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Norwegian medias announce today that the talks between Ford M-Sport and Petter Solberg ahead of 2013 have failed.

Solberg, who clinched world title with Subaru in 2003, was left without an official seat after the japanese constructor announced its retirement at the end of 2009. The Norwegian driver ran the 2010 and 2011 seasons with his own private team, driving a Citroen C4 then a Citroen DS3.

In 2012, Solberg was back in an official team with Ford, that he reached replacing Mikko Hirvonen who went to Citroen. But Solberg failed to win any event this season, and made several off road that cost of lot to the Ford team.

Petter Solberg, Ford Fiesta WRC. (Photo: WRC)

Petter Solberg recently revealed that he was close to a deal with Citroen for 2013, but the talks between him and the french squad have stopped after his poor end of season. Today, several norwegian medias announce that he also failed to secure a seat with team M-Sport, and that he would stop his WRC career. After Ford stopped its involvement in WRC, team M-Sport has now to find budget to run its Ford Fiesta in

Another norwegian driver, Mads Ostberg, winner of Rally Portugal in 2012, has been promoted as number one driver in team M-Sport. Russian driver Evgeny Novikov seems very close to join him in the british squad.

After Sebastien Loeb, who will only run selected rounds next season, another great champion, and one the most popular driver, will leave the WRC next year.

There comes a time in every family's life when they will embark upon a storied road trip. With the car loaded to the brim with too many bags, snacks for the road, offspring and pets (if they apply), remembering the all-important road trip distractions is sometimes hard to do. However, when you're travelling with the younger generation, sometimes those distractions can make or break a pleasant trip.

Teens can easily be kept docile and happy for hours with an iPhone, iPod or anything else i-related. However, it's the young'uns who can really stir things up if not kept occupied while on long trips. And so, I've put together a list of interesting road trip essentials to keep your little ones in your good graces throughout the duration of your family getaway.

Crayola ColorStudio HD
This nifty little product from Griffin Technology and Crayola works with your iPad and is the perfect road trip essential for your little artist. The iMarker works as a crayon, marker or paintbrush so your child can colour up a storm... without colouring the car as well. With a free App available (with the purchase of the pen), your child has a multitude of images to colour and create on the journey. Let creativity reign supreme with the Crayola ColorStudio HD iMarker.
Price: $29.99

Photo: Griffin

Crayola MyPhones
Sometimes listening to that Disney movie for the 152nd time just isn't fun. I know. Instead of wishing Nemo was never found, ensure your children can hear every word of the dialogue they already know by heart via headphones specifically designed and made for them. Inner ear damage is always a worry with children, so these headphones from Crayola have a volume-limiting feature to ensure their little ears stay safe, while you stay sane. Available in different colours and as earbuds or headphones, the Crayola MyPhones can also be personalized with stickers and markers that come with each pair.
Price: Earbuds; $14.95 Headphones; $24.95

Photo: Griffin

Woogie
When you're a child, having a constant companion by your side is the ultimate desire. If you're sibling-free (as my son is), that constant companionship can come in the form of a stuffed animal or toy of some sort -- or you'll end up the long-lost buddy which means eternal entertaining on your part. Not really what you want to do on a long road trip. So, Griffin Technology has come up with a nifty little product that's not only cute, but an uber good buddy alternative for your child. Using your iPhone or Touch, the Woogie comes to life (after you download the free app) and interacts with your child. Play games, tell jokes and make sure the Woogie is fed and entertained and your child will have a friend for the entire trip or longer. Fear not, if you've more than one child, their Woogies can also interact with each other. Fun for all!
Price: $24.99

Photo: Griffin

Snack & Play Travel Tray
Some children's car seats feature cup holders and armrests, as well as headrests, but rarely do they offer a surface for your child to play/eat/draw on. Unless you're privileged enough to own a Jaguar XJL with the flip-down tray tables in the backseat, having a travel tray on which your child can do whatever he/she feels the need to do will keep them occupied and happy on the journey. Made of durable nylon (which is also easy to wipe down, always important) with foam inserts to keep it rigid (but pliable in case of an accident), the tray table features straps to attach to the car seat, stroller or even an airplane seat. There's also nifty little mesh side pockets so you can make sure everything is right within your little one's reach. Edging around the perimeter of the tray ensures your child's toys/snacks/crayons stay put, no matter how bumpy the ride.
Price: $19.99

Photo: Star Kids

Are We There Yet? Road Trips in the 21st Century
While this isn't a product directly related to your child, it's still going to help you on those long, tedious road trips by giving you plenty of tricks and advice on how to keep your child happy and pleasant for the entire journey. From classic games we all remember to 21st century, up-to-date methods, this book will ensure your keep your cool and your child smiling; something we can all hope for on any family vacation.
Price: Approx. $25

Photo: Amazon

From ROC press office

Team France will have a strong line-up at the 2012 Race Of Champions as reigning ROC ‘Champion of Champions' Sébastien Ogier returns to defend his title alongside Lotus Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean.

