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May
22nd

Stock car: Scotia Speedworld’s weekly racing season begins Sunday

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From press release

Scotia Speedworld's Weekly Racing Series will kick off their 27th season this Sunday at 2 pm. All six Weekly Racing Series divisions will see action on the oval this Sunday.

Adult tickets are $12;Youth tickets (8-15 years) are just $2 and children 7 and under are admitted for free all season at Scotia Speedworld.

Tickets will be available at the gate on race day (cash only). Grandstand gates open at noon with qualifying for all six Weekly Racing Series divisions slated to get underway at 2 pm.

Five of the six divisions will see their champions return to defend their crowns earned one season ago.

The Weekly Racing Series will take the following weekend off as Scotia Speedworld hosts Maple Leaf Monster Jam on May 31 and June 1.

The Weekly Racing Series will return to its usual 7 pm time slot on Friday nights starting on June 6 and will run every Friday night following for the remainder of the season. If you're planning on attending Monster Jam be sure to hang onto your ticket stub and you can catch the Weekly Racing Series on Friday, June 6 for just $5! (grandstands only)

Scotia Speedworld is a 3/10-mile asphalt oval racing facility. SSW is the only track in Nova Scotia to host a weekly racing series, which runs May through September and features six different classes of racecars. SSW also hosts special events, including Monster Jam and the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour.

Scotia Speedworld is located at Exit 6 on Highway 102, across from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. For more information please click on www.ScotiaSpeedworld.ca or call our Event Hotline at (902) 873-2277 or our office at (902) 481-2514.

May
22nd

Hellcat-powered 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT packs 600+ hp!

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The all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT will be the most powerful Challenger ever thanks to an optional supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat V8 engine producing more than 600 horsepower. The standard 6.4L HEMI V8 generates 485 horsepower.

Both engines are mated to a segment-first 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT also features exclusive alloy wheels, the largest front-brake package ever installed on an SRT vehicle, as well as an all-new driver-centric cockpit with world-class materials and cutting-edge technology.

Production of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT will begin in the third quarter of this year at the Brampton assembly plant in Ontario. Pricing has yet to be announced.

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT
Photo: Dodge


May
22nd

Saab 9-3 production on halt

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National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), which purchased Saab in 2012, has released a statement to inform that production of the Saab 9-3 is now suspended because one of its shareholders, Qingbo Investment Co. Ltd., has not fulfilled its contractual obligation to finance the operations. NEVS also had to reduce its workforce.

The company's main owner, National Modern Energy Holdings Ltd., has become its sole investor and recently committed large sums of money in China, most notably for a new battery factory and a technology development centre.

NEVS insists that its assets are significantly higher than its debt, and is confident that it will find a way to secure long-term financing.

Source : autoguide.com
May
22nd

2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT RS Review

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Look at me, all alone, spending quality time behind the wheel of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT RS. I'm not going to spoil the fun by sharing the trip with someone else. It's just me and the car, and truthfully, I like it a lot.

I ran into this guy at the gas station who glanced at the Cruze and said to me: “Wow, nice car!” Nice? How about Red Hot? That's the name of the body colour, by the way. If you want to keep a low profile on the road, pick a different hue. Otherwise, expect to turn heads everywhere you go. Heck, you'll have no trouble finding the Cruze, even after dusk, if you forget where you parked.


Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT RS
I really liked the driving position, the perfectly sized steering wheel, the very comfortable and heated seats (it's still a bit chilly in the morning), and good visibility offered by the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT RS.

In typical compact-car fashion, rear-seat legroom is limited, so you won't make a round trip from Montreal to Quebec City with your friends just to eat a delicious poutine. On the other hand, the massive trunk of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT RS will beg you to go shopping at the local Costco, even leaving some room for dessert.

Is the engine powerful enough? That always depends on your right foot. In the case of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT RS, the small 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec easily met my occasional need for speed. I was more than content to just sit back, relax and, well, cruise.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT RS
The dashboard combines various plastics and textures, one of which proves pretty nice to look at, although it will attract dust like paparazzi on Kim Kardashian. As for the MyLink system and 7” colour touchscreen; the controls are simple to access and very functional.

