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To no surprise, Carlos Munoz has been named as one of the full-time driver with Andretti Autosport for the 2014 IndyCar Series season.

The Colombian drove for Andretti at the 2013 Indianapolis 500 classic where he finished second. He also made a one-off appearance for Panther Racing in Toronto when Ryan Briscoe was injured, before replacing the EJ Viso in Andretti's lineup for the Fontana season finale.

He will take Viso's place for the full season next year and will drive along Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti and James Hinchcliffe.

Andretti Autosport. (Photo: IMS)

With nearly 24 million views so far, Volvo's latest ad starring Jean-Claude Van Damme has been a huge hit. In an effort to showcase the outstanding precision and stability of its dynamic steering system, the Swedish manufacturer called on the world-renowned martial arts specialist to do the split between a pair of moving trucks, with his feet resting on the sideview mirrors. Incredible!

From GMM

Interlagos is still expecting a big crowd, despite Sebastian Vettel's utter dominance and with the 2013 title already decided.

Brazil has hosted some thrilling title deciders in recent history, but the main point of interest this weekend will be the battle for second place behind Red Bull in the constructors' standings.

Vettel, meanwhile, will try to extend his new record of wins on the trot from eight to nine, after beating Michael Schumacher's record in Austin.

"We'll try," Vettel - who could in Brazil also match legend Alberto Ascari's decades-old run of nine victories spread over two seasons, and Schumacher's 13 wins in a season - smiled on the podium on Sunday.

But even though success for Vettel is almost guaranteed this weekend, and all thoughts about the title now relate to the 2014 battle, Brazilian grand prix promoter Tamas Rohonyi is still expecting a big crowd at Interlagos.

"We have seen the title decided here many times," he told O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper, "but the effect on the fans at the racetrack is very small."

Race spokesman Castilho de Andrade agrees: "The (race day) crowd numbers differ slightly from 60,000 to 70,000, regardless of the (championship) situation."

Crowd in the pitlane, in 2011, Brazil. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Even Sebastian Vettel's post-race 'donuts' are becoming predictable, after the quadruple world champion on Sunday smashed an old Michael Schumacher record in Texas.

Not even in Schumacher's ultra-dominant Ferrari era last decade did the great German win eight races on the trot in a single season, but Red Bull's Vettel put the lid on that achievement at the chequered flag of the US grand prix.

"I'm not getting bored!" he grinned afterwards.

Eight consecutive wins for Sebastian Vettel with Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

However - with the possible exception of those who wear dark blue uniforms in the paddock - Vettel may not find many who agree with him, one week ahead of Brazil's season finale.

"Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes badly need to raise their game," said Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary, "because there are no prizes for guessing who is going to win in Brazil."

Even Bernie Ecclestone apparently got bored in Austin, as he left the Circuit of the Americas with his police escort on lap 43, according to Bild newspaper.

Perhaps that was because even the battles behind Vettel on Sunday were few and far between.

Pirelli took an ultra-conservative approach with hard compounds for the US grand prix weekend, raising concerns that one-stop strategies remove too much excitement from the races.

Speed Week reports that at the next meeting of F1's new strategy group, a proposal from Pirelli to mandate two-stop strategies in 2014 will be considered.

A minor point of note from Sunday's race was that it guaranteed Fernando Alonso will keep second place in the drivers' championship, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and the now-absent Kimi Raikkonen.

"It's a small reward for me," the Spaniard said, "the same as being first of the 'mortals' behind Red Bull."

But F1 legend Mario Andretti said in Austin that Alonso can still be proud, even though Vettel's dominance at present is absolute.

"It's hard to say which one of them is better," he told the Spanish sports daily AS.

"But the fact that after four consecutive titles for Vettel we are still discussing it, shows that Alonso is still an amazing driver, and that both of them are probably among the best ever," Andretti added.

I've been sitting here, staring at a blank document, waiting for the right words to come. Any words, really. You'd think, writing about a vehicle like the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus would cause a bout of verbal diarrhea that no amount of word-count Imodium could cure... but here's the thing; there are no words to properly describe this vehicle.

I don't feel there are words worthy of its presence, its abilities, its emotional unearthings. The English language hasn't invented them yet; and while I'm tempted to create a few of my own, I'm afraid they'd sound rather dirty and I may get into trouble.


