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From CMS

Canadian Motor Speedway (CMS) is proud to announce that after seven years of government regulatory and developmental process, heavy excavation equipment is working the CMS site in Fort Erie Ontario, to commence phase-one of the project, the relocation and major environmental enhancement of Miller Creek.

CMS is a world-class motorsport and entertainment development in Fort Erie, Ontario. CMS will include industrial, recreational and commercial retail space, as well as a motorsport innovation park in collaboration with McMaster University's renowned Faculty of Engineering, expanding the build-out to $400 million.

The core of the project is a stand-alone "Jeff Gordon Designed Signature Speedway" that combines to form an FIA/FIM grade road course.

The core property for the oval, the grandstands and the road course is in CMS hands, while work to finalize site planning and the archeological clearances of the periphery properties has been scheduled over the next three months.

Aecon Group Inc., one of Canada's largest construction companies, is the project's Construction Manager. They will be responsible for managing the entire 820 acre development, working with local construction resources to ensure CMS is positioned for timely completion, within targeted cost, with the highest level of quality and safety.

CMS plans a formal ground-breaking in late spring of 2014 to green-flag eighteen months of construction of the sports' first Carbon Neutral, and Canada's first world class oval and integrated road course hosting a variety of racing platforms, notably stock car and open wheel racing, which is slated to be race-ready in 2016.

From press release

Four-time Formula One World Champion Alain Prost has today joined forces with Jean-Paul Driot, founder of leading GP2 and Formula Renault 3.5 team Dams, to enter the FIA Formula E Championship - competing as new team e.dams.

The new team launch, held at the L'Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, was attended by racing legend Alain Prost and Jean-Paul Driot, together with FIA President Jean Todt and Alejandro Agag, CEO of series promoters Formula E Holdings.

e.dams now becomes the fifth team to sign an agreement with Formula E Holdings to compete in the new fully-electric race series which begins in September 2014 and features 10 races through the heart of some of the world's leading cities. e.dams joins leading IndyCar outfits Andretti Autosport and Dragon Racing, UK- based Drayson Racing and Chinese team China Racing as one of the 10 teams to be put forward to the FIA for final approval by its World Motor Sport Council.

Photo: FIA Formule E

The new Formula E team will be supported with logistical and technical assistance by top European squad Dams (Driot Associés Motor Sport). Based near Le Mans, Dams boasts almost 25 years' experience with numerous team and driver titles to its name including three International F3000 Championships, two A1GP titles, two Auto GP titles, two GP2 Asia titles and one team and two GP2 drivers' titles. The squad has also expanded into Formula Renault 3.5 where last weekend it claimed the team and drivers' title in only its second season.

With four F1 titles (1985 & 86, 1989 & 1993), 51 GP victories and 108 podiums to his name, Alain Prost remains one of the sport's most successful racing drivers with the Frenchman very much looking forward to being a part of the new zero emission series: “I am very happy to be a part of the Formula E adventure. Being able to actively participate in the development of this new technology, which is 100% electric is extremely motivating. As we've seen in other championships, 2014 will see a move towards more sustainable racing, proving more than ever that motorsport is the benchmark for the future.”

“Getting involved with the FIA Formula E Championship was an obvious choice”, added Jean-Paul. “Being the race enthusiast that I am, I was immediately convinced by this new concept of using fully electric single- seater cars and believe it will shape the future of motorsport. The implementation of new technologies, in the heart of the most beautiful cities in the world and in front of a young audience, lays the path for a new form of motorsport, which is innovative and respectful to the environment. I am extremely proud to be a part of this new challenge.”

From GMM

Ferrari is planning to build a new F1 factory at its Maranello headquarters, the German newspaper Bild is reporting.

Correspondent Frank Schneider said it is a "major project", designed to end Ferrari's six-year drought since last winning the championship in 2007.

Bild said the new factory will boast three storeys to accommodate Ferrari's 700 staff who work exclusively for the formula one team.

The development would be in addition to Ferrari's totally renovated wind tunnel, and new driver simulator.

Schneider said the new factory will be ready in a year.

Bild also said Ferrari's new facilities could convince Sebastian Vettel to move from Red Bull.

But Dr Helmut Marko thinks the German will stay put.

