Auto News 5

Ford global marketing chief Jim Farley will move to Germany to steer Ford of Europe starting January 1 in a job swap with European boss Stephen Odell, the company said.

In exclusive news broken this morning by just-auto, top Ford executives Stephen Odell and Jim Farley are to swap jobs.

In exclusive news broken this morning by just-auto, top Ford executives Stephen Odell and Jim Farley are to swap jobs.

Ford global marketing chief Jim Farley will move to Germany to steer Ford of Europe and swap jobs with European boss Stephen Odell, sources said. Odell will succeed Farley as head of sales, service and marketing worldwide, sources said.

Suzuki is trying to emulate BMW's and Volvo's success on the seas by associating its brand with one of the world's most famous sailboat races. Partnering with Route du Rhum can only help Suzuki boost its small presence in Europe

In the wake of ZF's $13.5 billion acquisition of TRW Automotive, other merger and acquisition deals are bubbling up with small and midsize European companies as acquisition targets.

Keno Kato, Nissan's global head of product planning and strategy is a 1960s-muscle car fan from rural Japan. At the office, he directs a global team of planners to translate future customer trends into product performance, appearance and technology.

Jaguar Land Rover executives are confident that new products in new segments will drive their global sales sharply higher in three years.

Continental is unable to complete its acquisition of rubber firm Veyance Technologies and may need to sell one of the target company's divisions to win regulatory approval in the United States, a German magazine reported.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso admitted on Thursday that his plans to launch a professional cycling team in 2015 have been delayed.

"It was my intention to start in 2015," reports including the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf quote him as saying in Brazil, "but due to various circumstances it is not happening at the moment."

It is believed the main problem is with the company that was set to sponsor the F1 driver's team.

Talks may now be taking place between the Spaniard and Gerard Lopez, the owner of the Lotus F1 team.

As he fended off speculation about his impending departure from Ferrari in F1, Alonso admitted at Interlagos that Lopez "said we were talking, which is true but it's for a project outside formula one".

As for the cycling project, "I continue to believe that cycling can be combined very well with formula one, but it is something for the future," Fernando Alonso insisted.

From GMM

Carlos Sainz Jr has admitted not moving up to formula one next year would be a "big blow".

As the days roll on, it appears increasingly likely that, instead of pairing Max Verstappen with another young rookie in 2015, owner Red Bull will instead keep the experienced Jean-Eric Vergne at Toro Rosso for one more year.

Indeed, recently frustrated that his F1 career seemed to be ending, the 24-year-old is now all smiles in the Interlagos paddock.

"Compared to one month ago, the situation is much more optimistic," Vergne told France's RMC at Interlagos.

"A lot of people at Red Bull and Toro Rosso would like to keep me next year so we will see how the situation will evolve," he added.

"I also discussed it with the boss Dietrich Mateschitz in Russia and I think everything is going in the right direction at the moment. I'm still part of the Red Bull family so I think all the signs are green now," said Jean-Eric Vergne.

It is not good news for 20-year-old Sainz, who despite being the top Red Bull-backed junior at present and the new Formula Renault 3.5 champion, was also overlooked for the Verstappen seat recently.

Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso, 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

Asked to imagine the scenario of Helmut Marko phoning him with bad news about the Toro Rosso seat, Sainz admitted: "It would be a blow. A big blow.

"I think after what I achieved this year, not confirming me - from my point of view - it would be an injustice," he told Spain's El Confidencial. "I think I could not have done more this year."

Carlos Sainz Jr continued: "I would see formula one with different eyes. It has always been a dream since I was 7 years old, getting up at 3 in the morning to watch Fernando (Alonso) race in Melbourne. It remains a dream for me, but I would see it with new eyes."

From GMM

Felipe Nasr, a low-profile F1 presence until now, has burst into a storm in the Interlagos paddock.

Earlier, Sauber shocked the entire paddock with the news that Brazilian Nasr, Williams' 22-year-old reserve, and his sponsor Banco do Brasil will be Marcus Ericsson's teammate at the Swiss team in 2015.

It was a genuine surprise because Sauber, reportedly now the most financially endangered team in F1 in Caterham and Marussia's wake, already appeared to have three other drivers under firm contract to race next season.

One of them is Adrian Sutil, who flagged an impending fight with the Hinwil outfit in the official FIA press conference on Thursday.

"They've confirmed two drivers but that doesn't mean the drivers can drive and it doesn't mean that the team's going to drive," said the furious German.

Also shocked and angry is Sauber's reserve Giedo van der Garde, who with his sponsor McGregor also appeared to have committed to the team for 2015.

Giedo Van der Garde, Sauber reserve driver. (Photo: WRi2)

"You could say that I am surprised -- in capital letters," van der Garde told the Swiss newspaper Blick.

"Next week my management and lawyers will be on the case."

Also surprised was van der Garde's good paddock friend Nico Hulkenberg, who admitted he had only talked to the Dutchman about his 2015 contract on Tuesday.

So while Nasr should be celebrating his impending step up to the F1 grid, the mood is in fact dark.

Countryman Felipe Massa, who also started his career at Sauber, said: "It's not a great time for Sauber.

"The team is in crisis and a crisis is not good for anyone," he is quoted by Brazil's Estadao.

So rather than be able to exalt her new driver, team boss and co-owner Monisha Kaltenborn was instead fending off questions about Sauber's survival, and the possible threat of legal action or the intervention of the contract recognition board.

"When private teams make decisions they have to take financial aspects into consideration, otherwise it gets very difficult to survive," she told reporters.

"This is a step in the right direction for us."

Kaltenborn said Sauber's latest moves, including the split with Esteban Gutierrez, means his Mexican backers will depart, and that the cooperation with Russia and Sergey Sirotkin is likely also over.

It means Nasr is stepping into the sport not only with the very clear 'pay driver' label, but also the impression that his and Ericsson's money is saving the Sauber team.

"It has been a tough year," Nasr said on Thursday, "not only for Sauber but for several other teams.

"But I think formula one is concerned about these teams and will be taking a position to help them.

"I would not come into a team without knowing its condition," he is quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper.

Felipe Nasr, Williams reserve driver. (Photo: WRi2)

Even F1 legend Nelson Piquet on Thursday was not in the mood for celebrating Brazil's latest grand prix hero.

"It's very good for Brazil," he is quoted by Globo, "but if I am very honest, I have not seen him race very much."

Nasr is currently second in the GP2 standings, but still, there are many who think the trend of the last few years is worrying.

"Unless you have a big bucket of gold," said veteran Jenson Button, "you are not going to get into formula one and that has been proved by some of the signings we have seen for next season."

From GMM

No longer Ferrari's long-time president, Luca di Montezemolo's next move is now clear.

Authoritative reports including the ANSA news agency say the flamboyant 67-year-old, deposed recently by Sergio Marchionne as the Fiat Chrysler group hit the stock market, has been appointed to lead the Italian flag carrier Alitalia.

"The board of the old Alitalia designated Montezemolo ... who will eventually be nominated by the board of the new company," a source told the Reuters news agency, referring to the merger between Alitalia and Abu Dhabi's Etihad.

From GMM

Williams is not ready to welcome a driver of Fernando Alonso's stature.

That is the claim of Pat Symonds, a veteran engineer who has led the British team's technical progress in 2014 to an impressive third spot in the constructors' championship.

As Alonso considers his next move after his apparent relationship breakdown with Ferrari, Williams has often been named as a potential dark horse destination -- perhaps as a Mercedes-powered stepping stone to a full works seat in 2016.

But Williams has already announced that Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa are staying put.

Photo: Williams Martini Racing.

Symonds, who worked with Alonso when he won his world titles at Renault, argues that Williams should not yet be thinking about accommodating a driver like him.

"Our process of creating a winning team is not yet complete. We have a few areas that we still need to work on," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"For me, Fernando is the best driver in the sport," Symonds agreed, "but he also needs a team around him that can handle him.

"With Alonso's expectations, the pressure would rise at Williams to an unhealthy level that would disturb the progress the team is making," he added.

The Caterham F1 Team is launching the #RefuelCaterhamF1 project today in order to power the team to go racing in Abu Dhabi and hopefully beyond. The team will reward both fans and sponsors in this unique opportunity to be the driving force behind the team by crowdfunding its return to the grid.

Companies and fans can get involved by heading to the Crowdcube website, www.crowdcube.com/caterham, and pledging the amount they wish to give, from just £10. Supporters will receive unique rewards, including a once in a lifetime opportunity to get your name on the Caterham F1 car competing in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The opportunity to support Caterham F1's return to the grid will close when it reaches its £2.350m funding target or Friday 14 November, whichever is sooner.

Finbarr O'Connell, Caterham Sports Limited administrator and interim Caterham F1 Team Principal: “We are working non-stop to get the Caterham F1 Team back racing, initially in Abu Dhabi, but hopefully that will be just a stepping stone to get it back racing on a permanent basis, under new ownership. In order to achieve that one of our most useful, innovative and effective options right now is crowdfunding. We want to get as many sponsors and fans as possible involved this week and make our comeback something we can all be part of. This team deserves a future and I'm sure that there are plenty of fans and companies out there that agree with us, so I can't think of a better way to get us all together and show our support to the team than this one, the Caterham F1 Team #RefuelCaterhamF1 project.

“In order to make this happen, we've teamed-up with Crowdcube, the world's leading crowdfunding platform, which has raised £45m for more than 150 organisations since 2011. If we don't hit the target by next Friday, obviously the pledged funds will be returned, but right now we are hopeful for the future of the team and we are confident that the team showing the world that it can race again will lead to a bright future under a new owner on a proper financial footing.”

Mike Stubbs of Mishcon, legal adviser to the Administrator: “At Mishcon, we do a lot of ground breaking work for our F1 clients and for all clients . This initiative represents yet another advancement in the ever growing list of rescue options if you are prepared to think laterally.”

