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Jason Hathaway took the lead late in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series' event in Barrie to win the Hudco Electric Supply 300 presented by G-Oil which was postponed to Sunday because of heavy rains Saturday.

With this victory, Hathaway has prolonged the championship duel between Scott Steckly and DJ Kennington who will have to wait until the season's finale to battle it out.

Kennington settled for second in front of JR Fitzpatrick. Scott Steckly, who won the Heluva Good! Pole Award earlier in the day, finished fourth.

Kennington has now a five-point lead over Steckly heading into the season finale in two weeks.

Rookie Alex Guenette finished fifth at Barrrie, followed by Martin Roy, Ryley Seibert, Mark Dilley, Ron Beauchamp Jr., and Joy McColm.

It was second win of the season and third career victory for the 36-year-old. Hathaway won at Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish, N.S., in August.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship will be decided on Saturday, Sept. 21 in the Pinty's 250 at Kawartha Speedway in Peterborough, Ont.

From press release

Fabio Leimer and Adrian Quaiffe-Hobbs take win in Monza, as the Swiss driver moves up to the lead in provisional championship classification ahead of Sam Bird.

Fabio Leimer has grabbed his third feature race win of the season with a storming drive in scorching conditions on Saturday in Monza, stealing a march at the start to lead his rivals all race long, apart from the pitstop window, for victory ahead of Sam Bird and Tom Dillmann and, with it, the championship lead.

Fabio Leimer. (Photo: GP2 Series)

The win changes the shape of the drivers' championship, with Leimer leading Bird by 153 points to 145, while Coletti and Felipe Nasr failed to add to their points after both dropping out with mechanical gremlins, standing on 135 and 130 points respectively, ahead of Calado on 119.

RUSSIAN TIME moved up in first position in the teams' championship on 223 points to Racing Engineering's 205, ahead of Carlin on 198, DAMS on 165 and Rapax on 153 before Sunday's sprint race.

In sprint race, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs gave his rivals a driving lesson with a mature, aggressive drive to lead from lights to flag in changing conditions at this morning's sprint race in Monza, dictating terms all race long to win by almost two seconds from Alexander Rossi and Julian Leal.

Adrian Quaife-Hobbs. (Photo: GP2 Series)

The win was set up at the start when poleman Rossi had a poor getaway, leaving the road clear for his fellow front row starter Quaife-Hobbs to easily lead into the chicane.

Although Bird closed the gap slightly in the drivers' championship, Leimer holds on to the lead with 159 points to 153, while Coletti and Nasr's race long battle on sunday made no difference to their point scores, at 135 and 130 respectively, ahead of Calado on 119 points.

RUSSIAN TIME extend their lead in the teams' championship over Racing Engineering by 237 points to 221, ahead of Carlin on 198 and DAMS on 165 as the field looks forward to the next round in Singapore in two weeks time.

From GMM

As the formula one paddock emptied at Monza, one rumour had moved into the realm of fact -- Kimi Raikkonen is returning to Ferrari in 2014.

The news was being confidently reported by broadcasters, including Germany's RTL, the major daily Bild, and even perhaps the most respected correspondent in the paddock, Auto Motor und Sport's Michael Schmidt.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo will reportedly inform Felipe Massa that his services are no longer required in a personal meeting at Maranello on Wednesday.

It would go some way to explaining the Italian team's current 'number 1' driver Fernando Alonso's foul mood and outbursts of recent days and weeks.

Bild reported that the long delay in the actual signing of Raikkonen's deal is because part of his management team, David Robertson, is in hospital in the US with cancer.

In the meantime, Spaniard Alonso has pushed hard for the status-quo, openly arguing that Massa should stay put. He has not won the day.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

Der Spiegel claims to even know who will pay Raikkonen's approximately EUR 20 million salary -- partly the Alonso-linked Spanish bank Santander, and partly team sponsor Shell.

"Let's see what happens," Massa told the Italian broadcaster Rai on Sunday. "Yes, this race was important for my future, but it doesn't mean that my only future can be (wearing) red."

He is also quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper: "He (Montezemolo) will not announce anything without talking to me, for sure. I love Ferrari. But the other teams also know what I can do."

Finn Raikkonen, as per usual, was also giving little away on Sunday.

"I don't know anything yet," he told the Rai broadcaster. "Once I know, I'll tell you."

Indeed, once the news becomes official, the really explosive speculation may begin.

The German dailies Bild and Welt already report that Alonso is so unhappy with Raikkonen's arrival that he could jump ship to fill the Finn's place at Lotus.

That move actually might not be as unlikely as it sounds.

Bild newspaper said it could coincide with a ramping up of works Renault support for the Enstone based team, backed fully by the French carmaker's chairman Carlos Ghosn.

Eric Boullier and Kimi Raikkonen. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

When asked about that potentially explosive news, Lotus team boss Eric Boullier said: "If Fernando knocks on my door, I will answer it. I just hope that I can pay for it!"

He is also quoted by f1news.ru: "We are trying to establish a relationship with Renault and Total, which is important from a technical standpoint but it also may help on the financial side."

Switzerland's Blick newspaper reported that Nico Hulkenberg will definitely not be staying at Sauber next year.

The German has been linked with Massa's Ferrari seat, but he might also be a candidate to replace Raikkonen at Lotus.

"We all have plans and backup plans," said Eric Boullier.

When asked simply 'Kimi or Nico?' the Frenchman answered: "Good question."

From GMM

The end of Sauber's financial struggles could depend on the new Russian connections paving the way to sponsor deals.

Ever since the so-called 'Russian rescue deal' was announced, suggestions the struggling Swiss team's financial woes are far from over have persisted.

"I understand that people want to know more," team boss Monisha Kaltenborn told Blick newspaper, "because until now we have not said so much. But I want to assure everyone that things go in the right direction."

She hinted, however, that Russian rubles have not been flowing overly quickly.

"I hope that in this season, we will see new sponsor logos on the car," said Kaltenborn.

"We also hope that something happens in terms of Sochi," she added, referring to next year's inaugural Russian grand prix.

Nico Hulkenberg in Monza. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

What is fairly certain is that, if the Russian teen Sergey Sirotkin is able to secure a super license, he will be racing a Sauber in 2014.

