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Christian Horner claims that engine supplier Renault is behind schedule in its development of the V6 turbo hybrid engine because it simply "started too late" working on it.

Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner claims that engine supplier Renault is behind schedule in its development of the V6 turbo hybrid engine because it simply "started too late" working on it.

While rival Mercedes AMG went on to collect five consecutive wins, Red Bull Racing was left behind with a myriad of technical problems.

Renault Sport F1 has made huge progress since the start of the season but Horner maintains that the French car manufacturer has paid the price for being too slow off the mark.

The Renault engine installed in the RB10 chassis. (Photo: WRi2)

Talking to Sky Sports F1, Horner said: "It's quite simple really: we've had a massive engine regulation change and Renault has turned up and it wasn't as ready as some of their competitors were. So we've been playing catch-up. Renault is working tremendously hard at it and we're slowly closing that gap down”.

Christian Horner added: "As you can see we've got a very good chassis, I just think that they started too late. It's as simple as that."

It seems a bit strange that Renault felt behind, as they were well aware of the engine change for several years.

"That's a very good question and perhaps one you should ask Renault because they were the guys who pushed very hard for this regulation change, so one would have thought that they'd have been the most prepared for it,”' Horner said.

From NASCAR.com

J.R. Fitzpatrick entered the weekend with a 15-race winless streak, he'll head home having added to his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series all-time wins lead at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Fitzpatrick picked up his first win since August 18, 2012, in an exciting green-white-checkered finish to the Pinty's presents the Clarington 200 on Sunday.

It was the ninth career series win for the 26-year-old out of Ayr, Ont., and fourth at the Bowmanville 2.459-mile road course. Fitzpatrick also picked up his second win in a Canadian Tire Series season-opening event. He also won the 2012 opener at CTMP.

Jeff Lapcevich challenged Fitzpatrick late in the race, but was unable to overtake the driver of the No. 84 Equipment Express Chevrolet, settling instead for his second-consecutive runner-up finish in a season opener at this track. It's his third top five at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and 13th overall in the series.

Lapcevich was followed across the line by Robin Buck, 2013 event winner L.P. Dumoulin and two-time series champion D.J. Kennington.

Kerry Micks, Hugo Vannini, Luc Lesage, Peter Klutt and Ray Courtemanche Jr. completed the top 10 in the first of 11 events on 2014 calendar, with Vannini and Courtemanche both picking up career best finishes.

Two-time series champion Andrew Ranger collected his 13th career series pole award in qualifying for the event, but began the race from the 24th position after unapproved impound adjustments.

He worked his way into the top 10 early in the race, but ignition problems ultimately derailed his afternoon. Ranger ended the day 21st on the grid, his worst finish at the track. His previous worst Canadian Tire Motorsport Park finish was sixth.  

The field was slowed due to caution five times, including a red-flag for track cleanup after Noel Dowler's No. 5 machine leaked oil across several areas of the track.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 will return to action on June 14 for the inaugural Budweiser 300 at Autodrome Chaudiére in Vallée-Jonction, Quebec.

It will mark the series' first visit to the quarter-mile oval located 40 miles southeast of Quebec City.

From GMM

Luca di Montezemolo has hinted he will increase Ferrari's budget in order to catch up with dominant Mercedes.

The fabled Italian marque has struggled early this season, prompting the exit of team boss Stefano Domenicali.

But recent rumours suggest Ferrari is now prepared to 'break the bank' to woo F1's highest-paid engineer, Adrian Newey, to Maranello.

Ferrari can afford him. The Financial Times reports that the company recorded "record revenues, profits and cash flow" last year, with net profit up to EUR 246 million.

Luca Montezemolo is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport as saying that while the exclusivity of Ferrari road cars remains a priority, that is a challenge "given heavy investment and F1, which requires an exceptional effort economically to recover the gap to the opposition".

Spain's El Mundo Deportivo reports that one Ferrari recruit is to be the retired 68-year-old Jean-Jacques His, an engine expert best known for leading Renault's technical efforts during the French manufacturer's dominant era.

Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

On May 9th, Hyundai opened a brand new showroom in Seoul, South Korea, that's literally off the wall, as you can see from the pictures.

Photo: Hyundai

The idea, which Hyundai promises to apply in other large cities around the world (starting in Moscow later this year), is to give customers an all-around view of its vehicles by putting them on rotators — like rotisserie chickens — behind street-facing windows.

