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From GMM

The FIA has approved restarting races from the grid after safety car periods from 2015.

The controversial rule change, undoubtedly designed to spice up the 'show', was agreed by the decision-making F1 Commission recently but only rubber-stamped by the World Motor Sport Council in Munich on Thursday.

The change has split opinions within the paddock, with many believing the idea of mid-race grid starts is too "artificial", or compromising safety for spectacle.

"I guess it's maybe a bit more exciting because there's a bit more variability with the standing start," said Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo, arguing that a grid restart could unfairly punish the race leader because it is less predictable than the current safety car procedure.

"I don't think it's that bad how it is (now). For spectators, it would be better for a standing start but it's probably not the most fair idea," said the Australian.

Fernando Alonso, however, is ambivalent, recalling that kart races are often restarted from the grid.

"I did both and it makes no difference, I think, to me. I don't have any preference," the Spaniard is quoted by Britain's Sky.

FIA motorhome. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Ferrari test driver Marc Gene has played down reports Fernando Alonso could be considering a move for 2015.

Spaniard Alonso, regarded as perhaps the very best driver in F1 today, has been mentioned along with fellow champions Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton as McLaren seeks a truly top driver to spearhead its new Honda era beginning next year.

Indeed, having hinted recently that Jenson Button will be re-signed, McLaren team boss Eric Boullier is now wavering.

"It is a question where I cannot say yes and I cannot say no," he told reporters this week. "We are evaluating and assessing every strategy for the future."

Alonso's single year at McLaren in 2007 ended more than acrimoniously, but team sources have made clear nothing would stand in the way of a reunion with Ron Dennis some eight years later.

The 32-year-old has often sounded frustrated by his title-less five-year stint in red, culminating in yet another disappointing campaign for the start of the new turbo V6 era this season.

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

McLaren-Honda would be a fresh start and a blank canvas for Alonso's ambition of adding a third title to his tally.

"It is something I am working for and hoping for," he told the BBC earlier this month. "It is not that I'm not happy with two but the third puts you in a list of very important names.

"I think I can carry on long enough to win and to be competitive for some good years," added Alonso. "I don't know how many -- three, five, seven. I don't think it should be any problem."

As far as Ferrari test driver and fellow Spaniard Marc Gene is concerned, however, Alonso is perfectly happy at Maranello.

"Si, si (yes, yes)," he told Spanish publications this week.

"I think since 2010 we have seen the best of Fernando. In 2010, 2012 or this year his driving is perfect," Gene added.

"He is definitely the best driver there is right now in F1; the most complete. And it's a shame this has not been reflected in more titles -- at least two. He deserved them. That said, he is happy at Ferrari; he could not be in a better place," Marc Gene added.

Subaru has always been a quirky kid, marching to the beat of its own drummer and finding loyale followers along the way. In recent years, with some backing from fellow automaker Toyota, Subaru has been breaking from its own steadfast mold. Though, some of that oddball character still remains in its older products.

The Legacy is as normal as it gets at Subaru. With a midsize sedan bodystyle and two normally aspirated engines to choose from, the Legacy's only real quirk is styling. Though, it does have one saving grace: the Legacy is the most affordable all-wheel drive midsize sedan in Canada.


What is the Subaru Legacy?
If your first desire is all-wheel drive, the Legacy is where you start. Our tester, a 2.5i Limited Package with EyeSight Option model, is as far up the ladder as you can get without opting for the 3.6L H6 model.

The fifth generation car is in its final year of production for 2014. As 2015 models start rolling out to dealer lots, this Legacy will slowly vacate those same spaces.

The Legacy is priced quite competitively as well, often below some of its front-wheel drive rivals. If you can get beyond its looks, it can be quite the bargain.

2014 Subaru Legacy Price and Specs
Two BOXER engines are available for the Legacy. The base engine is a 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder mill developing 173 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power, the Legacy can also be had with a 3.6L horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine with 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.

The Legacy is available in seven different trim lines: 2.5i, 2.5i Convenience Package, 2.5i Convenience Package with PZEV Option, 2.5i Touring Package, 2.5i Limited Package, 2.5i Limited Package with EyeSight Option, and 3.6R Limited with EyeSight Option. The 2.5i base model starts at $23,495 with pricing topping out at $36,195 for the 3.6R. Our particular unit was priced at $33,995.

Driving the 2014 Subaru Legacy
Not particularly exciting, but not mind-numbingly boring either, the Legacy is an all-rounder with safety at the forefront. Its 2.5L mill is spirited without the captivating pull of larger or turbocharged engines, especially when mated to the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. Equipped with all-wheel drive, wheel slip is not a concern.

In an equal mix of highway and city driving, the midsize Subie was able to return 8.4L/100km by the end of the week, matching its official EnerGuide city rating on the nose.

