Auto News 5

BMW appointed two European executives to key roles in the United States as the company reshuffles its senior management to counter a surge by Mercedes, which is on course to topple the Munich-based automaker as the market's luxury leader.

A roundup of what dealers, journalists and others are saying about the redesigned 2015 Ford Mustang

Rajah Sellathurai, who owns a driving school in Ontario, travelled 998,000 kilometres with a 2001 Toyota Corolla before buying a brand new model last August -- his sixth Corolla overall. He cumulatively drove his previous five Corollas more than three million kilometres.

This week, Sellathurai visited Toyota's Cambridge manufacturing facility where his 2001 model was made, met with Brian Krinock, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC), and toured the plant with some of the team responsible for creating his Corolla.

Photo: Toyota Canada Inc.

His secret for lasting this long? He never missed an appointment for regular maintenance, and he always took the car to a Toyota dealership.

"I didn't really have to get a new one; I could have easily gotten another 500,000 more kilometres from it," he laughed, adding that as much as he loves his new Corolla for all the advantages it has -- such as the latest technology features, more room and greater comfort -- he misses his beloved 2001 model.

However, Sellathurai can still see it whenever he takes his new Corolla in for servicing. The dealer, Woodbine Toyota, keeps the old green model on site just for him.

Photo: Toyota Canada Inc.

After seeing what the Corolla has done for Sellathurai, the three other driving instructors he employs also decided to purchase the iconic compact, so all of them now have Corollas that are about six or seven years old, with 400,000-500,000 kilometres logged on each of them.

Source: Toyota

From press release

Former Formula 1 driver, Bruno Senna will make his debut at Brazilian Stock Car Championship in the last round at Interlagos circuit on December 15.

The ex-HRT, Lotus and Williams driver, who has just finished the World Endurance Championship season with two victories in the GTE Pro class and another in the GTE AM division, will team up along with Valdeno Brito and Popó Bueno in a GT Team Raízen-sponsored car.

This is the first time a member of the Senna family is going to compete in a national series.

Bruno Senna. (Photo: Miguel Costa Jr./MF2)

"This is going to be a landmark in my career as it will represent my first race in a domestic championship", stated the thirty-year old nephew of Ayrton Senna. "It is going to be a tough challenge given the level of the drivers and the competitiveness of the series", added.

As a special guest, Bruno will be given a three-hour test session on Friday morning to get used to the car and its 480 bhp, plus the push-to-pass device which provides up to 120 bhp extra power.

"I've been racing in GTE and so a car with a roof is not totally unknown for me. I already know the track, which is good news, but of course I will look for the guys who also raced in Formula 1 to get some tips and ideas..."

The race will pay a prize of 1 million of reais (around US $500,000) to the winner.

On December 5th, 1893, Canada's first electric car hit the scene. Built by Dickson's Toronto and purchased by F.B. Featherstonhaugh, it had a range of about 24 kilometres.

Of course, it didn't pan out and was rapidly eclipsed by the gasoline-powered automobiles of the 20th century.

Sources: Canada Channel and Decouvrir.ca

From GMM

A former grand prix driver thinks 2014 could be an opportunity for F1's smaller teams to compete with their powerful rivals.

Some believe that with the sweeping rule changes, the teams with the biggest budgets, best resources and longest experience will tower over their smaller competitors even more than in 2013, at the end of a period of relative stability.

But Ivan Capelli, a F1 driver in the 80s and 90s turned commentator for Italian television, is not so sure.

Referring to the change of engines, turbos, gearboxes, aerodynamics and energy recovery systems, he told Italy's blogf1.it: "The big challenge will be to put it all together.

"This may be an opportunity for smaller teams to get closer to the top of the standings. Perhaps it's a little like the 80s, with what Leyton House did when I was driving, or Minardi with Martini, or the Tyrrell of Alesi.

"A revolution like this can mix the cards up a lot and give rise to this sort of beautiful thing that has been missing in F1 for a long time," added Capelli.

The 50-year-old Italian acknowledged, however, that arguably the more likely outcome is that F1's genius designer, Adrian Newey, sets the pace yet again with the next Red Bull.

