Auto News 5

Nissan is sharpening its oversight of affiliated transmission supplier Jatco in the wake of quality and customer satisfaction problems that have pinched the automaker's profits.

BMW is bullish on the market potential for the i3 EV, the first model from its i subbrand. The automaker said orders for the i3 topped 10,000 even before sales started last month in Germany.

From GMM

Jean Todt's continuing role as FIA president was confirmed officially on Friday.

Last month, it became clear the Frenchman would not be dethroned, as his only formal challenger, David Ward, pulled out of the race due to a lack of support.

"I would like to offer my congratulations to Jean Todt who will secure a second term uncontested if not unopposed," Ward said in November.

The news became official on Friday morning, as former Ferrari boss Todt, 67, was elected for a second consecutive four-year term during the FIA's annual general assembly in Paris.

Universal Music has developed a system that allows electric vehicles to ''sing'' and thus become more audible for pedestrians. Drivers will be able to download any of their favourite tunes to make their presence felt on the road.

''In addition to customizing their commutes to reflect their music tastes, EV owners will be able to communicate by creating a unique soundtrack with other EVs,'' said Jean-Luc Brès, managing director at Universal Music & Brands.

What would you choose? The Beatles? Mozart? Metallica?

Source: Influencia

From press release

Formula 1600 series will return to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park's popular Victoria Day Speedfest Weekend, May 17th and 18th, 2014.

Jason Sharpe of Move Motorsports (promoters of both the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship and the Formula 1600 Super Series) and Myles Brandt (President and General Manager of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) have reached an agreement to add the entry-level formula car series to the May long weekend event for 2014.

The weekend will be the second event on the Ontario based Toyo Tires F1600 Championship schedule and will also be the opening round of four events on the new and highly anticipated F1600 Super Series schedule, an interprovincial initiative between Move Motorsports and Quebec based Formula Tour.

The Toyo F1600 series in action at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in 2013. (Photo: Richard Coburn)

Formula 1600 has long been known globally as the logical first step for young racing stars to learn their craft right out of karts. The cars are sleek, fast and provide the ideal balance of power and aerodynamics that encourage wheel-to-wheel action at an affordable price. The event will be a double header, with one race each on both Saturday and Sunday.

In the past Canadian racing legends including Scott Goodyear, Ron Fellows, Paul Tracy and the late Greg Moore all got their start in Formula 1600. Most recently NASCAR stars like the Dumoulin brothers, J.F. and L.P, as well as Indycar driver James Hinchcliffe and American LeMans series star Kyle Marcelli cut their teeth in this form of racing.

Additional announcements including the on-track schedule, sponsorships, regulations and registration will be forthcoming in the next few months.

Listening to Jim Farley, Ford's marketing top dog, at a private preview event for the Ford Edge Concept before the LA Auto Show gives us a very clear idea what's important to the Blue Oval these days. Within the first 60 seconds, a person could run out of fingers counting the number of times Farley mentioned the “utility” segment.

It's no surprise; even with ever-rising gas prices, utilities are in hot demand (just like pickups), and Ford wants to have one in every size to fit every lifestyle. They're even dumping F-350s full of cash into their Canadian production facility in Oakville in order to build utilities here and ship them to Europe and Ford's most important utility market, China.

The Edge Concept (and by “concept,” we mean in name only) is a significant step for Ford. Even though overall proportions are similar and the design language is more evolution than revolution, Ford put some serious thought into the Edge Concept; about 90% of the concept is expected to make it's way to production, after all.

Photo: Mark Stevenson

The next Edge will be a truly global product and it's important they get it right. The goal: Make the Edge leaner, “futurize” it, and give people something emotionally appealing while retaining the charismatic and muscular nature customers expect.

Creating a vehicle slightly narrower toward the top will give it a sportier and leaner appearance. While the Edge Concept certainly has a familiar silhouette (how much can you really do with an SUV?), the designers at Ford have penned in this lean and sporty quality by giving everything a slight tuck, especially in greenhouse width and tapering in the hood.

