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From GMM

Jean Todt has called for patience in the wake of critically-injured Jules Bianchi's recent Suzuka crash.

Since the Frenchman struck a recovery vehicle in controversial circumstances during the Japanese grand prix, speculation about responsibility for the crash has been widespread.

The Italian press has been particularly critical.

"The world has 200 countries. Each has its own ideas," FIA president Todt told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There was this reaction by the Italian media, but it is different in Germany and the UK," he insisted. "So let's wait for the commission."

He is referring to a group he has put together to thoroughly investigate what happened at Suzuka before, during and after Bianchi's crash, and how F1 should respond.

"Let's wait for the findings before judging," Jean Todt urged.

Jules Bianchi's crash. (Photo: WRi2)

He said some of the facts of the crash "in hindsight seem obvious, but fate can always lead to dramatic consequences," he said.

"As I said after the accident: for years now we have seen terrible accidents without serious consequence. But that was not normal. It was a miracle. We must never take anything for granted or relax when it comes to safety," he insisted.

Meanwhile, 68-year-old Todt was asked if he will seek a third term once his current tenure as FIA president expires.

He answered: "I still have 39 months before me, but I am no longer a young man."

From press release

Sahara Force India Formula One Team is pleased to confirm that Nico Hulkenberg will continue to race with team for 2015.

The 27-year-old German returned to Sahara Force India at the start of 2014 and has enjoyed his most successful Formula One season to date. With points finishes in 13 races, including four fifth place finishes, Nico remains one of the most exciting drivers on the Formula One grid.

Otmar Szafnauer and Nico Hulkenberg. (Photo: Sahara Force India)

Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director: "Everybody in the team is delighted to see Nico remain a Sahara Force India driver for next season. We rate him very highly and he has done a tremendous job this year by consistently picking up crucial championship points. We know him extremely well: he's a true racer and he knows how to motivate the team. I am convinced he is one of the best talents on the grid and I am proud that he will continue to race in the colours of Sahara Force India."

Nico Hulkenberg: "It's good to confirm my plans for next season. This is a team I know extremely well and we've enjoyed a great year together with some special results. The team has big ambitions and I believe we can have a competitive package once again next year. We have a strong partner in Mercedes and everyone in the team is motivated and hungry for more success. I have a good feeling for 2015 and there is a lot to be excited about as we try to build on the results we have achieved this year."

From GMM

Dominant Mercedes is unapologetic amid increasing pressure to agree to an engine 'unfreeze' for 2015.

The new constructors' champions came under fire recently when Red Bull's Christian Horner claimed Mercedes went back on an earlier pledge to agree to relax the sport's tight restrictions on in-season engine development.

"Sometimes you have to reset your own interests and do what is best for the sport," Horner is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

Given Mercedes' utter dominance in 2014, the consensus among the German marque's rivals is that at least one mid-season engine performance upgrade should be allowed.

Christian Horner said: "Our opinion is that it would not be much more expensive, and it will not affect the customers. This technology is still very new, so it would give everyone the chance to sort out their problems.

"Our (Renault's) power deficit to Mercedes is so big that we cannot erase it overnight. What are Mercedes afraid of?" Horner asked.

"Nico Rosberg showed with his drive through the pack in Russia how superior that package is. They should not be afraid of competition."

Mercedes AMG engine V6 turbo hybrid. (Photo: WRi2)

Mercedes F1 chairman Niki Lauda, however, is unapologetic about the team's new position amid the increasing pressure.

"If it really is the case that we now think differently than we did in Singapore," he said, "then I say that we made a mistake.

"We did our sums again and concluded that we cannot deliver the same for all of our customers, and especially not at the same price, as is required by Bernie (Ecclestone)," Lauda revealed.

Italy's Omnicorse claims Mercedes is preparing to make a bold step forward for 2015, when the existing F1 rules allow engine manufacturers to change up to 48 per cent of the 2014 design.

