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From GMM

Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen insists he has not yet given up on his Formula 1 career.

After losing his Caterham race seat, the Finn's hopes have been raised again with two more Friday practice drives at Spa last weekend, and Monza up next.

Heikki Kovalainen. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

But he admitted at Spa that if the team factors driver sponsorship into its race seat deliberations "again, then the return is not in my hands".

It is suggested Kovalainen, 31, might instead follow the likes of Sebastien Buemi, Nick Heidfeld, Bruno Senna and Kamui Kobayashi into endurance racing, including Le Mans.

However, Kovalainen told Finnish correspondent Heikki Kulta that he is not yet thinking about a similar move.

"This year, I have been asked to do many different projects in many different categories. But I don't feel so interested in them," he insisted.

"It's because I have the feeling that I have more to give in Formula 1."

Scuderia Ferrari has declared it will not make an announcement about its 2014 drivers line-up during the Italian Grand Prix held next weekend at Autodromo di Monza.

In a press release posted on the team's official web site, Ferrari says “No decisions have yet been taken. Furthermore, as happens in the best families, important decisions are taken together at the right moment and not because a certain date on the calendar has been reached.”

Photo: Ferrari

The future of Brazilian Felipe Massa with Ferrari is still unsure after a disappointing 2013 season so far.

Last year the Italian team waited until mid-October before announcing a one-year extension on Massa's contract.

Ferrari F1 team boss, Stefano Domenicali told the official F1 site on Wednesday: “Everybody wants to drive for Ferrari. We have to wait and see.”

“My favourite choice would be, of course, to keep Felipe because Felipe is a very good guy - very dedicated to the team - and when you look around there are not so many drivers out there that you swap and they immediately deliver.

“But, of course, we need good results from Felipe, so that's why we will not rush as we have to make the right decision for the team. As soon as we have made up our minds we will announce it officially to silence the rumours once and for all,” Domenicali added.

"I know it's hard for people to believe," Domenicali also told Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper, "but we haven't really stopped yet to think about it”.

"Do you know why? Because we have no hurry."

Scuderia Ferrari has declared it will not make an announcement about its 2014 drivers line-up during the Italian Grand Prix held next weekend at Autodromo di Monza.

In a press release posted on the team's official web site, Ferrari says “No decisions have yet been taken. Furthermore, as happens in the best families, important decisions are taken together at the right moment and not because a certain date on the calendar has been reached.”

Photo: Ferrari

The future of Brazilian Felipe Massa with Ferrari is still unsure after a disappointing 2013 season so far.

Last year the Italian team waited until mid-October before announcing a one-year extension on Massa's contract.

Ferrari F1 team boss, Stefano Domenicali told the official F1 site on Wednesday: “Everybody wants to drive for Ferrari. We have to wait and see.”

“My favourite choice would be, of course, to keep Felipe because Felipe is a very good guy - very dedicated to the team - and when you look around there are not so many drivers out there that you swap and they immediately deliver.

“But, of course, we need good results from Felipe, so that's why we will not rush as we have to make the right decision for the team. As soon as we have made up our minds we will announce it officially to silence the rumours once and for all,” Domenicali added.

"I know it's hard for people to believe," Domenicali also told Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper, "but we haven't really stopped yet to think about it”.

"Do you know why? Because we have no hurry."

From press release

Morand Racing has to change driver two races prior to the end of the season as Franck Mailleux did not manage to secure a relevant budget for the last two events in Hungary and France, meaning the team had to find a new teammate for Swiss driver Natacha Gachnang.

The French driver will be replaced by Austrian Christian Klien behind the wheel of the No. 42 Morgan powered by Judd.

The team of Benoit Morand and Joe Genoud have been able to test their new recruit on the British track of Snetterton during tests organized by Dunlop and together with the help of Olivier Pla, Onroak Automotive developing driver, and Natacha Gachnang.

Christian Klien and Natasha Gachnang. (Photo: Morand Racing)

The three drivers have been able to do 150 laps and to test new Dunlop tires during the two days long tests in both rainy and dry track conditions.

The 30-year-old driver will first race with Natacha Gachnang in Hungary on the Hungaroring track in early September. Christian Klien was a Formula 1 driver for Jaguar Racing and for Red Bull Racing between 2004 and 2006. Then the Austrian driver resumed his career in Formula 1 in 2010 with Hispania Racing.

