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Alfa Romeo's new midsized sedan will be unveiled next June, according to sources. The sedan will be positioned in the market between the BMW 3 series and 5 series, sources said.

News 20 Nov, 2014

Lighter, more powerful A45 AMG is very much part of the plan says AMG boss, as soon as they have manpower to engineer it

News 20 Nov, 2014

Porsche R&D boss says next-generation Panamera, due in 2016, will have several derivatives and Sport Turismo is favourite

Mercedes's new Maybach version of its flagship S class is challenging Bentley and Rolls Royce for supremacy among customers who enjoy a chauffeured car's back seat.

When the 2016 Fiat 500X crossover shows up in North American dealerships next year, it will give the brand its first all-wheel-drive offering for areas that get wintry weather.

Volvo said an overhaul of its model range over the next five years would propel annual car-sales volumes in the U.S. back above 100,000 vehicles. The carmaker's U.S. deliveries fell 8 percent through October to 47,823.

From press release

Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has reached an agreement of three years duration with Sebastian Vettel, who will drive for the team as from the 2015 season.

The driver line-up next season will consist of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.

“Scuderia Ferrari has decided to put its faith in the youngest multiple champion in the history of Formula 1” - commented Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal, Marco Mattiacci. “In Formula 1 terms, Sebastian Vettel is a unique combination of youthfulness and experience and he brings with him that sense of team spirit which will prove invaluable when, together with Kimi, they tackle the challenges awaiting us, as we aim to be front runners again as soon as possible. With Sebastian, we all share a thirst for victory as well as enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and tenacity; key elements for all the Scuderia members to write together a new winning chapter in the history of Ferrari.”

“The next stage of my Formula 1 career will be spent with Scuderia Ferrari and for me that means the dream of a lifetime has come true” - said Sebastian Vettel. “When I was a kid, Michael Schumacher in the red car was my greatest idol and now it's an incredible honour to finally get the chance to drive a Ferrari. I already got a small taste of what the Ferrari spirit means, when I took my first win at Monza in 2008, with an engine from the Prancing Horse built in Maranello. The Scuderia has a great tradition in this sport and I am extremely motivated to help the team get back to the top. I will put my heart and soul into making it happen.”

From GMM

Sergio Perez thinks one occupant of a McLaren this weekend will not return to formula one in 2015.

He is referring to the high-profile holdup at Woking, with Fernando Alonso believed to be already signed but McLaren undecided over whether to keep Jenson Button or Kevin Magnussen.

Kevin Magnussen and Jenson Button, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

It is a familiar situation for Mexican Perez, who spent a season at McLaren last year before being ousted.

"They always told me I was going to stay!" he is quoted by the British broadcaster Sky in Abu Dhabi. "That was pretty late in the season so I was very lucky to find a seat -- and a good seat."

Perez is now at Sahara Force India, where he is experiencing his own delay in the announcement of his new deal for 2015, although most insiders expect him to stay.

It may be a different situation for Button or Magnussen, according to Sergio Perez.

"It must be a very difficult situation as a driver, coming into the last race and not knowing if you're going to be here next year or not," he said. "I think it's going to be very late for any of them. If they decide to take Button or Kevin, probably one of them won't be here next year."

From GMM

Marussia's eleventh-hour bid to return to action in Abu Dhabi has failed.

With Caterham already set up at Yas Marina, insiders on Wednesday then spotted F1 personnel wearing Marussia team shirts in the Abu Dhabi paddock.

It is believed they were Ferrari employees set to work on Marussia's customer engines.

But rumours then circulated in the media centre that Marussia, having missed the official freight deadline, was indeed making an eleventh-hour trip from the UK to contest the 2014 finale.

But team driver Max Chilton has now written on Twitter: "Devastated for everyone involved at Marussia in the past 24 hours that the hard work trying to get to Abu Dhabi didn't work out as we hoped."

The PA Sport news agency said Marussia's hopes had been buoyed by talks with a potential buyer, but quoted an insider as saying: "Sadly, it hasn't happened. By 5.30-6pm it was game over."

Max Chilton, Marussia MR03-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team and Fernando Alonso announce Thursday that, by common consent, they have ended their relationship.

The former two-time World Champion leaves the team at the end of this season, after a five year period which, with one race remaining, saw him score 1,186 points, 44 podiums and 11 wins.

Everyone at Scuderia Ferrari thanks Fernando for his great contribution on both a personal and professional level.

For that reason, Alonso revealed he will contest the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix “with the whole team with me in the car. Their work and their signature, thanks for so much!!” he said on his Twitter account.

Here are the photos of this farewell helmet he posted.

Photo: Fernando Alonso

Photo: Fernando Alonso

Photo: Fernando Alonso

From GMM

Fernando Alonso endured an uncomfortable moment in Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon.

On the day his Ferrari departure was finally confirmed officially, the Spaniard had to appear in the FIA's press conference ahead of the 2014 finale.

