Auto News 5

What's New?
After the mid-cycle refresh of 2012, Honda has a newly-styled front end, improved fuel efficiency and a high-level Sport Trim option. In addition, a rear mounted back-up camera is standard across all models. Ridgeline is offered in four trim levels, DX, VP, Sport and Touring. Standard equipment includes, conventional trailer hitch, pre-wiring for 7-pin plug, trip computer and 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.


Towing
All Ridgelines have the same towing capacity of 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) and the same payload capacity of 463 kg (1,000 lbs). The only difference is that the VP is rated at 708 kg (1,560 lbs) for payload capacity. The Ridgeline is not rated for 5th wheel or goose neck trailer towing, just for conventional trailers.

Interior
Because the Ridgeline is a boxed frame unibody, Honda is able to deliver full-sized interior space dimensions while keeping the exterior garage friendly . Controls are large an easy to use while a large, multi-functional centre console, with sliding armrest, fits between the two front bucket seats. In the rear, the bench seat has a 60/40 split that allows each side to fold down out of the way, increasing interior cargo space dramatically. When looking at the interior, think of it as being as comfortable as an Accord with pretty much the same amenities.

Powertrain
The Ridgeline is only available with a 3.5-litre, SOHC, VTEC V6 that produces 250 horsepower. Behind the transmission is 5-speed automatic that has ‘grade logic' built in to help prevent ‘gear hunting' on hills. Every Ridgeline comes with fully automatic Torque Management® 4WD system that operates predominantly in FWD mode when not sensing wheel slippage. The VTM-4-lock button allows the driver to hold engagement of both rear wheels (basically an electronically-controlled locking rear differential) up to speeds of 30 km/hr.

In Short
Ridgeline is all truck and very comfortable, taking full advantage of the ‘Boxed Unibody' frame. It also fits in between full-sized and compact trucks, which provides it with a unique position in the market place.

Fuel Economy
EnerGuide Canada rates the Ridgeline at 13.6 L/100 km and 9.6 L/100 km for city/highway, respectively.

Photo: Honda

From GMM

There is an angry 'T-word' on everybody's lips after Sunday's puzzling and painful Spanish grand prix.

"Can anyone tell me what's going on?" an exasperated Paul di Resta asked his team during the race in Barcelona.

With that, he summed up the situation in F1 at present: Pirelli's unprecedentedly heavily degrading tires are confusing even the sport's drivers.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Lewis Hamilton, having qualified on the front row, sounded amazed, sarcastic and incensed when he informed his Mercedes bosses that "I've been passed by a Williams now".

Only 24 hours earlier, the same Williams had failed to make it out of 'Q1', while many were tipping a Mercedes victory.

"When we're going round three seconds slower than a GP2 car did in qualifying, and only six seconds quicker than a GP3 car did in the race, there's something wrong," said McLaren's Jenson Button.

Lewis Hamilton, asked to slow down to protect his tires during Sunday's race, replied that he couldn't go any slower "otherwise I'm going at walking pace".

"That is the way the sport has gone to improve overtaking. It is for the public to judge," he told reporters afterwards.

Until now, Pirelli has vigorously defended its mandate, having come into F1 tasked with spicing up the action by supplying tires that will force multiple pitstops per driver.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

But, amid the post-race vitriol in Spain from both inside and outside the paddock, motor sport director Paul Hembery announced that Pirelli will now make changes.

"It's too late for Monaco but we'd look to change things for Silverstone," he said.

Gerhard Berger, a former grand prix winner and team co-owner, explained: "They can't go on like this. Every 14 days it's just negative advertising for them. And the fans no longer know their stuff."

In short, the pressure has built to tipping point, spurred on by vocal opponents like Red Bull, and also the media.

"Is this really a formula one world championship?" said Nicola Pohl in the mass-circulation German newspaper Bild.

She quoted Red Bull team boss Christian Horner saying: "It's like chess now. And chess is not necessarily a sport that has many fans."

Bernie Ecclestone and Paul Hembery. (Photo: Pirelli)

Paul Hembery is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport: "In the last two years, the public has supported us. The races have become much more exciting. But the criticism has reached a level where we can no longer be indifferent."

