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From GMM

Jean Todt says he is confident Michael Schumacher will recover from his skiing injuries.

The FIA president, who became famously close to the seven time world champion during their days together at Ferrari, is one of only a handful of people who have visited Schumacher in hospital since he fell into coma three weeks ago.

Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher celebrate with Rubens Barrichello (Photo: Ferrari)

There has been speculation the great 45-year-old German may not recover from his brain injuries, but Frenchman Todt said he is confident he will see his close friend again.

"Michael is a fighter and I know well his energy, his courage and his perseverance," he is quoted in German-language news reports.

"I firmly believe this will make the difference at a time when fate is hesitating," Todt reportedly said in Munich at an awards ceremony.

"It is at this time that all who love him must believe in him," he added.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone is facing the prospect of up to ten years in jail.

F1's embattled chief executive has been removed from the sport's executive board after German prosecutors announced he will face trial in 2014 for alleged corruption.

"The possible maximum penalty is a ten year prison sentence," the major Bild daily declared.

Banker Gerhard Gribkowsky has already been jailed for eight and a half years for accepting Ecclestone's bribe, but according to the judge in that case, the F1 supremo's alleged acts were worse.

Indeed, that judge - Peter Noll - will also preside over the Ecclestone case, and in the Gribkowsky trial he claimed the "driving force" of the corruption "was Mr Ecclestone".

Bernie Ecclestone (Photo: WRi2)

For now, 83-year-old Briton Ecclestone is typically bullish, but even he admits that jail will definitely end his long reign over formula one.

"I don't think I could operate that well from a German prison -- I hope I don't have to," he told the Express newspaper.

Dr Helmut Marko, a leading figure at the world champion F1 team Red Bull, said he continues to support Ecclestone.

"He must be presumed innocent," the Austrian told Germany's SID news agency.

"Of course these are not easy circumstances, but until there is a judgement, he will remain our partner," Marko added.

Adapted from GMM

McLaren has refused to comment on intensifying speculation Ross Brawn could soon be unveiled as the great British team's new boss.

After five years of Martin Whitmarsh's reign culminated in the disastrous 2013 campaign, it emerged last week that supremo Ron Dennis has wrested back control of the team he built to success.

Some think Dennis now wants to return to the pitwall as team principal, but at the age of 66, others believe that is unlikely.

So, it is the newly-departed former Mercedes boss Brawn who is now at the centre of the speculation, even though a McLaren source told the Telegraph the team will "not get involved in commenting" on those rumours.

Ross Brawn trying to hide behind a plant (Photo: WRi2)

What is fairly clear is that the Whitmarsh era is over.

McLaren also has played down reports its 2014 car is yet to pass all of the mandatory FIA crash tests.

"It is normal at this time of the year for teams to push to the limit to achieve maximum performance," a source at the Woking based team reportedly told the German news agency DPA.

"It is no different when it comes to the crash tests," he added, insisting the MP4-29 will pass the tests before it makes its track debut.

However, it is not clear if the tests will be passed in time for the first pre-season session at Jerez in just over a week. Eric Boullier said recently he knew as "fact" that Lotus will not be the only team missing in southern Spain.

Spain's El Mundo Deportivo said McLaren has scheduled a new round of crash tests for the forthcoming week.

Meanwhile, former F1 driver, legend Sir Jackie Stewart, played down suggestions Jenson Button's performance may suffer in 2014, following the death of his father.

John Button was a key member of the McLaren driver's entourage at grands prix, but Stewart insisted: "I think racing drivers probably are tougher than most people.

"Jenson will miss him terribly, but look at all the deaths we had (in F1 in the past), yet for whatever reason we all raced."

Model: 2006 to 2013 Infiniti G35/G37

Vehicle Type: Sedan, Coupe or Convertible

The Verdict: Issues all appear to be easily diagnosed and repaired, and no major or systematic problems were reported with enough frequency to cause alarm. Find the G that's right for you, get it inspected fully, and start enjoying one of the most reliable used premium sports models on the road.

Price: Older, high-mileage units can be had from about $9,000, with newer, loaded, low-mileage units commanding prices approaching $60,000. Selection is rich between $20,000 and $40,000.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

History/Description: The latest iteration of the Infiniti G lineup offered Canadian shoppers plenty of choice. Available in sedan, coupe and convertible variants, with available all-wheel drive (AWD) and in a higher-performing Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) variant, selection in this premium model range was world-class.

Available feature content included Bluetooth and multimedia connectivity, adaptive xenon lights, climate-controlled leather seats with memory, keyless engine start, a premium BOSE stereo system, sunroof, driver computer, and plenty more.

