmut Marko has now dismissed speculation linking him with Toro Rosso.

It means F1 is facing the prospect of a grid without a single Brazilian in 2014. According to O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper, the last time F1 was without a Brazilian was 1970, prior to Emerson Fittipaldi's debut.

"I don't believe we (Brazil) will have no drivers in formula one next year," Fittipaldi, now 66 and a two-time world champion, said. "I think Massa will sign with another team."

Felipe Massa and Rubens Barrichello. (Photo: WRi2)

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, the longest-serving F1 driver until his exit in 2011, blames the situation on a disconnect between the junior categories in Brazil and Europe.

"There is a big difference between the racing here and the racing over there," said the winner of 11 grands prix, who lives in his native Sao Paulo.

"Today, just having talent is not enough," added Barrichello.

The issue could have implications for F1's passionate Brazilian fans.

"In the short term, it has no effect at all. Long-term, yes," said Oscar Ulisses, who has been a part of broadcaster Globo's coverage of formula one for decades.

"And just having a Brazilian on the grid means nothing -- it's important to have a driver who is doing well. Having someone at Marussia solves nothing," said Ulisses.

According to Italy's Autosprint, another option for Massa beyond 2014 is Williams. It is already rumoured that his well-known Ferrari race engineer, Rob Smedley, could be about to return to Britain.

Autosprint floated the theory of Pastor Maldonado taking his PDVSA backing to Lotus, opening the door for Massa at Williams, perhaps with the support of the former F1 and Williams sponsor Petrobras, the Brazilian oil company.

The auto show season, which runs from September to April is (believe it or not) not always the busiest part of the year. If this past summer is any indication, the car show season is only a lead-up to what is to come.

If nothing else, that's what all the ginormous booths, pageantry, and spotlights are all about. These next few months are all going to be about the shiny new cars, state-of-the-art technologies, and the people who bring them to your driveways.

2013 Frankfurt autoshow (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

The current trend is performance with special attention given to the environment. Engines continue to be reduced in size, but outputs remain and even climb. CO2 emissions and fuel consumption numbers drop, as do 0-100 km/h times.

Hybrids and electric vehicles, once oddballs and slightly embarrassing, are now clear and present symbols of both “green” progress and performance. On that front, I've driven as many high-powered EVs as I have regular ones. There's quite the future in electric cars. Think Porsche 918 if you can't picture a sports-hybrid car...

Porsche 918 Spyder (Photo: Porsche)

On the technology front, striving to seamlessly blend the smart phone into the vehicle -- thus creating the ideal HMI experience -- continues to occupy the minds of countless engineers. For some, the perfect combination of car and phone will come when cars get closer to being as autonomous as possible.

Autonomous cars is the other “way of the future” that is currently soaking immense resources at a number of manufacturers around the globe.

Meanwhile, powerful and expensive luxury and exotic cars continue to surface from carmakers. Bentley, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bugatti, and more all have new products that stir emotions and wallets with seemingly little or no concern for the environment.

2013 Frankfurt autoshow (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

In the end, manufacturers are working hard at making the world a better place to live in, but in order to do so they need to make money. They can't print their own dollars so they create saliva-producing cars that few will purchase, but that will hopefully influence you and I to buy one of their latest and most efficient cars.

So, here's to another auto show season taking off and the promise of new and exciting cars coming our way.

Change is good! Right?

From GMM

Fiat, the Ferrari-linked Italian carmaker, could step up to sponsor Fernando Alonso's new cycling foray.

It emerged early this month that Ferrari's current lead driver has bought the ailing world tour Spanish cycling outfit Euskatel-Euskadi.

And according to the Catalan daily El Periodico, "Fiat could become the title sponsor".

France's L'Equipe reports that the Canadian bicycle maker Cervelo, and the British multinational Vodafone, have also expressed interest.

Meanwhile, a cyclist with a F1-sounding name has also been linked with Alonso's new team -- American Chris Horner.

Matt Kenseth's bid for a second NASCAR Sprint Cup title looked better after his victory in the rain delayed opening round of the Chase at Chicago Motor Speedway.

