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Federal safety regulators said on Friday that it is likely that more than 13 people died in GM cars recalled earlier this year for defective ignition switches.

GoMoto, a startup that generates sales leads for dealerships by giving consumers test drives in competing new vehicles, continues to stir debate as it plans its national ramp-up.

The hottest racing rivalry right now just may be Chevrolet versus Honda. In the four IndyCar series races run this season (not including Sunday's scheduled Indianapolis 500), cars powered by Chevy and Honda engines have each won two.

The Viper sports coupe, Chrysler Group's exotic halo car, has an identity crisis. The automaker's most expensive vehicle will remain badged as an SRT, at least for now, even though Chrysler has folded the SRT brand into Dodge.

Lancia, the Italian car brand that once glided up the streets of Saint-Tropez alongside film star Brigitte Bardot, will soon just be available in one no-frills subcompact model that will only be sold in Italy.

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne has a request for potential buyers of the automaker's Fiat 500e electric car in the United States: Don't buy it. He's tired of losing money.

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne has a request for potential buyers of the automaker's Fiat 500e electric car in the United States: Don't buy it. He's tired of losing money.

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne has a request for potential buyers of the automaker's Fiat 500e electric car in the United States: Don't buy it. He's tired of losing money.

From GMM

Ferrari technical director James Allison insists all the rumours about Adrian Newey are not making him nervous.

It is reported the great but beleaguered Italian team was so desperate to sign Newey it offered to fork out as much as a reported $40 million to lure him from Red Bull.

As it happens, Newey apparently said no, with Ferrari team boss Marco Mattiacci denying an offer was even made.

Whatever the truth, Ferrari's existing technical boss, Briton Allison, might be excused for feeling unsettled.

"I only know that the team is supporting me and a lot of others as well," he insisted in Monaco on Friday, according to Italy's Autosprint.

Allison said he is being given time to have an impact at Maranello.

"I only came in September, when there were only five months until the beginning of the season, with a (car) project that began two years ago," he explained.

At Lotus, Allison was known for his creative and aggressive designs, and he has now been tasked with building that into Ferrari's 2015 machine.

James Allison, Fernando Alonso (Photo: Ferrari)

"I hope so," he smiled. "I am convinced that originality and creativity are two important factors in making a competitive car.

"There is no magic recipe, but you do have to give engineers time and space to develop their ideas."

However, with not only Newey linked with Ferrari but also the former technical director Ross Brawn, Allison might now fear being shuffled aside as the Italian team reacts amid its difficult 2014 campaign.

Allison responded: "I just hope that Luca di Montezemolo and Marco Mattiacci continue to seek high-calibre individuals to further strengthen the team.

"I do not need to ask for more support, just the optimization of our resources."

At the same time, Allison acknowledged that finding a quick fix for Ferrari's current car is not likely.

"I can say that it is very difficult," he smiled. "Making a car fast that was not (fast) in the first races is a challenge.

"The problem is not only improving, but improving relative to the competition."

A few days ago, security footage showed Solange Knowles throwing punches at her brother-in-law, Jay-Z, in an elevator. The two have since made peace, but that didn't stop Toyota from using their short-lived feud as inspiration for one of its ads.

Source: Twitter

Image: Toyota

From GMM

Niki Lauda on Saturday ruled out replacing Bernie Ecclestone as F1 supremo.

Embroiled in a bribery scandal, the sport's current chief executive on Friday actually named Lauda, the great triple world champion and Mercedes team chairman, as a potential successor who could potentially be named "tomorrow".

Lauda doesn't think so.

"No, I will not be boss of formula one!" the F1 legend told German newspaper Bild.

"I have a job at Mercedes with a contract that goes up to and including 2017. Anyway, I do not think about things that will not happen," said Lauda.

But what about when that Mercedes contract expires? By then, Ecclestone will be a ripe 87.

"Completely excluded," Lauda insists. "I was never asked if I want to be Bernie's successor. Period."

And Auto Motor und Sport quotes him as also saying: "You might as well ask me if I am flying to the moon."

From GMM

Ferrari should consider adding a UK base, according to former F1 team boss Flavio Briatore.

The Italian team is believed to have offered to double Adrian Newey's current salary to lure him from Red Bull, with some estimating the potential pay-day at $40 million.

But one reason the Briton said 'no' could be because he would have to move his family from the UK's so-called 'motor sport valley' all the way to northern Italy.

