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Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi was involved in the first-corner pile-up that took him out of the Grand Prix of Belgium last weekend. Luckily he was not injured, but Kobayashi says he is against the idea of implementing closed cockpits in Formula 1.

The likeable Japanese qualified a career best second on the grid only to see his Sauber C31 heavily damaged in the carnage.

Kobayashi's Sauber is the white car on the right. (Photo: WRI2)

“When I woke up on Sunday morning I still could not believe I was starting from the front row. Wow, we had such a good car - and then a few hours later it was all gone. You know what? In years I haven't seen so many cars crash in the front. At the back, yes, that is the ‘danger-zone' of the grid - but at the front, not really,” Kobayashi said in an interview posted Thursday on Formula1.com.

Despite the dangers linked to taking stating starts, Kobayashi is against the idea of introducing closed cockpits in F1.

“Well, of course safety is very important and safety recommendations are always welcomed, but I don't think that closed cockpits would help,” the Sauber driver said.

“Or let's put it this way, it would help with flying objects like tires or other pieces of a car hitting a driver's head - this is where a closed cockpit could be a big help - but there is another side: how can people get out of the car fast?” he added.

“Formula 1 cars are built around a monocoque that is pretty much fitted to our body and that you cannot open from the side. So on the one hand a closed cockpit would surely help prevent impacts from flying objects to the head, but what if a car catches fire? We have the fuel tank just behind us. And then to get out of a closed cockpit? Nearly impossible. Probably such a fundamental re-shape of the car's silhouette would also change F1 itself,” Kobayashi commented.

Ford has issued a recall on 346 units of the 2012 Ford Edge. The fuel line pulse damper on the 2.0L engine may have been installed incorrectly and could develop cracks.

Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Therefore, Ford dealers will inspect the fuel line assembly and replace it if necessary.

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Ford

Here is a house-made video showing the new home of the Caterham Formula 1 team located in Leafield, UK.

Come inside and take a look behind the scenes of the new Caterham factory on their first day.

See everything from the reception and the cafeteria to the design office, meeting rooms and race bays where the F1 cars are maintained.

This factory used to house the Arrows and Super Aguri F1 teams in the past. It has been recently acquired by Caterham.

Let me go back to the NASCAR Nationwide race in Montreal one more time: Frankly, the success of the event still leaves me puzzled. How can there be so many empty seats at other Nationwide races, but nearly 60,000 rabid fans here?

Sure, the organizers arranged for several local drivers to take part in the action, but that doesn't explain all the frenzy. Some people came to see what they called ''real auto racing'' with competitors pushing and shoving each other on the track from start to finish. They have no interest in F1 races and similar open-wheel series where drivers try to avoid any contact.

Of course, the monstrous machines used in NASCAR weigh more than 3,500 pounds and are much better suited to withstand the abuse.

Danica Patrick wags her finger at Regan Smith after an incident at the Bristol Motor Speedway. (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

Meanwhile, others are crying foul over the poor display of sportsmanship and the excessively aggressive race tactics used in the NASCAR Nationwide race.

When Jacques Villeneuve hit his fellow Quebecer, and arch nemesis, Alex Tagliani sending him spinning around in the Senna corner, we heard people cheering and shouting: ''Now that's racing!''

I say no. I do not approve of any of that. Actually, I will quote a highly decorated Canadian driver who vented his frustration on Facebook a couple of days later: ''It's too easy to gain a spot by pushing another driver while he's braking. Come on, where are your driving skills? Truth is, you don't need talent; just bump the others out of your line and continue on.''

He's right.

The worst part? Don't be so shocked if this leads to more cases of road rage. You can't take it anymore?Just strike back, like in NASCAR! I mean, NASCAR officials seldom hand down penalties for dangerous driving. They prefer to let the drivers settle their scores all by themselves, without interfering.

Recently at the Bristol Motor Speedway, a very angry Tony Stewart forcefully threw his helmet at Matt Kenseth's car! ''It may happen again -- I've got a lot of helmets, and a lot of races,'' he joked afterwards.

Do you feel that such behaviour should be authorized by the so-called ''family-friendly'' NASCAR series?

From GMM

Toro Rosso on Thursday confirmed reports former Sauber and Force India man James Key started work as technical director earlier this week.

The news follows the Red Bull-owned team's confirmation that Giorgio Ascanelli has stepped down.

