Category: News

Categories
Honda Motorsports News

Honda wants to try Schu on the other foot

Michael SchumacherHonda have reportedly offered seven-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher a factory backed seat in the 2009 World Superbike Championship. Schumacher has been riding a Honda in the German IDM Superbike series and, according to comments by Honda Racing’s Carlo Fiorani, if Schu wants the SBK gig, it is his for the taking. Quoted in Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiorani said, “For the moment he has not asked us to race in the 2009 world championship. But if he wants to, there is a way for him (to do it). All he has to do is ask us.”

Currently, John Surtees is the only man to win both a Formula 1 and motorcycle world championship.

Source: autosport via autoblog

Categories
News Safety Issues

Speeding drivers get a few pointers

In a country where government sanctioned shock advertising has conditioned many to think being a safe driver is as simple as keeping below the speed limit, it is somewhat of an unexpected shock to learn the NSW Government is looking to revise its demerit points system, which has been described as “unfair”. The overhaul, announced by NSW Roads Minister, Michael Daley, will be more lenient on speeding drivers.

It is expected drivers breaking the speed limit in the 0-15km/h over bracket will only attract a single demerit point, down from the current three points. On a double demerit weekend a minor lapse such as this could see an otherwise diligent driver lose half of the points on their licence.

“Three points demerit for exceeding the speed limit for somewhere between zero and 15 can lead to a situation that is harsh and unfair and I think it is time to introduce a bit more fairness,” Daley told ABC radio.

“Without pre-empting any decisions I may make, I will be having a good look at the whole demerit scheme and that is one of the things that I think should be changed, and I will do my best to change, is to reduce the points for the 0-15 bracket.”

This is a surprising move, from the same government that is trialling GPS-based speed limiting devices. It is no surprise, however, that the current NSW Government is facing a hostile electorate and trailling the opposition in the polls.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Categories
News Top Gear

Clarkson and Hammond talk Top Gear LIVE!

Top Gear LIVE - Jeremy Clarkson

In case you’ve missed it Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond are bringing Top Gear LIVE to Australia as part of their world tour. The lads will be in Sydney in early 2009 performing several shows at Sydney’s Acer Arena over the dates 5-8 February.

New Zealand’s 3news has video of a press conference with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond talking about their LIVE experience and the tour ahead, including a few tidbits about coming to Australia. Click HERE to watch the clip (thanks to Tim for the link).

Categories
News Top Gear

More on Top Gear in Vietnam

Top Gear in Vietnam - Series 12

Now that Series 12 has started, a few questions about the Top Gear Vietnam special have been answered. According to FinalGear.com the theme of the challenge will be ‘Can you travel the length of Vietnam on 13 million Vietnamese Dong?’ By taking a closer look at the images in the opening teaser sequence shown at the start of Episode 1 we can deduce the following…

Firstly, we know the Vietnam episode will appear in the current series. Secondly, as revealed exclusively on AUSmotive, the challenge will involve motorbikes, including an all red ‘Communist Stig’! Also made known in AUSmotive’s exclusive report was one of the stops during the challenge would be at Halong Bay. Now I can show a new exclusive image of one of the motorbikes undergoing a water craft transformation, the results of which were shown in use with Jeremy in the preview footage (see extra images after the jump).

Top Gear in Vietnam - Series 12

The only thing not confirmed is the date this episode will go to air. While I don’t have any concrete information my educated guesses suggest a few possible dates. My hunch is the Vietnam special will air on 28 December—as a season finale—however, if it is to be shown earlier in the series, pencil in either 16 or 23 November as possible dates. With the great start to the series in the first episode, it looks like the lads are in great form and the Vietnam film is sure to be a high point in the series.

Continue reading “More on Top Gear in Vietnam”
Categories
Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz News

Lewis Hamilton wins dramatic title decider

Lewis Hamilton - 2008 F1 World Champion

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock you’ll have heard that Lewis Hamilton was crowned Formula 1 World Champion yesterday in the most dramatic of circumstances. Needing to finish the race in the top five to fend off the points challenge from a dominant weekend by race winner, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, Hamilton watched his title lead slip by when Sebastien Vettel relegated the Briton to sixth place with an overtaking move on the second last lap. This moment of high drama was only to be eclipsed by Timo Glock’s struggles in his Toyota on the last lap, which enabled both Vettel and Hamilton to pass and, crucially, slip Hamilton back into fifth position with just two corners remaining. And with that Lewis Hamilton won the 2008 F1 World Championship by the narrow margin of 5.4 seconds, the gap between himself and Glock back in sixth.

At the age of 23 years, 10 months and 26 days, Hamilton is the youngest champion in Formula 1 history. He is McLaren’s 12th drivers’ world title, the first since Mika Häkkinen’s back to back titles in 1998 and 1999.

Speaking after the race Hamilton was quick to acknowledge those who have assisted him throughout his career, “The most dramatic race of my whole life. It’s pretty much impossible to put this into words: I’m still speechless. It’s been such a long journey, but I’ve always had the support of my family, the team, our partners and the fans. We did a fantastic job throughout the whole year and, with all the sacrifices we made, I’m so thrilled to be able to win this for everyone.”

