Here’s our smoke-free look back at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix. Did anyone outside of Williams give Maldonado a chance. Indeed, did anyone inside Williams even think a win was theirs for the taking?

Perhaps a perfect example of how open the 2012 F1 season has been so far can be seen by looking back to the Bahrain race. After qualifying the highest placed Williams was in P15; before half race distance both cars had retired. Vettel and Red Bull won in a canter.

In Barcelona, Maldonado lapped the Red Bull of Webber and wasn’t too far from repeating the dose on Vettel. It doesn’t make a hell of a lot of sense. But it makes for fascinating viewing. Bring on Monte Carlo!

Continue reading →

On the weekend BMW released details of the M135i. It’s powered by a 225kW/450Nm inline six-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels. If you reckon rear-wheel drive won’t be enough, then you’re in luck, because from November an all-wheel drive xDrive version will be available.

So, is the M135i coming to Australia? Yes, it is.

Unlike overseas markets, the M135i will only be sold in Australia in a five-door configuration. Other markets will be able to choose between a three or five-door layout. Indeed, BMW Australia told AUSmotive this morning there are currently no plans to offer any 1 Series three-door models locally.

Okay, so when will the M135i be in Australian showrooms? We can’t tell you for certain because BMW Australia is yet to finalise plans with Germany. We do know that BMW Australia hopes to have the car here before the end of the year.

Continue reading →

This morning we asked BMW Australia if the MINI John Cooper Works GP would be sold locally. And if so, how many of the 2000 to be built should we expect.

We have since been advised that the model is very much in MINI Australia’s plans. The usual allocation for a market of Australia’s size would be 10 vehicles, but BMW Australia told AUSmotive they have requested 20.

At this stage, there’s no firm pricing or launch details. We’ll bring that news to you as it comes to hand.

If you could have asked Sir Frank Williams how he would like to celebrate his 70th birthday you’d reckon a race win would have been at the top of his wish list. Of course, that wish did come true thanks to Pastor Maldonado, who added the distinction of being the first Venezuelan to win an F1 race. A nice way to achieve your first podium in the sport.

Sadly, though, the good times at Williams were short lived with that horrible fire which took place in their garage about 90 minutes after the race. We wish those affected a quick and full recovery.

With thanks to the FIA we bring you the full transcript from the post-race press conference at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix. It’s worth noting this was recorded before the Williams fire had started.

[Pics: Williams/LAT Photographic]

Continue reading →

A serious fire in the Williams garage has forced the pitlane at the Circuit de Catalunya to be evacuated. The fire started well after the race had finished, which was won by Williams driver Pastor Maldonado.

It’s understood a loud explosion was heard immediately before the fire broke out. Sir Frank Williams was giving a speech to his team at the time.

Details are unclear as to the exact cause of the fire, but the image above shows the damage appears extensive.

It has also been reported that Williams and Force India personnel have been treated for smoke inhalation. At this stage no reports of serious injury have been confirmed.

[Source: Formula1.com | Pic: @PortalF1]

UPDATE: Two videos from Sky TV and the BBC have been added below, along with an official statement from the FIA which says a total of 31 team members from Williams, Force India and Caterham were treated, with seven being kept in hospital for treatment. A press release from Williams F1 has also been added.

Continue reading →

Pastor Maldonado was a surprise but popular winner at tonight’s Spanish Grand Prix. It’s the first win for Williams since the 2004 Brazilian GP and the return of Renault power to Williams has taken just five races to bear fruit. Maldonado is now the first Venezuelan to win a Formula One Grand Prix.

Following the disqualification of Lewis Hamilton from pole position, Maldonado inherited P1 on the grid. When the race began, though, he was powerless to stop a determined Fernando Alonso off the line. Maldonado had surrendered the lead by the end of the first corner.

However, the Williams still had good race pace and the decision by the team to bring in the 27-year-old early for a tyre change proved to be the race winning move. Alonso came in a full lap later to cover Maldonado’s but had lost crucial time behind backmarkers, while Maldonado enjoyed a clear run on his out lap.

After the final pit stop for the leading pair Alonso brought his Ferrari within one second of Maldonado but could not find the pace to take the lead. In the end Maldonado won by 3.1 seconds.