Ride quality in the Legacy is a great mix of comfort and athleticism; compliantly soft when needed but providing grip for those sweeping cloverleaf turns. You would never categorize the Legacy as firm, nor soft, instead finding that sweet spot eluded by so many automakers.

Steering is precise with a fair amount of feedback for the inner racer in all of us, though turning the wheel is definitely not heavy nor difficult to deal with day to day. Throttle response is a bit on the safe side, mostly due to the CVT, and braking feel could use some tweaking.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Subaru Legacy
And this is where it all falls apart, at least metaphorically.

Pretty, the Subaru Legacy is not. Instead, it's that gangly, awkward boy who hit puberty in fourth grade.

This generation of the Legacy has the clumsiest looking front fascia since the model's inception in 1989. Between the too-busy chrome grille, boss-eyed headlights, and what seems like nine different bodylines, the face of the Legacy is a mess. Thankfully, the new model coming out in 2015 is much more conservative and refined.

Wheel arches also add to the awkwardness of the design, sticking out like 22” biceps on a midget. Making it even worse, the rest of the Legacy's profile is ultra-bland.

At least they designed the rear with some modicum of restraint, keeping it fairly basic and unassuming.

I can forgive a vehicle for being ugly-but-utilitarian on the inside, as long as I can find everything I need to operate the vehicle effectively, I'm satisfied (though, it won't get full marks). Unfortunately, the Legacy lets me down on both fronts.

The gauges are decidedly old in appearance thanks to a screen with next to no customization. Infotainment is poor at best, thanks to confusing, unintuitive controls and bad design. Materials used for the center console also give the impression the interior was molded before Seinfeld went off the air.

Overall, the interior is either dated or badly executed, to which there is no excuse in a segment with some much better contenders. If there is any saving grace, the seats are fairly supportive.

If you are looking for an AWD midsize on the cheap, you may be able to scoop up a 2014 Subaru Legacy with some cash on the hood.However, if you can wait, you should. The 2015 model promises to be better in almost every conceivable way.

Comparing the 2014 Subaru Legacy
Attacking snowy roads in an entry-level midsizer with all-wheel drive is a job suited to few vehicles. The Legacy trudges through the slush with the Ford Fusion AWD and forthcoming Chrysler 200S AWD. Adding some cash to your budget provides two more options in the Buick Regal AWD and soon-to-be-launched Acura TLX SH-AWD.

From GMM

Mercedes, the dominant team of 2014, and defending quadruple world champions Red Bull, are the perfect F1 enemies.

After winning on Red Bull's home soil last weekend, Mercedes released an advertising hoarding with the slogan: "Silver Arrow gives you wings".

And, also after Sunday's win at the Dietrich Mateschitz-owned and promoted Red Bull Ring, silver-clad personnel climbed the enormous iron bull statue in the centre of the circuit and decorated it with a huge three-pointed star necklace.

All in good fun. But less jovial have been scraps over cancelled hotel bookings, or when Mercedes lawyers urged the FIA to ban Red Bull for three races over the fuel flow saga this year.

Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

It is obvious that the bad feeling has affected the relationship between Red Bull and Mercedes' respective Austrian chiefs, Dr Helmut Marko and Toto Wolff.

Mercedes' Wolff confirmed to the Austrian weekly NEWS that the pair are not on speaking terms.

"No, we do not (speak)," he said. "He's just not a point of contact for me in his role and therefore there is no reason for us to talk to each other."

He stopped short of saying the pair 'hate' one another.

"'Hate' would be too emotive. We are competitors on the track, that's our job and it's important that we obtain the greatest possible success," Toto Wolff insisted.

"I respect the Red Bull team. Nevertheless, life is too short to drink bad wine," he said.

I pride myself on my driving. I may not be the most defensive of drivers (quite the opposite, in fact), but my mind is always on what's going on around me. My concentration on where I am relative to other cars and trucks on the road is unbreakable.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

On the road
At the drop of a phone, a moment's inattention, or a false manoeuvre, an accident can rapidly occur. I always wear the proper footwear when driving as the interaction between the synapses in my brain and what my feet will do with the pedals must be unobstructed and true. It can mean the difference between life and death.

On the track
High-speed driving on a track requires way more presence of mind and unimpeded focus. Communication between mind and body must be pure.

For most track applications, one needs a helmet for the head, gloves for the hands, and shoes for the feet. Of all the basic track-driving attire, shoes are the most important after the helmet.

I've spent countless weeknights and weekends over the better part of the last two decades honing my skills on various racetracks, and every time, I've worn driving shoes. I will admit that I've owned and still own Oakleys and Sparcos, but deep down, I've always had a desire to lace up a pair of Pilotis. In fact, many driving instructors wear them, as do some auto journalists I hold in high esteem, namely Jim Kenzie.

