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Jul
22nd

F1: Schedule of the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix

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Just days after an intense weekend's racing in Germany, the Formula 1 paddock makes the short hop to Hungary and the technical, tricky, 4.381-kilometre Hungaroring circuit in Budapest.

Here is the complete schedule of the weekend:

Thursday July 24
Formula 1 Press Conference - Press Room 15:00

Friday 25th July
Formula 1 Practice 1 10:00 - 11:30
GP2 Practice Session 12:00 - 12:45
Formula 1 Practice 2 14:00 - 15:30
GP2 Qualifying Session 15:55 - 16:25
Formula 1 Press Conference - Press Room 16:00 - 17:00
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Practice Session 16:45 - 17:30
GP3 Practice Session 17:50 - 18:35

Saturday July 26
Formula 1 Team Pit Stop Practice 08:30 - 09:15
GP3 Qualifying Session 09:45 - 10:15
Formula 1 Practice 3 11:00 - 12:00
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Qualifying Session 12:25 - 12:55
Formula 1 Qualifying 14:00
GP2 First Race (37 Laps or 60 Minutes) 15:40 - 16:45
GP3 First Race (17 Laps or 30 Minutes) 17:20 - 17:55

Sunday July 27
GP3 Second Race (17 Laps or 30 Minutes) 09:25 - 10:00
GP2 Second Race (28 Laps or 45 Minutes) 10:35 - 11:25
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Race (14 Laps or 30 Mins) 11:45 - 12:20
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 12:25 - 13:15
Formula 1 Drivers Track Parade 12:30
Formula 1 Starting Grid Presentation 12:45 - 13:15
Formula 1 National Anthem 13:46
Formula 1 Race 14:00



Jul
22nd

Win a signed Toro Rosso F1 team cap!

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Enter now our Facebook contest [http://woobox.com/zfkfmr]with a chance to win this Toro Rosso F1 Team cap signed by drivers Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniil Kvyat. The contest ends July 25 at noon, Montreal time.

• The contest ends Friday, July 25, 2014 at noon (Montreal time).
• The contest is open to people 13 and over.
• One (1) entry per Facebook user per day.
• The contest is available in English and French. It is the same contest, for which the same prize is up for grabs.
• To participate in the draw, individuals must visit the Concours / Contest tab on Auto123.com Racing / Course Facebook page.
• The winner will be drawn on July 25th at 1pm (Montreal time) among all participants. The winner will be contacted via Facebook private message, will have 48 hours to claim the prize and his name will be posted on the Auto123.com Racing / Course Facebook page as soon as he claims his prize.
• The prize is one signed Toro Rosso F1 team cap. The value of the prize is $CAN 49.

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE.

F1 Toro Rosso cap



Jul
22nd

F1: 7 details to know about the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix

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Despite the fact that passing is quite difficult to accomplish on the Hungaroring, the Grand Prix of Hungary has featured some pretty exciting races since his debut in 1986.

1
Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the Hungaroring, with a total of four wins (1994, 1998, 2001, 2004) and seven pole positions. Ayrton Senna is a close second, with three victories (1988, 1991, 1992) and three poles.

2
The inaugural Grand Prix of Hungary was held August 10 1986.
Nelson Piquet (Williams-Honda turbo) won the race from Ayrton Senna (Lotus-Renault turbo). Piquet passed Senna in corner 1 with a spectacular move.



3
In 2009, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa was badly injured when a spring came off Rubens Barrichello's Brawn and hit his helmet. Massa suffered from a concussion and was forced to miss the rest of the season.

4
The inaugural Hungarian Grand Prix in 1986 marked the world championship's first visit behind the 'Iron Curtain'. Original plans for a Budapest street circuit were abandoned in favour of a purpose-built track, 19 km outside the city.

5
Both Damon Hill (1993) and Fernando Alonso (2003) scored their first Grand Prix wins at the Hungaroring. Alonso became the youngest driver to win a F1 race (at the time) and his victory was also the first by a Spaniard.