"We (now) start a new chapter in the history of Toro Rosso and I hope it's an interesting one," said boss Franz Tost. "James comes to us with a strong reputation and has proved he can help smaller teams punch above their weight. We cannot expect miracles in the next few races, but James has joined early enough to have an influence on our car for 2013."

James Key added: "I am very happy to be joining Scuderia Toro Rosso after a few months away from Formula 1. We will be studying the team's working practices, throughout all the departments, while looking to see which areas need strengthening further. Next year's car project is already well underway and it seems to be going in the right direction and now we have a few months left to ensure it is a step forward from this year's car."

Toro Rosso is currently ninth in the constructors' championship.

Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR7. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Felipe Massa must continue his race-by-race quest for a new Ferrari contract, boss Stefano Domenicali has suggested.

After F1's five-week summer break, he went into the Belgian grand prix last weekend acknowledging that the remaining races of 2012 are crucial "regarding my future".

At Spa, the Brazilian then qualified a poor 14th compared to his teammate Fernando Alonso's sixth, but in the race charged solidly to fifth -- his second-best result of the entire season.

"I don't know if this race changes anything regarding my future, but I am very satisfied," said the 31-year-old last Sunday.

Felipe Massa finished fifth in Belgium. (Photo: WRi2)

Team boss Stefano Domenicali said the result was "just what was required" from the struggling Brazilian.

"We needed that sort of race from him as a team and he himself needed it as a driver," said the Italian.

But Stefano Domenicali added that Massa needs to keep impressing, "We need to see that again, not only in Monza this weekend, but also for the rest of the season."

According to the latest rumour, British driver Lewis Hamilton would be leaving the McLaren Formula 1 team at the end of the season to join Mercedes AMG. We repeat it: this is only a rumour.

It started when former team owner turned television pundit Eddie Jordan told the British BBC: "I believe Hamilton and Mercedes have already agreed personal terms and a deal could be imminent. Negotiations between Lewis Hamilton and McLaren continue. It would appear Michael [Schumacher] is leaving and Lewis is arriving at Mercedes."

The flamboyant Eddie Jordan added that he knows Hamilton's management - Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment - have had meetings with Mercedes chiefs.

"Bernie Ecclestone made it clear to me live on television on Sunday that Schumacher was leaving, although Schumacher later played it down," said Jordan.

Lewis Hamilton and Martin Whitmarsh, will they find an agreement? (Photo: WRi2)

According to French motorsport magazine Auto Hebdo, Schumacher would become the sporting director of the Mercedes F1 team that would be rebadged AMG F1 next season - a way to please the shareholders of Daimler who are unhappy to see the German car manufacturer investing so much money in F1 with so little results.

Hours later Jordan's comments, a McLaren spokesman said the British team has been told by Hamilton's management "that the (Jordan) story is untrue".

Additionally, Mercedes said they would not comment on speculation. And Michael Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm told Bild newspaper: "There is still no news, as nothing is decided."

A spokesperson for XIX Entertainment said "we are in advanced discussions with McLaren about a new deal".


UPDATE
From GMM

Lewis Hamilton put up his defenses in Monza on Thursday when asked about his current situation at McLaren, and a possible future beyond the British team.

When asked about Mercedes and the possible benefits of joining in 2013, 27-year-old Hamilton answered: "I've no idea. I've not really thought about it.

"I drive for McLaren," he added.

Asked if he has anything else to say about the rumours, Hamilton said: "Not really."

Hamilton was also coy when asked about the Twitter affair, in which his teammate Jenson Button admitted to being "disappointed" about the release of secret team telemetry.

"Nothing happened, the head of the PR department asked me to take it off, so I did," Hamilton said. "I've moved on.

"I haven't spoken to Jenson about it and don't plan to."

From BMW

BMW Motorsport is handing another two young drivers the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the wheel of a modern DTM car. Belgian Maxime Martin and Swiss Fabio Leimer will complete their first kilometres in the BMW M3 DTM during test drives.

The two newcomers will be joined by BMW Motorsport test and development driver Marco Wittmann.

“We are pleased to be able to offer Maxime and Fabio a taste of the DTM,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

“Maxime has earned this opportunity through his impressive performances on the GT circuit. Over the course of the season, he has emphatically demonstrated his talent at the wheel of the BMW Z4 GT3 on several occasions. We know Fabio from his time in Formula BMW. He has already won races in the GP2 series, so we believe that he will also find his feet quickly in the BMW M3 DTM. Marco Wittmann will also be in the car for us. We are looking forward to seeing the three talented drivers in action.”