My only complaint would be the rear-view camera (which I never really use, anyway, since I prefer to look over my shoulder when backing up): Watching the image on the screen, I had the impression of looking into a peephole... covered in Vaseline. Every car has its flaws, after all.

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT RS

We pitted the Cruze against the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, and Mazda3 in our most recent compact car comparison. Check it out to see how the bowtie fared.

I loved my brief affair with the sharp-looking, good-tempered 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT RS. I'd be more than willing to go on extra dates with this surprising American, which also happens to be a moderate drinker and a playful partner when need be.

May
22nd

F1: Fernando Alonso hints at souring relationship with Ferrari

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From GMM

Fernando Alonso on Wednesday added fuel to speculation his patience with Ferrari is at an end.

Already the best paid in F1, the Spaniard was earlier this week also hailed as "perhaps the best driver" on the grid by the Mercedes-Benz chairman, Dieter Zetsche.

Alonso's reply, given to Spanish reporters in Monaco on Wednesday, will only fuel rumours the 32-year-old is pushing for a change of teams, having failed to win a title in red and arguably losing his 'number 1' status in 2014 following the arrival of world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

When asked about Zetsche's praise, Alonso answered: "I don't know.

"It is always something good when good things are spoken about you, and the truth is that I am grateful.

"But it is interesting and it really seems curious to me that these types of things, this sort of praise, always comes from the other teams, from other people not from my own inner circle," Alonso is quoted by the Spanish sports newspaper AS.

F1 Ferrari F14 T Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

The comment would seem to suggest a further souring in the relationship between Alonso and Ferrari.

Indeed, in Monaco, Alonso also denied that the arrival of new team boss Marco Mattiacci has so far had any impact on the struggling Maranello team.

And "I don't think it's going to happen soon," he told reporters.

"He's still learning about the team situation, the formula one environment, the F1 weekends," Alonso added.

"There is no change I feel in the qualifying, the races, the meetings, the work in the factory. Everything is as it was before."

Given Ferrari's situation, and Alonso's five-year wait for a title-winning car, the signs are that he has lost patience with the Italian team.

He does not expect Mercedes' dominance to be challenged this weekend.

"Monaco is a special track," Alonso is quoted by Marca newspaper, "so things could be a little different, but they have been first and second in every race with an advantage.

"We must not think that Mercedes will not dominate here," he insisted.



May
22nd

F1: Renault satisfied with latest upgrades

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The Renault-powered Red Bulls showed an encouraging pace in Friday's free practice sessions, and Renault Sport F1 is satisfied with its latest upgrades.

Renault indicated that the second part of the software upgrade package debuted in Spain was evaluated by Renault-powered teams. Data showed improved driveability and reliability.

“We've introduced the second part of software upgrades here, designed to improve driveability, but also reliability. The first step came in Spain and we tested a second batch at the test last week and are pretty happy with what we've seen. In Monaco it is more about making the Power Unit robust enough to deal with the challenges of the circuit: you need consistency here,” said Remi Taffin, head of track operations at Renault.

“Combined to the extra horsepower from the new Total fuel, we got positive initial reports of grip and responsiveness and are clear on the direction we need to take for the rest of the weekend and looking forward to Canada. Everything seems to be corroborated by the limited running we could do today although unfortunately the improvements do not show in the times, thanks to the weather and traffic. We were however able to get through a lot of the tests we wanted, although we naturally have some more to get through on Saturday,” Taffin explained.

May
22nd

F1: Adrian Newey moves to end Ferrari switch rumours

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From GMM

Adrian Newey has played down reports he is thinking about a switch to Ferrari.

Two weeks ago in Barcelona, F1's most highly paid and rated engineer sounded equivocal amid rumours Ferrari is prepared to 'break the bank' to lure him from Red Bull.

But in a short statement ahead of the Monaco grand prix, Newey said: "I remain committed to Red Bull for the foreseeable future."

F1 Ferrari Malaysia Adrian Newey
Adrian Newey spying Ferrari in Malaysia. (Photo: WRi2)

World champion Sebastian Vettel was also asked about Newey on Wednesday, and while stressing that Red Bull wants him to stay, he also said the Milton-Keynes based team is not a one-man band.