"Sebastian's contract runs for quite a long time," he is quoted by Speed Week. "And as long as we give him a competitive car, he has no reason to change teams. Sebastian wants to win, not just be in a team because it is famous."

Maranello's main entrance. (Photo: René Fagnan)

From GMM

Antonio Felix da Costa has not been dropped by Red Bull, despite failing to impress enough to secure the Toro Rosso seat for 2014.

Portuguese da Costa, 22, was the hot favourite all season to move into the energy drink company's second formula one team next year.

But, with Daniel Ricciardo moving to Red Bull, the F1 paddock was surprised to learn that 19-year-old GP3 driver Daniil Kvyat ultimately got his job.

Is it because Russian Kvyat - although arguably the most impressive compared to fellow Red Bull juniors da Costa and Carlos Sainz jr - is bringing sponsor backing to the seat?

Dr Helmut Marko, the Red Bull driver supremo, insists "performance" was the only criteria.

Antonio Felix da Costa, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

He did admit to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, however, that "two Russian companies have already contacted us".

"Kvyat provides us with the best overall package," the Austrian insisted.

"He has proved that he can handle the pressure, which is something we missed in da Costa. If he is already faltering in the junior categories, how will it be in formula one?" Helmut Marko asked rhetorically. "I can't tell you how many drivers were sold as a huge talent before they failed at the very top. But Kvyat's curve has been all uphill. Da Costa's was flat, or it went down."

Coming from Marko's blunt mouth, that sounds like the death knell for da Costa, in the wake of a long line of Red Bull juniors who didn't make the grade and were ruthlessly dropped.

But Marko insists: "We have not executed da Costa; he is staying in our family. Now we have to think about his future programme.

"First of all, he remains the simulator and reserve driver for Red Bull Racing," he revealed.

Marko also stamped out speculation the McLaren-groomed Stoffel Vandoorne was considered by Red Bull for Ricciardo's seat.

"I have never spoken with Herr Vandoorne," he insisted. "There was no offer -- I don't even know what he looks like."

From GMM

A member of Felipe Massa's management team has denied as "fantasy" reports the Brazilian has penned a five-year Williams contract.

Alessandro Aluni Bravi, who according to O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper works with Massa's manager Nicolas Todt, denied the report that appeared on a Brazilian website on Thursday.

"Felipe has already expressed that racing with Williams in 2014 would be a good option," he said, "but still there is nothing certain.

"Firstly," Bravi added, "who signs a five year contract today in formula one?

"Sebastian renewed for two seasons, Lewis has a three-year commitment with Mercedes. But this (report about Massa) is information without origin and it could only (adversely) affect the negotiations."

Bravi continued: "Williams is just one of the scenarios for us. We have talked with Lotus, Force India and Sauber as well.

"But we have not got to the level of discussing the contract term and details of how our relationship with the team would be," he added.

Photo: Williams F1 Team

However, the rumour goes that if Massa does arrive at Williams, his sponsor Petrobras would replace PDVSA, the Venezuelan oil company, as well as Pastor Maldonado.

Speaking in India, Maldonado did little to quell the speculation.

"If I decide to leave," he is quoted by Spain's EFE news agency, "someone has to come to the team and I would wish Felipe well, to continue (in F1).

"It is not yet decided, so let's see what happens in this final part of the season," Maldonado added.

Williams' deputy team boss Claire Williams, however, played down the Massa link.

"We are not in a position to announce our driver lineup, so I can't comment on these rumours," she told Brazil's Totalrace.

"It is pure speculation," added Williams, who did acknowledge Massa's skills, history and experience.

"Felipe has a great history in the sport," she said. "He is an experienced driver and Williams is always interested in talents such as Felipe.

"But at the moment we have two drivers under contract who are doing a great job for us," Williams added, also referring to Finnish rookie Valtteri Bottas.

But she fanned the flames when she referred to Williams' own great history of working with Brazilian drivers, such as Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna and Rubens Barrichello.

"Historically, we've had some great Brazilian drivers and we always get on well with them," said Williams.

"I think it has to do with the passion that the two sides have for the sport -- it makes a good fit."

Meanwhile, Williams played down a sporting corruption scandal in Venezuela that some say could affect Maldonado's sponsorship backing.

"We have a contract with PDVSA," she said, "and to our knowledge, this investigation has nothing to do with us."