BMW Motorsport intends to enter two additional M3s next season to race eight cars in total.

Here is a house-made video showing the new home of the Caterham Formula 1 team located in Leafield, UK.

Come inside and take a look behind the scenes of the new Caterham factory on their first day.

See everything from the reception and the cafeteria to the design office, meeting rooms and race bays where the F1 cars are maintained.

This factory used to house the Arrows and Super Aguri F1 teams in the past. It has been recently acquired by Caterham.

From GMM

One pundit has changed his mind about Kimi Raikkonen's return to F1.

"Before it happened, I was actually very sceptical when he decided to return to formula one," said former grand prix driver Hans-Joachim Stuck, who is now president of the German motor sport association DMSB.

Legend Stuck, who contested 80 grands prix, admitted his main concern about the unique Finn was his "way of life".

Calling himself 'the iceman', 32-year-old Raikkonen is famously laconic, often short-tempered with journalists, and has a reported fondness for a few too many drinks.

"He has now surprised me totally. This is a storybook comeback," Stuck told the DAPD news agency.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Indeed, Raikkonen is now touted as an outside chance for the 2012 world championship with Lotus, and has been linked with his former teams Ferrari and McLaren for next season.

Asked why Kimi's comeback has been so much better than Michael Schumacher's since 2010, Stuck said he didn't know but observed: "The Lotus is better than the Mercedes."

As for the 2012 title, Hans-Joachim Stuck said "Alonso and Vettel are definitely strong rivals, but if things go right for Kimi, everything is still possible."

Not everyone is sold on the idea of a diesel engine but I'd opt for one in a heartbeat, especially if it comes wrapped in a Volkswagen Touareg shell.


Whenever I have the opportunity to drive a diesel-powered vehicle, I jump on it. Why? Because I know my tank of fuel will last longer than that of a gasoline-powered engine. I also know that diesel technology is constantly being improved, yielding less carbon emissions through cleaner burning, ultra-low sulphur fuel.

Driving further and reducing emissions at the same time is a win-win scenario.

Furthermore, diesels aren't like they used to be. They're not loud, smelly or surrounded by a black cloud of smoke. Strict emissions standards in Canada wouldn't let that pass. In fact, diesel vehicles these days are so quiet and clean, it's hard to tell you're behind the wheel of one unless you're really trying to hear the difference. They're just that muted.

TDI
At the heart of the Touareg TDI, under its hood, is a 3.0L V6 turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 225 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The engine is then matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth delivery of power.

The teamwork of the engine and transmission, along with VW's 4MOTION all-wheel drive system give this five-passenger SUV an estimated fuel consumption rating of 11.9L/100km in the city and 8.0L/100km on the highway. And depending on how you operate this vehicle, fuel results can be more or less in your favour. When driving it on the conservative side, you can get a lot of mileage out of one tank. And for a vehicle of its size, that deserves praise.

Placing the diesel beside its gasoline sibling, the standard engine on the Touareg is a 3.6L V6, which comes with 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, its estimated fuel consumption is 12.3L/100km in the city and 8.8L/100km on the highway, which is slightly higher than the TDI. Keep in mind that there is an additional 55 horsepower with the gasoline rendition, but an additional 141 lb-ft of torque with the diesel.

At the heart of the Touareg TDI, under its hood, is a 3.0L V6 turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 225 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Frugal
Throughout my test period, I drove over 400 kilometres and used just over half a tank of fuel. This is particularly impressive since most of my driving was done throughout the city as opposed to the highway. I'm not one to complain when I can go the distance without having to feel the financial ramifications at the pump.

So if fuel results are better and you can travel further on a tank, why would you want the gasoline powered version? A lot of it comes down to price.

The base Touareg Comfortline trim has an MSRP of $48,875 whereas the base TDI Comfortline has an MSRP of $53,575, a $4,700 jump. The Execline trim that I spent time in prices in at $63,685. Additionally, not everyone is sold on the idea of a diesel. Nevertheless, I'd opt for one in a heartbeat, especially the Touareg.

The Execline trim that I spent time in prices in at $63,685. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Diesel chic
My fondness for the German engineered SUV continues to grow each occasion we spend time together. For one, I love the simplicity of the cabin's configuration. VW has a way of creating a pleasant ambiance for the driver (and passengers) through its soft-touch materials, its comfy seating surfaces and its easy-to-use centre stack.