Driving a Toyota Kenseth edged teammate Kyle Busch by .749 seconds for his first win at the 1.5 mile oval and a personal best sixth in one season. With some help from a push by Kevin Harvick, on a restart he led from lap 245 to the last lap.

Man, he gave me a big push on that restart, where he could have tried to squeeze it in on the apron, (but he gave) me a big push and go me out front," said Kenseth, "I owe him one for that, for sure."

“I've always wanted to win here in Chicago,” said the 2003 champion. “It's only a couple hours from where I grew up -- up in Wisconsin. So, it feels great to finally get the win here. We've been close a lot.”

Matt Kenseth, winner in Chicago. (Photo: NASCAR)

Kyle Busch seemed like the driver to beat until that final caution and restart after Kenseth raced out front. He was aiming for a complete sweep of the three race (Trucks, Nationwide and Cup Series). "Oh, yeah, I watched it slip right away," Busch said. "Nothing you can do about it. Certainly, it would be nice if we could have won tonight and brought home a trifecta. I didn't think we had a chance after yesterday's practice. In the race today, the car was totally different. I could drive the heck out of it.

Matt Kenseth had come to Chicago as the top seed in NASCAR's playoffs extended his lead over Kyle Busch to eight points

Kevin Harvick ended up third followed by Busch's older brother Kurt. Jimmie Johnson, who is now third in the points finished fifth and is 11 points out of the lead.

The start of the race was delayed by rain for over an hour. And even once it got going again the race was red flagged for another five hours shortly before the halfway mark which would have made it an official race.

Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch. (Photo: NASCAR)

Jimmie Johnson may have had the fastest car in the race, but, shortly after the race resumed for its' conclusion a broken jack caused a lengthy pit stop dropping him back to 22nd. The five-time champion roared through the field to stay in the hunt.

The long delay and cooling from daytime to nighttime conditions may have contributed to engine failures on pole sitter Joey Logano's Ford and Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Chevrolet.

The defending series champion, Brad Keselowski, who did not qualify for the Chase was the highest finishing Ford driver in seventh behind Jeff Gordon, who was added to the playoffs a the 13th driver, finished sixth.

Photo: NASCAR

From GMM

Michael Andretti would get involved in formula one as a team owner if the sport allowed 'customer cars' on the grid.

That is the claim of former McLaren driver Andretti's famous father Mario, the 1978 world champion.

He told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper that allowing teams to sell chassis to one another would help those teams that are struggling financially.

"I have already spoken with Bernie Ecclestone about it," said the 73-year-old.

"It would also be a way for new teams to be a part of formula one, even if they don't have their own racing car factories," added Mario Andretti. "My son (Michael) would be one of the first who would come in, if he could buy a car from one of the top manufacturers."

Mario Andretti with Fernando Alonso, 2012 United States Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Mario Andretti dismissed the claim customer cars would devalue the sport.

"I find the idea of a blue Ferrari overtaking a red Ferrari very interesting," he said. "It would give formula one a whole new appeal."

Michael Andretti, whose F1 career as Ayrton Senna's teammate at McLaren in 1993 was brief, is now a team owner in various series including Indycar.

'Andretti Autosport' will also contest the FIA's new Formula E series for electric single seaters in 2014.

Formule E, Andretti Autosport. (Photo: FIA FE)

Toyota Canada announced that the 2014 Sienna minivan is now on sale across the country starting at $29,120. Seven trim levels are available, all powered by a 3.5L V6 and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel-drive Siennas average a combined 9.8L/100km, including:

• Sienna 7-passenger V6: $29,120
• Sienna LE 8-passenger V6: $33,365
• Sienna SE 8-passenger V6: $37,205
• Sienna XLE 7-passenger V6: $39,740

The 2014 Toyota Sienna also offers all-wheel drive, with a fuel consumption rating of 10.9L/100km:

• Sienna LE AWD 7-passenger V6: $36,190
• Sienna XLE AWD 7-passenger V6: $39,740

Finally, Toyota has two Sienna models ready for mobility conversions. These are the 2014 Toyota Sienna LE 7-passenger V6 Mobility and the 2014 Toyota Sienna XLE 7-passenger V6 with available Mobility Package.