Drift master and YouTube superstar Ken Block will now serve as racing advisor for the Need for Speed franchise including the video games and upcoming movie.

Need for Speed Rivals is set to launch worldwide in mid-November.

In return, Need for Speed will sponsor Block and his Ford Fiesta ST for Gymkhana Six, which will be released in its entirety on November 11th.

The first five instalments in the Gymkhana series have so far garnered more than 250 million views. Expect the latest to be an even bigger hit.

Source: Need for Speed

Photo: Need for Speed

From GMM

Monisha Kaltenborn has admitted she recently met with Vitaly Petrov.

It emerged on Thursday that Russian Petrov, reportedly with EUR 30 million in Gazprom sponsorship in his pocket, could return to F1 next year in the place of Sauber's intended 2014 race driver Sergey Sirotkin.

Team boss Kaltenborn told the Russian website f1news.ru: "We saw Vitaly in Sochi (for a F1 demonstration) in September and, as we know, we talked.

"No more than that," she insisted.

Vitaly Petrov. (Photo: WRi2)

However, Sauber's rhetoric about Sirotkin appears to have changed. While recently the team was obviously pushing hard to ready the 18-year-old for his 2014 debut, Kaltenborn now sounds open to the idea of a change of plans.

"Of course, no one will put pressure on him if something does not add up," she said. "But we still believe in Sergey, even if it is true that if our plans for him cannot be achieved, then there are other elements of the cooperation."

Asked if a more experienced driver could race in 2014 while Sirotkin learns the ropes in a reserve role, Kaltenborn answered: "We have thought about that, and we have a number of options associated with different drivers."

She insisted, however, that her talks with Petrov last month were not serious.

"We didn't talk about the extent to which he is available," Kaltenborn smiled. "I asked him what he's doing now, and Vitaly told me about his ascent of Mount Everest!"

Team founder Peter Sauber, meanwhile, sounded happy to simply keep Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez at the wheel in 2014.

"We are pleased with both drivers. I would actually like to keep them," he is quoted by Blick newspaper.

Williams Formula 1 Team has been fined 60,000 euros after the car driven by Pastor Maldonado lost a wheel nut in the pit lane at the Buddh International Circuit in New Delhi.

This was the second similar incident to happen to Williams of Maldonado after Japan two weeks ago.

The official statement read ''Examination of the parts concerned revealed that the wheel fastener had been cross threaded, thus not engaging in the primary retaining plunger. This is a breach of Article 23.12 of the FIA Sporting Regulations as the car was released in an unsafe condition''

The Stewards also took into account that Williams had a similar issue in Japan, but this time, ''the wheel had been retained on the car''.

The statement further read ''Whilst the Stewards accept that improvements to the wheel retaining system had been implemented the team need to ensure that both the wheel and its fastener are fully retained on the car.''

From Merrittville Speedway

With the Awards Banquets about to officially close out the 2013 Season at Merrittville Speedway near Niagara Falls, officials from the Thorold facility are thrilled to announce that Lucas Oil Products will return in 2014.

"We are pleased to be the presenting sponsor of events at Merrittville," said Lucas Oil Canada's Matthew Irvine, "it's a great partnership that allows us to market our brand and high performance products to a large audience while providing hospitality for our local retailers and distributors."

"Globally, Lucas Oil has a real passion for auto racing as can be seen at our facilities and others and with quite a roster of drivers as well," added (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, "we are excited that the leading manufacturer of high quality petroleum additives and oils will be a big part of our fan and driver experience once again ... since 2006 their support has been a strong testament to the quality and professionalism of our race teams."

Lucas Oil will continue to assist not only the 63rd consecutive Saturday Night Stock Car Schedule portion while being an integral part of the 21st season of Tuesday Night Kart Racing as well.

John North Willys was born on October 25th, 1873, in the state of New York. He began selling bicycles in his hometown of Canandaigua and within a few years expanded into manufacturing his own line of bicycles.

At the dawn of the 20th century, Willys ran a very successful car dealership that sold Overland automobiles. When the factory encountered supply problems in 1907, he purchased the company, which became known as Willys-Overland five years later.

Business was good to the point of becoming the second largest automaker in the U.S. (Ford was No. 1). During World War I, Willys-Overland built trucks, planes, and engines.

