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From GMM

Heikki Kovalainen's return to formula one is an example of not burning one's bridges.

That is the claim of the Finn's compatriot Mika Salo, a former formula one driver who has this week commented on Kovalainen's return to Caterham.

31-year-old Kovalainen was dumped by Caterham at the end of last season as 'pay drivers' Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde arrived.

But the Finn returned to the paddock recently as a guest of Caterham team owner Tony Fernandes, and on Wednesday it was announced he will drive in Friday practice in Bahrain and Barcelona in his new role as team reserve.

"Definitely, it proves that in formula one you should never burn the bridges behind you," former F1 driver and fellow Finn Salo, who will be the driver steward in Bahrain this weekend, told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

Caterham CT03. (Photo: WRi2)

"I did 111 grands prix in my career with seven teams, they know and trusted me, and I never allowed myself to criticise them," he explained.

The fact Kovalainen did not criticise Caterham in the wake of his 2012 departure has now led him back to the team.

"The point for Heikki is that he is back in the garage and also retaining the feel of a formula one car," said Salo.

"You never know what else might happen: you see what is happening at Red Bull and, if somebody leaves, everybody knows who it will be," he added, undoubtedly referring to the 'Multi-21' affair and Australian Mark Webber.

Kelley Blue Book has revealed its list of the 10 best green cars of 2013, highlighting the impressive selection drivers now have to travel more efficiently.

1. Nissan LEAF (electric)
2. Tesla Model S (electric)
3. Ford Focus Electric (electric)
4. Chevrolet Volt (electric with extended range technology)
5. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (plug-in hybrid)
6. Ford C-MAX Energi (plug-in hybrid)
7. Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid (hybrid)
8. Honda Fit EV (electric)
9. Toyota Avalon Hybrid (hybrid)
10. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (hybrid)

Chevrolet used the Edmonton Motor Show to announce initial performance data and fuel consumption ratings for the all-new 2014 Silverado 1500 full-size pickup truck, which will officially launch later this spring.

The new 5.3L Ecotec3 V8 engine delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, it's not only more powerful than the previous unit, but also more fuel-efficient: 8.7L/100km highway for 2WD models, and 9.0L/100km highway for 4x4 models.

Moreover, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a completely redesigned cabin that's stronger and quieter, as well as class-leading towing capacity of 11,500 lbs.

Later in 2013, a 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 and a 4.3L Ecotec3 V6 will join the lineup. Specs and pricing will be revealed in the meantime.

Photo: Chevrolet

BMW's new Concept X4 sports activity coupe will make its debut this weekend at Auto Shanghai 2013, and we now have additional pictures to whet our appetite.

You can see the X3-based vehicle in its ''comfort zone,'' from downtown to the outskirts. It's said to give a pretty accurate preview of the upcoming production model that will hit the market next year.

Further details such as technical specs and pricing will be announced at a later date.

Photo: BMW

Because of anticipated bad weather, IndyCar officials were forced to postpone the Rookie Orientation Program for the Indianapolis 500. It has been announced that it will now take place on the opening weekend of practice for the race.

The track session, which is designed to allow Indy 500 rookies to gradually get up to speed on the 2.5-mile oval, was originally scheduled for April 11.

The program will now be incorporated into the opening weekend of track activity for the 500, May 11-12.

Four drivers are currently scheduled to take part in the rookie session: AJ Allmendinger (Penske), Conor Daly (AJ Foyt Racing), Indy Lights' frontrunner Carlos Munoz (Andretti Autosport), and Tristan Vautier (Schmidt Peterson Motorsports).

IndyCar also confirmed that it will try to find an additional slot for any rookie drivers who are not able to drive during the opening weekend.

Ferrari's Felipe Massa believes he has ‘a lot' to do to beat Fernando Alonso.

Despite outqualifying his teammate in the opening two rounds of the 2013 Formula 1 season, the Brazilian has finished behind Alonso in each of the three races. However, Massa believes he must operate at the top of his game to beat his double world champion teammate.

"I think a lot of people around the world talk about him (Alonso) as the best driver so I have a lot to do and a very important job and I think that's good,” said Massa in Thursday's press conference for the Bahrain Grand Prix. “If you don't do the perfect job you know you are going to be behind.”

Photo: WRi2

Massa also admitted he enjoys the pressure from working alongside Alonso and despite the daunting task, believes it has helped him improve as a driver.

“You're always under pressure because you need to be perfect every day,” he continued.

“I like it, I think it's nice and we always need to grow and get better and that's what I try to do every day. In terms of experience you learn a lot working with a good, strong team-mate.”

Toyota Motor is being offered nearly $147 million in tax incentives by Kentucky to add a model and expand a plant in the state that's already the company's largest in North America.

Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant has a four-decade history split between the Blue Oval and Mazda. As of last year, the facility was back under Ford's sole control.

Maserati has named Chrysler executive Robert Graczyk CEO of the company's North America division, effective immediately.

Pictures of the Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario leaked from Germanyand#8217;s Auto Bild magazine on Wednesday, before its reveal at the

MG Motor said its MG CS concept previews a potential compact SUV/crossover that would target young, fashion-conscious people.

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is back as the and#8220;Fastest Production Carand#8221; after Guinness World Records looked deeper into the claim, and decided that

ArcelorMittal USA, part of the world's biggest steelmaker, sued units of OAO Severstal, Russia's second-largest steelmaker, and Nisshin Steel Holdings for allegedly infringing a patent for metal used in auto parts.

Ford Motor Co. has raised its stake in China's Jiangling Motors to 31.5 percent from 30 percent and is looking to increase it to as much as 32 percent over the next year, both companies said on Wednesday.

B456 Systems, the bankrupt electric-car battery maker formerly called A123 Systems, received approval of a settlement with Fisker Automotive, reducing its claims by 89 percent to $15 million.

Update on McNabb

First quarter figures for 2013 show an encouraging start to the year for Honda in Europe which said that sales grew 16.3% to 40,499 units compared to the same period last year.

General Motors' Opel supervisory board has approved plans to close the car plant in Bochum, Germany, at the end of 2014 after workers rejected a deal that would have kept the factory going as a parts facility.

Visteon said it terminated Joy Greenway, president of its climate controls business, as the supplier moves climate operations to its South Korean joint venture.

News 17 Apr, 2013

Production of the MINI Countryman has commenced at the BMW factory in Chennai, India