As to endurance, the Hohemens (West of Austria) born pilot raced for Peugeot Sport at Le Mans 24 Hours in 2008 finishing 3rd overall, before finishing second at Petit le Mans. He also won Spa 1000 kms the following year with French drivers Simon Pagenaud and Nicolas Minassian.

A few weeks later he finished 6th overall in Le Mans with Pedro Lamy and Nicolas Minassian. Christian Klien raced in Spa, Le Mans and Silverstone as one of the Aston Martin factory drivers during the 2011 season and took part in the V8 Australian championship in 2012 for Walkinshaw Racing.

I hope you are sitting down, because I'm about to make a shocking revelation: There is more to motorsport than just Formula One -- and that's a good thing!

I can see -- judging by the stats from our Facebook fan page -- that a fair share of our followers are big on F1. That saddens me, I'm afraid. F1 is quite cool, yes, but when it's all said and done, it's a cold and far away land.

Even for us journalist, it's hard to get in; it's hard to talk to the drivers; it's hard to visit the garages; it's hard to access the hospitality zones... Don't go thinking we're all sipping drinks around a table with Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen on race weekends.

There are other racing series in the world that are much more spectator-friendly. I'm talking about the World Series by Renault in Europe, where the admittance is free, the paddock open, and the general atmosphere cool. You actually get close to the stars of tomorrow, guys like Stoffel Vandoorne, Carlos Sainz Jr., and Kevin Magnussen.

I would say that rally is actually even better when it comes to getting up close with the actors. Spectators stand on the side of the roads on which the special stages are run one minute, and the next watch the crews live while they're servicing the cars in the assistance area.

Think about it: Rally cars are actually street-legal machines!

They don't have monstrous wings slapped on them or weirdly shaped bodies. Rally cars are your car or my car pushed to the absolute limit by immensely talented drivers. It takes big balls to come up at the speeds they do and shave tree lines, always in control, always inches from disaster.

All around the world, September is a good month for rallying, with many events staged all around the globe. I strongly urge you to check out your national level calendar and go see the guys (and girls) who are crazy enough to get out there for rallying.

You'll find yourself surrounded by great drivers and co-drivers, and knowledgeable, friendly, and interested spectators who simply love their sport.

Sure, you won't run into Alonso or Vettel, but who knows, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a certain Robert Kubica...

Photo: René Fagnan

As we are only weeks before the first public screening of "Rush" movie, we propose this short, 3-minute video of the famous 1976 Japan Grand Prix, the title-decider between James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

The race was held at Fuji Speedway in torrential rain. Just two laps into the race, Austrian Niki Lauda decided to park his Ferrari 312 T2 in the pits and retired, judging the conditions too dangerous to keep racing.

Meanwhile, his arch rival James Hunt, driving a McLaren M23, led the race, was forced to pit for new tires and eventually crossed the line in third, scoring enough points to win the world title.

IndyCar series' officials introduced in Baltimore reference lines to aid in monitoring pit conduct, and avoid incidents like the one that happened last weekend, involving Scott Dixon.

IndyCar officials have added point-of-reference “courtesy zones” to the outside edges of each pit box to aid in monitoring pit stop conduct and etiquette in the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT. The courtesy zones are defined by painted 45-degree dotted lines.

New 'courtesy zones' in the pit boxes. (Photo: IndyCar)

IndyCar added rule 7.9.17 to the IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook to reinforce its pit stop code of conduct:

Any participant who, in the opinion of the officials, positions a car, equipment, and/or personnel so as to create a hazard or disruption of the event or to interfere with the activities of another competitor may be penalized.

The lines will remain part of pit boxes defined by paint for the three races left in the IZOD IndyCar Series season. IndyCar officials paint defined pit boxes at 10 of the 16 venues it visits, with the option at Iowa Speedway and Pocono Raceway. The boxes are 38 feet long at Baltimore and vary at other venues.

Bobby Labonte, the 2000 Sprint Cup champion, will miss this weekend's race in Atlanta due to suffering three broken ribs in a bicycle accident on Wednesday morning.

He was taken to a hospital, near his home in Trinity, N.C., and held overnight for observation. Although he was released from the hospital on Thursday; Phoenix Racing, owner of the No. 51 Chevrolet has put veteran Mike Bliss in the car for the race.

The 49-year old driver had started the year with JTG-Daugherty Racing but had been replaced, on a variable schedule, with AJ Allmendinger.

Photo: Phoenix Racing

The bacon craze has managed to make its way into the automotive industry! In order to celebrate International Bacon Day on August 31'st, Ford unveiled its ‘'bacon-inspired' graphics for the Fiesta!