Third place was claimed by the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen, who had managed to use his fresher tyres to close within just 0.6 seconds of Alonso by the end of the race. Although, a move into second place was never likely for Kimi, but with another lap or two it would have been a different story.

The first three enjoyed a mostly trouble free race; the action was mid-pack with plenty of close running throughout the field from P4 down.

Early in the race Michael Schumacher and Bruno Senna came to grief when Michael collected the rear of Bruno’s car trying to overtake at the end of the main straight. Schumacher claimed Senna moved across him and the stewards will sort out the aftermath.

Red Bull had their hopes for a climb through the field thwarted by front nose cone trouble. Both drivers had to come in to have their front nose/wing assemblies changed. Vettel did manage to recover to finish in sixth place, while Webber was just out of the points in P11.

Daniel Ricciardo was also beaten by his teammate Jean-Eric Vergne, with the Toro Rosso duo finishing out of the points in P12 and P13.

In the fifth race of the year, then, Maldonado and Williams become the fifth driver/manufacturer to taste victory. That’s the first time that has happened since 1983, as this riveting 2012 F1 season continues.

Full results and championship standings available after the break.

Continue reading →

After a 20 year absence, it took BMW just two rounds to return to the top step on the DTM podium. Bruno Spengler completed a near flawless display in his M3 to claim victory in Round 2 and register BMW’s 50th win in the category.

Mercedes driver Gary Paffett followed his win in Round 1 with a second place at the Lausitzring. In third was Augsto Farfus for BMW. The highest placed Audi driver was Matthias Ekström back in fifth.

Paffett leads the race for DTM Champion on 43 points, ahead of Mercedes teammate Jamie Green (30) and Bruno Spengler (25). Thanks to Paffett’s good early season form Mercedes heads the Manufacturers’ championship (96) from BMW (54) and Audi (52).

The DTM field heads to Brands Hatch in England next weekend for Round 3.

Continue reading →

After a few recent spy sightings it was only a matter of time before BMW revealed a full suite of images of its F31 3 Series Touring. And here they are. With our known love of Euro wagons in mind, we’ll declare right from the start that we think the F31 is a winner.

As with the F30 saloon, the F31 is available in three trim lines: Modern, Luxury and Sport. A sportier M Sport package will also be offered. At initial launch 135kW four cylinder 320d, 190kW six-cylinder 330d and 180kW four-cylinder 328i versions of the 3 Series Touring will be sold. As is the norm for BMW these days all are turbocharged, or TwinPower Turbos to use BMW-speak.

The F31 is 97mm longer than the E91 model it replaces. Its wheelbase has been increased by 50mm and BMW claim the driving dynamics have been improved as well. Rear luggage space is up by 35 litres to a new total of 495 litres, 1500 litres with the seats down.

This new wagon from BMW looks good, has a decent range of engines on offer and will no doubt be at the top of its class for driving and cabin refinement. Really, you have to ask, how did BMW make the 3 Series look so good, while at the same time making the 1 Series so bad?

UPDATE: BMW Australia has confirmed with us that they are planning to launch the 3 Series Touring in the first quarter of 2013. Pricing and local specs to follow closer to launch.

Continue reading →

Last weekend BMW announced their return to the DTM in perfect style by winning in just the second round of the year. Canadian driver Bruno Spengler claimed pole position and then led from start to finish to give BMW their fiftieth DTM race win.

It’s a fine effort from BMW, given the best they could manage in Round 1 was a sixth place finish.

After the break you can see BMW’s highlights clip from Round 2 at the Lausitzring. We’ll endeavour to bring a photo gallery for the round to you soon.

Continue reading →

Almost a year after the fiver-door version was first revealed, BMW has released images and details for a three-door version of its F20-based 1 Series.

Larger in every dimension than the original 1 Series three-door, the new model will be fitted with a range of turbocharged engines keeping economy-focused and enthusiast drivers alike equally satisfied.

A new 114i entry level model has been added to the 1 Series range, which will now be headed by the 225kW M135i. From November BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system will be included as an option on the 120d and M135i.

