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Mercedes AMG drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton resumed their intense battle for the 2014 Formula 1 world title Friday at Suzuka, Japan.

In the morning session, Rosberg edged out Hamilton by just 0.151 seconds, setting the best time of 1m35.461 to Hamilton's 1m35.612.

Hamilton had a couple of minor offs exiting the second of the Degner Curves, but appeared to have very strong race pace during longer run simulations.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was their closest pursuer on 1m36.037, 0.727s adrift of Rosberg, while teammate Kimi Raikkonen set the fifth fastest time despite finishing one second further down the road, on 1m37.187. Valtteri Bottas who took his Mercedes-powered Williams round in 1m36.576 separated them.

One of the main focal points of the 90-minute session was the official Grand Prix weekend debut of Max Verstappen.

The 17-year-old Dutchman hardly put a wheel wrong and was 12th fastest on 1m38.157s in the second Toro Rosso, and given his inexperience of both car and track the 0.443s gap to Kvyat was very respectable.

Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull in FP2. (Photo: WRi2)

Second practice session
Hamilton turned the tables on Rosberg in a scrappy second practice session in which there were several crashes, two red flag periods, and light rain towards the end.

Hamilton topped the times with 1m35.078, 0.240s ahead of Rosberg. Bottas was their nearest challenger in third, followed by Jenson Button in a McLaren, Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing) and the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso.

Kamui Kobayashi lost the rear of his Caterham through the esses and spinning backwards into the barriers - causing damage to the rear suspension and front wing.

Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

Soon after Daniel Ricciardo took his Red Bull round in the fastest time before an odd accident in the final corner. He ran wide on the exit and locked up he slid helplessly through the gravel and into the outer wall.

Sauber's Esteban Gutierrez also crashed, hitting the barriers on the outside of the Spoon Curve.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Free Practice session 1 - Results*
1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m35.461 - 27 laps
2 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m35.612 - 26
3 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m36.037 - 19
4 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m36.576 - 25
5 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m37.187 - 19
6 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m37.327 - 24
7 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m37.466 - 27
8 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m37.649 - 24
9 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m37.686 - 26
10 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m37.714 - 26
11 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m38.012 - 22
12 - Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m38.157 - 22
13 - Sergio Perez  Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m38.324 - 10
14 - Nico Hulkenberg  Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m38.582 - 9
15 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m38.851 - 21
16 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m39.046 - 19
17 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m39.097 - 26
18 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m39.318 - 18
19 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m40.031 - 18
20 - Roberto Merhi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m41.472 - 24
21 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m41.580 - 10
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m41.757 - 15

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

Free Practice session 2 - Results*
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m35.078 - 28 laps
2 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m35.318 - 27
3 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m36.279 - 24
4 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m36.409 - 28
5 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m36.436 - 24
6 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m36.529 - 19
7 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m36.637 - 26
8 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m36.714 - 31
9 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m36.943 - 27
10 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m37.186 - 3
11 - Jean Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m37.219 - 19
12 - Nico Hulkenberg  Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m37.504 - 16
13 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m37.563 - 31
14 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m37.700 - 18
15 - Sergio Perez  Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m37.786 - 8
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m37”798 - 27
17 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m38.010 - 25
18 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m38.365 - 9
19 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m39.069 - 22
20 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m39.306 - 20
21 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m39.333 - 24
22  - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m42.760 - 3
* Unofficial timing

From wrc.com

Volkswagen driver Jari-Matti Latvala gave himself a degree of comfort at the head of the Rallye de France-Alsace leaderboard after netting consecutive stage victories in the final two country stages of Friday's opening leg.

Behind the wheel of his Polo R, the Finn extended his advantage over teammate Andreas Mikkelsen to 8.5sec after beating him by 4.3sec in the long SS5, before setting a crushing pace to go 4.0sec faster in less than 10km through the next test.

“The last one is my favourite stage, I could drive it tomorrow two more times,” said Latvala. “We made some changes in service at lunchtime and the car feels good.”