But Blick reports that Sauber's current lead driver, the Ferrari and Lotus-linked Nico Hulkenberg, will definitely not be Sirotkin's teammate.

That news would seem to boost Esteban Gutierrez's chances, as he is strongly linked with Mexican team backers, including Telmex.

"Actually one thing really does not have anything to do with the other," Kaltenborn insisted.

In fact, she admitted that, "Ideally, we would want a more experienced teammate" for 18-year-old Sirotkin.

"On the other hand we have been in this situation before and it worked well with two somewhat inexperienced pilots," added Kaltenborn.

However, Sauber is close to renewing its engine deal with Ferrari for 2014, and the Italian team is looking for a middle-ranked team to place Jules Bianchi.

And current Ferrari racer Felipe Massa is also on the market.

Kaltenborn insisted: "Ferrari will have no influence on our driver choice. And there is no obligation for us to take a second Russian driver."

One thing is for sure -- Sauber has no place available for its highly-rated 2013 reserve driver Robin Frijns, who has already departed the Swiss team.

Monisha Kaltenborn admitted letting the Dutchman go was all about money -- or his lack of it.

"Unfortunately it shows what situation formula one is in at the moment," she said. "Despite his talent, his management hasn't been able to find more sponsors. And it makes no sense to hold on to a driver if you cannot give him what he wants."

I think I'm jaded. I want more. No, I need more. What may have once impressed me no longer makes me take notice. I need more excitement, more oomph, more... something. Perhaps, had I not had the privilege of driving the Shelby GT500 or the BOSS 302 I'd have been more taken with the 5.0L GT.

It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the drive, far from it -- I had a blast. I just felt like the vehicle could have given me more somehow. I'm afraid someone shelling out their hard-earned dollars will eventually feel the same way, especially if they take their friend's BOSS for a spin, and that's just not cool.


What is a Ford Mustang GT?
The Ford Mustang is the original “pony car,” and Ford's most legendary nameplate. First introduced in the ‘60s, there have been five generations of Mustangs over the years. While various trim levels have been offered over the decades, on the most popular and well-known trims was and is the GT.

The Ford Mustang GT is the sportiest affordable edition of a traditional Mustang. The price is the key here, as there are more powerful and better-performing models such as the Shelby GT500, but it costs quite a bit of coin.

2013 Ford Mustang GT Price and Specs
The Mustang GT is the most powerful “regular” ‘Stang in the lineup. Equipped with a 5.0L V8, the Mustang GT is good for 420 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque pushed out the rear wheels. And while there is a 6-speed automatic transmission available, I recommend the 6-speed manual (especially as it is in the GT with a short shifter for quick, tight throws).

A base 2013 Mustang GT will set you back $40,099 (at the time of writing there were, however, close to $7k in allowances and employee pricing discounts). However, I'd say very few people take the bare-bones Mustang GT, and so the price can go up very quickly. My tester had over $5k in options that included a $1,000 Shaker audio system (which isn't worth the money, in my opinion).

Equipped with a 5.0L V8, the Mustang GT is good for 420 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque pushed out the rear wheels. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the 2013 Ford Mustang GT
While I may have been a bit underwhelmed by the whole affair, I still enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT. It's got plenty of grunt and just the right amount of attitude when asked to show a bit on the open road. Getting the back end to squiggle around a little is quite easy, as is usually the case with rear-wheel drive American “muscle” cars.

So, why underwhelmed? Well, I feel like the V8 could be louder, the exhaust note a bit more obnoxious, and the overall feel of the car a bit more hard core. I guess that's where my comparison with the Shelby GT500 comes in -- that car is a struggle every time you get behind the wheel, and I wish there was a bit more of that in the GT. While I realize the GT500 is quite a bit more expensive, I just don't feel enough of the 500's spirit has trickled down into the GT.

I love driving the Mustang V6, so I wanted to love driving the V8 even more -- and I didn't. I just kind of enjoyed it. I think the first few weeks, even months, you own a 2013 Mustang GT you'll get a kick out of driving it, but then the novelty will wear off, whereas I feel other similarly priced and powered cars out there retain their fun-to-drive-ness.

While I may have been a bit underwhelmed by the whole affair, I still enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT
In Grabber Blue, the Mustang GT stands out more than usual. With colours like Gotta Have it Green and Racing Red, Ford clearly wants their Mustangs to stick out from the crowd. New-for-2013 headlights were added to the front fascia, making the Mustang GT more expressive; so much so that a little boy at my son's day care exclaimed, “It looks like it wants to play!” when he saw it.

Indeed the 2013 Mustang GT looks to have much more of a personality, and that continues straight to the traditional fastback rear of the pony car. Signature three-bar taillights finish off the package with a massive, oversize GT symbol smack in the middle.

Inside the 2013 Mustang GT is snug, but in a good way. The backseats are actually very, very comfortable and cushy, but not made for those who have any sort of vertical height. The Recaro seats are cumbersome to move when putting my son in the back, and the bolstering proved too large for my arm placement in relation to the shifter -- the seat almost hindered even-gear shifts.

Inside the 2013 Mustang GT is snug, but in a good way. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Comparing the 2013 Mustang GT
Of course, the Mustang's main competitors are the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. All that American muscle means the decision may come down to which brand you're more loyal to, since they all essentially offer the same nostalgic experience behind the wheel.

From GMM

McLaren is next in line for a private tire test with Pirelli, according to the German-language Speed Week.

It emerged at Monza on Sunday that Red Bull will take a 2011 car to Barcelona this week for a two-day, 1000 kilometre session to test tires for 2014.

"The tires will be round and black and unmarked," motor sport director Paul Hembery insisted. "So Red Bull will not know what is being tested."

McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: WRi2)

It is believed that, in the wake of this year's Mercedes controversy known as 'test-gate', a condition of Pirelli's ongoing testing with individual teams is that all of the other teams also have to be offered a similar opportunity.

Sporting director Otmar Szafnauer denies Force India was offered a test, but Hembery insisted: "We asked everyone.

"We have another team that is interested but no date as yet," he added.

Speed Week correspondent Mathias Brunner claims the team that has accepted Pirelli's offer is McLaren.

Jason Hathaway took the lead late in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series' event in Barrie to win the Hudco Electric Supply 300 presented by G-Oil which was postponed to Sunday because of heavy rains Saturday.