Up front, the Ford Edge Concept introduces a familiar technology in a whole new way. Active grille shutters are nothing new, but by adding some chrome and integrating them into the design of the vehicle, Ford has created a truly handsome and impressive active design element, setting the Edge Concept apart from the rest.

Photo: Mark Stevenson

Further down, below the reshaped headlamps and boomerang-style LED fog lamps, an opening exists between the body-colour bumper and lower fascia to allow air to slip through the bodywork. This blade of air, similar to that which comes out of a Dyson hand dryer, is then spun 90 degrees and shot across the face of the front wheels. Ford calls it Air Curtain, an attempt to smooth the turbulent air travelling down the side of the vehicle by creating, literally, a curtain of air in front of the wheel. Smoothing the air results in greater efficiency, something the automakers are scrambling for these days.

Around back, the Ford Edge Concept compliments the front with additional advanced lighting. Small, polished crystal cubes are embedded in the taillamp housings to give greater visual clarity. Much like Chrysler has done with the Charger and Durango, the Edge Concept features a LED ribbon across the tailgate connecting the two taillamps.

Photo: Mark Stevenson

Inside, the Ford Edge Concept looks rather production-ready. A floating console was borrowed from the current Ford Fusion, while a large display with SYNC MyFord Touch gets primary billing upon the dash. Below the touchscreen sits a number of primary controls, mostly traditional buttons, to manipulate on-screen functions.

However, when you start looking at the details, true concept ideas start to take shape. Tying into the orange-y/red (I'm a guy, and that's a real colour) paint scheme outside, Ford has adopted copper accents for the interior. Copper inserts in the front headrests, shift knob, and other touch points begin to emerge. You aren't truly amazed until you examine the carbon fiber trim.

Using a special carbon fiber weaving process, Ford incorporated single strands of copper wire between strands of fiber. The result is a copper-tick accent throughout the carbon fiber trim used; a nice upscale touch even if it is completely useless and unnecessary (they did call it a concept, I suppose).

Photo: Mark Stevenson

Under the skin of it all, Ford really aimed at being a technology leader in the segment, and across their entire lineup of cars and trucks. The company showcased a number of new safety and convenience features that will surely maintain the Edge's traditionally high transaction prices.

Equipped on the current Ford Focus, if a person so chooses, a self-parking system has the ability to maneuver automatically into parallel spaces. With the Ford Edge Concept, engineers wanted to up the ante by giving the utility the ability to park itself in parking lots -- without the driver. Through a series of button presses and other electronic wizardry, the driver can instruct the on-board computer and camera system to find an empty spot, leave the car in the laneway, and hit a button on the fob to have the vehicle put itself in the available space.

On the safety front, Ford integrated their latest version of advanced obstacle avoidance systems into the Edge Concept. If sensors in the car detect an impending collision, the system will steer you out of harm's way and into the next lane if possible.

Audi today released sketches of the all-new two-door sports CUV concept that will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next month.

The yet-to-be-named model has a shooting brake silhouette, while the dual headlights and honeycomb-structured, single-frame grille indicate the further development of the quattro design language which Audi already presented with its Sport quattro concept at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show.

Measuring 4.20 metres in length, this latest concept has a road-hugging stance. The pronounced horizontal body line, low roof, and large 19'' wheels emphasize the impression of concentrated energy. Unique ''ribs'' have been integrated to the grille and side air inlets.

Full pictures and detailed information will come on Media Day at the NAIAS.

Photo: Audi

This may surprise you, but the Volkswagen trademark was registered by Volkswagenwerk G.M.B.H. on December 6th, 1954 -- even though the company's first car was produced in 1938!

While World War II significantly affected its operations, Volkswagen went on to become a hit among small car buyers, so much so that the one millionth Beetle left the factory in 1954.

Sources: Wikipedia and Hagerty

From GMM

Ferrari technical boss Pat Fry on Friday said he doubts one engine maker will get a big head start on its rivals in 2014.

There are paddock rumours that suggest Mercedes will have up to a 100 horse power advantage over engine rivals Ferrari and Renault with its new turbo V6 technology.

