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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' new London headquarters will have a staff of about 50 people, most of whom will have a finance background, said two people familiar with the details of the automaker's plan to shift its tax residency to the UK.

PSA CEO Carlos Tavares has chosen former Renault colleague Stephen Norman as senior vice president of group marketing coordination to help implement his Back in the Race turnaround plan.

The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco is the most prestigious race of the season; it features great history, difficulty and prestige, as well as massive media attention and glamour.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen is no exception and is eager to get on track for what is a truly unique event on the calendar.

“This season especially, with the new generation cars, we can expect it to be particularly exciting,” said Raikkonen on Ferrari's official web site.

“These new cars tend to slide easily and in Monaco there's not much room to drift off line.”

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T, in Barcelona. (Photo: WRi2)

As always, the car plays an important role, but Monaco also highlights a driver's ability. Raikkonen knows what he's talking about since he won that race in 2005 behind the wheel of a Mercedes-powered McLaren.

“This track is unique, as you have to give your all from the first to the 78th lap,” Raikkonen explained.

“Qualifying can have a big effect on the outcome, an area on which we are doing our utmost to improve. After the last race, we stayed on in Barcelona for the test, which was reasonably positive: we had problems at the start, but by the end, I can say I was pleased with the work we managed to get through. The F14 T is improving and I am sure that, step by step, the results will come, but we must push harder to get them.”

“The Monaco race is very complicated right from Thursday morning,” the Finn explained.

“It will be vital not to lose any time in free practice, trying to do as many laps as possible to quickly get a feel for things in between the barriers. It's difficult to do well here, but it's enormously satisfying when you get it right,” Raikkonen said.

From GMM

Amid the F1 paddock's usual scepticism, the sport's newest team is pushing ahead with its plans.

Gene Haas - a top Nascar team co-owner and boss of Haas Automation, a world-leading machine tool maker - has secured a two-year license to make his F1 debut either in 2015 or 2016.

After a visit to Haas' North Carolina headquarters, Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt says the Gunther Steiner-led team's "plan A" is to race next year.

Schmidt said Steiner, who has worked with Jaguar and Red Bull, is now rapidly building a workforce, with many experienced F1 people showing interest because Haas can offer new challenges and high-ranking positions.

"There are many interested parties, but we can only hire people when we know who our engine partner is," a source said.

Stewart-Haas' factory. (Photo: Stewart-Haas Racing)

The front-runner is Ferrari, who are also keen to supply a lot of other components to Haas.

Mercedes has already ruled itself out of the running to fill Haas' needs.

"We can only offer engines and transmission," said team chairman Niki Lauda.

The Haas car will almost certainly be built by Dallara.

Schmidt reports: "A 200-strong staff is under construction. In September, the factory in Mooresville will be ready."

At the same time, Haas is also looking for somewhere to base itself in England, the report added.

Gerard Lopez, co-owner of the Lotus Formula 1 team, underlined the sharp upward career trajectory of Frenchman Romain Grosjean.

In fact, Grosjean has out qualified his teammate, Pastor Maldonado five times in a row since the start of the 2014 season.

Talking to Sky Sports F1, Lopez said proper tutelage have transformed the former GP2 series' champion into one of F1's most consistent drivers.

Some people are seeing similarities between the accident-prone Maldonado and the early crash filled career of Grosjean.

"We've lived partially the same thing with Romain (Grosjean), and people wrote him off, but now...we've people knocking on our door to see if he can be in their team”, said Lopez.

"Romain's drives last year meant there were a couple of teams knocking on the door to find out what he was doing, and now we've the same this year," said Lopez after Grosjean opened Lotus's 2014 points account at the Grand Prix of Spain.

"I'm not saying Romain is going, but what I am saying is that here is a driver who was criticised, and now suddenly people are saying he is a driver who could pretty much drive for any team,” Lopez mentioned.

From press release

Race 2 of the F1600 Duals presented by Juniper Networks was a hard fought battle throughout the field and contained a little more drama than Race 1.

The sun was shining and thousands of fans lined the fences around Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, Ontario to witness some of North America's finest young racers taking on a deep field of veteran talent.

