Categories
Hyundai WRC

Hyundai to run three cars in Rally de Portugal

2014 Rallye Monte Carlo

Hyundai has announced it will run three i20 WRCs in a rally for the first time with confirmation Thierry Neuvilla, Juho Hanninen and Dani Sordo will compete at Rally de Portugal (3–6 April).

“Having three cars at Rally de Portugal will be very positive for us and it will allow us to continue our data collection and to accumulate more mileage in our debut WRC season,” said Team Principal Michel Nandan.

“I think we have a good line-up for Portugal with Thierry, Juho and Dani—each of them will bring their experience and will give us their own unique feedback which will help us in the continuous development of the Hyundai i20 WRC.

“Thierry’s level of performance combined with Juho’s skills on gravel and Dani’s experience and excellent track record at Rally de Portugal make them a very good choice for the event.”

Hyundai also confirmed it will participate in the traditional warm-up for the Portugal event, the Fafe Rally Sprint.

Chris Atkinson gets his first competitive taste of the i20 WRC when he joins Neuville in a two-car attack for Hyundai at Rally Mexico (6–9 March).

Categories
Safety Issues

A lesson on tyre selection

Bridgestone TVC

When it comes to buying tyres we’re pretty sure most AUSmotive readers won’t skimp out and will buy something that will provide better than average performance in wet and dry conditions.

However, we think it’s a pretty safe bet that you all know someone who does buy tyres on price. Everyone loves a good deal, of course, but setting a budget for tyres and finding something that fits that price bracket with no concern for how those tyres will perform is not the way to go about choosing tyres.

If necessary forget who has made this TVC currently airing on television screens across the country and just pay attention to the message. It’s well made and quite effective, too. Perhaps you know someone who might benefit from seeing this ad.

Categories
Ferrari Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz Renault

F1 winter testing: Bahrain I by numbers

2014 Bahrain I test infographic

Looking at the numbers of laps completed by Power Unit it would appear that Renault has caught up significant ground on Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-powered Williams led the field in terms of number of laps covered with 323, while Nico Rosberg piloted his Mercedes AMG W05 to the quickest lap (1:33.283) during the first four days of testing in Bahrain.

However, when dissecting all the figures we must point out a couple of caveats. Lotus was at this test, whereas they weren’t present at Jerez. That means Mercedes-Benz and Renault powered four teams each and Ferrari the remaining three.

Perennial strugglers Marussia managed only 29 laps, which skews Ferrari’s figures somewhat. The bar graphs showing the teams paints a clearer picture with three of the four bottom teams all powered by Renault.

The Renault-powered team to cover the most miles was Caterham (253 laps) and across the four days the closest it got to the fastest lap of the day was 4.975 seconds on day 2.

Of the remaining Renault-powered runners Toro Rosso did the most laps (134), followed by Red Bull (116) and Lotus (111).

Click the image above for a larger version with more detail.

[Source: Formula1.com]

Categories
Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

F1 winter testing: Bahrain I day 4

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG W05

The continued dominance of Mercedes-power during F1 pre-season testing saw Nico Rosberg set the fastest time of the week (1:33.283) when he topped the timesheets in Bahrain overnight.

Rosberg was happy with his day’s work, which included a variety of tasks.

“This morning we were able to try some qualifying practice runs which felt good, meaning I could attack the lap a bit as I found a good balance,” he said. “Later in the day we did a race simulation, which was crucial to learn all the new things in the car. There was a lot of feedback from the engineers, so my head was full of information!”

Following a familiar theme the top four cars consisted of Rosberg’s Mercedes W05, followed by Jenson Button (1:34.957) in the McLaren, the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen (1:36.718) and the Williams, being piloted by new test driver Felipe Nasr (1:37.569).

Despite completing 59 laps Pastor Maldonado (1:38.707) had a troubled day in the Lotus, once again a theme for Renault-powered cars, although he did post the fifth quickest lap of the day.

A drivetrain problem interrupted the day of Force India, after Sergio Perez (1:39.258) had done 19 laps. That was four more than Daniel Ricciardo (1:39.837) could do in the Red Bull RB10. It was a combination of software and mechanical woes which ended Daniel’s day early and he’s not shying away from the team’s problems.

“In all honesty it wasn’t a great day today,” said Daniel. “We have four more days coming up and hopefully we can maximise those.

“I have to say that on the run we did today the car did feel better. But unfortunately another problem arose and we couldn’t exploit that potential. At this stage we just need laps and I’m just hanging to get back in the car.”

Jean-Eric Vergne (1:40.472) went eighth fastest for Toro Rosso, ahead of the Caterham pairing, Kamui Kobayashi (1:43.027) and Marcus Ericsson (1:45.094).

Adrian Sutil had a chassis concern with the Sauber C33 and was unable to complete a timed lap. While reliability issues ruined Jules Bianchi’s day in the Marussia.

The final four days of testing before the Australian Grand Prix (16 March) resume in Bahrain next week (27 February–2 March).

Categories
MINI Toyota Video

VIDEO: Episode 4 of Project Binky

Project Binky

Richard and Nik are back with the latest update on Project Binky. Without giving anything away they’ve made made great progress and are in fine form.

We like this bit of text from the YouTube description:

“It finally dawns on us that it just might be possible to get the 3SGTE engine in the car and the project might just work!”

Our question, had we been organised enough to ask it in time for the Q&A session, would have been: “Did you spend any time making sure these two cars could actually fit together before you started, or are you really just working it out as you go along?”

That statement above kind of answers our question, we think, and scares us a little at the same time!

The best news is the view counts for all Project Binky episodes have really increased in the last month or so and these guys are finally getting some of the credit and attention they deserve.

Crack on lads!

Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour Motorsports News

Kangaroo cull proposed for Mount Panorama

Bathurst 12 Hour

Bathurst Councillor Warren Aubin is calling for a kangaroo cull at Mount Panorama following an incident in the 12 hour race which ended the race of Roger Lago’s Lamborghini Gallardo.

“We have to do something to rid the place of the kangaroos—no ifs or buts about it,” Cr Aubin told the Western Advocate.

Cr Aubin says he will raise the issue at the next committee meeting on 5 March. One gets the feeling Aubin won’t be too interested in listening to alternate options.

“If we don’t [have the cull] and there continues to be accidents involving the ’roos during big events, we face the prospect of losing something which is one of the region’s major sources of income and biggest sporting attractions,” Aubin said.

“We’re talking about an event like the Great Race that brings more than $70 million into the local economy each year.

“Council has spent a small fortune on the ’roo fencing to please the greenies and it’s just not working. It’s time to look at other measures and if that means culling, so be it.

“We are elected to council to make tough decisions and this is one of those. No matter what call you make, you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

Nearby resident Warren Taylor supports Cr Aubin’s proposal. “My backyard’s full of the bastards and I’ve had enough,” he said.

“My grandkids are too frightened to go down there to see the horses because of the kangaroos. Some of the bucks are huge and they don’t budge an inch. They look at you with complete contempt.”

A quick read of the comments section at the end of the Western Advocate article (link below) shows Cr Aubin does not enjoy unanimous public support.

[Source: Western Advocate]

Categories
Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

F1 winter testing: Bahrain I day 3

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG W05

Lewis Hamilton posted the fastest time of the week so far during F1 testing overnight in Bahrain. The 2008 world champ sent his Mercedes AMG W05 around the Sakhir circuit in 1:34.263 and headed a trio of Mercedes-powered cars.

Hamilton didn’t have everything go his way, though, with a minor gremlin interrupting his race simulation in the afternoon.

“It was nice to be able to put together a good lap today because generally speaking there seems to be less grip available than last year,” said Lewis. “I’m looking forward to completing a race simulation next week as we didn’t quite get to finish it today.