With this victory, Hathaway has prolonged the championship duel between Scott Steckly and DJ Kennington who will have to wait until the season's finale to battle it out.

Kennington settled for second in front of JR Fitzpatrick. Scott Steckly, who won the Heluva Good! Pole Award earlier in the day, finished fourth.

Kennington has now a five-point lead over Steckly heading into the season finale in two weeks.

Rookie Alex Guenette finished fifth at Barrrie, followed by Martin Roy, Ryley Seibert, Mark Dilley, Ron Beauchamp Jr., and Joy McColm.

It was second win of the season and third career victory for the 36-year-old. Hathaway won at Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish, N.S., in August.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship will be decided on Saturday, Sept. 21 in the Pinty's 250 at Kawartha Speedway in Peterborough, Ont.

From Grand-Am.com

Determined to break up the closest Daytona Prototype championship race in GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series history, Max Angelelli and Jordan Taylor combined to score a dominant victory, Sunday at Laguna Seca to extend their points lead with one race remaining in the season.

The top 10 drivers entered the weekend separated by only five points. Taylor and Angelelli will now go into the season finale at Lime Rock Park on Sept. 28 leading defending champions Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas by eight points, 304-296.

Max Angelilli and Jordan Taylor, Corvette Daytona Prototype. (Photo: Grand-Am.com)

Taylor and Angelelli dominated, leading 72 of the 105 laps in the two-hour, 45-minute race. While the final margin of victory for Taylor over Pruett was 2.692 seconds. Pruett, co-driving the No. 01 Telcel/TELMEX BMW/Riley with Memo Rojas, moved from sixth to second in the championship standings after passing Dixon with two laps remaining.

Dixon and fellow IndyCar driver Dario Franchitti took third in the No. 02 Cessna BMW/Riley. Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty finished fourth in the No. 99 GAINSCO Auto Insurance Corvette DP, followed by Sebastien Bourdais and Emilio DiGuida in the No. 4 Venezuela Corvette DP.

In GT, Andy Lally led the final 26 laps in the No. 44 Magnus Racing/Flex-Box Porsche GT3 started by John Potter, giving the team its first victory of the year and the lead in the class standings.

Lally held off Billy Johnson, driving the No. 93 Turner Motorsport BMW M3 started by Michael Marcel, by .0940 seconds, while Eric Curran and Boris Said were third in the No. 31 Marsh Racing Corvette and Patrick Lindsey and Patrick Long fourth in the No. 73 Park Place Motorsports Porsche GT3.

Alessandro Balzan entered the race with the GT class points lead and led 37 laps in the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 458 started by Leh Keen, but finished fifth. Lally and Potter now lead Balzan by eight points (313-305), with John Edwards and Robin Liddell - who finished seventh in the No. 57 Stevenson Auto Group Chevrolet Camaro - another five points back.

Photo: Grand-Am.com

Tom Long and Sylvain Tremblay took their third GX victory in the No. 70 Mazdaspeed/SpeedSource Mazda 6 while Jim Norman scored his eighth consecutive second-place finish, co-driving with Spencer Pumpelly in the No. 38 BGB Motorsports Porsche Cayman.

The race saw the Rolex Series debut for both Aston Martin and Lotus. Brandon Davis and Darren Turner placed 10th in GT in the No. 66 Paypal/HP Aston Martin Vantage for TRG-AMR, while Scott Dollahite and Jeff Mosing took third in GX in the No. 11 Lotus Evora.

Race results - Laguna Seca (Grand-Am)
1 - Angelelli-Taylor (Corvette DP/Dallara) - Taylor - 105 laps

2 - Pruett-Rojas (Riley-BMW) - Ganassi - 105
3 - Dixon-Franchitti (Riley-BMW) - Ganassi - 105

4 - Fogarty-Gurney (Corvette DP/Riley) - Stallings - 105
5 - Di Guida-Bourdais (Corvette DP/Coyote) - 8Star - 105
6 - Wilson-Yacaman (Riley-Ford) - Shank - 105

7 - Barbosa-Fittipaldi (Corvette DP/Coyote) - ActionEx - 105
8 - Taylor-Westbrook (Corvette DP) - SpiritOfDaytona - 105
9 - Cameron-Nonnamaker (Riley-BMW) - Sahlen - 105

10 - Negri-Pew (Riley-Ford) - Shank - 105
11 - Frisselle-Frisselle (Corvette DP/Coyote) - ActionEx - 105
12 - Potolicchio-Valiante-Sarrazin (Corvette DP/Coyote) - 8Star - 104

13 - Dalziel-Popow (Riley-Ford) - Starworks - 103
14 - Nonnamaker-Nonnamaker (Riley-BMW) - Sahlen - 103
15 - Pace-Defoor (Riley-BMW) - 50+ - 101

16 - Lally-Potter (Porsche 997) - Magnus - 100
17 - Marsal-Johnson (BMW M3) - Turner - 100
18 - Curran-Said (Corvette Z06) - Marsh - 100

19 - Lindsey-Long (Porsche 997) - Park Place - 100

20 - Balzan-Keen (Ferrari 458) - Corsa - 100

21 - Assentato-Lazzaro (Ferrari 458) - AIM - 100
22 - Edwards-Liddell (Chevy Camaro) - Stevenson - 100
23 - Marcelli-Wong (Porsche 997) - Muehlner - 100
24 - Carter-Sellers (Audi R8) - Fall-Line - 100

25 - Davis-Turner (Aston Martin) - TRG - 99

26 - Hartley-Mayer (Porsche 997) - Starworks - 98
27 - Putman-Espenlaub (Porsche 997) - Park Place - 97

28 - Long-Tremblay (Ferrari 458) - Speedsource - 96
29 - Pumpelly-Norman (Porsche Cayman) - BGB - 96
30 - Auberlen-Della Lana (BMW M3) - Turner - 94
31 - Tagliani-Segal (Ferrari 458) - AIM - 81
32 - Dollahite-Mosing (Lotus Evora) - Lotus USA - 78

33 - Miller-Nunez (Mazda 6) - Speedsource - 76
34 - Hedlund-Van Overbeek (Ferrari 458) - Extrme Speed - 14

DP Championship
1. Taylor-Angelelli 304; 2. Rojas-Pruett 296; 3. Gurney-Fogarty 293; 4. Fittipaldi 291; 5. Barbosa 289.



