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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.

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)

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

Volkswagen is considering increasing its stake in its joint venture with China's FAW Group, VW CEO Martin Winterkorn told a German newspaper.

Volkswagen is considering increasing its stake in its joint venture with China's FAW Group, VW CEO Martin Winterkorn told a German newspaper.

From press release

At Oschersleben, Brazilian Augusto Farfus (BMW) wins the 400th race in history of the DTM from points' leader Mike Rockenfeller and Jamie Green (both Audi).

After errors by the opposition, this means that 30-year old Farfus is the only challenger to keep Rockenfeller from winning the 2013 title. Reigning DTM champion Bruno Spengler (BMW), Christian Vietoris and Robert Wickens (both Mercedes-Benz) all finished the race without scoring points and thus are no longer in contention for the title in the two remaining rounds of the season.

Prior to the next round at Zandvoort on September 29th, Rockenfeller is leading with 124 points, clearly ahead of Farfus, who has 91 points. Even in case of another victory for the BMW driver at the circuit in the Dutch dunes, a second place would be enough for 'Rocky' to become DTM champion for the first time.

Augsto Farfus, BMW M3 DTM

Farfus scored his second victory of the season after his success in the season opener at Hockenheim.

“My great start was the key to success. I overtook Jamie Green right away and I was in front. The stops were perfect, too. I am overjoyed. We still have a mathematical chance of winning the title and that is what we will be fighting for,” the Brazilian said.

Rockenfeller was also happy with second place. “Today, Augusto was in a class of his own,” he said. “Of course, I want to win the DTM title, preferably already at Zandvoort. But when that doesn't work out, I will be more than happy to wait until Hockenheim as well.”

Mike Rockenfeller, Audi RS 5 (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

About the collision between his pursuers Spengler and Wickens on lap 38, after which both Canadians had to park their cars, the points' leader said: “Everyone knows that you have to finish the race in order to score points.”

Jamie Green having lost in the duel with Farfus after the start, he only had to let Rockenfeller past as well. Third place is the Brit's best result since his transfer to Audi prior to the start of this season. “I had to wait for this result for a long time and I am very happy,” Green said.

The team result of the brand from Ingolstadt was impressive: in total, eight Audis finished in the top ten at Oschersleben.

Gary Paffett was the best-placed Mercedes-Benz driver. The Brit started his 100th DTM race from twelfth place on the grid and moved up to finish sixth. “Actually, I am not that unhappy with the race. The opposition was strong, but not unbeatable. One could say that I lost my race in qualifying already,” the 2005 DTM champion said.

For his fellow-Mercedes-Benz driver Christian Vietoris, championship hopes were reduced to a minimum after qualifying on Saturday as well. Vietoris started the race from 20th place and was classified 18th.

Bruno Spengler, Robert Wickens (Photo: DTM.com)

Race results - Oschersleben (DTM)
1 - Augusto Farfus (BMW M3) - RBM - 51 laps 1.11'40"894
2 - Mike Rockenfeller (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 6"298
3 - Jamie Green (Audi RS5) - Abt - 6"912
4 - Filipe Albuquerque (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 10"837
5 - Timo Scheider (Audi RS5) - Abt - 13"325
6 - Gary Paffett (Mercedes AMG-C Coupé) - HWA - 14"707
7 - Mattias Ekstrom (Audi RS5) - Abt - 21"980
8 - Miguel Molina (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 22"692
9 - Adrien Tambay (Audi RS5) - Abt - 23"109
10 - Edoardo Mortara (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 23"977
11 - Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes AMG-C Coupé) - Mucke - 24"136
12 - Marco Wittmann (BMW M3) - MTEK - 29"004
13 - Dirk Werner (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 36"997
14 - Roberto Merhi (Mercedes AMG-C Coupé) - HWA - 38"620
15 - Timo Glock (BMW M3) - MTEK - 48"244
16 - Joey Hand (BMW M3) - RBM - 48"756
17 - Daniel Juncadella (Mercedes AMG-C Coupé) - Mucke 49"751
18 - Christian Vietoris (Mercedes AMG-C Coupé) - HWA - 58"626
19 - Andy Priaulx (BMW M3) - RMG - 1'10"973
20 - Martin Tomczyk (BMW M3) - RMG - 2 laps

