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Ford said its new CEO, Mark Fields, will receive a 9 percent increase in his base salary, as well as stock options and a performance-based bonus.

From GMM

Renault was not solely to blame for Sebastian Vettel's problems in Austria last time out.

The reigning world champion suffered a momentary loss of drive in the opening stages of the race at the Red Bull Ring, later retiring to save "mileage"

Team boss Christian Horner said it was an "engine electrical issue, which we are yet to understand what caused it".

But when speaking with reporters immediately after the race, he made clear where his finger was pointing, saying engine supplier Renault's service in 2014 has been "unacceptable".

According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, however, Horner was wrong to blame Renault for Vettel's problem in Austria.

Sebastian Vettel's retirement in Austria. (Photo: WRi2)

Renault engine boss Rob White confirmed that when the German pressed the "overtake button", the "standard electronics" failed to properly interpret the message.

The 'standard electronics' in all F1 cars is supplied by McLaren subsidiary MES.

The Italian correspondent for Autosprint, Alberto Antonini, explained: "When Sebastian pressed the 'OT' button for more power, the system entered a kind of self-protection (mode)."

He said the Ferraris had an "eerily similar" problem in the opening stages of the Australian grand prix.

From GMM

Formula one teams may not just be competing for trophies and sponsors, according to a report by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Speculation that F1's largest shareholder, CVC, might be looking to sell its commercial rights holding are ever-present in the paddock.

The latest rumours are that four separate groups are currently interested, after "a fifth in the Middle East has dropped out", correspondent Michael Schmidt reports.

"One of the interested parties," he wrote, "is a consortium led by Red Bull. This is in competition with Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll, of Tommy Hilfiger, who apparently has Ferrari on board."

Last month, Ecclestone played down that latest talk, telling F1 business journalist Christian Sylt: "Everybody talks.

"A deal has definitely not been done," he insisted to Forbes.

But the rumours have not stopped.

US cable billionaire John Malone has also been linked with F1, and according to Schmidt he is "perhaps the most likely candidate" due to the "marketing opportunities".

"Number four in the game," said Schmidt, "is a group that apparently includes Lotus owner Gerard Lopez."

From GMM

Heads are being scratched in the F1 paddock, the day after the struggling Caterham team changed hands.

Malaysian aviation entrepreneur Tony Fernandes' 100 per cent sale of the team was confirmed late on Wednesday, a media statement saying Caterham is now owned by "a consortium of Swiss and Middle Eastern investors".

The statement, however, did not name the investors, and sources insist they will remain 'in the background' while Caterham is run now by HRT's Colin Kolles and Manfredi Ravetto, and former Minardi driver Christijan Albers.

The veteran correspondent for the Swiss newspaper Blick, however, is concerned.

"The whole formula one paddock puzzles over these new investors. In the official announcement of the team, no names were mentioned," said Roger Benoit.

Benoit is indeed not alone. Kevin Eason, the correspondent for the London newspaper The Times, said the lack of information about Caterham's new owners "will ring alarm bells".

He explained: "F1 insiders with long memories will remember the last time a Swiss-Arab consortium arrived in the sport."

Eason is referring to 2009, when a group calling itself Qadbak, involving controversial figure Russell King, bought Sauber from BMW only for the deal to collapse.

"Caterham's long-suffering staff will hope that this deal has more substance with their jobs on the line," he wrote.

From GMM

Champions Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel are suffering from similar problems in 2014.

That is the claim of Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson, amid speculation that due to his struggles, the Finnish driver could be losing the support of Ferrari and beginning to cast eyes at a new project -- world rallycross.

But also notably struggling in 2014 is Sebastian Vettel, the reigning quadruple world champion who has been humbled by Red Bull newcomer Daniel Ricciardo.

"It is true that Kimi and Sebastian seem to have a similar problem with their cars," Robertson told Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper.

"This new generation of F1 car has significantly reduced downforce at the front end, which has affected the driving. We can only hope that Ferrari is able to resolve it as soon as possible, giving Kimi a car the way he wants it to be," he added.

Indeed, 34-year-old Raikkonen was at the team's Maranello factory on Wednesday, but the focus was not just on improving this year.

