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From press release

Montreal driver and 2013 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCaTS) Rookie-of-the-Year Alex Guénette finished in a fighting second place at the Jiffy Lube 100, the third round of the 2014 NCaTS held today at Circuit ICAR just north of Montreal. The young driver started third and led a very competitive field for half the race before finishing second right behind the more experienced race-winner Andrew Ranger.

Alex was nothing short of brilliant in front of his family and fans, jumping from third on the grid to second in the opening lap of the 30-lap race like a veteran, and proceeding to trade the race lead with the experienced and twice NCaTS season champion Andrew Ranger.

Starting third right behind pole sitter Ranger allowed Alex to move up to second by staying right behind Andrew and on the inside of corner 1, which put him at an advantage against Marc-Antoine Camirand who had qualified second and was on the outside in the corner 1 hairpin.

Alex Guenette. (Crédit photo : Matthew Manor)

Alex knew there was an advantage to be gained by starting third. “I wanted to make the most of the start and take off after Andrew right away. Things went just as I needed on the first start as well as on the complete restart after the first lap yellow for a midfield crash.”

But Alex wanted more, and he passed race-leader Ranger under braking for corner 3 on lap 7 and proceeded to lead the race for the next 14 laps. Ranger stuck to Guénette, never dropping more than two car lengths behind and applying constant pressure by his mere presence, as the fighting pair kept building a secure lead on their pursuers.

Alex kept working hard during this phase of the race. “I pushed right from the start to stay with the original leading group. It was also important that I stay with the leader, and when I passed Ranger, my Motos Illimitées/ DLGL car allowed to stay ahead of Andrew until late in the race. Andew and I both eased our pace slightly, to save brakes and rear tires for the last phase of the race.”

Ranger put a great move on Guenette on lap 21, outbraking him going into corner 1, a clean pass that allowed both of them to keep their lead on their pursuers and leaving the two of them to decide on the outcome of the race.

Alex knew that an attack from Ranger was imminent. ”Andrew was quicker that all of us all weekend, and when it was time to go for the win, he passed me cleanly.” The last laps saw the young driver of the No. 39 Motos Illimitées Dodge try to get back in the lead, but Ranger seemed to have enough car in hand to keep Alex behind him. At the same time, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin was trying unsuccessfully to close the gap on team mate Alex Guenette, who did close out the race in second place at the end, securing a well-deserved second step on the podium. In fact, the three leaders were well clear of Alex Labbé in 4th and Alex Tagliani in 5th, as well as the rest of the veteran racers who were soundly beaten by the lead trio.

Finishing second did not dampen Alex's enthusiasm. “Ranger is one of the best racers in North-America. I passed him, stayed ahead for 14 laps and fought him for the victory right to the end. I am very satisfied with this result for the team as well as for myself. We accomplished a lot this weekend” declared an emotional Alex from the podium.

After this confidence-boosting performance, Alex will be back at the wheel for a major test session with a Turner Scott Motorsports NASCAR Camping World race truck this coming July 15 and 16, where he will be coached by multiple NASCAR champion Ron Hornaday Jr.

Alex will be back in Quebec for the NCaTS 250 held at Autodrome St. Eustache on July 26.

It barks, and will bite should it feel the need. The A1 is Audi's lowest step in the brand echelon in Europe and other markets, but is obviously not a lesser car. Audi's not known for doing things half-assed, and the A1 is no different.

If you happen to be a fan of the make, the previous entry-level A2 was not quite what it should have been which explains why it was pulled by Bernd Pischetsrieder, ex-CEO of VW/Audi, almost immediately when he took the job. The point is that the A1 is a true Audi, through and through. The S1 is that much more.

Seriously. An AWD pocket-rocket with this much attitude and guts gnaws away at my sanity. The S1 is an RS6 that's been compressed into a diminutive package that desires nothing more than to tear up the Autobahn and curvaceous Alpine roads. The Audi S1 is fast, uber sharp, and a life-size toy that could be used every day.


What is an Audi S1?
The Audi A1 is the spiritual successor to the Audi 50 from the mid-‘70s. The S1 is the juiced-up critical business version of the small car.

The A1 is available as a 3- or 5-door hatchback and can be ordered in various trims and nearly a half-dozen engine and transmission configurations. The “S”auce for the S1 includes all the necessary go-fast bits, both mechanical and aesthetic.

