Auto News 5

From WRC

FIA appointed the South Korean manufacturer to take over Pirelli, the sole supplier one 2011 and 2012.

Hankook will provide tires from its Ventus Z range for tarmac rallies and Ventus R range for gravel events. Both types of tires have tread patterns specially designed for front-wheel-drive cars.

As part of the deal, the Junior WRC crews will receive training sessions with Hankook engineers to learn about the tires' differing performances and handling characteristics, as well the importance of tire management.

"Hankook Tire, with its history of supporting motor sport at all levels, will help the next generation of rally drivers to develop and progress through rallying's ‘ladder of opportunity'. We look forward to working closely as we seek to further improve this already successful series," said FIA Rally Director, Jarmo Mahonen.

The 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship takes in six European rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship, and starts with the Rally de Portugal in April.

Photo: JWRC

Here's why: Car sales are predictable.

Think of how many Civics/Mazda3s/Corollas you see on the road on a daily basis, then consider that collectively those three makes made up for 15,000 of the cars sold across Canada in the first two months of 2013.*

So 15,000 more of those particular models took to the streets in just two months across this great nation; no wonder I can tell you what car you own without you telling me a thing. I'm not psychic. I just pay attention to my surroundings.

Car sales are predictable because the people who buy certain makes/models are always the same. Sure, call it stereotyping, but you know I'm right. Let's look at a few examples.

If you were a 20-something recent university grad who'd just bought your first car (and you were a girl), I'd guess Mazda3, either white or blue. My second choice would be a Honda Civic if the Mazda was wrong (but I doubt it). Live out West; particularly in the Prairies? I'm gonna say you purchased one of the 14,000 Ford F-150s sold in the first two months of 2013. Yes, that many. Have a growing family or three or more children? You own a Grand Caravan (of which 6,000 were sold already). Early to mid-30s, in the business world, just recently married, middle class? You own one of the 4,000 VW Jettas sold.

It's really not a hard game to play. Just because I'm in the industry doesn't make me any more of an expert. Car sales have become predictable because we the public have let them get that way. We're easy to manipulate, easy to control; and the automakers know that.

That's why 6,000 Corolla/Matrixes were sold even though they've seen very little change over the years, and why 3,000 RAV4s left the lot, even though the 2013 just became available.

Have we become too predictable? Or are manufacturers clearly offering too many choices seeing as we always go for the same thing anyways? With Acura showing sales in the single digits for the ZDX (only 8 sold across Canada in January and February combined), it makes you wonder why they even sell it to begin with.

Like going out for dinner and always ordering the penne Romanoff (no matter what restaurant you go to), it seems a little bland and boring, no?

In the first two months of 2013, across Canada, 198,786 cars/trucks drove off dealer lots (and interesting to note that of that total approx. 85,000 were cars and over 113,000 were trucks). That's a lot of vehicles, yet not a lot of variety.

On the one hand, I offer my kudos to manufacturers for continuing their sale trends and keeping their customers. On the other I wonder if Canadians need a bit of a shakeup (from the likes of EVs, more microminis, something other than a crossover, manual-only models, etc.) so we can start thinking outside the Mazda3-shaped box (particularly in Quebec)...

2012 Mazda3 GS (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

*Car sales stats from Automotive News Data Center and Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada

From Lotus F1 Team

With the 2013 Formula 1 season already in full flow, there's no time to relax as the team prepares for the next double-header in China and Bahrain. Race Team Manager Paul Seaby gives us his view on a busy start to the year...

Here we are, back at base following the first two rounds of the season; how have things gone for the race team so far?
The work produced by the race team over these past few weeks has been fantastic. This was most notable in Malaysia where we had to remove the gearboxes from both cars after qualifying, in addition to carrying out repairs to the bodywork and floors. That the drivers were able to go straight out and comfortably completed a race distance - without any install laps to check over these repairs - demonstrates what a thorough and effective job the crew managed to do under a great deal of pressure.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21. (Photo: Wri2)

Pit stops were a bit of a mixed bag during the last race; how are these coming along?
You're right; for some reason as a team we lost our mojo a little over the Malaysia weekend. On Friday our practice stops were as good as they ever have been, but from Saturday onwards we were struggling to string good stops together. The switch from wet to dry conditions and subsequent front wing flap adjustments didn't help, but even taking that into consideration it still wasn't our best weekend. We have to take that on the chin, put everyone through their paces with some more practice at Enstone, and work hard to get back to where we should be and deserve to be. Similar to a football team; when we are good praise is due, and when we aren't we need to face up to that as a unit, work hard together and get ourselves back on song.