The VQ25VHR powerplant in the mileage-focused G25 displaced 2.5L and generated 218 horsepower; but it's the bigger V6 engines that'll be more popular. Most examples in the used market will have 3.5L or 3.7L V6s making no less than 305 horsepower, and as much as 348 horsepower on IPL-tuned models.

Note that G models wearing an X designation have Infiniti's AWD system, and models with the S designation carry the Sport Package, which fits bigger wheels, sporty tires, tighter springs, and various precision-enhancing upgrades. The X and S designations (AWD and Sport Package) could also be combined.

Look for paddle-shift control with the 5- or 7-speed automatic transmission, and a delightfully short, stubby shifter with the 6-speed stick.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

What Owners Like: G owners tend to rave about an all-around balance of performance and comfort, looks, a well-appointed cabin, and the great-sounding, strong acceleration delivered by the bigger V6 engines. Great handling, a long list of gadgets, and the tail-happy, strongly rear-drive bias to the AWD system were commonly praised, too.

What Owners Dislike: Rear seat headroom (especially on coupe models) was a common gripe -- as were higher-than-expected levels of road noise on some models. Most owners wish for better fuel consumption, and owners of the G37 convertible gripe about the near total loss of trunk space when they put the roof down. Further, the clutch pedal on manual-equipped models has a weird effort and lever action that takes some getting used to.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Common Issues: Examine the seats, steering wheel and dashboard for signs of abnormal wear. Earlier machines in this generation may have bubbling in the seat material, peeling or chipping steering-wheel trim or an instrument cluster that's bubbling upwards or lifting away.

Other niggling issues relate to condensation or water inside the headlight assemblies, and an annoying, rattling or buzzing sound from the muffler area of 2008 G37 models. A squealing or screeching sound from the lower area of the windshield is likely a bad piece of weather stripping, and the sound can be eliminated with a bit of lubricant or the installation of some felt tape.

Automatic and manual transmissions should both be scrutinized for signs of hard shifting (automatic) or grinding and “popping out of gear” (manual) -- although the G's gearboxes seem to be largely free of the issues reported in the previous generation. A check of all fluids for condition and level is also advised.

If you're considering a convertible, be sure to operate the roof several times between open and closed, noting any straining, binding or other unwelcomed sensations. Fully inspect the interior and trunk for signs of water leaks, mildew or rust, as well.

Photo: Rob Rothwell

Spaniard Juan Roma took his maiden win in the car category of the famous Dakar rally-raid, Saturday in Chile, resolving the team orders row at X-Raid.

Stéphane Peterhansel went against his boss Sven Quandt's wish Friday when he took the lead of the event, but it was only because his teammate Roma got lost and prefered to follow the Frenchman to the finish rather than risk getting lost again.

"Follow me," Peterhansel told his teammate Roma (BMW Sports Communications)

On Saturday, Peterhansel gave the lead of the event back to Roma to comply with the team orders of Friday. Nasser Al-Attiyah completed the all MINI podium.

Giniel de Villers takes fourth position overall aboard his Toyota Hilux, ahead of another MINI X-Raid, driven by Orlando Terranova.

Robby Gordon was forced to retire on Friday with his Hummer, which put an end to a very tough Dakar rally for the NASCAR driver, who suffered numerous technical issues on his car.

Roma's win is actually his second, the Spaniard having also won the bike category exactly 10 years ago.

Michel Périn and Juan Roma eventually found their way (Photo: BMW Sports Communications)

Ron Tonkin, the Oregon auto dealer who crusaded against overbearing factories while president of the National Automobile Dealers Association in 1989, has died at age 82.

U.S. dealers aren't likely to get the new Smart ForFour four-seat car that goes on sale in Europe this year.

West Coast Editor Mark Rechtin, who walked the floor of the Detroit auto show gathering first impressions of new cars and concepts, is convinced that this was a show of missed opportunities.

At the Detroit auto show this week, suppliers and competitors finally got a chance to inspect the innovative Ford F-150 pickup. A constant parade of them toured the Ford exhibit. They snapped pictures with their cellphones. They measured.

U.S. dealers aren't likely to get the new Smart ForFour four-seat car that goes on sale in Europe this year.

The mood must be frosty in MINI X-Raid's area of the 2014 Dakar paddock, after Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel took the lead over from his teammate Nani Roma yesterday, going against strict orders from team boss Sven Quandt.

A week ago, after a horrible first few legs, Peterhansel was languishing some 30 minutes behind his teammate Nani Roma. It seemed then as though nothing could stop the Spaniard, a 2004 winner of the bike category, from taking his first victory on four wheels.