The French duo will team up for their home country at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium in the ROC Nations Cup on December 15 before competing for individual glory in the Race Of Champions on December 16.

Ogier has already climbed that summit, having fended off all comers to win the Race Of Champions on his ROC debut last year.

Grosjean made his Race Of Champions debut last year too, reaching the semi-final of the ROC Nations Cup alongside Ogier for Team France.

Photo: ROC press office

The Race Of Champions, which is being staged for the 25th consecutive year in 2012, brings together the world's greatest drivers from motor sport's main disciplines - including Formula 1, world rally, touring cars, Le Mans, MotoGP, IndyCar and the X-Games - and sets them free to battle head-to-head in identical machinery.

Drivers confirmed for the 2012 Race Of Champions:

• Michael SCHUMACHER, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion
• Sebastian VETTEL, Formula 1 World Champion 2012, 2011, 2010
• Jorge LORENZO, MotoGP World Champion 2012, 2010
• Mick DOOHAN, five-time 500cc MotoGP World Champion
• Ryan HUNTER-REAY, IndyCar Series Champion 2012
• Jamie WHINCUP, V8 Supercar Champion 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008
• David COULTHARD, 13-time Formula 1 grand prix winner
• Andy PRIAULX, three-time World Touring Car Champion
• Tom KRISTENSEN, eight-time Le Mans 24-Hour race winner
• Romain GROSJEAN, three Formula 1 podiums in 2012
• Sebastien OGIER, seven WRC wins and reigning ROC ‘Champion of Champions'

Pirelli, the official tire supplier of the Formula 1 World Championship has released its latest information about the 2012 season that saw Sebastian Vettel of the Red Bull Racing team collect his third consecutive world title.

Tires

Total number of tires provided for the season: Race tires: 31,800 of which 22,500 dry tires and 9,300 wet tires plus an additional 6,600 for the tests (not including development tires)
Of which (for race tires only): supersoft: 6 % / soft: 25 % / medium: 21 % / hard: 17 % / intermediate: 18 % / wet: 11 % / 2 % development tires
Total numbers of tires used: Dry tires: 21,400; wet tires: 2,100
Number of tires recycled during 2012: All, i.e. 31,800 race tires plus 6,600 test tires
Average life span of a dry compound this season: 180 km
Average life span of a wet compound this season: 140 km

Photo: Pirelli

Tracks, Races and Tests

Longest continuous energy input into a tire: India (turn 10-11)
Longest race of the year: Malaysia in 2hrs 44min 51.812s
Shortest race of the year: Great Britain in 1 hr 25min 11.288s
Most laps run on Pirelli tires: Hard - Kobayashi (798); Medium - Senna (869); Soft - Ricciardo (1,012); Supersoft - Raikkonen (237); Intermediate - Alonso (145); Wet - Kobayashi (104)
Highest top speed reached by a P Zero F1 tire: 346.0 kph (Raikkonen / Italy Race)
Highest average speed of a fastest lap: 248.241 kph (Hamilton / Italy Qualifying)
Slowest average speed of a fastest lap: 161.828 kph (Schumacher / Monaco Qualifying)
Most fastest laps in 2012: Sebastian Vettel (5 in race / 6 in qualifying)
Distance covered by Pirelli's Renault R30 test car in 2012: 7,012 kms
Number of different test tracks visited by Pirelli staff this year (incl. private tests): 9

Pit stops

Total number of pit stops for the year: 957 (of which 14 were a Drive Through and 2 a Stop & Go penalty)
Total average number of stops per race: 47.9, i.e. 1.9 per driver
Most pit stops in a race: 76 (Malaysia)
Least pit stops in a race: 24 (United States)
Fastest pit stop time: 2.31s (McLaren / Jenson Button at the German Grand Prix)

Photo: Pirelli

Overtaking

Number of overtaking manoeuvres in 2012: 1139
Most overtaking manoeuvres in a dry race: 90 at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix
Most overtaking manoeuvres in a wet race (= most ever): 147 at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix
Least overtaking manouevres in a dry race: 12 at the Monaco Grand Prix