Mikkelsen could only laugh at the speed of his Polo R colleague in the final test. “His time is crazy, absolute madness. I was happy with my pace but Jari-Matti was insanely quick. It's one of my best days on asphalt, I've never felt so comfortable on this surface before,” he said.

Robert Kubica punctured in SS5 to drop behind fellow Ford Fiesta RS driver Mikko Hirvonen, but the Pole finished third in the next test and is just 1.2sec away from regaining sixth.

Mads Østberg was a man of few words after dropping time in both tests with what he believed might be a transmission problem. “Something is not right and I couldn't drive any faster,” said the Norwegian, who remains fifth in his Citroen DS3, but only 2.4sec ahead of Hirvonen.

Sébastien Ogier's day became even worse, if that is possible, when a broken front left damper in his Polo R cost time in both stages.

Standings after Day 1:
1. Latvala, VW
2. Mikkelsen, VW, at 8.5s
3. Meeke, Citroen, at 22.7s
4. Sordo, Hyundai, at 51.5s
5. Østberg, Ford, at 57.6s

From Caterham Group

Caterham Group wishes to clarify that, following the sale of the Formula 1 business in July, it has no affiliation with Caterham F1 Team.

The following is a statement issued by the Caterham Group October 3, 2014:

“Regarding news reports today that bailiffs have removed several items from Caterham F1 Team's Oxfordshire base, Caterham Group also wishes to assure its customers and suppliers that this action has no bearing whatsoever on the car company or any of its affiliate business arms.

Moreover, the Group wishes to reiterate that neither the Company nor any of its automotive or engineering divisions are in any financial danger. The shareholders of the Group, including co-Chairmen Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, are wholly committed to the business.

The Caterham brand name is in Formula One as a result of the Group's former ownership of the F1 team and is being used under licence. The Caterham Group is concerned about the negativity that these circumstances, which are outside of its control, have on its brand and will continue to monitor the situation.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

Caterham Group now consists of Caterham Cars, Caterham Technology & Innovation and Caterham Composites; the F1 team is now run by an unconnected consortium of Middle Eastern and Swiss investors, following its sale earlier this year.

While the Caterham F1 Team never reached its full potential, the other arms of Caterham Group - Caterham Cars, Caterham Technology & Innovation (CTI) and Caterham Composites - have continued to develop and flourish.

The order book for Caterham Cars is full until March 2015, with the Company having to ramp up production from last month to satisfy increasing and unprecedented global demand for the legendary Seven.

As Caterham Composites' work in the aviation, marine as well as automotive sectors grows apace, CTI continues to win new third party contracts as well as the development of the new flagship Caterham two-seater sportscar, codenamed C120, amongst other projects.”

Netherlands' teenager Max Verstappen made history at Suzuka on Friday morning when he became the youngest driver to participate in an official Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.

The son of former Grand Prix driver Jos Verstappen took over the driving duties of Jean-Eric Vergne's STR9 in free practice 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen getting ready. (Photo: ToroRosso.com)

Far from being intimidated by the occasion, Verstappen junior, who turned 17 just three days ago said it took him just a handful of laps to start bedding in with the STR9 - adding that he focussed purely on gaining experience rather than chasing headline-grabbing lap times.

“It took me two or three laps to get used to it of course, because I have never driven here before and this was my first time in this type of car,” the Dutch said.

“But in a few laps you feel quite comfortable. It was quite allright - today was just getting used to the first bits of the car. The power and the engine impressed me really. Also the brakes, the steering - everything is completely different. The torque you have is quite a lot so you have to manage that with throttle application. I had to take some laps [to adjust] for that but I think at the end it wasn't not too bad”.

Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso. (Photo: WRi2)

Max Verstappen finished his day's work with the 12th fastest time, just four tenths of a second slower than his Toro Rosso teammate, Daniil Kvyat.

“Honestly my feeling was that I was not pushing at all. For the whole session I was driving safe - I didn't want to crash, I just wanted to make laps and that's what I did. I think I was straight away quite okay with the pace, but I was just getting used to the car. I was building up pace and confidence lap by lap. Step by step I am learning everything - and step by step you can push more”,” he explained.

