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From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko backtracked on Tuesday, revealing Red Bull will in fact not finalise its 2014 driver lineup this weekend in Belgium.

Earlier, amid reports the world champion team has decided to promote Daniel Ricciardo to replace the Le Mans-bound Mark Webber, Marko told Germany's Sport Bild that "we will make an announcement at Spa".

But on Tuesday, the Austrian was quoted by SID news agency: "We will express ourselves when the time comes, and that will definitely not be at Spa."

When will we know who is replacing Mark Webber? (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

24 hours ago, Kimi Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson said talks with Red Bull had ended.  Reports suggested the 2007 world champion is now more likely to return to Ferrari in 2014.

Marko did not want to comment.

"What we will do will be the best for the team, in the medium term," said team owner Dietrich Mateschitz's right-hand man.

From GMM

Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli has confirmed reports the size of its F1 tires will not be changing.

Earlier, it was suggested that because the torque produced by next year's new V6 engines will be much greater, the Italian marque wanted to supply bigger and wider tires.

Indeed, motor sport boss Paul Hembery told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport that the 2014 data supplied by one engine supplier in particular - believed to be Mercedes - was "alarming".

This ties in with reports Mercedes' 2014 rivals, Renault and Ferrari, might be expecting to be outpaced at least initially by up to 100 horse power and therefore want the specification of next year's tyres to stay the same.

Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt reasons that the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone also argued against the introduction of bigger tires, despite Mercedes' preference.

"No matter who it is, nothing hurts business more than a superior package," said Schmidt.

Photo: Pirelli

Hembery confirmed: "Based on the information we have received from most of the teams, we have decided to keep the same tire dimensions (in 2014).

"But as the cars of next year will make very different demands of the tires, we have proposed that the regulations be amended so that the teams may use different compounds front and rear, should it be necessary."

McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh reportedly argued that bigger tires would have required teams to design and produce different gearboxes, due to the increased load on the drivetrain.

But he said work on the all-new, 2014-spec 8-speed gearboxes is now too advanced.

"That work (on the 2014 gearboxes) is now all but complete because, next to the chassis, it's the component with the longest manufacturing lead time," said Whitmarsh.

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen's manager is not ruling out a return to Ferrari for the 2007 world champion.

On Monday, Steve Robertson admitted talks with Red Bull about Raikkonen replacing the Le Mans-bound Mark Webber had been "unsuccessful".

But the 33-year-old Finn, who currently drives for Lotus, has also been linked with a return to Ferrari, despite the Italian team having replaced him with Fernando Alonso with a year to run on his contract at the end of 2009.

Asked if Ferrari is an option, manager Robertson told the BBC: "Until they confirm their seats, my job is to speak to all the teams and see what's available."

Robertson also told Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper on Monday that Raikkonen has more than one alternative to Lotus for 2014.

"I'm not worried," he said, "because we have other options -- plural."

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21 (Photo: WRi2)

Brazilian correspondent Livio Oricchio said Red Bull's Christian Horner pushed hard to sign Raikkonen, but Dr Helmut Marko ultimately got his way.

Marko reportedly convinced team owner Dietrich Mateschitz that Red Bull should take young Australian Daniel Ricciardo, because it better balances the lineup alongside the likely reigning quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Ricciardo's signing also proves the worth of the Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso, and gives the next rising youngster, Antonio Felix da Costa, his 2014 debut.

Meanwhile, a post on Twitter by Ferrari's Fernando Alonso might be seen as a return of fire, after Luca di Montezemolo publicly criticised the Spaniard's outbursts in the wake of the recent Hungarian grand prix.

Reverting to the wisdom of the Samurai, Alonso said: "The warrior that uses the sword when insulted cannot be considered brave.

"Brave man does not flinch, because he has higher goals."

Two consecutive finishes outside the points have put the defending DTM champion Bruno Spengler in a tough spot.

In the fight for the 2013 title, Spengler has dropped to fourth, 39 points behind leader Mike Rockenfeller. Only three races remain on the calendar.