Next stop China; what are the biggest challenges in terms of turning things around between these flyaway races?
The priority on pack up is efficiency; getting everything dismantled and shipped off in the most effective way possible. In Australia we were held up by a couple of hours in the aftermath of the win; but that's certainly not a delay we'll ever complain about! Believe it or not, the biggest hurdle we faced heading away from Malaysia is the damp. If any metallic equipment gets packed into the freight without adequate cleaning and protection it will be rusted by the time it arrives, and corrosion of course breaks parts.

Speaking of the Malaysian climate, how tough is it for the team to maintain peak performance levels in those levels of heat and humidity?
It's tough going without doubt. We make sure everyone is kept hydrated by packing in plenty of water and supplements, but no matter what your fitness levels, working in a garage which sits at around thirty-five degrees is hard work; particularly when the cars are fresh from the track and kicking off extreme levels of additional heat.

Photo: WRi2

Is there one thing that stands out to you as a highlight in terms of the team's performance thus far in 2013?
For me, the biggest positive has been the manner in which the team has reacted to any issues which have arisen. The way we operate as a unit - identifying, reporting and resolving problems with the car - has been top notch. From the team back at Enstone helping us work through each issue, to the crew at the track who have worked their socks off to get the cars built; everyone has put in a sterling effort to give both drivers a package that is not only competitive, but reliable over a race distance.

What are the priorities heading into the next double-header?
One of the main objectives is to make sure both drivers have the latest parts available to them. Romain of course was running without the latest spec exhaust system and related bodywork in Malaysia, and there will be further additions to come for both cars on top of that. We're also aiming to get more from the car in qualifying trim. We know the E21 is strong in terms of race pace, but it goes without saying that better grid positions give the drivers a better chance of achieving top results. If we can bring everything together, there's a good chance we'll be competitive again in China.

Team Marussia already has signed two new sponsorship deals with Russian companies this season.

"Everyone knows that we have the smallest budget of all the teams in Formula One, and quite frankly, I'm proud of that," Andy Webb told Reuters after formally signing the contract in Moscow. "It costs us 1.25 million pounds ($1.89 million) per week just to stay in Formula One, to maintain this level. Obviously if you want to move up you need a much bigger budget."

The deal was announced before the Australian season-opener on March 17 and Liga Stavok brand is already on the MR02 car. The Marussia's chief executive officer did not reveal the financial details of the one-year deal with Liga Stavok, a betting company. However Andy Webb saw it as just the start of many good things to come from this country.

With Sochi staging the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in 2014, experts predict that more and more Russian companies will want to get involved in the Formula 1.

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

"It is a critical time for Marussia so any sponsor is good news but adding a Russian company is a much more significant factor for us than any amount of money it could bring. The first one is always the most important and I'm glad that Liga Stavok has made that historic breakthrough because it's always tough to get into Formula 1," added Webb.

Marussia announced also an agreement with currency brokerage InstaForex, another Russian partner, who become an official supplier and had branding on the car at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

"Right now Russia's interest into Formula One is very low but it will undoubtedly grow bigger and bigger. We've been trying to bring more of Russia into Formula One and more Formula One into Russia," said Andy Webb, whose team looks more competitive than in the three previous years.

"Obviously I can't bet on Formula One races but if I was a betting man I would bet on us beating Caterham this season. I would also recommend placing a bet on Marussia scoring their first point this season," he added with a big smile.

From IndyCar

Since 1997, Dallara has designed and built chassis for teams competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series. This weekend at Barber Motorsports Park, Dallara will mark its 200th IZOD IndyCar Series victory. A commemorative trophy will be presented to the winner.

Gian Paolo Dallara, who founded the company in 1972, deflects accolades to talented individuals who see a project through from concept to completion in a team setting. Nonetheless, he's most proud that the company's name is respected in motorsports across the globe.

ID Plate Dallara. (Photo: IndyCar)

"It seems Dallara and IndyCar have been together forever," said Andrea Toso, head of research and development. "In racing, that's a long marriage. It's a lucky marriage, a good marriage. It's well beyond the business relationship. Usually you measure by profit. Here, you go beyond the business."

Dallara has been the sole chassis supplier to the series since 2006, and will supply the current car through 2016.

