Dillmann stays on top at Jerez

Tom Dillmann repeated his Tuesday form to set the pace on day two of GP2 testing at Jerez.

Driving again for new team Hilmer Motorsport, which has taken the spot vacated by Ocean Racing Technology, free agent Dillmann produced a benchmark lap of 1m24.400s in the morning session.

That put him just 0.018 seconds ahead of Rapax’s Stefano Coletti, followed by James Calado, Fabio Leimer and Felipe Nasr.

Best of the GP2 rookies was Kevin Giovesi. The Italian Formula 3 graduate, who has yet to secure a 2013 seat, was ninth ahead of his Lazarus team’s confirmed driver Rene Binder.

Dillmann was second in the afternoon, 0.3s shy of pacesetter Stephane Richelmi, now at DAMS.

Formula Renault 3.5 champion Robin Frijns put Trident fifth, just behind Johnny Cecotto and Daniel Abt.

The morning featured plenty of incidents and red flags. Marcus Ericsson, Nathanael Berthon and Nasr all went off, while Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Abt had a coming together.

There were fewer interruptions in the afternoon, which ran smoothly bar a late stoppage after a mistake at the first corner by Coletti.

Morning session:
 
Pos  Driver               Team                Time       Gap       Laps
  1.  Tom Dillmann         Hilmer              1m24.400s            19
  2.  Stefano Coletti      Rapax               1m24.418s  + 0.018s  26
  3.  James Calado         ART                 1m24.525s  + 0.125s  33
  4.  Fabio Leimer         Racing Engineering  1m24.534s  + 0.134s  28
  5.  Felipe Nasr          Carlin              1m24.691s  + 0.291s  25
  6.  Marcus Ericsson      DAMS                1m24.712s  + 0.312s  23
  7.  Stephane Richelmi    DAMS                1m24.776s  + 0.376s  34
  8.  Sergio Canamasas     Caterham            1m24.963s  + 0.563s  33
  9.  Kevin Giovesi        Lazarus             1m24.967s  + 0.567s  23
 10.  Rene Binder          Lazarus             1m24.976s  + 0.576s  24
 11.  Simon Trummer        Rapax               1m25.023s  + 0.623s  19
 12.  Nathanael Berthon    Trident             1m25.059s  + 0.659s  18
 13.  Jake Rosenzweig      Addax               1m25.243s  + 0.843s  27
 14.  Mitch Evans          Arden               1m25.258s  + 0.858s  27
 15.  Jolyon Palmer        Carlin              1m25.310s  + 0.910s  31
 16.  Robin Frijns         Trident             1m25.345s  + 0.945s  25
 17.  Pal Varhaug          Hilmer              1m25.402s  + 1.002s  28
 18.  Julian Leal          Racing Engineering  1m25.486s  + 1.086s  32
 19.  Adrian Quaife-Hobbs  MP                  1m25.604s  + 1.204s  28
 20.  Johnny Cecotto       Arden               1m25.607s  + 1.207s  28
 21.  Ma Qing Hua          Caterham            1m25.800s  + 1.400s  26
 22.  Daniel de Jong       MP                  1m25.858s  + 1.458s  25
 23.  Daniel Abt           ART                 1m25.893s  + 1.493s  8
 24.  Rio Haryanto         Addax               1m26.610s  + 2.210s  30
 
Afternoon session:
 