Continue reading “Lewis Hamilton wins dramatic title decider”
Categories
Holden Motorsports News

Mark Skaife announces retirement

Mark Skaife

Mark Skaife took centre stage today as he announced his retirement from full time V8 Supercar racing. His decision will take effect at the completion of the 2008 season, with the Oran Park round (4-7 December) being his last. Skaife claimed he no longer has the passion required for full-time racing, due in part to the demands of his ownership/management role with the Holden Racing Team.

At his press conference today Skaife said he regretted not being able to make it to Formula 1, but once it was clear that pathway would not be possible, he promised himself to make the most of the opportunities presented to him in Australia. With five Bathurst wins and five Australian Touring Car Championships, it is fair to say that Skaife made good on his promise.

General Motors’ statement on Skaife’s retirement can be read below. Other coverage can also be found at the V8 Supercars website here and here.

Continue reading “Mark Skaife announces retirement”
Categories
News Top Gear

Top Gear’s Russian revolution

Top Gear RussiaTop Gear Russia?! Yes, it’s true, the Top Gear politburo have sanctioned a Russian franchise.

The Top Gear website states, “there’s going to be a Top Gear Russia. Made in Russia for the Russians. A bit like the Aussie TG, but with more back-to-front letters and fewer boomerangs.”

A 15 episode run first series has been locked in, although presenters and studio location are yet to be finalised.

Source: TopGear.com

Categories
MINI Challenge News

MINI CHALLENGE update on Darren Berry

MINI Challenge logo
Media statement – October 12, 2008

UPDATE ON DARREN BERRY’S CONDITION

MINI CHALLENGE driver, Darren Berry, underwent surgery on his broken ankle at Orange Base Hospital this afternoon.

Following on from yesterday’s incident coming down the Mount Panorama course, Berry has spent the night in Orange Hospital.

He is expected to return to his home in Brisbane later this week to continue his recuperation.

Aside from the broken ankle and some stiffness associated with the accident, Berry has shown no other effects of the crash and is in good spirits.

National Manager, MINI – Justin Hocevar – has paid tribute to the safety of the MINI CHALLENGE racecar.

“It’s fantastic news that Darren is progressing so well,” he said. “It was a huge incident, however the fact that Darren has not suffered any more serious injury is testament to the safety built into these MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racecars.

“It also goes to show the implementation of safety precautions such as the Head and Neck Support (HANS) Device by MINI CHALLENGE goes a long way towards keeping our drivers safe in such an incident.

“Everyone involved with MINI CHALLENGE hopes to see Darren back at the racetrack very soon.”

Categories
News

Toyota falls as Volkswagen claims world’s ‘most valuable’ tag

Volkswagen logoAccording to a report at Bloomberg.com Toyota’s market value has fallen, while Volkswagen’s has risen, on the back of strong market growth, due, in part, to Porsche’s increasing financial interests in the German auto giant. The Bloomberg article states, “Toyota declined 4.9 percent to 3,710 yen, the lowest since March 2004, at the 3 p.m. close on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, giving it a giving it a market capitalization of $124.3 billion.”

On current exchange rates Volkswagen’s value sits at US$127.5 billion. Amazingly, Toyota’s value has dropped over 55% since its market peak in February 2007. Whereas Volkswagen achieved its highest stock market values in mid September. The drop in Toyota’s worth follows a 32% drop in US sales, where it is still the market leader.

Source: Bloomberg via autoblog

Categories
News

BMW Concept X1 in video and pictures

“The BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function in the premium compact segment,” says Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia. Another day, another SUV with tenuous marketing justification. To be fair, this X1 looks a damn sight better than the hideous X6. Expect BMW to sell plenty of X1s and expect plenty to never see any dirt.

Pics and BMW Australia’s press release after the jump. Official Concept X1 microsite HERE.

Continue reading “BMW Concept X1 in video and pictures”
Categories
News

Paul Newman 1925-2008

Paul Newman 1925-2008

You have probably already heard the sad news of Paul Newman‘s death from lung cancer last weekend. What you may not have realised is just what an all-round good bloke he seemed to be. We mainly know Newman from his movies and motor racing—and you may have even tried some of his Newman’s Own pasta sauces—but it is his work for charity that may well leave the biggest mark. This obituary by Dahlia Lithwick tells of Newman’s work with his Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. It is a most inspiring read.

Shortly before his death, Paul Newman took to the track one last time, driving his GT1 Corvette around Lime Rock. He lived an envious life—and he lived it well—in the true sense of the word.

The world is a poorer place for Paul Newman’s passing. May he rest in peace.

Source: autoblog; image: prorallypix

Categories
Ford News

Ford names Geelong local Marin Burela as new President and CEO

Ford CEO Martin BurelaFord today announced Marin Burela its new President and CEO. The appointment comes after the shock resignation last month of former president Bill Osborne. Raised in Geelong, Burela started working with Ford Australia in 1984. An engineering graduate of Ford of Australia’s graduate program, he has held positions in Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing, and Product Development areas.

His time with the Ford Motor Company has taken him around the globe, with stints in Asia, Europe and North America, including senior management and board level roles within Land Rover and Jaguar. Most recently he has been working with Ford Europe and he will commence his new role on 1 October. As head of Ford Australia Burela will report directly to John Parker, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific and Africa.

“Burela’s strong leadership and broad experience within Ford Motor Company will be vital to driving the successful future of Ford Australia’s operations. As a Geelong native, his return to Ford Australia allows him to lead not only one of Ford’s more strategic global markets, but one for which he has such a strong affinity,” said Parker.