Added Stefano De Ponti, head of Dallara operations in the United States: "When Dallara and IndyCar met in 1997, we established this relationship that has lasted many years. We went through these battles against other important manufacturers (G Force and Riley & Scott) and here we are. We celebrate the victory 200 and it's a remarkable point."

"It's a technical relationship, business partnership, but mainly on a human being relationship," De Ponti added "You have professional ethics on both sides and we carry on under these principles the way we think, the way we progress with the good of the sport top of mind. I've been in motorsports basically all my life and it's a personal satisfaction, and thinking not of the results that have been achieved but thinking of the job that has been done and satisfied for people on both sides. It will be good stimulation to move forward and achieve another 100 victories."

Photo: LAT/IndyCar

Victories by the numbers
1st -- Jim Guthrie at Phoenix for Blueprint  Racing (1997)
50th - Scott Sharp Twin Ring Moetgi for Kelley Racing (2003)
100th - Tony Kanaan at Twin Ring Moetgi for then-Andretti Green (2007)
150th - Will Power at Sao Paulo for Team Penske (2010)
175th - Marco Andretti at Iowa Speedway for Andretti Autosport (2011)
199th - James Hinchcliffe at St. Petersburg for Andretti Autosport (2013)

Most wins by team
Team Penske - 56

Andretti Autosport - 44

Target Chip Ganassi Racing - 42

Most wins by driver
Scott Dixon - 23
Dario Franchitti - 21

Helio Castroneves - 21

Of note
Wins in first year: Three (Jim Guthrie, Phoenix; Buddy Lazier, Charlotte; Eliseo Salazar, Las Vegas)
First Indianapolis 500 Mile Race victory: Eddie Cheever Jr. (1998)

ASSOCIATE WEST COAST EDITOR BLAKE Z. RONG: Another day, another Porsche, another entirely predictable opinion from us. And yet, it's almost always well-deserved.

Adapted from GMM

Some believe that, after the first two races of 2013, Marussia driver Jules Bianchi is standing out in the way that Fernando Alonso did at Minardi more than a decade ago.

So far, he is clearly faster than his teammate Max Chilton - the son of wealthy insurance mogul Grahame Chilton - and arguably on the road to scoring the team's first-ever point.

"If I was a betting man," Marussia chief executive Andy Webb told Reuters on Thursday, "I would bet on us beating Caterham this season.

"I would also recommend placing a bet on Marussia scoring their first point this season," he added.

Bianchi agrees that the back end of the midfield is now a realistic target for Marussia, despite the team having the smallest budget in pitlane.

"Basically, the potential is there," Bianchi agreed.  "For the team and for me.

Having tested extensively for Ferrari, and serving as Force India's Friday practice driver last year, Bianchi admitted he expected to be underwhelmed when he first stepped into the 2013 Marussia.

Actually, he was "surprised".

"I had expected the difference to be greater," said Bianchi.

"I believe that, if we continue like this, we can start to think about Q2, and if I keep dreaming then maybe even the first championship point."

Canadian Bruno Spengler is among the pack of DTM drivers who want the series to introduce an F1-style DRS overtaking system.

Despite the fact it might take some getting used to, the reigning champion believes the device is fun: "The DRS is definitely a lot of fun for every racing driver," he is quoted saying by TouringCars.net.

"You clearly feel you can shift up earlier and that the top speed on the straights is higher."

Audi's Timo Scheider and Filipe Albuquerque have praised the DRS system too: "The fans want to see overtaking. DRS and option tires will help this," added Scheider.

"The option tire and DRS are definitely a step in the right direction," said Albuquerque.

Unfortunately, as Mike Rockenfeller pointed out, the DRS and option tires have masked true pace at the recent Barcelona collective test. That, actually, might just be a good thing.

We'll all see when the season begins. Until then, teams will work towards a last pre-season venue, held in Hockenheim April 9-12.

On Thursday, Subaru introduced the all-new 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid at the New York Auto Show. The vehicle is scheduled to hit the market this fall.

Based on the regular XV Crosstrek, the Hybrid variant combines a 2.0L Subaru BOXER engine with a 13.4-horsepower electric motor that's integrated into the Lineartronic CVT. A 100-volt, 13.5-kilowatt nickel-metal hydride battery is part of the mix, too.

Under light acceleration, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid uses the electric motor to take off and then starts the gasoline engine once underway. The former can also provide motor assist for acceleration in parallel with the gasoline engine, and an EV mode will operate the vehicle in certain low-speed situations.