Adrian Newey. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

But Adrian Newey, while confident, is not complacent.

"The biggest problem for next year's car," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, "is the narrower front wing.

"150 millimetres may not sound like much, but it is a huge difference when you have to put the endplates in the middle of the front tires. The second challenge is the new engine -- the installation is at least two or three times more difficult than the V8."

Adrian Newey also admitted that another of Red Bull's advantages in the recent era - in the area of the diffuser and exhaust - will be difficult to replicate under the new rules.

"We managed to integrate the exhaust with our aerodynamics better than most other teams," he acknowledged, "so that means we also have the most to lose.

"On the other hand, I have also made cars when there was no blowing onto the diffuser, and they also seemed to work. So, I'll try it again," the Briton smiled.

Next month at the NAIAS in Detroit, Chevrolet will introduce the 2015 Corvette Z06. It will be ''the most track-capable Corvette ever, designed to deliver supercar levels of performance,'' the company says.

The Corvette Z06 will complete Chevrolet's performance car lineup, which also includes the Corvette Stingray Convertible, Camaro Z/28, and SS sedan.

No technical specs have been released so far.

Source: General Motors

Ford today unveiled the all-new 2015 Mustang, which will go on sale across North America next year, with simultaneous events in six cities around the globe including Dearborn (Mich.), New York, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Shanghai, and Sydney.

In case you haven't heard, the iconic muscle car will turn 50 on April 17th, 2014.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they've never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car -- it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

Photo: Ford

The 2015 Ford Mustang comes with a choice of three engines:
• 5.0L V8 rated at 420 horsepower;
• 3.7L V6 with at least 300 horsepower;
• All-new, 2.3L, 4-cylinder EcoBoost producing 305+ horsepower.

Aesthetically, the 2015 Ford Mustang retains key design elements including the long, sculpted hood and short rear deck. It also boasts a lower, wider stance and a sleeker, fastback-style profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass. Moreover, you'll notice the contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille.

Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin.

Photo: Ford

Speaking of which, the roomier interior of the 2015 Ford Mustang offers an aviation-inspired cockpit with large, clear instrumentation that puts vehicle data right in front of the driver. From Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC and MyKey in every Mustang built, plus available Track Apps, MyColor gauges and new Shaker Pro audio system, this thing will rock.

Pricing and fuel consumption ratings for the 2015 Ford Mustang have yet to be announced.

Photo: Ford

Irvine, CA -- My speciality is evaluating vehicles with four or even six wheels. Beyond that, I find I'm ill-equipped to make judgement calls. I'll drive a rig and comment before I grab anything on two wheels and blurt out an opinion.

What about a self-propelled car-motorcycle tandem setup thing on three wheels with a steering wheel and three pedals? Um, who am I to sell myself short on this one?

My brief time at the wheel of the new T-Rex 16S revealed this “car's” true daily potential as both a driver and weekend track monster. The torque-rich BMW engine allows leisurely cruising in equal amounts without revving itself into the stratosphere. This thing is without a doubt the most affordable supercar on the market.


What is a Campagna T-Rex 16S?
The 2014 T-Rex 16S is the latest three-wheeled vehicle to come out of Montreal, Quebec's, South Shore.

Each T-Rex is hand built in Campagna's factory. The chassis' go through 18 workstations before they come out as complete three-wheel two-seater motorcycle powered super-toys.

The idea of the T-Rex first came about in 1988, and the first of its kind hit the road in 1995. Since then, retailers have opened in various markets around the world.

The idea of the T-Rex first came about in 1988, and the first of its kind hit the road in 1995. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

2014 Campagna T-Rex 16S Price and Specs
The 2014 Campagna T-Rex 16S sports a base price of $57,999. Steep as this may seem, by comparison with any other car that can reach 100 km/h in 4 seconds and that can pull 1.3g of lateral acceleration, it's a freakin' bargain.

As tested, my 16S with matching suitcases, carbon kit, and passenger footrest retailed for just over $61,000. Not included in this price was my tester's windshield.