The report said Mercedes has developed with partner Bosch an upgrade of the turbo pressure to a maximum of 500 bar, as allowed by the regulations. Omnicorse said the 2014 turbo is limited to little more than half that figure.

From GMM

Force India Formula 1 team has a radical suggestion about how F1 should proceed in the sport's Pirelli-tire era.

Earlier in the Italian supplier's F1 tenure, Pirelli was famed - and often heavily criticised - for spicing up the race action with its aggressive tire compounds.

That has changed dramatically in 2014, as the marque responded to the often-explosive events of last year and the arrival of high-torque turbo V6 engines.

The last race in Sotchi, Russia, for instance, was notable for its lack of drama.

Track designer Hermann Tilke insists he is not to blame.

"Pirelli brought very conservative compounds," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. "When they are bolder again with the selection of tires, it will look different again."

Indeed, while Pirelli was earlier criticised for being too aggressive, now it is taking criticism for being too conservative.

So hard was the original compound selection for Brazil next month that Felipe Massa said it might even be "dangerous" in cold or damp conditions.

After Massa's comments, Pirelli did a U-turn and will now take softer tires to Interlagos.

"After further technical analysis of the impact of the revised circuit surface, together with a risk assessment suggesting a low probability of compound overheating due to extreme track temperatures, we have made this change with the unanimous agreement of all 11 teams," Paul Hembery confirmed.

Sahara Force India selecting tires. (Photo: Pirelli)

But all the fuss about compound selection might disappear if the teams have more control, according to Sahara Force India's sporting director Otmar Szafnauer.

He told Auto Motor und Sport: "Why not let each team choose their own two tire options?"

Szafnauer said a rule change along these lines would lead to more overtaking.

"One car will be faster, another will be running longer. It would make the races exciting," he said.

Pirelli, however, has played down the likelihood of the proposal getting the green light.

"First, it would be a logistical nightmare," said Hembery. "And then there is the danger that some teams will get it wrong.

"And if the (wrong) tires are a safety problem, we are the ones who get the blame, not the teams," the Pirelli chief added.

From nascar.com

In a must-win situation at Talladega Superspeedway, Brad Keselowski did exactly that, preserving his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship hopes with a victory in Sunday's GEICO 500.

With the right side of his car damaged in the wreck that brought out the first caution flag of the afternoon, Keselowski persevered, taking the lead during the first attempt at a green-white-checkered-flag finish and winning the race in the second overtime—after a wreck that ended the title run of Keselowski's former boss, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Keselowski won his series-leading sixth race of the season, his third at Talladega and the 16th of his career.

Brad Keselowski (No. 2) battling with Ryan Newman. (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

That alone propelled him into the Eliminator Round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on a day that saw three of the four Hendrick Motorsports drivers—Earnhardt, Kasey Kahne and six-time series champion Jimmie Johnson—fall by the wayside.

Matt Kenseth finished second, leading Clint Bowyer, Landon Cassill and Ryan Newman.

Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin (18th), Jeff Gordon (26th) and Carl Edwards (21st) joined Contender Round winners Logano, Kevin Harvick and Keselowski in the Eliminator Round, which opens next Sunday at Martinsville.

Kyle Busch, victim of an early wreck, joined Earnhardt, Johnson and Kahne as drivers knocked out of the Chase.

Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of DTM rights holder and promoter, ITR e.V. Sunday said in Hockenheim that the some technical and sporting rules would be changed for 2015.

“2014 was a good year; a very good one, in fact. We have seen exciting and races and plenty of overtaking. Still, we have a lot of work to do during the wintertime, because we also saw that the fans weren't 100% satisfied with us, especially during the first half of the season”, said Aufrecht in a DTM press release.

“[Next year] we will no longer have option tires, there is an agreement on that. Our tire partner Hankook has produced a nearly perfect tire that the drivers really liked. However, it didn't bring the additional excitement to the races that we wanted,” Aufrecht said, adding that action was a bit difficult to follow because of the mandatory tire switch during the races.

Hans Werner Aufrecht. (Photo: DTM)

The big boss of the DTM also admitted that the race director also took some controversial decisions this season, taking too many of too few calls.

“We have to make the regulations easier and more evident. That is what the representatives of the manufacturers and the DMSB officials are currently working on with great commitment. The drivers are involved in this process, too, because they are the ones who have to race with these regulations,” Aufrecht declared.

BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, the three constructors involved in DTM. (Photo: DTM)

From GMM

Williams reserve driver Felipe Nasr linked with a race seat for 2015.

Felipe Nasr admits he is "upset" to have missed out on this year's GP2 title to Jolyon Palmer.

But Brazil's Globo claims it is possible that, with the help of his sponsor Banco do Brasil, the 22-year-old might have a chance to debut in 2015 with Lotus or Sauber.

"For next year the plan is to be in formula one," Felipe Nasr confirmed. "With my manager we have started some negotiations. We are talking to some teams," he added.

Felipe Nasr, Williams. (Photo: WRi2)

New DTM champion, Marco Wittmann not only will see BMW produce a BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition in his honour, but will also complete a Formula 1 test for the Scuderia Toro Rosso team.

“I am delighted that we can also make his childhood dream come true with the Formula 1 test. Thanks to the relationship we enjoy with our premium partner Red Bull, it was possible for us to organise a test drive in the Toro Rosso,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

“To have my contract as a BMW works driver renewed and receive a Formula 1 test - that is a dream come true for me,” said Wittmann.

“The test in the Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 car will definitely be an amazing experience,” he added.

Toro Rosso STR9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Even now crowned the new Formula Renault 3.5 champion, Carlos Sainz jr is still in the dark about his F1 future.

Clearly the cream of Red Bull's hopeful clan of young development drivers, the 20-year-old is in the running to replace Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso in 2015.

But with the 17-year-old Max Verstappen already signed up, it is clear that team boss Franz Tost and owner Dietrich Mateschitz think keeping the experienced Jean-Eric Vergne on board might be the smarter play.

F1 legend Alain Prost agrees with them.

"Yes," he told Spain's Marca. "I would opt to stick with Vergne. Carlos is very young."

Dr Helmut Marko, on the other hand, is believed to favour taking another risk and promoting Sainz, whose namesake and father is the world rally legend.

Carlos Sainz son and father, and Dr Helmut Marko. (Photo: WRi2)

But even with the Renault 'world series' title now to his name after the Jerez finale at the weekend, Sainz admitted to Spain's El Mundo newspaper that he is still in the dark.

"I don't know yet. Not yet, because they haven't called me," he said. "I am patient. I wish I could say 'yes', but I have to wait."

Asked if Marko, the boss of the energy drink's driver programme, has called him, Sainz admitted: "No, he has not. Yes, of course I am waiting. Some day he will to tell me 'yes' or 'no'. Everything is open.

"Hopefully I will be in formula one with Toro Rosso, because thanks to them (Red Bull) I am where I am. And I would stay with them. But if not, I'll have to go on with my life. Make other goals. But for 2015 I would obviously like to be in F1," added Sainz.

Carlos Sainz Jr, 2014 Champion Formula Renault 3.5. (Photo: WRi2)

Meanwhile, the new champion of the German touring car series Marco Wittmann has secured a Toro Rosso test.

"They (BMW) have organised a formula one test at Toro Rosso for me," the BMW works driver confirmed. "But don't be afraid -- I will stay in the DTM."

Ford is to invest an additional GBP190m at its Dagenham London site to produce a new advanced technology 2.0-litre diesel engine for cars and commercial vehicles.

Ford is inviting suppliers to help benchmark other companies' vehicles and parts before it launches new models. Ford has performed the benchmarking program twice over the past year for the next Fiesta and Focus cars.

