Auto News 5

Joe Falk and Mike Hillman, owners of Hillman Racing, announced that Landon Cassill will drive, beginning with the upcoming Brickyard 400, the No. 40 in select Sprint Cup races throughout the remainder of the 2013 season.

Cassill previously drove 15 of 18 races for Circle Sport Racing in the No. 33 Chevrolet SS, will switch to the No. 40 with Austin Dillon scheduled to drive the No. 33 in the Brickyard 400. 

“With ABC and ESPN picking up the Sprint Cup television broadcasts beginning with Indy, including three network primetime events, we felt the opportunity was right to field the No. 40 car at select venues for the remainder of the season,” Joe Falk said.  “Mike Hillman has done a herculean task of getting our Gen-6 program up to speed with help from Landon and Richard Childress Racing, and it was a point of pride when Landon started alongside race-winner Tony Stewart at Dover earlier this season.  We believe fielding the No. 40 allows companies looking at the sport that thought only a Truck or Nationwide sponsorship was in their budget to now have the opportunity to showcase their brands on the sport's biggest stage.”

Photo: NASCAR

“Joe and I have worked together for a long time, and have been friends even longer, and when Austin wanted to run The Brickyard in the No. 33, we wanted to find a way to give Landon a chance to compete at Indianapolis as well as honor a commitment we made to him when he made the leap of faith to join us in the off-season,” Mike Hillman added. “The Cup team is now in its second year of full-time competition and we believe we've made significant improvements to allow us to field the No. 40 entry as well.”

“I'm just excited to have the opportunity to go to Indy and compete in what has to be one of the biggest races of the season, probably right behind the Daytona 500,” said Cassill, who finished a season's-best 22nd at Talladega Superspeedway.   “Joe and Mike have done everything this season to put a competitive car on the track, and we've not only shown up to the track each week but we've shown up to compete.  I want to be at the track each week, and running the No. 40 at Indy gives us the chance to continue our development as a race organization and allows us a chance to bring another sponsor into the sport.”

The verdict
The Lexus LS600 hL is Japan's flagship sedan to the world. It's built by Japan's biggest automotive brand, powered by the world's best-selling hybrid drive technology, and loaded with everything Toyota and Lexus know about luxury, technology and design. A reputation for high resale values and reliability add confidence and long-term value to the equation.

Recent updates have created an even more upscale cabin and body, though the graceful performance and excellent tranquility of the LS continue to reinforce its position as one of the industry's foremost luxury sedans.

For shoppers prioritizing mileage, extreme comfort and an effortlessly serene flagship driving experience, the 2013 Lexus LS600h L should be considered a priority test drive.


The premise
Ultimately, relaxation is the name of the LS game. The nomenclature sees this variant of the popular Japanese flagship fitted with an “h” badge to indicate the presence of its hybrid drive system, while the “L” references its extended-wheelbase configuration, which turns in huge rearseat legroom. The “600” suggests performance on par with comparable model with a 6.0L engine.

The 2013 Lexus LS600h L focuses, without shame, on a simply comfortable, purely luxurious motoring experience.

It encourages relaxation, unwinding and socialization. These goals are met, partly, because the only element of the outside world typically making its way into the cabin is the scenery. Unwelcomed sounds and sensations from the road and wind are largely left out of the cabin.

Refreshed world-class cabin
As it is with the recently updated GS and ES, drivers of the 2013 Lexus LS600h L will find a new pallet of colours, textures, and materials layered thickly throughout the cabin. The stitching, panel intersections, and overall assembly is as perfect as you'll likely see on the road today, and the leather is so fragrant you'll smell it on your clothes hours after you leave the car. Here's a cabin that fully pulls its weight towards the massive price tag.

A complicated, high-tech look results from the plethora of interfaces and controls in the 2013 Lexus LS600h L. There are several of these on the centre console, doors, and rear-seat armrest. The central command interface consists of a small, fingertip-activated joystick that clicks to on-screen buttons for full system manipulation via a few millimeters of finger movement. If you're not 87, you'll figure it out in 3 minutes.

If you're a big-dollar shot-caller, there's even a reclining rear seat with an ottoman that delivers massages while your driver transports you. Privacy screens erect from the rear windows if you'd like to keep prying eyes from watching you get your daily Shiatsu treatment while watching a Blu-ray movie.