"He is one of the key people in the team," said the German. "There are other people too. It is wrong to give the credit only to Adrian, as he would tell you himself."

"We like him in our team, so yes," added Vettel, when asked if he wants Newey to stay. "It's a story in the end. How much truth there is in it, we may find out, we may not."


May
22nd

F1: Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton woke up late in Monaco

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From GMM

There was action on and off the track in Monaco on Thursday.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton's day began with a thump on the door, as two Mercedes staff roused the sleepy Briton in his harbourside yacht.

With just minutes to spare before morning practice, Hamilton was hurriedly ferried to dry land and he was still jogging to the paddock as the turbo V6 engines began to rev.

"I overslept," he admitted afterwards.

Interviewed by Sky Sports F1, Mercedes' Paddy Lowe said Hamilton arrived just minutes late in the paddock, and that was not such a big thing.

F1 Mercedes W05 Monaco Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05, in Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen also had a scare on Thursday, as a Red Bull mechanic frantically pushed him out of the path of Sebastian Vettel in the pitlane.

Meanwhile, Red Bull's Vettel denied reports the RB10 chassis with which he initially struggled in 2014 was found to have been 'warped'.

"There was nothing wrong with the chassis itself," he told Germany's Sky.

"When you set up the car, there are certain measuring tools that we use, and we found that these were not quite right," Sebastian Vettel revealed.


May
22nd

F1: Technical photos of the Formula 1 in Monaco (+photos)

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Here are technical some photos of the Formula 1 as seen before the first free practice sessions of the Grand Prix of Monaco.

Here are in order photos of the Ferrari F14 T (chassis and rear wing), Williams FW36 (rear wing, exhaust, front push rod), Mercedes W05 (front wing, barge boards, front suspensions).

F1 Monaco 2014
F1 Monaco (Photo: WRI2)

F1 Monaco 2014
F1 Monaco (Photo: WRI2)

F1 Monaco 2014
F1 Monaco (Photo: WRI2)

F1 Monaco 2014
F1 Monaco (Photo: WRI2)

F1 Monaco 2014
F1 Monaco (Photo: WRI2)

F1 Monaco 2014
F1 Monaco (Photo: WRI2)

F1 Monaco 2014
F1 Monaco (Photo: WRI2)

F1 Monaco 2014
F1 Monaco (Photo: WRI2)

May
22nd

F1: Hamilton and Alonso emerged fastest on the streets of Monaco

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Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in this morning free practice session in Monaco, while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso set the pace during free practice 2.

With Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg first and second fastest for Mercedes, the first session under unexpectedly overcast skies in Monaco gave the impression that little has changed in the F1 pecking order.

However, a big lunchtime hailstorm had led teams to tread carefully for the majority of the session.

F1 Mercedes AMG Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso emerged on top in a late scramble for quick laps on a dry track.

The Spaniard displayed supreme car control on the Pirelli super soft tires to clock a best time of 1m18.482.

Morning pacesetter and championship leader Lewis Hamilton was second for Mercedes - his P1 time still standing as the quickest of the day despite being set on the slower softs - with Sebastian Vettel third for Red Bull Racing.

Nico Rosberg ended up down in 20th place, however.

Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne was fourth ahead of the lead Williams of Valtteri Bottas with the Sahara Force India pair next up.

F1 Toro Rosso Renault Jean-Eric Vergne
Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Jenson Button was eighth for McLaren having earlier led the way on the intermediates.

The other Ferrari of Raikkonen soon ran into trouble when the gearbox in his F14 T failed.

Grand Prix of Monaco

Free Pratice 1 - Results*
1 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m18.271 - 31 laps
2 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m18.303 - 30
3 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m18.506 - 37
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m18.930 - 31
5 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m19.043 - 33
6 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m19.467 - 31
7 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m19.494 - 31
8 - Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m19.666 - 29
9 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m19.789 - 29
10 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m19.856 - 38
11 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m20.033 - 35
12 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m20.118 - 33
13 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m20.207 - 33
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m20.241 - 38
15 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m20.260 - 36
16 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m20.517 - 25
17 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m20.736 - 18
18 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m20.914 - 37
19 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m21.310 - 27
20 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m22.063 - 40
21 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m22.492 - 38
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m25.817 - 7