On the other hand, it has been said Ferrari is delighted with the 2014 rules, because it gives the Italian marque a chance to impress with its expertise in engine design, after an era mostly obsessed with aerodynamic gains.

Fry, however, told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "Aerodynamics will be as important next year as it was in the last 15 years."

Renault V6 turbo engine. (Photo: Renault Sport F1)

He thinks outright engine power and performance will not be the crucial factor.

"The differences between the different engines will mainly be determined by reliability," said the Briton.

"The technology is so complex that five units per driver is really very little. I believe large differences performance-wise will not arise -- perhaps in the race, when the fuel consumption determines the power."

At the same time, Fry thinks it is possible the start of the new era in 2014 will open the door to a major technical innovation, a la the double diffuser of 2009.

"The aerodynamic regulations are pretty clear," he said, "but I do see a few ways to interpret things differently.

"There will be solutions that have not previously been seen," revealed Fry.

Meanwhile, after Red Bull's Adrian Newey admitted his 2014 car is 'ugly', Fry refused to say the next scarlet single seater will be similarly unseemly.

"If it wins," he smiled, "then no."

I'll admit, my expectations were not high when I was handed the keys to the 2013 Buick Encore. I'd experienced the Chevrolet Trax and been none too impressed, so I assumed the Encore would follow suit. Well, I was pleasantly surprised by the entire package, but not overly impressed, either.

Branded as the luxury vehicle built to fit your life, the 2013 Buick Encore is a compact crossover for the modern, urban singleton.


What is the Buick Encore?
The Buick Encore we know has only been on our shores since the beginning of this year. First unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the Buick Encore is the luxury brand's first subcompact crossover. In Europe, the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka has been on sale and on the roads since the end of 2012.

The Buick Encore answers Buick customer's needs for a bit more space and ride height in a compact, somewhat luxurious package that's at home in a city setting.

The Buick Encore is the luxury brand's first subcompact crossover. (Photo: Colin Styker)

2013 Buick Encore Price and Specs
With three different models available (Convenience, Leather and Premium) as well as FWD and AWD for each, there is a healthy selection of Buick Encores to choose from. A front-wheel drive Buick Encore Convenience starts just below the $30k mark, whereas the fully loaded Buick Encore Premium AWD comes in at just over $36k.

Regardless of which model you choose to bring home, you'll have the same engine under the hood: a 1.4L turbocharged ECOTEC good for 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. There is only one transmission choice: a 6-speed automatic.

Under the hood: a 1.4L turbocharged ECOTEC good for 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Driving the 2013 Buick Encore
There's really nothing to write home about when it comes to driving the 2013 Buick Encore, which is why I've been staring at this section trying to figure out what I'm going to tell you about. I guess, then, that it's a good thing as there was nothing glaringly wrong with the way the 2013 Buick Encore drove.

Everyday jaunts on the highway and around town were completed without fuss. I never wished for more power or oomph from the 1.4L and felt it was ready to perform when asked. The 6-speed kept up with the right gear it needed to be in and never felt confused or overwhelmed.

I felt the ride was a bit aloof and float-y but then I suppose that's the idea behind driving a Buick, right? Comfort in your luxurious Buick is what you want when you sign on the dotted line at the dealer.

Everyday jaunts on the highway and around town were completed without fuss. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Buick Encore
You could call the exterior look of the 2013 Buick Encore “cute” if you wanted to. You'd not be remiss in seeing its pug-like front fascia and rounded little rump as adorable. Heck, I even made those comments throughout the week. As classy and sophisticated as Buick hopes its Encore to be, it can't escape that cutesy comment thanks to the vehicle's squat, shrunken stance. Ice-blue accented headlights add a slightly human look to the front of the 2013 Buick Encore that I came to really like over the week.

Of note; I loathe Buick's chrome portholes on the hood. I know, I know; it's Buick. It's one of their signature exterior details. However, if I can buy said details at a local hardware store then stick them on my Honda (should I desire) they become a little less special, no?