Located behind the snug cockpit is a BMW-sourced 1,649cc or 1.6L in-line 6-cylinder engine. It develops 160 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 129 lb-ft torque at 5,250 rpm. The only available transmission is a sequential 6-speed that includes a custom designed electronically controlled mechanical reverse gear. The massive P295/35ZR18 tire and rear wheel is chain-driven.

The 2014 T-Rex 16S' performance secret lies in its 1,040lb (472kg) dry weight. Top speed is 210 km/h or 129 mph.

Located behind the snug cockpit is a BMW-sourced 1,649cc or 1.6L in-line 6-cylinder engine. It develops 160 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 129 lb-ft torque at 5,250 rpm. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Driving the 2014 Campagna T-Rex 16S
Besides the crazy amount of speed possible, what truly blew my mind was how comfortable the T-Rex is to drive. The front unequal opposed triangular arms and rear swingarm with dual shock suspension components provides unparalleled handling and stability without sacrificing the quality of its ride.

The suspension's work at soaking up uneven surfaces is not only felt but also visible. At a mere 4” above the tarmac with the front wheels in full view, the contrast in movement between the chassis and the wheels is evident.

The 2014 Campagna T-Rex 16S grips solid surfaces with tenacious audacity. The unassisted rack-and-pinion steering (3.25 turns lock to lock) adds a supplemental layer to the driver's connection to the road and the T-Rex. It was immediately clear to me that this vehicle's capabilities exceed those of the vast majority of road cars, if not all, that I've driven over the years.

From what I've been told, the previous T-Rex V13 required some serious engine revs in order to get things going. The 16S furthers its cause with its larger displacement I6 as by 4,500 rpm, acceleration becomes interesting. Once closer to 7k, the really good times start to roll.

The abundance of torque (remember it's light) will rapidly break the rear tire loose in 1st gear and can do the same in 2nd as I experienced. The resolute adherence provided by the front tires and quick steering reaction times allow for some pretty spectacular hooniganinsms; a skill I intend to hone should I ever get my hands on a T-Rex again...

The sequential box is, in a word, fantastic. Clutch travel is no more than an inch and a half, but with care, is easy enough to modulate. Taking off smoothly is the result of a beautifully choreographed right-and-left foot dance and is rewarding when done right. Truly rewarding is the sequential shifter with solid shift linkage that begs to be pushed or pulled repeatedly. The ensuing gear swap following a light throttle prod for a rev match is a pure delight.

The T-Rex's brakes are overkill for a vehicle its size and weight which means they'll never let you down and will take a long time to wear out. Yes, they are powerful.

The 2014 Campagna T-Rex 16S grips solid surfaces with tenacious audacity. The unassisted rack-and-pinion steering adds a supplemental layer to the driver's connection to the road and the T-Rex. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Campagna T-Rex 16S
There's very little to say here other than elbows will rub, but this is part of the Campagna T-Rex experience. The seats are surprisingly comfortable; however, the driving position is very reclined -- I got used to it very quickly.

Gauges are complete and a radio is optional... Why?

To be honest, I've never been a fan of the T-Rex. As I reflect back, I think it mostly had to do with poor colour choices and ugly alloy wheels. The 16S has exclusive wheels, produced by DAI, and some other minor aesthetic changes. Draped in Pearl Mist (aka white), this T-Rex is by far the best looking I've ever seen. It's loud but understated at the same time.

The seats are surprisingly comfortable; however, the driving position is very reclined -- I got used to it very quickly. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Comparing the Campagna T-Rex 16S
The 2014 Campagna T-Rex 16S is spectacular and less than a handful of cars can actually match it performance and driving dynamics-wise. Those that come to mind that I've seen, but sadly never driven, are the Lotus Elise, Caterham Seven, KTM X-Bow, and Ariel Atom.

The Lotus may be the only one with an actual roof so that practically disqualifies it... The T-Rex is a niche exotic that deserves its place in any driving enthusiast's garage.

From GMM

Esteban Gutierrez has leapt to the front of the queue to move from Sauber to Caterham for 2014.