Chase Pelletier had finally broken Tristan DeGrand's string of successive pole positions with a convincing lap in his Britain West ride earlier in the day and was very confident heading into the race that he would have something for the Exclusive Autosport driver.

Connor Wagland continued his dominance over the “B” Class field in qualifying with his sweep of the pole positions.

Pelletier took the field to the green but was squeezed slightly by DeGrand who finished the pass for the lead on the exit of corner one. Zacharie Robichon attempted to follow DeGrand through and he and Pelletier would be side-by-side heading into two, allowing DeGrand to start to eek out a lead.

Much like race one on Saturday, DeGrand was able to put his head down and turn very quick laps while second through ninth were engaged in a ferocious battle to the delight of the fans.

On lap seven the race was slowed due to a full-course caution for an incident involving Shane Jantzi, Max Hanratty and Zacharie Robichon.

The three drivers were putting on an incredible display of racing skill, trading positions several times per lap. As they powered up the back straightaway they went three wide just before corner eight. Hanratty and Jantzi touched, sending Hanratty up against the outside wall and Jantzi into Robichon.

Robichon would continue, but was slowed with the rear toe knocked out of alignment and started to drop through the field. Jantzi would bring his car to pit lane to the attention of his crew and retired from the race. Hanratty's car was too damaged to continue and ended his day on the flatbed.

DeGrand took the green for the restart and never looked back. Pelletier and Jeffrey Kingsley waged a good battle for several laps for the second step on the podium, with Pelletier eventually prevailing.

Young Quebec standout Olivier Bedard had a very good performance in his debut at the challenging circuit, finishing in an impressive performance ahead of Jayson Clunie and hard charging Caitlin Johnston. Craig Willis, impressive rookie Reid Arnold, the damaged Zacharie Robichon and Michel Legrand would round out the top ten.

Next up on the Super Series calendar is the F1 Grand Prix of Canada. Over 35 cars are expected to take to the historic track in front of tens of thousands of racing fans.

An off-season crash in 2000 rendered IndyCar driver, Sam Schmidt quadriplegic. Last Sunday, Schmidt took to the famed oval in a 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray adapted to his needs by Arrow Electronics, Inc.

Schmidt, today a successful IndyCar team owner, took the specially fitted Corvette up to 97 mph around the famous Brickyard.

Afterward, Schmidt used the words “exhilarating” and “unbelievable” to describe the feeling he said came after a nine month planning process.

Schmidt, who chairs the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, said the experience gave him hope that the technology utilized can be transferred to other applications to help many who are disabled.

The specially equiped Corvette Sam Schmidt drove. (Photo: Sam Schmidt Motorsport)

The Corvette uses an advanced infrared camera system, a bite sensor and a GPS system to steer the car around the track. Schmidt averaged 73.712 mph on his 10-mile run, hitting 97 mph down the main straightaway.

A highly technical series of algorithms controls the vehicle. Four sensors mounted on the driver's helmet are connected to infrared cameras mounted on the dashboard. They detect his head tilt motions to aid in steering and acceleration. The driver also has a bite sensor device in his mouth, and the pressure of his bite helps control the car's braking and steering. The GPS keeps the car within 1 1/2 meters from the edge of the track.

“We get a ton of emails and correspondence from folks who maybe didn't want to leave their house or didn't know what they could do with their disability,” Schmidt declared.

“I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I think the reason I'm sitting here today without the use of arms and legs is so I can look somebody in the eye and say, ‘Get up off your butt and be a productive member of society.'

The Grand Prix of Monaco is undoubtedly the most prestigious Formula 1 race on the calendar. Here are 8 things to know about the race held on the streets of Monte-Carlo.

1
The winner of the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929, William Grover-Williams (a Frenchman despite his English name), would later become a member of the French Resistance during World War II before eventually being captured by the Germans and executed in the Sachsenhausen concentration camp near Berlin.

2
Nico Rosberg's father, Keke Rosberg won the race in 1983. The start was given on a damp track, but Rosberg, driving a less powerful Williams- Cosworth, quickly moved up to the front of the pack and won the race from the powerful turbo cars.