Inside, however, I was impressed with the 2013 Buick Encore's layout and features. There is a luxurious feel to the materials used, and you do feel like you're in an upscale vehicle thanks to the leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel (in my Leather model, of course). I've also been a fan of Buick's IntelliLink since I first used it. The screen is great to look at, fast to respond, and easy to use.

There's also plenty of room in the 2013 Buick Encore. I was sure the back seat would be a tight fit, but I was wrong. My son had plenty of space to stretch out his legs even with a passenger in front of him. And the trunk is a decent 533 litres and the load height is spot on for someone my height and stature (read: short).

Inside, I was impressed with the 2013 Buick Encore's layout and features. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Comparing the 2013 Buick Encore
While the Buick Encore has a lot to offer the young urbanite in search of something a bit roomier and off-the-beaten-track of go-to cars, I'm not quite sure it's got the necessary qualities or personality to push it above and beyond competition like the MINI Countryman, Nissan JUKE or Subaru Crosstrek.

From GMM

Giedo van der Garde has emerged as a strong player at the tail-end of the 2014 'silly season'.

At the final races of the 2013 season, strong paddock rumours suggested the Dutchman's backing going forwards was stronger than that of his French teammate Charles Pic.

Indeed, in the Dutch press this week, van der Garde's wealthy backer Marcel Boekhoorn sounded confident the 28-year-old has a strong future in F1.

"Negotiations are underway, but it will work out," he insisted.

"I assure you: Giedo will be on the grid next year -- 100 per cent for sure," Boekhoorn told the Quote publication.

Giedo Van der Garde, Caterham. (Photo: WRi2)

Off the back of those rumours, it emerged this week that 2013 Sauber driver Esteban Gutierrez, backed at the struggling Swiss team this year by Telmex, had visited Caterham's UK factory.

That would be bad news for Heikki Kovalainen, who was hoping to return to the grid full-time next year with Caterham, despite his lack of sponsorship.

But Giedo Van der Garde might not be staying at Caterham after all.

Dutch businessman Michiel Mol is a key shareholder at Force India, who are yet to name Nico Hulkenberg's teammate for 2014.

Mol is quoted as saying countryman van der Garde is in the running.

"The opportunity is there that Giedo could come to us to drive," he said.

"I would find that very appealing, but although I do have an interest in Force India, I do not have a say -- this is a decision of the management.

"All I can do is convey my enthusiasm about Giedo, and I do so frequently," smiled Mol.

According to many articles I've read online and in newspapers in recent months, the under-30 crowd's interest in cars is fading. Being the mother of three young boys, I wanted to test that theory, so I asked my eldest son (who's about to turn 15) to answer a little survey along with his friends.

Well, after compiling the results of my non-scientific enquiry, I've come to the same conclusion: Today's teenagers don't care about cars as much as people from my generation.

Actually, that's not entirely true. A number of them love sports cars like Ferraris and Corvettes, not to mention Formula 1. They're also fond of racing games, such as Need for Speed and Grand Theft Auto, and have a general thirst for power, speed, and performance. However, owning a car is simply not part of their priorities.

“So, are you looking forward to having your own car, son?” I said.

“Why?” he replied.

“You know, to drive around, go to school, see your friends,...”

“I don't need a car; I have two legs and a bicycle. I can take the bus, too.” (FYI, we live in the suburbs.)

“So, if I gave you the choice between a new laptop or a car, you would pick...”

“Duh! The laptop, of course!”

“What about your driver's licence?”

“I don't know... Some day, I guess...”

My son's friends answered in similar fashion. A few of them can't wait to own a car, but they're in the small minority.

It appears the freedom we used to seek -- and find -- in automobiles has taken a different shape among today's youth. Many teenagers and Generation Y individuals prefer to walk, ride their bike, or use public transit for economical and environmental purposes. Since cars have a high ownership cost, they opt to put their money on travel, dinners at the restaurant, new technologies, and all other forms of modern entertainment.

You know what? It's really not a bad thing!