The company's best-selling vehicle, the Willys-Overland Whippet, found more than 100,000 takers between 1927 and 1931.

After the Willys enterprises went bankrupt during the Great Depression and John Willys died in 1935, Willys-Overland started production of the Willys MB military vehicle, better known as Jeep, in 1941.

Source: Wikipedia

From GMM

Toro Rosso will prepare Daniil Kvyat for his debut next year by giving him time at the wheel during forthcoming Friday practice sessions.

The first step for the teenage Russian, who is replacing the Red Bull-bound Daniel Ricciardo, will be getting his mandatory super licence credential.

"We plan to run him in a two-year-old formula one car very soon ... so that he can complete enough mileage to qualify for the all-important document," Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso said in a report posted on its website.

After that, Kvyat will get the green light to practice on Friday morning in Austin and Brazil, the last two grands prix of the season, the Faenza based team added.

Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

Some, however, think F1 is coming too soon for the GP3 driver.

"It (F1) will be a shock to him," McLaren driver Jenson Button is quoted by Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper. "He's used to working with 12 people, but now he'll be working with 700."

But Dr Helmut Marko thinks talk like that is hypocritical, especially as a team like McLaren has been talking up the prospects of its own development drivers, Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne.

"Sebastian was the first of our young drivers to do it (succeed), and now Daniel Ricciardo is coming as the second," he told Speed Week.

"That's another thing: Red Bull brings young talent into formula one while the others talk. They say there is no room for inexperienced drivers, but that's just an excuse. Daniel and Sebastian are two that have made it out of our junior team and we are very proud of it," he added.

However, O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper reports that the FIA could be set to toughen the criteria for obtaining a F1 super licence, on the grounds of safety.

When you're this versatile, you can get away with having a mug like Homer Simpson. Looks aside, the working cargo van is a growing segment here in North America, having long been a European commercial mainstay.


What is the 2014 Ram ProMaster?
The ProMaster is built on Fiat's Ducato platform, which has been one of the most successful European commercial vehicles for over 30 years, with over 4.5 million sold. The first collaboration between the Fiat Professional and Chrysler Ram teams, the ProMaster is adapted to meet our safety and emissions standards. With class-exclusive front-wheel drive configuration, the ProMaster's lack of driveshaft and differential give it the segment's lowest load floor.

2014 Ram ProMaster Price and Specs
Available in regular and heavy duty, the 2014 ProMaster offers two roof heights, three wheelbase lengths, and four body lengths. Chassis cab or cutaway can also be specified.

Ram ProMaster 1500 prices range from $32,495 - $40,495; ProMaster 2500 from $35,495 to $42,495; and ProMaster 3500 $31,495 - $38,495.

There are two powertrains: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 280 hp and 258 lb-ft paired with a 6-speed auto, and the all-new 3.0L EcoDiesel with 174 hp and 295 lb-ft paired with an automated manual transmission.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for the V6 is 5,216kg (11,500lb) and 5,670kg (12,500lb) for diesel-equipped vehicles.

The ProMaster is built on Fiat's Ducato platform, which has been one of the most successful European commercial vehicles for over 30 years, with over 4.5 million sold. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Driving the 2014 Ram ProMaster
This is a decidedly odd vehicle. There's much to recommend, yet there are several factors against, as well. For a working vehicle, presumably to be used by large men, the leg space is really quite restrictive. Several colleagues found their legs pressed against the console area, and one tall fellow's head actually pressed against the ceiling of the 2014 Ram ProMaster.

The 36.3-foot turning radius of the short wheelbase is amazing, rivalling a car's manoeuvrability. The V6 we drove is instantly responsive, surprisingly light on its wheels, and has a backup camera, huge mirrors, and windows in both partition and rear doors to aid visibility.

Neither my tall driving partner nor I could adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable position in the 2014 Ram ProMaster. Telescoping, but not tilting, it's rather flat, plate-like awkwardness is magnified by the spokes which make the proper 9-and-3 hand position impossible.

However, the ProMaster handles very well with none of the ponderousness usually associated with a commercial vehicle. The tiny little Navigation system works well, and is an unexpected bonus in the segment.

The cargo area is positively voluminous in height, thanks to a frame that doesn't have to sit on top of the transmission, driveline and differential. The 2014 Ram ProMaster's load floor is 7" lower than its nearest competitor, and it's the only one in its segment to accommodate a loaded pallet from either side or rear doors.