System controls are operated via the touch screen and climate controls have their own designated set of buttons. Even for those who aren't super tech savvy, the clearly labelled functions won't lead you astray. If all else fails, the user's guide is the next best thing.

Such creature comforts like heated seats and steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, a 620-watt Dynaudio digital sound package with 12 speakers and Bluetooth connectivity also enhanced my drive time. Not to mention safety features like antilock brakes, power-assisted front vented disc brakes, rear vented disc brakes and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) that further add piece of mind.

System controls are operated via the touch screen and climate controls have their own designated set of buttons. (Photo: Volkswagen)

For the drive and styling
Technology aside, the Touareg TDI has a very solid feel when driving in both city situations or at highway speeds. The ride is then enhanced by a sport-tuned suspension and a set of 20" alloy wheels. Not only does this vehicle feel good to drive, it's agile and very manageable, and is quite attractive from the outside.

The combination of an attractive interior and exterior, favourable fuel results and a diesel that is neither loud nor smoky makes the 2012 VW Touareg TDI Execline a hit on the road and in my books.

This 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Execline review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Former F1 driver Mika Salo has slammed suggestions F1 should put a roof over the drivers' heads.

The calls for better cockpit protection follow the terrifying first-corner crash at Spa last Sunday, when the now-banned Romain Grosjean's flying Lotus came close to making contact with Fernando Alonso's hands and helmet.

It has emerged that the working group in charge of looking into F1's options is likely to approve some sort of forward roll-hoop or canopy for the 2014 rules.

"I think the idea of a closed cockpit is ridiculous for formula one," Mika Salo, now a commentator for the Finnish broadcaster MTV3, said.

"Actually, it would no longer be formula one, it would be (sports car) prototypes. In my view it's not a good idea to panic after an accident, especially when nothing happened (in terms of serious injuries)," the former Ferrari and Sauber driver added.

UAW President Bob King, defending the 2009 auto industry bailouts before a national television audience, said the government-financed bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler weren't 'universally popular" but were "absolutely right.

Vehicle sales in Canada rose 6.4 percent in August boosted by demand for Japanese and other imported brands as the Detroit 3, traditionally the mainstay of the market, put in a mixed sales performance.

When one thinks of Los Angeles, the near future and police vehicles, one particular conveyance comes to mind and#8212; the Syd Mead-designed Spinner from Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi classic, Blade Runner.

AutoNation said new-vehicle sales to retail customers in the United States rose 28 percent in August -- well ahead of the overall industry sales gain of 20 percent. Total new-vehicle sales rose to 23,213 units, the company said.

First Drive: 2013 SRT Viper

The 2013 SRT Viper nearly didn't make it.

The 2013 SRT Viper nearly didn't make it. Chrysler put the Viper brand up for sale in 2008, seeing little justification for a 600-hp sports car when the company was fighting for survival. Luckily, there were no takers, Chrysler made it through a government-directed bankruptcy and became a ward of Fiat, and the Viper was saved. A prototype for the fifth-generation Viper was unveiled at a Chrysler dealer conference in September, 2010, and the production model was shown at the 2012 New York auto show in April. Orders for the new Viper begin on November 5, production at the revamped Conner Avenue Assembly plant in Detroit begins in late November, and first deliveries commence in late December or early January. But before final production specifications were approved, Chrysler invited a small group of journalists to GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan, to drive a pair of development cars around the 1.88-mile road course.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 SRT Viper - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 SRT Viper - Automobile Magazine

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2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

A 380-hp hybrid that manages only 22 mpg in the city and costs at least $97,125 sounds like Marie Antoinette's answer to global climate change.

A 380-hp hybrid that manages only 22 mpg in the city and costs at least $97,125 sounds like Marie Antoinette's answer to global climate change. Porsche mostly makes up for the ridiculousness of this concept, though, with a level of execution few automakers can marshal. Just take a look at the Marsala-colored leather cabin. It combines the purpose of a drivers' car -- clear gauges, a small steering wheel, and the best bucket seats in the industry -- with the elegance and comfort of a luxury car -- leather and real metal everywhere, along with plush carpets and incredible attention to detail.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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Ford Motor today issued a third recall of its newly launched 2013 Escape, saying an improperly installed part could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

News 6 Sep, 2012

All-new Ford Mondeo models revealed, powered by 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine