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From GMM

Monza has traditionally been a venue at which Ferrari likes to announce its full driver lineup for the following season.

But it seems that, amid F1's 'silliest' silly-season for years, the famous Italian team is not ready yet.

Team boss Stefano Domenicali, at least, ridiculed reports Fernando Alonso is thinking about leaving.

"I am laughing and thinking about the poor people who are reading these kinds of things," he told F1's official website. "If they really knew the truth they would never read such absurd things again."

The real question, then, is about the seat currently occupied by Felipe Massa.

Felipe Massa, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

Ferrari is not hiding the fact it is considering its options.

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

"Do you know why?" he asked correspondent Livio Oricchio rhetorically. "Because we have no hurry."

Indeed, even though Alonso is widely regarded as the clear and beloved number 1, a Ferrari seat is always coveted.

Even by a former team champion who was ousted at the end of 2009? "The driver issue is not yet on the agenda," Domenicali insisted to Oricchio.

"Kimi (Raikkonen) is a great person, but his is one more name among many."

And he insisted that Brazilian Massa is still in the running.

"Absolutely. I like him a lot, and we already know what he can give to us. Okay, he is not always giving us what we want, but we know what his potential is."

For now, Ferrari is keeping its eye on the task at hand, even though the realism of continuing to push for the 2013 title will be reassessed after the next two races.

"We have updates coming out of the tunnel for Monza and for Singapore," chassis boss Pat Fry is quoted by Spain's El Confidencial. "We will continue pushing and see after that where we are."

In the meantime, Fry is beginning to share the load alongside Ferrari's new high-profile recruit, former Lotus technical director James Allison.

"It's good for me," insisted Fry, "because I'll have more time to concentrate on what really makes the car faster. The two of us will share work between us."

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.

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

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

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."

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.

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

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

According to Automotive News, GM is planning to equip the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon with a 4-cylinder diesel engine. These engines, the Duramax 2.5 and turbodiesel 2.8, will probably be offered approximately one year after the launch of the redesigned models, which is scheduled for autumn, 2014. Saving fuel is the main factor behind this decision, as diesel engines perform well in this field.

Jeff Luke, Executive Chief Engineer, full & mid-size trucks at GM, stated unofficially that diesel engines ‘'are an option we are considering''. He adds that similar engines were introduced in the GMC Colorado in Thailand as of 2011, and are now being offered in the entire Southeast Asian market as well as Australia.

Source: Automotive News

Photo: Chevrolet

From VARAC

The Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada (VARAC) is gearing up for what promises to be the biggest, most exciting and best-attended event in its history.

The Canadian Historic Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious events on the Vintage and Historic Racing Calendar in North America and it is the largest and most popular event of its kind in Canada and counted as a "Major Spectator Event" at Mosport since 1999.

The annual pilgrimage of racers, race fans and car enthusiasts from across Canada and the United States will once again descend on Canadian Tire Motorsport Park just north of Bowmanville, Ontario with their Jaguars, Porsches, Alfa Romeos, Corvettes, Mustangs, Cobras, Lotus, Minis and more to challenge the world famous Mosport Grand Prix Circuit.

The 2014 CHGP will Feature the TRIUMPH vs MG Canadian-American SHOWDOWN. Triumph and MG cars of all descriptions will face off in what will be the largest ever battle of its kind in Canada and possibly the world.

The TRIUMPH vs MG Canadian-American SHOWDOWN will highlight the ongoing rivalry that has raged on ever since Sam Bird won the first ever race at Mosport in 1961 driving a Triumph TR3. That battle, now in its sixth decade will be once again fought out on Mosport's winding tarmac.

In full support of the upcoming event are the "Friends of Triumph" (FOT racers group) and the "MG Vintage Racers". A huge field of the combined marques is guaranteed and racing fans will once again be thrilled to witness a full grid of swarming, fast Triumphs and MGs challenge the Mosport tarmac and each other once again in some of the best door handle to door handle racing ever witnessed.

The 2014 CHGP will deliver three full days of exciting racing involving full grids for all Vintage and Historic racing machines from Minis to Mustangs and Canada Class open wheelers to Can-Am cars.

There will be racing for six groups of cars including Monoposto (single seat open-wheel vintage & historic race cars), Small Bore Vintage & Historic Cars (under 1800cc), Big Bore Vintage & Historic Cars (over 1800cc), Wings & Slicks (very fast purpose-built racing cars running on slick tires), G70+ Cars (cars dating from 1973 to 1989 including all kinds of Alfas, Corvettes, Porsches, Mustangs and a host of others) and the Featured Triumphs & MGs.

Spectators and car enthusiasts of all stripes will enjoy the scope and scale of experiences open to participation on the weekend such as:

* The "Checkered Flag Cruise" on Friday evening. The Cruise is open to all classic cars and admission to the park for the Checkered Flag Cruise is free. Nostalgia will hang thick in the air as with old time rock and roll blends with the "American Graffiti" atmosphere of classic cars and the vintage race theme. This event begs participation by spectators, classic car owners and car club members. Every kind of classic from VW Beetles to Rat Rods is welcome.

* Track Touring - On-track sessions will be are offered. Whether you are contemplating a future in racing, or itching to actually drive the track, to see and stretch your car's legs, to experience what it really is like out there at brisk but controlled speeds, this is your chance.

* Road Rally/Tour - a 100 mile rally/tour throughout the hills and dales and quaint villages of the local area, including a lunch stop on Saturday.

* Special Guest Speakers and Car Club Exhibits and Vendors.

* "Legends of Mosport Racer's Reunion" - Canadian Champion, Gary Magwood hosts this "meet the fans & Press" session Sunday morning. Open to all at no cost. Mix with old friends, racers and champions.

* "Legends of the Autobahn" Concours d'Elegance conducted by the Mercedes Benz Club of America on Sunday

* "Mini Meet North" all weekend - Canada's largest Mini gathering,

* "Field of Dreams" Car Show - welcoming hundreds of sports cars, classics and hot-rods, owners and car clubs from far and wide featuring Canada's largest on-track parade open to car show participants and featuring discounted park admission for entrants. Sunday morning. Join in! Great value, great fun!

* Free weekend camping courtesy Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

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.

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

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.

According to Automotive News, GM is planning to equip the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon with a 4-cylinder diesel engine. These engines, the Duramax 2.5 and turbodiesel 2.8, will probably be offered approximately one year after the launch of the redesigned models, which is scheduled for autumn, 2014. Saving fuel is the main factor behind this decision, as diesel engines perform well in this field.

Jeff Luke, Executive Chief Engineer, full & mid-size trucks at GM, stated unofficially that diesel engines ‘'are an option we are considering''. He adds that similar engines were introduced in the GMC Colorado in Thailand as of 2011, and are now being offered in the entire Southeast Asian market as well as Australia.

Source: Automotive News

Photo: Chevrolet

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

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.

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."

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