Gutierrez's 2013 teammate Nico Hulkenberg has already announced his switch to Force India, and now the 22-year-old Mexican is tipped to also leave the financially-struggling Swiss team.

The Swiss newspapers Blick and Neue Zercher Zeitung separately report this week that Gutierrez has been spotted visiting Caterham's UK headquarters.

Last month, the Telmex-backed Gutierrez admitted he was not sure if he would be staying at Sauber for 2014.

"We'll see what's going to happen," he said.

"Obviously we have been looking to different options, even if my idea is to continue with Sauber, because we have been working on a good relationship for a long time."

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

Scuderia Ferrari is apparently thinking about making a welcomed return to endurance racing and to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with an LMP1 car powered by a version of its new F1 turbo engine.

The prestigious Italian make has a history of success at Le Mans, though it hasn't won the big endurance race since 1965.

Jackie Stewart, Ferrari 250 LM, 1965 (Photo: WRI2)

Reports suggest Ferrari may apply the development of the new F1 turbo hybrid motor to an LMP1 car for Le Mans, and have it ready for the 24 Hours race in two years.

Last month, Scuderia Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali said that the newly developed F1 engine could be used for "some interesting projects."

Antonello Coletta, who heads up the Italian manufacturer's non-F1 sporting activities, told Autosport magazine “there are no immediate plans” to return to endurance racing.

Coletta added that if Ferrari did join Audi, Toyota, Porsche and, most likely, Nissan in LMP1 in 2015 or beyond it would be with a full-factory effort and not just as an engine supplier.

Last week, we posted a video that showed a LaFerrari supercar lapping the Fiorano circuit in Maranello amid the distinct tones of a turbo engine.

We concluded at the time that the test was not to develop the 2014 F1 engine, but most probably to try out a street car engine, or endurance race car motor.

From Inside Track

Ontario's Team COPS will be present at the 8th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News.

As an officer serving with the Durham Regional Police, Cory Adams has first-hand knowledge of the number and severity of collisions involving motorcycles and other vehicles.

Taking it upon himself to help reduce this carnage on Ontario roads through awareness and education, in 2005 Constable Adams created Team COPS (Canadian Officers Promoting Safety).

Taking his Team COPS ‘Ride Safe Programme' to local schools, he educates and informs students about, among other things, the dangers of impaired driving, illegal street racing and substance abuse.

Photo: Inside Track

His efforts towards awareness training also regularly include motorcycle lapping days at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. These on-track sessions are designed to provide all types of riders with the knowledge, skills and abilities to take their riding to the next level. He also promotes track day riding and is a coach at the Pro 6 Cycle track days at CTMP, Calabogie and Shannonville.

As part of his initiative to expose his program to an even wider audience, Constable Adams will once again represent Team COPS at the 8th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News.

The CME takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 at Toronto's International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport.

Constable Adams will also lead a seminar that will address another serious problem that he has encountered, both on the streets and at the race track.

“The idea behind the seminar is to break down the rules and regulations for those who are towing trailers,” Adams continued. “This subject can get quite confusing, so I have tried to simplify it for everybody.”

Topics covered in the seminar will include how to determine if drivers are required to have annual inspections on their trucks and trailers, if they require a CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration Certificate), and which class of driver's license is required to operate different truck and trailer combinations.

“When I'm on the job, I'm enforcing these rules. I feel that it's also my responsibility to educate people about them as well. So many truck and trailer - or motorhome and trailer - combinations don't conform to the MTO (Ministry of Transportation - Ontario) regulations and many of these drivers don't have the proper licenses to operate them. This seminar could save someone a lot of headaches and a lot of money in the future.”

From press release

Virgin have today announced it will be entering a team in the new fully-electric FIA Formula E Championship after signing an agreement with series promoters Formula E Holdings.

Based in the UK, the Virgin Racing Formula E Team will be headed by Team Principal Alex Tai and has the backing of Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson. Both have been involved in a number of pioneering technology projects in aviation, space and more recently racing.

