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From GMM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Williams F1 Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From GMM

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

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

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

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

Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Need for Speed

Photo: Need for Speed

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

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

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

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

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

From press release

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

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

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

Photo: FIA Formule E

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

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

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

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

Toyota must pay $3 million in a lawsuit claiming a defect in a Camry caused the vehicle to unintentionally accelerate, leading to an accident that left one woman dead and another injured, an Oklahoma jury said.

News 25 Oct, 2013

A new Alfa Romeo Giulietta could use the all-aluminium engine from the 4C coupe

The 2014 BMW 2 series coupe will have a base price of $33,025 for the 228i and $44,025 for the M235i, including shipping.

Audi of America's A3 sedan will start at $29,900, plus shipping, when it goes on sale next year -- the exact same as the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe First Look

The larger, more powerful 1 Series.

BMW's influx of even-numbered models continues with the 2014 2 Series coupe. The 2 Series replaces the BMW 1 Series coupe in the U.S. market as part of BMW's strategy to reserve odd-numbered model names for vehicles with more than two doors. (The BMW 3 Series sedan begat the 4 Series coupe, for instance.) The 2014 BMW 228i and M235i coupes will be making their public debut at the 2014 Detroit auto show before going on sale in the U.S. in March 2014.

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe First Look - Automobile Magazine

2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe First Look | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

AutoNation Chairman Mike Jackson blasted the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau today for being 'bound and determined' to find discrimination in auto lending whether or not it exists, at least in his company's case.

Tesla Motors said it hired an Apple executive and former Ford engineer to lead development of new vehicles.

The governors of California and seven other states said today that they intend to get 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles onto their roads by 2025, showing a determination to keep their electric vehicle mandates despite automakers' complaints.

Subaru has axed the ailing mid-sized Tribeca crossover, with production slated to end in January.

We know there are legions of fans of classic and not-so-classic American station wagons bearing the same footprint as a modern SUV out there, and

Renault said third-quarter revenue fell 3.2 percent as Iran sanctions and weaker emerging market currencies more than offset gains in pricing and sales volumes.

Renault said third-quarter revenue fell 3 percent as Iran sanctions and weaker emerging market currencies more than offset gains in pricing and sales volumes.

Daimler has reported third quarter earnings before interest and taxes up 16% to EUR2.23bn.