Pos  Driver               Team                Time       Gap       Laps
  1.  Stephane Richelmi    DAMS                1m24.604s            37
  2.  Tom Dillmann         Hilmer              1m24.932s  + 0.328s  18
  3.  Johnny Cecotto       Arden               1m25.292s  + 0.688s  22
  4.  Daniel Abt           ART                 1m25.312s  + 0.708s  30
  5.  Robin Frijns         Trident             1m25.335s  + 0.731s  22
  6.  Marcus Ericsson      DAMS                1m25.388s  + 0.784s  32
  7.  Pal Varhaug          Hilmer              1m25.391s  + 0.787s  42
  8.  Sergio Canamasas     Caterham            1m25.618s  + 1.014s  31
  9.  Jake Rosenzweig      Addax               1m25.677s  + 1.073s  33
 10.  Simon Trummer        Rapax               1m25.685s  + 1.081s  49
 11.  Nathanael Berthon    Trident             1m25.725s  + 1.121s  16
 12.  Kevin Giovesi        Lazarus             1m25.920s  + 1.316s  33
 13.  Adrian Quaife-Hobbs  MP                  1m25.925s  + 1.321s  18
 14.  Stefano Coletti      Rapax               1m26.022s  + 1.418s  29
 15.  Ma Qing Hua          Caterham            1m26.096s  + 1.492s  37
 16.  James Calado         ART                 1m26.116s  + 1.512s  21
 17.  Mitch Evans          Arden               1m26.374s  + 1.770s  38
 18.  Rio Haryanto         Addax               1m26.462s  + 1.858s  41
 19.  Daniel de Jong       MP                  1m27.075s  + 2.471s  22
 20.  Rene Binder          Lazarus             1m28.039s  + 3.435s  29
 21.  Julian Leal          Racing Engineering  1m28.793s  + 4.189s  43
 22.  Fabio Leimer         Racing Engineering  1m29.189s  + 4.585s  38
 23.  Jolyon Palmer        Carlin              1m29.596s  + 4.992s  27
 24.  Felipe Nasr          Carlin              1m29.749s  + 5.145s  33
 

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/formula-cars/gp2/dillmann-stays-on-top-at-jerez

Auto financement maison Financement alternatif

Dillmann stays on top at Jerez

Tom Dillmann repeated his Tuesday form to set the pace on day two of GP2 testing at Jerez.

Driving again for new team Hilmer Motorsport, which has taken the spot vacated by Ocean Racing Technology, free agent Dillmann produced a benchmark lap of 1m24.400s in the morning session.

That put him just 0.018 seconds ahead of Rapax’s Stefano Coletti, followed by James Calado, Fabio Leimer and Felipe Nasr.

Best of the GP2 rookies was Kevin Giovesi. The Italian Formula 3 graduate, who has yet to secure a 2013 seat, was ninth ahead of his Lazarus team’s confirmed driver Rene Binder.

Dillmann was second in the afternoon, 0.3s shy of pacesetter Stephane Richelmi, now at DAMS.

Formula Renault 3.5 champion Robin Frijns put Trident fifth, just behind Johnny Cecotto and Daniel Abt.

The morning featured plenty of incidents and red flags. Marcus Ericsson, Nathanael Berthon and Nasr all went off, while Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Abt had a coming together.

There were fewer interruptions in the afternoon, which ran smoothly bar a late stoppage after a mistake at the first corner by Coletti.

Morning session:
 
Pos  Driver               Team                Time       Gap       Laps
  1.  Tom Dillmann         Hilmer              1m24.400s            19
  2.  Stefano Coletti      Rapax               1m24.418s  + 0.018s  26
  3.  James Calado         ART                 1m24.525s  + 0.125s  33
  4.  Fabio Leimer         Racing Engineering  1m24.534s  + 0.134s  28
  5.  Felipe Nasr          Carlin              1m24.691s  + 0.291s  25
  6.  Marcus Ericsson      DAMS                1m24.712s  + 0.312s  23
  7.  Stephane Richelmi    DAMS                1m24.776s  + 0.376s  34
  8.  Sergio Canamasas     Caterham            1m24.963s  + 0.563s  33
  9.  Kevin Giovesi        Lazarus             1m24.967s  + 0.567s  23
 10.  Rene Binder          Lazarus             1m24.976s  + 0.576s  24
 11.  Simon Trummer        Rapax               1m25.023s  + 0.623s  19
 12.  Nathanael Berthon    Trident             1m25.059s  + 0.659s  18
 13.  Jake Rosenzweig      Addax               1m25.243s  + 0.843s  27
 14.  Mitch Evans          Arden               1m25.258s  + 0.858s  27
 15.  Jolyon Palmer        Carlin              1m25.310s  + 0.910s  31
 16.  Robin Frijns         Trident             1m25.345s  + 0.945s  25
 17.  Pal Varhaug          Hilmer              1m25.402s  + 1.002s  28
 18.  Julian Leal          Racing Engineering  1m25.486s  + 1.086s  32
 19.  Adrian Quaife-Hobbs  MP                  1m25.604s  + 1.204s  28
 20.  Johnny Cecotto       Arden               1m25.607s  + 1.207s  28
 21.  Ma Qing Hua          Caterham            1m25.800s  + 1.400s  26
 22.  Daniel de Jong       MP                  1m25.858s  + 1.458s  25
 23.  Daniel Abt           ART                 1m25.893s  + 1.493s  8
 24.  Rio Haryanto         Addax               1m26.610s  + 2.210s  30
 