The owners of a small dealership near New York City have won a legal challenge stymieing General Motors' bid to terminate his franchise, a ruling that could help other dealers targeted by automakers for subpar sales.

The advent of autonomous cars is forcing automakers to rethink the traditional proving ground and strike a balance between existing test tracks and the realities of today's bustling cities.

Ford is inviting suppliers to help benchmark other companies' vehicles and parts before Ford launches new models -- a move that is starting to pay dividends.

Robert Kubica is still making progress, nearly four years after his horrific rally crash.

With only two rallies left in the WRC season, many are wondering how the Pole's right hand is doing after nearly a full season at the highest level in rallying.

"The arm and hand are OK," Kubica is quoted saying by the BBC.

"From a mobility point of view, there have been some improvements. From a limitation point of view, it's pretty much the same."

The biggest question of course is whether or not Kubica's condition is improving enough for the former Renault and BMW driver to consider a return in F1.

It's been a long time since we've seen Robert Kubica race in F1 (Photo: WRI2)

"Once the season is over I will look at everything," he added, also saying that: "Formula 1 would be a dream to come back but we have to stay realistic."

"If I decide to try and come back I will have more surgery this winter and maybe with the help of the doctors, and with some luck, it will be possible."

From press release

The 2014 DTM season came to an end with an overwhelming victory for Audi.

The brand from Ingolstadt had a clean sweep of the first three places in the season finale at Hockenheim and secured the manufacturers' title in the most popular international touring car series.

Victory in the race went to Mattias Ekström, who concludes the season as the runner-up in the drivers' standings.

Mattias Ekström, Audis RS 5 DTM (Photo: DTM.com)

“Winning the race in front of such a great crowd is fantastic. After such an eventful year, bowing out of the season with a success is a good feeling. Over the year, we had many ups and downs. Today, once again, it was hard, but fair. That is simply a part of the DTM,” the Swede said after his second consecutive victory.

Mike Rockenfeller and Jamie Green rounded out the podium after finishing second and third respectively.

Mattias Ekström (Photo: DTM.com)

Marco Wittmann had already secured himself the championship title in the Lausitzring round. After a successful season, the German had a rather patchy final race meeting.

Fifth place for the BMW driver in the season finale at Hockenheim was the result of a race with plenty of progress for the BMW driver. After a disappointing qualifying, the German only started 13th into the race.

Marco Wittmann, BMW M4 DTM (Photo: WRI2)

“I reckon I got the maximum out of it. My starting grid position for this race wasn't the best. In the DTM, things are so close that it is difficult to make progress. As a result, I can be all the more happy with my fifth place,” the four times' race winner looks back upon the season.

DTM finale in Hockenheim (Photo: DTM.com)

Race results* - Hockenheim (round 10 of 10)
1 - Mattias Ekstrom (Audi RS5) - Abt - 42 laps in 1.08'37"604
2 - Mike Rockenfeller (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 2"402
3 - Jamie Green (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 3"914
4 - Paul Di Resta (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 4"163
5 - Marco Wittmann (BMW M4) - RMG - 4"962
6 - Timo Scheider (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 6"540
7 - Martin Tomczyk (BMW M4) - Schnitzer - 7"526
8 - Robert Wickens (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 10"344
9 - Miguel Molina (Audi RS5) - Abt - 11"104
10 - Antonio Felix Da Costa (BMW M4) - MTEK - 12"198
11 - Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 14"781
12 - Timo Glock (BMW M4) - MTEK - 15"179
13 - Bruno Spengler (BMW M4) - Schnitzer - 15"838
14 - Nico Muller (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 15"973
15 - Christian Vietoris (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 17"497
16 - Joey Hand (BMW M4) - RBM - 17"769
17 - Augusto Farfus (BMW M4) - RBM - 23"024

Antonio Felix da Costa, BMW M4 DTM (Photo: WRI2)

Retirements
Vitaly Petrov
Adrien Tambay
Pascal Wehrlein
Daniel Juncadella
Edoardo Mortara
Maxime Martin

*Unofficial results

From DTM.com

Both Canadians racing in the German DTM championship received post-race penalties, Sunday in Hockenheim.