With its tight turning ability, the Ram ProMaster is the most at home on busy streets - an important factor for the busy contractor with multiple deliveries.

Fuel economy ratings aren't available yet, but Ram claims the ProMaster will be "best in segment." U.S. estimates put it in the 20mpg range or 11.7L/100km.

There's much to recommend, yet there are several factors against, as well. For a working vehicle, presumably to be used by large men, the leg space is really quite restrictive. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Ram ProMaster
The ProMaster adheres to the slab-sided form-over-function school of style, but then none of its competitors is a beauty contestant, either. Any front-end components that could be expensive to replace are located high above the bumper, out of harm's way. The front fascia features indented steps, making it easier to clean the windshield, change wipers or access headlights. The front bumper's three-piece design allows for individual repair or replacement in case of damage.

Rear doors open 260-degrees to fold almost flat against its sides.

Inside is basic utilitarian, designed as a workspace. Chairs are wide and flat, there is cubby space overhead, and the cabin boasts an astounding nine cup holders. Unlike the Sprinter's totally flat dash featuring several partitioned spaces, the 2014 Ram ProMaster's slopes steeply away, rendering it useless for clipboards, cellphones, and such.

The Ram ProMaster's cargo area is designed to be "upfitter friendly" with available partitions, storage cabinetry, and up to 17 tie-downs.

Inside is basic utilitarian, designed as a workspace. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Comparing the 2014 Ram ProMaster
This has become a popular segment with the ProMaster priced mid-pack in a group that includes the Ford Transit ($29,199), Nissan NV Cargo ($32,728), Chevy Express/GMC Savana ($33,635), and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at the top ($45,895).

From NASCAR

NASCAR on Thursday discussed with drivers potential changes to qualifying procedures for next season, and laid out plans to further enhance competition on intermediate tracks.

In a meeting at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., officials from the sanctioning body told drivers from all three national series that it was considering the elimination of single-car qualifying for the 2014 season.

The alternative would be group qualifying similar to the procedure currently used on road courses, where a number of vehicles would be on track during qualifying at the same time.

Currently on road courses, cars are assigned to a set number of groups based on practice speeds, from slowest to fastest. Each group is on the track for an amount of time determined by the series director, and a car's best time during its session counts as its qualifying time of record.

NASCAR officials would like to see more wheel-to-wheel racing like this. (Photo: NASCAR/Getty Images)

NASCAR continues to work on improving the current Sprint Cup Series car, particularly at mile-and-a-half tracks.

NASCAR has scheduled a second test at Charlotte Motor Speedway, this one for December 9, to build on its findings from the first test at the facility on October 14. There, six drivers representing three manufacturers tested seven different aerodynamic elements used in three different packages.

Teams tinkered with elements such as static ride height, vents in the rear fascia, a strip across the roof, a larger rear spoiler, and a stepped-down front splitter. Since then, NASCAR has been to the wind tunnel and performed computer simulation. Officials plan to meet with engine builders next week, and have another wind tunnel session set for November.

The first Charlotte test was "very productive," Tharp said, allowing NASCAR to eliminate some elements that didn't work, and focus more on those that did. "Those are some of the things we're looking at now trying to validate, and some of the things we'll likely test in December to make the racing better," he added. "... We're very diligent and very aggressive toward this end right now, and for the balance of this year."

It's all being done with the intention of improving the racing, particularly at the intermediate tracks that comprise the bulk of the schedule. "That's a top priority for us," Tharp said. "We're approaching that very aggressively."

Adapted from GMM

This weekend's Indian grand prix is going ahead.

Earlier, a public campaigner appealed to the supreme court for an injunction against proceedings at the Buddh circuit, on the basis race organisers have not paid enough tax.

But AFP news agency cited legal sources in saying the judge delayed the hearing on Friday.

"The hearing will now take place next week," one of the lawyers is quoted as saying. "This means the race can go ahead."

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Before the announcement, Vicky Chandhok said petitions like this are customary in the Indian democracy.

In the Guardian, he declared: "I don't think it endangers the race in any way whatsoever. People who live in this country learn to deal with these things. It is not something that is worrying. Generally, judges will not grant an injunction for a sporting event to be stopped. Sport has to continue and the rest of it can be dealt with later on."

