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Ford's Super Bowl ad buy scored some extra points online.

It has been three weeks now that Audi signed Swiss driver Nico Müller to partner Jamie Green at Team Rosberg for the 2014 season of the German DTM championship. Yet, the 21-year-old is still not nervous about making his first career start in May.

The former Formula Renault and GP3 driver is actually feeling "better every day" about being a factory driver. One can only conclude this youngster has completely lost his mind, probably from too many friends calling to congratulate him.

"I've never experienced anything like it," he admitted.

"I'd won a Formula race in Monaco before - and there were a lot of calls and e-mails afterwards too. But the reactions following the DTM announcement, they were in a class of their own."

Nothing intimidating there (Photo: DTM)

Could he actually be looking forward to the pressure of racing against some of the best drivers in the world in front of thousands of spectators?

"The DTM is a difficult series and, from my point of view, currently poses the biggest challenge to any race driver. That's why I can hardly wait to be pitted against all the top drivers on track.

"More visibility, more fans, more commitments, getting to know new things - I really wouldn't mind if it started tomorrow."

Yes, definitely crazy.

From M-Sport

Rally Sweden provided a host of challenges for Robert Kubica. Despite finishing the event in 24th place, the Pole was able to develop his knowledge and experience of the unfamiliar white surface.

After a strong start, Kubica lost all chances of a good result during the second pass of Friday's classic stages.

Becoming engulfed in the soft snow banks, the Pole twice lost 10 minutes to the leaders having to free his Fiesta from their grasp. On the final day of competition, he lost yet more time with a third brush with the white barriers.



Bringing his Fiesta home, Kubica may not have achieved the points-paying position he was capable of, but the knowledge and experience gained will be invaluable in years to come.

"I have to say that I was looking forward to finishing this rally, and we have done that. We made mistakes, but I know the reasons for them," confirmed Kubica.

"By driving slowly and carefully I don't drive like I should be and have more moments and more mistakes than when I'm driving fast."

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has come up with a new initiative to help police a budget cap in the World Championship.

Everyone has been talking about the 2014 season as the first chapter of the new "V6 era". But it is also to be the last of another kind of era, as from the 2015 season onwards, teams will no longer be allowed to spend more than $200 million per year.

"We have approved the budget cap. It is going to happen," Ecclestone confirmed to the Express.

This new budget cap should help bring down the costs of the sport. But many fear the initiative is pointless because it is impossible to police such a cap.

The latest suggestion to help make it all work comes from Ecclestone himself.

The 83-year-old's idea is to offer €1 million to anyone with information regarding an eventual breach of the budget limitation: "The plan under consideration is to give €1 million to any whistleblower whose knowledge is proved to be accurate," he said.

"We will then say to the team that the following year you will lose three of the maximum points you have scored. Then let's see if they want to cheat," he added.

From press release

The most incredible of Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour races has been emotionally won by Craig Lowndes, Peter Edwards, John Bowe and Mika Salo, driving a Ferrari 458 GT3.

The Ferrari-driving quartet won today's race by just 0.4 seconds in a thrilling finish between Lowndes and HTP Motorsport Mercedes Benz driver Maximilian Buhk.

A late-safety car with less than 20 minutes remaining put leader Lowndes under great pressure from the young German in the flying Mercedes.

The thrilling battle saw the pair locked together during the 15-minute sprint to the flag.

Thrilling finish in Bathurst (Photo: bathurst12hour.com.au)

In the end, Bathurst legend Lowndes added a 12-hour trophy to his five Bathurst 1000 wins today whilst team-mates Mika Salo, and Peter Edwards won their first.

John Bowe scored his third 12-hour triumph in a day that saw the Melbourne-based Maranello squad win a race that their former driver Allan Simonsen had made his own - the team dedicating their victory to the Dane, who passed tragically at Le Mans last year.

The 0.4 seconds final margin was the closest finish in Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour history.

The HTP Motorsport Mercedes trio of Buhk, 2013 winner Thomas Jaeger and Harold Primat scored second in an eventful day that saw them start eleventh then charge to the front early before dropping two laps off the pace after a brake issue saw them forced to the garage for repairs.

However, the team fought back bravely and found themselves in contention for the thrilling finish that eventuated.

The Erebus Motorsport ‘Aussie' squad of Will Davison, Jack LeBrocq and Greg Crick finished third and were yet another team to fight back from laps down to score an unlikely podium.

Model: 2008 to 2012 Buick Enclave

Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV

The Verdict: A properly maintained Enclave that's free of commonly reported trouble-signs should prove comfortable, flexible, upscale and family-ready. Shoppers are advised to employ the services of a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, as well as to protect themselves by choosing a low-mileage unit with plenty of GM's lengthy powertrain warranty remaining.