“The launch of the FIA Formula E Championship is exciting news for racing fans but also for those that believe in developing the great electric cars of the future,” said Sir Richard Branson. “The need to create fast, dependable and durable race cars will help to accelerate the sector and showcase electric cars to a large global audience. With races around many famous city centres, I am expecting a lot of spectators, plenty of fun and some sparks flying as the competition hots up.”

Photo: FIA Formule E

Virgin Racing will now be put forward to the FIA for final approval as the ninth of ten teams to enter the new zero emission championship, racing in 10 city-centres around the world. They join IndyCar outfits Andretti Autosport and Dragon Racing, Asia's China Racing, Super Aguri and Mahindra Racing, and European squads Drayson Racing, e.dams and Audi Sport ABT.

Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin is a leading international investment group which has gone on to grow successful businesses in sectors ranging from mobile telephony, travel, financial services, leisure, music, holidays and health and wellness.

“Today's announcement now means we just have one team left to announce before the grid for the inaugural 2014/2015 Formula E season is complete.”

From GMM

Ferrari's political power extends even to the identity of Bernie Ecclestone's eventual successor.

Amid his legal troubles surrounding the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption scandal, 83-year-old Ecclestone recently named Red Bull team boss Christian Horner as his preferred successor.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, however, dismissed Horner's naming as a "joke".

"As the years go by, he (Ecclestone) more and more enjoys making jokes and I'm happy he still has the desire to do so," he told Italian television Rai.

In the same interview, Montezemolo confirmed for the very first time long-standing paddock rumours that Ferrari has the unique ability to "veto" proposed changes by Ecclestone and the governing FIA.

"We are the only team with the right of veto," he said. "More political weight than that is impossible! We are aware of our strength in formula one, which without us, would be completely different."

Christian Horner and Bernie Ecclestone. (Photo: WRi2)

Now, in an interview published by CNN, Ecclestone has played down his comments about Horner, arguing that he only mentioned his 40-year-old friend because he was "walking past" at the time.

And he told the F1 business journalist Christian Sylt: "Firstly CVC would never agree (to Horner's appointment) and secondly Ferrari would have a say," said Ecclestone.

2013 Indianapolis 500 winner, Tony Kanaan and Alex Tagliani Wednesday joined Ganassi's regular drivers, Scott Dixon and Charlie Kimball for a private test session at the Sebring road course.

For Kanaan, it was his first ever outing with his new team, and his first priority was just to settle in.

"It's my first day on the job, so it's still a little weird," he said. "I'm actually trying to listen more than I'm talking. If I can bring something extra to improve what they already have, then great."

Photo: Tony Kanaan Twitter

Veteran Canadian driver, Alex Tagliani was also on hand to drive the No.10 Chevrolet Dallara formerly driven by Dario Franchitti.

"Tag", who replaced Franchitti at the 2013 season's finale at Fontana was called upon to take part in this testing session but the Ganassi team has yet to announce a replacement for the three-time Indy 500 winner and four-time series champion.

Photo: Alex Tagliani Facebook

The test was Team Ganassi's first opportunity to work with Chevrolet following its decision to part with previous engine supplier Honda. Kanaan has previous experience with Chevrolet through his years with KV.

From press release

A number of changes to the 2014 World Rally Championship and its regulations were ratified in Paris at a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

Here are the most significant decisions that were taken: 

Start order: In 2014 the start order for both gravel and tarmac rallies will change to increase the show for fans and reduce the use of tactics. Next year, the start order for day one will be based on championship classification order for P1 and P2 drivers. On days two and three, P1 and P2 drivers will drive in reverse rally classification order. The decision means an end to the qualifying stage system used to determine start positions on gravel rallies in 2013.

Sebastien Ogier, WRC World Champion 2013. (Photo: Volkswagen Motorsport)

Rally d'Italia Sardegna date change: The date for the 2014 Rally d'Italia has moved a week later in the calendar to 06 - 08 June.  

Rally itinerary: To bring consistency to events, rallies must now follow a fixed format. There will be a ceremonial start on Thursday, with the last stage run on Sunday at approximately 1200hrs for European events.

The final stage will be the Power Stage, which must be at least 10 kilometres long. 