The stitching, panel intersections, and overall assembly is as perfect as you'll likely see on the road today. (Photo: Chris Koski)

Absolutely effortless
Instant, noiseless torque is on perpetual standby in the 2013 Lexus LS600h L from any flick of the throttle, and especially when drivers engage Sport or Sport+ mode from the drive-selector dial. Give it the boot, and the LS sails speedily away from any bend as the better part of 440 combined horsepower ooze to life. At full-rip, a hint of the 5.0L V8 engine's sound is allowed into the cabin -- though it's muted heavily and sounds like its coming from 7 miles away. Never, even for a moment, does the LS ever feel like it's actually working.

Driven gently, the acceleration is electrically generated, smooth and firm, and all but noiseless. Since it's a hybrid, there's no starter, meaning the 2013 Lexus LS600h L even fires up without making a peep. The CVT transmission furthers the liquid-smooth performance without any perceptible shifting, and puts the engine's full output at the end of the driver's right foot at all times.

Driving notes
So, you've got a big gas engine tuned to be quiet, covered with sound-deadening, and teamed up with a silent electric motor system with great big torque output. It's a mostly noiseless powertrain and a mostly noiseless cabin. Add in the lightweight steering, velour shock absorbers and plush, pillow-y seats, and here's a machine that turns in a relaxing drive like nothing else I've ever driven.

I appreciated fuel mileage in the 2013 Lexus LS600h L landing at 10.8L/100km -- or about the same as a sporty midsize family sedan. Given the 438 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and sizing on par with your local shopping centre, that's an appreciable figure.

Headlight performance at night was fantastic, and the 19-speaker Mark Levinson stereo turned in a potent, concert-hall listening experience ideal on long drives.

Complaints were minimal, though I did leave the 2013 Lexus LS 600h L wishing for more headroom, and a bigger forward view. Further, trunk space is infringed upon by the battery -- meaning a four-person weekend shopping trip may require some creative packing.

The LS has no such sporting bloodlines to nod to, so it focuses on a purely luxurious driving experience without shame. (Photo: Chris Koski)

Comparing the LS 600hL
Your writer found the LS to be even more comfortable and peaceful than a comparable 7-Series or A8—both of which have sporting brand pedigrees to satisfy, if even slightly, in flagship luxury sedan form. The LS has no such sporting bloodlines to nod to, so it focuses on a purely luxurious driving experience without shame. The 2013 Lexus LS600h L isn't as urgent a performer as the comparable European models, though when it comes to turning in mile after mile of soothing, high-efficiency cruising, there's nothing else like it.

From GMM

The F1 team BAR's founder Craig Pollock has launched a new company with the aim of funding promising drivers through the motor racing ranks.

Pollock, also the former manager of 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, has created Luxembourg based 'The Pollock Formula' after his 2014 F1 engine supply foray Pure failed to secure the necessary funding.

"Often the careers of young talents stop at a certain point due to a lack of resources," said Pollock, whose aim is to create a new formula for raising money.

"Investors expect a return on their investment that we can guarantee within three years," he added, explaining that the project will succeed due to his insider knowledge and relationships within the F1 paddock.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso has given Ferrari an 8 out of 10 for the 2013 season so far.

The Spaniard is trailing Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel in the drivers' championship by 34 points, while Ferrari has admitted it is falling behind in the car development race.

"Now it is vital that we optimise the performance of our car, just as our rivals have managed to do, because we want to get back to fighting for the top places as soon as possible," said team boss Stefano Domenicali.

Photo: Ferrari

Nonetheless, in an interview with the German broadcaster RTL, Fernando Alonso said he is satisfied with his season so far.

"It has been good," he said, "so I think we can give it an eight (out of ten) -- a good score.

"Clearly we are not the fastest," the 31-year-old admitted, "but our car is very complete, so I would say I am satisfied."

Fernando Alonso has won twice but also finished second twice in 2013 so far, and he said trailing home the winner can sometimes be satisfying.

"Sometimes it (finishing second) is a great satisfaction, at other times a big disappointment," he said.

"There are never two results alike, as it depends on the circumstances and who is in first place. If your biggest rival is not the winner, it may be a very good result," Fernando Alonso added.