Keke Rosberg, Williams FW07 C-Cosworth, Monaco 1983. (Photo: WRi2)

3
The slowest corner of all Formula 1 races is the Grand Hotel downhill hairpin, taken in first gear at very low engine speed at about 65 km/h.

4
The great Ayton Senna holds the record for the highest number of race wins in Monaco with 6 (1987, 89, 90, 91, 92 and 93).

5
The oldest driver to take the start of an F1 Grand Prix was Frenchman Louis Chiron in Monaco in 1955 at the age of 55 years and 292 days. At that same race, Chiron also became oldest point scorer !

Stirling Moss, Mercedes W196 8, Monaco 1955. (Photo: WRi2)

6
During the final laps of the 1982 race, six different drivers traded the lead! Alain Prost spun and retired. Riccardo Patrese took the lead but spun and stalled his engine. Didier Pironi ran out of fuel, Andrea de Cesaris and then Derek Daly also spun. Patrese managed to get his engine restarted and won the race!



7
Michael Schumacher holds the lap record in 1m14.439 established in 2004 in his Ferrari.

8
The 1996 edition of the race went down in history as the smallest field to complete an F1 race - just three drivers made it to the end, with Olivier Panis, who started in 14th in his Ligier, claiming his only F1 win ahead of David Coulthard and Johnny Herbert.

Olivier Panis, Ligier JS43 Mugen-Honda, Monaco 1996. (Photo: WRi2)

Mercedes-AMG has released a teaser for its all-new GT, which is scheduled to make its official debut in the third quarter of this year (as a 2016 model).

A microsite is also live at www.mercedes-amg.com/AMGGT, showing additional pictures and telling us exactly when new information will be available.

Check it out!



Source : motorauthority.com

Here is the schedule of the 2014 Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco held this weekend on the streets of Monte-Carlo.

Wednesday May 21
Formula 1 Press Conference - Press Room 15h00

Thursday May 22
Renault 3.5 Practice Session 08h30 - 09h15
Formula 1 Practice 1 10h00 - 11h30
GP2 Practice Session 12h00 - 12h45
Formula 1 Practice 2 14h00 - 15h30
Formula 1 Press Conference - Press Room 16h00 - 17h00
GP2 Qualifying Session (Group A) 16h15 - 16h31
GP2 Qualifying Session (Group B) 16h39 - 16h55
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Practice Session 17h30 - 18h15

Friday May 23
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Qualifying Session 09h45 - 10h15
GP2 First Race (42 Laps or 60 Minutes) 11h15 - 12h20

Saturday May 24
Formula 1 Team Pit Stop Practice 08h00 - 08h30
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 08h00 - 08h30
Renault 3.5 Qualifying Session (Group A) 09h00 - 09h25
Renault 3.5 Qualifying Session (Group B) 09h30 - 09h55
Formula 1 Practice 3 11h00 - 12h00
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 12h15 - 13h45
Formula 1 Qualifying 14h00
GP2 Second Race (30 Laps or 45 Minutes) 16h10 - 17h00

Sunday May 25
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 08h00 - 09h00
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Race (16 Laps or 30 Mins) 09h45 - 10h20
Renault 3.5 Race (40 Mins + 1 Lap) 11h10 - 11h55
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 12h25 - 13h15
Formula 1 Drivers Track Parade 12h30
Formula 1 Starting Grid Presentation 12h45 - 13h15
Formula 1 National Anthem 13h46
Formula 1 Race

Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg will turn plenty of heads at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K. by showing two copies of its spectacular One:1 and also entering a prototype in the Michelin Supercar Run.

The Koenigsegg One:1 weighs 1,341 kg and produces 1,341 hp. It could potentially shatter every speed record for production cars and even top the 440km/h mark.

The One:1 has made big waves ever since launching at this year's Geneva Auto Show.

Source : leblogauto.com

Photo: Koenigsegg

The auto industry's saddest running gag right now is arguably General Motors announcing yet another recall, except today we're talking about four separate U.S. recalls all at once, affecting 2.42 million vehicles.