"There was also time for Kimi to acquaint himself with the 2015 car," the Italian team said on its official website.

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

From press release

The Renault Group regretfully announces the departure of Mr. Jean-Michel Jalinier, President and Managing Director of Renault Sport F1, who has decided to exercise his right to retirement for personal reasons.

From July 3, Renault Sport F1's new President will be Mr. Jérôme Stoll who will take on the role in addition to his current responsibilities as Chief Performance Officer and Group Sales and Marketing Director.

Mr. Cyril Abiteboul has been appointed to fill the newly-created position of Managing Director of Renault Sport F1, reporting to Mr. Jérôme Stoll.

Jean-Michel Jalinier is a graduate of France's Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers, with doctorates in mechanical engineering and science. He joined Renault in 1985 and has held different positions within the Group. Jean-Michel Jalinier was named Chairman and Managing Director of Renault Sport F1 in 2012, reporting directly to Renault's President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn.

Jean-Michel Jalinier. (Photo: Renault Sport F1)

Cyril Abiteboul was born on October 14, 1977 and is a graduate of the Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble. He joined Renault in 2001 and was named Development Director of Renault F1 Team in 2007, before becoming Executive Director in 2010. In September 2012, Cyril Abiteboul moved to the Formula 1 team Caterham as General Manager.

Cyril Abiteboul, Renault in 2011, discussing with Eric Boullier. (Photo: WRi2)

Audi, one of the members of the newly formed and Google-led Open Automotive Alliance, will follow Volvo's lead and offer both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its future vehicles.

More specifically, Audi will start integrating the two interfaces in Europe next year. Customers in North America, on the other hand, will have to wait until 2016.

CarPlay will integrate with Audi's built-in controls, including the innovative Audi MMI touch system, as well as dial controls and voice controls to easily activate Siri. This will help reduce distractions behind the wheel while allowing drivers to conveniently access their iPhone to make calls, use Maps, listen to music, and send or receive messages.

In CarPlay-equipped models, drivers will simply connect their iPhone to begin using their apps through the car's native controls. They will also have the option to easily switch from the CarPlay view and the Audi infotainment functions as desired.

Audi has yet to announce which models will feature Apple CarPlay. We'll likely find out a couple of months before their European launch.

“Audi owners have high expectations when it comes to integrating access to mobile devices in vehicles,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “CarPlay is immediately recognizable to iPhone users and will be a great added benefit for our customers.”

From FIA Formula E

In dry, bright conditions, the Swiss racer posted a 1:35.475s with under an hour to go in the afternoon session, holding on to the top spot until the end of the day.

Speaking afterwards Buemi said: “I'm more than happy to be honest. I didn't have any problems with the car at all and that meant we were able to learn quite a lot about it. It's always nice to be P1 so let's hope it continues tomorrow.”

The first of five public tests saw all 10 teams and drivers use the full Donington Park GP circuit, modified to include an additional chicane at the exit to the Old Hairpin.

Lucas di Grassi driving for Audi Sport ABT finished over half a second shy of Buemi despite only running during the afternoon session, replacing team-mate Daniel Abt who left for GP2 duties mid-way through the day. Briton's Sam Bird (Virgin Racing) was a further three-tenths back in third with Mahindra's Bruno Senna in fourth.

The day started with a flurry of activity with Abt setting the early pace and topping the timesheets during the lunch break.

Without the rain that hampered track time during the shakedown last month, drivers were able to get a feeling for the fully-electric Spark-Renault SRT_01E ahead of the opening round in Beijing this September.

Venturi's new signing and ex-Le Mans driver Stephane Sarrazin rounded out the top-five during his first outing in a fully-electric single-seater. 

Sarrazin said: “I've had experience of driving electric-powered cars in the past with hybrid technology but this is complete new. The feeling in the car is great and it's certainly fun to drive.”

Son of the four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost, Nicolas (e.dams-Renault) only managed eleven laps and finished over a second adrift of his team-mate.

Monaco Grand Prix winner Jarno Trulli stepped into his own car for the first time since acquiring Drayson Racing. The 39-year-old completed the session in seventh place with his new team-mate Michela Cerruti failing to complete a lap due to technical issues.