Fernando Alonso won his home grand prix in Barcelona. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Alejandro Agag, the organiser of the new electric open-wheel series, thinks top F1 teams like Ferrari and Red Bull will eventually fight for the Formula E title.

And the Austrian news agency APA said "there are already talks" between Agag and McLaren.

"I'm sure teams like Ferrari and Red Bull will be in Formula E one day," Agag told the German newspaper Die Welt.

It is already known that Williams is supplying the series' lithium batteries, McLaren is developing the electric motors and transmission, former F1 supplier Michelin the tires, and GP2 partner Dallara the chassis.

Photo: FIA Formula E

And Agag said former F1 and GP2 drivers will be at the wheel, although "I can't say any names yet".

He insisted, however, that the plan is not to replace formula one.

"I'm a big formula one fan," said Agag, "so I hope it never disappears. Eventually, we would like to be as big as F1, but our focus is different."

From GMM

The depths of Sauber's financial problems are now beginning to emerge.

The Swiss business newspaper Handeslzeitung reports that dozens of unpaid suppliers to the struggling Hinwil based team have filed claims, totalling almost EUR 1 million.

The report said the suppliers have waited several months for their invoices to be paid, before lodging the claims against Sauber with the official Swiss debt register Betreibungsregister.

"We are very much in contact with our suppliers," founder Peter Sauber is quoted as saying, "and make every effort to get out of this situation as quickly as possible."

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

The Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger said Sauber, who may also owe money to engine supplier Ferrari, needs to fill an additional $30 million hole simply to complete the 2013 season.

It has been reported that Sauber is in talks with a financial saviour from Russia, but the latest rumour is that the possibility of a tie-up with an international Asian carmaker is also on the table.

For reasons that differ greatly, several races of the IndyCar series and the NASCAR Sprint Cup end in a most disappointing way.

I get the feeling that every time the scene is set for an exciting finish, something goes wrong, usually due to a crash. Here I am, sitting on the edge of my seat, getting ready to witness the closest finish in history of motorsport and, “Bang!” That's it; no more racing.

Getty Images for Nascar

When the most prestigious race of the IndyCar season, the famed Indy 500, ends under the yellows, I must honestly admit that it is inacceptable.

The ultimate laps of the Indy 500 are regularly ruined by a crash, usually with less than two laps to run. The image of the winner crossing the finish line at a walking pace behind the Pace Car is everything but exhilarating.

The finish of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races are also quite frustrating, but not for the same reasons.

NASCAR races must end by a sequence of green/white/checkered flags. Race officials have three attempts to finish the race under such conditions.

That procedure evidently puts a lot of pressure on the drivers -- a bit too much, it seems. Crashes and collisions of all kinds are common sights at the end of Sprint Cup races.

The most recent chaos happened at the conclusion of last Sunday's race at Daytona. Behind the leaders, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart, it was turmoil. In just 2.5 miles, two major pile-ups ruined the races of several competitors who patiently drove steady races.

To see a race end with a dozen race cars smashing into each other in a shower of sparks, flames, and smoke does not send the right message about motor racing.

It seems like there are no longer rules during the final laps of a race.

I look forward to the day when drivers will be disciplined and responsible enough -- although still fully competitive -- to end a hotly disputed race in a correct manner.

A 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 that was once owned by Carroll Shelby himself will be sold by Mecum Auctions on August 16-17 in Monterey, California, on the eve of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

According to the Mustang Daily, this car is one of 18 to be painted in Grabber Yellow, and one of only 3 to feature a 3.5:1 Traction-Lok rear axle. Under the hood is a 428 cu. in. Cobra Jet V8 engine mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox.

The current owner, who bought the GT500 directly from Carroll Shelby in 2003 when it had just 4,317 miles (6,948 km) on the odometer, performed a 10-year restoration before putting it up for bid.

While its actual value has yet to be determined, expect this famous 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 to fetch a king's ransom.

Sources : mustangsdaily.com

Photo: Mecum Auctions

The BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor made its debut today at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen fair in Germany. This plug-in hybrid achieves 2.5L/100km and 60 g/km of CO2. Sporting an exclusive Gold Race Orange paint, it combines sporty looks with numerous advanced technologies in a compact package.