The structure uses 118,110 feet (36,000 metres) of steel pipes and anodized steel panels. It features an auto library, children's lounge, premium customer lounge, car-tuning lounge, gallery, and cafe. No vehicle sales are made there, however.

From GMM

Triple world champion and F1 legend Sir Jack Brabham has died.

The Australian, who won the titles in 1959, 1960 and - uniquely whilst driving for his own team - 1966, died "peacefully" at his home on the Gold Coast at the age of 88 on Monday, his family said.

"He lived an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would ever dream of," said David Brabham, who raced for Brabham in 1990 and Simtek in 1994.

Brabham's other sons, Geoff and Gary, also raced, as do grandsons Matthew and Sam.

"I'd like to pay tribute to one of the most illustrious names in motor racing history," said Ron Dennis, whose job working as a mechanic for Brabham in the late 60s was one of his first in F1.

Sir Jack Brabham at Melbourne, March 2014. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Daniel Ricciardo's seat at Red Bull is secure beyond 2014, team boss Christian Horner has confirmed.

Australian Ricciardo graduated this year from the energy drink company's second team Toro Rosso to replace his retiring countryman Mark Webber.

Team figures have said they were "surprised" by how quickly the 24-year-old settled in -- and how consistently quick he has proved alongside world champion Sebastian Vettel.

"Although Sebastian has had a lot of bad luck this year," said team owner Dietrich Mateschitz last week, "Daniel has surprised everyone by showing no weaknesses from day one.

"We were criticised when we gave Daniel this opportunity. But our decision was right," he insisted, referring to Red Bull's deliberations last year over signing Kimi Raikkonen instead.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull RB10-Renault, in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

As with all Red Bull-groomed athletes, Ricciardo has a long-term contract, but his place at the reigning world champion team also appears more than secure.

"I can't speak highly enough of what Dan has done in the first five races and managing this pairing is a walk in the park compared to previous years," team boss Christian Horner said.

"We've always believed in continuity and stability and Dan's on a long-term contract with the team," he is quoted by the Daily Mail.

"I think it would be highly unlikely he will be anywhere else next year," Christian Horner added.

Pros: The 2014 Honda Civic Si 2014 continues to top the Civic range. It boasts various suspension, styling and chassis upgrades to handle the duties of high-performance driving. Track-validated brakes, tires and suspension components are all part of the package. At the same time, you'll find many high-end amenities, superior reliability, and excellent resale value. Plus there are once again two body styles to choose from: sedan or coupe. Consider it if you like the idea of a fun little sports car you can drive every day of the year.

Cons: Skip the 2014 Honda Civic Si if you're after all-out firepower for your dollar, or if you need an automatic transmission. What's more, comfort, fuel economy, and cargo room are not what will draw buyers to this model.

Photo: Honda

2014 Honda Civic Si Price: This high-performance version of the Civic starts at $26,710, a mild increase over the outgoing model.

2014 Honda Civic Si Fuel Economy: Official ratings for the 2014 Honda Civic Si are 9.9L/100km in the city and 6.6L/100km on the highway.

Improvements and Changes: The engine gets a slight boost in power (+4 hp) and torque (+4 lb-ft) from a revised exhaust system. The chassis benefits from a larger rear stabilizer bar, and the front spring rates have been increased.

Fresh, youthful styling makes the car look bolder and sleeker. The exterior features distinctive new bumpers, revised headlight and taillight clusters, wider tires, and redesigned 18” wheels for a sportier appearance.

It's the same thing inside where exclusive seat fabric and decoration in a dynamic black and red define the cockpit. The new Display Audio interface includes a 7” touchscreen that lets you swipe, tap and pinch (just like on a tablet or smartphone) to control the vehicle's audio system, display settings, and other advanced features. Let's not forget the next-generation HondaLink navigation system.

2014 Honda Civic Si Powertrain: The high-revving, 2.4L i-VTEC engine of the Civic Si now produces 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 174 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. When drivers enter the upper limits of the engine's rev range, the i-VTEC system engages a more aggressive camshaft profile to ramp up power output and sound effects.

Once again, the Civic Si is available exclusively with a close-ratio, 6-speed manual gearbox featuring a lightweight and compact design and excellent shift feel. Power is sent to the front wheels through a helical-style Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that helps increase handling potential while reducing wheel slippage when powering out of tight corners.