Other interesting numbers

Total kilometres driven by all the P Zero compounds in 2012 (races and tests): Hard - 101,692; Medium - 121,840; Soft - 123,270; Supersoft - 21,993; Intermediate - 13,770; Wet - 7,930
Coldest track/ground temperatures Pirelli P Zero tires have run: United States Grand Prix at 11 degrees Celsius (17.11.); coldest overall: Jerez winter testing at 0 degrees Celsius (10.02.)
Hottest track/ground temperatures Pirelli P Zero tires have run: Brazilian Grand Prix at 55 degrees Celsius (23.11.)
Coldest air/ambient temperatures Pirelli P Zero tires have run: United States Grand Prix at 4 degrees Celsius (17.11); coldest overall: Jerez winter testing at -2 degrees Celsius (10.02.)
Hottest air/ambient temperatures Pirelli P Zero tires have run: Grand Prix of Europe at 37 degrees Celsius (21.06.)
Amount of time spent downloading all tire data on the RTS system this year (incl. tests): 92 hrs
Number of track/air temperature taken by tire fitter per race weekend: 124
Total distance travelled by all F1 tires in 2012 (off-track): 216,967 kms
Total number of tweets from Pirelli Media: 5,400
Words written on Pirelli press releases in 2012: 79,744
Total number of Pirelli recipe books produced (incl. translations): 10,000

Photo: Pirelli

Pirelli F1 and its people

Total number of Pirelli people travelling to each race: 52
Total number of nationalities within the Pirelli F1 team: 10
Average amount of hours spent by each Pirelli staff member on a plane this year: 192 hrs (or 8 days!)
Number of Pirelli wristbands given out during the season in the paddock: 4,450
Total number of hotel nights booked for the Pirelli team: 1,498

Pirelli's F1 Trucks & Hospitality

Total amount of trucks at European races: 13
Total average kilometres travelled by each Pirelli truck in 2012: 31,125 km
Numbers of meals served at the Pirelli F1 hospitality (incl. tests): 24,132
Number of coffees served by Pirelli hospitality during the season: 28,350
Number of different pasta recipes cooked by Pirelli's chef this year: 314
Amount of mascarpone used for tiramisu and other dolci: 205 kg

David Stremme will get a full season Sprint Cup ride with the newly-formed Swan Racing in the No. 30 Toyota.

Brandon Davis CEO of independent oil and gas company Swan Energy Inc., and a dirt-modified driver in the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) purchased the assets of Inception Racing earlier this year.

Swan Racing is no “Start and Park”

Davis said that this is no start and park team. "Swan Racing is here to race competitively every week. I am confident that we are putting together the personnel to one day produce a championship contender," said Davis in a press release.

"I have spent a lot of time with Brandon this year and I can tell you he is here to win," said Stremme. "I have never been so excited for a new season as I am for 2013. I'm ready to get started now."

Stremme, who has been racing at the Cup level for eight years, drove for Inception Racing since 2011. His best finish was an eighth place at the Spring race at Talladega in 2007. That was also his best season finishing 24th for Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates.

Steve Hmiel will be Swan Racing's director of competition. Hmiel is a veteran of the NASCAR garage area with over 35 years of experience as a crew chief, car chief and competition director.

Hmiel broke into NASCAR with Petty Enterprises, helping Richard Petty win championships in 1975 and 1979. In 1984, he was the crew chief for Terry Labonte's championship. As Mark Martin's crew chief from 1992 - 1996, Hmiel won 13 races for Roush Racing. In 2005, Hmiel was Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s crew chief for a brief period and won that year at Chicagoland Speedway. Most recently Hmiel was competition director at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

"Steve is among the best and brightest technical experts in the NASCAR garage area. His experience and expertise will be a crucial part in Swan Racing's success," said Davis.

"This is a great opportunity to build a team from the ground up. Brandon is completely committed to winning; he has a long-term vision. I am excited to be part of it," said Hmiel.

Swan Racing is located in Mooresville, N.C., and will get its engines from Triad Racing Technologies.

"I am encouraged by the success of teams like Michael Waltrip Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing in recent years. It says a lot about the competitiveness of the sport and the opportunity small teams have to succeed."

Canadian motorists are about to be faced with one of the most beautiful and challenging driving seasons: Winter. Temperatures and daylight levels have dropped, snow is imminent or occurring, and Mother Nature is preparing yet another concoction of ice, slush and freezing rain to challenge motorists and their vehicles at every turn.

Winter travels can be daunting and stressful or rewarding and relaxing - depending on your level of preparedness. Here are some tips drivers can take to ensure they travel safely this winter.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Visibility is Key
Make sure your vehicle is ready to meet the challenges of winter driving. Start with seeing and being seen. Ensure all the lights on your vehicle are working properly and that your headlamps are aimed correctly. If you can't see properly out of your car, you're asking for trouble. Consider using a quality winter wiper blade and washer fluid to help cut through the snow and ice, as well to make sure you travel safely this winter.