Driver nominations: In order to allow greater flexibility to contract different drivers, manufacturers will no longer be required to nominate one permanent driver for the season. Instead, manufacturers will be obliged to nominate one driver for a minimum of 10 Championship events.

Rally 2: Cars having retired and restarting (as Rally 2) will be placed in the next day's start order after the P1 and P2 drivers group.

The final 2013 meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) took place Wednesday in Paris, France. The FIA approved the 2014 calendar of all international series, including WTCC, Formula 3, WEC, Formula E and the new World Rallycross Championship.

The World Touring Car Championship will begin its 2014 season in Marrakech ad will finish in the twisty streets of Macau. The 12-round schedule includes two new locations: Paul Ricard at Le Castellet (April 20) and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium (June 22).

The World Endurance Championship is almost unchanged and features 8 rounds, including the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans, June 14 and 15.

The new Formula E electric series will begin next year. One small change on the calendar as Rio de Janerio replaces Hong Kong.

A round of the new World Rallycross Championship will be held at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rvieres, Quebec, August 7 and 8.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

WEC
20/04 GBR 6 Heures de Silverstone
03/05 BEL 6 Heures de Spa-Francorchamps
14-15/06 FRA 24 Heures du Mans
31/08 BRA 6 Heures de Sao Pauoo
20/09 USA 6 Heures du Circuit of the Americas
12/10 JPN 6 Heures de Fuji
01/11 CHN 6 Heures de Shanghai
15/11 BHR 6 Heures de Bahreïn

WTCC
06/04 MAR Marrakech *
20/04 FRA Le Castellet *
04/05 HUN Hungaroring
11/05 SVK Slovakiaring
25/05 AUT Salzburgring
08/06 RUS Autodrome Moscow *
22/06 BEL Spa-Francorchamps **
03/08 ARG Termas de Río Hondo *
14/09 USA Sonoma *
12/10 CHN Shanghai *
26/10 JPN Suzuka
16/11 MAC Macao *
* Sujet à l'approbation de la FIA

World Rallycross
03-04/05 PRT Montalegre
24-25/05 GBR Lydden Hill
14-15/06 NOR Hell-Lanke
28-29/06 FIN Kouvola
05-06/07 SWE Höljes
12-13/07 BEL Mettet **
07-08/08 CDN Trois-Rivières **
06-07/09 FRA Lohéac
20-21/09 DEU Buxtehude
27-28/09 ITA Franciacorta **
11-12/10 TUR Istanbul Park **
22-23/11 ARG TBA **
Compétition en réserve: Greinbach (AUT)
** Sujet à l'homologation du circuit (ou sa ré-homologation)

Photo: FIA Formule E

Formule E
13/09/2014 CHN Beijing
18/10/2014 MYS Putrajaya
15/11/2014 BRA Rio de Janeiro
13/12/2014 URG Punta del Este
10/01/2015 ARG Buenos Aires
14/02/2015 USA Los Angeles
14/03/2015 USA Miami
09/05/2015 MCO Monaco
30/05/2015 DEU Berlin
27/06/2015 GBR Londres

Formule 3 Europe
20/04 GBR Silverstone
04/05 DEU Hockenheim
11/05 FRA Pau
01/06 HUN Hungaroring
22/06 BEL Spa-Francorchamps
29/06 DEU Norisring
13/07 RUS Moscow
03/08 AUT Red Bull Ring
17/08 DEU Nürburgring
12/10 ITA Imola
19/10 DEU Hockenheim

From BMW

BMW Motorsport has successfully completed the final DTM test of the year. The BMW drivers covered over 5,000 kilometres at the “Circuito de Velocidad” in Jerez de la Frontera, southern Spain.

Augusto Farfus, Canadian Bruno Spengler, Timo Glock, Joey Hand, Martin Tomczyk and Maxime Martin were in action from Sunday to Thursday in the BMW M3 DTM.

BMW M3 DTM (Photo: BMW)

BMW driver Jens Klingmann, whose outings this year included the Nürburgring 24 Hours with BMW Team Schubert, made his debut at the wheel of a DTM car. Red Bull Junior, António Félix da Costa, also enjoyed his first outing in the BMW M3 DTM.