F1 Ferrari Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Free Pratice 2 - Results*
1 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m18.482 - 15 laps
2 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 1m18.901 - 12
3 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m19.017 - 15
4 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m19.351 - 14
5 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m19.421 - 9
6 - Sergio Perez (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m19.668 - 9
7 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sahara Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1m19.712 - 10
8 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m19.721 - 16
9 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 1m19.779 - 11
10 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes) - 1m20.230 - 16
11 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1m20.394 - 8
12 - Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso STR9-Renault) - 1m20.622 - 13
13 - Adrian Sutil (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m20.811 - 8
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m20.977 - 7
15 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C33-Ferrari) - 1m21.467 - 8
16 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1m21.700 - 6
17 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m21.924 - 6
18 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m21.937 - 13
19 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1m22.683 - 13
20 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1m22.063 - 11
21 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 1m22.862 - 6
22 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14 T) - 1m45.509 - 4

* Unofficial results


May
22nd

Stock car: Woodstock Ford presents Ohsweken Friday night opener

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From press release

Ohsweken Speedway's 19th season of racing will take the green flag this Friday, May 23 at 7:30pm, and large fields are expected in all of the regular Friday night divisions.

The event is presented by Woodstock Ford, and will include the Corr/Pak Merchandising 360 Sprint Cars, Strickland's GMC Crate Sprint Cars, Affordable Towing & Recovery Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Gale's Auto Aftermarket Bombers.

Weekly Friday night racing at Ohsweken offers affordable, exciting, family entertainment just a short drive from many Mid-Western Ontario locations. Weekly Friday night racing adult general admission is just $12, while seniors and students are $10, and kids age 12 and under are FREE!

Spectator gates open at 6:00p.m., with the first race taking the green flag at 7:30pm this Friday, May 23! Visit the official Ohsweken Speedway website at www.OhswekenSpeedway.com and Feel The Excitement!

Created in 1996, Ohsweken Speedway is a motorsports complex which includes a 3/8 (0.375) mile clay oval track. The facility is owned by the Styres family, and located in the village of Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada.

May
22nd

F1: Lotus and Pirelli to give Fabio Leimer prize run

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From Formula1.com

Fabio Leimer will test a 2012 Lotus Formula 1 car at Paul Ricard in France as part of his prize for winning last year's GP2 championship.

The 25-year-old Swiss driver will run on Tuesday May 27, two days after this weekend's Grand Prix in Monaco.

GP2 Fabio Leimer champion 2013
Fabio Leimer, 2013 GP2 Champion. (Photo: GP2 Series)

Lotus's 2014 regular Pastor Maldonado will attend the test along with deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi and reserve driver Nicolas Prost.

"We're delighted that Fabio will get the chance to drive a Formula 1 car as part of his prize for winning GP2, underlining our commitment to do everything we can to help our GP2 drivers reach the top," Pirelli's racing manager, Mario Isola said.

"He'll have the opportunity to test for 300 kilometres on the 3.8-kilometre track configuration, so it's going to be a memorable experience for everybody present. Fabio will be able to sample our demo tires, in different compounds and with different fuel loads, so it will be interesting to hear his feedback about how they compare to the GP2 tires he used to win the title."

Leimer, who claimed three wins and seven podiums en route to his GP2 crown, has previously tested for Sauber in an official Abu Dhabi young driver test in 2011.



May
22nd

F1: Colin Kolles not surprised Ricciardo beating Vettel

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From GMM

Red Bull team figures like Christian Horner, Dietrich Mateschitz and Helmet Marko have all said they were "surprised" by Daniel Ricciardo's pace so far in 2014.

Perhaps that is because the fresh-faced Australian's form casts a pall over the recent achievements of the team's quadruple world champion, Sebastian Vettel.

Indeed, Ricciardo's first ever F1 team boss, Dr Colin Kolles, insists he is not surprised at all.

With Red Bull's backing, Kolles - who also knows Vettel well from his days in the F3 scene - gave Ricciardo his first seat at now-defunct HRT in 2011.

"Sebastian is extremely experienced despite his young age, but Daniel is also extremely talented," Kolles told the German newspaper Die Welt.