Photo: Toyota

Photo: Toyota

Canadian Andrew Ranger started from the rear of the pack to eventually win the iON Camera Utah Grand Prix on Saturday at Miller Motorsports Park, round of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

For the Roxton Pond, Quebec driver it was his second victory in the West division; having previsouly won also in the Pro Series East.

Andrew Ranger, winner in Utah. (Photo: Getty for NASCAR)

Ranger, making only his second series start in this series this season, was relegated to start at the tail-end of the field after qualifying was cancelled due to an afternoon rain shower and the field was set based on points.

Howver, Ranger quickly mounted a charge and worked his way forward in his No. 53 Waste Management Bagster Dodge.

Greg Pursley, who was shooting for his fourth consecutive win at MMP, battled back from seventh in the closing stages to challenge for the lead on the final restart before taking the runner-up spot.

Series' rookie Dylan Lupton finished third, followed by Michael Self and Matt Tift.

Cameron Hayley, Daryl Harr, Austin Cameron, Derek Thorn and Carl Harr completed the top 10.

Rolls-Royce is no longer reluctant about the idea of launching an SUV.

“We are intensively thinking about entering the SUV segment,” Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes said in an interview to Bloomberg.

Designers are already penning sketches of what may become a rival to the Porsche Cayenne. Bentley, Maserati, and Jaguar are also working on their own SUV.

However, don't expect the future Roll-Royce 4x4 to hit the market before 2017.

FYI, the brand's most affordable model is currently priced at $340,000.

Source : leblogauto.com

Photo: Luc Gagné

Bridgestone has just partnered with the Canada Safety Council to launch a new website, www.teensdrivesmart.ca, providing tips and resources for both teens and drivers of all ages.

Alcohol and drugs, texting while driving, and other distractions are some of the topics explored on the website. And it's not only aimed at drivers: Passengers will learn how their attitude and actions can pose a safety risk.

There's also a section where kids can take a short quiz, and then have a parent help them print out their free driver's license.

“We're been looking for a partner in Canada who shares our focus on teen driving and helping our next generation of drivers to make smarter decisions behind the wheel,” said Angela Patterson, Manager, Teens Drive Smart Program, Bridgestone Americas. “We're proud to have found that partner in the Canada Safety Council, and look forward to helping Canadian teens drive smarter.”

By 1890, the Durant-Dort Carriage Company was a leading manufacturer of horse-drawn vehicles. William C. Durant, who conceived the modern system of automobile dealer franchises, went on to create General Motors on September 16th, 1908, and sought expansion by offering various brands under one big umbrella.

Durant took over Buick in 1904 (increasing annual production from 37 to 800 cars in just three years) and later sold stock in the newly founded GM to acquire Oldsmobile, Oakland (Pontiac), and Cadillac. He even tried to buy one of his two main rivals, Ford, in 1910, but the bankers turned him down.

In 1911, William C. Durant established Chevrolet in partnership with Louis Chevrolet, and GM bought out the start-up brand at the onset of WWI. In 1916, GM's share reached $1,000 at the New York Stock Exchange. However, internal politics reportedly led Durant to lose control of presidency at the start of the following decade.

World War II
In February 1942, GM joined other automakers and converted its car plants to help the U.S. defeat the Nazi regime. Some 854,000 military vehicles, 16,000 tanks, and millions of ammo were manufactured.

Nearly seven decades later, GM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2009, restructured its operations, and returned to using its traditional ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange in November 2010.

Anecdotes
In 1921, Durant founded a new company, Durant Motors. However, he was unable to duplicate his former success and doomed by the financial woes of the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Durant became broke and managed a bowling alley in Flint, Michigan, until his death in 1947.

GM manufactured Frigidaire appliances from 1918 to the late 1970s.