These new designs were approved by none other than the King of Bacon himself, Benton's Country Hams President, Allan Benton. A number of bacon-inspired decal options are available including (installation extra):

• Full Bacon Wrap: 10 gigantic bacon strips that literally wrap-up the Ford Fiesta : $3,347 US;
• Bacon Racing Stripes: racing-inspired hood decal: $191.25 US;
• Side of Bacon: 2 individual strips that wrap around rear wheels: $318.75$ US;
• Bacon Mini Strips: popular with weight-conscious drivers. Small strips that adorn front and rear fenders: $78.75 US.

Ford has not yet confirmed a Canadian-Bacon version.

Photo: Ford

Toyota Motor Corporation Managing Officer Satoshi Ogiso recently announced that the next-generation Prius will benefit from major design and technical modifications. Furthermore, Toyota plans to bring a total of 15 hybrid vehicles, whether new or totally re-designed, to market in the near future.

Photo: Toyota

The next-generation Prius will undergo a series of changes that includes:

• New hybrid groups, lighter and more affordable, improved fuel efficiency;
• Upgraded battery technology with denser storage capacity, increased use of magnesium and other chemical components in order to replace lithium;
• Smaller engines;
• Introduction of Toyota's new global architecture (TNGA) which offers a lower center of gravity;
• Improved aerodynamic efficiency;
• Larger passenger compartments with enhanced design and ergonomy for improved ease of use.

Furthermore, Toyota is planning the November Tokyo launch of its hydrogen fuel-cell powered intermediate sedan concept, which is an important element in Toyota's future plans. The North-American launch of this sedan is planned for the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, which is held in January.

Photo: Toyota

A young Dutch designer, Daan Roosegaarde, in collaboration with the Heijmans Infrastructure company, has developed a suite of technologies that will help make road infrastructure "intelligent". The "Smart Highway" project is designed to manage lighting needs according to traffic density as well as using glow-in-the-dark road markings to provide specific road information for drivers.

Specific symbols are among the various smart-highway projects, in one case giant snowflakes, which appear on the road when the temperature falls below freezing and the surface potentially becomes slippery, thus warning drivers to adjust accordingly. Better yet, the markings are charged by sunlight during the day!

The special paint could also be used for road markings, such as priority lane dividers, which could be used to identify future dedicated electric-vehicle charging lanes. Other lighting uses include specific colors that indicate the speed of preceding vehicles.

The first leg of this experimental highway will be launched in the Netherlands by the end of 2013.

Source: Design to Improve Life

It's a bird; it's a plane; it's a five-door coupe called the Audi S7, and it's ready for take-off.

Unveiled to the world at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2011, the German automaker brought forth a new addition to the “S” lineup with room for four and a distinctive look.


What is the Audi S7?
As one of the newer members to join the Audi fold, this passenger vehicle turns heads. If it's not for its looks, perhaps the note produced from its quad exhaust might do the trick.

Looking at it -- gawking in some cases -- the Audi S7's size definitely isn't miniscule. Then again, the German automaker trims the fat in other areas. Comprised of a hybrid aluminum lightweight body structure, it weighs roughly 15% less than a comparable all-steel vehicle physique.

As one of the newer members to join the Audi fold, this passenger vehicle turns heads. If it's not for its looks, perhaps the note produced from its quad exhaust might do the trick. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2013 Audi S7 Price and Specs
If you'd like to set yourself apart from the norm, it'll cost you a base MSRP of $89,300. With the options the 2013 Audi S7 prices out at $106,295 (yes, that's $14,900 of extras plus the $1,995 destination charge and $100 air-conditioning tax).

Getting the Audi S7 up to speed is done via a 4.0L TFSI twin-turbo V8. When you count them all, there are 420 horses under the hood, which are then matched with 406 lb-ft of torque. You can get this four-seater going mighty fast in minimal time. After all, it has a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds.

With a top speed of 250 km/h (not that this spec really matters on this side of the Atlantic), performance has its name etched in its Phantom Black Pearl Effect paint. You just have to look ever so closely. If you don't see it, you'll feel it when you push your foot on the throttle in the 2013 Audi S7.

With a top speed of 250km/h, performance has its name etched in its Phantom Black Pearl Effect paint. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Driving the 2013 Audi S7
Now, here's the sentence you can impress your friends with, especially if you say it seven times fast: Linked with its twin-turbo V8 is a 7-speed, S-tronic transmission with the Audi Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system coupled with a self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring. If that's not a good use of alliteration, I don't know what is. My high school English teacher would be proud.