Virgin Racing's Jaime Alguersuari and Karun Chandkok (Mahindra Racing) completed the top-10.

IndyCar legend and Formula E Ambassador Gil de Ferran got his first taste of the SRT_01E and came home in a respectable seventeenth ahead of fellow compatriot Scott Speed.

De Ferran said: "Ever since this series begun I have been curious about driving an electric race car. To understand and get a feeling of the varying characteristics of the powertrain and gearbox is fascinating."

Photo: FIA Formula E

FIA Formula E Championship-Day 1
Donington Park- Test Results (Combined Times):
1. Sebastien Buemi, e.dams-Renault, 1:35.475
2. Lucas di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT, +0.537
3. Sam Bird, Virgin Racing, +0.895
4. Bruno Senna, Mahindra Racing, +0.910
5. Stephane Sarrazin, Venturi, +1.223
6. Nicolas Prost, e.dams-Renault, +1.232

7. Jarno Trulli, Trulli, +1.494

8. Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT, +1.737

9. Jaime Alguersuari, Virgin Racing, +1.970

10. Karun Chandhok, Mahindra Racing, +2.057
11. Franck Montagny, Andretti Autosport, +2.587
12. Antonio Felix da Costa, Amlin Aguri, +2.604
13. Jerome d'Ambrosio, China Racing, +2.611

14. Antonio Garcia, China Racing, +2.729
15. Nick Heidfeld, Venturi, +5.269

16. Mike Conway, Dragon Racing, +5.693
17. Gil de Ferran, Andretti Autosport, +9.497
18. Scott Speed, Andretti Autosport, +10.434

19. Katherine Legge, Amlin Aguri, +12.821
20. Michela Cerruti, Trulli, no time set

Based on the FIAT Doblò, the new 2015 Ram ProMaster City is a compact cargo van that will expand the company's commercial vehicle portfolio and market share. It also marks the world's first commercial-van application of a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Photo: Chrysler

Equipped with a 2.4L Tigershark engine that produces 178 hp and 174 lb-ft, the 2015 Ram ProMaster City offers up to 3,729 litres of cargo room and a total of eight different interior configurations including six for the 2-passenger Tradesman and two for the 5-passenger Wagon.

There are over 30 modern safety features including seven airbags and electronic stability control. Dual sliding doors also come standard.

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City will directly rival the Ford Transit Connect.

From press release

We lift the lid on Carlos Sainz, Cyril Despres, and Stéphane Peterhansel's new desert raider.

Peugeot 2008 DKR. (Photo: Peugeot Sport)

"Much like we did when we chose to build a closed-cockpit car for the Le Mans 24 Hours, we decided to try a totally different strategy to that of our main rival," said Bruno Famin, Peugeot Sport Director, comparing the new 2008 DKR with the Dakar-winning Mini. "Since they've mastered four-wheel-drive, we have chosen to focus on optimising two-wheel-drive, which offers a number of intriguing benefits."

Peugeot 2008 DKR. (Photo: Peugeot Sport)

In the early 80s, 4x4 was the way of the future as the Audi Quattro and Peugeot 205 proved as they swept all before them in the WRC. But, these days, a modern 2WD has some significant advantages over a 4WD - especially when it comes to the Dakar: "Two-wheel-drive cars can run at a significantly lower weight. Also, these machine are allowed to use bigger wheels, which goes well with obstacles," explains Tech Manager Jean-Christophe Pallier. "The wheel size also allows us to minimise the front overhang.

Peugeot 2008 DKR. (Photo: Peugeot Sport)

"The suspension benefits from increased ground clearance: it runs at almost 400mm, as opposed to 250mm, which gives us a much greater capacity to get past any obstacles in our path." And, finally, homologation allows the co-driver to adjust the tyre-pressures at will from inside the cockpit.

Peugeot 2008 DKR. (Photo: Peugeot Sport)

The Peugeot 2008 DKR will be mid-engined and the power unit (not to be confused with the F1 PUs) will be a 340bhp V6 twin-turbo diesel. The car is shorter and squatter than previous Red Bull-liveried Dakar cars, which made it quite difficult to fit all the vital assemblies on such small frame. But the great advantage of such a small car, for the Dakar standard, is that it'll be great over twisty terrain.