The number of units affected by these recalls in Canada has yet to be determined.

First, 1,339,355 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia crossovers from the 2009-2014 model years, as well as Saturn Outlooks from 2009-2010 have front safety lap belt cables that can fatigue and separate over time. In a crash, a separated cable could increase the risk of injury to front seat passengers.

Secondly, 1,075,102 Chevrolet Malibus from the 2004-2008 model years and Pontiac G6s from 2005-2008 — all equipped with the previous-generation 4-speed automatic transmission — use a shift cable that could wear out over time, resulting in mismatches of the gear position indicated by the shift lever.

Thirdly, 1,402 brand new 2015 Cadillac Escalades and Escalade ESVs suffer from an insufficiently heated plastic weld that attaches the passenger side airbag to the instrument panel assembly, potentially resulting in a partial deployment of the airbag in the event of a crash.

The fourth and final (?) recall affects 58 all-new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD full-size pickups. Retention clips attaching the generator fuse block to the vehicle body can become loose and lead to a fire.

GM insists there have been no fatalities associated with these recalls.

Source : media.gm.ca

A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL collided with an out-of-control BMW 1 Series at the Mille Miglia in Italy. Fortunately, there are no major injuries to report, only a wrecked piece of automotive history.

The 300 SL ranks among the most sought-after models in the car collector universe. A few units have sold for more than $1 million.

You can see all the damage in the following video, courtesy of Tuscia Web:

Source : tusciaweb.eu

Lotus will not contest the 2014 24 Hours of Mans in June, having withdrawn its T129 LMP1 prototype.

The German squad decided to withdraw its yet unraced car just one month before the most prestigious (and most difficult) race of the season.

British motorsport magazine Autosport writes the AER-engined Lotus T129, which was absent from the opening two events in the FIA World Endurance Championship, has been pulled out of Le Mans because its homologation is not yet complete.

The Lotus T129 project is still ongoing, according to ACO sporting manager Vincent Beaumesnil.

"We are hopeful that the team will be back in the WEC later in the year," he said.

The Millennium Racing team run by the Delta-ADR team, which withdrew its two ORECA-Nissan LMP2s last month, has been invited back onto the entry list with a solo car to be driven by Oliver Turvey, John Martin and Fabien Giroix.

Lotus T129 LMP1 prototype. (Photo: Lotus)

You can find pretty much anything on the Internet, including this special Batman-inspired golf cart, which was designed after the Tumbler from The Dark Night.

It features quadruple rear wheels, a fake turbo exhaust, custom matte black panels, and more.

Prestige Import/Lamborghini Miami is now selling it for $49,950.

Source : blog.dupontregistry.com

From GMM

Red Bull's two formula one teams will work even more closely together from 2015.

Already in 2014, after Toro Rosso's switch to Renault power, the Faenza team and Red Bull Racing have been working together to solve the French supplier's problems with its troubled new V6 engine.

Now, Speed Week reports that from 2015, Toro Rosso will use the same rear suspension layout as designed by reigning world champions Red Bull Racing.

Correspondent Mathias Brunner said 2014 is in fact a transitionary phase to a closer collaboration between the two Red Bull teams.

For instance, while Toro Rosso is already using the internals of Red Bull's new eight-speed gearbox this year, the second team is still producing the casing.

But from 2015, Toro Rosso's use of the entire Red Bull gearbox will allow both teams to have exactly the same suspension geometry as well.

Toro Rosso STR9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

The Faenza based team, formerly Minardi, has also been ramping up its staff numbers in recent years.

"Compared to 2008-2009 when we had about 135 people, now it is up to 325. We are growing and the process is not complete," team boss Franz Tost explained Spain's El Confidencial.

Franz Tost also said Toro Rosso is refining its role as a F1 driver development team, having already produced Red Bull's current duo, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo.

Until recently, Toro Rosso has run a pair of young, unproven talents, but this year the impressive teen rookie Daniil Kvyat is alongside the much more experienced Jean-Eric Vergne.

