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From GMM

With the summer sun baking in Budapest, 'silly season' has well and truly arrived in the F1 paddock.

The big name is Sebastian Vettel, with rumours suggesting the Red Bull Racing driver could be on the move to Mercedes AMG in 2016.

Sebastian Vettel is firmly under contract to Red Bull Racing for another year, so - as a four-time world champion - perhaps he is just lighting a rumour or two to drive up his price.

"I think Sebastian Vettel is playing very clever contract poker, just as Adrian Newey did a few weeks ago," former F1 driver Alex Wurz told Germany's Sky in Hungary.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, the ever plain-speaking Niki Lauda moved to rubbish the speculation altogether.

"We have never talked with Vettel about a contract or a cooperation," the Mercedes team chairman told Auto Motor und Sport.

"Why? Because we have two drivers.

"We have just extended the contract with Nico, and with Lewis (Hamilton) we are talking now. There is the desire to extend his contract as well.

"It makes no sense for us to look for a new driver," Niki Lauda added, insisting that is also true even if Fernando Alonso was on the market.

Mercedes AMG and Brembo announced they would perform an analysis of the brake disc of Lewis Hamilton/MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 Team used in qualifying at the 2014 German Grand Prix.

The two companies issued a joint press release Friday in Hungary.

“Following the accident experienced by Lewis Hamilton last Saturday at Hockenheim, BREMBO and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 Team have been working hand in hand to analyse and identify the causes of the failure.

“There is currently no clear evidence of a single cause of failure and our continuing rigorous analysis will take into account multiple factors which could have contributed to the incident.

“The results of this technical analysis will be communicated as soon as they are available.

“Formula One is a domain of advanced development where technologies are pushed to their limits and in which strong partnerships are crucially important.

“BREMBO and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 Team remain committed to a close working relationship in the future.”

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

The big paddock rumour in Hungary is that Mercedes has made a move to sign Sebastian Vettel.

The speculation was even pushed along by Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, who suggested rivals like McLaren and Mercedes have indeed made big-money approaches to the German.

"I don't know which sources Helmut has, or doesn't have, but they seem to vary, let's say," Vettel smiled on Thursday.

But at the same time, the 27-year-old did not issue a categorical denial.

In an interview with F1's official website, he agreed that "sometimes a change can work miracles".

And then Vettel issued a classic diversionary answer.

"I am focused and busy with what we do here, because it is not so easy to make progress," he said in Budapest.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Like Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, Vettel is firmly under contract for 2015, but that doesn't mean offers and approaches are not flying about among the sport's top teams and drivers.

"I think any offer has to be considered," Vettel admitted to reporters, "but nothing has changed. I don't talk about these things.

"I am very satisfied in my current team. At the moment, it's not a question," he is quoted by Der Spiegel.

But, still, an outright denial that he could be seeking a change of scene sounds different.

Vettel was asked, for example, if he thinks the Mercedes star is "sexy".

"At the moment no," he is quoted by Bild newspaper, "because it is constantly in front of us. But if stars mean titles, then stars are something great, as a sportsmen should always have the goal to be as high as possible."

He even failed to deny that talks with paddock figures like Mercedes' Toto Wolff or Niki Lauda might be beginning.

"Today, there are many ways to make contact with someone. We all know each other and it's not as though I have an unfamiliar face," said Vettel.

"There's lots of ways to contact someone without everyone knowing," he added.

Defending Brickyard Grand Prix winner Ryan Dalziel took first TUDOR United SportsCar Championship pole of the year.

Ryan Dalziel and Johannes van Overbeek swept the front row in qualifying for Friday's TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Brickyard Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Dalziel piloted the No. 1 HPD ARX-03b/Honda to a best lap of 1 minute, 17.603 seconds (113.145 mph) to take his first TOTAL Pole Award of the year. Extreme Speed Motorsports teammate Van Overbeek, who gave the team its first TUDOR Championship pole and teamed with Ed Brown for their first win at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, qualified second at 1:17.879 (112.744 mph).

Gustavo Yacaman, who picked up his first career TUDOR Championship victory two weeks ago at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, qualified third in the No. 42 OAK Racing Morgan/Nissan with a lap of 1:17.908 (112.702 mph). Yacaman is joined this weekend by co-driver Ho-Pin Tung.

Christian Fittipaldi qualified fourth in the No. 5 Action Express Racing Corvette DP with a lap of 1:18.102 (112.422 mph), followed by Richard Westbrook in the No. 90 VISITFLORIDA.com Racing Corvette DP at 1:18.188 (112.299 mph).