Now, the only thing left is to unleash the beast for the drivers to tame!

From GMM

Susie Wolff is "nervous" but "ready" as she prepares to break a long F1 drought this week.

At Silverstone, the 31-year-old Scot will be the first female driver in more than two decades to take part in an official grand prix weekend.

She will be driving the Williams in Friday morning practice, and intends to use the opportunity to prove she is up to the task of joining the grid in the near future.

"What is most important for this session is the team," Wolff, whose husband is the Williams team shareholder and Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, told Austria's APA news agency.

"But I am also ambitious. This is my chance to show what I can do. It's an opportunity not many get and as a woman I've had to work even harder to earn respect. This is a super, super chance. I have to show what I can do," she insisted.

"I'm nervous, but you need that adrenaline," Wolff said. "Honestly, I'm ready. The Barcelona test prepared me perfectly. Everyone thinks I need to show if I am fast, but I'm not going to go on qualifying runs. I am part of the team and I will do my programme just as Valtteri (Bottas) would have. It's very important for me to return the car in one piece and not twenty!"

Williams FW36-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

Wolff, who most recently raced in the German touring car series DTM, admitted it is her goal to eventually call herself a formula one race driver.

"Clearly," she confirmed. "But it's not easy -- I'm realistic. It's a struggle because there are so many other talented drivers who are fighting for the same chance."

Suzie Wolff does, however, see a couple of things in her favour.

"Teams want lighter drivers," she told the Daily Record newspaper a few days ago, "which counts in women's favour, and physically we are catching up on the men.

"You need to be the complete package and bring in the right amount of sponsorship," Wolff added. "It would be a great marketing ploy to sign a woman, so you never know. The whole culture of the sport is changing and there are more female engineers and bosses. It's a great time to be a woman in motor sport."

From press release

Infiniti today announces the winners of its global talent search initiative that will see three engineering students given the career opportunity of a lifetime with World Championship-winning Formula One team, Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

After a grueling three-day world final event in the UK which saw 12 hopefuls from around the world competing for victory in the Infiniti Performance Engineering Academy, it was William Priest (23) from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, UK, Eric LaRoche (25) from Hamilton Square, New Jersey, USA, and Jason Zide (21) from Laguna Beach, California, USA that were deemed the winners.

The Infiniti Academy applicants in action during an Infiniti Performance Engineering Academy day. (Photo: Infiniti)

They were judged by a panel of senior engineering personnel from Infiniti and the race team, led by Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, recently announced to be taking a broader role on other special Red Bull Technology projects. Along with a lucrative 12-month work placement with the team beginning in September, the winners will receive accommodation in the UK, an Infiniti company car and full salary.

With the in-depth assessment process split between Infiniti's Technical Center in Cranfield, UK and Infiniti Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes, UK, the final candidates, selected from over 1,500 entrants across 100 top engineering universities worldwide, faced a series of challenges over three days relating to road car and racing car engineering. These included practical design tasks, written exams, intense interviews and complex group exercises to test their technical ability, teamwork skills and performance under pressure.

In one task they even got a first-hand insight into the role of a race engineer by working alongside four-time World Champion and Infinti's Director of Performance, Sebastian Vettel, in the team's simulator.

The Infiniti Academy applicants in action during an Infiniti Performance Engineering Academy day. (Photo: Infiniti)

Commenting on the conclusion of the process, Andreas Sigl, Global Director, Infiniti Formula One, said: "William, Eric and Jason impressed us all throughout the process, especially given the stiff competition they had from the other candidates. They demonstrated not just a natural aptitude for engineering and an excellent work ethic, but also a real understanding of the benefits Formula One can bring a road car company like Infiniti and the potential for even greater technical crossover in the future. We're delighted to have given them the opportunity to realize their dream and will be working closely with them as they settle into their new role."

Adrian Newey added: "It's an incredible achievement for the winners to have made it through this process and I was extremely impressed with the caliber of all 12 of the finalists. It's a credit to Infiniti for providing this unique platform to find the very best up-and-coming engineers looking to break into the ultra-competitive world of Formula One. For the winners though, the work really begins now, and we look forward to bringing them into the team in September."