Reflecting on the last two rounds, in which he tangled with an Audi driver, the Canadian concluded they might have cost him a second consecutive crown: "If I am not champion again, it's definitely in these two races where it's cost us," he is quoted saying by British magazine Autosport.

"Everyone who has eyes can see what happened in Moscow and what happened (at the Nürburgring), so I don't think I need to comment on this," he added referring to the contacts he had with Miguel Molina in Moscow, and with Filipe Albuquerque last weekend.

Can Bruno Spengler still turn his season around? (Photo: DTM.com)

Audi's DTM boss Dieter Gass was quick to refute the theory according to which he told his drivers to target Spengler, however.

"After Moscow, I said it already that I don't want to see anyone taking out a championship contender," he told TouringCarTimes.com. "We were fighting backwards and forwards, and I don't think it was harder on Bruno than it was on any of the other Audis."

In any case, the Canadian refuses to quit: "I will be back strong as a lion in Oschersleben," he also said.

"39 points looks hard as there's only 25 for a win, but it's still possible."

Remember the road course at the Indianapolis Speedway that used to host the Formula One circus? Well the Indycar Series is planning to use it once again to hold a race early in May.

According to reports, an IndyCar road race at IMS is looking more and more likely and the circuit use by Grand-Am and MotoGP could be tested in September by some IndyCar squads.

Indianapolis officials confirmed that a feasibility test will be held either Sept. 4 or Sept. 6 with an eye toward staging a race to kick off Indianapolis 500 festivities next May.

Grand-Am racing at IMS (Photo: Grand-Am.com)

A still undecided number of Indycar teams will be on hand to test both of the IMS configurations, clockwise (used by F1 and Grand-Am) and counter-clockwise directions (used by MotoGP). 

Either way, changes to the infield portion of the track are expected to make the circuit faster and more exciting.

The early-May event could stage a double-feature competition involving both a United SportsCar Racing and IndyCar events.  

From GMM

Deputy boss Claire Williams insists she is "happy" with the Oxfordshire based team's budget for 2014.

Her comments come amid reports many teams on the grid, like Sauber and even the title-charging Lotus, are struggling to survive.

"Our finances are open for everyone to see," Williams, referring to the Grove team's listing on the Frankfurt stock exchange, is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"We have a healthy budget and have done a good job on the business side to ensure that we are in as competitive a situation as possible for next year," she insisted.

Photo: Williams F1 Team

The daughter of team founder and boss Sir Frank Williams, however, said the fact Williams is in a healthy situation does not mean F1 should not do more to level the playing field.

"Williams has always embraced controls in spending," said Williams, "since they began to be implemented in 2009.

"It is very important for the sport.

"We are an independent team and so we can't afford to see costs increase when there is already such discrepancy in terms of (team) budgets.

"We must ensure that we can all compete more equally," she added.

Ferrari has chosen the Frankfurt Motor Show for the launch of a souped-up version of the 458 Italia, the 458 Speciale. Equipped with a 597 hp V8, it is the most powerful V8 Ferrari ever.

Performance numbers released by Ferrari have the 458 Speciale accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds, while reaching 200 km/h in 9.1 seconds. Top speed has yet to be announced.

Weighing in at 1290 kilograms, the 458 Speciale is equipped with moveable front and rear flaps and lateral skirts for aerodynamic efficiency. A new electronics system called Side Slip Angle Control (SSC), developed by Ferrari, helps maintains skid control.

Pricing for the 458 Speciale has not been published at this point by Ferrari.

Photo: Ferrari

The Stewart Haas Racing team made it official.  The three-time Sprint Cup Champion, Tony Stewart, will not be back in the No. 14 car this year due to his broken leg. And, with the exception of Talladega where Austin Dillon will fill-in again, the 54-year old, Mark Martin, will finish out the year in Stewart's car.