Fastest lap of the race:  1'21"255 by Joey Hand

Retirements
Lap 40 - Bruno Spengler
Lap 38 - Robert Wickens

Championship standings
1.Rockenfeller 124; 2.Farfus 91; 3.Vietoris 71; 4.Wickens 70; 5.Spengler 67.

NASCAR officials unveiled a new set of technical regulations on Saturday aimed at preventing teams from manipulating the points payoff of races.

Last Saturday night Clint Bowyer, who drives for Michael Waltrip Racing, spun his car causing a caution which resulted in his teammate gaining a better finish thus earning enough points to earn an entry in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Because NASCAR officials didn't have enough proof that the spin was intentional they pointed to an unusual pit stop by third teammate, Brian Vickers which ensured Truex's playoff spot.

NASCAR fined the team $300,000 and indefinitely suspended MWR competition director, Ty Norris.

Then a proposed deal came to light between Penske Racing and Front Row Racing, for David Gilliland to permit Joey Logano to overtake him although the Penske driver was far behind. Because of the caution Gilliland didn't have to do anything.

NASCAR officials put both organizations on probation because of the intent even though nothing questionable was done on the track.

On Saturday, leading team members and drivers met with NASCAR officials who announced the new regulations aimed at ending the manipulation of points.

NASCAR's bulletin said, in part:

“Today's technical bulletin addresses the subject of team(s) artificially altering the outcome of a race and the level of reaction that this will receive from NASCAR,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition.

“We reinforced this issue to the teams in our meeting earlier today and conveyed what is considered unacceptable in our officiating of the event.”

Photo: NASCAR

Initial officiating revisions that were announced and will take effect Sunday are:

• Spotters only on spotters' stand (one per team)
• Spotters' stand limits: Two analog radios, scanners, Fan Views
• Video camera will be installed on spotters' stand

And a new rule was announced:

"NASCAR requires its competitors to race at 100 percent of their ability with the goal of achieving their best possible finishing position in an event.  Any competitor who takes action with the intent to artificially alter the finishing positions of the event or encourages, persuades or induces others to artificially alter the finishing position of the event shall be subject to a penalty from NASCAR.

Such penalties may include but are limited to disqualification and/or loss of finishing points and/or fines and/or loss of points and/or suspension and/or probation to any and all members of the teams, including any beneficiaries of the prohibited actions.

"Artificially altered shall be defined as actions by any competitor that show or suggest that the competitor did not race at 100 percent of their ability for the purpose of changing finishing positions in the event at NASCAR's sole discretion."

From press release

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has confirmed a collection of items from his racing career, including his first F1 car, would be on display at a Madrid Exposition, from December to May.

Visitors of the exhibition will journey, via a route in the Centro Arte Canal hall in Plaza Castilla, through the sporting career of Alonso, starting off with his first overall which was hand sewn by his mother for his first competition at the age of 3, and finishing off with the last trophy that the driver will achieve from here to the end of 2013.

Many of the cars that the Spanish driver has raced with throughout his career will be on display; from his first kart to his racing cars from 1999 to 2011, a period in which Fernando raced for Minardi, Renault, McLaren and Ferrari, his current team.

Also, amongst cars, overalls, boots, helmets or gloves, visitors will have an opportunity to get to know other interesting aspects of the Spanish driver and the sport he lives in.

Besides, children and youths will have the chance to test their knowledge on road safety thanks to various activities programmed in the same hall. With this initiative, the Fernando Alonso Foundation joins forces with the Canal de Isabel II Management to continue with its work of raising awareness and educating younger people regarding this subject.