Adrian Newey, chief technical officer of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team pictured with William Priest, Eric La Roche and Jason Zide (the three winners). (Photo: Infiniti)

Infiniti Performance Engineering Academy winner profiles

William Priest
William, 23, from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, studies Mechanical Engineering at the University of Exeter. Enthusiastic about his motorsport, the British student has previously gained experience working as a race engineer with the TH Motorsport British Touring Car team where he assisted the set-up and preparation of the race cars. Familiar with Infiniti Red Bull Racing, he also spent two weeks working with the Formula One World Champions in the design department.

Eric LaRoche
Eric, 25, from Hamilton Square, New Jersey, studies Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. He has a passion for motorsport and aviation and, in addition to participating as lead aerodynamicist with the University of Maryland's Formula SAE team, has gained experience with Chrysler's Viper GTS-R team in the American Le Mans Series as well as time working at aviation giant Boeing.

Jason Zide
Jason, 21, from Laguna Beach in California, studies Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southern California. He is Team Captain of a Formula SAE team and is familiar with the Infiniti family having completed work experience with the premium auto brand at its North American Technical Center.

From GMM

Ten million euros might not be enough to keep the Italian grand prix at historic Monza.

It is believed the governing FIA has some powers to protect some of the sport's most iconic venues, like Monza and also the likes of Monaco, Spa and Silverstone.

But F1 chief executive Ecclestone has been making waves in Italy by warning that his current commercial deal with Monza is "a disaster".

"I don't think we'll do another contract," he added. "After 2016, bye-bye."

The "Parabolica" curve in Monza.

Hardened F1 insiders have seen Ecclestone's hard-nosed negotiating tactics many times before, but he is under pressure from other potential grand prix hosts who are willing to pay more.

One of them could be Mugello. The circuit near Florence is owned by Ferrari, and Luca di Montezemolo has made no secret he would like it to be on the calendar.

Apparently close to Ferrari in recent times has been Giovanni Malago, the Italian olympic chief who played down rumours the Maranello team is moving to muscle Monza out of F1.

"I rule out that Mugello intends to speculate on the issue on Monza," he is quoted by Tuttosport.

"But if there were problems that cannot be solved, it must always be taken into account that there is an extraordinary facility at Mugello.

"All of Italian sport, however, is rooting for the problems of Monza to be resolved."

Indeed, any suggestion that Monza could be axed is always guaranteed to touch nerves in Italy.

"Lombardy has always done its part for the Monza grand prix," regional president Roberto Maroni is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, "but we hope that even the prime minister Matteo Renzi does not abandon his responsibilities.

"Monza is synonymous with the grand prix of Italy, and the economic reasons cited by Ecclestone are not acceptable or reconcilable with the history and the international role of Monza," he added.

For its part, Monza insists it is yet to speak directly on the issue of new contract terms with Ecclestone, Sport Business International reports.

Circuit chief Federico Bendinelli revealed that upgrades costing "at least EUR 10 million" will commence this year and "go on for the next four to five years".

As for Ecclestone's threat, however, the 83-year-old Briton "has not told us anything about this yet", he insisted.

"So we don't know what the new requests are for the Italian grand prix from an economical and commercial point of view," Bendinelli said.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers today asked a federal court to dismiss its six-year-old lawsuit over Florida legislation on warranty reimbursement.

Twin Cities Automotive, a dealership group owned by Pohlad Companies, has changed its name to Carousel Motor Group.

Ford sold the most vehicles in Canada in June, trumping Fiat Chrysler, which has sold the most cars and trucks in the country so far this year.

An even more powerful version of the Bentley Mulsanne is in the works,

Andrew Stuart, the CEO of captive finance arm Volkswagen Credit, is leaving to become TD Bank's auto-lending chief, the bank said.

Henry Nolte, the chief in-house legal counsel to three Ford CEOs from 1974 to 1989, died Monday in suburban Detroit. He was 90.

Chrysler Group has been placed back in the recall hotseat with federal safety regulators for allegedly dragging its feet in efforts to improve the rear crashworthiness of older-model Jeep Grand Cherokees and Libertys.