It was a complicated deal almost like a multi-country trade treaty. Martin had a deal to finish the year in a Toyota at Michael Waltrip Racing. He needed permission from both and the team's sponsor to switch over to the SHR Chevrolets.

"I feel kind of amazed that we were able to get this done," said Martin. "Aaron's (MWR's sponsor) agreed to it. The folks from Toyota agreed to it.”

With Martin moving on, MWR announced that Brian Vickers, will finish out the year for that team. And that's a beneficial development for both the team and Vickers who will be driving that car full-time next year.

"I haven't seen this much cooperation in the past, and I think it was largely in part for the incredible amount of respect that everyone has in the sport for Tony Stewart," Martin said.

SHR competition director Greg Zipadelli said Martin was Stewart's first choice to replace him when he realized the full extent of the recovery process.

Tony Stewart (Photo: Tony Stewart)

"Obviously, I'm disappointed to be out ... for so long, but the team is in very good hands with Mark Martin and Austin Dillon," Stewart said in a statement. "Mark is someone I've looked up to my entire career and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.”

The team expects Stewart to be back behind the wheel next year.

"We expect a full recovery by Daytona or close to it," said Zipadelli referring to the season opening race. "You know, it may be able to be done earlier, it's just not worth it.

"It's a bad break to the leg, and he needs time to go through the process of healing, rehabilitation, all those things. With Mark coming on board, it gives us the window to go to the end of the year and feel like we are doing our partners the best job we can to fill Tony's shoes."

In a related development Zipadelli declined to offer any more information on the report that SHR offered Kurt Busch a deal for 2014.

"I mean, right now we're really focusing on Mark," Zipadelli said. "Obviously, there's options out there. We're looking at everything that's there. There is nothing done.”

No. 14 Chevrolet (Photo: Tony Stewart)

Toyota has chosen the Frankfurt Auto Show for the world-premiere of its Yaris Hybrid-R concept vehicle, which should give consumers a good idea of Toyota's sports-hybrid plans for the future.

Based on the 3-door Yaris, the Hybrid-R is equipped with a 1.6 litre GRE (Global Race Engine) motor produced by Toyota Motorsport, which is mated to twin electric motors. This setup turns the Hybrid Yaris into a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Furthermore, Toyota will use the Frankfurt venue to present its latest Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) technology, which should make it into production before 2015. It's worth noting that before years' end Toyota will have 16 new or recently updated hybrid vehicles on the market.

Photo: Toyota

From GMM

Organisers of the Singapore Formula 1 grand prix will finally remove the controversial 'Singapore sling' chicane.

The slow and unusual chicane, featuring high and harsh kerbs for the left-right-left flick, has been consistently criticised by drivers and teams since the sport arrived at the now highly-popular night race venue in 2008.

The infamous "sling" chicane (Photo: WRi2)

Speed Week correspondent Mathias Brunner reports this week that Turn 10 of the Marina Bay street circuit will now be a simple left-hand corner.

The report also said the layout at key sections including turns 1-2, 5-8 and along the esplanade will be resurfaced in order to make the track less bumpy.

This year's Singapore grand prix will be held on 22 September.

From press release

Reigning Canadian and North American Rally Champions Antoine L'Estage (of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qc) and Nathalie Richard (of Halifax, Nova Scotia) will contest the final two rounds of the Rally America series in an Open Class 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, via support from Subaru and John Buffum's Vermont-based Libra Racing shop.

The Rockstar Energy Rally Team will make their first appearance in the car, an ex-Subaru Rally Team USA car last used by the team in 2010, this week at Minnesota's Ojibwe Forests Rally, and again at the Lake Superior Performance Rally in Michigan this fall. 

"After our big accident in the WRC Lancer a few months ago, we were left without a car and looking for something competitive with which we could finish the Rally America series," exclaimed Quebec driver Antoine L'Estage.

Antoine L'Estage testing the Subaru WRX STI at Kearney Rally Village. (Photo: Neil McDaid)

"The opportunity arose to drive a Subaru at the final two rounds and Subaru stepped up with support to make it happen. We're grateful for their assistance and I'm really looking forward to driving this car."