Max event experienced a problem with the Renault power unit a one point.

“I saw some smoke coming out [the rear of the car] and I know what's happening then! You can't change it anyway, so I just stopped the car and walked back'” he explained.

Max and Jos Verstappen in the Toro Rosso garage. (Photo: WRi2)

He also talked about his father Jos who was present in the garage.

“I think he was quite nervous and I was calm, so it was quite funny. We have done everything together, so if you accomplish something like this it's a great feeling. He has taught me a lot,” Verstappen junior explained.

From GMM

Not many well-informed insiders in the Suzuka paddock still believe Fernando Alonso will be a Ferrari driver in 2015.

In fact, the growing consensus is that the Spaniard's contract termination will be made public after the Japanese grand prix weekend.

It appears that the most likely destinations for Fernando Alonso are either McLaren or Red Bull.

Eric Boullier thinks the Woking team's looming works Honda status makes McLaren the obvious favourite.

Photo: McLaren

"I think we are for many reasons. We will be one of three works teams on the grid next season with our new engine partner and that will be a game changer," he told Britain's Sky at Suzuka.

Perhaps bolstering McLaren's chances of securing Alonso was the news on Friday that the team is preparing an interim test car to run the Honda V6 even before the official start of the test season next February.

"McLaren and Honda (are working) together to design and create an experimental test vehicle to check the power unit system," confirmed Honda's Yasuhisa Arai.

The next question will be the identity of Alonso's successor at Ferrari.

Fernando Alonso at Suzuka. (Photo WRi2)

Jules Bianchi is putting his hand up for the job, but also linked with the seat is the increasingly disgruntled Red Bull driver and reigning quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Germany's Auto Bild claims relations between Red Bull and the German have "cooled considerably" in the last few weeks, as the team looks to the future with the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Daniil Kvyat and Max Verstappen.

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko told SID news agency: "No comment."

Sebastian Vettel also said the rumours are "not true".

True to its heritage, Land Rover unveiled their brand new premium compact SUV ahead of the 2014 Paris Auto Show in a way that only this particular manufacturer could: Riding a barge on the River Seine, a pair of Land Rover Discovery Sport models made their dramatic entrance along with seven pairs of oversized brightly coloured Wellington boots.

What's the connection? Well, the brand new LR Discovery Sport offers a 5+2 configuration, meaning it can seat up to seven if need be. To further exemplify its unique nature in the Land Rover lineup, the Discovery Sport was the only LR on display at the manufacturer's booth during the media preview day at the 2014 Paris Auto Show.

Produced in Land Rover's award-winning manufacturing facility in Halewood, Liverpool, the Discovery Sport will go on sale in 2015 (along with the 7-seater Land Rover Discovery) in more than 170 countries.

Source: digitalnewsagency.com

Former Formula 1 driver and current Toyota endurance driver Alex Wurz is set to become the new chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association.

The Austrian will replace Ferrari reserve driver, Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa and he will be supported by Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button, who will remain as directors.

"I am very proud to have this responsibility and the opportunity to build the GPDA into a more united voice for our sport," Wurz declared.

"We know our history; we know what heroes like Stirling [Moss], Niki [Lauda] and Jackie [Stewart], Michael [Schumacher] and Ayrton [Senna] have all helped create.

"With the support of Jean [Todt] and Bernie [Ecclestone], the teams, the media and most importantly with the backing of our fans, the GPDA will now aim to become a more dynamic and positive influence for the future of our sport."

Tesla excels at creating a buzz around a new model or technology. Yesterday, CEO Elon Musk tweeted a picture and said “time to unveil the D and something else.”

Apparently, we'll find out what this all means on October 9th.

The picture shows a garage door with a big letter “D” on it, and we can see through the narrow opening the front of a (new?) Tesla.

Some have speculated that the recently announced Model 3 compact sedan could be renamed “Model D,” while others say it could be a smaller CUV than the upcoming Model X.