Emergency Kit
In addition to a bag of sand or cat litter, consider packing an emergency kit to store in your trunk to help you travel safely this winter. Blankets, candles, snacks, a charged cellular phone, and emergency road flares should all be included. Ditto for booster cables, a flashlight, and a tow-strap. Your favourite retailer sells pre-prepared emergency kits, too.

Eat For Alertness
In order to ensure you travel safely this winter, avoid heavy meals before longer trips as they can cause drowsiness. Drink plenty of water, and avoid the use of sugary or caffeinated drinks to keep you awake. Healthy snack foods that you can eat in small handfuls (as opposed to large, heavy meals) work wonders for energy and alertness levels. Remember: If you're tired or dozy, pull over and rest. Winter driving when you aren't alert is asking for trouble.

Cleaner is Safer
Washing your car to clear away ice, salt and snow, and to ensure your lights and windows are clear ahead of a road-trip is a good idea, too. A little squirt of lock deicer into each key hole after your car wash is also a good way to travel safely this winter. Don't forget to spray off the underside of your ride to remove excessive snow and sand, which can hold moisture against your floor and promote rust.

Handle a Skid
Steer into the skid? Out of the skid? Hit the brakes? There's precious little time to make a decision when your vehicle is on the verge of losing control. What's easier to remember is: Keep the steering wheel and your eyes pointed where you want the car to go. Don't stare at the tree or rock that you don't want to hit, but rather look towards the open road where you're hoping to wind up.

Don't go Hollywood-style with the steering or brakes, either. Gentle, smooth inputs are key to success during winter driving slides. Steadily, gently keep the wheel pointed in your intended direction of travel and lightly, progressively squeeze the brakes as needed.

Getting Unstuck
A bag of cat litter or sand is ideal for traction in case you get stuck this winter. Use a shovel to clear the snow away from your wheels and spread the gritty substance of your choice under and ahead of your drive wheels to help free your ride. Don't spin the tires excessively, since this can “dig” your ride further into trouble. If a little prod on the throttle doesn't get you moving, stop the car, clear more snow away, add more grit, and repeat.

Don't Get Frozen Out
Keep a bottle of lock deicer or WD-40 (with the little red straw) in your purse or briefcase to travel safely this winter. Your favourite parts store probably sells a keychain-sized bottle of either, so you can always have it handy when needed. Note that an occasional spray of either solution into your key hole (when it's not frozen) will serve as preventative maintenance.

Free Wheeling
Periodically clean out the frozen globs of slush around your front wheels, even if it means a trip to the coin-op pressure washer. In severe cases, these frozen clumps can reduce your ability to steer effectively in an emergency maneuver,-- not to mention weigh the car down to waste fuel unnecessarily.

Maintenance is Key
Is your vehicle leaking or making a strange sound? Either of these conditions can indicate a problem, so be sure to address the concern as soon as possible. Harsh winter driving conditions tend to aggravate poorly maintained vehicle components, meaning you're more likely to break down when its 30 below.

Just to ruin your trip, this usually happens on a family outing or when you're towing a heavy trailer. Your favourite mechanic can quickly perform an inspection and tune-up the next time your ride is in for an oil change just to make doubly sure you travel safely this winter.

Norwegian medias announced on Tuesday that talks between Ford M-Sport and Petter Solberg concerning the 2013 season of the WRC have failed.

Solberg, who clinched World Rally Championship with Subaru in 2003, was left without an works drive after the Japanese car manufacturer left the secene  at the end of 2009.

The Norwegian ran the 2010 and 2011 seasons, driving a Citroën C4 then a Citroën DS3 ran by his own private team.

In 2012, Solberg was back in a works team with Ford as a replacement for Mikko Hirvonen who moved to Citroën. But Solberg failed to win a rally this season, and made several driving mistakes that proved to be costly.

Petter Solberg recently revealed that he was close to a deal with Citroën for 2013, but the talks between them stopped following poor performances from Solberg at the end of season.

Today, several Norwegian medias announce that Solberg has failed to secure a seat with M-Sport, and that he would stop his WRC career. After Ford Europe withdrew its involvement in WRC, team M-Sport has now to find budgets to run its Ford Fiestas.

Photo: Ford

Another Norwegian driver, Mads Ostberg, winner of Rally Portugal in 2012, has been promoted as number one driver at team M-Sport. Russian driver Evgeny Novikov seems very close to join him.