Former Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella put his Ferrari F458 Italia on pole in the GT Le Mans class.

From GMM

Ferrari is now focusing "all" of its efforts on 2015, according to lead driver Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard's comments, made on Thursday ahead of the Hungarian, appear to contradict those of the Italian team's technical director James Allison.

"It's a time of much work on both projects, with plenty of effort still going into improving laptime on the 2014 car," Allison said last week.

But Autosprint quotes Alonso as saying in Budapest: "Now all the team's efforts are focused on the new car. It's a choice that leaves us in a difficult situation for 2014, but at this point of the season it is right to think of 2015 above all."

Fernando Alonso also commented on his own performance, suggesting he has rarely been better at the wheel, despite the lack of performance from Ferrari's F14-T car.

"Last year was also good, but like 2012 I think this year was a step above. I think I'm at the level of 2012 now," he is quoted by Spain's Marca.

Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T, Montreal. (Photo: WRi2)

"Also compared to my teammate, who has the same car, I have rarely felt better," said Alonso, referring to the struggling Kimi Raikkonen. "With the new rules I have been almost every day in the simulator, also working with Pedro (de la Rosa). I've spent more time in Italy, with the team, than ever before."

Continuing to refer to Raikkonen, Alonso is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport: "I don't know what problems he has."

But if his recent comments sound like criticism, the official Ferrari quotes attributed to Alonso on Thursday insisted he works closely with the Finn.

"Definitely Kimi and I work together a lot and all the meetings are quite long this year because we have a lot of things to sort out after the races," he said.

"It's not a big change compared to the work I did with Felipe or other teammates," Fernando Alonso added.

Once a Subaru lover, always a Subaru lover. Them's the rules, and they must always be adhered to. So, by way of the rules it would seem I have to love the 2015 Subaru WRX. On a number of levels, I do. However, the introduction of a new transmission offered in the turbocharged Rex has me scratching my head and wishing Subaru had left it exclusively manual.

As an esteemed colleague of mine stated; you can still loved a neutered pet, right? And that's just it, the CVT-equipped 2015 WRX feels neutered in a way that's hard to ignore.


What is a Subaru WRX?
It used to be an Impreza WRX, but Subaru has since dropped the connection to the Impreza and let the WRX and STI branch off on their own. Essentially, the WRX is Subaru's entry-level rally star. Turbocharged and with Subaru's reknowned symmetrical AWD and BOXER engine, the WRX is loads of fun in any weather and on any road condition, plus practical as a family hauler.

While this would have been the 5th generation of the WRX as an Impreza, its separation means this is a first generation car.

2015 Subaru WRX Price & Specs
For just a smidge under $30k, you can walk away with a base WRX that'll offer up a 6-speed manual transmission (finally), 17” wheels, and AWD. Not bad, in my opinion.

If amenities do it for you, you'll need to upgrade to the WRX Sport-tech package that starts at $35,495 and offers up all the regular stuff plus a Harmon Kardom premium stereo, leather and more.

My particular tester was in the middle of the pack at just over $32k and offered up a few extras like a back-up camera, 8-way power adjustable seat and, the CVT...

Sadly, the WRX (and similarly the STI) is no longer offered as a hatchback. It's sedan or nothin', at least it is for now. But I'll get to the design later... In terms of engine offerings, no matter which WRX you walk away with you'll have the pleasure of exploiting the 2.0L BOXER turbocharged engine good for 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Now, here's my point of contention: The 2015 Subaru WRX is now offered in both a 6-speed manual or with a CVT. That's right, there is now an automatic WRX, and not just any sort of automatic, a CVT. Let that sink in for a second.

Driving the 2015 Subaru WRX
As you may have gathered, my particular WRX was equipped with a CVT. And while my left foot desperately searched for a pedal upon each start-up, none was to be found and I took to getting to know the WRX in an entirely new way.

Here's the thing: the 2015 WRX's CVT is trying so desperately not to be a CVT that it's a bit obnoxious. “Shifts” or rather ratio changes are harsh and overly sharp, especially if Sport# is activated via the steering-wheel mounted buttons that control Subaru's SI-Drive (only available with the CVT). While paddle shifters on the steering wheel are standard, the lagged shifts that roll over from one to another are more despicable than pleasing to use.

It wasn't all bad though, the linear power with which the 2015 Subaru WRX rockets forward is awesome, and the sharp and precise throttle response is a welcome change to some of the lazier pedals out there. Steering is much sharper and spot-on, tight and contained. The entire car feels better put together and just overall tighter. Cornering is handled with ease, body roll is near none and the WRX goes precisely where you want it to go, no matter how quickly you want it to go there.