The bigger question is whether F1 will return to India in 2015, as the unpopular grand prix destination has been left off next year's bustling calendar.

"You know," Sahara Force India team owner Vijay Mallya told CNN, "Bernie (Ecclestone) is a good friend of mine and I have tried to persuade him that India has a market that should not be ignored. I would be very, very disappointed if India fell into the category of being in the F1 calendar and then being permanently out of the calendar."

On his way to a fourth consecutive world championship. German Sebastian Vettel -- the only man to have ever won at the New Delhi venue -- topped the timing sheets during both free practice sessions of the Indian Grand Prix Friday.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Driving his Renault-powered Red Bull RB9, Vettel set a best time of 1m26.683 to edge his teammate, Australian Mark Webber during FP1.

Nico Rosberg of Mercedes AMG, who fought Vettel throughout once the dusty track had improved, lapped his W04 in 1m26.899, with Lotus' Romain Grosjean coming in fourth on 1m28.990.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W04. (Photo: WRi2)

Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes completed the top five as the Briton battled with his car's handling to record 1m27.227.

Briton James Calado took over Paul di Resta's Sahara Force India. The rookie was 18th on 1m29.197.

The afternoon session saw Vettel repeat his strong performance, this time setting a quick time in 1m 25.722. The German was the only man to dip below the 1m 26 mark in an intriguing session that saw all the drivers struggling with front tire wear on the soft Pirelli rubber.

Romain Grosjean, Lotus E21-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Mark Webber again finished second to his teammate with a 1m26.011. Frenchman Romain Grosjean was third in his Lotus with a 1m26.220, and Lewis Hamilton moved up to fourth for Mercedes with 1m26.399.

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso was fifth with a 1m26.430, beating Rosberg, Felipe Massa in the other Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen in a Lotus and the McLaren duo of Sergio Perez and Jenson Button.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

“We tried a number of different set-ups this morning - but I think our baseline was in the wrong place, so they didn't particularly work around this type of circuit,” said Button.

“So we reverted to more of a traditional set-up for the afternoon, and we developed the car over the course of the day, so we're now getting there, despite the setbacks of the morning. In a way that's positive, because it meant that we'd already been getting the best out of the car for the whole year,” he added.

Grand Prix of India, 1st free practice session*, Friday
1- Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'26"683 - 24 laps
2 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'26"871 - 17
3 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'26"899 - 23
4 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'26"990 - 20
5 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'27"227 - 21
6 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-28-Mercedes) - 1'27"335 - 23
7 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4-28-Mercedes) - 1'27"416 - 23
8 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'27"692 - 21
9 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'27"770 - 19
10 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'27"800 - 23
11 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'28"035 - 25
12 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'28"214 - 6
13 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'28"336 - 18
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'28"342 - 21
15 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'28"468 - 20
16 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'28"538 - 18
17 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'28"730 - 18
18 - James Calado (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'29"197 - 22
19 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'29"413 - 24
20 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'29"560 - 20
21 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'30"026 - 23
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'30"471 - 17

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W04. (Photo: WRi2)

Grand Prix of India, 2nd free practice session*, Friday
1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'25"722 - 35 laps
2 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 1'26"011 - 38
3 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'26"220 - 36
4 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1'26"399 - 36
5 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 1'26"430 - 39
6 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'26"582 - 40
7 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'26"601 - 41
8 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'26"632 - 32
9 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'26"857 - 40
10 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'26"972 - 39
11 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'27"304 - 17
12 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'27"375 - 36
13 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'27"429 - 31
14 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'27"491 - 40
15 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'27"608 - 38
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1'27"720 - 23
17 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'27"949 - 34
18 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'28"431 - 30
19 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'28"692 - 39
20 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'28"799 - 32
21 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1'29"366 - 37
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1'30"164 - 27

*Unofficial timing

From wrc.com

The battle for Thierry Neuville's signature for the 2014 WRC season is down to a straight fight between newcomers Hyundai and current team M-Sport after the Belgian driver ended negotiations with Citroen.

Neuville is expected to make his decision shortly after this weekend's Rally de España and although rumours suggest he has already agreed a deal with the Korean manufacturer, M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson believes Neuville's future is not settled.