What is the Audi R8 V10 Plus?
Besides being a glorious automobile to behold, the Audi R8 is the German automaker's answer to the super car segment -- and what an answer it is.

True, it may be considered the nouveau riche in a segment that's rife with history and experience, but the Audi R8 is equipped to play with the big boys. It's been around for about seven years now, and while its seen very few changes over those years, that hasn't hurt its appeal.

Besides being a glorious automobile to behold, the Audi R8 is the German automaker's answer to the super car segment. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus Price and Specs
Prepare yourself for some big numbers when speaking about the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus. While some of those numbers will leave you weak in the knees for a good reason, others will just knock you out from sheer shock.

Let's start with the shocking ones first: The 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus has a starting price of $187,000. Take a breath and know that my tester (with its three options) tipped the scale at $211,895.

As for the knee-weakening bits, there are plenty of them. As its name would suggest, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus carries a glorious 5.2L V10 in its midst. With 550 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, and only weighing 1,635kgs, the Audi R8 is a veritable street-legal racecar. Fantastic.

As its name would suggest, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus carries a glorious 5.2L V10 in its midst with 550 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus
Full disclosure: In all my years as an auto journalist, I'd never driven an R8 before. This was my first time, and the anticipation, and excitement were palpable when I got the keys. As happy as I was to finally drive it, I was also rather intimidated. This is a lot of car, and it makes that immediately clear the moment you fire up the angry-sounding, visceral 5.2L V10.

Slipping onto the quilted leather seats, wrapping my slightly clammy hands around the small, steering wheel perfectly molded for ideal hand placement, I glanced down at the crowning jewel in the cockpit: the metal-framed 6-speed gated shifter.

That's right: Three pedals. Six gears. Deep breath.

A bit of an anomaly in the supercar world, this was perhaps one of the best manual transmissions I've ever had the pleasure of shifting. From the rather easy-to-manipulate clutch to the fabulous metallic “schlick” as each gear engages, the experience of driving the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is made that much more tangible via this transmission.

As each gear begs to be engaged, while the engine toys with your mind coaxing you to push the revs ever higher as the wail of the V10 echoes through the two-seater cockpit and deep into your very being, the organic growl of the dual exhaust juxtapositions beautifully against the industrial click of shifting gears. As graceful as it is chaotic, driving the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is pure pleasure, if nothing else.

If I've got to find a negative point (and trust me, I struggled to find at least one), I'd say the lack of torque is up there. Sure, it's got enough ponies, but the inability to really throw my head into the quilted leather headrest is a bit disappointing.

Make no mistake, the Quattro all-wheel drive with viscous coupling system is wonderful, allowing the R8 V10 Plus to play when asked. Equipped with ceramic brakes (a $10,900 option worth every penny), the R8 comes to a stop as quickly as it gets going.

Free of any sport, dynamic or plus modes, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is essentially always fast -- no boost needed. With a top speed of 315 km/hr and a 0-100 km/hr time of just 3.9 seconds, this German is quick... Quick to get the adrenaline pumping.

Slipping onto the quilted leather seats, I glanced down at the crowning jewel in the cockpit: the metal-framed 6-speed gated shifter. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the Audi R8 V10 Plus
If another “sore” point can be pointed out, it's the lack of change the R8 has seen over the years. Some would say a change would be blasphemous, but I'm not sure how much longer Audi can pull off the R8's look as the world's other supercars continue to evolve.

That being said, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is pure sex on wheels. It doesn't matter what angle you approach it, this car is stunning. Low, wide and perfectly proportioned, there's very little to dislike. Add a layer of Sepang Blue Pearl Effect with carbon fibre front lip, rear diffuser and blades and I challenge you to say this thing isn't hot. I dare you.

Inside, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is a lesson in simplistic sophistication. Memory seat settings? Nope. Digital gauge cluster? Don't think so. E-brake? Thank God, no. The interior of the R8 is as business as the engine bay, clean crisp and all about the task at hand: driving.