Not only do you have massive power, but the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art transmission.

Now, if 420 mares and stallions aren't enough, hold your horses for the upcoming RS7. It has a whopping 560... That's the sound of my jaw dropping.

Not only do you have massive power, but the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art transmission. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Audi S7
Slip inside the cabin of the S7 and you're welcomed by cushy black leather seating surfaces with diamonds quilted in them. Then the MMI greets you as you depress the start-stop button characterized with a red ring around it. Whether entering a destination on the GPS or picking your favourite radio station/playlist, the system is quite user-friendly and takes only a matter of moments to pair your phone via Bluetooth.

Playing your selected tunes on the Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system ($6,500) will give you cavities, because this ear candy is darn sweet.

Aside from the not-so-awesome visibility created from a sloping roofline and the C pillars, being inside the 2013 Audi S7 wasn't a bad place to spend my drive time.

Then again, Audi equipped this particular test model with an extra set of eyes, known as the corner view camera system ($400). Then there's the Vision Package ($4,000), which adds a heads-up display and night vision.

From the outside, its long engine hood, the long wheelbase, and the short overhangs give it the sporty/comfort look that doesn't seem to be going out of style anytime soon. The tapered roofline around back gives it the coupe-like silhouette, but if you're sitting in the back, watch your cranium upon entry. Don't expect too much headroom, either.

Up front, the optional LED headlights ($1,700) on the 2013 Audi S7 add to its dynamic front fascia.

When it comes to storage areas, around back, the trunk houses a total of 535 liters (18.89 cu ft), which then increases to 1,390 litres (49.09 cu ft) when you fold the rear seat down. It's not a heap of space, but the wide opening allows you to place larger ticket items inside with minimal qualms.

Slip inside the cabin of the S7 and you're welcomed by cushy black leather seating surfaces with diamonds quilted in them. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2013 Audi S7
The pool of competitors for the Audi S7 include the Porsche Panamera 4, BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS 550. Needless to say, they all have their own flavour, which sets them apart from the norm.

This 2013 Audi S7 4.0 TFSI Quattro review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

Scuderia Ferrari has declared it will not make an announcement about its 2014 drivers line-up during the Italian Grand Prix held next weekend at Autodromo di Monza.

In a press release posted on the team's official web site, Ferrari says “No decisions have yet been taken. Furthermore, as happens in the best families, important decisions are taken together at the right moment and not because a certain date on the calendar has been reached.”

Photo: Ferrari

The future of Brazilian Felipe Massa with Ferrari is still unsure after a disappointing 2013 season so far.

Last year the Italian team waited until mid-October before announcing a one-year extension on Massa's contract.

Ferrari F1 team boss, Stefano Domenicali told the official F1 site on Wednesday: “Everybody wants to drive for Ferrari. We have to wait and see.”

“My favourite choice would be, of course, to keep Felipe because Felipe is a very good guy - very dedicated to the team - and when you look around there are not so many drivers out there that you swap and they immediately deliver.

“But, of course, we need good results from Felipe, so that's why we will not rush as we have to make the right decision for the team. As soon as we have made up our minds we will announce it officially to silence the rumours once and for all,” Domenicali added.

"I know it's hard for people to believe," Domenicali also told Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper, "but we haven't really stopped yet to think about it”.

"Do you know why? Because we have no hurry."

From Merrittville Speedway

In 62 years of racing at Merrittville Speedway there have been many close point races that weren't decided until the final points' event.

When Brian's Tire Repair hosts the 2013 Championship Chase finale Saturday August 31st, championships in three divisions could go right down to the final lap.

This Saturday, one of the battles to watch is between best of friends Evan Curtis and Kyle Pelrine in the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Division where the two are tied.

Evan Curtis and Kyle Pelrine are good friends during the week, but at the racetrack they are in a fight that will produce only one winner.

After 17 weeks of battling back and forth, the mini stock drivers are tied in points with 700 and have just one race left to decide the Merrittville Speedway track championship.

For full fendered fans, the battle for top spot in the Hoosier Stock Division will go right down to the end as well with Kevin Knapp leading multi-time Champion Rob Murray by eight points.

The same margin seperates defending Rick's Delivery Sportsman Champion Cody McPherson and challenger Gary Lindberg.