My parents viewed the automobile as a necessity. I personally rave about my minivan's practicality on any given day, but I could probably manage to live without it, even in the suburbs. As for kids nowadays, cars have mostly become a luxury they can easily afford to avoid.

No wonder automakers go to great lengths to attract young customers; they know all too well how hard it is to sell cars to this social media-driven public.

Meanwhile, my 15-year-old son won't start begging me for the keys to my minivan anytime soon...

From GMM

Lotus has admitted for the first time that Pastor Maldonado will boost the Enstone based team's coffers in 2014.

Earlier, Venezuelan Maldonado said there was no guarantee his departure from Williams would mean his lucrative backer PDVSA will follow him to his next F1 team.

And when Lotus announced that the 28-year-old is arriving to replace Kimi Raikkonen for 2014, it made no mention of the Venezuelan oil giant's millions.

But team boss Eric Boullier always said the not-significantly-sponsored Nico Hulkenberg was actually Lotus' first choice to fill the driver vacancy.

And the Frenchman on Friday was quoted as saying Maldonado's signing indeed comes with "financial support".

Pastor Maldonado. (Photo: WRi2)

Lotus has reportedly been struggling to pay staff and develop its 2014 car, and Raikkonen departed for Ferrari declaring that he was not paid a single euro.

Not signing the highly rated Hulkenberg was interpreted as a sign that the much-vaunted 'Quantum' buy-in deal had finally failed, leaving Lotus heavily reliant on Maldonado's cash.

"We are still confident something is going to happen," Boullier, referring to Quantum, told the British broadcaster Sky. "But timing is an issue.

"Obviously there is a financial support with Pastor, which in these days we may need. And unfortunately, as I said before, timing is an issue. We have to deliver a car in less than eight weeks now," he added.

Boullier, however, suggested it is wrong simply to write off Maldonado as a pay-driver, having delivered a pole and race win to Williams just last year.

"Maybe there is still some fine-tuning to do with him," he acknowledged.

"I think we just need to make sure he can keep his focus -- actually similar issues we had with Romain (Grosjean) last year. I'm sure that with the proper support and team around him, we can do something nice with Pastor," added Boullier.

The Ligier name will return to Le Mans in 2014, having reached an agreement OAK Racing‘s constructor's department, Onroak Automotive.

The deal means Onroak Automotive's new dimension as its own company devoted to the construction of racing machines, and felt it was important to secure an association with a well-known make.

It will also be the first time the Ligier name has returned to Le Mans since 1975.

Jacques Nicolet and Guy Ligier. (Photo: DPPI)

Jacques Nicolet, the President of Onroak Automotive and OAK Racing met with Guy Ligier a few years ago, where the two got on very well, which helped when Nicolet came with a proposition to take on Le Mans.

The association between the two represents a pooling of their passion, resources and technical knowledge.

The ambition of Onroak is to develop a pyramid of sports prototypes, ranging from the CN class all the way up to LMP1.

Formula Renault 3.5 champion, Kevin Magnussen will make his Formula 1 debut next year with McLaren, racing alongside veteran and former F1 World Champion, Jenson Button.

The 21-year-old Dane is gearing up for his maiden Grand Prix in Australia by spending the winter preparing with his engineers, mechanics and trainers at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking.

"McLaren has been part of my life since I was a small kid," he said in an interview published by McLaren.

"My dad, Jan, was a test driver here and did one grand prix with the team back in 1995, but I've always dreamt about driving for McLaren. It'll be incredibly special to be in the car as a racing driver - with the Magnussen name on the side.

Jan and Kevin Magnussen, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

"Now that I've got the race seat, I'm fully focused on the work ahead of me. This winter will be all about preparing myself for the first test in January, and the first race in March. It's about spending time with the engineers, driving the simulator, and getting used to everything. It's a lot of hard work - but I'm really enjoying it."

The winter will be equally intense for everyone at McLaren - the far-reaching technical changes mean the sport is virtually re-inventing itself for 2014, so the search for performance - from both the chassis and the powertrain - is as deep as it is wide.