Price: Earlier, higher-mileage units can be had from as low as $10,000, with a newer, loaded unit with low miles coming in around $37,000 depending on equipment. There's plenty of selection between $20,000 and $30,000.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

History/Description: Buick's award-winning Enclave launched for 2008 and quickly began collecting awards, including one from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) which saw the all-new Buick crossover beat out comparable entries from Mercedes and BMW as Canada's “Best new Crossover”.

Depending on the model selected, feature content included climate-controlled seats, navigation, Bluetooth, a Heads Up Display (HUD), dual sunroofs, automatic climate control and room for up to 8 occupants. Unique features included adaptive lighting, a power tailgate and DVD entertainment consoles.

Space and flexibility were near the top of the crossover class with clever sliding, folding seats and well over 3,000 litres of total cargo space. All models got GM's 3.6L V6 teamed with a 6-speed automatic, and AWD helped create added all-season confidence.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

What Owners Like: Owners tend to appreciate the ride quality, space and Enclave's overall upscale design the most. Performance is rated strongly, as is the flexible interior. Most owners say their machines are surprisingly easy to maneuver, despite the large size.

What Owners Dislike: Common owner-stated gripes include higher-than-expected fuel consumption, a fussy navigation system, finicky Bluetooth phone interface and limited rear-seat space. Many owners also wish for more aggressive transmission programming for better performance.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Common Issues: Start by confirming proper operation of the air conditioner, rear-seat climate control system, all entertainment-related electronics, and the rear liftgate. Is the automatic climate control working? The air conditioner? The steering wheel mounted audio controls? Further, ensure the Bluetooth system works properly by linking it to your Smartphone, confirm proper operation of all windows and locks, and the remote key-fobs.

Inspect the outer edges of the ceiling liner and footwell carpeting for signs of moisture resulting from a leaky sunroof drain tube which may be eligible for free repair thanks to a recall. Note that this issue likely only affects 2008 models.

A transmission that shifts harshly, slips or responds unfavorably to throttle inputs may require having its computer brain wiped out and reprogrammed by a GM technician.

Most importantly, be aware of a fairly well documented problem with earlier (ie, 2008) versions of the 3.6L engine. A timing-chain wear issue could be expensive to fix should it be present, and it could result in engine failure. Ensuring the model you're considering was treated to frequent, high-quality oil changes is a good defense, as is a ‘scan' of the engine's computer brain—which can actually point to this issue if it's occurring. Be sure to have a GM technician take a look.

Note that though this is a serious and potentially expensive issue, it seemed to be solved from 2009 and on.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From WRC

Jari-Matti Latvala believes that sessions with a sports psychologist helped him get his 2014 campaign off to the great start he is enjoying.

The Finn took his third Rally Sweden victory on Saturday, and he now heads the WRC drivers' standings, for the first time, on 40 points, five ahead of defending champion Sebastien Ogier, who dropped out of contention in Sweden when he drove into a snow bank on Thursday.



After the finish podium, Latvala revealed that sessions with trainer Christoph Treier, who used to work with Marcus Gronholm, helped him remain focused - especially early in the rally when the pressure of trying to catch Ogier showed.

Jari-Matti Latvala, VW Polo R WRC (Photo: jmlatvala.com)

“He has helped me a lot. This was something the team was asking and I was considering for me that it could be good,” Latvala explained. “So thanks for the team for thinking about this. Mental training, I believe - on every sport - you can do work.”

Latvala believes his early success will give him a mental boost ahead of the remaining 11 rounds of the championship, which resumes next month in Mexico. 

“I have had difficult starts to the season so many times and not done so good starts. And when you are at a low point in the start, it's so difficult - halfway in the year you have already lost your Championship.

"I really wanted to concentrate to get a good start for the season - I got fifth in the Monte and I knew it would be important to get a good position over here to keep the Championship interesting,” he added.

Audi has opened a "digital" showroom on a major Berlin shopping street, part of a shift by luxury carmakers to move into smaller, pricier city center locations to woo young, affluent buyers.

Right after Peyton Manning's first-quarter interception toss to Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor in Super Bowl XLVIII, American Honda tweeted out a condolence video of sorts.

BMW is bringing a new performance line to the United States that gives vehicles more horsepower and a sportier feel.

Ford must face a new trial on claims the company violated commercial truck dealers' pricing contracts in the retrial of a case that previously generated a $2 billion award against the company.

Cadillac will pump out plenty of commercials for its redesigned 2014 CTS sedan during the Winter Olympics this month.