L'Estage will drive the Rockstar Subaru WRX STI in the last two rounds of the 2013 Rally America series. The car will be serviced by John Buffum's Libra Racing with technical assistance from Subaru technical-partner Vermont SportsCar.

The duo currently leads the 2013 North American Rally Cup and good results at these last two events would help increase their lead.

Toyota has chosen the Frankfurt Auto Show for the world-premiere of its Yaris Hybrid-R concept vehicle, which should give consumers a good idea of Toyota's sports-hybrid plans for the future.

Based on the 3-door Yaris, the Hybrid-R is equipped with a 1.6 litre GRE (Global Race Engine) motor produced by Toyota Motorsport, which is mated to twin electric motors. This setup turns the Hybrid Yaris into a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Furthermore, Toyota will use the Frankfurt venue to present its latest Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) technology, which should make it into production before 2015. It's worth noting that before years' end Toyota will have 16 new or recently updated hybrid vehicles on the market.

Photo: Toyota

Top of the heap
Certain brands transcend all others based solely on their history, one rife with exploits that must be sustained in the present via newer and greater ones. If a brand is well-played, like Range Rover, it will grow into something more.

The Range Rover went from an off-road “machine” to a status symbol when the second generation arrived in 1994. By 2002, the Big Rover became a bonafide über luxo SUV, essentially the ultimate expression of panache on four tall wheels.

The new ">2013 Range Rover takes it one step farther with a more refined shape, all the content from previous generations and more, as well as power -- but now with less weight to lug around. This Range Rover Supercharged is the poster boy for the better things in life and the poshest way to cover any kind of terrain quickly -- the perfect car for a Mafia Boss.


What is a Range Rover?
The 2013 Range Rover is the range-topping product from the firm that sells some of the finest and most capable SUVs in the world: Land Rover.

Introduced in 1970, the Range Rover set the standard by which all other SUVs (regular or luxury) are measured. The bar has always been very high where even some of the big-budget carmakers are unable to match it on road or off.

The Range Rover is now in its fourth generation and shares its namesake with the Sport (new model arrives shortly) and the compact Evoque.

The 2013 Range Rover is the range-topping product from the firm that sells some of the finest and most capable SUVs in the world: Land Rover. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Technicalities
The new 2013 Range Rover gets its Supercharged moniker from its twin vortex force-fed 5.0L V8. The result is a ground-shaking 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque.

The Big Rover comes with Range Rover's highly sophisticated Terrain Response 2 Auto system that works the full-time intelligent 4WD. The entire system features a 50/50 torque split and a two-speed transfer box.

An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard and may be controlled via wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The base 2013 Range Rover Supercharged retails for $114,750. The top line Autobiography goes for $144,000.

The new 2013 Range Rover gets its Supercharged moniker from its twin vortex force-fed 5.0L V8. The result is a ground-shaking 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the Range Rover
As anyone would expect, being at the helm of a Range Rover -- the Range Rover -- is quite an event. After pressing the start button, the Drive Select Rotary Shifter rises from the centre console, is turned to D, and the earth becomes a playground.

The electronic air suspension ascends from its Access height to reach its normal setting and immediately the Big Rover demonstrates uncanny poise. The ride comfort is supreme, the feeling of invincibility, intoxicating. From the command position, the driver feels in control and safe. Despite the 21” wheels, the 2013 Range Rover hovers over all civilized terrains.

Even with its massive power and ability to reach 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, the suspension and drivetrain are never overwhelmed. Progress and response are mind-numbing as the surrounding landscape turns to a blur. The 2,330 kg (5,137 lbs) girth all but disappears from the conscious mind as the transmission powers seamlessly through its gears.

If I may fault the electric power steering for its constant over-assistance, I cannot say the same for its massive vented disc brakes. Their force matches that of the engine.