"Sebastian has more pressure on him as a four-time champion, an obligation to win, while Daniel despite his discipline and seriousness is a completely relaxed character. That's a tremendous advantage over Sebastian," he said.

F1 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing Sebastian Vettel
Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

"When I first heard that Daniel would be driving for Red Bull, this scenario was completely clear.

"As I said, I know both drivers, and Daniel is at least equivalent to Vettel at a very high level. So what has happened has not surprised me.

"Both are very talented, disciplined and aggressive. Both are of the new generation after Michael Schumacher, Raikkonen, Alonso.

"But Daniel due to his character and his situation is completely carefree with these cars and the new regulations, which is his greatest asset.

"When he was at HRT I could see he was a natural talent, a really exceptional driver. For me he is a future world champion, although hardly anyone except me noticed it at the time.

"No one in F1 respects a team like HRT, so just us and Red Bull and a few insiders knew how good Daniel was."

Asked if Vettel will ultimately reclaim his top status at Red Bull, Colin Kolles answered: "No one knows. I can only say that it will not be easy for him, and Daniel will have his fun, as will the audience. He (Ricciardo) is a gift for formula one, and I see the duel as very exciting, because it is completely open."


May
22nd

F1: Ferrari president hails Fernando Alonso

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Thursday Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo praised Spaniard Fernando Alonso, most probably in an attempt to put an end to the rumours about the future of the Scuderia.

Montezemolo gave an interview this morning to respected Australian motoring journalist Peter Robinson, who was in Maranello, Italy to test drive the LaFerrari.

Montezemolo was asked questions about the current delicate situation within the Scuderia Ferrari, especially about the ongoing rumours about Alonso who would be soon leaving Ferrari.

“Fernando is the best driver in the world, who always gives 200% in the races,” Montezomolo said.

“He knows how much I count on him, even away from the race track, in terms of his contribution and the impetus he gives to the team. I think it's incredible that there are still some so-called experts who don't understand that and are always looking for a polemical situation that simply doesn't exist”.

F1 Fernando Alonso Ferrari Kimi Raikkonen
Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WR2i)

The Ferrari president also talked about Ferrari's other driver, Kimi Raikkonen.

“The truth is that he and Kimi, another incredible driver, need a competitive Ferrari and giving them that is our sole objective,” continued Montezemolo.

“We are working very hard, starting with Marco Mattiacci, who knows what needs to be done and who will instigate many changes at a technical and organizational level and in speeding up the decision- making process. That's what I want, as do our drivers and our fans, while all the rest is just idle chat,” Montezemolo declared.


May
22nd

F1: Pastor Maldonado denies Venezuelan backing to end

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From GMM

Pastor Maldonado has denied his sponsorship backing is ending.

Early this week, the new Venezuelan sports minister Antonio Alvarez warned the country will not spend "one more dollar" on motor racing.

But until now, 29-year-old Maldonado, famously close to Venezuela's late president Hugo Chavez, has been powered by state millions through the oil company PDVSA.

For 2014, that lucrative backing was moved from Williams to Lotus, where Maldonado has endured a nightmare start to his fourth season on the grid.

But in Monaco on Wednesday, he denied that his PDVSA-fuelled F1 adventure is now ending.

F1 Lotus Pastor Maldonado
Pastor Maldonado, Lotus F1 Team. (Photo: WRi2)

"There was a very big misunderstanding in the media," he is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace. "PDVSA gave no statement, (they) said nothing. It was the minister of sport who made the statement that it (the government) will cut the sponsorship of motor sport, which was already known. And it is not going to cut, it already did cut since last year, and with good reason because we know that some drivers stole money from the ministry of sports."

"How can we expect the government to follow this sport when drivers steal?" said Maldonado.

But he said any specific question about PDVSA's involvement in F1 should be directed to the oil company, and to the recipient of the sponsorship, Lotus.

"It's hard to know what will happen," he explained, "because firstly PDVSA have said nothing and, second, I am a driver with no personal support; the sponsorship is for the team."

Maldonado also said he has been unaffected by recent criticism of his driving in 2014, with fans on social media often ridiculing his regular involvement in incidents.

"At least someone is talking," he smiled. "I'm used to having a lot of criticism. It's ok. We live in a free world so everyone can say whatever."