"The general philosophy will not change dramatically," said Tost, "because bringing drivers from the Red Bull junior team into formula one was the reason Dietrich Mateschitz bought Minardi.

"The question is whether you bring in one driver or two (at a time), because in the past we changed both, which is risky.

"If we have a skilled and fast driver, it is easier when you bring in a young super-talent," he added.

Pop up Studio, a company based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is encouraging people to turn the city's numerous potholes into real works of art. They will reward the best artist with a brand new set of tires. The runner-up will get free car washes for a year, while the third-place finisher will receive... a big hug from the Pop up Studio team.

Judging by the pictures that have already been submitted, it's safe to say the people of Scranton have a lot of imagination!

Photo: PotholePopup.com

_{Source : PotholePopUp} 

From GMM

The F1 party may soon be over for Pastor Maldonado.

Until now, the 29-year-old Venezuelan's formula one career has been powered by state millions, through the oil company PDVSA and the personal backing of president Hugo Chavez.

Chavez, however, died last year, preceding a period of intense political turmoil, and at the same time PDVSA's ploughing of state millions into Williams and Lotus was already highly controversial within Venezuela.

Pastor Maldonado, Lotus F1 Team. (Photo: WRi2)

Now, Venezuela has a new sports minister, Antonio Alvarez, who has indicated this week that motor racing is being totally cut from the country's list of priorities.

"I know I'm going to win a lot of enemies," he is quoted by Venezuela's Ultimas Noticias.

"But there will be not one more dollar for motor racing. Venezuelan sport has other priorities, and it would be unfair to use state resources for disciplines that are not in line with the development of the country," said Antonio Alvarez.

From GMM

Carlos Sainz jr is the next driver in line at Red Bull's F1 junior team, Toro Rosso.

This year, Russian 20-year-old Daniil Kvyat has impressed despite stepping straight into F1 as the reigning GP3 champion.

Only a few months younger than Kvyat is Carlos Sainz jr, whose father and namesake is the well-known two-time world rally champion.

Son Sainz, 19, has concentrated on single seaters, and so far in 2014 his F1 aspirations are on track as he is leading the highly-rated Formula Renault 3.5 series.

He is undoubtedly the next in line for a Red Bull-powered future in F1.

"He is on the right track," confirmed Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost, referring to Sainz's winning season so far in 2014.

"The season has just started and there are a couple of good drivers in the world series and we want to see how they develop during the season.

Carlos Sainz Jr and father, on a testing day with Toro Rosso, in 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

"But Carlos is doing a good job," Tost told Spain's El Confidencial. "If it continues I am sure he will sit in a Toro Rosso in a test or on a Friday.

"It really depends on the driver," he continued. "He is the one who steps on the gas. I always tell the drivers 'It is you who decides your future, not us'.

"Last year at this point I was sure Antonio Felix da Costa would be driving for us -- I would not have bet that (Daniil) Kvyat would be instead."

Franz Tost also hailed Daniel Ricciardo's progress in 2014 after stepping up from Toro Rosso.

But, unlike Red Bull figures Christian Horner, Dietrich Mateschitz and Helmut Marko, the Austrian said he has not been "surprised" by Ricciardo's pace at Red Bull.

"I expected him to be very competitive and comfortable in a very short space of time," said Tost, "so it has not been a surprise to me.

"Ricciardo gives very clear and detailed technical feedback, and so maybe he has just adapted to the circumstances more quickly than Vettel" he added.

La perfection est un bien grand mot. Je ne vous apprendrai rien en écrivant que la BMW Série 3 est considérée depuis longtemps comme l'une des Now there's a huge title. I'm learning you readers nothing when I state that the BMW 3 Series has long been regarded as one of the best-driving and accomplished cars in the world. Its status as a living legend with an enviable pedigree gives it something to live up to and BMW always delivers.

The current F30 series of the 3 Series continues to impress with its performance, handling, quality build, and styling. Although these elements have been part of the mix from the onset (think of the '70s with the E21) a new factor has come to play: efficiency.