According to CNN Money, the most likely explanation is that the “D” either refers to a driver assist feature or some kind of all-wheel drive for the Model S, which to this point has been rear-wheel drive only. Also, Musk previously stated that Tesla was working on an autonomous driving technology for the Model S.

As for that “something else,” we don't have a single clue. Next Thursday can't come soon enough!

Source : techcrunch.com

Photo: Tesla

On Friday, General Motors announced three new recalls affecting nearly 650,000 vehicles from various brands.

The first one involves 430,550 Cadillac SRX (2010-2015) and Saab 9-4X (2011-2012) crossovers whose rear sway bar may not have been properly tightened during assembly. Three related accidents making two people injured have been reported so far.

The second recall affects 93,834 Chevrolet Spark hatchbacks which could suffer from rust issues.

GM is also recalling 117,651 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles with faulty chassis control modules. The problem could cause an electrical short that could lead to an engine stall, an engine that fails to start, or the loss of the trailer brake in vehicles that are equipped with that function.
More specifically, the list includes:

• 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade and Escalade ESV;
• 2013-2014 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe;
• 2013-2014 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL;
• 2013-2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia;
• 2013-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana;
• 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD;
• 2013-2014 Chevrolet Impala.

Source : auto.lapresse.ca

The final Legend makes its European debut at the Paris Auto Show

The sixth and final member of the “Les legendes de Bugatti” collection, the Ettore Bugatti Edition, made its European debut at the Paris Auto Show yesterday. Based on the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, it pays tribute to the company's founder.

“The Legends edition is an impressive part of the Veyron's success story. Now the car has reached the finishing straight. Fewer than 20 cars are available for customers,” said Wolfgang Dürheimer, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

The six editions include:

• Jean-Pierre Wimille;
• Jean Bugatti;
• Meo Constantini;
• Rembrandt Bugatti;
• Black Bess;
• Ettore Bugatti.

The Ettore Bugatti Edition is powered by an 8.0L W16 engine rated at 1,183 hp, and sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds. The front fascia is all aluminum. Pricing is set at more than $3 million apiece.

This marks the end for the Veyron. A brand new model will eventually take over.

Source : thedetroitbureau.com

Photo: Bagatti

From GMM

Far away from the Suzuka paddock, the F1 world heard promising news on Friday from Belgium.

L'Echo newspaper reported that Bernie Ecclestone has agreed to extend the grand prix deal for the popular and fabled Spa-Francorchamps circuit until 2018.

The reporter cited sources close to the deal as saying it "looks good for an extension of three years".

Belgium Grand Prix 2014. (Photo: WRi2)

The Pulsar nameplate is back at Nissan after several years of absence, and it has even been given the NISMO treatment. The result was shown this week at the Paris Auto Show.

The Pulsar NISMO Concept's paintwork is finished in satin grey and surrounding the body is the NISMO's trademark Layered Double-Wing accentuated in red. The dramatic front bumper features larger, optimized air intakes and striking brake cooling vents. Deeper side skirts, a lower ride height, and 19” five-spoke alloy wheels with 235/35R19 tires emphasize the muscular stance.

Other elements include a unique carbon fibre rear spoiler, flared wheel arches, and a diffuser-style rear bumper with central twin exhaust pipes. There's also a chrome trim around the side windows painted in black.

The race-inspired cockpit boasts deeply sculpted sports seats trimmed in Alcantara, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, and alloy pedals.

The engine remains a mystery, although some sources claim the Nissan Pulsar NISMO houses a 1.8L turbo unit producing 250+ horsepower.

Source : Nissan

Photo: Nissan

The imminent threat to Japan from typhoon PHANFONE is gradually diminishing.

The current forecasts from Formula 1 Weather Service UBIMET indicates the arrival of rain bands, these at times heavy, for Sunday and, with the centre of the typhoon will pass close by on Monday morning.

Satellite Image of PHANFONE from Friday, 2nd October 06 UTC (08 CEST) (Image: JMA / UBIMET)

Wet race likely scenario
For Sunday there are no significant changes to previous UBIMET-forecasts.