The 2013 Range Rover is not a small vehicle and therefore its manoeuvrability is limited. The steering radius of 12.3 meters is large, but decent for its size. The available Park Assist and Vision Assist packages do help.

With a near even mix of city and highway driving, I averaged 18.5L/100 km.

After pressing the start button, the Drive Select Rotary Shifter rises from the centre console, is turned to D, and the earth becomes a playground. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and out of the Range Rover
As I've stated, the 2013 Range Rover is an event and it all begins the moment we take a look at it. Standing regally on its gorgeous wheels, draped in Fuji White, the Big Rover makes a stately statement while mum's the word.

The new more fluidic bodylines remove some of the Range Rover's previous rugged angles, but the final result is stunning.

The drama further increases as we climb aboard. The materials, fit, and grand black lacquer finish and contrasting interior colours of the tester make the cabin a hard place to leave.

The large front seats, fully adjustable with massaging function, are supremely cosseting. The rear bench is also power-operated and comfortable. These, and ventilated seats all round, are part of the Front & Rear Seat Climate Comfort pack.

The standard level of kit in the 2013 Range Rover is huge; however, selecting the optional 825-Watt Meridian Premium sound system makes the experience that much better.

The rear bench is power-operated and comfortable. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the Range Rover
As the Godfather of the luxury SUV, the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged can take them all on. On any given day, not only the day of the owner's daughter's wedding, it can take on the likes of the Mercedes GL- and G-Class, the Porsche Cayenne, and practically laughs in the face of the Cadillac Escalade.

The Range Rover is a status symbol and looks up to no other.

Ferrari has chosen the Frankfurt Motor Show for the launch of a souped-up version of the 458 Italia, the 458 Speciale. Equipped with a 597 hp V8, it is the most powerful V8 Ferrari ever.

Performance numbers released by Ferrari have the 458 Speciale accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds, while reaching 200 km/h in 9.1 seconds. Top speed has yet to be announced.

Weighing in at 1290 kilograms, the 458 Speciale is equipped with moveable front and rear flaps and lateral skirts for aerodynamic efficiency. A new electronics system called Side Slip Angle Control (SSC), developed by Ferrari, helps maintains skid control.

Pricing for the 458 Speciale has not been published at this point by Ferrari.

Photo: Ferrari

Lexus has chosen the backdrop of the Frankfurt Auto Show to introduce a concept vehicle of which few details have yet been released other than a furtive picture of the driver-side headlight.

The headlight bears a resemblance with those found on the LF-CC Concept, introduced at the Paris Motor Show last fall, which is expected to eventually morph into the new soon-to-be-released RC Coupe. Several sources claim that the vehicle will most likely be in the compact SUV category. Tune in to the September 10th Lexus press conference to find out more.

The European launch of the GS 300h is also planned for Frankfurt. Equipped with the Hybrid 2.5 litre Lexus powertrain, the vehicle offers both lower emissions and improved fuel economy.

Photo: Lexus

From press release

Reigning Canadian and North American Rally Champions Antoine L'Estage (of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qc) and Nathalie Richard (of Halifax, Nova Scotia) will contest the final two rounds of the Rally America series in an Open Class 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, via support from Subaru and John Buffum's Vermont-based Libra Racing shop.

The Rockstar Energy Rally Team will make their first appearance in the car, an ex-Subaru Rally Team USA car last used by the team in 2010, this week at Minnesota's Ojibwe Forests Rally, and again at the Lake Superior Performance Rally in Michigan this fall. 

"After our big accident in the WRC Lancer a few months ago, we were left without a car and looking for something competitive with which we could finish the Rally America series," exclaimed Quebec driver Antoine L'Estage.

Antoine L'Estage testing the Subaru WRX STI at Kearney Rally Village. (Photo: Neil McDaid)

"The opportunity arose to drive a Subaru at the final two rounds and Subaru stepped up with support to make it happen. We're grateful for their assistance and I'm really looking forward to driving this car."