Afternoon session:
 
Pos  Driver               Team                Time       Gap       Laps
  1.  Stephane Richelmi    DAMS                1m24.604s            37
  2.  Tom Dillmann         Hilmer              1m24.932s  + 0.328s  18
  3.  Johnny Cecotto       Arden               1m25.292s  + 0.688s  22
  4.  Daniel Abt           ART                 1m25.312s  + 0.708s  30
  5.  Robin Frijns         Trident             1m25.335s  + 0.731s  22
  6.  Marcus Ericsson      DAMS                1m25.388s  + 0.784s  32
  7.  Pal Varhaug          Hilmer              1m25.391s  + 0.787s  42
  8.  Sergio Canamasas     Caterham            1m25.618s  + 1.014s  31
  9.  Jake Rosenzweig      Addax               1m25.677s  + 1.073s  33
 10.  Simon Trummer        Rapax               1m25.685s  + 1.081s  49
 11.  Nathanael Berthon    Trident             1m25.725s  + 1.121s  16
 12.  Kevin Giovesi        Lazarus             1m25.920s  + 1.316s  33
 13.  Adrian Quaife-Hobbs  MP                  1m25.925s  + 1.321s  18
 14.  Stefano Coletti      Rapax               1m26.022s  + 1.418s  29
 15.  Ma Qing Hua          Caterham            1m26.096s  + 1.492s  37
 16.  James Calado         ART                 1m26.116s  + 1.512s  21
 17.  Mitch Evans          Arden               1m26.374s  + 1.770s  38
 18.  Rio Haryanto         Addax               1m26.462s  + 1.858s  41
 19.  Daniel de Jong       MP                  1m27.075s  + 2.471s  22
 20.  Rene Binder          Lazarus             1m28.039s  + 3.435s  29
 21.  Julian Leal          Racing Engineering  1m28.793s  + 4.189s  43
 22.  Fabio Leimer         Racing Engineering  1m29.189s  + 4.585s  38
 23.  Jolyon Palmer        Carlin              1m29.596s  + 4.992s  27
 24.  Felipe Nasr          Carlin              1m29.749s  + 5.145s  33
 

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/formula-cars/gp2/dillmann-stays-on-top-at-jerez

Credit automobiles Auto financement maison

Alfa Romeo’s Latest Giulietta, the Veloce—Italian for “Fast” [2013 Geneva Auto Show]

Those Alfisti among us surely are quite familiar with the word “veloce,” which is Italian for “fast.” The brand has added veloce to its Giulietta nameplate dating back to 1956. Having never been shy about dipping into its past, Alfa is doing so again to create a new version of the Dodge Dart‘s Italian cousin—the Giulietta Veloce, debuting at the Geneva auto show. We’d like to be able to inform you that the Veloce got its name because Alfa dropped a bigger engine in it to make it, well, faster, but instead the Italian marque has created, in its words, a model for “clientele looking for contents and styling details brimming with character.”

Apparently such buyers are looking for 17-inch titanium-finished aluminum wheels, black-trimmed headlights, titanium-finished side-mirror caps, the famed Veloce logo and, yikes, chrome door handles. The Veloce’s interior largely is done in dark colors to emphasize the titanium theme, which adorns the, the central tunnel, and the door panels. The seats are upholstered in a red-and-black pattern Alfa is referring to as Competizione, with the same theme extending to the black-leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring red contrast stitching. The exterior can be specified to come with a roof finished in matte gray or gloss black, each only available with select combinations of the car’s exterior finishes—Pastel Black, Ghiaccio White, Alfa Red, Antracite Gray, Metallic Red, and Etna Black. All very nice, perhaps, but true Alfisti know that honest Giulietta Veloces are created in the engineering department, not the design studios.