Source : Wikipedia.org

William Crapo Durant (Photo: Wikipedia)

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen's rallying foray made him a better formula one driver.

That is the claim of 2003 world rally champion Petter Solberg, who got to know the 'iceman' during his two-year F1 sabbatical in 2010 and 2011.

Finn Raikkonen returned to F1 with Lotus last season, impressing the grand prix world yet again after his career had flat-lined in his final two years at Ferrari.

"I know Kimi and I believe that the rally made him a better formula one driver," Solberg told the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang (VG).

Kimi Raikkonen and Petter Solberg, in 2010. (Photo WRC)

Like many observers, Solberg thinks Raikkonen's return to Ferrari next year, where he will become current 'number 1' Fernando Alonso's teammate, will be interesting to watch.

"Alonso will certainly not like it," Solberg said of Raikkonen's impending move.

"But Kimi is cool," he added. "He drives the car, and that's it."

Former Ferrari boss Cesare Fiorio said last week he would not have signed Raikkonen.

"I admire his talent, but not his lifestyle or his technical work," he is quoted by Italy's Tuttosport.

2011 Wales Rally GB. Last appearance of Kimi Raikkonen in WRC. (Photo: WRC)

But another former Ferrari boss, the current FIA president Jean Todt, backed the decision taken by the Maranello team's current chiefs.

"Ferrari is a formula one institution, and very strong," he told the Italpress agency, "and I am absolutely certain they will also be at the highest level in the coming years."

As for signing Raikkonen, "Ferrari has always known how to make the right decisions," Todt insisted.

Napa Valley, CA - Somewhere nestled in the midst of sweeping vineyards beneath the bright blue California sky I was offered the keys to a car not yet available on North American soil: a 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI.

Some may view this as boring, but it's a bit of a big deal. The all-new Golf 7 caused quite a stir last year when it launched at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, and with good reason. The Golf is Volkswagen's iconic model, and the new design (both inside and out) had everyone talking in a good way.

Well, I got a chance to pilot the diesel version of the hot hatch and, as I traversed the winding roads of Napa wine country, I came to understand the excitement about this little vehicle a little better.


What is a 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI?
A better question might be: What is the Golf Mk7? Well, it's the seventh generation of a car that's been around since the mid-‘70s. It's also been known as the Rabbit in North America and as the Caribe in Mexico.

The Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model (hitting that record in 2002), and the second best-selling model in the world (behind the Toyota Corolla) with 29 million units sold as of 2012.

This hot hatch has been available in many forms over the years from 3-doors to 5-doors, sporty R versions, the GTI and, of course, the TDI.

It's the seventh generation of a car that's been around since the mid-‘70s. It's also been known as the Rabbit in North America and as the Caribe in Mexico. (Photo: Volkswagen)

2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI Price and Specs
Unfortunately, pricing was not available to me at the time of the drive, and since I was driving a European-spec model we may not see the exact car I drove. However, it's safe to say that the interior and exterior look will remain, as will the TDI engine.

Equipped with a 2.0L inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI produces 150 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of glorious diesel-powered torque. The pull this little hatch has is quite impressive and makes the drive oh-so fun (but I'll get to that in a moment). Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the 2014 VW Golf TDI can feel quite sporty when driven hard.

Fuel efficiency numbers are rated in the 57 MPG range according to Volkswagen, which makes the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI enjoyable and easy on the wallet. What more could you ask for?

Equipped with a 2.0L inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI produces 150 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of glorious diesel-powered torque. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Driving the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI
Ah, yes, the drive. Well, for starters, turning on the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI doesn't make one think of tractors on a farm. The diesel unit under the hood creates a bit of a noise, but nothing intrusive or obnoxious. With the windows down to let in the Californian breeze, I quickly forgot I was driving the TDI, until I pressed the throttle.

Torque from the 2.0L unit is immediately apparent and quite enjoyable to say the least. Gears are easily swapped and the throws are short. The 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI revs happily and can be pushed to the brink of redline pretty quickly, which only makes the drive more invigorating in my opinion.

