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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Red Bull denies Webber early exit rumours

2013 Indian Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing has been forced to deny rumours that this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be Mark Webber’s last race.

There are suggestions that Webber’s admitted lack of motivation has prompted moves from Red Bull to give Mark an early exit. This would allow new drivers Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) and Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) to make early starts with their new teams by racing in the United States and Brazilian Grands Prix.

Although not attributed to any specific person, German publication speedweek.com says Red Bull told them: “Mark Webber will drive the last three races for us.”

Also weighing in on the topic is Toro Rosso team Principal, Franz Tost, who said: “I think it’s nonsense, and I know nothing about it … Anyway, Daniil has no super licence, so how can he race?”

Kvyat is scheduled to participate in Friday practice at Austin and Sao Paulo. He will test a 2011-spec Toro Rosso car in the coming days so that he qualifies for an FIA super licence. In theory, then, the 19-year-old Russian could race in the closing two races of the year.

Let’s hope Mark isn’t shafted by Red Bull one last time and he gets the opportunity to enjoy his final three races.

[Source: Perth Now | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Red Bull Racing take donuts to a whole new level

Red Bull Racing's 'Seven Star Spin'

No doubt spurred on by the minor controversy and official sanction following Sebastian Vettel’s post-race donuts at the Indian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing has given the FIA a big f-you by sending David Coulthard to the to the helipad of the Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai to indulge in the art donutting.

Red Bull says their ‘Seven star spin’ was part of their world championship celebrations and we reckon this is one of their coolest stunts yet. The helipad is 210 metres above sea level and Coulthard had a 24 metre diameter to work within. We suspect his motivation not to stuff up was higher than his altitude.

More pics and video after the break.

[Pics: Red Bull/Getty Images | Thanks to Ryan for the tip]

Categories
BMW

BMW X4 spied during photo shoot

BMW X4

We’ve seen the new BMW X4 in concept form and here’s your first look at the final production model, spied during a photo shoot. The pics were first published by Car and Driver who made the apparent mistake of identifying the car as a new X6.

The X4 is still some time away from its official launch as production model, due for its show debut at Geneva in March 2014.

[Source: Bimmerpost]

Categories
Porsche

No need to wait for the official Porsche Macan launch

Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan is the latest new model to be revealed thanks to the emergence of unauthorised images hitting the web before the official launch. Here you can see a series of images released from a forthcoming issue of Auto Motor und Sport.

Our first impression is one of approval although the styling of that front end may take some getting used to. Some finer mesh in the grille is the immediate thought of what is missing, but perhaps over time that simpler, almost crude, industrial look will rest more easily.

We’re not so sure we can say the same for the side scuff panel running along the lower edge of the doors. On a silver car it just looks like a tacky add-on.

In the article the Macan is compared against an Audi Q5 with a V6 diesel engine. It’s expected Porsche’s baby SUV will be sold initially with a 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine with 340PS (250kW) for the Macan S and 400PS (295kW) for the Macan Turbo.

[Source: Pistonheads | Thanks to Wayne for extra pics]