More pics and a summary press release from BMW are all yours after the break. If you really want to sink your teeth into the detail, make sure you grab the 40 page presser from the link below.

UPDATE: BMW Australia has advised the 1 Series 3 door is not under consideration for our market, this includes the 3dr M135i.

Continue reading →

BMW has today released images and details for its three-door 1 Series. In amongst that material is info on the new M135i. We figured that was of more immediate note and so have prepared these pictures for you, starting with a handful of five-door pics.

The M135i is the first petrol powered model from the M Performance Automobiles division. And it’s plenty fast, too, able to reach 100km/h in 4.9 seconds with optional 8-speed automatic transmission (5.1 seconds for standard 6-speed manual).

On paper, then, it’s a near match for the mighty 1 Series M Coupé. Here’s the relevant bits from the introductory BMW press release:

First ever BMW M Performance automobile to feature a petrol engine: BMW M135i with a 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine and 235 kW/320 hp as well as M-characteristic suspension components and aerodynamically optimised body features; Highest level of performance and the most outstanding efficiency within the competitive environment; Typical M-style coherence between drive, suspension technology and aerodynamic balance as well as model-specific interior design for unmistakeable driving pleasure in a compact model; BMW M135i also available as a five-door version.

In addition, an all wheel-drive xDrive spec M135i will be available from November 2012 production.

More pics, including the three-door M135i, and further press information can be seen below. There’s also a promo video included that will never make it to Australian TV screens.

UPDATE: BMW Australia has advised the M135i will be coming to Australia, but at this stage in five-door configuration only. A launch date is yet to be confirmed, but they are hoping to have it in showrooms before the end of the year.

Continue reading →

MINI has given us an official preview of their fastest model yet: the John Cooper Works GP. The model will be limited to 2000 examples and is due for release later this year.

Wearing unique GP decals, an aggressive bodykit and model specific 17″ alloy wheels there’ll be no mistaking this for any other MINI. We can’t say we’re fans of the overall look, but we appreciate the statement made by the GP.

The GP is currently on show at the MINI United event in France. For now, some key details have been kept under wraps. Engine specifications and interior details being the two most notable.

However, we can see some signs of weight reduction, in line with its predecessor. The rear wiper has been removed and while running 17″ wheels may have as much to do with ride quality, the loss in unsprung mass compared to more visually appealing 18″ wheels shouldn’t be ignored. Kumho has worked with MINI to develop a version of their V700 semi-slicks for the GP.

Other than that the only other hints given by MINI include “adjustable race suspension” and “race-spec braking system”.

We expect there’ll be a couple of lightweight Recaro racing seats inside, and most probably the removal of the rear seat also aiding a lower kerb weight. We also expect peak power to be up around 220hp (165kW) and to see more torque than we’ve seen in any previous MINI.

MINI proudly boast the JCW GP can lap the Nürburgring in 8 minutes 23 seconds, some 19 seconds faster than the original 2006 GP. Although, still some way off the record set by the Renault Megane RS 265.

For now there’s 15 images for you to view, along with the not too specific press release. As more details come to hand we’ll let you know.

Continue reading →

Lewis Hamilton posted the quickest time in a dramatic qualifying session at the Spanish Grand Prix overnight. But more drama was to follow, with Hamilton now stripped of his pole position and forced to start from the back of the grid.

At the end of the session Hamilton’s McLaren ran out of fuel and the 2008 world champion pulled aside and got a lift back into pitlane. McLaren explained the mishap saying it was an unavoidable mistake, or force majeure.

However, the FIA confirmed their decision in statement, which reads in part: “A team member had put an insufficient quantity of fuel into the car, thereby resulting in the car having to be stopped on the circuit in order to be able to provide the required amount for sampling purposes.

“As the amount of fuel put into the car is under the complete control of the competitor, the stewards cannot accept this as a case of force majeure.

“The Stewards determine that this is a breach of Article 6.6.2 of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations and the Competitor is accordingly excluded from the results of the Qualifying Session. The Competitor is however allowed to start the race from the back of the grid.”

Amazingly, the revised grid now sees Pastor Maldonado on pole position. It’s Williams’ first pole position since Nico Hulkenberg’s equally surprising pole at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Alonso displayed improved fortunes for Ferrari by posting the third fastest lap and, with the updated starting order, will start from the front row. Expect him to zip past Maldonado and enjoy some clear track off the line for the first time this year.