From WRC

Jari-Matti Latvala overhauled his Volkswagen team-mate and reigning world champion Sébastien Ogier at the top of World Rally Championship (WRC) standings, with a win in this weekend's Rally Sweden.

The Finn, who claimed his maiden Swedish victory in 2008, beat Volkswagen team-mate Andreas Mikkelsen by 53.6sec after a tight battle through snowy forests in Sweden and Norway. Mikkelsen, who twice led the rally, secured his first WRC podium.



Third went to Mads Ostberg who finished just 5.9sec behind his fellow Norwegian to secure his fourth consecutive podium in the championship's only true winter round.

Jari-Matti Latvala, VW Polo R WRC (Photo: VW Motorsport)

Ogier, Mikkelsen and Latvala dominated the opening leg in their Polo R cars. When Ogier dropped more than four minutes yesterday morning after crashing into a snowbank, Mikkelsen moved to the front.

Ostberg struggled for confidence initially in his first loose surface rally in a DS3, but came to terms with the car and saw off the Ford Fiesta RS cars of Mikko Hirvonen and Ott Tanak.



Ogier recovered from 20th to finish sixth, overhauling Henning Solberg in the penultimate stage. Pontus Tidemand, Craig Breen and Kris Meeke completed the leaderboard, Meeke bouncing back after losing seven minutes and sixth place when he slid into the snow this morning.



Elfyn Evans was on course for ninth until rolling his Fiesta RS in the final stage, while Martin Prokop retired this morning when he went off and became stuck in the snow.

Hyundai duo Juho Hanninen and Thierry Neuville finished down the order after respectively damaging a wheel and breaking the front right suspension on their i20 cars yesterday and Robert Kubica was 24th after three lengthy spells in the snow.

From BMW

Next month, Andy Priaulx is going to swap the BMW Z4 GTLM he races in the United SportsCar Championship for a very different model from the German manufacturer - a BMW 3.0si.

Priaulx will be one of the celebrity drivers to take part in the Goodwood 72nd Members' Meeting on the 29th and 30th March.

The triple world touring car champion will be sharing the BMW 3.0si with race preparation expert Alex Elliott. The car itself is the same specification as that raced by touring car ace Tony Lanfranchi in 1973, and is entered in the Gerry Marshall Trophy which is for Group 1 touring cars of up to 1982 vintage.

Priaulx said: “I always enjoy going to Goodwood for the amazing events held there. They are always special and so to be part of the 72nd Members' meeting is something I know I shall enjoy. I just love sitting behind the wheel of a BMW on a race track, so to be given the chance to race this iconic model in the Gerry Marshall Trophy is just too good an opportunity to miss.”

“For me to be able to compare the touring cars I race now to those of 40 years ago is fantastic”, added Priaulx. “Although they were a little before my time, I am very well aware of the exploits of such touring car legends as Tony Lanfranchi and Gerry Marshall," he said.

From press release

The Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) is pleased to confirm that Continental Tire has extended its presenting partnership for three more years. The CTCC has built a solid icon in the Canadian racing industry over the years and we are proud to develop this relationship further for another three years.

The key advantage of this significant partnership is the Continental ExtremeContact race tire which will continue to be the official and exclusive tire of CTCC.  The tires have proven to be able to handle the extreme challenges of touring car racing and the drivers have come to rely on their performance on the track to give the fans the best racing experience.

As the new season shapes up, we are welcoming new teams with newly-built race cars ready to take on the challenges of CTCC racing.

Photo: Paolo Pedicelli

"We are proud to extend our partnership with Continental.  Over the years we have built a strong relationship and we are excited about what is to come.  The possibilities are there and we are ready to go further together; we are very fortunate to have the support of the entire Continental team," stated John Bondar, President of CTCC.

"The last 3 years have been extremely exciting for Continental Tire Canada. We have thoroughly enjoyed building a lasting partnership with John, his staff, and all the fantastic race teams.  We are thrilled to be extending our partnership for another 3 years," commented Terry Smouter, Marketing Manager of Continental Tire Canada.

From press release

A wide variety of drag racing machines will be on display in the Quarter-Mile Corral at this weekend's eighth annual Canadian Motorsports Expo. The show runs February 7, 8 & 9 in Hall 5 of Toronto's International Centre.

Several teams that compete in the popular Quick 32 Sportsman Series and the Pro Bike and Sled Series will be on hand at the CME with their race vehicles.

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, will be represented by both the Top Dragster and Top Sportsman classes that make up the series.

From Buffalo, New York, Dan Flanigan will display his Top Sportsman 2013 Chevy Camaro (top right). The NOCO Energy Corporation Camaro features a 680-cubic inch nitrous-injected engine underneath the swoopy G-Force Race Cars product.