L'Estage will drive the Rockstar Subaru WRX STI in the last two rounds of the 2013 Rally America series. The car will be serviced by John Buffum's Libra Racing with technical assistance from Subaru technical-partner Vermont SportsCar.

The duo currently leads the 2013 North American Rally Cup and good results at these last two events would help increase their lead.

Toyota has announced the pricing for the different versions of the 2014 Venza, which are now available at Canadian Toyota dealers.

Available with a 2.7 litre 182 hp 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5 litre V6 that produces 268 hp, the Venza is equipped with a sequential 6-speed automatic transmission. Numerous standard features include heated-mirrors with integrated turn signals, convex mirror (for blind spots), floor lighting and an 8-way adjustable power driver seat among others.

Model	Engine	Combined fuel economy (city/highway)	Price
Venza (base)	4-cylinder	9.6L/100 km	$28,695
Venza V6 (base)	V6	8.6L/100 km	$30,495
Venza AWD	4-cylinder	8.8L/100 km	$30,450
Venza AWD V6	V6	9.8L/100 km	$32,250

A number of different equipment packages can be added to the 2014 Venza including XLE, Limited and Limited with Technology Package.

Photo: Toyota

Two consecutive finishes outside the points have put the defending DTM champion Bruno Spengler in a tough spot.

In the fight for the 2013 title, Spengler has dropped to fourth, 39 points behind leader Mike Rockenfeller. Only three races remain on the calendar.

Reflecting on the last two rounds, in which he tangled with an Audi driver, the Canadian concluded they might have cost him a second consecutive crown: "If I am not champion again, it's definitely in these two races where it's cost us," he is quoted saying by British magazine Autosport.

"Everyone who has eyes can see what happened in Moscow and what happened (at the Nürburgring), so I don't think I need to comment on this," he added referring to the contacts he had with Miguel Molina in Moscow, and with Filipe Albuquerque last weekend.

Can Bruno Spengler still turn his season around? (Photo: DTM.com)

Audi's DTM boss Dieter Gass was quick to refute the theory according to which he told his drivers to target Spengler, however.

"After Moscow, I said it already that I don't want to see anyone taking out a championship contender," he told TouringCarTimes.com. "We were fighting backwards and forwards, and I don't think it was harder on Bruno than it was on any of the other Audis."

In any case, the Canadian refuses to quit: "I will be back strong as a lion in Oschersleben," he also said.

"39 points looks hard as there's only 25 for a win, but it's still possible."

Toyota has announced the pricing for the different versions of the 2014 Venza, which are now available at Canadian Toyota dealers.

Available with a 2.7 litre 182 hp 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5 litre V6 that produces 268 hp, the Venza is equipped with a sequential 6-speed automatic transmission. Numerous standard features include heated-mirrors with integrated turn signals, convex mirror (for blind spots), floor lighting and an 8-way adjustable power driver seat among others.

Model	Engine	Combined fuel economy (city/highway)	Price
Venza (base)	4-cylinder	9.6L/100 km	$28,695
Venza V6 (base)	V6	8.6L/100 km	$30,495
Venza AWD	4-cylinder	8.8L/100 km	$30,450
Venza AWD V6	V6	9.8L/100 km	$32,250

A number of different equipment packages can be added to the 2014 Venza including XLE, Limited and Limited with Technology Package.

Photo: Toyota

Lexus has chosen the backdrop of the Frankfurt Auto Show to introduce a concept vehicle of which few details have yet been released other than a furtive picture of the driver-side headlight.

The headlight bears a resemblance with those found on the LF-CC Concept, introduced at the Paris Motor Show last fall, which is expected to eventually morph into the new soon-to-be-released RC Coupe. Several sources claim that the vehicle will most likely be in the compact SUV category. Tune in to the September 10th Lexus press conference to find out more.

The European launch of the GS 300h is also planned for Frankfurt. Equipped with the Hybrid 2.5 litre Lexus powertrain, the vehicle offers both lower emissions and improved fuel economy.

Photo: Lexus