However, not everyone supports a major change. Apparently Ferrari and Force India are quite happy with the 2013 tires, as is - obviously - Lotus.

"It's like football," team owner Gerard Lopez said. "As soon as one team is always hitting the post, the discussion becomes making the goals a bit bigger."

Another factor is that if Pirelli makes significant compound or structure changes, they want a day of testing prior to Silverstone.

"They'll never get it through, because all the teams would have to agree," said Sauber team manager Beat Zehnder.

The Spanish crowd got what they wanted Sunday at the Circuit de Catalunya for the Grand Prix of Spain, as Fernando Alonso drove brilliantly to secure his first win here in Barcelona since 2006.

Adding to the delight in the Scuderia Ferrari's garage, Felipe Massa made sure that two Ferrari drivers were on the podium for the first time this season with a fantastic drive from a grid-penalised ninth place to third at the end of the 66 laps.

Photos: WRi2

Splitting the two Ferrari drivers was former F1 champion, Kimi Raikkonen. The result means the Scuderia overtakes Lotus to rank second in the Constructors' championship, 14 points behind Red Bull.

Alonso moves up one place to third in the Drivers' championship, while his Massa overtakes Mark Webber, climbing from sixth to fifth place.

World Rally Champion, Sebastien Loeb captured 11th position in his first Porsche Supercup race in Barcelona, opening round of the season.

The nine-time World Rally Champion -- who is slowly switching to road racing (he ran the first rounds of the FIA GT Series driving a McLaren MP4-12C ran by his own team) -- was invited by Porsche to contest the Barcelona and Monaco rounds of the Porsche Supercup.

Photo: WRi2

For his Supercup debut, Loeb set the 14th best time in qualifying, but a mechanical issue prevented him to make a second attempt with a new set of tires.

In the race, the Frenchman set a solid performance, without taking any risks, crossing the line in 11th place ahead of fellow countryman Jean-Karl Vernay, the 2010 Indy Lights' champion, who clinched the French Porsche Carrera Cup title last year with... the Sebastien Loeb Racing.

Sean Edwards won the race ahead of Nicki Thiim and Michael Amermüller.

Photo: WRi2

From GMM

The FIA on Sunday considered penalising Fernando Alonso for picking up a Spanish flag during his post-chequered flag in-lap.

After winning his home race in Barcelona, Alonso stopped beside a marshal who furnished his Spanish compatriot and hero with a red and yellow Spanish flag.

Once in 'parc ferme', the Ferrari driver draped the flag over the '1' signboard indicating where he should park.

Photo: WRi2

But the glorious moment was actually a breach of a regulation about "receiving an object" prior to the post-race weighing and scrutineering procedure, and Alonso and a Ferrari team member were summoned to the stewards.

Ultimately, the FIA officials let him off without penalty "to be consistent with a previous decision made under similar circumstances".

As part of its "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" national public education campaign (May 13-19, 2013), the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) wants to encourage Canadian motorists to adopt good tire maintenance practices all year long.

The RAC advises to keep a constant eye on tread depth in order to ensure maximum grip. Worn-out tires with less than the minimum legal tread depth (1.6 mm) may not slow down the vehicle in time to avoid a collision during emergency manoeuvres. They also increase aquaplaning since they don't evacuate water as effectively.

New all-season tires usually come with 8 mm of tread depth; when there's 3.2 mm left, the extra braking distance equals the length of seven cars -- make it double with just 1.6 mm left.

Also, properly inflated tires increase safety and fuel savings by up to $100 annually. Drivers should check their tire pressure at least once a month.

Source : betiresmart.ca

ASSOCIATE WEST COAST EDITOR BLAKE Z. RONG: So. You find yourself in midsize suburbia hell at around the same time that you buy into

Meager U.S. growth was Carlos Ghosn's biggest disappointment last year, and Nissan's CEO has responded by giving his team a big order: Double the brand's sales by 2017.

Fernando Alonso has taken an emotional win for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix, 10 seconds ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and teammate Felipe Massa in a race heavily dictated by tyre strategy.

The Spaniard made yet another quick start in the Ferrari, and managed to jump from fifth to third with an audacious move around the outside of Lewis Hamilton into Turn 3 to take third position on the first lap.