After Sebastien Loeb, another great champion, and one the most popular rally driver, will leave the WRC next year.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, Solberg said: "I am so grateful and happy for what I have experienced during my 15 years in the WRC. For now it's really quite sad, you know, I would have loved to have driven for a few more years, but I do realise there will not be a WRC programme for me next year. I have said I am willing to drive for free, but at this point, I will not pay to drive. This is not to say that you will never again see me in a WRC car, but for now, I think it's best."

"The sport has given me so much," he added, "but I want to give a special thank you to all of my fans that have supported me through thick and thin, and given me such a great feeling about what I do, and for being a large reason of why I do it. I do hope you all understand, and I hope you'll continue to follow me on to my next venture. I promise to bring you something worthy of this. My team and I are hard at work as you read this, and we can't wait to let you know what are plans are."

Introduced at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 will arrive at Canadian dealerships this January with GX, GS and GT trim levels.

Powered by a standard 2.0L SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine, the compact crossover produces 155 horsepower while achieving fuel consumption ratings of 7.8L/100km (city) and 5.7L/100km (highway) when mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or 7.7 and 6.1 with the optional autobox.

Photo: Mazda

Of course, the big news is that the GS and GT models will both be available with a new 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine rated at 184 horsepower. Here, fuel consumption amounts to 8.3L/100km (city) and 6.2L/100km (highway); adding all-wheel drive results in 8.5 and 6.6, respectively.

Note that a 2.2L SKYACTIV-D diesel engine has been announced for the U.S. but not yet for Canada.

Inside the driver-centric cabin of the 2014 Mazda CX-5, you'll find easy-to-read displays and many at-hand controls. A race-inspired, three-spoke steering wheel emphasizes the vehicle's sporty character. In the back, cargo capacity increases from 966 litres to 1,835 (GX) or 1,852 (GS, GT) litres with the rear seats folded.

Stay tuned for further details and pricing.

Making its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2014 Acura RLX is the roomiest and most powerful sedan in the lineup. It also comes with a plethora of advanced technologies and safety features.

The 2014 Acura RLX is motivated by an all-new 310-horsepower i-VTEC V6 engine with direct injection and Variable Cylinder Management. The stately sedan boasts a lightweight body structure, Jewel Eye LED headlights, and the first-ever application of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer.

Acura RLX 2014. (Photo: Acura)

The lavish interior of the 2014 Acura RLX is highlighted by soft-touch materials including premium metal and wood-grain accents, stitched leather on the instrument panel, centre console and steering wheel, as well as available Milano perforated leather on the seats.

Said console houses two displays: an 8'' navigation screen and a 7'' On-Demand Multi-Use Display touch screen. Together, they provide easy and direct one-touch access to key functions such as audio, air conditioning, navigation and text-to-voice SMS text messaging.

Let's not forget the new cloud-based AcuraLink connectivity system delivering a host of information, media, convenience, and security services.

The 2014 Acura RLX will go on sale across Canada next spring. Prices and complete specifications will be revealed weeks before.

As reported on November 21st, Jaguar Land Rover was set to unveil three new vehicles at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. We now have some official pictures of the formidable trio led by the Jaguar XFR-S, which made its first global appearance.

More details including Canadian availability will follow.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover

Bloomberg's web site revealed Tuesday that a Malaysian billionnaire is planning to construct a motorsports-themed development, including a Formula 1-spec road circuit, in Malaysia's southern-most state bordering Singapore.

A statement issued Tuesday said that FASTrack Autosports Pte (a company owned by Peter Lim) will take a 70% stake in the joint venture valued at more than $1.2 billion with Malaysian developer UEM Land Holdings Bhd. holding the rest. The project, called Motorsports City, will cover 270 acres and include showrooms, garages and entertainment outlets, the statement said.

Lim -- a businessman -- is also a shareholder of McLaren Automotive Ltd., the road car disivion of the McLaren Group.

The 4.5 km Iskandar road circuit will be designed by a Formula 1 track designer, most probably Hermann Tilke, although his name was not mentioned in the press release.

The circuit would be ideally located just a five-minute drive from Tuas Second Link, one of two border crossings between Malaysia and Singapore.

This new circuit apparently will not interfere with the current Malaysian and Singapore F1 Grands Prix races, as it will be built primarily to suit the need for speed of local motorsport and sports-car enthusiasts.

Times are tough for the 2013 Ford Escape and Fusion. The former has been hit with a fourth recall since July 23rd, and the latter its second in three days. In both cases, the 1.6L engine is the guilty part.

Ford Fusion Titanium 2013. (Photo: Ford)

In some cases, engine overheating could result in flammable fluid leaks coming into contact with the hot exhaust system, which would lead to a fire in the engine compartment.

Ford Escape 2013. (Photo: Ford)

A correction has yet to be determined. Affected owners should contact their local Ford dealer for further details.