The tickets can be purchased at www.fernandoalonsocollection.com.

Model: 2011 to 2013 Ford Fiesta

Vehicle Type: Compact Sedan / Hatchback

The Verdict: Owners of the 2011 to 2013 Ford Fiesta loved sporty handling, solid build quality and youthful styling -- not to mention affordable hatchback flexibility on five-door models. The model looks like a solid used-car buy so far, though shoppers are advised to check for transmission issues for maximum confidence.

Price: Fiesta pricing in the used marketplace starts around $8,000 for a basic, higher-mileage unit, with plenty of selection in the low-to-mid teens. Expect to pay close to $18,000 for a new, higher-grade, low-mileage unit.

Photo: Luc Gagné

What Owners Like: Owners tend to speak most highly about the Fiesta's fun-to-drive character, styling, and flexibility -- especially on hatchback models. Solid build and ride quality, as well as great fuel mileage, are also noted.

What Owners Dislike: Cramped rear-seat legroom, modest performance and a tight cabin for larger drivers are among the most common complaints. On models with a manual transmission, some driving enthusiasts complain of a “mushy” clutch.

Photo: Luc Gagné

History/Description: The Ford Fiesta hit the Canadian market in its most recent iteration for the 2011 model year and has just been redesigned for 2014. Shoppers can check the entry-level Ford out in hatchback or sedan configurations, with trim grades including S, SE, SEL, and Titanium representing the ascension from basic to loaded, respectively.

All models featured a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine sending 120 horsepower sent to the front wheels. A 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic were available.

Feature content included Bluetooth, 16” wheels, heated seats, exterior thermometer, Ford SYNC, fog lamps, USB audio inputs, cruise control, ambient interior lighting, capless refueling, and more --depending on the model selected.

Photo: Luc Gagné

Continue reading 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta Pre-Owned

Exactly 12 years ago, Alex Zanardi suffered a nearly fatal crash during a CART race at the Lausitzring in Germany. After losing control of his car at the end of the pits, he was violently struck by Alexandre Tagliani's car, which came flying at more than 320 km/h.

Upon impact, Zanardi's legs were crushed and he lost a lot of blood. Rushed to the hospital, the lucky-to-be-alive driver underwent double amputation at knee level.

His passion for racing, however, was never damaged.

In 2003, using a specially modified race car, Zanardi symbolically completed the final 13 laps at the track which had nearly killed him in 2001. Amazingly, he reached speeds that would have earned him fifth place had he been qualifying for the race that weekend.

Since then, Zanardi has taken part in the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, where he won three medals including two golds, and recently secured the H4 World Championship.

Alex Zanardi, London 2012 (Photo: London 2012)

GM and Canada's Unifor union reached a tentative settlement on a new labor agreement that covers employees at the company's CAMI assembly plant in Ontario.

Mercedes is mounting a comeback, fueled by one of the biggest makeovers in the auto industry.

From a nondescript building in a quiet industrial park in suburban Detroit, GM has shipped nearly 40,000 hand-built engines for some of the automaker's fastest cars.

Online shopping sites that offer customers guaranteed prices on new vehicles and trade-ins are growing more popular with dealers.

Online shopping sites that offer customers guaranteed prices on new vehicles and trade-ins are growing more popular with dealers.

Mercedes is mounting a comeback, fueled by one of the biggest makeovers in the auto industry.

From a nondescript building in a quiet industrial park in suburban Detroit, General Motors has shipped nearly 40,000 hand-built engines for some of the automaker's fastest cars.

Jeff Gordon was named the 13th driver in NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup and Penske Racing and Front Row Racing have been placed on probation, until the end of the year, after the sanctioning body reviewed radio transmissions of the Richmond race.

This culminated a week of controversy of the points fixing started by Michael Waltrip Racing. As a result of the MWR affair Martin Truex Jr. was taken out and Ryan Newman was put in the Chase.