However, it was the first of Alonso's four stops on lap 10 which gave him the lead of the race after the Ferrari team decided to pit him one lap earlier than Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull; a move that undercut the reigning world champions to give the Ferrari driver an advantage when Vettel emerged on lap 11.

The world champion would eventually finish fourth, one position ahead of Webber in the sister car.

The first row starting Mercedes' had a disappointing race as predicted, with both cars - similar to Bahrain - suffering from excessive tyre wear. Pole-sitter Rosberg finished sixth, one place ahead of di Resta's Force India, whilst Hamilton had a much more difficult afternoon and finished in 12th.

The revised McLarens had a better afternoon than expected, with Jenson Button finishing eighth, one position ahead of teammate Perez who generally looked the quicker of the two drivers.

Daniel Ricciardo also put in a good performance for Toro Rosso, and finished 10th for the Faenza based team.

Further down the field, Charles Pic won the battle of the backmarkers in the Caterham and finished 17th, ahead of the Marussias of Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton.

Pic's teammate, Giedo van der Garde, retired from the race after a rear wheel fell off his car on a weekend where he'd put in his best performance of the 2013 season.



Race results - Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona)
1 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 66 laps
2 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 9"3
3 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 26"0
4 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 38"2
5 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 47"9
6 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'08"0
7 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'08"
8 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'21"7
9 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1 lap
10 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
11 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1 lap
12 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1 lap
13 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1 lap
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
15 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1 lap
16 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
17 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1 giro
18 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - laps
19 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 2 laps

Retirements
Lap 52 - Jean-Eric Vergne
Lap 21 - Giedo Van der Garde
Lap 8 - Romain Grosjean

Drivers' championship
1.Vettel 89; 2.Raikkonen 85; 3.Alonso 72; 4.Hamilton 50; 5.Massa 45; 6.Webber 42; 7.Di Resta 26; 8.Grosjean 26; 9.Rosberg 22; 10.Button 17; 11.Perez 12; 12.Ricciardo 7; 13.Sutil 6; 14.Hulkenberg 5; 15.Vergne 1.

Constructors' championship
1.Red Bull-Renault 131; 2.Ferrari 117; 3.Lotus-Renault 111; 4.Mercedes 72; 5.Force India-Mercedes 32; 6.McLaren-Mercedes 29; 7.Toro Rosso-Ferrari 8; 8.Sauber-Ferrari 5.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
One of the rare luxury SUVs on the market today, some of the 2013 Lexus GX's perks include its considerable amount of standard equipment, the quality of the materials used for interior furnishings, its high-grade finish, towing capabilities, soundproofing and powerful AWD, allowing it to travel on rugged ground.

Cons
However, the SUV's height makes it hard to climb aboard and its V8, for lack of a V6, is premium fuel hungry. Reduced visibility, numb steering and tight third-row seating are a few more of its disappointments.


Price
The Lexus GX 460 Executive starts at $62,500 and is delivered with steering wheel audio controls, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a 9-speaker audio system, leather seating, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels as well as a backup and parking sonar.

Two option packages are available for this model: the Premium Package for $6,650 or the SportDesign Package for $8,650.

Sold at $78,100, the GX 460 Ultra Premium is all-equipped, with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, a state-of-the-art pre-collision system and multi terrain select. There are no extra options offered with this model.

Fuel Economy
In the city, the Lexus GX is rated at 14.1 L/100 km and on the highway, the SUV consumes around 9.8 L/100 km, giving it a combined rating of 12.1 L/100 km.

Exterior Styling
With silver roof rails, chrome-finished door handles, horizontal grille lamelles merging with the front headlights, this very luxurious SUV can accommodate up to seven passengers. Designed on the same platform as Toyota's 4Runner, the GX is a hefty vehicle.

Drivetrain
Under the 2013 Lexus GX's hood you'll find a 4.6-litre V8 engine that yields 301 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an automatic, 6-speed transmission permanently in four-wheel drive.

Cargo Capacity
With the seats flat, the GX has 1,833 litres of accessible space in the back.

Safety
You'll find ten airbags on the 2013 Lexus GX as well as many standard active safety systems.