The 2.0L 4-cylinder is plenty powerful, and I'd venture to say the only advantage the STI has over the WRX is better brakes (and the fact that it's only available with a stick shift #savethemanuals).

Inside and Out of the 2015 Subaru WRX
Yes. So much yes. The new exterior design of the 2015 WRX is stellar. Subaru took the Rex back to its aggressive nature, where it should have always stayed. Gone are the subdued fender flares and “sorry, I'm a bit fast” front end, replaced with a “I'll eat smart cars for lunch” front fascia. While I do wish the hood scoop was a bit more pronounced (think '04-'05 STI height), the overall exterior of the '15 WRX is mint, and pretty damn sexy.

Inside, it's standard Subaru fare, which means you shouldn't expect too much. Materials are sufficient but not luxurious by any stretch of the imagination. Buttons and centre-stack set-up is simple and straightforward; and don't expect an armrest. There ain't one. Front seats are supportive and sporty, but comfortable.

The backseat is plenty spacious and installing my son's seat was a breeze. The door opening on the 2015 WRX is much larger than previous gens, which makes putting him in and taking him out that much easier.

Comparing the 2015 Subaru WRX
The WRX has some interesting competition, all of which are as cult-driven as the Subaru: VW GTI, Civic Si, and even the Ford Focus ST. Subaru lovers will always be Subaru lovers, and so the WRX will live on.

Former Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver Ivan Capelli is resolute to ensure Autodromo Monza remains on the Formula 1 calendar.

The news comes after Bernie Ecclestone publically said the Italian Grand Prix is not financial viable for the sport.

Recently elected to the board of directors of the Automobile Club of Milan, who manage the Monza circuit, Capelli declared says he plans to do everything he can to ensure F1 returns to Monza.

"I read in the newspapers that Bernie was not happy about the commercial agreement that he had before," he told Autosport.

"I didn't have any opportunity until now to have a chat with him, but I suppose in the next few weeks there will probably be an opportunity to exchange some ideas with him,” Capelli continued.

Additionally, Capelli admits upgrades to the venerable circuit are required.

"I think that Monza needs to do a step forward because it is not possible that Monza lives as it does," he said.

Autodromo Nazionale Monza. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

World champion Sebastian Vettel has slammed the FIA's new fully-electric single seater series, Formula E.

The new series, featuring nearly silent cars and an impressive collection of teams and drivers, will commence a global tour of street circuits starting with Beijing in September.

Formula E in action at Donington Park. (Photo: FIA Formula E)

But according to Sebastian Vettel: "I think it's cheese."

It is not the first time the Red Bull driver has turned to food for a putdown, having called his uncompetitive 2014 car a "cucumber" earlier this year.

But the quadruple title winner also earned a personal rebuke from none other than FIA president Jean Todt in 2014, when he referred to the sound of the new turbo V6 engines as "sh*t".

Now, 27-year-old Vettel has set his target on Formula E.

"I'm not a fan of it, and as a viewer I would not be interested. Now I need to stop," Sebastian Vettel smiled, according to the German newsmagazine Focus ahead of the Hungarian grand prix.

If you're planning to buy a brand new 2015 Ford F-150, expect plenty of selection when it comes to the powertrain. In addition to the proven 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and 5.0L V8 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), the Blue Oval will offer a pair of new V6 engines to meet the needs of a greater number of customers.

The standard 3.5L V6 with Ti-VCT achieves a 5% improvement in power-to-weight ratio over the larger 3.7L unit in the 2014 F-150, with better fuel efficiency and performance. It produces 283 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, has a maximum payload of 1,910 lbs, and can tow up to 7,600 lbs.

Also joining the Ford F-150 lineup for 2015 is a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop. This one generates 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque — improving the power-to-weight ratio of the 2015 truck by 15% over the outgoing V8-equipped F-150. It has a maximum payload of 2,250 lbs and maximum tow rating of 8,500 lbs.

In case you haven't heard or don't remember, the 2015 Ford F-150 uses high-strength steel and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy plus smart engineering to reduce weight by up to 700 lbs and significantly increase fuel economy.

Source : Ford

Photo: Ford

Formula 1's world expansion will continue in 2016 after Azerbaijan signed a deal to stage a “Grand Prix of Europe”.

The race will be staged around a new street circuit in the country's capital Baku.

Baku presented a street race for GT machinery in recent years.

Jacques Villeneuve driving the BMW Z4 in the Baku street circuit, in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Just days after the announcement of the return of the Mexican Grand Prix in 2015, Azerbaijan - a country rich in oil - has received the green light to join the schedule from 2016.