GT Championship
1. Lally-Potter 313; 2. Balzan 305; 3. Edwards-Liddell 300; 4. Lazzaro-Assentato 294; 5. Lindsey-Long 287.

From ACMS

It was the end of an era Saturday night as the Brock Salvage Thunder Stocks ran their last races at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Dwindling registration as these old steel body sedans get harder to find and even harder to find parts, means they are being discontinued as a division of the Saskatoon Stock Car Racing Association and won't appear on the 2014 race schedule.

The thunder stock division was born out of the old claimer class at the Bridge City Speedway, being introduced to fans in 1983. The relaxed rules and rough redneck style of racing was enthusiastically endorsed by the fans and the division quickly became a favorite. Wally Eby was the winner of the first Thunder Stock Championship trophy.

Owner of the thunder stock No. 81 Barry Stefaniuk, known as Father Time around the track, was there from the beginning. He barely held back tears in an interview Saturday night as the track and fans bid farewell to the division. Barry estimates he has turned over 30,000 laps in racing behind the wheel of a race car.

Barry hasn't decided what the future holds for him beyond the upcoming year end Ellenn Plastics Ultimate Enduro. It is expected some of the thunder stock cars will become dedicated Enduro cars while some may turn to dirt tracks. It is expected most of the drivers will return in one of the other divisions.

The stands were full Saturday night for the running of the annual Martensville A&W Street Stock Invitational 100. 22 cars from around Saskatchewan went through qualifying and heat races to determine their start position for the 100 lap $2,000.00 to win feature.

Number 44 Craig Katelnikoff was the fastest qualifying at 16.572 seconds, followed by the No. 33 of Ryan Thompson at 16.647 seconds.

It was the No. 34 of Mike Schroeder picking up the win in the trophy dash though, earning him the pole position for the start of the 100 lap feature race. Darryl Potts picked up second and outside pole with the No. 36.

The No. 14 of Guy Derdall, proving to be a challenge lately, took the win in the first heat race, with No. 15 of Todd Pluhator coming in second. The No. 22 of Regina's Kevin Jorgenson was the winner of the second heat race, followed by the No. 18 of Bill Zubrecki.

Race officials had a little surprise before the start of the feature race though. Mike Schroeder, who had earned the pole start position with the No. 33 AJ's Auto Wrecking Camaro was offered a bonus $500 to win the race, if he would start at the back of the pack. The crowd was boisterous in their approval and Mike was quick to accept the challenge.

Mike would be giving up the pole position handing it to the strong No. 36 Mustang of Darryl Potts. This move also put street stock points' leader Brad Wrennick on the outside pole.

With the drop of the green flag Wrennick got off to a fast start, quickly taking a lead that would be hard to catch. Wrennick continued to lead with Katelnikoff in chase. Schroeder was also on the move though, moving up to 15th position by lap three.

A caution in lap four tightened the field up and Darryl Potts took advantage on the restart, getting ahead of Katelnikoff for second. Potts continued trying to catch Wrennick, but it was the No. 14 of Guy Derdall that would surprise all and take second place away from Potts in lap 12.

Derdall continued his hunt for first with Potts chasing him, but in lap 21 Derdall saw a change in his rear view mirror as the No. 34 of Schroeder was now behind him in third. The quarter way point saw that same order, with Wrennick in first, Derdall second and Schroeder third.

Derdall was proving to be quite the challenge for Schroeder as Schroeder tried inside and outside to get by, only to be denied lap after lap. Schroeder finally got by Derdall in lap 30 and now set his sights on Wrennick, just as Wrennick was starting to get into lapped traffic.

This actually worked to Wrennick's advantage though as he was able to keep cars between him and Schroeder. It wasn't until lap 47 that there was nothing but air between Wrennick and Schroeder, but it was too late by then and Wrennick was able to hang on to first going into the competition caution at lap 50 for fuel.

Going back to green, Wrennick was able to get the jump and pull away from the pack. Schroeder continued to chase him down and was finally able to take over the lead in lap 68. Wrennick continued behind Schroeder, but his car was beginning to fade. In lap 90 Mike Dionne was able to get around Wrennick for second and a lap later Alex Leschenko brought the No. 28 around to take over third.

That is the way the Martensville A&W 100 would end, with the No. 34 AJ's Auto Wrecking Camaro in first. Moose Jaw's No. 35 of Mike Dionne was second and Alex Leschenko was third in the No. 28 Ghost Transportation Camaro owned by Brennen Forseille. Brad Wrennick hung on for forth in the No. 88 Access 2000 Elevator and Lift Cutlas, while Craig Katelnikoff was fifth in the No. 44 Ridge Riders Roofing Monte Carlo.

In PartSource Mini Stock action, Jared Reddekopp took the first checkered flag of the night in the heat race with his No. 17 J&S Cabinets Honda Civic. Tristan Ransom was the winner of the Qualifier race in the No. 13 Saskatoon Sports Car Club BMW.

Dawson Reddekopp took the checkered in the PartSource Mini Stock Feature in the No. 15 J&S Cabinets Acura. No. 13 Tristan Ransom was second and the No. 17 of Jared Reddekopp was third.

And finally, in the Brock Salvage Thunder Stocks, Mike Rea took the checkered flags in the heat and qualifier race in the No. 18 Daou Auto Monte Carlo, but it was Curtis Houben spoiling Rea's perfect night, taking home the checkered flag and the final checkered flag for the thunder stocks in the Brock Salvage Feature in the No. 81 Culligan Water Matters Impala. No. 18 Mike Rea was second and the No. 22 of Ryan Fredrickson was third.

It is Mike Rea's name that will be the last one on the Thunder Stock championship trophy though, as the No. 18 Daou Auto Monte Carlo finished 37 points ahead of Curtis Houben. Ryan Fredrickson finishes third on the season.

The season starts to wrap up next week at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway as champions are decided in the Big Bore Drilling Super Truck Racing Series, the FFUN Trailer and Marine Pro Trucks, the Midwest Combustion Sportsman and the Saskatoon Earth Works Sask Legends Series. Front gates open at 12:30 with the first green flag at 2:05pm.

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel has clinched his 32nd career victory at the Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari's home race and the fastest circuit of the year.

Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: WRi2)

The German's third win at Monza makes him draw level with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in overall Formula 1 race victories, with both drivers having won 32 races apiece.

Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Starting from pole position, 26-year-old Vettel took his dominant victory with a one-stop strategy and now extends his championship advantage to 53 points over Alonso, who finished the race in second place.

Vettel's Red Bull teammate, Mark Webber, arrived home in third place.

Paul Di Resta. (Photo: WRi2)

Start of the 2013 Italian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

From press release

Fabio Leimer and Adrian Quaiffe-Hobbs take win in Monza, as the Swiss driver moves up to the lead in provisional championship classification ahead of Sam Bird.

Fabio Leimer has grabbed his third feature race win of the season with a storming drive in scorching conditions on Saturday in Monza, stealing a march at the start to lead his rivals all race long, apart from the pitstop window, for victory ahead of Sam Bird and Tom Dillmann and, with it, the championship lead.

Fabio Leimer. (Photo: GP2 Series)

The win changes the shape of the drivers' championship, with Leimer leading Bird by 153 points to 145, while Coletti and Felipe Nasr failed to add to their points after both dropping out with mechanical gremlins, standing on 135 and 130 points respectively, ahead of Calado on 119.

RUSSIAN TIME moved up in first position in the teams' championship on 223 points to Racing Engineering's 205, ahead of Carlin on 198, DAMS on 165 and Rapax on 153 before Sunday's sprint race.

In sprint race, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs gave his rivals a driving lesson with a mature, aggressive drive to lead from lights to flag in changing conditions at this morning's sprint race in Monza, dictating terms all race long to win by almost two seconds from Alexander Rossi and Julian Leal.

Adrian Quaife-Hobbs. (Photo: GP2 Series)

The win was set up at the start when poleman Rossi had a poor getaway, leaving the road clear for his fellow front row starter Quaife-Hobbs to easily lead into the chicane.

Although Bird closed the gap slightly in the drivers' championship, Leimer holds on to the lead with 159 points to 153, while Coletti and Nasr's race long battle on sunday made no difference to their point scores, at 135 and 130 respectively, ahead of Calado on 119 points.

RUSSIAN TIME extend their lead in the teams' championship over Racing Engineering by 237 points to 221, ahead of Carlin on 198 and DAMS on 165 as the field looks forward to the next round in Singapore in two weeks time.

From GMM

Team boss Cyril Abiteboul has admitted he is not sure if Caterham will have to sign two sponsored drivers for 2014.

At the end of last season, the highly-rated paid driver Heikki Kovalainen was let go, as the 'pay driver' duo Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic arrived.

But, subsequently, Abiteboul admitted that the lack of an experienced driver like Kovalainen may have contributed to Caterham's tougher-than-expected campaign.

Since that admission, Finn Kovalainen has returned to the team -- working hard in the simulator, with engineers, and testing the car in Bahrain, Spain, Spa and Monza.

So will Caterham be able to afford to pay a driver in 2014, or will that depend on whether the team can secure the lucrative tenth place in the constructors' championship?

"It's too early to tell," Abiteboul told Russia's f1news.ru.

"A lot can happen with the races we have left. We are trying to find new sponsors, new people, so it's too early to talk about the impact that our final position in the championship will have on our decision," said the Frenchman.

"Naturally, we have to have the necessary budget for next year. And formula one is not exactly getting cheaper," Abiteboul insisted.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

Indeed, he is referring to the radical new rules, which according to Red Bull team boss Christian Horner will "double" the engine costs for the smaller teams.

But Abiteboul said costs will also be higher due to the return of private testing, and the prospect of a 21 or even 22-race calendar.

And "The aerodynamics regulations are also changing, which may be a good idea but for our team, first and foremost, it means we have to spend more on research.

"In general I think we can assume the difference is approximately (EUR) 15-20 million compared to this season. So if we do not get some of the money from the (official) prize fund, it will be even more expensive for us. So it's really too early for us to say anything," he added.

I think I'm jaded. I want more. No, I need more. What may have once impressed me no longer makes me take notice. I need more excitement, more oomph, more... something. Perhaps, had I not had the privilege of driving the Shelby GT500 or the BOSS 302 I'd have been more taken with the 5.0L GT.

It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the drive, far from it -- I had a blast. I just felt like the vehicle could have given me more somehow. I'm afraid someone shelling out their hard-earned dollars will eventually feel the same way, especially if they take their friend's BOSS for a spin, and that's just not cool.


What is a Ford Mustang GT?
The Ford Mustang is the original “pony car,” and Ford's most legendary nameplate. First introduced in the ‘60s, there have been five generations of Mustangs over the years. While various trim levels have been offered over the decades, on the most popular and well-known trims was and is the GT.

The Ford Mustang GT is the sportiest affordable edition of a traditional Mustang. The price is the key here, as there are more powerful and better-performing models such as the Shelby GT500, but it costs quite a bit of coin.

2013 Ford Mustang GT Price and Specs
The Mustang GT is the most powerful “regular” ‘Stang in the lineup. Equipped with a 5.0L V8, the Mustang GT is good for 420 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque pushed out the rear wheels. And while there is a 6-speed automatic transmission available, I recommend the 6-speed manual (especially as it is in the GT with a short shifter for quick, tight throws).

A base 2013 Mustang GT will set you back $40,099 (at the time of writing there were, however, close to $7k in allowances and employee pricing discounts). However, I'd say very few people take the bare-bones Mustang GT, and so the price can go up very quickly. My tester had over $5k in options that included a $1,000 Shaker audio system (which isn't worth the money, in my opinion).

Equipped with a 5.0L V8, the Mustang GT is good for 420 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque pushed out the rear wheels. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the 2013 Ford Mustang GT
While I may have been a bit underwhelmed by the whole affair, I still enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT. It's got plenty of grunt and just the right amount of attitude when asked to show a bit on the open road. Getting the back end to squiggle around a little is quite easy, as is usually the case with rear-wheel drive American “muscle” cars.

So, why underwhelmed? Well, I feel like the V8 could be louder, the exhaust note a bit more obnoxious, and the overall feel of the car a bit more hard core. I guess that's where my comparison with the Shelby GT500 comes in -- that car is a struggle every time you get behind the wheel, and I wish there was a bit more of that in the GT. While I realize the GT500 is quite a bit more expensive, I just don't feel enough of the 500's spirit has trickled down into the GT.

