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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 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.

Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne has spent the last three season driving for the Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1 team. Taking to Sky Sports F1, Vergne said he thinks he has a place in F1.

Red Bull published devastating news for Vergne in August when it announced the arrival of 17-year-old Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso in 2015, assuming that the Frenchman would leave the team.

Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, at Monza. (Photo: WRI2)

In Belgium, Vergne told the press “I'm too old at 24', adding he could not understand why Red Bull chose a 17-year-old rookie to drove for Toro Rosso.

“I don't want to understand it. People have their reasons; the same way as I don't want to understand how he [Verstappen] could get the Super Licence,” said Vergne.

“ If Red Bull put him in the car they think he's good, he's talented and he only has to show it in the car. As a team, Toro Rosso are right to put him in the car to give him as much mileage as possible.

“All I understand is that Toro Rosso is there with Red Bull-backing, which is a team to promote young drivers. And it stands that after three years you're not really a young driver anymore and that they need to keep feeding the programme with young drivers. That's what I understand,” he added.

Dr Helmut Marko and Jean-Eric Vergne. (Photo: WRi2)

His former teammate Daniel Ricciardo was promoted to Red Bull Racing.

“I think the reason they picked up Daniel [Ricciardo] was because he was probably more ready mentally and he was probably doing less mistakes. Now, all I know is that they need to promote young drivers, they take me out and I don't fit anywhere because there is simply no place in the Red Bull programme,” Vergne continued.

Vergne confessed he ran a strong race in Singapore, taking 6th place to equal his best result in F1. Could that save his career?

“I really think I have my place in F1; when you look at what Daniel [Ricciardo] is doing, and when you compare ourselves the last two years, we were extremely similar and it was so tight between him and me to go to Red Bull. So that means I have the potential; I came through many difficult moments in F1, you know. I'm sure that when I will have a good car, I will be extremely strong I believe...strong in my head,” he continued.

Jean-Eric Vergne fighting with teammate Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

The Frenchman admits that finding a good seat for 2015 will be difficult.

“I mean that the situation is as it is. I'm not a superstar; I've never won a race in F1. Even if I know - and people know - that I can make it, to be in big teams there is a big board of people to decide, that are not probably in the paddock; that just want to have a big name in their car. So it's a little bit tricky you know?” he asked.

When Sky Sports F1 asked him would you have done anything differently, Vergne replied, “No, I don't want to have regrets. I think I've done mistakes that have helped me to be a better driver and that's how it is.”

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

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."

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.

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)

From the FIA

The composition of a new FIA Accident Panel, as announced by FIA President Jean Todt in Sochi on October 10, 2014 following the accident involving Jules Bianchi at the Japanese Grand Prix, has been established.

The group will carry out a full review of the accident to gain a better understanding of what happened, and will propose new measures to reinforce safety at circuits, with recommendations to be made for the FIA President.

The work of the group will start this week and a full presentation of its findings is to be made at the next meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on 3 December 2014 in Doha, Qatar.

Peter Wright, Chairman of the FIA Safety Commission, has been entrusted with the Presidency of the newly established accident panel, and the full list of panel members can be found below.

Composition of the Accident Panel

Presidency
Peter Wright, President of the Safety Commission

Members
Ross Brawn, former Team Principal of Mercedes F1 Team, Brawn Grand Prix and former Technical Director of Scuderia Ferrari

Stefano Domenicali, former Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari

Gerd Ennser, Chief Stewards' representative

Emerson Fittipaldi, President of the FIA Drivers' Commission, F1 Steward

Eduardo de Freitas, WEC Race Director

Roger Peart, President of the Circuits Commission, President of the ASN of Canada, F1 Steward

Antonio Rigozzi, Advocate, Judge at the International Court of Appeal of the FIA co-opted by the teams

Gérard Saillant, President of the FIA Institute and President of the Medical Commission

Alex Wurz, President of the GPDA, drivers' representative

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel behaved impeccably in 2015, despite plotting his Red Bull exit and being outclassed by his teammate.

That is the claim of Daniel Ricciardo, who having established himself as an undisputed F1 star with three wins this year is now set to become the 'number 1' at Red Bull as Vettel prepares to move to Ferrari.

The Australian said that even as he rattled the reigning quadruple world champion's cage in 2014, Vettel dealt with the situation maturely.

"He was very respectful to me on the first day and he remained respectful to me after my third win," Ricciardo is quoted by Brazil's Globo.

"I'm sure he would love to have won this season, so there must be some frustration inside, but he has not shown it at any time.

"It is to his credit that he hasn't said anything to me, or in front of me. Maybe he has behind closed doors, but it was not visible to any of us," he added.

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

Daniel Ricciardo, 25, also said he thinks Vettel will do a good job with Ferrari next year.

"Apart from his driving ability that everyone sees on TV, his work ethic, the way he works with the engineers, is very impressive," he revealed.

"It has been good to see that from behind the scenes," Ricciardo added. "I think if he's going to Ferrari or to any other top team, he will play a strong leadership role."

Meanwhile, Red Bull team owner Dietrich Mateschitz thinks Ricciardo is more than ready to play the same sort of leadership role in Vettel's wake next year.

With Vettel having announced his exit, the Austrian billionaire said: "If we did not have a 'team leader' then the situation would look slightly different.

"But we knew that Daniel would fill these shoes, so things were much easier," Mateschitz is quoted by Melbourne's The Age newspaper.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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 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.

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

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."

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.