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This article will be updated during the 2014 Formula 1 season. We will include the links of the major news posted during the year.

The 2014 Formula 1 season marks the introduction of new V6 turbo hybrid powerplants, a severe fuel restriction rule, rigorously revised aerodynamics, a more powerful Energy Recovery System, new Pirelli tires and new Grands Prix in Austria and Russia.

From now on, the F1 cars will be powered by 1.6-litre, turbocharged and hybrid V6 engines.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing (Photo: Red Bull)

2014 Formula 1 calendar:

March 16: Australia
March 30: Malaysia
April 6: Bahrain
April 20: China
May 11: Spain
May 25: Monaco
June 8: Canada
June 22: Austria
July 6: Britain
July 20: Germany
July 27: Hungary
August 24: Belgium
September 7: Italy
September 21: Singapore
October 5: Japan
October 12 Russia
November 2: United States (COTA Austin)
November 9: Brazil
November 23: Abu Dhabi

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari (Photo: Ferrari)

SECTION 1
2014 CAR LAUNCHES

McLaren MP4-29

Ferrari F14 T

Sauber C33

Toro Rosso STR9

Mercedes W05

Red Bull RB10

Williams FW36

Caterham CT05

Sahara Force India VJM07

Marussia MR03

Lotus E22 (official launch still to come)

Jenson Button, McLaren (Photo: McLaren)

SECTION 2
2014 FORMULA 1 DRIVERS' HELMETS

Photos of the helmets of the 2014 Formula 1 drivers


SECTION 3
2014 FORMULA 1 CARS
Photos of the 2014 Formula turbo cars, plus teams' websites, Twitter accounts and Facebook fan pages.

Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India (Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team)

SECTION 4
2014 TECHNICAL AND SPORTING REGULATIONS

F1 Technique: The components of the new V6 turbo F1 power unit

F1: A look at the 2014 Formula 1 technical rules

F1: A closer look at the ''anteater'' noses of the 2014 F1 turbo cars

F1 Technique: Photos of Renault's Energy F1 Power Unit (+photos)

F1: Mercedes leaks first images of new F1 V6 turbo engine

Few Canadians can debate the wholesome functionality, usefulness, and handiness of small-truck ownership.

Whether you're renovating, getting into a new adventure sport or planning on numerous yard-related projects in the upcoming year, the used truck marketplace has you covered with affordable models that offer relatively decent fuel consumption and top-notch levels of payload and capability to get the job done. Heck, chances are you'll find new uses for your new-to-you little pickup every week you own it.

If you haven't got a mobile home or numerous skids of roofing shingles to haul around at any given time, the following small-pickup models might be on your radar. Most can be had affordably, and most should offer solid reliability if they pass a few mandatory checks.

Here's a look at what owners like about their small trucks, and what they say you should be on the lookout for.

2005 to 2011 Dodge Dakota
The Draw: Dakota's two-and-a-half decade run came to a halt in 2011 because of declining small-truck sales -- though the market is full of used examples for shoppers after performance and style. Owners of this-generation Dakota typically rate power, ride quality, a solid driving feel, capability, and cabin spaciousness highly. Models with the V8 engine are said to be plenty powerful and responsive in all situations.

Look for up to 310 horsepower from the 4.7L V8, with a 3.7L V6 as standard. If you're after a newer small truck with a V8, this is one of your only options. Look for a 2007 or older model if you're after a 6-speed stick, and shop a 2007 or newer model for more V8 power, a more refined cabin, and more features.

Dodge Dakota 2008 (Photo: Dodge)

The Checks: Online, owners have complained about less-than-durable front-end construction, so have a good “listen” for signs of popping or clunking as you drive over rough roads and bumps, and “feel” the front-end for signs of slop. A mechanic should check the Dakota's suspension for maximum confidence, having a look at the transmission, transfer case and differential for signs of fluid leakage while it's in the air.

Ensure the transmission shifts smoothly, noting any hesitation, “slipping” or “banging” sensations while the transmission shifts at light, moderate, and full throttle. Drivers should also “feel” for a vibration at highway speeds, which could indicate a transmission problem. The transmission should shift cleanly and smoothly in all situations.

Note that hesitation or a rough idle from either engine could indicate a sensor or electronic problem with the engine control unit. Confirm that all stereo speakers are working properly, and be sure there is no sign of moisture in the Dakota's carpeting, which could be the result of a bad window or sunroof seal.

2010 Dodge Dakota (Photo: Dodge)

Continue reading Buyers Guide: Small Trucks on the Cheap

From GMM

F1 could have not one, but two new teams in 2015.