Source: Transports Canada

From GMM

The FIA is close to completing a successful push for a bigger slice of F1's financial pie, according to a report by the expert financial source Bloomberg.

Citing 'two people familiar with the situation', the media report said the now Jean Todt-led Paris federation is set to boost its coffers to about $40 million per year.

That represents a 40 per cent revenue increase, thanks to a new deal with F1's owner CVC and much higher entry fees paid by successful teams like Red Bull.

Bloomberg said the reigning champion team, for example, will pay $3.3 million simply to enter the 2013 championship, which is ten times what it paid last year.

Runners-up Ferrari's 2013 entry bill is a reported $2.5 million.

"They (the FIA) are harvesting: they're trying to make as much money as possible while it's there," said sports marketing strategy professor Simon Chadwick, of Coventry University.

One of the unnamed sources said the new CVC agreement will benefit the FIA to the tune of about $25 million.

But former FIA president Max Mosley - Frenchman Todt's predecessor - cast doubt on suggestions F1's governing body is in dire need of more money.

He said the FIA has "always balanced the books", and kept almost $40 million in the bank.

"The FIA isn't in financial difficulty," Max Mosley insisted.

From GMM

Pirelli is keen to stay in formula one well beyond next season, according to motor sport director Paul Hembery.

He has already made clear that, depending on the sport's desire to keep racing with the Italian-made tyres, Pirelli wants to extend its tenure as the official F1 supplier beyond its expiring 2013 contract.

Photo: Pirelli

"Maximising the investments in terms of profitability will require a medium-term commitment," Hembery is quoted by journalist Peter Hesseler in the German-language Speed Week.

He answered "eight to ten years" when asked what his definition of medium-term is.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone's next headache could be in the form of former Williams chairman Adam Parr, according to a report in the German language Speed Week.

Earlier this year, Briton Parr - Williams' de-facto team principal - suddenly quit.

His shock departure from the famous team and the sport was met with cynicism, as it coincided with the end to an impasse with F1's chief executive over Williams' stalled Concorde Agreement negotiations.

Adam Parr. (Photo: Williams F1 Team)

We reported in March that Adam Parr never saw eye-to-eye with Bernie Ecclestone.

The Telegraph hinted at the time that he "was the victim of a power play", while Speed Week journalist Peter Hesseler has now gone one step further.

He repeated rumours that "a former team official" could be set to commence legal action against Ecclestone, because the F1 chief executive earlier this year threatened to call off Concorde Agreement negotiations if he didn't quit.

Writing in Speed Week, Hesseler said the unnamed team official is almost certainly Adam Parr.

Mercedes-Benz is known for building some exquisitely engineered luxury cruisers, but the 2012 S 350 takes the cake -- while managing to eat it, too. Even at this stratospheric level, nobody wants to be thought of as a resource-gobbling pariah, and yet there's no way this demographic is going to be caught dead trundling around in a Prius.


Looking at such a large, luxurious sedan, you'd be forgiven for thinking it the epitome of self-indulgent, ozone-destroying decadence, running on tankards of dinosaur juice, while dozens of rare species perish in its foul wake.

However, under the aristocratic snout of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is a fuel-sipping diesel that, while emitting about as much noxious gas as a bumble-bee fart, makes the S 350 BlueTEC as close as you're likely to get to guilt-free automotive indulgence.

Privilege has its perks
My tester, in deepest black, is of the understated elegance favoured by old money, mobsters, and New England politicians. Instead of screaming "expensive!" it whispers of discretion and privilege. Honestly, climbing into the cockpit of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC -- redolent of leather, indulgence and riches only imagined -- my sense of well being is instantly elevated.

It's not just the knowledge that I'm piloting almost $130,000 of German-engineered luxury saloon. But once that door closes with a solid thunk, I'm isolated from all the distasteful trivialities of the world outside, safe and secure in a vault-like chamber of serenity that is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC.

Of course, there are the plump, fragrant leather seats that not only heat, cool and massage the tender backsides of its occupants, but also gently grip to hold them in place while cornering. One suspects that many owners of a car like the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC don't drive, but are driven, thus the rear seats are equalling cosseting and offer plenty of legroom. Further pampering is provided by electronic minions who, at the touch of a button, raise the rear window blinds or open and close the trunk.

Honestly, climbing into the cockpit of the S 350 BlueTEC -- redolent of leather, indulgence and riches only imagined -- my sense of well being is instantly elevated. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Mind-numbing brace of safety technology
There's a host of confidence-inspiring safety systems to further cushion privileged occupants from harm in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC: Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, which sense either an impending collision or unintended lane departure and apply gentle corrective braking inputs to counteract the vehicle's course and nudge it back on track. In the case of an unavoidable accident, Pre-Safe Braking activates maximum braking pressure and significantly reduces the impact's severity.