---

• First Drive: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
• First Drive: 2014 Maserati Quattroporte
• First Drive: 2012 Ferrari FF

---

That’s even more evident upon researching what, exactly, will power the Veloce. Alfa tells us “the new Giulietta Veloce is available—depending on the market—with the various engines in the range.” Our prodding didn’t yield any further clarification. So in theory, that statement could mean that the Veloce will be available with a diesel. And while we consider ourselves disciples at the alter of compression ignition, legendary Alfa engineer Vittorio Jano would be turning in his grave at the very thought. Luckily, most markets offer the Giulietta with the 1750-cc direct-injected turbo four that will power the new 4C. With 235 horsepower and up to 221 lb-ft of torque in Giulietta guise, this mill likely will be the Veloce engine of choice. Besides, the number 1750 also has its place in Alfa Romeo history. Jano, more so than any designer, would approve.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/B91QV0L2wsU/

Auto crédit Financement auto

Auto Loan Advice for First-Time Car Buyers

Auto loan advice for first time car buyers is important. Most first-time car buyers are young and lack experience. It is important to start out on the right foot and make a wise decision. Today's auto loan market offers many choices, that can be confusing to even the most experienced buyers. Here is some advice that can be beneficial to all, but especially to first-time buyers. Research Loans With so many choices in market place, you will need to shop for loans to determine where to find the best deals. Research all of the various options on the internet....

Source: http://www.loan.com/car-loans/auto-loan-advice-for-first-time-car-buyers.html

Auto financement maison Financement alternatif

Today’s Sign That America Is Falling Behind on Transport Policy

You know we’ve reached a low point in U.S. infrastructure policy when state officials are selling off public utilities in order to fund $1.7 billion highway interchanges.

France's new OuiGo service aims to lure car owners onto high-speed rail trips by lowering fares. Image: Transport Politic

Contrast American gimmicks with the progress of some of our international competitors. Systemic Failure reports today that China is now operating four high-speed rail lines at a profit, even when factoring in payments to cover construction costs. By 2015, China will have built more than 11,000 miles track for the country’s ultra high-speed “bullet trains,” and by 2020, they hope to expand to more than 31,000 miles.

Meanwhile, France is experimenting with a new fare system to make high-speed train travel more affordable for some trips, reports Yonah Freemark at the Transport Politic. They call the new service OuiGo, and it’s designed to lure people out of their cars by charging peanuts for inter-city travel:

OuiGo will offer 300 km/h TGV speed at very low prices, starting at €10 for journeys between the Paris region and the Mediterranean coast (Montpellier and Marseille, via Lyon), a trip of about 500 miles (10% of overall tickets will be as low as that, with the rest increasing to a maximum of €85). SNCF claims that these ticket prices are the lowest available in the world for high-speed trains. Current TGV tickets start at €19 for similar journeys, but generally are above €50. OuiGo tickets will always be cheaper than equivalent TGV tickets on similar journeys.

Which country do you think will be best positioned if energy prices rise?

Elsewhere on the Network today: A View from the Cycle Path explains how Dutch “woonerven” — nearly car-free residential areas — differ from “shared space,” which author David Hembrow says is still designed to accommodate cars. Transit Miami thinks about what it would take to make Miami “a real city.” And Boston Biker reports that a project in Somerville has triggered the old bike infrastructure-vs-parking debate in the local press.

Source: http://streetsblog.net/2013/02/25/this-weeks-sign-that-america-is-falling-behind-on-transport-policy/

Financement alternatif Credit approuve

Ralf Schumacher ‘central’ to Mercedes

Ralf Schumacher still has a key role to play in Mercedes’ DTM programme, according to the manufacturer’s motorsport chief Toto Wolff.

Schumacher, 37, was confirmed as one of Mercedes’ six drivers for the coming season, keeping the seat despite the team’s interest in Robert Kubica over the past month.

And Wolff believes that the six-time grand prix winner’s experience will be crucial in aiding the development of the junior members of the line-up; Daniel Juncadella, Roberto Merhi, Christian Vietoris and Robert Wickens.

“The performance on-track is the most important thing, and we need to look at how he develops this year, how his results look and how the young guys will develop with him,” Wolff told AUTOSPORT.

“He’s going to play a very important role in getting the new kids out of the starting blocks well. I see him and his experience very much as a central role around his engagement.”

“By myself, [HWA chief] Gerhard Ungar and [head of motorsport administration] Wolfgang Schattling choosing him, we guarantee that he has our full support.”

Gary Paffett is the only DTM race winner competing for Mercedes this year following Jamie Green’s winter move to rival manufacturer Audi.