I love driving the Mustang V6, so I wanted to love driving the V8 even more -- and I didn't. I just kind of enjoyed it. I think the first few weeks, even months, you own a 2013 Mustang GT you'll get a kick out of driving it, but then the novelty will wear off, whereas I feel other similarly priced and powered cars out there retain their fun-to-drive-ness.

While I may have been a bit underwhelmed by the whole affair, I still enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT
In Grabber Blue, the Mustang GT stands out more than usual. With colours like Gotta Have it Green and Racing Red, Ford clearly wants their Mustangs to stick out from the crowd. New-for-2013 headlights were added to the front fascia, making the Mustang GT more expressive; so much so that a little boy at my son's day care exclaimed, “It looks like it wants to play!” when he saw it.

Indeed the 2013 Mustang GT looks to have much more of a personality, and that continues straight to the traditional fastback rear of the pony car. Signature three-bar taillights finish off the package with a massive, oversize GT symbol smack in the middle.

Inside the 2013 Mustang GT is snug, but in a good way. The backseats are actually very, very comfortable and cushy, but not made for those who have any sort of vertical height. The Recaro seats are cumbersome to move when putting my son in the back, and the bolstering proved too large for my arm placement in relation to the shifter -- the seat almost hindered even-gear shifts.

Inside the 2013 Mustang GT is snug, but in a good way. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Comparing the 2013 Mustang GT
Of course, the Mustang's main competitors are the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. All that American muscle means the decision may come down to which brand you're more loyal to, since they all essentially offer the same nostalgic experience behind the wheel.

The Corolla is Toyota's best asset, their most valuable player: it is the brand's star. Unlike A-Rod, the Corolla's always been an honest to goodness car, and has never pretended to be more than it is. Fact is that the Corolla has over-performed from day one without the help of performance-enhancing drugs.

To tinker with and design a new Corolla is like trying to cut the right wire on a ticking time bomb while having a seizure. The 2014 Toyota Corolla must be good, and must fulfill its droves and legions of fans. Toyota cannot screw this one up; the cost would be too great.

They haven't.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla addresses all of the previous 2009-‘13 car's flaws, namely boredom at the sight of it and when behind the wheel. The new Corolla is fairly refined, quiet, and a good drive. On an isolated country road with countless switchbacks and elevation changes, I had fun! As well, it is spacious and its design is nearly hip.

It'll do very well.


What is a Toyota Corolla?
The Corolla, like the Camry, is a car that needs no real introduction. As the best selling car in the history of the world, with nearly 40 million sold, the Corolla is the definition of simple yet effective transportation.

The Toyota Corolla has always been the rational choice in the compact car segment, but has been losing ground to some newer models, especially those aimed at younger buyers.

The Corolla first saw the light of day in 1967 and has since been reborn 10 times for a total of 11 generations. So far, 1.3 million have been delivered in Canada where it has been built for 25 years.

2014 Toyota Corolla Price and Specs
The 2014 Toyota Corolla's pricing begins at a competitive $15,995. The CE is the new base car while the LE, which starts at $19,500, is expected to become the volume leader. The S returns with a base price of $19,215, roughly $1,500 less than the previous car.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla carries on with the same 132 horsepower 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. New for the 11th gen is the VALVEMATIC (varies intake air levels) 1.8L 4-pot engine that develops 140 horsepower and that can only be had with the LE Eco trim.

Transmission options are interesting overall, save for a sad, optional 4-speed automatic with the CE trim. Otherwise, a 6-speed manual is standard on the CE and S. A CVTi-S transmission is standard with the LE and LE Eco and optional on the S.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla carries on with the same 132 horsepower 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the 2014 Toyota Corolla
Let me put the 2014 Toyota Corolla driving experience to you this way: Those more interested in driving would normally, for example, cross-shop the Corolla and Mazda3 and leave with the Mazda. As early as this week (when the Corolla goes on sale) that may change.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla features additional unibody bracing that has increased platform rigidity. Also, the rear torsion beam's attachments points are now mounted directly to the body. Although simple enhancements, their effect on the Corolla's drive are surprising.

Even if the LE's suspension is tuned for comfort (S for sporty driving), all sloppiness and uncertainty in the car's road-holding abilities are eliminated. What's more, the car's electric steering is spot on weight- and precision-wise. Keeping in mind that this is a Corolla, the car is good fun to drive.

The 1.8L's adequate pep will never win a drag race, but that's not the idea. The CVTi-S, the only ‘box I got to test, performs admirably. Most 2nd-gen CVTs won't shoot engine revs to the stratosphere. In the S, the transmission features seven pre-programmed “gears” that can be manipulated through steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters or the shift gate.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla is no sporty car, but given where it comes from this is undoubtedly the sportiest generation of the Corolla, ever.

The design of the 2014 Corolla is certainly more daring than it has ever been, but I would not venture to say that the car is pretty. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Toyota Corolla
The theme behind the creation of the new 2014 Corolla was iconic dynamism. The new shell is meant to bring emotions to the rational. Efforts were made on this front by, for example, making desirable and modern LED headlamps standard, a segment first.

The design of the 2014 Corolla is certainly more daring than it has ever been, but I would not venture to say that the car is pretty. In my opinion, the CE and both LEs are physically better suited to the Corolla “brand.” Toyota is, not surprisingly, featuring the S in much of its advertising because of its deeper bumpers, stronger grille, and 17” wheels.

Although the 2014 Corolla S may be more appealing visually, the fact that the car is a Corolla may play against it unless the young consumer is being influenced by parents or the like.

The cabin is also all-new and a far step from bland. The instrument cluster has a lovely blue hue and is accented by a blue stripe that circles the cabin. The dashboard is more modern and retains good ergonomics save possibly for the heated seat switches.

Throughout, the seats are comfortable and there's plenty of room. The new longer and wider dimensions of the car are well exploited.

The cabin is also all-new and a far step from bland. The instrument cluster has a lovely blue hue and is accented by a blue stripe that circles the cabin. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the 2014 Toyota Corolla
Toyota aims to take the No.1 spot in the compact-car segment in Canada. Given that 300 engineers worked on the car, I can assure you that they're not playing around.