The drama began early when Jenson Button (McLaren) and Mark Webber (Red Bull) failed to make the cut into the final qualifying period.

In the closing stages of Q3 Alonso claimed provisional pole (1:22.302), which lasted just a few seconds before Maldonado (1:22.285) continued a strong showing for Williams this weekend, narrowly eclipsing Alonso’s time. But both men and the entire field were blitzed by Hamilton’s time (1:21.707), almost half a second quicker than Maldonado.

An odd quirk of the original qualifying results was the finishing order of the first three men compared to their teammates: Hamilton (P1), Button (P11); Maldonado (P2), Senna (P18); Alonso (P3), Massa (P17). Similarly, Red Bull returned one of their poorest qualifying sessions for some time. Vettel could not manage a lap worthy of finishing and did not register a time in Q3. He will now start the race from P7, with Webber back in P11.

Daniel Ricciardo was just eclipsed by his Toro Rosso teammate Jean-Eric Vergne. They will line up on P14 and P15 respectively.

Rounding things out, Narain Karthikeyan was miles off the 107% qualifying time, but has been saved embarrassment courtesy of the stewards and will start with an impatient Lewis Hamilton beside him.

With thanks to the FIA we bring you the full transcript from the post-qualifying press conference after the break.

Continue reading →

We start the day with the sad news that American muscle car legend Carroll Shelby has passed away. He had been suffering from pneumonia for several weeks and died peacefully at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. He was 89 and is survived by his three children Patrick, Michael and Sharon, his sister Anne Shelby Ellison of Fort Worth and his wife Cleo.

Shelby earned his stripes racing cars in the 1950s, and he was damn good at it too. He competed in eight F1 races in across the 1958 and 1959 seasons. As part of the Aston Martin factory team he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959.

But it was his Cobra muscle car for which he became best known. It was a simple concept, a big American V8 shoehorned into a British roadster, the AC Ace. The “Shelby Cobra” as it became known has existed in a number of configurations, starting with the original 289s in 1962. The more powerful 427s followed in 1965.

The beautiful mid-century curves, the brutal and dominant roar of a powerful V8 engine: The motoring world owes Shelby a quiet nod of thanks. He has given us a true icon, which will now serve as a fitting legacy to his life.

We’ve assembled a few pics and videos for you after the break to pay raucous respect. Also included is a press release from Shelby American.

Continue reading →

Freelance motoring journalist Karl Peskett was recently at the Nürburgring as a guest of Jaguar. He was kind enough to pen a few thoughts for us.

The Nürburgring. It’s the name which strikes fear into the hearts of many, and awe into the minds of others. It was named Green Hell by Sir Jackie Stewart—“Green” because it’s surrounded by forest and fields, and “Hell” because, as Niki Lauda can attest, the risks can often outweigh the rewards.

It’s like the Crowded House song, “Four seasons in one day”, because of its length. The Nürburgring “Nordschleife” (Northern Loop) is a track that experiences such a diverse range of weather conditions that the north end of the track is often a complete contrast to the southern end. Its elevation also affects conditions in this respect, sitting at 620 feet above sea level in the Eifel mountains. Every cloud in the Atlantic makes a path directly for the track, so you should always account for a risk of rain when you visit the track.

The Nordschleife is motoring Mecca, though, and almost all petrolheads will make a pilgrimage at some point. Before you do, though, you need to know what to expect, because often the expectations you have are shattered once you arrive.

You’ll know you’re near the ‘Ring by the amount of Porsche GT3s which congregate on the local roads. Throw in a Caterham or two, and some test mules for Jaguar, BMW and Audi, and you can sense the gravity of the ‘Ring.

There’s a small roundabout close to the entrance, and a modest metal gate. It’s not a swish entrance, or an area in which fanfare is common—this is just a track in rural Germany after all. What were to be the actual tourist attractions are further along, near the Lindner Hotel, but the rollercoaster still isn’t running, years after it was built. It’s what lies behind that gate, though, that makes this place so special.

Continue reading →