On hand with his Top Dragster will be Lyle Williams of Strathroy, Ontario. This 2012 Race Tech car (middle right) competes with a 526-cubic inch Veney Hemi between the chassis rails with a Kobelco Supercharger on top.

Representing the PBSS, presented by Wiseco Performance Products, will be popular series racer Jessica Touroukis (bottom right) and her 2002 Arctic Cat Thundercat snowmobile. Touroukis, from Innisfil, Ontario, rides for the Psycho Princess team with her sled, which is powered by a 1000-cc engine.

Also on display representing various other drag race series will be:
• Bill Kraft - Can-Am Stock Super Stock Series
• John Wisman - Can-Am Stock Super Stock Series
• Ian Hill - Can-Am Stock Super Stock Series
• Lui Ramundo - DSE Automotive Sportsman Racing Series - Super Pro/Quick 16
• Pete Stewart - DSE Automotive Sportsman Racing Series - Bike
• Emily Ramundo - DSE Automotive Sportsman Racing Series - Jr Dragster
• Nicole Meloche - Ontario Street Car Association - OSCA
• JP Calandra - Ontario Street Car Association - OSCA
• Simon Moroz - Ontario Street Car Association - OSCA

Aside from these racing machines at the CME, drag racing will be center stage for a panel discussion about the sport, with the top names in Canadian drag racing taking part.

Hosting the panel, which is to take place on the CME's Inside Track Stage from 3:45 to 4:45 on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 9), will be moderator Bruce Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series.

Joining Mehlenbacher will be Andrew Stirk of DSE Automotive Sportsman Racing Series, Can-Am Stock Super Stock Series driver Victoria Smith, Dan Flanigan, driver of the NOCO Sponsored Top Sportsman entry in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, nitro-burning Nostalgia Funny Car racer Rick Kopp, and Rob Reeves of Edmonton's Castrol Raceway.

From press release

Move Motorsports Executives Jason Sharpe and Diane Dale (promoters of the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship) announced today details of a new Formula 2000 Championship for the Canadian market.

Sanctioned by CASC - Ontario Region the series will feature the sleek, fast cars that are realizing a huge resurgence in the United States and that were featured so prominently in Canada during the 80's and 90's, helping to nurture the career of some of Canada's greatest racing stars.

“With the success we have had in such a short time promoting Formula 1600 racing in Canada we felt it only natural that we create another step on the ladder for Formula Car racers in this country,” stated Move's Jason Sharpe.

To ensure large grids and close competition throughout the field the Series will have two classes and allow for multiple chassis including Van Diemen, Citation, and the newly launched Spectrum. The motor package will be the Ford Zetec in A Class that is immensely popular in both Pro and Club levels in the US and the older Ford “Pinto' motor which was the staple for so many years in Formula 2000 competition.

Canadian Remy Audette (foreground) racing in the US based F2000 championship while it visits Mosport, ON (Photo: www.f2000championshipseries.com)

“CASC-OR are proud of the resurgence of open-wheel racing in Ontario,” said CASC Race Director and Executive Committee member Ted Michalos,

The Series will also provide additional opportunities for some of Canada's professional teams to build their businesses close to home, many of which have been running ultra successful programs in US based series for years.

“The time is right for a return for Formula 2000,” said BGR Team Grote owner Brian Graham. “When Formula 2000 first gained popularity and migrated to North America it was Canada that took it to great heights, first with the Walter Wolf series then the Canadian Tire Series before the very popular Export A National Pro Series,” he added.

The Series will have a modest schedule in year one, with 4 weekends on the calendar and a mid-summer start to allow Series management time to raise awareness with teams and to allow competitors time to organize themselves - ensuring a large grid when the green flag flies. Three of the events will be at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, in conjunction with the Toyo Tires F1600 Series.

A fourth event is still being negotiated.

Planned schedule
June 21 / 22, BARC Grand Prix of Ontario, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
July / August, TBD
September 13 / 14, BEMC Indian Summer Trophy Races, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
September 27 / 28, CASC-OR Celebration of Motorsports, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Toyota is close to a deal to pay $1 billion to settle a federal criminal investigation into how it disclosed customers' complaints about unintended acceleration years ago, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing anonymous sources.

Kia Motors America's marketing boss, Michael Sprague, will assume the new role of executive vice president of sales and marketing following the departure of Tom Loveless, Kia's executive vice president of sales.

Kia Motors America's marketing boss, Michael Sprague, will assume the new role of executive vice president of sales and marketing following the departure of Tom Loveless, Kia's executive vice president of sales.