Sporting an exclusive new Plasma Green Pearl exterior colour, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid gets unique instruments with a clean, cool blue theme and silver trim to underscore the advanced hybrid engineering.

Photo: Subaru

Also launched in New York was the Subaru WRX Concept, hinting at the design language of the next-generation WRX with a focus on sharp handling, all-wheel drive grip and turbo power.

The car features a bolder, larger front grille, as well as a carbon fibre roof to enhance the already low centre of gravity and reduce weight. In the back, the WRX Concept has a distinctive wide bumper that's offset by large quad tailpipes denoting the powerful turbocharged engine.

Photo: Subaru

Simona de Silvestro 2011's race car, nicknamed "Pork Chop", is up for grab on eBay, NBC Sports revealed.

The car, one of the oldest previous generation chassis to have seen action in 2011, was famously used at Indianapolis two years ago, when de Silvestro crashed her main car.

Despite the heavy weight and the bad reputation of the car -- which earned the chassis its nickname "Pork Chop" --, the Swiss woman managed to qualify for Indy that year.

De Silvestro's PR representative talked up the reputation of "Pork Chop", creating a Twitter account. Now it's entangled in the IndyCar folklore.

Rumour has it that "Pork Chop" is the chassis Marco Andretti drove to his first IndyCar win, back in 2006.

20 World Endurance Championship (WEC) cars were brought to the Paul Ricard test track for some pre-season action ahead of the April 14 season opener, in Silverstone.


Source: FIAWEC

Rebellion Racing topped the time sheets overall over the two-day test, followed by OAK Racing in LMP2. AF Corse and 8-star Motorsport shined in the GT classes.

35 cars are expected to turn up in Silverstone.

Nine-time world rally champion Sébastien Loeb didn't have to wait long before the first win of his new GT career.

The Frenchman scaled his rally effort down to a part-time schedule for 2013, in order for his circuit racing programme to expand.

Sébastien Loeb, McLaren MP4-12C (Photo:VIMAGES/Fabre)

Driving his own McLaren MP4-12C, he prevailed alongside teammate Alvaro Parente in the qualifying race of the 2013 FIA GT Series' first weekend.

Loeb pulled a late overtaking move on Niki Mayr-Melnhof's WRT Audi R8 for the win. Maximilian Buhl and Alan Day (No. 1 HTP Gravity Charouz Mercedes) complete the podium.

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is an attractive little machine that's well-dressed and reasonably tossable.

GM, seeking to boost its profit margins, says it can save as much as $200 million annually by improving resale values of its vehicles and further narrowing the gap with competitors who don't have to spend as much to offer lease deals.

Marco Wittmann (BMW), the 24-year-old German who is making his DTM debuts this season, went fastest on the fourth and final day of collective testing in Barcelona.

The former F3 racer and BMW test driver managed to beat fellow rookie Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes), who was second fastest on Thursday too. Along the way, Wittmann set a new record for the highest number of laps completed in one day (220).

Marco WIttmann, BMW M3 DTM (Photo: WRi2)

Christian Vietoris (Mercedes) was third quickest ahead of Timo Scheider, who was Audi's fastest driver of the day.

Four more days of collective testing are to be held in Hockenheim, April 9-12, before the season opens in Hockenheim, on May 5th.

Jacques Villeneuve will race against fellow former F1 star Olivier Panis, in this year's French GT FFSA championship.

The Canadian has been offered a ride in one of Sport Garage's Ferrari 458 by team manager Christian Petit, for whom Villeneuve ice raced in Trophée Andros last winter. His teammate will be three-time French champion Eric Cayrolle.

"I raced for Sport Garage last year[.] I like the team, I like the car and I like my teammate," says Villeneuve on the series' official website. "It was all there."

The former CART champion, who will continue working with French F1 broadcaster Canal +, has only entered one GT race in his career. It was last year, at the inaugural Baku street race.

He finished seventh, driving a BMW Z4 GT3 alongside Jos Verstappen.

Jacques Villeneuve in Baku (Photo: WRi2)

Albeit, Villeneuve has raced in NASCAR, V8 Supercars and closed prototypes before.

So, come April 27, at the inaugural race of the French GT championship, he should have a good idea of what to do.

It appears that Joe Gibbs Racing may have jumped the gun when it announced that Mark Martin would fill in, in the No. 11 Toyota, for the injured Denny Hamlin for the foreseeable future.