2014 Audi S1 Price and Specs
Sadly, do not expect to see the Audi A1 or the S1 in North America anytime soon. There may be a case for the regular A1 in the not-too-distant future. The 140-horsepower 1.4L TFSI would be the most likely powertrain. With this mill, transmission choices reside between a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed S-tronic.

My delectable S1 featured the well known and appreciated 2.0L TFSI. Within the diminutive confines of the S1's engine bay, it produces 231 horsepower and (crucially) 273 lb-ft of torque. A joy-to-the-world 6-speed manual transmission sends the mojo to Audi's Quattro AWD system.

If the 2014 Audi S1 were to be available on our shores, it would likely sport a retail price close to that of the Golf R or around $40,000.

Driving the 2014 Audi S1
Walking up to tiny Viper Green S1 got me all tingly inside, and out. The very sight of the car was enough to get me excited at the prospect of barrelling down the Autobahn towards the Alps, then on to Austria for the 2014 edition of Worthersee.

When my expectations are this high, the car had better deliver. The 2014 Audi S1 did not leave me wanting more. The peppy, primed and pouncing python proved to be incredibly alert, sharp, and astoundingly willing to be tossed into any scenario. The relatively short wheelbase with wide-ish track combined with all four wheels at the very corners enable the S1 to remain firmly planted on the road.

The S-specific electromechanical steering, Audi Drive Select (best left in Dynamic) and ultra-efficient Quattro AWD system create an unspoiled scenario for pure unadulterated driving pleasure. The S1 is the closest any car has ever come to the MINI Cooper S JCW I drove a few years back where the interaction between man, machine, and road were in near perfect synchronicity.

Here, Quattro provided that extra grip and control on slipperier portions of the road, besting the MINI; however, the Cooper afforded better tactility at the fingertips than the Audi. In other words, the Audi S1 is a blast.

On the subject of blasting off, the S1 will reach 100km/hr in 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250. The “weakness” comes from the output lull between 3,500 and 5,500 rpm where torque drops off before max hp chimes in. Off the line, the S1 is very quick, but slightly runs out breath midway through the powerband.

Charging through the Alps at the wheel of the S1 was yet another unbelievable opportunity afforded by Audi. In this instance, the compact S1 was perfectly suited to tighter switchbacks and mustered plenty of power for clean charges out of corners.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Audi S1
I hesitate to use the pit-bull analogy for the S1, but I guess I just did... The squat yet tall-ish front fascia looks as though it's planning its next move, which when I was at the wheel, was a constant. The large gaping grille is imposing especially blacked out. The rear quarters are akin to those of a conniving raccoon, having just pulled off some dirty-handed stunt, which when I was at the wheel...

The combination of the optional 18” wheels, black accents, Viper green shade and five doors make this pocket-rocket irresistible. Oh, and the QUATTRO decals help, too. A drive and the deal will be sealed.

The want factor will further increase once aboard. The S1's front seats are supportive and cozy. Front liveable volume is good. The rear bench is snug but suffices, same goes for the trunk.

The level of kit is complete, and I happen to be a fan of the pop-up nav/HMI screen. Ergonomics are good and generally clear in typical Audi fare. Love the flat-bottom steering, and I tremble at the memories provided by the aluminum R8-inspired shift lever.

Comparing the 2014 Audi S1
The Audi A1 has a number of competitors in Europe and other markets. The Mercedes A-Class, the BMW 1 and 2 Series (the 1 was available as a hatch) and MINI products compete with the A1. As stated earlier, the S1 reminds me of the Cooper S JCW and, to a certain extent, the M235i recently evaluated by my colleague.

I felt at home within the confines of the S1 but, truthfully, I'd opt for the Golf R for equal coin.

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen is expected to sit out this week's post-British grand prix test at Silverstone.

Circuit workers took an hour to repair the unprotected armco barrier that the Ferrari driver struck on Sunday before taking a further hit by Felipe Massa.

The Finn limped away from the scene on the arm of a marshal and into the medical car, and it later emerged that Ferrari telemetry recorded an impact of 47G.

Reportedly, Raikkonen's first words on the radio after the impact were: "Is Felipe ok?"

But it was Raikkonen who "took a hard knock on the ankle and also has pain in a knee," Ferrari confirmed.

"He will now have to rest but he will be back in time for the next round in Germany," the team added.

Boss Marco Mattiacci confirmed that Raikkonen will be "resting" from now until Hockenheim, which implies that he will not be in action for the test this week.

Bild newspaper said Ferrari junior and Marussia racer Jules Bianchi is the likely substitute.