F1 Fernando Alonso Benetton 2003
Fernando Alonso, Benetton, 2003. (Photo: WRi2)

6
McLaren is the most successful constructor in Hungary with 11 wins. Williams is second with 7 and Ferrari has 5 wins. Mercedes AMG, Honda, Benetton, Renault and Red Bull Racing have one win each.

7
Zsolt Baumgartner, the only Hungarian to compete in an F1 race, made his home debut at the Hungaroring in 2003 driving for Jordan. Unfortunately he was forced to retire on lap 34 with engine problems.

Zsolt Baumgartner, Jordan, 2003. (Photo: WRi2)



Jul
22nd

F1: Top 10 unraced Formula 1 cars

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Formula 1's history is filled with weird and curious cars that never officially took the start of a Grand Prix. Some of those cars were too innovative, others too complex for their time, while others still were just the accumulation of not-so-brilliant ideas.

Here's Auto123.com Top 10 of Formula 1 cars that never officially raced. Note that the cars are listed chronologically.

1954 Alfa Romeo 160: Revolutionary cigar-shaped machine intended for new 2.5-litre F1. Flat-twelve engine would power all four wheels, with driver sitting behind the rear differential.

Continue reading F1: Top 10 unraced Formula 1 cars

Jul
22nd

F1: Claire Williams supports unlucky Felipe Massa

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Williams F1 Team's dazzling run of form continued in Germany with Valtteri Bottas notching his third successive podium finish. Unfortunately, the race was short lived for his teammate, Felipe Massa who crashed at the first corner.

F1 Felipe Massa Williams crash Hockenheim
Felipe Massa, Williams, at the first corner of the German Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

Deputy team principal Claire Williams told Formula1.com that her team is delighted with the performance of the Mercedes-powered car and their two drivers.

“We brought in a new group of senior engineering personal to add to the existing strength that we had, led by Pat Symonds.

Then we brought Felipe Massa in. We have a very strong driver line-up! They bring so much to the team - not just from the car development perspective but also from a motivational aspect,” Claire Williams.

However, the experienced Massa failed to finish in the top 10 three times and also retired three times so far this season. Is Claire Williams happy with his overall performance?

“Felipe is delivering what we hoped that he would deliver and bring to the team: the experience that he has in F1,” she replied.

“He has done a huge amount of work with the engineering department to develop the car. It is a real inspiration to everybody in the team bringing in somebody of his calibre. It was a very strong message that we wanted to deliver to the team and the world that we are very serious about our goals,” she added.

F1 Felipe Massa Williams Martini Racing
Felipe Massa, Williams Martini Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Claire Williams explained that Massa is not frustrated to see his young teammate collecting points and finishing on the podium.

“Not at all! Felipe is doing a great job - he's just suffered from some really bad luck. He is mature enough - and has enough experience in the sport - to realise that sometimes things don't go your way. It isn't getting him down...” Williams said.


Jul
22nd

F1: Ferrari ”needs” Kimi Raikkonen for 2015

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From GMM

Marco Mattiacci has hit back at suggestions Ferrari could or should plan its revival for the 2015 season without Kimi Raikkonen.

Lamenting the Maranello team's slip behind Williams for third in the constructors' chase, Fernando Alonso said at Hockenheim that Ferrari has "only been able to count on one car again and we have to improve on that".

It might be concluded that Spaniard Alonso wants a more competitive teammate for 2015, but new Ferrari boss Mattiacci has moved swiftly to end those sorts of rumours.

When told by the Spanish sports daily Marca that the mid-season scorecard between Alonso and Raikkonen reads "10:0", Mattiacci insisted: "This is not football.

"In F1 we don't speak in those terms. Yes, I want better results, but Kimi is the driver that Ferrari needs for next year."

F1 Marco Mattiacci Ferrari Kimi Raikkonen
Kimi Raikkonen and Marco Mattiacci, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

And La Gazzetta dello Sport also quotes the Italian as saying: "We believe in him, he is a world champion, he is part of our present and our future."