Despite the 2014 regulations' complexity, Magnussen feels the clean sweep ought to give him an easier ride than if he were jumping into F1 during a period of established regulations.

"It'll be a new challenge for everyone, not just for me," he says.

"Everyone's going to have to learn about the 2014 cars - not just myself. It's a good year to come into F1. The fact that I won't have as much experience as some of the other drivers actually counts a little bit less - of course, it's still going to require a lot of hard work - and I'll have a lot to learn - but so will everyone else, so that's a positive for me."

Magnussen looks forward to working with Jenson Button.

"I'm sure working with Jenson will be beneficial," he says. "He's a world champion, he's the most experienced driver in F1 and I'll be able to learn from him; I'll be sat next to him in debriefs at every race next year, listening to what he says and watching him work with the team. He'll be a great guy from whom to learn," Magnussen said.

Margot Laffite, daughter of former Formula 1 driver Jacques Laffite was injured in an accident during a practice session for the opening round of this year's Andros Trophy ice racing series in Val Thorens, France.

An experienced racer, Margot Laffite was to share the wheel of Citroen DS3 with Olivier Pernaut this weekend. But late afternoon Friday, her car hit a snow bank at speed.

The impact was hard enough to fracture her second cervical vertebrae. She was immediately taken to hospital and the doctors told the official Andros Trophy organisers that the 33-year-old Margot was feeling fine and she will fully recover from her injury.

Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team announced the two drivers who will act as test and reserve drivers for the 2014 season.

Swiss Sebastien Buemi and Portuguese Antonio Felix da Costa will work alongside regular Red Bull Racing drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo.

It will be Buemi's third season in the role of test and reserve driver at the team. The Swiss racer first filled the role in 2008 before graduating to an F1 race seat with Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2009.

Sebastien Buemi, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Da Costa already has experience of this role at the team, having substituted for Buemi at a few races during the 2013 season.

The Portuguese racer also has extensive experience of Red Bull Racing F1 machinery having tested for the team at the 2013 Young Drivers' Test in Silverstone, the 2012 Young Drivers' Test in Abu Dhabi and having conducted a number of show car runs for the team during the past year.

“It's great to be able to announce the signing of Sebastien and Antonio for 2014. Next year sees the biggest change to the Formula 1 regulations for some time and the return of multiple in-season tests. To therefore be able to call on two such capable drivers is of huge benefit to the team,” said Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner in a press release.

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

Organisers of the GP2 and GP3 series have revealed their 2014 calendars Friday.

The GP2 series will consist of eleven rounds in total, all support events of the official Formula 1 World Championship. Eight rounds will be held in Europe with three overseas events to complete the calendar, including Sochi in Russia.

The GP3 calendar will be made up of nine rounds in total, the most in the Series' history. All rounds have been confirmed to run alongside the Formula 1 World Championship.

The calendar features two exciting new venues for GP3: Austria and Russia, whilst the Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates will host the season finale for the second consecutive year.

2014 GP2 Series Calendar

Date Venue
11-12-13 March Yas Marina, UAE Test
19-20-21 March Sakhir, Bahrain Test

04-06 April Sakhir, Bahrain Race
09-11 May Barcelona, Spain Race
22-24 May Monte Carlo, Monaco Race
20-22 June Spielberg, Austria Race
04-06 July Silverstone, Great-Britain Race
18-20 July Hockenheim, Germany Race
25-27 July Budapest, Hungary Race
22-24 August Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium Race
05-07 September Monza, Italy Race
10-12 October Sochi, Russia Race
21-23 November Yas Marina, UAE Race

2014 GP3 Series Calendar

Date Venue
27-28 Mar Estoril, Portugal Test
10-11 Apr Jerez, Spain Test
16-17 Apr Barcelona, Spain Test

09-11 May Barcelona, Spain Race
20-22 June Spielberg, Austria Race
04-06 July Silverstone, Great Britain Race
18-20 July Hockenheim, Germany Race
25-27 July Budapest, Hungary Race
22-24 Aug Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium Race
05-07 Sep Monza, Italy Race
10-12 Oct Sochi, Russia Race
21-23 Nov Yas Marina, United Arab Emirates Race

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has advised Daniel Ricciardo to "attack" his high-profile teammate from the very first corner of 2014.