The 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is pure sex on wheels. It doesn't matter what angle you approach it, this car is stunning. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus
I'm glad I finally had the chance to drive the R8 because it really opened my eyes to just how good Audi can be. They are about much more than luxury all-wheel-drive suburban dwellers. They've managed to engineer a supercar that's as willing and able to play alongside the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo S, and still survive the winter months.

Have you noticed Jaguar lately? I mean to say, as opposed to in the last two decades or so? Seriously, Jag is on the prowl (had to...), improving upon or introducing new products and a concept over roughly 24 months.

Hype is created for numerous reasons, but the best one (in my opinion) is when a new car comes to life. This is especially true when a revered and adored brand such as Jaguar is the company birthing that new car. It is all the more hype-worthy when it's a sports car, something Jaguar has not offered in over 40 years.

The 2014 Jaguar F-Type has, in one damn sexy move, eclipsed the XK and every other car in the lineup. The F-Type does not disappoint in any way, shape or form. In base trim, the car proved to be phenomenally agreeable to drive. Staring at from my living room window was just as gratifying. Another legend is born.


What is a Jaguar F-Type?
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type was the missing link in the return of Jaguar to the forefront of performance and sport automobiling.

The F-Type is a 2-seater roadster in the truest sense. It blends panache and prestige into a sensuous package that has rekindled the world's love affair with the house from Whitley, Coventry, UK.

The 2014 Jaguar F-Type was the missing link in the return of Jaguar to the forefront of performance and sport automobiling. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2014 Jaguar F-Type Price and Specs
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type comes in three delectable flavours that increase taste-bud activity as the price climbs.

The basic F-Type rocked my world with a 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0L V6. For $76,900, you get a car that will trip the 100km/hr mark in 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 260 km/hr. An 8-speed QuickShift transmission is standard. As tested, with performance seats featuring contrast stitching ($3,600), climate pack ($650), and a few other goodies, my F-Type rolled in at $85,500.

The first step up from the “standard” car is the F-Type S that features, among other things, a 380-horsepower version of the V6. Pricing starts at $88,900. The top-notch F-Type is the V8 S with its all-conquering 495-horsepower supercharged 5.0L V8. Prepare to dish out $100,900 for this one. And this one will destroy the 0-100km/hr dash in only 4.3 seconds.

The basic F-Type rocked my world with a 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0L V6. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
It is very difficult not to get excited at the prospect of driving this car. As I looked over it, from our 2nd floor offices with key fob in hand, I could scarcely wait to leave the stuffiness of my cubicle and feel alive, wind flowing over my skull.

I must admit that within minutes of leaving the lot with the car (in Dynamic mode, with the top down) I'd become annoyed with the exhaust's farting and belching off-throttle and through shifts. I've since checked into a wonderful institution that reminded me that my mommy still loves me and that eating the occasional shoe is OK.

I've digressed from what soon thereafter became an extremely pleasurable aural experience. This V6 doesn't make the F-type especially fast as much as it makes it a rapid mode of two-passenger transit. The trick is in the linear power delivery with hesitation-free throttle response, even in non-Dynamic mode.

With the box set in manual mode, flapping away gears is fun. More than just that, the instantaneous shifts, rev-matching and accompanying sounds almost make me think a manual do-it-yourselfer would be pointless...

By far, my favourite aspect of the car's drive is its steering. The 2014 F-Type's ultra-quick and responsive connection to the front wheels is rewarding as it builds confidence. The lightweight aluminum body construction is one of the car's best features and is instrumental in its handling. Weight distribution is ideal, and the car's all-round forged aluminum double wishbone suspension all work in concert for fantastic amounts of grip, both front and rear.

Then, select Dynamic mode. Steering weighs up just a tad, the throttle has more bite, and shifts gain urgency. The fun really begins now.

A key element to making any drop-top beautiful has to do with the roof. If the look isn't quite good, then the roof mechanism should stow everything away very quickly. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
A key element to making any drop-top beautiful has to do with the roof. If the look isn't quite good, then the roof mechanism should stow everything away very quickly. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type's top drops in moments over 10 seconds (and at speeds up to 50 km/hr), but as far as I'm concerned can stay latched as long as it likes.