Marco Mattiacci is not confirming that yet.

"We still have to take a decision," he said. "I want to be 100 per cent sure that he's super fine, but no major issue at the moment."

34-year-old Raikkonen's long-time trainer Mark Arnall told Turun Sanomat newspaper that the driver was "examined thoroughly" after the crash, and has definitely not damaged any bones.

"He is sore, but thankfully he has escaped anything worse," said Arnall.

And the 2007 world champion's manager Steve Robertson added: "His left ankle is severely bruised, but nothing is broken. We assume that Kimi will be fit again for Hockenheim."

This weekend, CTCC presented by Continental Tire held the fourth outing of the 2014 season, at Mirabel's Circuit ICAR. Two races saw brothers Mathieu and Rémy Audette exchange victories while in Touring Class, Éric Lacouture won for a well-deserved first time on Saturday before his teammate Michel Sallenbach continued Mini's success by winning on Sunday.

Under sunny skies and full grandstands at Circuit ICAR, the two scheduled CTCC races were highlighted by multiple twists. Saturday was notably dominated by the Audette brothers.  As much in the free practice, as in qualifying, as in the actual race, Rémy Audette remained in control of his Honda Civic Si, ahead of his brother Mathieu, who has returned to the series with his Acura RSX.  At the finish line, Rémy Audette beat his older brother by less than one second. The podium was completed by Ontarian Scott Nicol, 2013 Super Class champion, driving a brand new Honda Civic Si. 

Championship leader Roger Ledoux rounded off the Top 4 ahead of Benjamin Distaulo and Nick Wittmer, who was a victim of mechanical woes.

In Touring Class, Team Octane's Mini Cooper S's were the favourites on the technical track at Circuit ICAR. Heading into this race as championship leader, Michel Sallenbach had to DNF during the first lap before Éric Lacouture eventually claimed the victory. This was the Québec driver's first win in this series.  The 2013 champion, Ontarian Damon Sharpe, and Montrealer Karl Wittmer completed the podium with their Honda Civics.

The following day, Saturday's scenario was looking to be repeated : Rémy Audette qualified in pole position, leading the first third of the race, but a disconnected alternator wire forced him to stop in the pits twice.  Restarting in last, he managed to climb all the way to fourth spot with his eye on the podium but a caution period after a collision between Nathalie Hénault and Karl Wittmer eliminated those chances.

After taking over the lead when his brother entered the pits, Mathieu Audette was never really worried as he earned his second victory of the season. Nick Wittmer claimed a magnificent second place with his Honda Accord V6 ahead of Benjamin Ditaulo.

Roger Ledoux maintains top spot in the Super Class drivers' championship, despite his collision with Scott Nicol, but Rémy Audette managed to tighten the gap. This ensures a great battle for the second half of the season.

In Touring Class, Michel Sallenbach got his revenge after having to end Saturday's race early, by winning a tight race on Sunday. He nevertheless benefited from Éric Lacouture's abandon, who seemed poised to take his second consecutive victory before succumbing to a collision with Marc-André Bergeron. Paul Gravel eventually finished the race in second, ahead of Damon Sharpe.

The next CTCC presented by Continental Tire event will take place on July 26th and 27th in Ontario at Shannonville Motorsport Park, near Belleville. 

From GMM

Niki Lauda has slammed Sebastian Vettel for "screaming like a child" during the British grand prix.

The Mercedes team chairman said he enjoyed every moment of the on-track battle for mere points placings between champions Vettel and Fernando Alonso.

But, throughout, the pair complained loudly and repeatedly to their pit crews about 'track limits' -- arguing that their respective tactics were contrary to the rules of battle.

Niki Lauda, a triple world champion and F1 legend, could not hide his disdain.

"I do not understand Vettel and his screaming like a small, startled child," he is quoted by the German newspaper Bild.

"This was two top drivers and top racing, which is what the audience wants to see. I am pushing Bernie Ecclestone so that the drivers can once again drive with more freedom and not be punished for every little thing. I'm fighting for better racing," Niki Lauda insisted.

Niki Lauda and Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: WRi2)

The all-new fourth generation of the iconic Mazda MX-5 will make its global debut on September 3rd during simultaneous unveilings in Spain, Japan, and the U.S. Fans of the popular roadster are also invited to a special event in Barcelona three days later.

Both occasions will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the MX-5.