The stewards of the meeting added 30 seconds to Robert Wickens race time as a substitute for a drive-through penalty. The Mercedes-Benz driver got the penalty for causing a collision with Augusto Farfus (BMW).

As a result, Wickens drops back from eighth to 17th place. Due to this decision, the Canadian loses valuable points and drops back from ninth to twelfth place in the final drivers' standings.

Robert Wickens, Mercedes C-Coupe (Photo: DTM.com)

Bruno Spengler was also penalized by the stewards of the meeting after the race.

After a collision with Daniel Juncadella, the Canadian deliberately had braked so hard that the Spaniard couldn't avoid a collision. For this unsporting behaviour, Spengler has to do three hours of charitable work, to be carried out in consultation with the DMSB.

In 22 seasons of Formula 1, Sauber has never had such a difficult year.

That is the claim of team principal Monisha Kaltenborn.

Having yet to score a point in 2014, the Hinwill based team is behind even back marker Marussia in the manufacturers' standings.

"I would say it's the worst season we've had," she told Crash.net

"We've had seasons before where for quite a while in the season we were last or second last, but yes, being there without points and in some situations circumstances resulting to it which are out of our control makes it very difficult to react in any way.

"So, yes, I think the worst season."

Kimi Raikkonen, Nick Heidfeld, Sauber C20. 2001 (Photo: WRI2)

Interestingly, in 2000, Sauber scored just 6 points on its way to 8th place in the championship.

The following year, with Nick Heidfeld and Kimi Raikkonen, it bounced back and scored 21 points to secure fourth, its best ever result as a privateer team.

Many people are still on the team today, and Kaltenborn is confident the team can bounce back again.

"Well we see ourselves here next year and we will also definitely be in a better shape," she said.

Ken Block will be back in a WRC car for the first time in over a year, next week-end in Spain. His aim is to simply enjoy the experience.

Block has spent his time mostly doing rallycross this year, which means he's only had the time to do one stage rally in 2014: the 100 Acre Wood, in the Rally America series.

He knows getting back in a WRC car will be a challenge.

"I haven't had any seat time in (a WRC car) in over a year so I'm certainly at a bit of a disadvantage compared to the rest of the field," Block told WRC.com.

"But I'm doing this event for fun, the stages in Spain are absolutely amazing, as are the fans."

Ken Block, Ford Fiesta RS WRC (Photo: Facebook)

Friday, Block covered 170 kilometres of testing behind the wheel of an M-Sport Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

"Things went really well and I got back up to speed driving and listening to notes," Block wrote on his Facebook page.

"The day went perfect except for one small off because of a wheel/tire issue (had to put the car in a ditch to save it). Zero damage though, minus the tire. Gotta say, it was a good day!"

From press release

Formula E has today released previously unseen footage of its pre-season race simulation at Donington Park involving all 10 teams and 20 drivers.

The race simulation was one of two undertaken during July and August as part of preparations for the season opener in Beijing last month.

Organizers have chosen today to release the footage as it coincides with the original date for the Putrajaya ePrix (Round 2) before the race was moved to its new date of November 22.

The race simulation, which included a full standing start and car change pitstops, marked the first time the 10 teams ran all four of their fully-electric Spark-Renault SRT_01E cars, with the day following the same timetable as all one-day Formula E events.



Benoit Dupont, Formula E Sporting Manager, said: "Although only an event simulation, it was still a fantastic sight to see all 20 Formula E cars accelerating towards the first corner for the very first time.

"Both simulations were essential in checking all systems were working as they should, and with the gap in the calendar, today seemed the perfect time to release this previously unseen footage to fans as we head towards the Putrajaya ePrix."