Comparable Models
Acura MDX, Audi Q7, ">BMW X5, Land Rover LR4, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Volvo XC90.

Photo: Lexus

*References
Masse Frédéric, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.374
Guay Jean-François, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.366
https://www.lexus.ca

Adapted from GMM

"I've had enough of the 'T'-word," Sky commentator and former driver Martin Brundle said after the Spanish Grand Prix, referring to the heavily degrading Pirelli tire.

As ever in 2013, and arguably even more so this weekend in Barcelona, the race was all about managing the rubber.

As predicted by many in the paddock, qualifying dominators Mercedes reversed down the grid in the race as they burned through their tires.

Pole sitter Nico Rosberg finished sixth, and Lewis Hamilton scored no points at all.

Four pitstops per driver, and nursing the disintegrating rubber in between, was the order of the day on Sunday, which added up to well over 80 pitstops for the entire race.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: "When you are telling drivers not to push because we are saving tires, it isn't great for the sport or for the fans.

"We need to push the drivers harder and allow them to drive properly."

Indeed, immediately after the chequered flag on Sunday, Pirelli's Paul Hembery acknowledged the problem and hinted changes are on the way.

"Today was too many stops, we got it wrong, too aggressive," he wrote on Twitter.

"We will make changes, probably from Silverstone."

Model: 2006 to 2010 Kia Magentis

Vehicle Type: Sedan

The Verdict: Strong reliability, a well-loved driving experience and lower-than-average resale values compared to Japanese competitors make the Kia Magentis a strong contender for your used-car dollars.

Price: Earlier models in this generation with higher mileage can be had for under $6,000; while a newer, low-mileage unit can be had in the $13,000 to $17,000 price range, depending on options and condition.

What Owners Like: Kia Magentis owners in online forums really love their rides. Styling, luxury touches, ride comfort, gas mileage, fit and finish, and even fun-to-drive factor are all highly rated. The attractive price and aggressive warranty helped seal the deal in many cases.

What Owners Dislike: Complaints were minimal. Some owners wished their seats didn't attract lint so easily, while others wished for a more durable, chip-resistant paint job. Handling seems to be set more for comfort than driving, which some enthusiasts may take issue with.

Photo: Luc Gagné

History/Description: Kia's Magentis enjoyed several generations on sale before being replaced with the currently available Optima sedan. Magentis' last iteration was on sale from 2006 to 2010 (inclusively) and packed 4- or 6-cylinder power, numerous options packages, and room for four or five adults.

LX models were more basic, while EX models were more loaded.

Available feature content included heated and motorized leather seats, leather-wrapped accents, wood trim, sunroof, remote access automatic lights, and automatic climate control.

Four-cylinder models got a 2.4L engine good for between 161 and 175 horsepower, depending on the year. The available 2.7L V6 generated between 185 and 195 horsepower

Photo: Luc Gagné

Common Issues: Some owners reported “sticky” rear brake calipers that can become stuck in the partially engaged position, causing accelerated wear and reduced fuel economy. Have the brake system inspected on any Kia Magentis you're considering for peace of mind, and “feel” for any dragging sensation while you coast during your test drive.

Be sure there are no unexplained “check engine” lights illuminated, and check the engine for smooth idle and acceleration. Driveability issues, if present, are likely to be caused by faulty sensors, most notably the O2 and throttle position sensors: if one of these is acting up, there may be a “check engine” light illuminated.

You'll want to ensure all interior accessories work as expected -- including all windows, locks, sunroof, seat-heaters, and air conditioning. Note the condition of the upholstery and leather, too. Ensure both sun visors up front stay folded up on their own, as many owners report that they lose this ability over time.

Check that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) isn't showing any warnings, which could indicate a low tire or a bad sensor. Also, turn off the radio and “listen” for any unwelcomed noises from the suspension, especially at the rear of the vehicle. Some suspension noise seems to be normal in the Kia Magentis as it ages, though shoppers are advised to have a mechanic inspect the suspension ahead of their purchase, just in case.

Systematic and problematic issues relating to the engine or driveline were not apparent in searches of my usual online resources.