One of the BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor's most eye-popping features is the 2-bicycle rack mounted inside the vehicle. When left unused, the innovative rack can be stowed against the side walls of the cargo area or under the floor.

BMW is staying mum about production plans.

Photo: BMW

Auto123.com journalists were excited to contribute to this first edition of the Auto123.com Green Car Guide. In the "Green Car Reviews and Comparisons" section, they share their observations following a test drive of many green vehicles. They also pit some of them against each other. These reviews will help you understand the benefits, the joys, and the limitations of these all-new vehicles that are rapidly growing in popularity among Canadian drivers.

Compact/Sub-compact

	Electric Vehicle Comparison Test A soon as the words "electric vehicle" are uttered, inevitably the question arises: "What's the range?" Undoubtedly, this question plagues every manufacturer boardroom... Read more
	2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid As we all know, hybrids are the "cool" trend in the car industry right now. From more powerful batteries to making them drive as close to a gas-powered vehicle as they can... Read more
	2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid After a week driving Volkswagen's new Jetta Hybrid in late February, I'd virtually tied the mileage I achieved a few months earlier while driving their Jetta TDI. After highway.. Read more

Mid-size

	2013 Acura ILX Hybrid The 2013 Acura ILX is the third iteration of Acura's take on the Honda Civic, and is by far the most comprehensive and distinctive of the three versions, which also include... Read more
	2013 BMW ActiveHybrid I'm all for saving money, truly I am, but when that money-saving involves spending more money then the logic is lost on me. Don't get me wrong, I'm also concerned about... Read more
	2013 Chevrolet Malibu eAssist The shore-hugging Cabot Trail around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island offers some of the best driving bits this country has to offer. Nowhere else can you experience... Read more
	2013 Ford Fusion Energi Slowly, but surely, I'm warming up to the idea of hybrid-drive living. After many hours behind the wheels of vehicles such as the Prius c, Chevy Volt and even the... Read more
	2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid There is no doubt that the new Fusion is one hot looking midsize sedan. Typically, manufacturers screw with a good thing when they hybrid-ize their cars. I'm thinking about... Read more

SUV

	2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Lexus RX450h Toyota could be credited for making the word “hybrid” a household term. So omnipresent with hybrid Toyota is that many consumers associate the word with the brand... Read more
	2013 Audi Q5 Hybrid Not much more than the width of an oxcart, the narrow road wound its way up the mountainside, flanked on one side by thickets of holm-oak and juniper, on the other... Read more
	2013 Lexus RX 450h The 2013 Lexus RX owes its current level of popularity to what it was in the late '90s: an innovator, a trailblazer. When it came about in 1998, the RX was one of the first... Read more
	2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Recently, we've spent a great deal of time in hybrid vehicles at Auto123.com. I guess it's a sign of the times, and something we've got to get used to (read: I have to get used to)... Read more

Luxury/Full-size

	2013 Lexus ES 300h I was surprised to learn that one in five cars currently sold by Toyota/Lexus in Canada is a hybrid. A 20% pick rate establishes hybrid-powered vehicles as an important... Read more
	2013 Lexus GS 450h the 2013 Lexus GS 450h proves itself to be an engaging performer, its well-engineered suspension absorbing the off camber turns with balance and composure... Read more

Diesel

	2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 BlueTEC There used to be an old saying regarding Mercedes-Benz: It was said that the company only updated its models every 10 years or so (whether they needed to or not)... Read more
	2013 Mercedes ML 350 BlueTEC The current 2013 Mercedes ML 350 is possibly the most comfortable, well sorted, and economical (when powered by the excellent BLUETEC diesel engine) luxury... v
	2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel Sometimes I think we've got it all wrong here in North America. While we focus on larger vehicles that are more fuel efficient with EcoBoosts, PZEVs and hybrid... Read more
	2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI What a surprise: Since the Jetta, the Golf, the Passat, and the Touareg all offer diesel powertrains, it was only a matter of time before Volkswagen dropped... Read more
	2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI I was tempted to make this the shortest review I've ever written by simply saying: There is very little wrong with the 2013 Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI to the point where... Read more
	2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI While change is a necessary evil, and something select people thrive on, it's not always a good thing. Take for example, Volkswagen. From the beginning they've been known for... Read more

Electric

	2013 Chevrolet Volt I like to understand what I drive. I like to know how many cylinders it has, what the horsepower is, which wheels are being powered; and with the 2013 Chevrolet Volt there's... Read more
	2013 smart fortwo electric drive Cities are making a comeback. They never really went away but what drove people to the burbs and further away still, the cheap cost of energy, is now a thing of the past... Read more

Starting this month, Ram will expand its lineup with a new Black Express model that will prove to be the “baddest-looking factory-built truck on the market,” the automaker claims.