Few details have emerged, but the race will run on a new street circuit being constructed in the city with Baku's old medieval area.

"I am delighted to officially announce we have signed a contract to bring Formula 1 racing to Baku in 2016," declared Azerbaijan's minister of youth and sport Azad Rahimov in a statement.

"We are very happy Baku has joined the Formula One family. This will be a street race, which will pass through interesting and picturesque parts of Baku, and will meet the current Formula One criteria”, said Bernie Ecclestone.

Sky Sports F1 reports that the 2015 F1 calendar, which stands at 19 events this year, could also include the addition of the prospective Grand Prix of America in New Jersey following two consecutive delays. However, Ecclestone has said that 2015 is still too early for organisers.

J.D. Power's 2014 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study was released this week, offering a barometer of owner satisfaction based on 77 criteria such as navigation, design, and fuel economy.

Leading the pack this year is Porsche with 882 points out of a possible 1,000, followed by Jaguar (862), Audi (858), Land Rover (853), and BMW (849). At the bottom of the list, you'll find Scion (779), Fiat (768), Subaru (766), Jeep (762), and Mitsubishi (748).

The industry average is 794 points.

By the way, Hyundai ranks highest among non-premium brands in the study. The Korean company was also the highest-ranked non-premium brand in the 2014 Initial Quality Study (IQS).

Here are the most appealing vehicles for every category according to J.D. Power:

Cars

• Small car: Hyundai Accent
• Compact car: Dodge Dart
• Compact premium car: BMW 4 Series
• Compact sporty car: Volkswagen GTI
• Compact premium sporty car: Porsche Boxster
• Midsize car: Mazda6
• Midsize sporty car: Dodge Challenger
• Midsize premium car: Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
• Midsize premium sporty car: Porsche 911
• Large car: Dodge Charger
• Large premium car: Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (tie)

SUVs, trucks and minivans

• Small SUV: MINI Countryman
• Compact SUV: Nissan Rogue
• Compact premium SUV: Audi Q5
• Compact MPV: Kia Soul
• Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander
• Midsize premium SUV: Porsche Cayenne
• Midsize pickup: Honda Ridgeline
• Minivan: Nissan Quest
• Large SUV: GMC Yukon
• Large premium SUV: Land Rover Range Rover
• Large light-duty pickup: Ford F-150
• Large heavy-duty pickup: Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty

Source: J.D. Power

Mercedes AMG Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton set the pace Friday by topping both free practice sessions for the Grand Prix of Hungary at the tight and twisty Hungaroring.

Free practice 1
In the morning session, Hamilton beat his teammate Nico Rosberg, lapping the 4.381km circuit in a time of 1m25.814 to go 0.183 of a second faster than his German rival.

Kimi Raikkonen set the third fastest time in his Ferrari. The Finn was about 0.6 of a second slower than Hamilton but also about 0.4s faster than his teammate, Fernando Alonso in fourth.

The top ten was completed by Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing), Kevin Magnussen (McLaren), Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso), Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing), Jenson Button (McLaren) and Felipe Massa (Williams).

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB10-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Free practice 2
Hamilton maintained his advantage over Rosberg in the second free practice session.

Lewis Hamilton's fastest time on the soft Pirelli tires of 1m24.482 was 0.242 of a second quicker than Rosberg managed.

Once more the Mercedes AMG W05s were in a league of their own for single-lap pace with third-fastest Sebastian Vettel, while enjoying a strong opening day relative to Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo - over 0.6 of a second adrift.

Fernando Alonso was the lead Ferrari in fifth ahead of Kevin Magnussen for improving McLaren.

Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas (Williams), Button and Massa completed the top 10.

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

Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring, Free practice 1*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m25.814 - 27 laps
2 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m25.997 - 31
3 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m26.421 - 29
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m26.872 - 23
5 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m27.220 - 28
6 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4 -29-Mercedes) - 1m27.357 - 28
7 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m27.683 - 30
8 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m27.782 - 16
9 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m27.804 - 27
10 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m27.960 - 24
11 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m27.967 - 25
12 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m28.101 - 28
13 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m28.208 - 32
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m28.266 - 28
15 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m28.330 - 21
16 - Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m28.376 - 24
17 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m28.593 - 24
18 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m29.025 - 23
19 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m30.363 - 30
20 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m30.892 - 24
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m31.004 - 5
22 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m31.248 - 20

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRI2)

Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring, Free practice 2*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m24.482 - 38 laps
2 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m24.720 - 38
3 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m25.111 - 33
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m25.437 - 26
5 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m25.580 - 34
6 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m25.730 - 30
7 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m25.983 - 29
8 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m25.999 - 37
9 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m26.234 - 33
10 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m26.402 - 18
11 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m26.689 - 42
12 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m27.703 - 37
13 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m26.789 - 39
14 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m26.919 - 41
15 - Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m27.013 - 39
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m27.019 - 40
17 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m27.021 - 14
18 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m27.480 - 32
19 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m28.370 - 35
20 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m28.469 - 26
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m28.586 - 35
22 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m29.036 - 34

*Unofficial timing

From GMM

Michael Schumacher's wife is selling the private jet the seven time world champion used to fly around the world.

