Auto News 5

Eighth cities feature on the first preliminary calendar of the Formula E championship - a series for electric-powered single seater racing cars set to kick off next year.

The eight cities are London, Rome, Miami, Los Angeles, Beijing, Putrajaya, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Ultimately, the calendar could boast up to 12 races.

Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, said he was "hugely keen" to help with the project.

Italy's famous chassis comapny Dallara is already working on the first Formula E cars. Meanwhile McLaren, together with Spark Racing Technology (SRT), is developing the powertrain.

Adapted from GMM

When asked if he is disappointed that those he beat last year in GP2 - Luiz Razia, Esteban Gutierrez, Max Chilton and Giedo van der Garde - were all offered race seats before him, Valsecchi smiles.

"No" is the answer. He is enjoying is job at moment.

"Last year I won the GP2 title, now I'm making the first steps in F1," he told Russian website f1news.ru.

Davide Valsecchi performing for Lotus in F1 (Photo: WRi2)

Then again, the 26-year-old Italian has no choice but to be content with his reserve role at Lotus. Struggling with fewer sponsors, he could not have matched the biddings of his former GP2 rivals in the race to the few backmarker seats available.

Still, the Eupilo-native is adamant had money not been an object, he would have gone down the same route.

"If the question is whether it is better to be chasing with one of the last teams or to be a backup driver with Lotus, maybe opening up something really worthwhile for the future, I would have chosen the second option in any case."

Monday morning was bustling at One Autoweek Tower, as information on debuts from the Geneva motor show flooded our inboxes. Important debuts included the

Federal safety investigators are looking into a Subaru recall to determine if a defect in the remote engine starter could affect other automakers.

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk is thanking Minnesota lawmakers who blocked legislation that would prevent the electric vehicle maker from opening stores in that state. But the legislative tussle is far from over.

Also in this episode: Denny Hamlin receives fine, EV-charging stations form Collaboratev.

After a delayed flight and a hilarious but disturbing security incident at the Detroit airport (bath salts are, apparently, one hell of a drug), we've made it safely to Amelia Island.

Toyota regained considerable value to once again be the world's most valuable automotive brand at $26 billion, up 6 percent from last year, according to marketing consultancy Brand Finance.

News 7 Jun, 2013

The all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport's release date and full price list has officially been unveiled

General Motors is investing $250 million in an Ontario assembly plant to support future vehicle production.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.