Although I'd initially considered myself one of the stalwart holdouts when it comes to technological nanny systems, I have to admit it's easy to become reliant upon them -- as I was to find out.

During a torrential downpour, I blissfully maintained my speed despite dismal visibility thanks to the lane departure system that kept me on the straight and narrow, while pre-collision warnings prevented me from even thinking of tail-gating. Perhaps it was the buildup of moisture, or maybe it was the Goddess-who-watches-over-all-driving-enthusiasts-in-danger-of-succumbing-to-the-technology-void... but suddenly there was a complete failure of all the safety warning systems and I was forced to rely on my wits.

Having driven the stupefyingly powerful S 63 AMG in the French Alps a couple of years ago, I can say with all sincerity that tromping its gas pedal was like being fired from a cannon. The 2012 S 350 may only boast 240 hp, but its 455 lb-ft of immediately available torque makes it more than responsive enough in daily driving.

As befitting such a stately cruiser, the ride in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC is poised and creamy, thanks to excellent, adaptable shock dampers and the 4MATIC AWD system. There's no point in driving a car like this hard, so after sampling the "Sport" suspension setting once, I was content to leave it in "Comfort."

The large, genuine wood-trimmed wheel provides direct steering that's sharp and accurate, if somewhat light. Braking, however, is surprisingly just adequate for such an otherwise superbly built car.

The 2012 S 350 may only boast 240 hp, but its 455 lb-ft of immediately available torque makes it more than responsive enough in daily driving. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Diesel fuel economy icing on the cake
If the experience of driving the 2012 S 350 BlueTEC is the cake, then surely its 10.2L/100 km city and 6.2 highway fuel consumption is the icing. From inside the Mercedes-Benz S 350, it's very easy to forget that it's powered by a diesel engine, so quietly does it run. The pleasant reminder came in the form of gas receipts that totalled only $65 for an entire week that included a couple of runs to the big city and back.

The 2012 S 350 BlueTEC offers all the self-indulgences expected in a $130,000 luxury car, but is redeemed by its socially conscious fuel efficiency.

Let them eat cake, indeed.

This 2012 Mercedes S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Valencia is hoping to return to the F1 calendar in 2014.

The Spanish street race - recently the regular host of the European grand prix - has dropped off the sport's schedule for next season.

But it has been suggested that Spain's two F1 hosts, Valencia and Barcelona, will alternate the Spanish grand prix from now on.

Barcelona will as usual host the race next year, leaving open the possibility of a return for Valencia in 2014.

Start of the 2012 European Grand Prix in Valencia. (Photo: WRi2)

Lola Johnson, the Valencia tourism minister, said the government has "been working" on a possible alternation with Barcelona.

"It is a situation that is on the table," she is quoted by El Pais newspaper. "It's a three-way scenario, with the bosses of formula one and the two organisers of the grands prix."

"The alternation is on the basis of the reorganisation of the contracts. The details are being worked on," Lola Johnson said at the weekend, as Ferrari celebrated its end-of-season event at the Spanish port city's permanent circuit.

The station wagons of my childhood were never like this
Unsung heroes of the highway, those long-forgotten barges bore the ravages and detritus of many a weekend road trip, as faithful -- and sophisticated -- as the ancient family dog.

Long since gone the way of drive-in movies, the wagon's all but vanished as primary people-movers, replaced by the minivan and SUV.

Those few that remain are generally of the premium German variety. Rather than bashed-up daily runabout, they fill the role of refined, yet practical cruiser.


The 21st century wagon
My tester, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon, is one such vehicle. I'm occasionally asked if some cars inspire a personality change, like adopting a different character upon sliding behind the wheel. Driving the E 350 wagon, I couldn't shake the feeling of respectability that came over me, as if I'd suddenly become a very pampered Stepford wife, or a respected member of the faculty.

Gliding serenely into a parking spot, I'd fantasize momentarily that my bank account had undergone the same transformation and that my past and pedigree had somehow become squeaky clean.

There's nothing sporty or sexy about the styling of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon -- heavens no. However, its clean, crisp lines create an impression of quiet elegance; and the standard-in-Canada AMG appearance package erases any hint of wagon-y frumpiness. My tester is particularly fetching in an understated pewter.

Driving the E 350 wagon, I couldn't shake the feeling of respectability that came over me. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Gadgets galore
As expected, there's plenty of gadgetry in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon; and thankfully most of it is intuitive and easy to operate through the COMAND system.