But Wolff is not worried about the possibility that this will leave the squad lagging behind Audi and reigning champion manufacturer BMW.

Instead he is convinced of his line-up’s potential for success in future seasons.

“I’m not going to be measured on whether we have high-profile drivers or ones who generate more press or less press,” he said.

“This line-up is about balance as well as performance. I think we will do well.”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/miscellaneous/dtm/ralf-schumacher-central-to-mercedes

Credit automobiles Financement alternatif

Buying Good Faith With Bad Credit

Buying a new vehicle is a fun and exciting experience. At least it should be. If you have bad credit, purchasing that new vehicle can become a teeth-gnashing nightmare. “Bad credit, we can get you approved” are words that every … Continue reading →

The post Buying Good Faith With Bad Credit appeared first on Loan Doctor Blog.

Source: http://www.loandoctor.ca/tips-and-advice/index.php/2012/11/buying-good-faith-with-bad-credit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=buying-good-faith-with-bad-credit

Financement automobiles Credit auto

Stoner daunted by ‘alien’ V8 debut

Casey Stoner reckons his V8 Development Series debut in Adelaide this weekend will be more nerve-wracking than his step up to MotoGP in 2006.

The 2007 and ’11 MotoGP world champion is moving into car racing with Triple 8 this year after retiring from motorcycles at the end of last season.

He said the fact he was coming into the V8 feeder category as a total novice in the sport made it more daunting than moving from 250cc to MotoGP after a life of bike racing.

“It’s very different,” Stoner said. “Back then I’d been racing bikes my whole life, and of course I was a little bit nervous.

“When you step up the different classes, because it’s all generally the same on two wheels, it’s not a big thing, but for me moving from two wheels to four wheels is something I’ve never done before.

“I’ll be a little more nervous, for sure, than I was going into MotoGP. But I’m also very excited.”

To see more images of Stoner’s V8 unveiling click here

Stoner said racing on four wheels still felt ‘alien’ and believes it will take time and race mileage to feel truly comfortable.

“Everything’s gone pretty smoothly so far but until we’re on the track there’s only so much we can do,” he said.

“It’s something very alien to me, racing a car, let alone with walls each side of me. It’s not something I’m completely natural with yet, but I do want to go out and enjoy it.

“I have no idea where we’re going to be running,” he said.

“I first and foremost want to enjoy it, but, you know, I’m a competitive driver, I’ll still come out and we’ll see where our results end up.

“But at this point we have no real goals set, just to try and learn as much as we can, pick up what we can and see where we end up at the end of a weekend.”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/stoner-daunted-by-alien-v8-debut

Financement alternatif Credit approuve

South African Rally Championships

New Toyota Yaris S2000 Launched last night.

So far i can only find this pic, will post more once they are posted.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.ph...type=1&theater


Toyota Etios R2 Launched as well... pics to follow.

Source: http://www.motorsportforums.com/americas-asia-pacific-african-rallying/157284-south-african-rally-championships.html

Credit approuve 2e chance au credit

Analysis: Lowe’s exit a blow to McLaren

McLaren may have been putting on a brave face on Paddy Lowe’s defection to Mercedes on Monday, but there is no hiding from the fact that his departure is a blow.

That is not just a perception from those outside the corridors of Woking either, because it was Jenson Button who prophetically suggested late last year that a Lowe exit would be a much bigger loss for the outfit than losing Lewis Hamilton.

Speaking about how upset he was that Hamilton had elected to jump ship, Button said: “I’m not disappointed because there’s always change.

“I’d be disappointed if Paddy Lowe moved from the team because that’s the guy who’s going to help me achieve in the future.

“Whereas with Lewis, drivers come and go and people change, and that’s pretty normal in the sport.”

Button’s comments are no surprise really. When McLaren elected last year to name Lowe as its first technical director in the post Adrian Newey era, it was based on the instrumental role he had played in driving the outfit forward.

Here was the man who as head of McLaren’s R&D helped push on power steering, brake steer and a ramp-up of the team’s simulator facilities.

As engineering director since 2005 and, for the past 12 months as technical director, he helped create cars that were good enough for numerous victories – even though titles remained elusive.

Lowe’s future will now be focused on delivering those trophies for Mercedes instead, and most likely longer term as Ross Brawn’s eventual successor when the current team boss elects to call time on his F1 career.