Nani Roma (Photo: BMW Sports Communications)

That is, only until Peterhansel's incredible comeback, which got the Frenchman back within striking distance of Roma by last Wednesday. Forecasting a potentially dangerous fight between his two top drivers, Quandt issued strict team orders to freeze the positions and stop the comeback.

But on Friday, as drivers neared the Chilean towns of El Salvador and La Serna, Peterhansel seemed to have forgotten the team orders. With a second place finish behind another of his teammates, Nasser Al-Attiyah, Peterhansel now laid 36 seconds... ahead of Roma in the overall classification, with one more stage to go.

Stéphane Peterhansel (Photo: BMW Sports Communications)

Will team boss Quandt ask Peterhansel to hand over the lead back to Roma, or will he give them both permission to fight?



In any case, this affair has sparked rumours of Peterhansel's potential departure from the team, possibly to join Peugeot, which is said to be preparing a return to the famous rally-raid for as soon as next year.

Robert Kubica (Ford Fiesta) has now had to retire from his second ever WRC start as well, having crashed out of SS8, at the Rallye Monte-Carlo.

The Pole exited last year's Whales Rally GB, his first ever event behind the wheel of a WRC car, in the same exuberant fashion.

In Monte-Carlo, round one of the 2014 World Rally Championship (WRC) season, his pace was impressive as always. He led early on and was still a very quick fourth at the moment of his demise.

Robert Kubica, Ford Fiesta RS WRC (Photo: McKlein)

The former F1 driver was giving the rally community another proof he has adapted well, up until he gave the rally community another proof he has not adapted well, crashing for the umpteenth time.

It seems as though Kubica is still getting to grip with one aspect of rally driving: the changing conditions, which are not as big a problem when driving on a closed course.

On the everyday roads of the rally world, it can be over four hours before a driver uses again the same bit of stage. In that time, conditions can change drastically. To be able to judge how exactly, Kubica needs experience.

But given time, he will most certainly be able to challenge the cream of the WRC.

From GMM

Sauber and Toro Rosso have become the latest teams to reveal details of their 2014 plans.

Swiss team Sauber said the C33 will be revealed online on January 26, which is two days before the start of winter testing at Jerez.

And Toro Rosso's 2014 car, the STR9, will be rolled onto the pitlane for the media on the evening before the Jerez test kicks off with Jean-Eric Vergne at the wheel.

Meanwhile, although McLaren's launch plans are already known, there are reports the new MP4-29 is still yet to pass all of its mandatory FIA crash tests.

The tests must be completed before the team's last Mercedes-powered car can debut at Jerez.

But a McLaren spokesman told Germany's motorsport-total.com that it is "normal" that teams push the envelope at this time of year "in order to achieve the best possible performance".

Jeff Gordon's 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup car will make its Canadian debut in the Canadian Motor Speedway display at the Canadian Motorsports Expo. The 8th annual CME takes place February 7, 8 & 9 at Toronto's International Centre.

For the fourth year in a row, the Canadian Motor Speedway (CMS) exhibit at Canada's Ultimate Racing Show will feature one of Gordon's cars. Racing fans in attendance at this year's show are in for a special experience as the CMS booth will present - for the first time anywhere in Canada - the 2014 paint scheme that will appear on Gordon's brand new #24 Axalta Chevrolet SS NASCAR Sprint Cup car when he takes to the track, one week after the Expo, to qualify for the season opening Daytona 500.

The car's new paint scheme is being kept under wraps until Hendrick Motorsports and Axalta unveil it at the end of January in Charlotte, NC. The timing of the embargo will give Canadian racing fans who visit the Canadian Motor Speedway booth at the CME an exclusive opportunity to be among the first anywhere to see Gordon's new ride in person.

Photo: CME

“The fan interest in an actual NASCAR Sprint Cup show car - especially that of a driver as popular as Jeff - really gets the cameras clicking! We are always honoured to have the #24 with us at the CME,” commented Canadian Motor Speedway Partner and Executive Director Azhar Mohammad.

In addition to seeing the #24 car, visitors to the Canadian Motor Speedway will also be able to meet John Bickford, the Vice President and General Manager of Jeff Gordon, Inc. Bickford is Gordon's stepfather and is widely credited for much of the on and off-track success achieved by the four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion during his illustrious career. Gordon, one of NASCAR's top racers, is the designer of Canadian Motor Speedway. John Bickford will greet fans at the CMS booth on Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8.

About the CME
The 8th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 at Toronto's International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport. The show features motorsport content geared to racers, fans and automotive enthusiasts.