While the two are almost 70 points ahead of Brad Rouse and can't be caught - the race to close out the top five will be one to watch as well with recently crowned David Chevrolet King of the Crates Champion Greg Panunte just two points behind Rouse. BJ Willard is just 2 points behind Panunte.

Multi-time Champion Josh Sliter clinched the Points Title last week but the Port Colborne driver and the rest of the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites will use the final point night to get ready for next weekend's two day International Championship Weekend when the best Modified Lite Drivers from across North America pay their annual visit.

Brian's Tire Repair Night annually features the 50 lap John Spencer Memorial for the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds and with Pete Bicknell already clinching his 23rd Points Title - it should be quite a race in the final points' event of 2013.

Although defending Race Winner Mike Bowman goes into the night 80 points out of first - he is in quite a points' race with Scott Wood just eight points behind and Mat Williamson trailing by 15.

When the gates open Saturday August 31st - the grandstand front gate area should have quite a display of race cars as Team Brian's Tire is well represented throughout all divisions Saturday Nights and in Kart Racing Tuesday Nights as well. Showtime is 7pm.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway's 62nd Consecutive Season in 2013 - visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

Toyota Motor Corporation Managing Officer Satoshi Ogiso recently announced that the next-generation Prius will benefit from major design and technical modifications. Furthermore, Toyota plans to bring a total of 15 hybrid vehicles, whether new or totally re-designed, to market in the near future.

Photo: Toyota

The next-generation Prius will undergo a series of changes that includes:

• New hybrid groups, lighter and more affordable, improved fuel efficiency;
• Upgraded battery technology with denser storage capacity, increased use of magnesium and other chemical components in order to replace lithium;
• Smaller engines;
• Introduction of Toyota's new global architecture (TNGA) which offers a lower center of gravity;
• Improved aerodynamic efficiency;
• Larger passenger compartments with enhanced design and ergonomy for improved ease of use.

Furthermore, Toyota is planning the November Tokyo launch of its hydrogen fuel-cell powered intermediate sedan concept, which is an important element in Toyota's future plans. The North-American launch of this sedan is planned for the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, which is held in January.

Photo: Toyota

From press release

Morand Racing has to change driver two races prior to the end of the season as Franck Mailleux did not manage to secure a relevant budget for the last two events in Hungary and France, meaning the team had to find a new teammate for Swiss driver Natacha Gachnang.

The French driver will be replaced by Austrian Christian Klien behind the wheel of the No. 42 Morgan powered by Judd.

The team of Benoit Morand and Joe Genoud have been able to test their new recruit on the British track of Snetterton during tests organized by Dunlop and together with the help of Olivier Pla, Onroak Automotive developing driver, and Natacha Gachnang.

Christian Klien and Natasha Gachnang. (Photo: Morand Racing)

The three drivers have been able to do 150 laps and to test new Dunlop tires during the two days long tests in both rainy and dry track conditions.

The 30-year-old driver will first race with Natacha Gachnang in Hungary on the Hungaroring track in early September. Christian Klien was a Formula 1 driver for Jaguar Racing and for Red Bull Racing between 2004 and 2006. Then the Austrian driver resumed his career in Formula 1 in 2010 with Hispania Racing.

As to endurance, the Hohemens (West of Austria) born pilot raced for Peugeot Sport at Le Mans 24 Hours in 2008 finishing 3rd overall, before finishing second at Petit le Mans. He also won Spa 1000 kms the following year with French drivers Simon Pagenaud and Nicolas Minassian.

A few weeks later he finished 6th overall in Le Mans with Pedro Lamy and Nicolas Minassian. Christian Klien raced in Spa, Le Mans and Silverstone as one of the Aston Martin factory drivers during the 2011 season and took part in the V8 Australian championship in 2012 for Walkinshaw Racing.

IndyCar series' officials introduced in Baltimore reference lines to aid in monitoring pit conduct, and avoid incidents like the one that happened last weekend, involving Scott Dixon.

IndyCar officials have added point-of-reference “courtesy zones” to the outside edges of each pit box to aid in monitoring pit stop conduct and etiquette in the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT. The courtesy zones are defined by painted 45-degree dotted lines.

New 'courtesy zones' in the pit boxes. (Photo: IndyCar)

IndyCar added rule 7.9.17 to the IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook to reinforce its pit stop code of conduct:

Any participant who, in the opinion of the officials, positions a car, equipment, and/or personnel so as to create a hazard or disruption of the event or to interfere with the activities of another competitor may be penalized.