The F-Type's design is plain and simply brilliant. All will agree that the car is stunning to behold, gorgeous to stare at -- this is a mindless exercise. The brilliance lays in the fact that all the multiple design elements (such as the deployable door handles) can be absorbed rapidly, allowing the eye to fully appreciate the intricacies, every line, and crease. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type is truly one of the most beautiful cars on the road today.

The sleek and powerful F-Type's aura of sporty elegance carries through to the snug driver-oriented cabin. The optional performance seats add a degree of seriousness to the business of piloting this car.

Fit, finish, and materials are dignified and deserving of this car. Every surface is perfectly textured, from the top of the dashboard to all the controls. HMI, through the touchscreen, is good but requires some time to adjust too.

The sleek and powerful F-Type's aura of sporty elegance carries through to the snug driver-oriented cabin. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type may be a star and a legend in its own right, but it's not alone in that respect. In roughly 15 years' time, the Porsche Boxster has become a go-to sporty drop-top for those looking for performance and styling. Other notables include the BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z roadster, and Audi TTS and RS.

The Jag has more panache than any of these and commands a higher price that is well worth it.

Jimmie Johnson's assault on NASCAR's immortal list took another step forward as he clinched his sixth Sprint Cup Championship while Denny Hamlin won the race in Homestead Miami Speedway.

Fans vigorously cheered Johnson's celebration “so thankful that Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick gave me this opportunity in 2002,” he said “so excited to have the ‘Six Pack' (what he calls his sixth title)” he added.

Johnson who came into the race with a 28-point lead over Kenseth and only had to finish 23rd or best had one tense moment on a late race restart. Johnson finished ninth.

“With 74 laps to go I had contact from behind which put me into the 20 (Kenseth) I thought this was going to be wild,” Johnson who fell back to 24th at the time said. “It made the last 50 laps interesting,” he explained.

Now with six NASCAR Sprint Cup Championships Johnson trails only NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt who each have seven titles. This was also his team, Hendrick Motorsports 11th Sprint Cup Championship the most in the series.

Jimmie Johnson, 2013 Sprint Cup Champion. (Photo: NASCAR)

As for getting into Earnhardt or Petty category of titles Johnson said “I feel like this team is capable of a lot of great things. There's still great years out ahead of us. But all of that is in the future, a seventh, an eighth. Richard (Petty) said eight to ten. That's all ahead of us.

I don't want to focus on that yet. It's not time. I want to unplug, enjoy the sixth, let it soak in. We'll get to Daytona for testing soon enough. I guess by then it's probably appropriate to ask the question.”

Kenseth, who started from the pole and led the most laps; finished second in the standings 19 points behind Johnson. He handled the disappointment with great grace. “It was an unbelievable year for us” the 2003 Champion said. He led the series with seven wins. “Overall you can't ask for more.” And he noted that despite finishing second in the points “this is one of the best seasons I've had.”

Denny Hamlin's miserable year missing six races due to a back injury at the beginning of the year at Auto Club Speedway finally had a happy ending. It was his 23rd career win and only of the year. “Horrible year,” he said “and I was going to be counting down the laps keep the streak alive as bad as the year was we can take a little solace. No reason we can't shoot out the gate in 2014 like we did in 2010 after we won here in 2009. It was his eight straight year with at least one win. “Eight years, it's amazing... man I wanted to keep the streak alive. It's heck of way to go out. Hamlin led 72 laps and finished .799 seconds ahead of Kenseth.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who led 28 laps, took third place after a tremendous struggle with Kenseth. After suffering an engine failure at the beginning of the Chase he bounced back to finish fifth in the points his second best year overall and best with Hendrick Motorsports. “We have been more competitive I think not as a company, I just think the 88 team has really stepped it up. But each year, like I said, we've gotten better.”

Also notable was Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was named Rookie of the Year. And it was the final Sprint Cup Series race for drivers, Ken Schrader, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton and Mark Martin.

Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept Revealed Before 2013 L.A. Show

Coming soon to a PS3 near you

Kazunori Yamauchi may have been challenged to make the sixth installment of his Gran Turismo video game seriously bigger and better than ever, but in doing so, he in turn challenged 22 automakers to create futuristic sports cars for use in the new Gran Turismo 6. The Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept, which debuts at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show, isn't just the first of these 22 bespoke designs to officially debut; it might be one of the only ones modeled outside of a digital environment.