Other makers are not fooling around, either. The new Mazda3, revised for 2013 Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra are only three of the Corolla's headaches.

The bottom line is that if you've ever considered a Corolla, this time around, there's next to no reason for hesitation.

This is a “Corolla, like you've never seen it before.”

There was a lot of speculation this past week at the Rallye Defi, round 3 of the 2013 Canadian Rally Championship surrounding the absence of one of the top runners, “Crazy” Leo Urlichich.

Urlichich has been a top competitor on the Canadian rally scene for the past three years, but he decided to put his career on hold to work on a new and exciting program.

“Crazy” Leo Urlichich (Photo: René Fagnan)

“I'm currently in Europe trying to put together a program to compete in one of the junior categories of the World Rally Championship (WRC) next year,” Leo told Auto123.com on Monday.

“Last winter, I injured myself while skiing and I got some time to stop and think about what I really wanted to do,” he continued.

“When it comes to rallying in Canada, my car [Subaru Impreza] is not recent, and the only way I can touch Antoine's [L'Estage] pace is to get a newer one. There's no point. And in Rally America series, the style of rallying forbids proper recces. And since the WRC has always been a dream, I decided now is the time to push for it. I worked on getting ideas on paper about sponsorship, the car, the team to run it, the social networks, the exposure, the physical and mental preparation, etc.”

“Don't be mistaken: I am fully aware that the WRC is another world. It is completely different from what I am used. I did the recce of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland recently and I realised how tough it is, and how much the pace notes are crucial,” Leo added.

Last year, Leo competed with Welsh co-driver Carl Williamson, who has co-driven for Jari-Matti Latvala in the Stobart Ford World Rally Team. Leo admits Williamson has helped fine tuning his drivng style.

“I developed my own note system which uses fewer words but gives a lot more information. I am now looking to find a new co-driver who could take notes using the same system. Because success in WRC is closely linked to getting the notes exactly right,” he told Auto123.com.

“Crazy” Leo confirmed he still owns his Impreza rally car, and he will still do some events in Canada.

He also expressed his gratitude to his mentors and sponsors Can-Jam Motorsports, for the support that is now becoming increasingly international. Right now Leo's side of the team is putting all the effort to the WRC project.

“I'll definitely do something here in Europe next year,” said the Russian-born Canadian.

From PMRA

The Pro Modified Racing Association celebrated its final points race of the season for 2013 with a first-time winner during the "Thunder by the Beach" Weekend event at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

Winning his first PMRA race was second-year driver Paolo Giust, who drove solidly and consistently to win his first Pro Modified event.

Qualifying the Paolo & Shannon Giust Racing 1963 Corvette powered by a BAE supercharged hemi engine, Giust, of Osgoode, Ontario, qualified third in the field with a 6.369-second, 229.06-mph pass behind Rocky Di Lecce of Mississauga, Ontario and Jeff Roth of New Hamburg, Ontario.

Giust eliminated Jack Grainy of Basom, New York, and Roth to meet up with number five qualifier Derek Hawker of Corbyville, Ontario in the final. Although Hawker posted a 6.277 at 230.76 against Giust's 6.330, 213.57, Giust was first off the line with a .049-second reaction time over Hawker's .130 which gave him the winning edge and the victory.

Semi-finalists were Roth and number eight qualifier Sam Andreacchi of Toronto, Ontario.

The 2013 PMRA points championship was decided before racing began at Grand Bend. With five wins this season, Di Lecce had amassed a large lead in points and all he had to do was to attend this race to win his first PMRA title. Although he qualified number 1, he was eliminated in the first round by Andreacchi.

Di Lecce won the 2013 title with 1838 points, with Grainy second at 1621 points. Former PMRA champion Bruce Boland of Stoney Creek placed third with 1595 points, followed by Hawker with 1575 points and Giust with 1235 points.

Rounding out the top ten are Roth, Andreacchi, Jason Kalso of Clarkston, Michigan, Tim Martin of Barrie, Ontario, and Steve Legare of Trois Rivieres, Quebec.

The next race on the 2013 PMRA schedule is the inaugural International Pro Mod Challenge September 20-21 at the Maryland Int'l Raceway, Mechanicsville, Maryland. This non-points event will feature the PMRA racing against the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association (NOPMA).

Antoine L'Estage and his new co-driver, Karl Atkinson drove their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X to victory in the third round of the 2013 Canadian Rally Championship.

The win was L'Estage's seventh at the event and his 40th national victory in North American rallying. He won 16 of 21 stages on the rally and ended with a margin of victory of one minute, 18 seconds over Patrick Richard in a Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

Richard suffered differential and brake problems early in the event and could not make up enough time on L'Estage, despite winning the last three stages.

Photos: René Fagnan

With half of the Championship now complete, Richard and Subaru Rally Team Canada has 56 points against L'Estage and Rockstar Energy's 45.

A well-deserved third place in the event went to Max Riddle of Vancouver and Welsh co-driver Darren Garrod, a strong finish for the young driver.

The team benefitted from the retirement of Steeve Hobbs who was running in third place until a spectacular crash on Friday night, and the travails of Maxime and Robert Labrie who took over third from Hobbs but dropped far down the order with a flat tire and subsequent suspension damage on Saturday morning, eventually battling back to a gallant fifth overall in their Swap Shop-prepared Subaru WRX.

Fourth overall went to Simon Losier and Brian Maxwell in a clean and measured run, and local favorite Marc Bourassa and Daniel Paquette rounded out the top six with their own Swap Shop Subaru WRX.

The two-wheel drive competition saw numerous lead changes and close margins during the event. Ultimately, the father-daughter team of Jeffrey and Emily Dowell in a Mitsbishi Lancer took the top rung on the two-wheel drive podium and first in Production two-wheel drive, after the Ford Fiesta of François Gauvreau and Guillaume Roussin, crashed on Saturday morning.

The Canadian Rally Championship presented by Subaru and supported by Yokohama now moves west for the next two rounds. The Pacific Forest Rally is set to take place in Merritt, British Columbia on the 4th and 5th of October, and will be a crucial round for all teams' championship hopes.