Photo: Luc Gagné

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Ergonomic controls, firm seating, the variety of available models, optional 4-wheel drive, comfort and great handling...all make this sedan a good contender.

Cons
However, you can fault the sedan for its overly-complicated multimedia system and lack of a manual transmission. Plus the C250's engine runs out of steam, fast, and you have to pump it with premium gas.


Price
The starting model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, the C 250, is offered at $37,300. This price includes 16-inch wheels, a multifunction steering wheel and heated rearview mirrors.

Just falling short $40,000, a psychological barrier to some, the AWD C 300 4MATIC is sold for $39,900 and features 17-inch wheels.

The C 350 is available from $44,750, including 18-inch wheels, the heated Mirror Package and the Sport Package (3-spoke steering wheel, upgraded calipers and aluminum pedals). In AWD, the C 350 4MATIC is sold from $47,700.

The powerful 4-door Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG starts at $65,300 and includes 18-inch wheels, AMG Sport steering, a 3-step Electronic Stability Program, Sport suspension, an AMG braking system, chromed dual-exhaust sport system and AMG Sports seats.

For an extra $6,000, the AMG Performance Package gives you red brake calipers, limited-slip rear differential, carbon fibre trim, an AMG spoiler and an additional 30 hp.

Fuel Economy
The most fuel efficient of all the models, the C 250 consumes 9.L/100 in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway.

The C 300 4MATIC, C 350 and C 350 4MATIC all have similar fuel ratings, around 10.5 L/100 km - city and 7.3 L/100 km - highway.

For the C 63 AMG, its 15.8 L/100 km in the city and 10.1 L/100 km on the highway.

New and Improved for 2013

• Style modifications on the 2012 model
• The C 250 4MATIC has been dropped
• Some standard equipment now optional
• ECO start/stop function on V6 versions

Exterior Styling
With pure, simple contours, this conservative sedan presents a refined style. Modern and sporty, the C-Class also features a double-lamella radiator grille branded with a star, the Merc logo as well as headlights underscored by LED lighting, integrated indicators on the side mirrors and a sophisticated stern.

Drivetrain
The C250's 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo engine yields 201 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque to the back wheels.

The AWD, C 300 4MATIC is propelled by a 3.5-litre, V6 engine that delivers 248 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.

Both the C 350 (two-wheel) and the C 350 4MATIC (all-wheel) are equipped with the same 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. All engines are coupled with a 7-speed, 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

The C 63 AMG is equipped with a 6.2-litre V8 engine that packs 451 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. With the Performance Package, the hp is revved up to 481.

This model is also fitted with a 7-speed, SPEEDSHIFT MGT AMG transmission.

Cargo Capacity
There's 475 of trunk space in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan.

Safety
This model is equipped with seven airbags as well as many active safety systems, including crash-responsive pedals, brake warning wear display and NECK-PRO headrests.

Comparable Models
Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti G, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

*References
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.418
Gélinas Gabriel, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.444
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca

Highlights*
World-class performance and handling, great sound effects, and upgraded components make the 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI some of the best driver's cars under $50,000.

Lowlights*
These machines disappoint when it comes to interior fit and finish. Also, more supportive seats would be appreciated in the WRX STI. And given the car's weight and turbocharged power, fuel economy isn't exactly good.

Pricing
In 4-door configuration, the 2013 Subaru WRX ranges from $32,495 in base trim to $41,695 when equipped with the STI Sport-tech Package. Meanwhile, the 5-door variant starts at $33,395 and goes all the way up to $42,595. Similar to the regular Impreza, the hatchback always requires an extra $900 over a comparable sedan.

Photo: Subaru

Fuel consumption
The 2013 Subaru WRX posts ratings of 11.1L/100km city and 8.0L/100km highway. Expect 12.6L and 8.8L, respectively, with the WRX STI. In both cases, premium gasoline (minimum octane rating of 91) is necessary.

Styling
The current generation is now nearing its end, and no cosmetic changes were made for 2013. In fact, Subaru introduced the new WRX Concept at the New York Auto Show in late March 2013. Compared to the run-of-the-mill Impreza, the extroverted WRX and WRX STI models boast widened fenders and aerodynamic add-ons including a giant rear wing on the 4-door sedan that works to increase high-speed stability.