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept Revealed Before 2013 L.A. Show - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept Revealed Before 2013 L.A. Show - Automobile Magazine

Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept Revealed Before 2013 L.A. Show | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Stealing cars isn't always a messy game that leaves piles of broken glass at the scene.

Even as automakers introduce technology that lets cars drive themselves in congested highway traffic, their engineers and suppliers already are working on the next steps, such as automatic passing and lane changing.

The Fusion -- Ford's hottest car since Taurus was America's top seller two decades ago -- is going coastal. Already a hit in the heartland, Fusion now attracts buyers in places that previously panned Detroit iron.

From GMM

Pirelli has warned it will take "a very conservative approach" to 2014 unless its mandate is clearly set out by formula one.

F1's official supplier has been the subject of intense criticism about the quality of its tires in 2013.

But boss Paul Hembery insists many have forgotten that the Italian marque was specifically tasked by Bernie Ecclestone to spice up the races by producing aggressive tires that quickly degrade.

Pirelli's patience is wearing out (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

That mandate, however, was never enshrined in the actual rules, to the point that Hembery argues many of the sport's leading figures have now forgotten.

"We just want to know what we should do," he said in Austin.

"We want clear guidance, as it seems to me as though people have forgotten what we were asked to do."

This weekend in Austin, Hembery admitted Pirelli's tyre selection - the hard and medium compounds - "is on the conservative side" for the US grand prix.

And he warned that, if Pirelli's role is not clarified, the sport should prepare for more "one-stop races" in 2014.

From GMM

Renault has played down expectations F1 will become a mere 'engine formula' with the new rules of 2014.

It is widely believed that if one manufacturer - such as Mercedes as per the current paddock rumours - gets an early lead in the horsepower stakes, its teams will dominate the new championship.

But Remi Taffin, of world champion Red Bull's engine supplier Renault, thinks car design will continue to be crucial.

"(Adrian) Newey is king," he told Spain's Marca sports newspaper, referring to how Renault goes about integrating its engine to the overall package.

"The overall package is what has to work," said Taffin.

Remi Taffin (Photo: Renault Sport)

"The importance of aerodynamics will be more or less the same (in 2014)," he added.

Taffin explained that, in his opinion, a key to Red Bull's success in the V8 era has been "the humility of Renault Sport's engineers, who have understood not to have the best engine, or the most powerful, but the best engine for the car".

Meanwhile, Marca correspondent Marco Canseco claims the 2007 Red Bull tested week for 'filming' purposes at the Los Arcos Navarra circuit may have been wearing a low nose, as per the 2014 regulations.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has revealed he lost sensation in his left side and suffered "severe" headaches in the wake of the recent Abu Dhabi grand prix.

The Spaniard's participation in this weekend's US grand prix was in doubt, after he hurt his back in a violent ride over the kerbs in a duel with Jean-Eric Vergne.

But Alonso released more details of the effects in Austin, revealing that his symptoms were even worse than was previously thought.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138 (Photo: WRi2)

At the wheel of his Ferrari, however, Alonso is still at full speed, as evidenced by his sixth place in Austin qualifying, many places ahead of his teammate Felipe Massa.

"The adrenaline works for me," he smiled to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"But when I lie down at night and get up in the morning, my back still hurts."

Ferrari's telemetry showed Alonso suffered a 28G impact.

"At first I did not feel too much," he said. But he had to be checked by the FIA's doctors, because the high Gs had triggered the medical warning light.

"They found that I had some numbness in my left arm and left leg," said Alonso.

Fernando Alonso at the hospital (Photo: Twitter)

The results alarmed the doctors and Alonso was sent to hospital, which is where the famous picture of him strapped to a spinal board was taken by his manager Luis Garcia Abad.

The next week, Alonso said, was the worst.

"I had a constant, severe headache," he said. "Not until this week did it get any better. But in the car I am not affected."

From GMM

Susie Wolff's role at Williams could be stepped up for 2014 to include Friday practice sessions.

That is the hope of Wolff's husband, Toto Wolff, who although Mercedes' motor sport boss is also still a minor shareholder of the Williams team.

Susie Wolff, 30, has had a test driver role at Williams this year, and is likely to stay at the British team for 2014.