As a rookie in 2007, Briton Hamilton was paired at McLaren with the reigning world champion Fernando Alonso.

But Hamilton got his grand prix career off to a surprising start, overtaking Alonso at the very first corner in Melbourne.

"When Ron (Dennis) told me I would be much slower than Fernando, I thought 'He's wrong'," Lewis Hamilton is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"Attacking from the first race was one of the best things I could have done in formula one," he added.

Although Ricciardo has more experience, Hamilton likens the start of his own career to the Australian's graduation to Red Bull for 2014, where he will be paired with the reigning quadruple world champion, Sebastian Vettel.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull RB9, Silverstone. (Photo: WRi2)

Lewis Hamilton says Red Bull's promotion of Ricciardo "makes sense", even though the energy drink-owned squad could have picked a higher-profile name.

"It was a surprise to me when it was announced, but as they have a team just for the young guys to gain experience, it is good to see that it is working," Hamilton said.

"He will come in with a good car, in a seat that many others would like to have -- not me, because I already have a good car. So I'm cheering for him and hoping that he can handle the pressure -- because it is always very high when a young guy comes into a top team. But I'm sure he will do well," he insisted.

Asked how Ricciardo should handle the early part of his career alongside Vettel, Hamilton urged him to attack, saying that he would "love to see" Ricciardo emulate his own feat of 2007 by passing Vettel at the very first corner.

"He does not need to do that, but it would be fantastic for any driver. Hopefully I'll see it happen in my rear mirror," said Lewis Hamilton.

From press release

Maxime Martin is promoted from test and development driver to a regular seat, while BMW Motorsport will also send António Félix da Costa into action as one of its eight DTM drivers.

Andy Priaulx moved to GT racing in USCC.

“After his impressive year as test and development driver, Maxime Martin is now ready to prove himself in the DTM. He showed in the DTM tests and his successful outings in the BMW Z4 GT3 that he will be a valuable addition to our driver line-up,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

“António Félix da Costa really convinced us what a talented driver he is during his tests in the BMW M3 DTM, and through his previous success in single-seater racing. I am looking forward to following his development in the DTM.”

Maxime Martin. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

Twenty seven-year-old Martin has been particularly successful with the Marc VDS Racing team from Belgium. In 2012 and 2013 he finished runner-up and third overall in the Blancpain Endurance Series.

Last season he was instrumental in BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS claiming second place at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. In 2013 Martin also raced for BMW Team RLL in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), claiming GT victory in Long Beach alongside Bill Auberlen (US).

“It was always my goal to use my year as test and development driver to put forward my case for a DTM seat,” said Martin.

“I am very proud to have achieved that goal. Thank you very much to BMW Motorsport for the very informative past year and for their faith in me. I will do my very best to be successful in the DTM.”

Twenty two-year-old Félix da Costa arrives in the DTM with a wealth of experience in single-seater racing.

Having raced in the Formula 3 Euro Series and GP3 Championship, the Portuguese driver joined the Red Bull Junior team in 2012. He crowned his 2012 season by winning the legendary Formula 3 race in Macau.

In 2013 Félix da Costa finished third overall in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and took part in Formula One testing.

“It is an honour for me to drive for such a big manufacturer as BMW,” he said.

“Switching from single-seater racing to touring cars is a new experience, but the cars are great to drive. The DTM is a top-class racing series - and I can't wait to get stuck into this challenge.”

Antonio Felix Da Costa. (Photo: WRi2)

Andy Priaulx and Dirk Werner will no longer line up in the DTM in 2014, but remain as works drivers and members of the BMW family.

Priaulx is switching to BMW Team RLL and will race in the new United SportsCar Championship (USCC) in North America. Werner will be the spearhead of the BMW Motorsport endurance programme, which will see him in action in the BMW Z4 GT3 at events including the Nürburgring 24 Hours.