The older I get, the more I love creature comforts and heated steering wheels get my vote for most coveted vehicle feature for cold Canadian winters. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 also boasts power-adjustable steering wheel, automatic-dimming mirrors, auto climate control (which continues to circulate warm air for a short period of time after shut-off; another nice cold-weather feature), active, self-levelling bi-xenon headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon also features a power liftgate that's activated with the key fob and head restraints that adjust at the touch of a button. The thickly cushioned leather front seats are 14-way adjustable, and the second row folds down to provide a total of 1,950 litres of cargo space -- easily ferrying a couple of friends and all their luggage home from the airport.

Lined storage bins are hidden under the front seats of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon (well hidden I might add, since I hadn't realized they were there until I looked over the manual).

Surprisingly, there's a hidden seat located under the trunk floor -- a small, rear-facing bench that flips out -- that proved a huge hit with a good friend's 9-year-old son. I wouldn't want to put anyone larger back there though, unless they're relatives who've overstayed their welcome.

Surprisingly, there's a hidden seat located under the trunk floor. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

A wagon with grunt
The E 350 received a new engine for 2012: it's still a 3.5L V6, but this one is a direct injection variant that delivers more power, but with greater fuel efficiency. It puts out 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (compared to the previous model's 268/258) and is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350's fuel economy ratings of 11.2L/100km city and 7.3L highway don't exactly sound stellar in these days of ever-decreasing fuel consumption, but when you factor in the fact that the E 350 is a large, 1,945-kg vehicle with full-time AWD (hence the 4MATIC designation) that basically does the job of an SUV, those numbers sound much more reasonable. And the E 350 has a creamy smooth ride that no utility vehicle could ever hope to emulate.

Although one can switch from "Comfort" to "Sport" mode in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon to firm up the dampers and quicken the throttle response, it feels almost disrespectful to hustle such a regal cruiser along, and for the most part I was more than content to ride in comfort. While it's very composed, no one is going to accuse this car of having aspirations of sportiness.

The 3.5L is a fairly powerful engine; and while the E 350 is never going to win any stop light peel-outs (as if!), it has no problem whatsoever achieving respectable highway speeds. The cabin in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon boasts that typical vault-like Mercedes hush; so well-insulated is it from any road or wind noise that it's surprisingly easy to find that the speedometer has crept up to where it shouldn't be.

It's a class above the typical utility vehicle and light years beyond those saggy barges of my distant childhood. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Newness at a price
It's too easy to become accustomed to the E 350's sense of refined practicality -- you'd almost wonder why anyone would opt for one of the ubiquitous SUVs that litter the marketplace. With the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350's $70,000+ starting price, it's a class above the typical utility vehicle and light years beyond those saggy barges of my distant childhood.

This 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

NASCAR statistics show that Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Penske Racing, Miller-Lite Dodge, earned $12,106,255 dollars this year.

Broken down into three sub-categories it was $6.2 million in race winnings, $150,000 in “special prizes,” and series sponsor, Sprint, topped it up with a bonus of over $5.7 million. Keselowski won five races.

Yet the 28-year old driver's take wasn't a record and it was less than the $12,671,071 take by Tony Stewart last year. And, of course, Stewart, as an owner, did not have to split that purse with anyone.

Photo: NASCAR

Five-time champion, Jimmie Johnson, who finished third in the standings, was second in earnings with a total of $10,469,426. Of that his race winnings of $8,129,639.00 was the most of all drivers this year. He tied Keselowski and Denny Hamlin for the most wins, five. Also he had four poles tying him at Kasey Kahne, who also had four poles.

Matt Kenseth who was third in money won, but seventh in the points, took in $ 8,802,778.50 of which $7, 528, 332 was race winnings. No doubt his win of the rain-delayed Daytona 500 (his second Daytona 500 win), worth $1.589 million helped propel him to the top of money earners. Kenseth had two additional wins and one pole.

Clint Bowyer, runner-up in the series points race, but was only fifth in money won with a total of $7,993,802 and three wins. No doubt, in part, due to less victories.

Twenty-nine drivers, down to Rookie of Year Stephen Leicht, won more the One Million dollars this year.

2012 Fisker Karma EcoChic

It's pretty much impossible to overstate what Fisker has accomplished.

It's pretty much impossible to overstate what Fisker has accomplished. The five-year-old start-up has broken into one of the world's toughest and most regulated industries with a product that is more beautiful and more advanced than what's being produced by companies that have been at it for 50, 75, and 100 years. Fisker has had plenty of help from established suppliers and automakers, but the Karma's parts add up to something completely original.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fisker Karma EcoChic - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fisker Karma EcoChic - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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