But that doesn't mean Ferrari is not planning big changes for 2015, including significant improvements to the turbo V6 and the first car designed fully under the technical directorship of James Allison.

"He (Allison) is working very hard on the car for next year. It will be his first car for us and we have very high hopes," a team source told the Spanish sports daily AS.


Jul
22nd

2014 Audi S6 Preview

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Pros: The 2014 Audi S6 is one of the best sports sedans money can buy, delivering a rich combination of performance, luxury, refinement, and technology. The V8 is intoxicating, yet fuel-efficient, balance between ride and handling is remarkable, and the world-class interior has lots of cool technology features.

Cons: Some people would have liked a bit more visual flair and aggressiveness. Also, beware of pricey options.

Audi S6 2014
Photo: Audi

2014 Audi S6 Price: This high-performance variant of the A6 comes in a single trim level that starts at $85,500. However, there are several attractive options including head-up display ($1,500), ventilated front seats with massage function ($2,000), and a fantastic 1,200W Bang & Olufsen sound system ($6,500).

2014 Audi S6 Fuel Economy: Expect to burn 12.7L/100km in the city and 8.2L/100km on the highway with the S6, which is impressive given the power on tap (see below). Cylinder-on-demand technology improves fuel efficiency when cruising. Of course, premium gas is required.

Improvements and Changes: The equipment list has been revised. A black optics package ($2,600) adds a black finish front grille, black window frame strips, 20” rotor design titanium wheels with performance tires, and aluminum/beaufort black inlays in the interior.

Powertrain: The 2014 Audi S6 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds thanks to a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine with direct injection that produces 420 horsepower from 5,500-6,400 rpm, along with 406 lb-ft of torque accessible from 1,400-5,200 rpm. The lone transmission on the spec sheet is an excellent 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch unit. As mentioned earlier, power is distributed to all four wheels by way of Audi's acclaimed quattro system, featuring a sport rear differential that can actively distribute power laterally across the rear axle for even more balanced handling.

Don't miss: Enjoy the magic of an electronically controlled sport air suspension with continuously adaptive damping at all four wheels from the comfort of Valcona leather sport seats offering tremendous support, even when the car's performance abilities are put to the test. These buckets come with 8-way power adjustments and a distinctively designed upper backrest section with embossed S6 logo.

Safety: Six standard airbags keep 2014 Audi S6 occupants protected from the front and sides, while stability control helps secure the trajectory at all times. Various sensors and cameras around the car come into play, as well. Adaptive cruise control and active lane assist are available, as is night vision.

Comparing the 2014 Audi S6: If you're in the market for a high-performance, midsize luxury sedan, make sure you also take a look at the BMW 550i xDrive, Jaguar XFR, Infiniti Q70 5.6, and Mercedes-Benz E 550 4MATIC.
Jul
22nd

F1: ‘Fric’ storm exits with a whimper

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From GMM

As quickly as the 'Fric' storm swept into the paddock, it left with barely a whimper.

"It changed nothing," said Niki Lauda, chairman of the Mercedes team that supposedly would suffer most from the effective banning of the suspension technology.

"It just cost a lot of money," he told German television RTL.

Indeed, Nico Rosberg dominated the German grand prix without the sophisticated 'Fric' system that was present for the silver W05's eight other wins in 2014.

F1 Nico Rosberg Mercedes W05 Hockenheim
Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W05, Hockenheim. (Photo: WRi2)

"It was said that Mercedes has the most complex system - the best system - but the hierarchy has apparently not shifted at all," said commentator Marc Surer on German television Sky.

Even Mercedes' rivals agree.

"To be honest, it seemed to have changed nothing with us," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. "It had no effect. So now we have two kilos less ballast!"


Jul
22nd

F1: Lewis Hamilton heads for therapy after Hockenheim

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From GMM

Lewis Hamilton is planning a week of physiotherapy following his drive through the field after a hefty qualifying crash at Hockenheim.

Even before the race, the Mercedes driver reportedly had acupuncture, to help with the pain of the 30G smash into the barriers caused by brake failure.