The 2013 Ram Black Express is distinguished by its all-black exterior. Starting with 20'' black aluminum wheels, it also adds a black front fascia with fog lamps, black grille surround with black hex-link inserts, black rear bumper, and black Ram's head badges on the grille and tailgate. All body-side badging has been removed.

Under the hood of the 2013 Ram Black Express is a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology that produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The truck is available in two- and four-wheel-drive models, along with a choice of regular cab, quad cab or crew cab body styles.

Ram Black Express pricing starts at $26,955 USD. Keep your fingers crossed for a Canadian release.

Photo: Ram

Ford is arguably the top thriving American car manufacturer at the moment. Sales are strong and demand continues to rise. They are the leader in truck deliveries, and by quite the margin.

The obsession with the truck is long-standing and only a decade and a half or so ago, Ford was all about pickups, SUVs, and more trucks.

That was then. This is now.

The truck story
The problem with trucks -- as all North American car manufacturers' found out -- is that sales are fickle and highly affected by the economy. Back in 2009, the crash decimated truck take rates by over 50%. Car sales dropped as well, but the impact was on a different scale.

The U.S. market loves its trucks, but Ford has come to realize that cars have a broader, longer-range appeal. Although this is a fact, nothing will deter Ford from continuing to make their F-Series the best in the business.

On the topic of pickup trucks, Ford does them like no other. Our recent reviews on the 2013 F-150 continue to demonstrate the depth of knowledge and experience they've accrued over the last 65 years, and through 33 million units built and delivered.

For 47 of those 65 years, Ford has owned the segment in Canada (36 years in the United States). In fact, so good have they become in this game that they seem to often know what truckers want before the truckers actually do. Given that many of the people on the Ford Truck team are truckers themselves, it kind of makes sense.

Ford's uncanny success is further supported by its 30% truck market share; this is almost twice as big as its car market share! Yes, this means that nearly 1 in 3 trucks sold in North America bares a Blue Oval logo on it! Trucks were the priority and the leadership-push will not change, however, cars are taking centre-stage.

Staying on the truck subject: Ford has just introduced their 2014 F-150 Tremor. This modern interpretation of their fabled SVT Lightning has lots going for it including EcoBoost, regular cab, short box, a 4:10 rear end, and other goodies. I'll elaborate on it shortly.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

The car story
Ford has made quite an effort recently. If we divide North America into three vertical slices we get the East, Central, and West portions. We all know that the Central slice belongs to pickups. Case closed.

It's on the coasts and particularly the East that Ford has invested heavily in promoting their cars -- and it's working. The likes of the Fiesta, Focus, C-Max, and Fusion have all been given lots of love and the boost in sales are noticeable. As well, hybrid sales are on the rise.

If you've spent any time looking over Ford's lineup, you'll have noticed that all their new cars are especially stylish. As well, while comfortably sitting on your couch, you'll certainly have taken notice of Ford's onslaught of fuel-economy banter. Words like “EcoBoost,” “Hybrid,” and “Energi” are all circulating through all forms of media.

Design and fuel economy are main and crucial reasons for consumer consideration, and they are resounding deeply with the customer as Ford's market share continues to grow.

Photo: Sébastien d'amour

Tomorrow's story
Global platforms. The One Ford plan. This is how Ford is and they will make it all happen.

As I've stated, design is so crucial, and Ford knows that it is the No. 1 reason to purchase. This is true across the entire business. This is the emotional connection that consumers feel and act upon when they see a car; this is what the buyer is about: feel, look, sound... It reflects the wants/aspirations of the potential buyer.

To make this a reality, to capture the consumer's attention, designs have to be kept fresh and the core family design DNA helps with this hurdle.