Steering is nimble and effortless, and the 2014 VW Golf TDI felt steady on its 17” wheels, even on twistier patches of tarmac. I did wish for a bit more bite from the steering at times, but then that's up to the GTI (which I happily jumped into shortly after). The Golf TDI is a happy slalom tackler, regardless.

Ah, yes, the drive. Well, for starters, turning on the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI doesn't make one think of tractors on a farm. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI
If nothing else, the new 2014 VW Golf TDI is a sharp-looking hatch. Cleaner lines, a more angular front end, and a subtle hint of sportiness all come together in this tight little package. Equipped with five doors, the new Golf TDI also ends up being quite practical and user-friendly.

While it might be hard to distinguish immediate changes from the outside, step inside the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI and you'll recognize the differences right away. The middle console absolutely screams Audi in a sleek, sophisticated way, with flat navigation buttons on either side of the touchscreen as well as buttons lining the shift lever.

Visibility is great in the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI thanks to the driving position and large windows. I found myself settling into the Golf TDI easily with little readjustment needed.

While it might be hard to distinguish immediate changes from the outside, step inside the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI and you'll recognize the differences right away. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI
When it comes to being the best hot hatch, Volkswagen now has its work cut out for it with the likes of the Ford Focus, MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 nipping at its heels. However, in terms of hot hatches with diesel, VW has pretty much got the market on that one unless it wants to compete with its own company in the Audi A3 Sportback.

From GMM

Felipe Massa has revealed he also has an eye on a race seat at McLaren.

The Brazilian told the broadcaster O Globo that he will not be playing a supportive role for Ferrari 'number 1' Fernando Alonso for the balance of his career with the fabled Italian team.

"No, I won't be doing that," said the 32-year-old, who has been told he is being replaced by former teammate Kimi Raikkonen after November's 2013 finale.

"I'm going to attack," Massa promised.

He is hoping that attack is the springboard to another top car, having already ruled out continuing his career with a back-of-the-grid team.

"We're negotiating with Lotus and it's going well," said Massa. "They have a competitive car, which is what I want.

"We are also in contact with McLaren, but this is more difficult to judge," he added, referring to the British team that is yet to announce its current drivers, Jenson Button and Sergio Perez, are definitely staying put in 2014.

Sergio Perez and Jenson Button, McLaren drivers in 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

One driver not clinging onto his similarly-long F1 career is Mark Webber, who is swapping his Red Bull cockpit for a Porsche prototype for 2014.

The 37-year-old Australian told F1 Racing magazine that finding the right time to stop is a difficult task for any sportsman.

"I'm probably leaving F1 a year too soon but with the (regulation) changes next season and the opportunity to join Porsche, it's the best move for me," said Webber.

Adapted from press release

Roger Penske's Team Penske announced Monday that Columbian driver Juan Pablo Montoya will join the team in 2014.

After having raced for Chip Ganassi for several seasons in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Montoya, 37, will drive the No. 2 Team Penske Dallara-Chevrolet IndyCar for the full season, including the famed Indy 500.

The former Williams and McLaren Formula 1 driver will join Australian Will Power and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Brazilian Helio Castroneves in the team's IZOD IndyCar Series lineup beginning next season.

Montoya's career includes race wins in F1, NASCAR and the CART Indy Car Series. He is the only driver to produce victories in the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the Monaco Grand Prix.

Montoya earned 11 IndyCar wins over two seasons as he captured the CART Series title in his rookie season of 1999 followed by a victory in the Indy 500 in 2000.

Helio Castroneves aboard the Penske Dallara-Chevrolet. (Photo: LAT for IndyCar)

From press release

The nr36 Signatech Alpine of Pierre Ragues and Nelson Panciatici takes a dominant win in challenging weather conditions at the Hungaroring for the fourth round of the European Le Mans Serie.

The French squad has set the stage for a championship showdown at Paul Ricard in two weeks with reigning champion Pierre Thiriet and the Thiriet by TDS Racing team for the title of 2013 European Le Mans Series Driver and Team Champion.