“We’re trying to find any issues we can now to prevent them happening during a race situation, so from that perspective it’s a positive that we were able to find and fix something again today.”

Second fastest was Jenson Button (1:34.976) in the McLaren, while Williams’ prospects are looking good with Felipe Massa (1:37.066) showing promising form.

Esteban Gutierrez (1:37.180) went fourth quickest in the Sauber as times continued to spread out, while Force India’s Sergio Perez (1:37.367) was next.

Ferrari held the seventh fastest time for the day thanks to Kimi Raikkonen (1:37.476), ahead of Daniil Kvyat (1:38.974) in the Toro Rosso.

Pastor Maldonado (1:39.642) set the ninth fastest lap for Lotus. Glum faces became the order of the day here and at Red Bull where Daniel Ricciardo (1:40.781) endured another difficult day. Maldonado had gearbox problems in the afternoon session and Ricciardo’s day ended early after Red Bull discovered a mechanical issue during the lunch break.

“I did some good laps and those came off the back of the more than 50 laps Seb did yesterday, so we’re getting there,” a positive Ricciardo explained. “Obviously, I would have liked to do more this afternoon but we still have tomorrow ahead of us and it’s important to be ready for that.

“The car is definitely making progress though. It’s coming together bit by bit. We’d love a big chunk all at once but obviously that’s not the way these things work, so we have to be a bit patient for now.”

Marcus Ericsson (1:42.130) managed a solid 98 laps in his Renault-powered Caterham but was well off the pace, only faster than fellow backmarker Max Chilton (1:46.672) in the Marussia. Chilton’s day was over when it was decided his car needed a new engine and the team was unable to complete the task in time to get him back out.

Valtteri Bottas had a run for Williams in the afternoon as the team focused on pit stop practice, despite managing 55 laps he did not post a lap time.

Categories
Alfa Romeo Motorsports

Alfa Romeo 4C in town for SBK

Alfa Romeo 4C

The Alfa Romeo 4C doesn’t launch in Australia until later this year, but thanks to its role as the official Safety Car for the World Superbike championship you’ll be able to see one at Philip Island this weekend.

We wonder how many Alfisti will be making a special trip.

Categories
Porsche

Porsche fires up recall for MY14 911 GT3 models

Porsche 911 GT3

Porsche’s official reaction to reports of fires in new 911 GT3 models has moved up a gear with word they will be recalling all 785 model year 2014 GT3s for inspection.

The notice includes a recommendation that owners should not drive their car until it has been checked:

Inspection of all 911 GT3 vehicles of model year 2014

Porsche inspecting engines of current 911 GT3 models

Stuttgart. 2014/02/20 – The sports car producer Porsche is inspecting all engines of 911 GT3 vehicles of model year 2014. Porsche is informing the owners of the affected vehicles directly and recommending that they stop using their vehicles. The company is offering to pick up the vehicles and take them to a Porsche Centre immediately.

Safety is a number one priority at Porsche, and the company takes its responsibility seriously. After engine damage occurred in two vehicles in Europe and the vehicles then caught fire. Porsche decided to inspect all 785 delivered vehicles worldwide. There was no traffic accident and no personal injure. Internal studies to determine the cause of the engine damage have not been completed yet.

Porsche will report on any new findings immediately.

Categories
Audi

Audi releases TT sketches ahead of Geneva debut

2014 Audi TT sketch

In less than two weeks the third-gen Audi TT will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. To tide us over until then Audi has released four sketches which give us a taste of what is to come.

It’s true that most new cars look better and more aggressive in drawings compared with final production models and, while we think that will remain the case with the new TT, we’re also expecting to like what we’ll see under the brights lights in Geneva.

Certainly, the interior of the new TT looks promising and advances automotive design in a small way with its innovative dash display, removing the need for a screen in the central console.

A small detail of note, too, is the move of the four-ringed badge from the grille to the bonnet, as we see on the R8.