The return of Piloti
On the eve of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Piloti put their best foot forward with a booth on Crescent Street looking to reintroduce their brand to the public. If you're like me, you probably hadn't noticed that Piloti was not “around” given that they are still quite popular, but the fact is that they disappeared from 2012 until now. Founded in 1999, the company made some serious waves in a relatively short period of time.

Their history and major endorsements from the likes of Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, and Ron Fellows will likely help make the road to “recovery” as easy as slipping on a pair.

Not just for drivers
Piloti (which means “driver” in Italian, by the way) isn't just about driving shoes: They've got everything from racing shoes to luxurious Italian leather casual shoes now. This idea is not especially new since other shoe companies also dabble in low- and high-end markets, however it's in the execution where Pilotis stand out.

The key ingredient with these shoes is the Piloti Roll Control Heel that provides cushioning behind the heel bone, ideal for perfect heel-toe operations and precise foot movements for pedal play. Vibrations are also lessened, improving control over his or her feet. That's right: As part of Piloti's rebirth, they will launch a collection aimed at the fairer sex (it won't make them faster than us anyhow, right guys?).

Crossing over to everyday applications
I've seen numerous people use their Pilotis on a daily basis. I regularly wear my Sparcos to work... even if I'm driving a minivan that given week!

The Pilotis can be worn every day, and that rings even truer with the Luxury collection, another piece of cool news from the shoe company. Pricing ranges from $150 up to $450.

The men's footwear collections include Performance, Casual, and Luxury. Each line offers 3-4 different versions. Beyond shoes, Piloti also has apparel and accessory lines. The Piloti lifestyle is very possible and highly desirable if you ask me.

The rebranded Amlin Aguri Formula E Team has contracted Katherine Legge as one of its drivers.

Due to a new main sponsor revealed on their official website, the team has been renamed as Amlin Aguri Formula E Team.

Katherine Legge is an experienced driver who has proved her prowess on both sides of the Atlantic. She became the first confirmed woman driver to compete in the FIA Formula E Championship.

"At first glance insurance and high performance electric motorsport might seem an unusual combination, but look closer and there's real continuity at work," the team states. "Like all performance racing, Formula E is driven by innovative and informed risk taking based on the accurate analysis of data - exactly like our day-to-day insurance work."

Katherine Legge said: "For me this is a really exciting opportunity. The car is fantastic, it looks amazing and it will be very quick. Racing through the streets of the world's leading cities will be an incredible experience and I think it's a great chance to bring racing to the people. We will be driving in their cities on their streets."

Katherine Legge. (Photo: Amlin Aguri Formula E Team)

An accident that left a Georgia woman blind in one eye and a subsequent lawsuit led GM Thursday to recall about 33,000 Chevrolet Cruze sedans in North America for potentially defective airbags made by Takata.

The chairman of the U.S. Senate committee that oversees auto safety proposed a bill late Thursday that would give U.S. regulators more funding and greater power to deal with light-vehicle defects.

Ford today took the wraps off the all new Focus ST, which made its

TrueCar this month plans to drop up to 75 of its 8,000 participating franchisees for failing to honor price guarantees made to car buyers or for other violations of TrueCar policies, President John Krafcik said today.

Infiniti began building its first engines outside of Japan here today in a new factory that represents the deepening ties between Nissan Motor Corp. and Daimler AG.

Group 1 Automotive thought it had a done deal to buy an Audi store in North Miami Beach from Prestige Motor Car Imports for $72 million. But Prestige said no. Now Group 1 is suing the luxury-import retailer to complete the transaction.

Fate has a funny way of dishing out good fortune. Look no further than the National Corvette Museum sinkhole that swallowed up eight

General Motors, which has recalled a record number of vehicles in the United States this year, lifted its temporary stop-sale order on its top-selling Chevrolet Cruze sedans as it evaluates the vehicles for a new type of airbag problem.

Mitsubishi will supply Attrage sedans to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for sale in Asian markets later this year, Japan's biggest business newspaper reported.

Mitsubishi will supply Attrage sedans to Fiat Chrysler for sale in Asian markets, a report said. The sedan will be sold under the Chrysler brand name in China and other Asian markets, according to the report.

The former CEO of wheel supplier Hayes Lemmerz is headed to Congress to replace a Florida representative who resigned in January after being busted for possession of cocaine.

Malaysia's first national car company, Proton - now in the custody of local privately-owned DRB-Hicom - continues to struggle to find its place in an increasingly competitive and open-boarder car world. Tony Pugliese considers the issues facing the company.

The pro-Tesla legislation in Pennsylvania that helped spark a confrontation between dealers and other automakers earlier this month is now halfway to passage -- but with important new limits in place on the number of stores Tesla Motors would be...

The China-made SUV shown in the latest Transformers movie may hit U.S. showrooms as early as next year, testing demand by American consumers for Chinese autos.