The programme featured numerous functions, systems and chassis tests, as well as long runs on prime and option tires.

The engineers were also able to test several set-up variants, which they were unable to run during the 2013 season due to the limited practice time on race weekends.

Antonio Felix da Costa (Photo: BMW)

The 25th edition of the Andros Trophy ice racing series will begin this weekend at French ski resort of Val Thorens located at the altitude of 2200m (6700ft).

The launch of the 2013-2014 series was made in Paris Wednesday night with co-series' founders Max Mamers and Frédéric Gervoson and a horde of drivers.

Mazda France enters four Mazda3s, but we note that Dacia and Skoda have stopped their involvement.

Race action during one of the 2012-2013 race. (Photo: Trophée Andros)

Jean-Philippe Dayraut (Team Saintéloc /Mini Countryman) will want to clinch a 5th title, but he will need to fight hard against former Formula 1 driver, Olivier Panis who will drive a Mazda3.

Entry list for Val Thorens (Silhouette cars):

01
Saintéloc Racing MINI Countryman
JP. DAYRAUT
T. JONCOUX

02
Team Mazda France MAZDA3
B. RIVIERE
L. BARBIERI

03
Team Mazda France MAZDA3
O. PANIS
B. DEMOUSTIER

04
DA Racing RENAULT CLIO III
J.B. DUBOURG
A. DUBOURG

05
Saintéloc Racing MINI Countryman
B. BALAS
G. FONTANEL

06
Team Mazda France MAZDA3
D. THORAL
E. MOINEL

07
DA Racing RENAULT CLIO III
F. LAGORCE
L. DAZIANO

08
Saintéloc Racing CITROEN DS3
O. PERNAUT
M. LAFFITE

09
Knapick Compétition BMW série 1
H. KNAPICK
AS. LEMONNIER

10
Saintéloc Racing FORD FIESTA
E. BÉNÉZET
D. CHIANALE

11
Sodifuel Racing RENAULT CLIO III
C. CALMON
G. MAILLARD

12
Team Mazda France MAZDA3
Ch. BEROUJON
Ph. MARIE

14
Saintéloc Racing FORD FIESTA
S. PUSSIER
J. WOLF

From GMM

The FIA has confirmed Wednesday that previously-scheduled races in New Jersey, Korea and Mexico will in fact not take place in 2014.

It is believed that South Korea is dropping out as organisers baulk at the high sanctioning fees.

"Losing the 2014 race had been expected to a degree," an official is quoted by the Yonhap news agency. "We will push hard to get it back for 2015."

Mexico, meanwhile, has been unable to get its former 1992 grand prix venue ready in time.

"I believe 2015 can really happen," Mexican driver Sergio Perez is quoted by the Mirror.

"We are a lot closer now than we were a couple of months ago."

Like the similarly-dropped Korea and Mexico, New Jersey also wants a place on the 2015 schedule.

"There is great demand for a race in New Jersey, and I have no doubt we'll be racing at Port Imperial in 2015," Bernie Ecclestone said on Wednesday, after the World Motor Sport Council approved a 19-race calendar.

The F1 chief executive had been under pressure to slash the 2014 schedule from a controversial 22 races, but he says New Jersey remains on track to host a grand prix eventually.

Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, USA. (Photo: WRi2)

F1 vs NASCAR clash

Elsewhere in the United States, the final 2014 schedule has caused other controversy, as it emerged the US grand prix is set to clash in November with another high-profile race in Texas.

"It's a foolish move by Formula 1," Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage, referring to F1's clash with the NASCAR Sprint Cup race, is quoted by AP news agency.

"It isn't the smartest move to try to compete with that. I'm sure regardless of what they say publicly, the folks at the Austin track are pulling their hair out over this one," he added.

Much happier about its 2014 race date is Abu Dhabi, having successfully wrested the season finale slot from Brazil.

"It is very good news," Yas Marina boss Richard Cregan told The National newspaper, "and it is something that we have pushed hard for."