Audi has gone into adjective overdrive in the press release accompanying these sketches, which you can read below. We’re keen to see the real deal and will update once we have the photos and details to hand.

Categories
Formula 1 News

Pyrrhic victory for Bernie Ecclestone in UK court

Bernie Ecclestone

The UK High Court has dismissed an £85 million damages claim made by German media company Constantin Medien against Bernie Ecclestone. However, Mr Justice Newey did find that Ecclestone entered a “corrupt” deal with jailed German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky and the payments made to him by Ecclestone “were a bribe”.

Constantin Medien was seeking damages from Eccelstone, claiming he sold to CVC Capital Partners in 2005 on the cheap. Constantin Medien, a former F1 shareholder, stood to benefit from massive commissions if the sport’s rights were sold for more than £1 billion. The sale price in 2005 was £830 million.

In a blow to Ecclestone’s integrity Justice Newey went on to add that the 83-year-old could not be considered a “reliable or truthful” witness.

Explaining his decision Newey said: “No loss to Constantin has been shown to have been caused by the corrupt arrangement. That fact is fatal to the claim.”

In response to Justice Newey’s comments Ecclestone said: “Let’s assume I am a liar and let’s assume I am unreliable.

“I’ve run the sport for the last 30-odd years and nothing has changed. So if I was unreliable, and whatever, I have been lucky to have been as successful as we have been.”

Ecclestone will face a German court in April to answer the separate, but related, bribery charges against Gerhard Gribkowsky. If found guilty the F1 supremo could face a prison sentence.

[Source: BBC]

Categories
Formula 1 McLaren

F1 winter testing: Bahrain I day 2

Kevin Magnussen, McLaren MP4-29

Pre-season testing lap times aren’t always a reliable guide as to who is fast, yet McLaren rookie Kevin Magnussen can do no more than his best and overnight in Bahrain his best (1:34.910) was 1.5 seconds better than anyone else.

“The team is doing a great job to help me,” Magnussen said afterwards. “They’re giving me really good guidance and making me feel confident.

“There’s a lot of discussion about lap times, and it feels good to get some good times recorded, but winter testing is just that—testing. It isn’t about times.”

The young Dane only managed 46 laps in the MP4-29, the third fewest of the 11 drivers who took to the track. Second fastest was Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg (1:36.445) with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso (1:36.516) close behind.

The fourth quickest time was posted by Nico Rosberg (1:36.965). Despite racking up a healthy total of 85 laps the Mercedes W05 stopped twice on the Sakhir circuit with technical glitches and necessitated red flags. Valtteri Bottas (1:37.328) was the busiest man of the day with 116 laps under his belt in the Williams.

Kamui Kobayashi (1:39.855) was sixth fastest and enjoyed a good day in the Caterham. Also able to be positive, for the first time this pre-season, was Sebastian Vettel (1:40.340) who won’t care that he only went seventh quickest on the day and will be happy to have managed 59 laps. In the five previous days of winter testing Red Bull had only managed a cumulative total of 35 laps.

Daniel Ricciardo will be at the wheel of the RB10 for the next two days in Bahrain and the team is cautiously optimistic it can continue to without further issues.

Red Bull’s sister team Toro Rosso also had a good day with Jean-Eric Vergne (1:40.609) completing 58 laps. Esteban Gutierrez (1:40.717) was ninth quickest in the Ferrari-powered Sauber.

Bringing up the rear were Romain Grosjean (1:41.670) in the Lotus and Marussia’s Max Chilton (1:42.511) who could only manage 18 and 17 laps respectively.

Focus is beginning to move from the woes of reigning world champion constructor Red Bull and onto Lotus. Speaking after testing Trackside Operations Director, Alan Permane, didn’t shy away from his team’s issues.

“Obviously we fell way short of what we want to achieve here which is a strong tally of laps at a representative pace,” he said. “The car itself has looked solid at the pace we’ve run so far, but you only learn so much from lapping at our current level.”