NASCAR Sprint Cup racer Ryan Newman will be at the CME on Saturday, February 8. For information about the show, including news, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, call (416) 962-7223, or emailinfo@CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com. The CME's website is located at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has played down his exit from the F1 board, insisting he is still in charge of the sport.

Whilst continuing to run the day to day business, the long-standing F1 'supremo' has relinquished his directorship pending the outcome of the criminal bribery trial in Munich.

But he told the BBC: "The minute the court case is over I'll be back on the board again.

"Everybody on the board is more than a million per cent supportive. They just want me to get on with doing what I always do."

However, the holding company Delta Topco's statement explained that while Ecclestone remains chief executive for now, he will be more closely monitored.

Ecclestone responded: "For Formula One Management it's the same as before. There is no change at all.

"It's just that if I wanted to buy something I can't do it without board approval.

"But when it comes to races, circuits, it will be as we've always done. It will be the same thing," he added.

From Rally America

The 41st running of the Sno*Drift Rally once again kicks-off the eight-round 2014 Rally America National Championship season on January 24-25, 2014 in Montmorency County, Michigan.

Sno*Drift is a performance rally that features prepared 2-wheel and 4-wheel-drive production cars on closed down timed sections of wintery roads It is the only planned snow event on the Rally America National Championship schedule attracting more than fifty domestic and international teams as well as legions of dedicated rally fans.

Last year's Sno*Drift winner and 2010 Rally America National Champion, Antoine L'Estage, is back to attempt a repeat victory in his trademark Mitsubishi Evolution X after he beat Subaru Rally Team USA's David Higgins on the very last stage in 2013.

David Higgins with co-driver Craig Drew went on to secure the 2013 Rally America title for the third consecutive year and are expected to return to Sno*Drift to extend their streak.

Dave Higgins, Craig Drew, Subaru Rally Team USA (Photo: Scott Rains)

The competition will be crowded with a large contingent of Super Production (SP) cars led by 2013 SP Champions David Sterckx and Karen Jankowski. The SP battle is expected to be tight with the entrance of Lauchlin O'Sullivan and Dillon Van Way, whom both are familiar with top podium finishes.

Although he won't be at Sno*Drift, four-time Rally America champion Travis Pastrana is returning to the sport he loves in 2014. His season starts at the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood on February 21-22nd in Salem, Missouri. 

"We're striving to put on a world class rally again this year and we're pleased to be able to do this in Montmorency County, it's a great place for an event of this caliber," said Don Rathgeber, Sno*Drift Rally Chairman.

The Sno*Drift Rally begins in downtown Lewiston, MI at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 24 at the Parc Expose where spectators will have a chance to view the rally cars on display, as well as get autographs from the many drivers and co-drivers prior to the start of the day's action.

Saturday starts once again in downtown Atlanta, MI at 8:00 AM, January 25, 2014 with another Parc Expose and opportunities to meet the drivers. After the day's action awards and the victory celebration will take place at the Hillman Community Center at 6:30 PM.  

There are also opportunities to see the drivers up close as well as watch all the amazing service crews repair damage to the race cars at the TRF sponsored service areas. On Friday it will be in downtown Lewiston and on Saturday at the Atlanta High School.

Spectator guides and event schedules are available for free download on the Sno*Drift website and at www.rally-america.com. Hard copy spectator guides will be available at Parcs Expose and at service areas. 

Officials of the United SportsCar Championship (USCC) have modified the regulation slightly to level the playing field in the top Prototype class.

They found the performances of the LMP2 and DP cars that form the field to be uneven during pre-season testing.

One modification IMSA introduced aims to limit the power of the Daytona Prototypes with a small diameter air restrictor. The sanctioning body also reduced the fuel capacity of the LMP2 cars from 75 to 72 litres, in order to make their stints shorter.

"The balance wasn't quite close enough, so what we are doing is making a very slight power reduction to the DPs to try to close the gap a little bit to the P2s," said Scot Elkins, technical boss of USC sanctioning body IMSA, is quoted saying by Autosport.

"We had a relatively significant lap time difference and we also had a difference in terms of top speed, so hopefully the power adjustment will compensate for that a little bit."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has closed its investigation into fire risks in 2.7 million older Jeep vehicles, ending a rare public standoff between U.S. regulators and an automaker over whether a safety recall is justified.

Toyota has renewed a multi-year sponsorship deal with the Milwaukee Brewers Major League Baseball club, the company said today.

Now that Fiat has almost closed its deal to buy the portion of Chrysler it does not already own, one of the main items on the to-do list of CEO Sergio Marchionne is expanding the global reach of the Jeep brand.