WRX vs. WRX STI
− High-pressure turbocharger and high-capacity intercooler boost output from 265 to 305 horsepower, and torque from 244 to 290 lb-ft;
− 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, down from 5.4 seconds;
− Larger, high-performance brakes courtesy of Brembo, with Super Sport ABS and double the number of caliper pistons;
− 6-speed manual transmission instead of 5-speed;
− SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive) engine management system;
− Multi-mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD);
− TORSEN limited-slip rear differential instead of shot-peen open-type differential;
− STI performance-tuned suspension.

Photo: Subaru

Cargo capacity
The sedan boasts a 320-litre trunk, while the hatchback's cargo area expands from 538 to 1,257 litres when you fold the rear seats.

Safety
In addition to the automaker's symmetrical full-time AWD system, the 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI provide confidence and protection thanks to Vehicle Dynamics Control (with lateral-g and yaw-rate sensors), traction control, collapsible pedals and steering column, along with six airbags.

Competitors
Honda Civic Si, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart/Evolution, Mazdaspeed3, Volkswagen Jetta GLI/GTI/Golf R.


*Based on expert reviews
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.518
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.546
www.subaru.ca

From GMM

F1 has invested financially in the project to put the sport amid the fabled New York skyline.

Amid suggestions the already delayed New Jersey street race might now falter altogether, the project announced this week that Long Beach grand prix founder Chris Pook has joined up.

"Chris has a history of great success in formula one, which I'm confident he'll bring to the grand prix of America race," Ecclestone said earlier this week.

Now, in the Barcelona paddock, the F1 chief executive revealed that he has committed some of the sport's money to the New Jersey project.

"There's no reason why it shouldn't happen," Ecclestone told Reuters on Saturday.

"We've put money behind it to pay a lot of the things off, a lot of their debts," he said, explaining that he will look to recoup the money later.

"We're going to try and make it happen next year."

Ecclestone also hinted he might be lining up a race on the streets of Long Beach as a potential alternative to New Jersey.

"If we do this (in New Jersey), it (Long Beach) won't (happen)," said the 82-year-old.

Lucas Luhr and Klaus Graf (Muscle Milk) just managed to beat Rebellion's Neel Jani and Nick Heidfeld in the third round of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) season, presented at the famous Laguna Seca race track.

Luhr and Graf reigned supreme in the P1 category before Rebellion Racing dropped in the series uninvited. Since Sebring, the two teams have been fighting hard. So far this season, they are neck and neck in the championship at 40 points all.

In Laguna Seca though, Muscle Milk edged in front. Thanks to a late pass, Luhr became the all-time leader for wins in the series -- with his 43rd first --, and the pair became the first repeat winners at the track since 2007.

Slowed down by a puncture, Jani and Heidfeld finished some six seconds adrift.

Third were Andy Meyrick and Katherine Legge in the high-profile DeltaWing. Legge became the first woman to stand on an ALMS podium.

Katherine Legge (Photo: ALMS)

In GT, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia (Corvette) led a five-car train at the finish. Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler (Team Falken Porsche), followed by Dirk Müller and John Edwards (BMW Z4) completed the podium.

Marino Franchitti and Scott Tucker (Level 5) won in P2 from their sister car.

The other winners of the day are Luis Diaz and Mike Guasch (PR1/Mathiasen) in PC, and Nick Tandy and Henrique Cisneros (NGT Porsche) in GTC.