To his right was Sebastian Vettel, the man who replaces him at Maranello. And on his left was Jenson Button, his potential teammate at McLaren-Honda next year.

However, neither his McLaren move nor Button's future are yet clear. So when asked by a journalist if he would like to have Button as his next teammate, Alonso wriggled in his seat and struggled to find an answer.

A joking Button then leaned in, intensely grinning and staring at the Spaniard and saying "Take your time" amid the laughs of the press corps.

More seriously, Alonso admitted that he decided to quit Ferrari a couple of months ago when he realised he was no longer in "love" with his role in red.

"I felt it was the time to find new projects and new motivation," he said, admitting he "didn't agree so much" with some of the decisions Ferrari was taking.

"We waited for this year, for the new car, the new turbo era and this year around summer time, September, I felt that it was time to move."

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

It is understood Alonso has definitely now signed for McLaren, but on Thursday he denied that when he made the decision to quit Ferrari in September, he already had an alternative lined up.

"I had that decision (to leave)," said Alonso. "I have to be happy, I have to be motivated, I need to love what I'm doing and in September I felt that it was not the case.

"After that I started to look at some possibilities and I trust what I will have."

Meanwhile, Alonso denied that McLaren's delay of the driver announcement until after December 1 is so he can assess the results of the British team's test with Honda power next week.

From GMM

Abu Dhabi's long-term place on the F1 calendar is secure.

The popular day-night race at the spectacular Yas Marina, scene of this weekend's 2014 championship showdown, already had a contract through 2016.

On Thursday, the local race promoters announced they have signed a multi-year extension.

"I said when the Yas Marina Circuit was opened that it may one day be matched, but it will never be bettered," said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

Abu Dhabi has sold all 60,000 race-day tickets for Sunday's title-deciding race.

From GMM

Simona de Silvestro has split with her manager.

After the 25-year-old female Swiss driver conducted several tests for Sauber this year, it emerged last month that her road to formula one had suddenly ended.

The former IndyCar driver's programme "will not continue for financial reasons", a spokesman for Sauber had said.

Speed Week now reports that de Silvestro has this week split with her manager Imran Safiulla, who according to Swiss reports earlier this year was also backing her financially.

"I will now consider the next steps in peace regarding the options for my racing career," Simona de Silvestro is quoted as saying.

Simona de Silvestro, Sauber. (Photo: WRi2)

From wec.com

Renowned Hollywood actor and skilled GTE Am entrant at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Patrick Dempsey, has revealed his intention to compete next season on the world stage of international sports prototype and GTE racing, the FIA WEC.

Patrick Dempsey plans to compete in a Dempsey Racing/Proton Porsche 911 RSR in the LMGTE Am class, and will be teamed with Porsche factory driver Patrick Long and a third, yet-to-be-announced, Silver-classified driver.

The working relationship with Christian Ried's Proton team was successfully established in 2013 and Dempsey and Long have already achieved a very creditable 4th and 5th in class together at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

From GMM

Mercedes is determined to ensure the 2014 title is decided in Abu Dhabi by events other than a technical failure.

Team boss Toto Wolff has already said that given the unpopular double points system for the championship finale, it would be a "nightmare" if Lewis Hamilton loses to Nico Rosberg because the British points leader breaks down.

The German outfit is remaining impartial for the decisive round of the drivers' intense title battle.

"For me, both are now world champion," team chairman Niki Lauda told the German broadcaster RTL. "I have seen two Alpha males, top athletes at the very highest level."

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Niki Lauda denounced Bernie Ecclestone's double points system as "stupid", but said Mercedes is determined that the title is at least decided through a fair sporting outcome.

"Toto Wolff, Paddy Lowe and myself have done everything possible to provide both drivers with the same conditions," said the F1 legend, "so that technical problems do not decide the race.

"We have looked at every part of the car and engine and tried to shorten the life of the parts. Wherever we can, we have installed the newest components possible.

"If there is still a technical problem," Niki Lauda concluded, "then it is not something that we could have done anything to prevent."

Two rookie drivers, Esteban Ocon and Adderly Fong, will make their official Formula 1 debut in Abu Dhabi Friday morning.

Lotus F1 Team Junior driver Esteban Ocon will drive in free practice 1 for Lotus F1 Team.

Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the newly crowned FIA Formula 3 European Champion will also run in the final test of the season.

He will drive for the first day of the test - Tuesday November 25 - with Lotus F1 Team third driver Charles Pic driving on the second and final day.

Sauber F1 Team will run Adderly Fong during the same free practice session Friday.

Fong received the super licence after testing the C31 in Valencia.

On a final note, Scuderia Toro Rosso has confirmed Wednesday that 17-year-old Dutch driver Max Verstappen will not participate in Friday's FP1 in Abu Dhabi.

Jean-Eric Vergne will be behind the wheel of his Renault-powered STR9 all weekend.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone says India could return to the F1 calendar in 2016.

Last week, a senior official at the former race promoter Jaypee said the organisation is "trying our best to hold the race by 2017".