Final Results Rallye Défi 2013:
1) Antoine L'Estage - Karl Atkinson (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.10) - 1h33'48,7"
2) Patrick Richard - Robert Fagg (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 1h35'07,0"
3) Max Riddle - Darren Garrod (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 1h40'59,0"
4) Simon Losier - Brian Maxwell (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.8) - 1h42'03,3"
5) Maxime Labrie - Robert Labrie (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 1h43'13,1"
6) Marc Bourassa - Daniel Paquette (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 1h44'01,3"
7) Jean-Sébastien Besner - Yvan Joyal (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.8) - 1h45'26,6"
8) Martin Losier - Patrick Losier (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.5) - 1h48'23,3"
9) Jeremy Norris - John Hall (Subaru Impreza RS) - 1h56'14,2"
10) Martin Bruneau - Anthony Bruneau (Subaru Impreza WRX) - 2h02'12,7"

"Top 6" results - Two-wheel drive:
1) Jeffrey Dowell - Emily Dowell (Mitsubishi) - 2h05'04,3" (1st Production 2wd)
2) Simon Vincent - Hubert Gaudreau (Toyota) - 2h06'30,4" (1st Open 2wd)
3) Paul Hartl - Chuck Storry (Volkswagen) - 2h07'13,4" (2nd Open 2wd)
4) Martin Walter - Ferdinand Trauttmansdorff (Nissan) - 2h07'57,2" (3rd Open 2wd)
5) Anthony Burden - Benjamin Nadeau (Volkswagen) - 2h09'14,4" (4th Open 2wd)
6) Éric Deschênes - Catherine Asselin (Toyota) - 2h20'08,6" (2nd Production 2wd)

Another blog about tires? Yes, and there will likely be many more in the future.

The nature of this one pertains to the choices that people make and why. On a recent trip to Maine, I noticed a large number of late-model cars with replacement (non-original equipment rubber) tires from brands I had never heard of. I'm not the be-all end-all in the tire business, but I do know a few things...

Some of the brands I did recognize, such as Kelly and Nexen, but there were a large number I'd never seen, like Fierce and Geostar tires.

Of this, I take the following: Tire manufacturers have only, if nearly, price on which to sell their product.

Consider cars for a moment and compare a Toyota RAV4 to a Honda CR-V. There are many aesthetical differences, variations on lines, accents, chrome; all of these elements are visible to the naked eye and can sway buyers. There's an emotional tie-in.

Now, forget about the bodies and look at their tires. They're black, round, and have patterns imbedded in them. Exactly, nothing sexy here. No one gets aroused by rubber save possibly for me; I am currently seeking counseling for this condition.

I recently had a brief discussion with PR reps from a huge tier-1 tire company about the marketing challenge posed by the very nature of the tire. Once safety, performance, the green aspect, and wear resistance have been touched upon, there isn't much left to say. Some older tire brands speak of their storied history, but most consumers care only about costs.

And that's the bottom line. I always find it intriguing that we are so willing to cheap out on some things, while for others we are prepared to go flat broke.

Now, I'm not suggesting that lesser-known tire makers manufacture lesser tires, however, (and this is a general rule of thumb) we always get what we pay for.

In the case of tires, it may not be immediately noticeable that the $125 tire (vs. $175 tire) won't last as long, requiring earlier replacement at an additional cost or perform as well in wet conditions when 50% worn. Also, should a warranty claim need to be made, can we be sure that it will actually be considered?

I think top-tier tire manufacturers have to do what some carmakers are doing and that is move down scale. I'm willing to bet that a consumer is more likely to purchase a lesser Michelin or Bridgestone than an unknown brand so long as pricing is very competitive.

From GMM

As the formula one paddock emptied at Monza, one rumour had moved into the realm of fact -- Kimi Raikkonen is returning to Ferrari in 2014.

The news was being confidently reported by broadcasters, including Germany's RTL, the major daily Bild, and even perhaps the most respected correspondent in the paddock, Auto Motor und Sport's Michael Schmidt.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo will reportedly inform Felipe Massa that his services are no longer required in a personal meeting at Maranello on Wednesday.

It would go some way to explaining the Italian team's current 'number 1' driver Fernando Alonso's foul mood and outbursts of recent days and weeks.

Bild reported that the long delay in the actual signing of Raikkonen's deal is because part of his management team, David Robertson, is in hospital in the US with cancer.

In the meantime, Spaniard Alonso has pushed hard for the status-quo, openly arguing that Massa should stay put. He has not won the day.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

Der Spiegel claims to even know who will pay Raikkonen's approximately EUR 20 million salary -- partly the Alonso-linked Spanish bank Santander, and partly team sponsor Shell.

"Let's see what happens," Massa told the Italian broadcaster Rai on Sunday. "Yes, this race was important for my future, but it doesn't mean that my only future can be (wearing) red."

He is also quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper: "He (Montezemolo) will not announce anything without talking to me, for sure. I love Ferrari. But the other teams also know what I can do."

Finn Raikkonen, as per usual, was also giving little away on Sunday.

"I don't know anything yet," he told the Rai broadcaster. "Once I know, I'll tell you."

Indeed, once the news becomes official, the really explosive speculation may begin.

The German dailies Bild and Welt already report that Alonso is so unhappy with Raikkonen's arrival that he could jump ship to fill the Finn's place at Lotus.

That move actually might not be as unlikely as it sounds.

Bild newspaper said it could coincide with a ramping up of works Renault support for the Enstone based team, backed fully by the French carmaker's chairman Carlos Ghosn.

Eric Boullier and Kimi Raikkonen. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

When asked about that potentially explosive news, Lotus team boss Eric Boullier said: "If Fernando knocks on my door, I will answer it. I just hope that I can pay for it!"

He is also quoted by f1news.ru: "We are trying to establish a relationship with Renault and Total, which is important from a technical standpoint but it also may help on the financial side."

Switzerland's Blick newspaper reported that Nico Hulkenberg will definitely not be staying at Sauber next year.

The German has been linked with Massa's Ferrari seat, but he might also be a candidate to replace Raikkonen at Lotus.

"We all have plans and backup plans," said Eric Boullier.

When asked simply 'Kimi or Nico?' the Frenchman answered: "Good question."

MINI launched their "NOT NORMAL" campaign last June, highlighting the emotional bond between car and driver. In Great Britain, MINI has gone a step further, by creating ‘'real time'' billboards that invite MINI owners to fill up, wash their car, or pick up flowers, all for free, by following the signs!