"I have always said that logistics is one of Ferrari's problems," Briatore is quoted as having told Sky Italia in Monaco.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14-T (Photo: Ferrari)

"In my opinion, Ferrari must have a base in the UK, where all of the technology of formula one is concentrated," the Italian explained.

"At Maranello it is difficult to create an effective team and to recruit these British engineers," Briatore said. "Other teams are well aware of this and that is why they are located in the UK."

Briatore also said it will be a challenge for Ferrari's new team boss Marco Mattiacci to turn around the fabled team's troubles.

"He needs time," he said. "He will be judged by the results.

"Certainly Ferrari has everything, along with a budget that as a team leader I never had.

"But to reorganize a team takes leadership and clear ideas."

From GMM

Struggling F1 teams could be dealt another financial blow.

There are reports that the European Union is considering banning alcohol sponsorships in sport.

Some years ago, F1 had to deal with the loss of tobacco millions, even though Ferrari continues to be quietly backed by Marlboro parent Philip Morris.

"It (sponsorship) is crucial," said team boss Marco Mattiacci in Monaco. "It is fundamental to attract sponsors in formula one."

In tobacco's wake, sponsorships by alcoholic beverage brands have become prevalent in F1.

McLaren has a 'Johnnie Walker' livery this weekend in Monaco, Force India is headed by the Indian drinks magnate Vijay Mallya, and Williams' new Martini deal was hailed as the return of an iconic sponsor to formula one.

Smirnoff logo on Sergio Perez's VJM07 (Photo: Sahara Force India)

"It's getting harder and harder to go out there and bring sponsors in," said Claire Williams. "We're continually out there trying to bring in new sponsors to keep Williams alive."

According to reports, the task may soon get even harder.

"This is a mirror image of what happened with tobacco sponsorship," an insider at the European Union told The Times newspaper.

"Governments are moving fast to bring in health legislation, and alcohol sponsorship is an obvious target. What happened with tobacco a few years ago will happen with alcohol," the source warned.

From press release

Ganassi driver Tony Kanaan topped a 60-minute practice session, Friday, ahead of the Indianapolis 500.

"It feels good to be up there today, but that's not what it's all about," said Kanaan, who qualified his No. 10 Dallara-Chevrolet in 16th position ahead of tomorrow's start. The Brazilian, who won last year, could become the first repeat winner at Indy since Helio Castroneves in 2002.

"Last year I was already happy with the car I got, but I think we've got a better car. But the field is definitely more competitive this year."

Cars leave the pits for practice (Photo: Walter Kuhn)

Castroneves agrees with his countryman: "It's always hard to win, no matter the number. I feel right now that things are so competitive," he said.

The three-time winner hopes to join A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser at the top of the all-time winners list.

"I also feel that we've taken care of ourselves and are prepared better," he added. "Every step of the way seems to be going well. I have the best guys and strategists that have won races. I guess our chances should be very high."

From GMM

Mercedes' Nico Rosberg claimed pole position ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, but his actions during the final part of qualifying are under investigation by the stewards.

Aboard the Silver Arrows, Rosberg and his teammate Lewis Hamilton dominated an other qualifying session, with the German slightly ahead after the first runs in the top 10 shootout.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W05 (Photo: WRi2)

As he tried to put himself out of Hamilton's reach, Rosberg locked up and went straight into a escape road at the Mirabeau corner. He therefore could not improve his time. But the yellow flags brought out by the incident also deprived Hamilton of one final flying lap.

On British television Sky, former driver Johnny Herbert said Rosberg's steering wheel movements seemed "dodgy" before he ran into the runoff zone, triggering the yellow flags when he then reversed out.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T

"If it was a deliberate thing," said 1996 world champion Damon Hill, "it was a very good deliberate thing. But Nico did not seem contrite at all."

Told by reporters afterwards that Hamilton is furious, Rosberg hit back: "I can't do anything other than apologize.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull RB10 (Photo: WRi2)

"It will be clear on the data. I just braked a little bit late and locked up and that's it."

Earlier, Hamilton answered "who knows?" when it was suggested Rosberg's 'mistake' was suspicious, but when asked if he thinks it was clearly deliberate, the 2008 world champion said: "I'm not saying that. I'm not saying anything."

Eventually, the stewards did clear Rosberg of any wrongdoing.