New Delhi hosted three consecutive races until 2013, but fell off the calendar this year amid financial issues and complex governmental hurdles relating to tax and red tape.

A senior official has now told the Indian news agency PTI that Jaypee has been working "desperately" to revive the race at the Buddh circuit.

"Recently, our top boss Sameer Gaur had a meeting with Bernie Ecclestone in Sochi on bringing the race back to India," he said.

"They had a fruitful discussion, and if everything goes accordingly, then the Indian GP should go once again in 2016."

F1 chief executive Ecclestone confirmed: "We had a fruitful meeting in Russia. I was assured that the tax and other related problems will be sorted out in due course and then we are good to go back.

"It is too late for 2015 now, so we are working on 2016," Bernie Ecclestone added.

Sameer Gaur also confirmed the news, revealing the talks in Russia had put the promoters and F1 officials back "on the same page".

"While 2015 looks tough as the calendar is more or less final, we should look at 2016 as the year for the return," he added.

It is reported that the sudden revival of India's fortunes is due to a change in government, after the previous administration did not recognise F1 as a sport for tax reasons.

"Since the present government is encouraging several international events, the Indian GP could be a beneficiary," an official confirmed.

But with Azerbaijan arriving on the calendar next year and India now back on the cards, the prospect of an even busier schedule may not be popular among F1 teams.

"Will it be really possible to hold 22 races a year?" said an official.

Adapted from press release

Caterham Formula 1 Team has finally confirmed its second driver for the final race of the 2014 season.

Will Stevens will race alongside Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

Stevens was previously part of the Caterham Racing Academy and tested for the Team in both the 2013 and 2014 official Formula 1 tests following the British Grand Prix at Silverstone each year, clocking up over 1,100km and gaining his FIA Super license in the process.

The Briton, 23, has raced in the World Series by Renault 3.5 championship in 2014 with two wins to his credit.

Gianluca Pisanello, Caterham F1 Team head of engineering operations mentioned that Will Stevens has done a vast amount of time in the simulator, completing around 10,000km.

“We in fact signed Will last week but have had to wait for confirmation of his super licence before making our announcement,” said Pisanello.

From GMM

Rubens Barrichello has denied he is about to make a sensational return to F1 to complete the 2014 season with Caterham.

With Caterham back up and running after missing Austin and Brazil, the team is still yet to announce an Abu Dhabi teammate for Kamui Kobayashi.

Reports have said Brazilian Barrichello, the most experienced driver in F1 history, was in the running to add a record 327th grand prix weekend to his tally after putting together enough sponsorship.

But the 42-year-old, who was recently stepped down as a F1 commentator for Brazil's Globo, told the broadcaster: "When I left formula one, I walked out the front door. It was sensational and I had full pride in my 19 years. But then I had this idea to do a farewell in Brazil again. But the deal was only for Brazil."

Ultimately, Caterham entered administration after the Russian grand prix last month and then sat out the Austin-Interlagos double-header.

Team Caterham at Abu Dhabi. (Photo: Twitter/Caterham F1 Team)

"It would have been amazing," Barrichello admitted. "Like I said, I ended my formula one career brilliantly, but I would have loved to say goodbye again in Brazil. Now to do a race somewhere else, I think it would have to be in a competitive car."

Asked if he would accept an invitation from Caterham to return, he answered: "Actually, it is not 'accept' or 'not accept'. The situation was very simple and everything was for Brazil. We did not talk about Abu Dhabi."

From GMM

The threat of a major civil war within formula one is growing by the day.

That is the claim of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, following reports disgruntled small teams Lotus, Sauber and Force India are furious talks to have more income released by F1 owner CVC are failing to bear fruit.

Correspondent Michael Schmidt says the teams have abandoned their race boycott threats, acknowledging it was not the right course of action.

The suggestion now is that they genuinely question whether the current system of decision-making and income distribution within F1 is even legal.

They reportedly feel that the fact teams like Ferrari and Red Bull receive substantially more base income is contrary to European Union competition laws.

"Bernie (Ecclestone) regarded (the F1 teams alliance) FOTA as a real threat and he had to end the risk of a breakaway series," said former F1 chief Ross Brawn. "He drew out Ferrari and Red Bull with the promise of paying them a big extra bonus."

Former FIA president Max Mosley reportedly acknowledges that the inequitable distribution is also against the governing body's own statutes.

"Giving the big teams more money is akin to allowing them to have bigger engines," he is quoted as saying.

Not only that, the decision-making 'Strategy Group' is predominated by Ecclestone and the major teams, excluding the likes of Lotus, Sauber and Sahara Force India altogether.

The trio also wonders if Ferrari's apparent rule-changing 'veto power' would survive the cross-examination of a European Commission investigation.

"Apparently," said Michael Schmidt, "the Commission has recently turned an eye to formula one as there is so much in the press about it."

He said Mosley's view is that F1 must now urgently enact a three-point plan: redistribute income equitably, slash costs and simplify the regulations.