"Due to the totality of the events that were outside of Jeff Gordon's issues, we're going to add a 13th position to the field and Jeff Gordon will qualify for the Sprint Cup championship this year," NASCAR CEO Brian France said at a press conference.

"I have the authority to do that," France further explained.

This is the first time in the ten-year history of NASCAR's playoffs, "The Chase"  that a driver was added to the field by a decision by the sanctioning body.

"It is an unprecedented and extraordinary thing, but also an unprecedented and extraordinary set of circumstances that unfolded multiple different ways on Saturday night," France said. "We believe this is the right outcome to protect the integrity, which is our no. 1 goal, of NASCAR."

Jeff Gordon (Photo: Facebook.com/jeffgordon)

Gordon, who didn't visit Victory Lane this year, finished 11th in the points and thus failed to qualify for the Chase or get in by a wild card. Logano finished 10th in the points but that's the start not the end.

Gordon, a four-time Champion said "Under normal circumstances I would say no, that's not right. But under these circumstances, I know ... we earned the right to be in (the Chase). "In some funny way this has given us the fire (of last year)."

Recorded radio transmissions from Front Row (David Gilliland's) team seem to indicate a deal was made to allow Logano to catch up and pass Gilliland for one position as “insurance,” because Logano had a victory and he would be in the Chase no matter what.

After Michael Waltrip Racing driver, Clint Bowyer spun, bringing out a caution with seven laps go, Logano passed Gilliland on the restart making the whole matter a moot point except for two teams allegedly conspiring to fix a points outcome. 

Joey Logano, Penske Racing (Photo: Joeylogano.com)

NASCAR came to this decision after a lengthy meeting with both teams, but did not address the issue that Penske Racing was already on probation until the end of  the year for a mechanical rules violation at the race in Texas in the Spring.

"Penske Racing acknowledges NASCAR's decision to place the organization on probation following the circumstances surrounding last weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Richmond,” said the team in a statement. “Penske Racing accepts NASCAR's decision and is now focused on a strong start to the Chase."

There will be a mandatory meeting of the teams and NASCAR officials where the sanctioning will lay out ethical and technical rules. Later on Saturday NASCAR will hold another press conference to publish its' approach going forward.

According to what Auto123.com has learned, Juan Pablo Montoya won't be joining the Andretti Autosport squad or any other IndyCar team for that matter as the Colombian is expected to continue on driving in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Even though, Andretti Autosport officials had made important progress in securing financial backing in order for Montoya to return to open wheel racing in 2014, the 1999 CART champion informed the team that he will not be part of the team after all.

Juan Pablo Montoya, CART series (Photo: jpmontoya.com)

As we had reported earlier, this means that Andretti will more than likely open the door for Montoya's country man Carlos Munoz who has been on the team's wish list for quite some time now. 

With the Ganassi Racing expected to fill its fourth seat with a current IndyCar driver -believed to be Canadian James Hinchcliffe - and with no real interest showed by other teams for the former Formula One driver, NASCAR would appear to be his best option. 

It is expected that an announcement could be made as early as this week-end, confirming that Montoya could join the Furniture Row Racing Sprint Cup team to replace departing Kurt Busch.

Kimi Raikkonen, the 33-year-old world champion form Finland, is currently fourth in the championship standings, and coming off two consecutive finishes outside the points.

The return to a high downforce track at the Singapore Grand Prix should help him score a good result.

"After these two weekends with zero points it's nice to get back to a circuit we expect to be more suited to our car," he is quoted saying on Formula1.com.

But the layout of the Singapore street circuit is not the only reason why Raikkonen is looking forward to next weekend. Indeed, racing in Singapore also means racing at night, and not getting up so early, which is a good point for the inimitable Finn who likes to speak his mind.

"I really like going to Singapore. It's a great place to be, I love the local food, and I don't mind the unusual times we run in the car as it means I don't have to get up so early. "

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21 (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)