The need to keep the product fresh is a challenge. Typically, as a product ages, it gets better but trends dictate that the average age of the portfolio must remain “new.” Ford has dramatically increased their cadence in order to remain ahead and “fresh.”

One way to amortize the constant cost of these refreshes is by doing it on a global scale. The price tag of updating or upgrading a product for only one or two markets no longer made it feasible. Technology improvements and mild facelifts are the easiest and most cost-efficient way to do it, and they can easily be applied worldwide.

Concrete actions
The design aspect does not stop at sheetmetal. Car and truck interiors get much attention as well as this is where we spend most of our time. This is, therefore, just as crucial as the exterior's emotional appeal.

Currently, Ford is making choice an integral part of the Ford experience. With the likes of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, performance cars, trucks, and a complete offering of powertrains (Power of Choice), Ford is trying to leave no stone unturned. So far, be it the Fusion Energi, the Mustang, the F-150, Focus or other, I've not met a Ford that I did not at least appreciate.

As for the mid-term, Ford is working on more in-house technology development including an 8-speed transmission, the pursuit of the electrification of the car and much more.

As I've been told countless times by Ford personnel: we need to wait and see. Now clearly, Ford's not the only carmaker working on the future, but if the last half-decade is any indication as to what Ford's capable of I'm looking forward to the next half decade.

Other concrete actions that Ford is taking include addressing current issues. Recently, overall product quality perception has fallen based mostly on new technology. Ford's technology take rate is huge (greater than most other makes), therefore, it makes sense that there are more complaints.

These technologies (Powershift automatic transmission, MyFordTouch, SYNC) are constantly updated and are being improved upon. The positive twist is that if these “issues” are put aside, Ford warranty claims (things gone wrong) are actually at one of their lowest levels ever.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

The bottom line
The time spent at Ford's Dearborn Development Center allowed me to sample a few products, most of which I'd already experienced.

What the event was meant to do was demonstrate that Ford is constantly improving their products. One that stood out was the 2014 Explorer. I look forward to a weeklong test.

The 2014 Fiesta will be the launch to watch out for later in the fall, and will serve as the warm-up for what promises to be an eventful 2014 with the arrival of the much-anticipated new Mustang for its 50th anniversary.

Lotus F1 Team confirmed the three drivers who will participate in the adapted ‘Young Driver Test' at Silverstone on July 17 -19.

Nicolas Prost, Davide Valsecchi and Kimi Räikkönen will drive the Renault-powered Lotus E21 next week.

The test - originally intended solely for young drivers, but adapted to allow race drivers to test Pirelli's new tires - will see Development Driver Nicolas Prost drive on Wednesday, followed by Third Driver Davide Valsecchi on Thursday, with Kimi Räikkönen bringing the test to a conclusion on Friday.

Both Nicolas and Davide have previously driven the team's 2012 Formula 1 car - the E20 - at last year's Young Driver Test, whilst Davide has also taken the wheel of the current model - the E21 - for half a day's running during 2013 pre-season testing.

“It's great timing for us to have this season's Young Driver Test scheduled in the middle of the year as it allows us to evaluate more of the new parts we have for the E21 as the championship battle intensifies,” said Eric Boullier, Team Principal.

“Remarkably, the UK has been having some notably good weather recently so we're looking forward to getting some good running across the three days. By running Nicolas and Davide we are giving them both invaluable experience and also gaining great feedback, as we've previously seen what they can do in the car and appreciate the valuable information they give us. It's also a fabulous second opportunity for all Formula 1 fans to come and see the teams in action at Silverstone.”

“This will be an interesting test and we have a lot planned across the three days,” said Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director.

“Obviously we want to give all three drivers the maximum track time possible as well as assessing the latest upgrades to the car. Our aim on the third day will be to help Pirelli understand the latest changes to their tires at the same venue where they most notably had issues this season. For Nico and Davide it's an opportunity to learn and improve, while for the team it is a great opportunity to try to refine some of the latest developments we have for the E21. Kimi is also allowed to run, enabling him and other race drivers to test tires for Pirelli. This will benefit both him and Romain by granting us a better understanding of these tires before we head to the next event in Hungary.”

From GMM

A year ago, Fernando Alonso said he was not fighting Sebastian Vettel -- he was fighting Red Bull designer Adrian Newey.