May
22nd

F1: Possibility of driver ‘collision’ discussed at Mercedes party

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From GMM

A Mercedes 'get-together' did not go unnoticed in the Monaco harbour on Wednesday.

The scene was former F1 driver Gerhard Berger's luxury boat, but on board were Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda, fellow bosses Paddy Lowe and Toto Wolff, and drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

So far in 2014, the silver-clad party has been utterly dominant.

Niki Lauda said the Monaco get-together was at his expense.

"This is my thank you for the great performance of the team so far," Auto Motor und Sport quotes the triple world champion as saying.

But it is also believed Lauda took the time to assure Hamilton and Rosberg that they can continue to go wheel-to-wheel against one another at the grands prix.

At the same time, the F1 legend knows all too well that "Eventually it will go wrong".

"If the two continue to do their races ahead of the rest of the field, the probability of a crash increases," Lauda acknowledged.

F1 Mercedes AMG W05 Monaco
Mercedes W05 in the streets of Monaco. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Mercedes is treading a fine line, between ensuring it capitalises on its massive investments and subsequent dominance, and not turning off bored fans.

But allowing Hamilton and Rosberg to go at it runs the risk of an Ayrton Senna versus Alain Prost-style personality collision.

Indeed, recent comments by Hamilton have reminded some of something Prost said at the height of the Senna rivalry: that the great Brazilian didn't just want to beat him, that he wanted to "humiliate" the Frenchman as well.

And Hamilton has told F1's official website that, because of his upbringing, he is "hungrier" for success than Rosberg.

"I come from a not-great place in Stevenage and lived on a couch in my dad's apartment," he said.

"Nico grew up in Monaco with jets and hotels and boats and all these kind of things -- so the hunger is different," Lewis Hamilton added.

And when asked what his ideal result on Sunday would be, he admitted: "Ha, finishing first, Fernando finishing second and Sebastian finishing third."

When asked about the recent trend of their on and off-track rivalry, Nico Rosberg said on Wednesday: "I don't know what he (Hamilton) said so I'm not going to comment."

What is more open for comment is the precise extent of Mercedes' dominance in 2014. Hamilton argues that his duel with Rosberg is more exciting than Sebastian Vettel's dominance over the past few years.

"The good thing is that unlike Sebastian, who was leading by 30-40 seconds each race, it's not the case here, I'm racing my teammate. So I actually do have competition and I'm grateful for that," he said.

But Sebastian Vettel insists that Red Bull's gap over the field was never as great as the advantage currently enjoyed by the silver cars.

"We have never been in that situation. We are five races in and I don't think we ever started a season with five wins," said Vettel.


May
22nd

F1: Bernie Ecclestone will not miss Monaco

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From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone will not skip this weekend's Monaco grand prix.

On Tuesday, the judge in the F1 supremo's corruption trial in Munich adjourned the case because Ecclestone, 83, is suffering from a bad cold.

"I have a terrible cold," Ecclestone admitted to Roger Benoit, the veteran correspondent for the Swiss newspaper Blick.

"But I have to get over it, because on Wednesday I have an important court date and on Thursday I am going to Monaco," he 'croaked', according to Benoit.

Indeed, the diminutive Briton was back in court on Wednesday, telling judge Peter Noll that he was feeling somewhat better.

F1 motorhome Bernie Ecclestone
Bernie Ecclestone's motorhome. (Photo: WRi2)



May
21st

Brembo boosts N.A. business with $115 million plant expansion

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Brembo, the storied Italian brake supplier to Ferrari, Porsche and Formula One race cars, is developing a major presence in the North American market.
May
21st

Lincoln prices 2015 Navigator from $62,475

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Pricing for Ford's refreshed 2015 Lincoln Navigator SUV, set to hit the market this fall, will start at $62,475, including destination and delivery fees, the company said Wednesday.
May
21st

Barra returns to Washington to meet with lawmakers, update recall efforts

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General Motors CEO Mary Barra met with congressional leaders today to discuss GM's ignition switch recall.
With the current economy the last thing you need is for your vehicle to break down. Whether your driving a reliable car or a busted up van, insurance you can rely on is a must.
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