"My knees are no problem," he said, "but my back and my neck have been the issue really.

"I do need some physiotherapy as my back is in more pain than normal. But I'll be ok, I'll get some work done this week."

Also on the Briton's agenda will be some therapy to heal his run of bad luck.

He won at Silverstone to peg back championship leader Nico Rosberg's momentum, but the brake failure was just another black mark against Hamilton's name as the pair fight for the 2014 title in the dominant W05s.

"Maybe I need to go and visit some Indians, or rub the Buddha belly. I'll try all the different religions to see if I can get some luck," Lewis Hamilton joked.

F1 Mercedes AMG W05 Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG W05. (Photo: WRi2)

But physio and prayers aside, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff thinks Hamilton will need serious treatment in November if he loses out to Rosberg as a result of the Bernie Ecclestone-sponsored 'double points' finale in Abu Dhabi.

"It looks like Bernie might be right," said Wolff after Hockenheim. "The last race is going to be the decisive one.

"I don't think it's fair. I don't think we (F1) should have done it. Neither of them will care if they won it that way. But the one who loses on double points will need some psychological treatment," he smiled.



Jul
21st

Group 1 acquires Munday dealerships in Houston

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Group 1 Automotive, the third-largest auto dealer group based in the United States, has acquired Houston dealerships Munday Chevrolet and Munday Mazda, the company said today.
Jul
21st

Tesla idles California plant to retool for electric SUVs

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Tesla Motors today halted production at its sole assembly plant for the first time for a revamp the company said is necessary to speed Model S output and prepare it to make electric crossovers.
Jul
21st

PLDB: Future Models – what’s new this month

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July has been a busy month for news updates on many future EV, hybrid, PHEV and fuel cell vehicle programmes, with some especially interesting facts on the next Prius.
Jul
21st

ANALYSIS: TDI technology at the core of Audi’s powertrain strategy

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High-tech TDI engines that provide economy and performance sit at the heart of the Audi brand's values and technological DNA. As Audi marks a quarter century since it debuted TDI, Calum MacRae takes a look at Audi's strategy to develop TDI powertrain technology further to meet tighter future CO2 emission targets and the need for still higher efficiency from internal combustion engines.
Jul
21st

Toyota defends U.S. Hispanic market lead as segment grows

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Toyota plans to remain the top-selling auto brand among Hispanic customers in the United States as competing automakers boost efforts to win a bigger share of business from the nation's largest ethnic minority group.
Jul
21st

Russia’s Severstal sells U.S. steel plants to AK Steel, Steel Dynamics

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Russia's Severstal said it agreed to sell its two steel plants in the United States for $2.3 billion, withdrawing from the market at a time of rising tension between Russia and the West and turning its focus to its domestic business.
Jul
21st

Russia’s Severstal sells U.S. steel plants to AK Steel, Steel Dynamics

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Russia's Severstal said it agreed to sell its two steel plants in the United States for $2.3 billion, withdrawing from the market at a time of rising tension between Russia and the West and turning its focus to its domestic business.
Jul
21st

US: More GM switch part number trouble

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General Motors made changes to redesigned ignition switch parts on four models in 2003 and 2004 but did not ensure that older, potentially faulty parts were taken out of circulation, the automaker said in a filing with US safety regulators made public on Friday.
Jul
21st

US: Ignition switch leads to Cadillac ‘stop sale’ orders

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Ignition switch problems are continuing to plague General Motors. Over the weekend, it was reported the automaker had earlier this month ordered Cadillac dealers to stop selling some versions of the CTS model range because it does not have a fix yet for cars recalled in late June over an issue where engines can be shut off if the driver's knee bumps the ignition key.
Jul
21st

Volvo, ABB to develop fast-charging buses

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Swiss engineering group ABB and Volvo said they were setting up a global partnership to co-develop and commercialize electric and hybrid buses with fast-charging systems.
Jul
21st

INDIA: Maruti Suzuki extends diesel engine deal with Fiat

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Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) and Fiat India have extended their diesel powertrain sourcing deal for an additional three years, reported local media.
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