The rain will largely be persistent - possibly with an occasional dry interlude - but also it will become heavy at times, this more likely after midday.

Thus, at the scheduled race start time by 15:00 local time (8:00 CEST), a wet race seems to be a likely scenario. The on-site expert on-site meteorologists expect the passage of the typhoon centre between the early and the afternoon hours of Monday.

"Probably PHANFONE will pass to the southeast of Suzuka. There are also model solutions that can draw the eye directly on the race circuit. In both cases severe structural damage is expected on Monday, with possible widespread severe damage from the second case,” they predicted.

Typhoon creates challenges for the Premiere in Sochi
The huge mass of equipment that Formula 1 operates must be dismantled and packed up immediately after the race - Sunday evening into Monday (local time) and after that transported from Japan to Russia.

The Grand Prix of Russia takes place on the following Sunday, October 12th. Keeping to this tight schedule will be wholly dependent on how the typhoon behaves and will surely be a tough challenge.

Estimated storm track from Friday 3rd until Monday 7th October, time information in Japanese local time. (Image: UBIMET)

If you're in the market for a new car, the likelihood that you're shopping in the compact crossover segment is quite high. This is especially true if you've got a small family in tow.

As they remain one of the hottest segments in the car business, I've selected the very common P225/65R17 size as the yardstick for this winter tire exercise.

The rating system is desperately simple: Looking to spend a specific amount? Find your best picks within the described price ranges.

In 2013, Canadian tire shoppers got some good news: Tire prices dropped considerably in order to discourage cross-boarder shopping. Tire manufacturers wizened up and lowered pricing to match US retail prices as much as possible.

To help you along with your shopping, I've devised another “best bang for the buck” line-up of tire suggestions. For a more specific list of tire suggestions for your car, click here.

Here are the top 2014-‘15 CUV/minivan/small SUV winter tire choices:

From GMM

Fernando Alonso and Ferrari are on the cusp of announcing the Spaniard's split, despite his contract for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

The Spanish publication Cope said the parties have now agreed to terminate the deal, amid speculation of an enormous EUR 50 million per year standing offer from McLaren.

"At this moment, in Japan, Alonso is discussing his future at Ferrari," Luca di Montezemolo, still Ferrari's president until Sergio Marchionne takes over later this month, said at the Paris Motor Show.

"I am sure we will find the best solution for him and for Ferrari, whatever that may be," Montezemolo added.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Authoritative media sources say the situation has progressed to the point that Alonso and his closest colleagues at the fabled Italian team are now beginning to say their goodbyes.

"I must thank Alonso," Luca di Montezemolo continued, "because whether he stays or doesn't stay, he has done a lot for Ferrari.

"We have a contract and in the next few days we are going to take a final decision with a lot of respect for one another.

"If he says he will stay, we will be happy. If we decide together to end our collaboration, it will be in the best manner possible," he added.

Also speaking in Paris, Sergio Marchionne also suggested that Ferrari's marriage to Alonso is nearing an end.

"Ferrari is more important than any partner," he said. "Our priorities are well defined: the company, the brand and above all the people."

From GMM

A new recruit will reportedly inject much-needed funds at struggling Marussia.

The team announced at Suzuka that Briton Will Stevens, currently a Formula Renault 3.5 driver but having previously tested for Caterham, has signed up as a reserve driver.

It was expected he would make his Friday practice debut at Suzuka, but boss John Booth said a "paperwork" holdup in Germany had delayed those plans for now.

Marussia said he will instead "take part in a number of free practice 1 sessions" elsewhere in 2014.

Will Stevens. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

It is believed Stevens, 23, is also a candidate for a race seat in 2015, possibly at the expense of fellow Briton Max Chilton, who almost missed the recent Belgian grand prix amid contractual problems.

Chilton, however, welcomed the news about Stevens at Suzuka.

"I know Will very well. He's a good friend of mine so I'm more than happy," he insisted.

British newspapers claim Stevens' job at Marussia has been facilitated by his backers.