“The MX-5 is the product that best epitomizes Mazda's convention-defying spirit and our love of driving,” says Mazda Motor Europe President and CEO Jeff Guyton. “It has been grabbing people's attention for 25 years, and with the new-generation model we're aiming to share this passion with yet another generation of drivers.”

Almost 945,000 MX-5s have been produced since 1989, a Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time.

Deliveries of the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 should begin early next year.

Source : mazda-press.com

From GMM

Authorities are on the cusp of tracking down the thief of Michael Schumacher's medical records.

On Monday, the French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere claims investigators have tracked the internet IP address of whoever sent by email an offer to media agencies to sell the information about Schumacher's health for EUR 50,000.

The IP address is reportedly linked to a Swiss helicopter company.

Although Schumacher was transferred by road between Grenoble and Lausanne recently, the hospital initially contacted a Swiss helicopter company.

The company was apparently sent medical information about Schumacher that would have aided the potential helicopter transfer.

The Jaguar F-Type Project 7 made its dynamic debut in front of thousands of spectators during the Le Mans Classic race this past weekend. The company also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the D-type, a 3-time Le Mans winner which served as inspiration for Project 7.

As the most powerful and fastest production Jaguar to date, the F-Type Project 7 uses a 567-horsepower, 5.0L V8 engine to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 300 km/h. Equipped with an 8-speed QuickShift transmission, the car is both track- and street-legal, and features a removable top.

Thanks to its aluminum construction and bespoke carbon-fibre aerodynamic aids, the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 is 80kg lighter than the regular coupe. Carbon-ceramic brakes are part of the mix, too.

Photo: Jaguar

From GMM

Caterham is the latest hotbed of formula one rumours.

Because the true identity of the team's new owners has not been disclosed, plenty of speculation is flying around.

Names reportedly linked to the Swiss-Middle Eastern investors include former Group Lotus chief Dany Bahar, touted Lotus F1 saviour Mansour Ijaz, and even none other than Bernie Ecclestone.

"All the names going around are false," new team 'advisor' Colin Kolles insisted, according to Speed Week.

Colin Kolles. (Photo: WRi2)

But the identity of the owners is not the only confusion. What about Forza Rossa?

Earlier, Colin Kolles was solidly linked to the prospective new Romanian entry. But Speed Week claims that, on Monday, the FIA is meeting to discuss whether Forza Rossa should be given a spot on the grid.

Kolles' shock involvement at Caterham has muddied the waters. Speed Week claims that, if Kolles and new team boss Christijan Albers can give Caterham a quick boost, it may be deemed viable for 2015 and beyond.

If not, the green-liveried team may simply become Forza Rossa.

Acura Canada today announced that the all-new 2015 Acura TLX will arrive at dealerships across the country in August starting at $34,990$, a lower entry point than the outgoing model. A pre-sale campaign launched on July 4th.

There will be three model variations to choose from, starting with the base TLX that uses a 206-horsepower, 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Technology Package has an MSRP of $38,690 and features the latest iteration of Acura's Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS).

Next up is the Acura TLX with a 290-horsepower, 3.5L V6 mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission. The two-wheel-drive model with P-AWS is available starting with the Technology Package at an MSRP of $41,690. The Elite Package is priced at $45,290.

Finally, sharing the same 3.5L engine, the all-wheel drive TLX SH-AWD features a new hydraulically controlled version of Acura's acclaimed torque vectoring SH-AWD and starts at $39,990 — a big $4,000 below the outgoing 2014 TL with SH-AWD. The Technology Package increases the price to $43,890, while the Elite Package tops the line at $47,490.

Source : autos.ca

Photo: Acura

From FIA Formula E

Christian Danner, veteran of 35 grand prix, had a run during the first official test at Donington Park last week.

"I was very pleasantly surprised because you have a certain amount of prejudice: is it going to work? What will it be like?

"But once you actually get your arse into the car you realise that, number one, it's just a racing car. It does have a lot of grip from the tires, which was a big surprise because when you look at them that appears impossible."

Christian Danner during his Formule E testing at Donington Park. (Photo: FIA Formula E)

Christian Danner now works as a Formula 1 pundit for German TV and he reckons Formula E has the potential to appeal to a whole new fan base.

"It is very different and you shouldn't do too much comparison to other racing series. It's unique and therefore you [can] attract a lot of other new people to our sport.

"I love racing whether it's an electric motor or a combustion engine, I don't care, for me it's a racing car. And this is a very good way to get to hook up with a lot of people who weren't interested [in racing] before," said the new ambassador for series partner DHL.