The grey Falcon 2000EX, bearing the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver's 'MS' logo on the tail and the personalised registration 'M-IKEL', clocked up thousands of air miles not only during his F1 career but also afterwards.

But Germany's Bild newspaper reports that with the great German now recovering from brain injuries, his wife Corinna chose to sell the unused jet.

Originally bought for EUR 25 million, Mrs Schumacher is reportedly seeking EUR 20m.

From press release

Ohsweken Speedway's 19th season of racing continues this Friday, July 25, when McDonald's Restaurants of Brantford & Paris present Autograph Night and Christmas in July.

The event will feature Corr/Pak Merchandising 360 Sprint Cars, Strickland's GMC Crate Sprint Cars, Affordable Towing & Recovery Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Gale's Auto Aftermarket Bombers.

Donate a toy to the Christmas in July toy drive to receive half price admission!

Founded in 1996, Ohsweken Speedway is a motorsports complex, which includes a 3/8 (0.375) mile clay oval track. The facility is owned by the Styres family, and located in the village of Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada.

From GMM

With Mexico set to join the 2015 calendar, two more new grands prix should follow the year after.

That is the news of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, even though on Thursday there was scepticism in the Budapest paddock that Mexico will actually happen in 2015.

It is believed organisers need to spend at least $50 million upgrading the old Mexico City layout, including fully converting a baseball field into a new section of track.

And Mexican driver Sergio Perez on Thursday said he is not even sure the iconic, sweeping Peraltada corner will be included in the final layout.

Still, he is a "hundred per cent sure" the race will take place in 2015.

"No doubt about it. Last year was a difficult situation due to the time that we had to build the circuit, but now there is no doubt and I think we can all think that we're going there," Sergio Perez added.

The Mexicans are not the only hosts clamouring for the F1 calendar.

"Baku is for 2016," Bernie Ecclestone, speaking to F1 business journalist Christian Sylt, told Forbes.

He is referring to the capital of Azerbaijan, even though the republic at the crossroads of Europe and Asia was originally targeting an inaugural race for 2015.

And as for the on-again, off-again prospect of a New Jersey street race, Ecclestone now thinks the famous Manhattan skyline might feature on the 2016 schedule.

"Somebody said to me the other day that New Jersey seem to have got their act together now and that they have got the money and are all in good shape," he said.

"Whether or not that is true I don't know. The soonest it could come on the calendar is 2016."

From GMM

Pastor Maldonado would welcome a cigarette sponsor to Lotus.

When the Enstone based team first adopted its familiar black and gold livery in 2011, it instantly triggered memories of the original Team Lotus, sponsored in the 70s and 80s by John Player Special.

But according to rumours in the Hungaroring paddock, John Player Special - now headed by the British tobacco giant Imperial - could be back for real in 2015.

Mario Andretti, Lotus JPS, 1978 (Photo: WRI2)

Cigarette advertising in F1 is banned, but Ferrari continues to be backed by Philip Morris, whose Marlboro colours resemble the imagery on the Italian team's cars and logos.

Venezuelan Maldonado on Thursday indicated he would have no problem being sponsored by a tobacco company like Imperial.

"It's difficult to say because I'm not getting involved in marketing and this part of the team," he said.

"But for sure, a sponsor is welcome. Whoever can join the team, it's always welcome. From my point of view, it's a good team in terms of image, marketing, one of the best in formula one, for sure," Maldonado added.

Pastor Maldonado, Lotus E22-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

GM wants to put nearly a fifth of its workers at a factory in Brazil on paid leave, an auto workers union says, amid falling output in Latin America's largest economy.

Automotive mirror supplier Gentex reported $76.7 million in net income with total revenue of $338.4 million for the second quarter.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat Chrysler denied a report that the companies were preparing a merger to create the world's fifth-largest carmaker.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat Chrysler denied a report that the companies were preparing a merger to create the world's fifth-largest carmaker.