Race results - ALMS (Laguna Seca)
1 - Graf/Luhr (HPD ARX-03c) - Pickett - 150 laps
2 - Heidfeld/Jani (Lola B12/60 Toyota) - Rebellion - 150
3 - Tucker/Franchitti (HPD ARX-03b) - Level 5 - 146
4 - Tucker/Briscoe (HPD ARX-03b) - Level 5 - 146
5 - Guasch/Diaz (Oreca FLM09) - PR1 - 145
6 - Bennett/Braun (Oreca FLM09) - CORE - 145
7 - Nunez/Shears (Oreca FLM09) - Preformance Tech - 144
8 - Marcelli/Cumming (Oreca FLM09) - BAR1 - 144
9 - Magnussen/Garcia (Corvette ZR1) - Corvette - 142
10 - Henzler/Sellers (Porsche 997) - Falken - 142
11 - Mueller/Hand (BMW Z4) - Rahal - 142
12 - Sweedler/Bell (Ferrari 458) - Alex Job - 142
13 - Goossens/Farnbacher (SRT Viper) - SRT - 142
14 - Schultis-Van der Zande (Oreca FLM09 Chevy) - DragonSpeed - 142
15 - Miller/Holzer (Porsche 997) - Miller - 142
16 - Sharp/Cosmo (HPD ARX-03b) - ExtremeSpeed - 142
17 - Drissi/Mitchell (Oreca FLM09) - BAR1 - 141
18 - Long/Kimber-Smith (Porsche 997) - 140
19 - Beretta/Malucelli (Ferrari 458) - Risi - 139
20 - Cisneros-Edwards (Porsche 997 Cup) - NGT - 137
21 - Dempsey/Lally/Foster (Porsche 997 Cup) - Demsey/DelPiero - 137
22 - MacNeil/Bleekemolen (Porsche 997 Cup) - Alex Job - 137
23 - Keating/Faulkner (Porsche 997 Cup) - TRG - 137
24 - Hedlund/Heylen (Porsche 997 Cup) - JDX - 137
25 - Avenatti/Davis/Faieta (Porsche 997 Cup) - Demsey/DelPiero - 137
26 - Gavin/Milner (Corvette ZR1) - Corvette - 136
27 - Stanton/Novich (Porsche 997 Cup) - TRG - 135
28 - Canache/Neiman/Pumpelly (Porsche 997 Cup) - FlyingLizard - 134
29 - Junqueira/Ende (Oreca FLM09) - Rocketsports - 132
30 - Ehret/Von Moltke (Porsche 997 Cup) - Flying Liz. - 129
31 - Wagner/Ballou (Porsche 997 Cup) Competition - 122
32 - Meyrick-Legge (DeltaWing LM12-Elan) - DeltaWing - 104
33 - Auberlen/Martin (BMW Z4) - Rahal - 85
34 - Brown/Van Overbeek (HPD ARX-03b) - ExtremeSpeed - 64
35 - Dyson/Smith (Lola B12/60 Mazda) - Dyson - 21
36 - Bomarito/Wittmer (SRT Viper) - SRT - 12

From GMM

Still unsure it will be retained as F1's official supplier, Pirelli has begun to sign supply contracts with teams for the 2014 season.

That is the claim of the specialist German website motorsport-total.com, reporting that Ferrari, and Red Bull's two teams, have already signed deals with the Italian supplier.

Mercedes is also believed to have signed, but for the moment insiders at the German squad are quiet.

"We have had initial talks with a few teams," Pirelli's motor sport director Paul Hembery said.

The report said Pirelli wants to charge each team EUR 1.2 million per season for the tire deal, but some teams are arguing that a discount is in order due to the huge sponsorship exposure enjoyed by the Italian marque in F1.

Adapted from GMM

Ferrari's technical director Pat Fry was missing from the pitwall this weekend in Barcelona.

Spain's El Mundo Deportivo reported that the Briton was taken to a hospital in the city on Saturday after suffering from pain.

Ferrari hopes the 49-year-old, initially diagnosed with kidney stones, makes a "rapid recovery".

Fry was actually diagnosed with appendicitis, and team boss Stefano Domenicali said he underwent an appendectomy late on Saturday.

Pat Fry (Photo: WRi2)

"We wish him all the best for a rapid recovery," said the Italian.

The Sapa-AFP news agency said Fry will not return to work in Barcelona, but the Finnish broadcaster MTV3 said he is expected to return in time for Monaco in two weeks.

"It's important that he is back on his feet soon," Domenicali is quoted by Speed Week.

"We had to change our structure a little bit, but that is secondary," he insisted.

Chrysler Group is recalling about 469,000 SUVs worldwide to update software after some vehicles' circuit boards were found to be transmitting signals that trigger inadvertent gearshifts to neutral, the automaker said Saturday.

VW Group will build a factory with an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles in Changsa, Hunan province, China, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said on Saturday.