Darren Westlake, CEO of Crowdcube: “It's fantastic for Crowdcube to be able to support an iconic team in this way; helping Caterham F1 to continue doing what it does best. This is a unique opportunity for motorsport fans to be directly involved in the sport they love, getting behind the team and playing a part in powering them onto the grid - even putting their name on the car.”

From GMM

As 18 F1 cars practiced in Brazil, one of the absent teams came to the end of the line.

The Telegraph's Daniel Johnson broke the news, reporting early on Friday that Marussia, although listed on the FIA's 2015 entry list, has "ceased trading".

An early hint about Marussia's impending fate was given by the FIA on Wednesday, when the renamed Manor F1 Team was listed on the 2015 list accompanied by a "subject to confirmation" asterisk.

Interestingly, there is no asterisk alongside Caterham's 2015 entry.

"(Marussia) will not be in Abu Dhabi," Johnson 'tweeted' from Interlagos. "Staff made redundant."

Although the Banbury based team and also Caterham were absent in Austin and now again in Brazil, chief Graeme Lowdon attended the US race for talks.

"But no one came up with the money," Johnson added.

The initially unofficial news, broadcast live by British television Sky during its practice coverage on Friday, was then confirmed by the broadcaster.

Shortly afterwards, the administrator FRP Advisory admitted: "It goes without saying that it is deeply regrettable that a business with such a great following in British and world motor sport has had to cease trading and close its doors."

Adapted from GMM

It's not official, but this is an open secret that Sebastian Vettel will join Ferrari next year, to replace Fernando Alonso.

"When the cameras are on," the German smiled on Thursday, "it is difficult to say anything, "but when they turn off, everyone seems to know what is going on."

Vettel took his Red Bull crew out for a farewell dinner in downtown Sao Paulo on Wednesday night, but he admitted to reporters that he will not be sad when the curtain comes down on his difficult 2014 campaign.

As for 2015, "I know what I'm doing, that's for sure," Sebastian Vettel insisted. "And I know who my teammate will be."

Stand Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

It appears likely he is referring to his friend Kimi Raikkonen, but the Finn's high-profile struggles in 2014 have produced a cloud of speculation.

"Everyone has his own opinion. Many times we have seen that they are wrong," Raikkonen told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3.

"It is the way it is here (in F1). It is probably the saddest thing about formula one.

"The main thing is that you know yourself how things are and to trust in what you are doing," said Kimi Raikkonen.

Nico Rosberg set the fastest lap with Mercedes at Interlagos on Friday, during the free practice sessions of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Dry and warm conditions at Interlagos, although the track was particularly slippery all day with the brand new asphalt.

Nico Rosberg recorded the quickest time in the first practice session, on Friday morning, leading his temmate Lewis Hamilton by 0.221 s.

Almost a full second further, Daniil Kvyat was third aboard Toro Rosso. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) is fourth and the local hero Felipe Massa is fifth with Williams.

Max Verstappen impressed with the second Toto Rosso at sixth position. The crash of Daniel Juncadella to be noticed with the Sahara Force India of Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver was unable to participate the second practice session.

Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso STR9-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Same order for the Mercedes drivers in the afternoon. Kimi Raikkonen is third with Ferrari, Daniel Ricciardo is fourth for Red Bull, followed by the two Williams drivers.

Fernando Alonso ended his session with the rear of his Ferrari in fire. A power unit-related problem is suspected.

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

Brazilian Grand Prix
Interlagos, Friday

Free practice session 1 - Results*
1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m12:764 - 30 laps
2 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m12:985 - 32
3 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m13:723 - 39
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m13:742 - 30
5 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m13:811 - 28
6 - Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m13:827 - 26
7 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m14:034 - 31
8 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m14:114 - 32
9 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4/29-Mercedes) - 1m14:136 - 30
10 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m14:197 - 27
11 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m14:434 - 31
12 - Felipe Nasr (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m15:522 - 22
13 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m14:678 - 33
14 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m14:902 - 24
15 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m15:109 - 23
16 - Daniel Juncadella (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m16:030 - 17
17 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/29-Mercedes) - no time - 2
18 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - no time - 6

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

Free practice session 2 - Results*
1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m12:123 - 36 laps
2 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m12:336 - 36
3 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m12:696 - 32
4 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m12:956 - 24
5 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m13:035 - 31
6 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m13:099 - 27
7 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m13:122 - 20
8 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m13:254 - 35
9 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m13:333 - 28
10 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4/29-Mercedes) - 1m13:479 - 33
11 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m13:497 - 33
12 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m13:714 - 37
13 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m13:882 - 32
14 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1'13”902 - 25
15 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m14:204 - 36
16 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/29-Mercedes) - 1'14”209 - 31
17 - Jean Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m17:171 - 5
18 - Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - no time

*Unofficial timing

Takata, the Japanese supplier at the center of a global vehicle recall, ordered its technicians to destroy results of tests on some of its airbags after finding cracks in inflators, The New York Times reported.

Honda, the automaker most affected by an auto-safety crisis involving Japanese supplier Takata, said it would upgrade a airbag repair campaign in the United States to a formal recall.