Panciatici took the chequered flag after 82 laps of racing over a lap ahead of the nr18 Murphy Prototypes Oreca Nissan of Jonathan Hirschi and Brendon Hartley, which marks the best result of the season for the Irish team. 

Photo: Nelson Panciatici

The nr 49 Team Endurance Challenge Oreca of Gary Hirsch and Paul Loup Chatin scored another victory in the LMPC class, finishing 9th overall.  However their teammates in the nr48 FLM Oreca, Soheil Ayari and Anthony Pons finished second to keep the title challenge alive for the final race of the 2013 season. 

The nr 77 Proton Competiton Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Christian Ried, Nick Tandy and Klaus Bachler scored their first win of the year, with Bachler taking the chequered flag in 6th overall, 45 seconds ahead of points leaders Johnny Mowlem and Matt Griffin in the nr52 RAM Racing Ferrari 458. It means that Mowlem and Griffin hold a 23 point advantage over Ried going into the final race of the year. 

It was victory number three from three race starts for the nr69 SMP Racing Ferrari 458 of Fabio Babini, Viktor Shaitar and Kirill Ladygin in the GTC class.  It was all smiles in the Russian team's garage as the nr72 SMP Ferrari finished in second, just 0.5 seconds behind.  The battle to see who will become the GTC team and driver title holders will be one to watch in Paul Ricard in two weeks.

Bridgestone has just partnered with the Canada Safety Council to launch a new website, www.teensdrivesmart.ca, providing tips and resources for both teens and drivers of all ages.

Alcohol and drugs, texting while driving, and other distractions are some of the topics explored on the website. And it's not only aimed at drivers: Passengers will learn how their attitude and actions can pose a safety risk.

There's also a section where kids can take a short quiz, and then have a parent help them print out their free driver's license.

“We're been looking for a partner in Canada who shares our focus on teen driving and helping our next generation of drivers to make smarter decisions behind the wheel,” said Angela Patterson, Manager, Teens Drive Smart Program, Bridgestone Americas. “We're proud to have found that partner in the Canada Safety Council, and look forward to helping Canadian teens drive smarter.”

Toyota Canada announced that the 2014 Sienna minivan is now on sale across the country starting at $29,120. Seven trim levels are available, all powered by a 3.5L V6 and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel-drive Siennas average a combined 9.8L/100km, including:

• Sienna 7-passenger V6: $29,120
• Sienna LE 8-passenger V6: $33,365
• Sienna SE 8-passenger V6: $37,205
• Sienna XLE 7-passenger V6: $39,740

The 2014 Toyota Sienna also offers all-wheel drive, with a fuel consumption rating of 10.9L/100km:

• Sienna LE AWD 7-passenger V6: $36,190
• Sienna XLE AWD 7-passenger V6: $39,740

Finally, Toyota has two Sienna models ready for mobility conversions. These are the 2014 Toyota Sienna LE 7-passenger V6 Mobility and the 2014 Toyota Sienna XLE 7-passenger V6 with available Mobility Package.

Photo: Toyota

Photo: Toyota

From GMM

The mayor of Valencia rejected a proposal that might have saved the European grand prix.

When it became clear the race on the streets of the Spanish port city was no longer financially viable, the regional president Alberto Fabra made a proposal to the Valencia mayor, Rita Barbera.

"He spoke of the possibility of involvement, but he spoke to me about Cheste, and I have an urban circuit," Barbera is quoted by El Pais newspaper.

"The budget of Valencia is for Valencians," she insisted.

The permanent Ricardo Tormo circuit, located 26 kilometres from Valencia in Cheste, hosts a MotoGP race. It has also been a popular circuit for F1 testing.

Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone has cast doubt on India's hopes of returning to the calendar in 2015, after it emerged Delhi will not host a race next year.

Race organisers had claimed the only issue affecting next year's Indian grand prix was Ecclestone's scheduling headaches.

But the F1 chief executive told SportBusiness International: "The trouble in India is a simple one. The rupee has devalued an enormous amount so it is all very political.

"We won't be there next year but after that I hope we will go back," added Ecclestone.