Thierry Neuville, Ford Fiesta M-Sport. (Photo: WRC)

Twenty-five-year-old Neuville left Citroen at the start of this year after being offered a full programme in a Ford Fiesta RS by Wilson's Qatar-funded squad. A string of five consecutive podiums, including four second place finishes, has made him the hottest property in the end-of-season transfer market.

Citroen boss Yves Matton was keen on Neuville returning to the French squad but admitted talks had halted. “We were talking with Thierry but now we have stopped the negotiations. Thierry stopped them,” said Matton.

Neuville remains tight-lipped but Wilson said M-Sport was still talking to him. “I think it's quite clear it's between us and Hyundai, but I can't give an answer because I don't know,” said Wilson. “It's got to be 50-50 in view of what's happened this season because he can see how competitive our car and the team are.

“But obviously I can also see the appeal to Thierry in view of the long term situation with a new manufacturer. He has got to weigh up whether it would be better to stay with a car he knows will win, or switch to a team where everything is new,” he added.

Last week's tragic death of Porsche Cup driver, Sean Edwards, in Australia has cast a sad, dark cloud over auto racing. Sitting in the passenger's seat of a Porsche 996, Edwards was coaching a young racer when the car violently hit a tire barrier.

Sadly, there's been an increase in fatal accidents on the racing scene over the past few months. The top series have been spared, though (Ayrton Senna was the last F1 driver to die during a Grand Prix in 1994, NASCAR hasn't seen a death since Dale Earnhardt Sr. crashed at the Daytona 500 in 2001, and IndyCar's Dan Wheldon was the last to suffer a deadly fate in Las Vegas two years ago).

Of course, these three series have made major improvements to their cars and tracks in terms of active and passive safety when compared with a decade ago.

However, tragedies are multiplying in other series: Henry Surtees in Formula 2; Allan Simonsen at Le Mans; Wolf Silvester in VLN; Jason Leffler in Midgets; Andrea Antonelli and Marco Simoncelli in a motorcycle race; Scott Kalitta in Funny Car NHRA, and many more in Sedan and GT national championships around the world, not to mention the small American speedways. Let's not forget how close Robert Kubica came to dying in a rally event.

It's hard to explain, because like I said, race cars are much safer now than they were in the past. Racing venues also offer increased protection including larger run-off areas.

The only logical explanation, as far as I'm concerned, is the growing number of amateur or semi-professional drivers (including the so-called gentlemen drivers). More cars on the track obviously means more risks of an accident.

These racers often are not in great physical shape and lack experience, and track time. They also want to emulate the pros and therefore behave too recklessly at times.

Auto racing's various governing bodies must quickly find solutions to prevent tragic accidents like the ones that keep piling up at the moment. Motor sports will always be dangerous in some way, but certain measures need to be taken to boost safety.

Sean Edwards (Photo: Porsche)

Tesla has just hired Doug Field as vice president of new vehicle development. Until now, the man was in charge of developing several Apple products, including the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac.

Before that, Field used to work as a Ford engineer.

“Until Tesla came along, I had never seriously considered leaving Apple. I started my career with the goal of creating incredible cars, but ultimately left the auto industry in search of fast-paced, exciting engineering challenges elsewhere,” Field said in a statement. “As the first high-tech auto company in modern history, Tesla is at last an opportunity for me and many others to pursue the dream of building the best cars in the world -- while being part of one of the most innovative companies in Silicon Valley.”

Source: Autonews

The 2014 Toyota Prius v is now on sale at Toyota dealers across Canada, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $27,480. Offering 50% more interior room than the regular 5-door Prius, the Prius v can comfortably sit five adults and swallow a very generous amount of cargo.

Under the hood of the 2014 Toyota Prius v is a highly efficient, Atkinson-cycle, 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, a high-torque electric motor, a high-capacity storage battery, and a sophisticated power management system. This combination delivers 134 net horsepower while achieving 4.5L/100km.

Four driver-selectable modes are available: Normal, Power, ECO, and EV.

Toyota Prius v 2014. (Photo: Toyota)

The 2014 Toyota Prius v may be enhanced with a choice of three upgrade packages:
• Luxury;
• Touring;
• Touring + Technology

Source: Toyota Canada

U.S. auto safety regulators decided against opening a formal investigation into a Tesla car fire that started after the vehicle ran over debris on a Washington state highway.