Volkswagen has just unveiled the all-new Passat sedan and wagon during a special ceremony at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam, Germany. These 8th-generation models will have their public premiere at the Paris Auto Show in October.

New styling, new technologies, and new engines: Volkswagen completely redesigned and re-engineered the Passat, which is now 85kg lighter and about 20% more fuel-efficient. A plug-in hybrid variant will also be offered for the first time, with potential to travel 50 kilometres on battery power alone, and a maximum range of around 960 kilometres.

Photo: Volkswagen

Outside, the new Passat's radiator grille features four chrome bars which bend inward towards the headlights in a trapezoidal shape. The lowermost chrome bar is continued into the headlights. Dynamic Light Assist automatically adjusts the beam for maximum illumination of the road without dazzling incoming traffic. All trim levels sport LED taillights.

The interior features the latest Modular Infotainment System, head-up display, a further-developed 360-degree Area View function, and the latest generation of Park Assist (which includes the option for the car to park itself forwards into perpendicular spaces).

In terms of safety, the new Volkswagen Passat boasts Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Emergency Assist (which can potentially halt the car when the driver is incapacitated), and the latest Front Assist system with City Emergency Braking (which optionally combines both radar and camera sensors to add pedestrian detection).

A highlight of the Passat's new range of engines is a high-performance, 2.0L, 4-cylinder, twin-turbo diesel producing 237 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 rpm. This engine will be available only with a new 7-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Source: Volkswagen

The share of dealerships operating expensive body shops has shrunk since 2006. But that hasn't stopped some dealers, such as Otto Belovich, who want to be one-stop sources for all their customers' automotive needs.

GM is embarking on the industry's broadest deployment of embedded 4G LTE technology, which will be delivered through OnStar.

Brabus, the German high-performance aftermarket tuning company, will begin building a new $1 million version of Mercedes-Benz's ultra-luxury S-class Pullman in December 2015.

Brabus, the German high-performance aftermarket tuning company, will begin building a new $1 million version of Mercedes-Benz's ultra-luxury S-class Pullman in December 2015.

From GMM

Romain Grosjean could be left out in the cold as Lotus looks to change gear for 2015.

It is now an open secret that the Enstone based team intends to switch from Renault to Mercedes customer power at the end of the season.

"I can't confirm it yet," Mercedes' Toto Wolff smiled to British television Sky on Saturday.

Less clear is the reason for the move. Certainly, Lotus - fourth overall in both 2012 and 2013 - has struggled notably for reliability with Renault's underpowered turbo V6.

But the team's links to the French marque are historically solid, as Lotus was once called Renault -- the works squad.

Since then, the Enstone team has retained the solid backing of Total, the French multinational that is now working hand-in-hand with Renault to improve the fuel that powers Red Bull's world championship hopes.

Also strongly linked to Total is Frenchman Grosjean.

But the 28-year-old's career was also tied closely to another Frenchman, Eric Boullier, who doubled as his manager.

Today, Boullier is the team boss at a rival team, McLaren.

So the final straw for Grosjean could be Lotus' Renault split. The arrival of Mercedes power would no doubt mean the end of the team's association with key Grosjean backer Total.

"Things are open," Grosjean agreed at Silverstone, "but it's not because Eric is there (McLaren) that things are that simple."

Romain Grosjean (Photo: WRi2)

What is clear is that if the Lotus-Mercedes deal is formalised as expected in the next few days, Renault is unlikely to find a replacement customer.

"There will be less revenue, this is true," Renault's Remi Taffin admitted, "but not at the level that would put us in difficulty.

"Indeed, perhaps concentrating on fewer teams will help Red Bull to achieve their goals," he is quoted by Italy's Autosprint.

Therein lies the probable truth, as it seems that the recently highly-critical premier team Red Bull has applied pressure on Renault to narrow its focus.

Dr Helmut Marko revealed to F1's official website that Renault will only supply "one version" of its 2015 specification power unit to users Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Caterham.

"Not like this season," he said, "where Lotus had a different version to us, which tied up too many resources at Renault and distracted from the development."

According to paddock rumours, another change at Lotus could be the loss of multinational backer Unilever - and the sponsors Clear and Rexona - to McLaren.

It could help the Woking based team to woo the increasingly frustrated Fernando Alonso from Ferrari.

The Spaniard is famed for his 'never give up' attitude, but after qualifying at the back of the grid at Silverstone, Alonso admitted the time has now come.