Asked what his wife will be doing next year, Toto Wolff told Austria's Kleine Zeitung newspaper: "She will probably stay at Williams if she gets a suitable offer.

"But she wants to drive more -- Friday practices or some such," he added.

From GMM

Sergio Perez will not necessarily simply return to Sauber in 2014, boss Monisha Kaltenborn insists.

The Swiss team was disappointed late last year, when Perez was signed by McLaren.

Sauber continued to wear Telmex branding in 2013, but fellow Mexican Esteban Gutierrez had been promoted from the reserve role.

Two Mexicans for 2014? Perez and Gutierrez wouldn't mind.

"Mexican power!" Gutierrez said on Thursday. Perez agreed: "I think it would be good. Why not?"

Sergio Perez at Sauber in 2012 (Photo: WRi2)

Two Mexicans in a single team might appear untidy for a Swiss F1 team, but Kaltenborn said Sauber has "never chosen drivers by nationality".

The team has also been struggling financially in 2013, so might not be in an ideal position to be too choosy.

When asked about Perez, Kaltenborn was quoted by AS newspaper: "We had a good relationship, and good memories of his years here.

"But there are other drivers who could be on the team," the Sauber chief added.

The ball would appear to be in Telmex's court, particularly after McLaren changed direction so radically by ousting Perez.

"The money is there to run both of them (at Sauber)," an unnamed Mexican was quoted in Austin by AS correspondent Manuel Franco, "and even to buy the team."

From press release

Sébastien Ogier rounded off a dominant debut WRC season at Volkswagen with victory today on the final round of the championship, Wales Rally GB.

It was the ninth win of the year for the Frenchman, who, driving a Polo R, secured the 2013 FIA drivers' title as early as the Rallye de France, in October. 

Ogier took the lead in Wales on Thursday's opening stage and controlled his pace perfectly, fending off a sustained attack from his team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, a two-time winner here, on the slippery forest roads of mid and north-Wales. 

After celebrating with co-driver Julien Ingrassia at the end of the decisive Great Orme stage, Ogier said he was delighted to have eclipsed his previous best in Wales of a lowly 11th in 2011. 

Julien Ingrassia, Sébastien Ogier (VW Motorsport)

Latvala finished as runner up, 21.8 seconds behind Ogier in Volkswagen's second Polo R. The Finn had an inconsistent rally that featured stage winning highs as well as frustrating lows when he couldn't find a confident feeling at the wheel. 

A final day push for the lead started well, with Latvala narrowing the gap to Ogier to just 19.5 seconds after the two opening stages. But a stall at a junction on Clocaenog (SS19) cost him six seconds and ended the charge. 

Belgium's Thierry Neuville was third, 1m 02.7s further back, to round off a remarkable season with the Qatar World Rally Team and, more importantly, secure second spot in the WRC drivers' championship. 

Ford Fiesta RS driver Mads Ostberg was fourth, 27.7 seconds behind Neuville, after a tense duel with his fellow Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen. Ostberg eventually won the duel, as Mikkelsen spun twice on Sunday. 

Martin Prokop was sixth in a Fiesta RS, more than five minutes behind Mikkelsen, with Dani Sordo seventh, as the sole factory Citroen finisher, having dropped out of contention before the start with a five-minute penalty.

The lead trio in the WRC 2 category, Elfyn Evans, Jari Ketomaa and Mark Higgins rounded off the top ten. 

Auto123.com provides here a live description of the United States Formula 1 Grand Prix held at the stunning Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas.

Our motorsport editor, René Fagnan is at the race track.

Follow his description of the penultimate round of the 2013 Formula 1 World Championship. For logistic reasons, the feed will be carried in both English and French.

Check the action on TV and follow our analysis here.

From press release

Alex Lynn won the 2013 running of the Star River‧Windsor Arch Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, leading home António Félix da Costa in a tense encounter.

Barely more than a second covered the pair throughout the second half of the race, Lynn showing nerves of steel to take his first win in Macau at just his second attempt.

“I can't really put it into words,” said the Theodore Racing by Prema driver.

“I've dreamed of winning this race and ever since I left here finishing third [last year]. All I wanted to do is come back here and win and I can't believe I've actually done it.”