The lines will remain part of pit boxes defined by paint for the three races left in the IZOD IndyCar Series season. IndyCar officials paint defined pit boxes at 10 of the 16 venues it visits, with the option at Iowa Speedway and Pocono Raceway. The boxes are 38 feet long at Baltimore and vary at other venues.

From press release

Morand Racing has to change driver two races prior to the end of the season as Franck Mailleux did not manage to secure a relevant budget for the last two events in Hungary and France, meaning the team had to find a new teammate for Swiss driver Natacha Gachnang.

The French driver will be replaced by Austrian Christian Klien behind the wheel of the No. 42 Morgan powered by Judd.

The team of Benoit Morand and Joe Genoud have been able to test their new recruit on the British track of Snetterton during tests organized by Dunlop and together with the help of Olivier Pla, Onroak Automotive developing driver, and Natacha Gachnang.

Christian Klien and Natasha Gachnang. (Photo: Morand Racing)

The three drivers have been able to do 150 laps and to test new Dunlop tires during the two days long tests in both rainy and dry track conditions.

The 30-year-old driver will first race with Natacha Gachnang in Hungary on the Hungaroring track in early September. Christian Klien was a Formula 1 driver for Jaguar Racing and for Red Bull Racing between 2004 and 2006. Then the Austrian driver resumed his career in Formula 1 in 2010 with Hispania Racing.

As to endurance, the Hohemens (West of Austria) born pilot raced for Peugeot Sport at Le Mans 24 Hours in 2008 finishing 3rd overall, before finishing second at Petit le Mans. He also won Spa 1000 kms the following year with French drivers Simon Pagenaud and Nicolas Minassian.

A few weeks later he finished 6th overall in Le Mans with Pedro Lamy and Nicolas Minassian. Christian Klien raced in Spa, Le Mans and Silverstone as one of the Aston Martin factory drivers during the 2011 season and took part in the V8 Australian championship in 2012 for Walkinshaw Racing.

I hope you are sitting down, because I'm about to make a shocking revelation: There is more to motorsport than just Formula One -- and that's a good thing!

I can see -- judging by the stats from our Facebook fan page -- that a fair share of our followers are big on F1. That saddens me, I'm afraid. F1 is quite cool, yes, but when it's all said and done, it's a cold and far away land.

Even for us journalist, it's hard to get in; it's hard to talk to the drivers; it's hard to visit the garages; it's hard to access the hospitality zones... Don't go thinking we're all sipping drinks around a table with Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen on race weekends.

There are other racing series in the world that are much more spectator-friendly. I'm talking about the World Series by Renault in Europe, where the admittance is free, the paddock open, and the general atmosphere cool. You actually get close to the stars of tomorrow, guys like Stoffel Vandoorne, Carlos Sainz Jr., and Kevin Magnussen.

I would say that rally is actually even better when it comes to getting up close with the actors. Spectators stand on the side of the roads on which the special stages are run one minute, and the next watch the crews live while they're servicing the cars in the assistance area.

Think about it: Rally cars are actually street-legal machines!

They don't have monstrous wings slapped on them or weirdly shaped bodies. Rally cars are your car or my car pushed to the absolute limit by immensely talented drivers. It takes big balls to come up at the speeds they do and shave tree lines, always in control, always inches from disaster.

All around the world, September is a good month for rallying, with many events staged all around the globe. I strongly urge you to check out your national level calendar and go see the guys (and girls) who are crazy enough to get out there for rallying.

You'll find yourself surrounded by great drivers and co-drivers, and knowledgeable, friendly, and interested spectators who simply love their sport.

Sure, you won't run into Alonso or Vettel, but who knows, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a certain Robert Kubica...

Photo: René Fagnan

The bacon craze has managed to make its way into the automotive industry! In order to celebrate International Bacon Day on August 31'st, Ford unveiled its ‘'bacon-inspired' graphics for the Fiesta!

These new designs were approved by none other than the King of Bacon himself, Benton's Country Hams President, Allan Benton. A number of bacon-inspired decal options are available including (installation extra):

• Full Bacon Wrap: 10 gigantic bacon strips that literally wrap-up the Ford Fiesta : $3,347 US;
• Bacon Racing Stripes: racing-inspired hood decal: $191.25 US;
• Side of Bacon: 2 individual strips that wrap around rear wheels: $318.75$ US;
• Bacon Mini Strips: popular with weight-conscious drivers. Small strips that adorn front and rear fenders: $78.75 US.

Ford has not yet confirmed a Canadian-Bacon version.

Photo: Ford