The Times said he is paying "as much as 150,000 pounds ($243,000)" per Friday practice, while the Mirror estimated the cost at more like "around 200,000 pounds ($323,000)" per 90-minute session.

Everyone tries to do their part to protect our dear Mother Earth, whether it's recycling, composting, saving water, or whatever. Every action counts, even those that go unnoticed.

Of course, you can't hide what you park in your driveway. Then again, you don't have to when you're the proud driver of a so-called “green” vehicle like the 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, which has everything to make you look -- and feel -- good.

You may have heard about the virtual leaves that grow on the instrument cluster as you increase your driving efficiency. Well, I took up the challenge so seriously that, in a perfect showcase of hypermiling craziness, I went as far as slowing down to 80 km/h on the highway just to gain a few leaves on my display.

What are you willing to do to save gas?

To check out our full review, head on over to Auto-Venus.com.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has denied the contract talks behind closed doors at Ferrari could also affect his place at the Maranello team.

The talk of the Suzuka paddock is Fernando Alonso's future, amid speculation the Spaniard and Ferrari have already agreed to terminate their partnership.

At the same time, Kimi Raikkonen has struggled in 2014 and paddock rumours suggest Ferrari could also be planning to oust the Finn and rebuild for the future with an all-new lineup of Sebastian Vettel alongside Jules Bianchi in 2015.

When asked about the Alonso rumours, Raikkonen told the Finnish broadcaster MTV3: "You should ask him. It's not my thing or my concern.

"I have no interest, really."

Asked if his own contract situation has changed, Raikkonen insisted: "It has not."

Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Raikkonen told reporters at Suzuka that, despite struggling this season, he has begun to feel much more comfortable at recent races.

"Once you get that, everything gets much easier and hopefully we keep going in this direction," he said.

"I believe 100 per cent in the people at Ferrari and the fact that we can turn it around and put the team where it should be, at the front of the field.

"As for myself, I have a contract and therefore no worries about my future," Kimi Raikkonen added.

Winter tires are a must, regardless of where you live, as long as snow falls to the ground and temperatures dip below the freezing point. As we all know, summer and four-season tire compounds lose much — if not all — of their flexibility at as little as 7 degrees Celsius. Why risk it?

Canadian tire shoppers received good news in 2013: Tire prices dropped significantly in order to discourage cross-boarder shopping. Given that pricing is the No. 1 consideration when it comes to buying these expensive consumables, the news was very good indeed.

As the winter season approaches, the questions are starting to roll in: “What winter tire should I buy?” To help you along with your shopping, I've devised another “best bang for the buck” line-up of tire suggestions.

As compact and midsize cars remain popular in Canada, I've selected the following P205/55R16 size as the yardstick. Keep in mind that these picks apply to most cars, as well as minivans and crossover vehicles. For a more specific list of tire suggestions for the latter two vehicles, click here.

Here are the top 2014-‘15 winter tire suggestions:

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel's chief mechanic has left Red Bull.

Already this year, it was announced that the reigning quadruple world champion's well-known race engineer, Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin, is being promoted for 2015.

Vettel's new engineer is scheduled to be Gianpiero Lambiase, currently at Sahara Force India.

Now, Germany's Bild newspaper reports that Kenny Handkammer, Vettel's chief mechanic, has left Red Bull.

"Kenny Handkammer has left the company with immediate effect," confirmed Dr Helmut Marko.

He is not at Suzuka, Marko revealed.

"We have found someone else for this position better suited in the course of the restructuring of the team," he announced.

Kenny Handkammer, 400 races celebrations in F1 back in 2012, with Red Bull at Abu Dhabi. (Photo: WRi2)

Some might link the news about Handkammer with other rumours swirling around Vettel.

On Thursday, the German dodged rumours he might be a candidate to replace Fernando Alonso should a vacancy arise at Ferrari.

"Well, I think there has always been rumours over the last couple of years, especially around this time of the season," Vettel said.

On Thursday, Italy's Autosprint reported from Suzuka that a race engineer who once worked closely with Vettel at Toro Rosso - Riccardo Adami - is preparing to move from Faenza to Ferrari for 2015.