Macau Grand Prix podium (Photo: macau.grandprix.gov.mo)

Carlin driver da Costa, who won the race 12 months ago, started fourth, but quickly found himself in third when Felix Rosenqvist retired on the first lap. He then slipped past Pipo Derani on the run to Lisboa following an early re-start, but was unable to overhaul the leader, despite closing the gap in the second half of the race.

Derani wound up finishing third, but it took a little bit of good fortune. The Fortec driver had just been passed and gapped by Prema Powerteam's Raffaele Marciello, only for the Italian to crash out of the race at R Bend four laps from the end.

A pair of Britons were next, Alexander Sims (ThreeBond with T-Sport) leading home Carlin's Jordan King - who was not only the best-placed rookie at the end of the event, but set the fastest lap of the race with a 2m11.547s.

Jazeman Jaafar was next, ahead of Carlin team-mate Carlos Sainz Junior, and Fortec driver Tom Blomqvist. Nicholas Latifi (Carlin) and Esteban Ocon (Prema Powerteam) rounded out the Top 10.

The race featured just one safety car period, sparked when Lucas Auer (Theodore Racing by Prema), John Bryant-Meisner (Fortec) and Sean Gelael (Double R Racing) all hit the wall at the exit of Mandarin.

Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel won a record eighth straight race Sunday at the 2013 Formula 1 Grand Prix of the United States at Circuit of the Americas.

Sebastian Vettel on the podium. (Photo: WRI2)

The young four-time World Champion claimed victory ahead of Lotus' Romain Grosjean and his teammate, Mark Webber. Vettel became the first man to win eight consecutive events in one calendar year.

At the green, Vettel remained in first place from his pole position while Grosjean, starting third, jumped ahead of Webber to take second.

Romain Grosjean, Lotus (Photo: Rene Fagnan)

Vettel pushed really hard during the opening laps to build a 10-second cushion over Grosjean.

Near the end of the race, Grosjean and Webber had a good scrap over second place but the Australian never found a way past despite using his KERS in different manners. The Frenchman scored his best finish of the season after five third places this season.

Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing (Photo: Rene Fagnan)

Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes AMG finished over 20 seconds behind the podium positions in fourth at the end of what was evidently a frustrating 56 laps for the Briton amid yet more tire management concerns.

Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari arrived home fifth after having battled hard against the Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg in the closing laps of the race.

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber (Photo: Rene Fagnan)

Mexican Sergio Perez (McLaren) drove an inspired race to finish seventh ahead of the flying Valtteri Bottas who scored his first points in career in a Williams.

The points finishers were rounded out by Nico Rosberg (Mercedes AMG) and, via a penultimate-lap pass on Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso), Jenson Button (McLaren) who again endured a very difficult weekend.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG (Photo: Rene Fagnan)

Results* of the 2013 US Grand Prix, Circuit of the Americas:

1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 56 laps in 1h39m17.148
2 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 6"284
3 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 8"396
4 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 27"358
5 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 29"592
6 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 30"400
7 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 46"692
8 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 54"509
9 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 59"141
10 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'17"278
11 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'21"004
12 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1'24"574
13 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'26"914
14 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'31"707
15 - Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 1'35"063
16 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'36"853
17 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap down
18 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1 lap down
19 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1 lap down
20 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1 lap down
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 2 laps down
DNF Adrian Sutil (Force India)

Drivers' championship:
1. Vettel 372 points; 2. Alonso 227; 3. Hamilton 187; 4. Raikkonen 183; 5. Webber 171; 6. Rosberg 161; 7. Grosjean 132; 8. Massa 106; 9. Button 61; 10. Di Resta 48; 11. Hulkenberg 47; 12. Perez 41; 13. Sutil 29; 14. Ricciardo 19; 15. Vergne 13; 16. Gutierrez 6; 17. Bottas 4; 18. Maldonado 1.

Constructors' championship:
1. Red Bull-Renault 553 points; 2. Mercedes 348; 3. Ferrari 333; 4. Lotus-Renault 315; 5. McLaren-Mercedes 102; 6. Force India-Mercedes 77; 7. Sauber-Ferrari 53; 8. Toro Rosso-Ferrari 32; 9. Williams-Renault 5
*Unofficial results