The new 2014 BMW 328d brings to the table exactly that without ever relegating what has always made the 3 Series great. The car's turbo-diesel engine is phenomenally powerful and smooth, and exceptionally good on gas. The rest is as expected.


What is a BMW 328d?
The 328d is only the second diesel variant of BMW's 3 Series ever offered on the North American market. The first was a silly-powerful RWD-only 335d with an inline 6-cylinder engine.

The 3 Series itself has been BMW's bestselling nameplate for almost ever and therefore plays a pivotal role in the Bavarian brand's success. The numerous powertrains and body styles (if we include the new 4 Series) ensure that failure is not an option.



2014 BMW 328d Price and Specs
The 328d starts at $47,700. This money gets you a turbocharged diesel sipping 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. It puts out 181 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a butt-tingling 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. Tied into this is an 8-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system.

My tester was painted Glacier Silver Metallic and the cabin, draped in Coral Red Dakota leather. Options included: Premium, Sport Line (a must) and a few other goodies for a grand total of $56,220.

The 328d is rated at 6.4L city, 4.5L highway (L/100 km). My average after more than 1,700km worked out to just over 6L/100 km. Remarkable!

Driving the 2014 BMW 328d
There are few driving experiences that are as subtly rewarding as driving a BMW 3 Series. As a serious fan of all things diesel, the combination of the 3 and oil burning had my expectations floating somewhere in the stratosphere.

First remarks stem from the engine itself: In 2014, I've become accustomed to quiet diesel engines, the pitter-patter being less than remarkable. In the 2014 BMW 328d, the diesel knock or clatter is louder than some potential buyers may like. In fact, a few heads turned as I drove by, but not because I was driving a silver 3 Series, because of the engine's tune.

As far as I'm concerned, I care not about the "noise" as I find melody in the compression-ignition engine to actually be endearing. Truth is, once the throttle begins its travel towards the floor, all complaints abate. This tiny torque monster will have the small of your back firmly pressed against the seat. Once that experience has passed, press the "SPORT" button and repeat. Yeah, I know...

The beauty with this mill is not only its near lack of lag, sharp throttle response, and strong pull but how well the 8-speed 'box attaches to it shifts from one gear to another. Smooth as silk or cutthroat-style when in Sport+, this transmission is as brilliant as it is efficient. It plays a huge roll in keeping the motor in its sweet spot when needed or snoring when loads are minimal.

Then there's the ride and the drive. A BMW 3 Series inherently owns the tarmac, even when covered with all kinds of nasty weather-related stuff. The car's near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, finely tuned suspension and beautifully sorted chassis ensure comfort and confident handling. Steering assistance is well judged and as precise as a modern BMW should be.

Inside and Out of the 2014 BMW 328d
The F30 series BMW 3 speaks a design language that is all BMW and this is but one of the reasons why the car is so popular. The 3 Series is instantly recognizable and those who cannot find the beauty in what BMW has sculpted in the latest 3 are simply biased.

Despite the constantly growing outer dimensions, the BMW 3 Series remains tidy and very handsome. Any car purchased should include the Sport Line or M Sport packages.

The 2014 BMW 328d's passenger quarters are growing at an equal pace to that of the shell. The trick is that BMW has been able to keep the cabin intimate enough, all the while providing occupants with more head- and legroom.

Fit and finish are superb, and ergonomics are slightly convoluted but are adapted to rapidly. The seats are my only complaint. I've never done this before, but this is I bitching about front seats in a BMW that, because of the lack of lumbar support, had my back in pain two hours into a five-hour drive.

Instrumentation, HMI, and all other means of interacting with the car work as well as expected.

Comparing the 2014 BMW 328d
The BMW 3 Series has it rough. There's a limited number of segments where there are so few significant players that compete as hard as they do in the entry-level compact car segment.

Think about the constant siege between the Germans: Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and 3 Series. Throw in the Infiniti Q50 and Lexus IS and the grudge match will leave very few survivors.

Luckily for the buyer, it's nearly impossible to go wrong with any of these cars. For branding purposes, it's tough to beat Germany at its own game. I must say that I have a very soft spot for the IS...