Italy's Autosprint reports that, in Paris early this week, the FIA began the official evaluation process after inviting expressions of interest in filling the pitlane vacancy created by HRT's demise.

But correspondent Roberto Chinchero reports that there are, in fact, two team vacancies on the grid at present.

"There is no official information," he said, "but rumours are beginning that the doors to F1 could open for two teams."

The candidature of Nascar team co-owner Gene Haas is well known, but Autosprint said the other successful applicant could be the former Force India and HRT team chief Colin Kolles.

Italy's Omnicorse reports that a third applicant, Serbian Zoran Stefanovic who tried and failed to enter a team a few years ago, has "little hope" for 2015.

The FIA's decision will be announced at the end of the month.

Photo: WRi2

The sensational Toyota FT-1 concept, which took the Detroit Auto Show crowd by surprise a month ago, will indeed enter production. Even better, it's going to resurrect a name adored by many sports car enthusiasts: Supra.

Photo: Toyota

Quoting unidentified sources from within the company, Australia's Motoring.com.au reports that the production Supra will emulate the FT-1 concept's styling and offer a choice of two engines: a 2.0L 4-cylinder with an estimated 250 horsepower and a 6-cylinder generating more than 400 horsepower. The base model would start under $100,000, undercutting the Nissan GT-R.

Photo: Toyota

Unfortunately, we will likely have to wait at least two years to get a clear picture of what the next Toyota Supra will look like.

Source : autos.ca

From GMM

Not everyone thinks Kimi Raikkonen will struggle to keep up with Fernando Alonso at Ferrari this year.

Despite the fact the returning Finn Raikkonen is the Italian marque's last champion, departed Felipe Massa recently tipped Alonso to lead this year because he "combines talent with brains".

Raikkonen's countryman Mika Hakkinen, however, the 1998 and 1999 world champion with McLaren, thinks Ferrari will win with a Finn.

"I think Kimi's driving style is really perfect for these turbo cars," he is quoted by the Spanish daily Marca. "Alonso pushes too hard, so I think Kimi will beat him."

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

With one leaving and another joining, two well-known F1 names have given their view about the once-great British team Williams.

Arriving at Grove is the long-time Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, who told Brazilian television Rede Globo: "I'm very happy. It is a time when I needed a change and it's at an important moment in formula one when everything is changing."

With similar reasoning for departing Williams, however, is Xevi Pujolar, a long-serving engineer who has quit the team to join Toro Rosso.

"Last year, the situation was quite difficult and Williams did not feel right. So I decided to change," he told Spain's El Confidencial.

"When Pat Symonds arrived I was fine with it because he is someone with great experience, there were other factors as well. I had spoken several times with Toro Rosso and it looked like a growing team with great potential."

Xevi Pujolar and Claire Williams, Nurburgring 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

Spaniard Pujolar, 40, said part of the problem at Williams was its difficulty in adapting from life at the very front of the grid.

"You have to accept that times are changing and make different plans," he said. "And accept that you're not world champion anymore. But now I think they are making many changes and will improve. Personally, I needed a change of scenery."

Finally, Xevi Pujolar laughed when asked if he would change places with a Renault engineer at present, given the French marque's current technical troubles.

"I think I'm fine where I am!" he said.

Employers with fewer than 100 workers, including many new-car dealers, won't have to provide health insurance until 2016 under the U.S. Affordable Health Care Act, as the administration said it would again delay a key requirement of the health law.

Volkswagen AG has been soliciting subsidies from Tennessee and Mexico, hoping to pick a production site this year for a mid-sized SUV due to go on sale in 2016.

General Motors expects to pay CEO Mary Barra about $14.4 million this year, GM said today in response to reports speculating on her compensation compared with that of retired CEO Dan Akerson.

When

News 4 Mar, 2014

New Skoda Octavia Scout makes its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show

Daimler, Volkswagen and BMW say they will return awards from Germany's ADAC automotive club after an audit discovered the results of the coveted "Yellow Angel" award were manipulated.

Toyota Australia's announcement of the planned end of local manufacturing in 2017 was both inevitiable and ironic.

A Hong Kong bidder for Fisker has hired former Ford of Europe executive Martin Leach in anticipation of winning a bankruptcy auction for the assets of the defunct maker of a plug-in hybrid sports car.

Pictures See all 7 pictures 4 Mar, 2014

What is it?

You probably don't picture a station wagon when you hear "Packard Eight," so it's a special treat to see one get proper attention at a major auction.

Tenneco and Sturman Industries say the former has acquired exclusive rights to the digital valve technology used in Tenneco's DRiV suspension products, which was previously licensed from Sturman.

Honda teamed up with and#8220;