The comments were interpreted as a jibe at F1's reigning world champion, but a year on, the Ferrari driver says he has changed his tune.

"Right now we are fighting against Sebastian," he is quoted by Germany's Auto Bild.

"I said in the second half of the year (2012) that I was not any more fighting against Sebastian or Mark (Webber), but against an aeroplane -- so strong was the Red Bull.

"Maybe some people misunderstood; I was simply trying to say that it's hard to fight against the car that can potentially be first and second in every race.

"This year it's no longer the case. Sebastian is ahead because he does the best job," Ferrari's Alonso added.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

But that doesn't mean Alonso, 34 points behind at almost the half-point of 2013, is giving up.

"As long as we are not 50 or 60 points behind, we do not give up," said the Spaniard.

"Sebastian was 44 points behind last year and still won the title in the end. Everything is possible."

Even possible, he insisted, is the image of Vettel in a pair of red overalls in the future -- although some in the paddock can't imagine Alonso actually welcoming the German to Maranello.

"I think we respect each other very much," said Alonso, "and it would also be good for the team, maximising the performance of the car and also the points."

Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion and Penske Racing driver, Brad Keselowski set the fastest time Friday in the first free practice session.

The first practice for the Camping World RV 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway lasted 95 minutes under the sunshine, and saw Keselowski's Ford beat Kyle Busch's No. 18 Toyota for first place.

Denny Hamlin. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Top Five:
No. 2 Keselowski 135.491mph
No. 18 Busch 134.439
No. 11 Hamlin 134.439
No. 1 McMurray 134.387
No. 88 Earnhardt, Jr. 134.259

Brad Keselowski. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Juan Pablo Montoya, in the No. 42 Chevrolet got into the wall on his second lap and will have to go to a backup. The session was delayed by workers repaired the SAFER barrier.

There were a couple cautions during the session because of "weepers" on the track.

Kyle Busch. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Qualifying Order for the Camping World RV 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is posted. 44 cars/drivers are listed.

The first of the drivers scheduled to go out is No. 15 Bowyer.

The final driver scheduled to go out is No. 33 Cassill.

Fastest in first practice, No. 2 Keselowski, is scheduled to qualify 30th.

Qualifying order is set by a random draw, held about an hour before the first practice.

Jamie McMurray. (Photo: René Fagnan)

When Kevin Harvick joins Stewart Haas Racing in 2014 he's bringing Budweser as primary sponsor of the No. 4 Chevrolet but not for the entire season.

“Over the last three years, Kevin has been an amazing ambassador for Budweiser, both on and off the track,” said Blaise D'Sylva, vice president of media, sports and entertainment marketing, Anheuser-Busch.  “We value that level of commitment, and we're proud to join him at Stewart-Haas Racing next season.”

Under the terms of the deal, Budweiser will serve as primary sponsor of the No. 4 Chevrolet for 20 races as well as the Budweiser Duel during Budweiser Speedweeks at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Budweiser will serve as a major associate sponsor for the remaining races on the Sprint Cup Series schedule.

Photo: KevinHarvick.com

“I've developed a great relationship with so many people at Budweiser and am very happy it's an association that will continue for many years to come,” said Harvick, who has represented Budweiser since 2011. “We've enjoyed a lot of success together and our expectations match right up with those of Stewart-Haas Racing.”

“We're very proud to have such an iconic brand in Budweiser and an incredibly accomplished racer in Kevin Harvick join Stewart-Haas Racing,” said Tony Stewart, three-time Sprint Cup Series champion and co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas.

Budweiser has celebrated a championship and nearly 60 wins in NASCAR's elite division with the likes of Darrell Waltrip, Geoff Bodine, Bill Elliott, Kenny Schrader, Ricky Craven, Wally Dallenbach, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne and Harvick.

Ford European chief Stephen Odell said the region will still be making at least 4 million vehicles a year more than market demand despite production cuts of 1.5 million to 2 million.

What is it?

David Murphy has been tapped as the new president of Team Detroit, Ford's marketing agency.

David Murphy has been tapped as the new president of Team Detroit, Ford's advertising and marketing agency. The move, effective Aug. 1, will put Murphy in charge of Team Detroit's account with Ford in the United States.