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

Qualifying results* - Monaco Grand Prix
1.Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1'15"989 - Q3
2.Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1'16"048 - Q3
3.Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1'16"384 - Q3
4.Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1'16"547 - Q3
5.Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14-T) - 1'16"686 - Q3
6.Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14-T) - 1'17"389 - Q3
7.Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1'17"540 - Q3
8.Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4/29-Mercedes) - 1'17"555 - Q3
9.Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso SRT9-Renault) - 1'18"090 - Q3
10.Sergio Perez (Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1'18"327 - Q3
11.Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1'17"846 - Q2
12.Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/29-Mercedes) - 1'17"988 - Q2
13.Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1'18"082 - Q2
14.Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1'18"196 - Q2
15.Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1'18"536 - Q2
16.Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - no time - Q2
16.Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1'18"741 - Q1
17.Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1'18"745 - Q1
18.Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1'19"332 - Q1
19.Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1'19"928 - Q1
20.Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1'20"133 - Q1
21.Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1'21"732 - Q1
*Unofficial times

Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso STR9 (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

It was confirmed on Saturday confirmed that Nico Rosberg is staying with Mercedes beyond 2014.

Big rumours in Monaco have suggested the German has inked a two-year contract extension, but so far the Brackley team has said only that Rosberg and teammate Lewis Hamilton have "long term" deals.

"We have arrived at very favourable contract negotiations," team chairman Lauda told German television RTL.

"The last signature is missing, so it is not announced yet."

Lauda said the final signature will be added to the dotted line "some time soon".

Nico Rosberg (Photo: WRi2)

"The driver pairing at Mercedes is perfect -- Nico as well as Lewis," he insisted.

"You can see it in the results that it is definitely not something that needs to be changed."

The door would therefore seem to be definitely shut to Fernando Alonso, despite Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche causing a storm last week by saying the Spaniard is "perhaps the best" driver in F1.

"To be honest, I was in Spain with (King) Juan Carlos also present, and I am a polite man," Zetsche said in Monaco, explaining the comments.

"Alonso is definitely one of the best drivers, I think we can all agree," he added, "but what I also said - and it was not reported - is that we have a fantastic team and we are very happy."

From press release

Mercedes' F1 team is delighted to announce a long-term extension of its title partnership agreement with the Malaysian national oil and gas company, PETRONAS.

The new agreement was unveiled in the unparalleled surroundings of the Monaco Grand Prix at a press conference attended by Tan Sri Dato' Shamsul Azhar Abbas, President & Group CEO of PETRONAS; Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management, Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars; and Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and PETRONAS dates back to 2010, when the Silver Arrows works team joined the grid for the first time since 1955 and revived one of the most prestigious traditions in motorsport.

During that time, the two companies have grown a state-of-the-art technological partnership to deliver cutting-edge Fluid Technology Solutions for the Hybrid Power Unit and chassis of the works Silver Arrow cars.

The integrated development of the 2014 Silver Arrow included the Fluid Technology expertise of PETRONAS to create tailor-made solutions for the technical challenges of the 2014 regulations and deliver a clear PETRONAS advantage on track.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05 (Photo: Mercedes AMG PETRONAS F1 Team)

Furthermore, this technological partnership has been complemented by a strategic business alliance with Mercedes-Benz, extending the partnership from the track to the road. The cutting-edge technology developed in the proving ground of Formula One drives the creation of class-leading lubricants for passenger cars, including high-performance Mercedes-AMG road cars.

Partnership with the Silver Arrows works team has made PETRONAS the leading and most prominent energy company in Formula One. To further consolidate this status, the F1 W05 Hybrid race car will run with a revised livery from the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix, with enhanced PETRONAS branding on the front wing, chassis and bodywork.

Following five victories from the first five races of the 2014 season, this new agreement paves the way for a decade of partnership between Mercedes-Benz and PETRONAS.

“2014 is a milestone year for PETRONAS in Formula One”, said Tan Sri Dato' Shamsul Azhar Abbas, President & Group CEO of PETRONAS.

“Not only does this year mark our 20th season of involvement in the sport but it also delivered an historic 1-2 finish for the Silver Arrows at the 2014 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix. We are proud to partner the best car company in the world, Mercedes-Benz, both on the track and also in our business thanks to our strategic business alliance.

“Our technical teams worked hand-in-hand to deliver the level of performance we have enjoyed this season in Formula One and it shows that we are developing and delivering world-class products together - both on the track and on the road.”

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General Motors and the University of Michigan said they agreed to extend their more than 50-year relationship with the opening of the Automotive Collaborative Research Laboratories.

Toyota is recalling an estimated 50,220 Highlander sport utility vehicles globally, most in the United States, for a software problem that could result in the front passenger seat belt not working properly.