Cargo Capacity: The trunk of the 2014 Honda Civic Si Sedan offers 353 litres of cargo room, whereas the Coupe's can haul 331 litres.

Safety: Civic Si safety begins with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure that was redesigned in 2013 to provide increased protection to occupants in a frontal collision. There are six airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability assist with traction control. A backup camera and LaneWatch blind-spot monitor also come standard.

Comparing the 2014 Honda Civic Si: The biggest rivals of the Civic Si are the Ford Focus ST, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Kia Forte Koup SX, Mazdaspeed3, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, as well as the Volkswagen Jetta GLI and Golf GTI.

From GMM

A source at F1 owners CVC have named Richard Scudamore as an ideal successor to the sport's embattled chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

With 83-year-old Ecclestone fighting for his future and freedom in a Munich corruption trial, many names have been linked with his role at the top of formula one's commercial rights.

The latest is Richard Scudamore.

Briton Scudamore, 54, is the current chief executive of England's premier league football, but his job is now in doubt due to a series of allegedly sexist personal emails.

But if Scudamore does lose his job, CVC has admitted it is interested in hiring him for F1.

"TV rights deals are F1's lifeblood. That is what Bernie has been brilliant at," the source told the Daily Mail newspaper.

"That is what Richard Scudamore is brilliant at. If we can't have Bernie, we need someone like Scudamore. We have never thought he would be available, but if he is that would be worth very serious consideration indeed," the source added.

F1's TV coverage. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Fuel has emerged with a big role to play in F1's new V6-powered era.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said struggling Renault took a 12 horse power step forward last time out in Barcelona, thanks entirely to a new blend of fuel supplied by French partner Total.

And Red Bull team boss Christian Horner sees more gains to come.

According to correspondent Schmidt, it was at Red Bull's considerable expense that the new Total fuel was brought in line with homologation so that it could debut in Spain.

"We're talking about 20 horse power," he said. "Mercedes has the advantage -- you can see it in comparison to their customer teams."

According to correspondent Michael Schmidt, Horner may be referring to McLaren, who power their Mercedes V6 with fuel supplied by team sponsor Mobil.

But it appears the other Mercedes teams - the works outfit as well as Force India and Williams - are all using the currently-superior in-house fuel developed by Mercedes' title sponsor Petronas.

Renault engine boss Rob White said: "With the turbo engines, the fuel suppliers started at zero, which is why we see these big leaps in performance at the beginning."

Red Bull RB10-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

According to Italian reports, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has also recognised the importance of fuel in 2014, urging the Maranello team to move closer to its works supplier, Shell.

In Barcelona, only Red Bull got the 12 horse power-better new Total fuel, with Renault customers Lotus, Toro Rosso and Caterham having to wait until this weekend in Monaco.

Reigning world champions Red Bull have reportedly calculated the advantage of the Barcelona fuel versus the previous spec at three tenths on the straight.

Indeed, while Mercedes' Nico Rosberg got his W05 up to 334.5kph on the straight, Daniel Ricciardo was not far behind, at 328.8.

Horner said: "If we can reduce our engine deficit by 50 per cent, we can beat Mercedes."

Johnson Controls will spin off its $3 billion interiors unit into a joint venture with Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems of Shanghai. JCI may retain control of a few plants if customers request it, CEO Alex Molinaroli said.

Federal safety regulators upgraded an investigation involving 65,347 Kia Sorento SUVs after receiving consumer complaints that the optional glass sunroof had shattered.

Hyundai is recalling more than 140,000 Tucson crossover models because the air bag assembly may come loose from its mounting on the steering wheel, according to documents filed with U.S. auto safety regulators.

BMW will announce in July that it will build its first assembly plant in Mexico and has earmarked two regions where the site could be built, a report said.

BMW will announce in July that it will build its first assembly plant in Mexico and has earmarked two regions where the site could be built, a report said.

BMW plans to announce in July that it will build its first assembly plant in Mexico and has earmarked two regions where the site could be built, Automobilwoche reported on Sunday, without citing the source of the information.

With new engines, new technologies and new vehicles, Volvo Cars of North America wants to have 1 percent of the U.S. automotive market in five years. That means sales of 150,000 to 160,000 units annually, significantly higher than today.

The Lincoln MKC is expected to arrive in dealerships in June, not a moment too soon for some long-suffering Lincoln dealers. The MKC will give Lincoln an entry in the luxury market's hottest segment: compact crossovers.

Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner seems unfazed by the recent rumours swirling around Adrian Newey, which have linked the coveted designer to Ferrari.

"It is almost an annual thing that there is speculation about his future," the Milton Keynes based team' boss is quoted saying by British magazine Autosport.

"But he has always made it clear his feeling towards the team, the paternal feeling he has for Red Bull," added the Brit.

So Horner is confident Newey will stay put at Red Bull.

"He enjoys the environment that he is working in, so I think the speculation is purely that."

Horner is also confident his star driver Sebastian Vettel is back to his usual self, after a couple of disappointing performances, as the championship heads to Monaco.

"I think [in Barcelona], you could see in the race the recovery drive that he had, with the fastest lap and the way he hunted down the Ferraris it looked like he got his mojo back," Crash.net quotes hims as saying.

From press release

He was revered as one of the best Japanese Grand Prix riders of the modern era, a rider from whom big things were expected after finishing the 1997 500cc Motorcycle Grand Prix season in fifth position for Repsol Honda.

Sadly Aoki suffered a spinal injury during a pre-season test at the Honda test course in Japan which paralyzed him from the waist down abruptly bringing his racing career to a halt.

Years of rehabilitation did little to stem his competitive urge. He became involved with the Honda factory as Assistant Director of Honda Racing but still retained that competitive urge and desire to race.

Photo: Asian Festival of Speed

An opportunity to realize a childhood dream and compete in the 2009 Dakar Rally came as part of an Isuzu team however Aoki retired early from the event. He continued to rally in the FIA Cross Country Rally series with some level of success, but was unable to experience the highs of his circuit racing career again until his debut in the 2014 GT Asia Series in Korea.

Campaigning a 550 horsepower V10 Lamborghini Gallardo LP520, Aoki joined former Asian champion and one-time 125/250 Grand Prix motorcycle rider Dilantha Malagamuwa in a two-car assault on the 2014 series, Aoki driving a specially modified GTM class car.

With inspiration from former F1 world champion Clay Regazzoni and former Indycar champion Alex Zanardi - both now wheelchair bound, Aoki met the challenge of competing against some of the regions best drivers head on.

Typically modest he explained that he had no great expectations going into the event, but would ‘do his best'.

Despite no laps in the car prior to the first unofficial session at Korea International, Aoki was quickly up to speed, showing many of the signs that had marked him as one of the best during his time on bikes.

By qualifying his speed was clear. Third in the opening session despite just 15-minutes to post a time on the 5.6-kilometre Grand Prix circuit, Aoki improved to set the pole time for the GTM class in the second 15-minute session, but as an experienced racer, he wasn't getting too excited.

“The car is very easy to drive and I have a very good feel for it, so I will just keep practicing and see if we can make the podium in race one.”

Aoki,Lamborghini Gallardo LP520 (Photo: Asian Festival of Speed)

And podium he did.

The look of elation on his face as he rolled onto the podium and was hauled onto the top step of the rostrum was priceless.

The were tears in the pit lane as the competing teams and fans were hit by the realization that Aoki had completed the one-hour race - his first in a GT3-specification car - with hand controls, in the process beating some very experienced drivers with years of GT competition under their belts.

“I'm very happy because this is my first international [circuit] race since my accident. I did not expect to win my first race, but I just kept pushing, pushing to do my best, and when the race is over I have come through for the win. I can still find more speed in myself, I just need to do more practice, but so far, I am very happy with the result.”

From press release

It's a good day at the office when you earn $1 million dollar.

The driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet SS beat Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth to the checkered flag, Saturday night, to win the 2014 Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

On top of the win, which was his third at CMS, McMurray also earned the $1 million dollar prize.

Jamie McMurray celebrates in victory lane (Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

The 37-year-old Earnhardt Ganassi Racing driver led three times for 31 laps throughout the five segments that made-up the 2014 Sprint All-Star race, taking the lead for the final time 9 laps from the end.

"This is just a really awesome moment," he said.

"It's so much different than winning the Daytona 500 or the Brickyard because there are no points, and I think the mentality going into that last segment is just all or nothing, and that was my thought process.

"I am like, I don't really care if we wreck, I don't care what happens, I'm racing for a million dollars, I get to start on the front row and I'm going to make the very most out of the restart and everything that goes with this."

(Photo: Jonathan Moore/Getty Images)