Martin, it is now known, will only drive for Hamlin at next week's race in Martinsville. Then Brian Vickers will take over.

Late on Friday afternoon Michael Waltrip Racing, where Martin shares a ride in the No. 55 Toyota with Brian Vickers, issued a release stating that Martin would race for JGR for only one race, the April 7th event in Martinsville, VA.

Two hours later JGR issued a release stating the Brian Vickers would take over for the injured Hamlin. "We were a bit premature in determining Mark's status past Martinsville however," said J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing.

"We're real happy to have the opportunity to get Brian in our Cup cars and with him driving Nationwide for us we think we have some continuity there that is beneficial.

"We really appreciate everyone at Michael Waltrip Racing and Toyota for working with us through this process," added Gibbs. "The good thing for us is that we have drivers the caliber of Mark and Brian to help fill in until Denny comes back."

Martin will now resume his scheduled driving duties, starting with MWR at the Texas Motor Speedway on the following Saturday. Thereafter he'll continue with the team at Kansas Speedway and Richmond International Raceway. Then team co-owner, Michael Waltrip, will wheel the car.

"I think it is great that a driver of Mark's caliber is available to support our fellow Toyota team during this difficult time for them. We wish Denny a speedy recovery," MWR co-owner Michael Waltrip said in the release.

"Mark is a big part of our organization and is committed to our sponsors, especially Aaron's and Toyota. We have a lot of goals yet to reach this year and we are very focused on accomplishing them."

In JGR's initial press release it said Martin would drive the No. 11 while Hamlin recovered from a fractured vertebra suffered in a last-lap crash in the March 24 race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

29-year-old Vickers, who formerly drove for Red Bull Racing in the Cup Series, is trying to resurrect his career after taking time off to recover from a rare medical condition. He has 264 career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts over his 11-year career on the sports' top level. He has two wins, 24 top-five and 63 top-ten finishes.

He has one start thus far this season having finished eighth in at Bristol Motor Speedway for MWR.  Last season, Vickers made eight starts for MWR with three top-five and five top-ten finishes.

Another car making its debut at the New York Auto Show this week was the 2014 Scion tC. With sharper, sportier looks and a revised interior, this small sports coupe is expected to arrive at Canadian Scion dealers in June.

Outside, you'll notice distinctive new headlights and an all-new hood that extends lower toward a more open, muscular grille with an embedded tC logo. LED accent lighting borders the new upper- and lower-grille treatments. In the back, a new blacked-out valance features a lower-centre trim piece similar to the FR-S, while new LED taillights add a classier touch. Everything rides on 18” alloy wheels with a premium dark grey finish.

The cockpit of the 2014 Scion tC houses upgraded materials, including lighter colour fabric on the seats and headliner. As for technologies, the list includes Bluetooth connectivity, auto-off headlights, and steering wheel-mounted controls.

A limited-production Scion 10 Series version will also be available, offering exclusive styling cues, paint colours and interior content.

Powering the 2014 Scion tC is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower through a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Photo: Scion

Photo: Scion

Left without a drive at the end of 2012, Petter Solberg moved to the European Rallycross Championship for 2013. His new endeavour starts tomorrow.

The 2003 WRC champion's choice to move to rallycross became official in February, giving little time to his team to prepare the car.

His Citroën DS3's first shakedown was last Thursday and Friday, only days before the first event, at Lydden Hill in England.

Petter Solberg, Citroën DS3 (Photo: Petter Solberg/Facebook)

"Our biggest challenge has been the lack of time to get the car ready," said the Norwegian on his website.

"Ideally the car should have been fully tested a month ago. We only have two days of testing behind us, and I am wondering if we will experience problems with the car in the first races."

The competition starts Sunday, and ends Monday with the finals.

Former F1 driver Tonio Liuzzi has been paired with veteran Thomas Biagi at Team Mercedes-AMG Romeo Ferraris for the 2013 Superstar International series season.

Liuzzi almost won the title in 2012, scoring two victories in Italy and Hungary.

Tonio Liuzzi chasing the 2012 at Pergusa (Photo: Superstarsworld.com)

This year he will drive for the Italian team Romeo Ferraris, the tuning firm, which runs two manufacturer-backed Mercedes C63 AMG.

His new teammate Thomas Biagi has won Superstar titles before, and many wins in the FIA GT championship.

"I'm ready for the new challenge after an intense 2012 season," said Liuzzi on the series' official website.