"Yes. Anyone apart from Rosberg and Hamilton saying they can be world champion this year is lying," he is quoted by Speed Week. "And I don't like to lie."

And he is also quoted by Spain's AS: "I'm not saying that we can't do anything this season, but to be eighth, ninth, twelfth or nineteenth is not going to change our lives."

From press release

Albatec Racing will pull out all the stops in Sunday's final two qualifying heats in World RX Of Sweden as it bids to take a semi final position with former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve.

Jacques faces an uphill struggle after broken suspension sustained in a first lap incident caused a right front puncture to his two-litre, 16v Peugeot 208 in heat two, however the Indy 500 winner has vowed to give it everything he's got to net a fast overall heat win tomorrow in his attempt to qualify for round five of the FIA World Rallycross Championship at Höljes.



A solid run in the opening four-lap heat put the 1995 Indycar World Series Champion 15th fastest of the 38 runners and a great start to the second saw the French-Canadian challenging for the lead going into turn one.

Jacques Villeneuve, Albatec Racing Peugeot 208 (Photo: Albatec Racing)

Running second, heavy contact with Andreas Bakkerud while looking to pass the Norwegian broke the Peugeot's suspension, however it was a few corners later that the compression strut broke, piercing the tire, and leaving Jacques to limp home in fifth.



The incident was particularly unfortunate as the heat, race six of eight, was the second fastest overall with heat winner Sebastian Ericksson's race time less than three seconds off the fastest time.

Had Jacques escaped damage in the early stages, his position would doubtless have elevated him up the order, and put the Lochfoot team in a stronger position ahead of tomorrow's two final qualifiers.



"It's going to be very tough to qualify (today) after (yesterday's) results however as always I'll give it my best shot," said Villeneuve.

"I'm not sure we're quick enough to win a heat outright, however if we can have two quick, and more importantly clean races then we stand half a chance."

Sunday's track action begins with an hour-long warm-up at 08.45, followed by two further heats, which get underway from 10.00 and 12.30. The semi finals and finals for support races are due to start at approximately 15.30. Additional event information is available at www.rallycrossrx.com

.

From GMM

Ferrari has floored the throttle in its push to emerge from its 2014 slump.

Eric Boullier, also pushing to end fellow grandee McLaren's struggle, predicted a long recovery for the fabled Maranello outfit.

"It will take them a lot of time to get back on top. Why? I'll keep that to myself," the Frenchman is quoted by Italiaracing.

Undoubtedly, Ferrari is indeed making sweeping and significant changes.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that, in the last few days, ten new engineers started work at Maranello, including three engine experts from dominant Mercedes.

Ferrari personnel (Photo: Ferrari)

The report also claims Ferrari has successfully wooed three aerodynamicists from reigning quadruple world champion Red Bull, as well as a simulation expert.

"I have ordered a strong discontinuity on the technical side," team boss Marco Mattiacci is quoted as saying.

And the head of Ferrari's current engine chief, Luca Marmorini, is expected to roll.

"I do not name names," Mattiacci insisted, "but we are redesigning our organisation."

From GMM

Eric Boullier has played down McLaren's sponsorship situation.

Already without a title sponsor in the wake of Vodafone's exit, the British team is in a two-year competitive slump and it now emerges that a long-time backer is departing.

Hugo Boss, a German fashion house that has sponsored McLaren for decades, is switching its sponsorship to Mercedes.

But Boullier, McLaren team boss, denied the Woking based squad is facing a financial problem.

"No, we have thirty two sponsors," he is quoted by Italiaracing, "even though you don't see them all on the team shirts.

"And I can guarantee that the support from Honda will be considerable," added the Frenchman, referring to the looming works engine deal that will end McLaren's 20-year association with Mercedes-Benz.

Jenson Button, McLaren MP4-29 (Photo: WRi2)

"If you want to conquer this world you need to be a high level team, and we are," Boullier insisted. "You also need a good engine and the support of a manufacturer.

"We will have all of this next year."

He said the problems with the 2014 chassis, the MP4-29, are being addressed.

"We lack aerodynamic downforce but I knew this would happen," said the former Lotus chief. "I noticed it immediately when I arrived, when they showed me the features of the car in the various departments."

But Boullier said he is confident McLaren will also have a top driver lineup next year, refusing even to rule out a driver of Fernando Alonso's calibre signing up.

"Yes, why not?" he said. "We are an attractive team.

"The option with Button and Magnussen is in our favour, but my job is to speak with other drivers to understand their situation. My goal is to have the best possible pair of drivers."