At McLaren, Tim Goss is a more than worthy successor to Lowe. And although he may not have the high profile of other senior technical figures in the sport, his contribution to Woking’s recent successes should not be downplayed.

Yet Goss and his engineering crew will know that they are without one on their biggest assets when they head into play in Melbourne, at a time when the outfit has already lost a star player from its driver line-up.

Red Bull, Ferrari and Lotus must all be rubbing their hands at the prospect of their toughest rival experiencing a lack of continuity on both the driving and technical front.

Lowe’s benefits to Mercedes will not be felt for nearly a year yet, but the impact of his decision to join Brackley is going to be felt in Woking much sooner than that.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/analysis-lowes-exit-a-blow-to-mclaren

2e chance au credit 3e chance au credit

Video: 911 call released from Saturday's Daytona crash

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/02/25/2707762/video-911-call-released-from-saturdays.html

Financement maison Financement auto

Goss replaces Lowe as McLaren technical director

McLaren have announced that Tim Goss, formerly the team's director of engineering, is to replace Paddy Lowe as technical director with immediate effect. Goss, who joined McLaren in 1990, said: "I'm delighted to have been offered the technical directorship of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - one of the most prestigious positions in global sport"

More...

Go to the Formula 1 forum to discuss this story.

Source: http://www.motorsportforums.com/formula-1-news/157278-goss-replaces-lowe-mclaren-technical-director.html

Credit approuve 2e chance au credit

Genève 2013 : premières photos de la McLaren P1

Entre photos du concept, photos d’annonce dans l’ombre, photos de détails ou de prototypes on a déjà l’impression de la connaître cette McLaren P1… Mais voici les premières photos officielles du dernier bolide de Woking…

McLaren divulgue peu à peu les caractéristiques de sa P1 avant sa présentation à Genève, alternant les informations d’ordre technique et les images, qui pour l’heure ne montraient pas réellement la voiture dans son ensemble. Les premières photos du modèle de production, sans camouflage arrivent à présent Un modèle qui sans réelle surprise est presque quasiment identique au « concept » dévoilé à Paris.

Première lutte sur la moquette du salon de Genève avec la Ferrari « F150″, et avec la Porsche 918 en embuscade qui pourrait elle aussi marquer l’événement suisse de sa présence. Le véritable combat aura lieu sur route et sur circuit… Pour cela, la P1 divulgue aussi quelques données concernant ses performances : 0 à 100 km/h en moins de 3 secondes, Les 200 km/h passés en moins de 7 secondes, les 300 en 17 secondes. La vitesse maximale de son côté sera limitée électroniquement à 350 km/h.

Les chiffres de la puissance ou du couple ont été confirmés voici quelques jours avec un V8 3,8l Twin Turbo combiné à un système hybride pour une puissance totale de 916 ch. Les émissions de CO2 seront sous la barre des 200 g/km, tandis que l’autonomie en mode tout électrique sera de 20 km à une vitesse moyenne de 50 km/h.

Les prix est fixé à 866.000 £ (1 million d’euro) et la production sera limitée à 375 unités.

Source : McLaren

Source: http://www.leblogauto.com/2013/02/geneve-2013-premieres-photos-de-la-mclaren-p1.html

2e chance au credit 3e chance au credit

Launch Timing for Mercedes-Benz 2013 Calendar-Year Debuts: New Diesels, Black Series, S-class, More

Mercedes-Benz is unleashing quite a few new models and fresh variants of a few existing vehicles in 2013, and we now have specific on-sale dates for all of them. (Hit the links for full info on each model.)

---

• Instrumented Test: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 / GLK350 4MATIC
• First Ride: 2013 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4MATIC Sedan
• Instrumented Test: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG

---

Working chronologically, expect to see the 2013 GL63 AMG next month, followed in May by the refreshed 2014 E-class (E350 sedan, E350 wagon, E400 hybrid, and E550 4MATIC.) The diesel-powered 2013 GLK250 BlueTec also is due in May.

The hyper-wicked 2014 SLS AMG Black Series will go on sale in July, along with the E250 diesel sedan and the reworked 2014 E-class coupe and convertible. The 2014 E63 AMG 4MATIC sedan and wagon and 2013 ML250 BlueTec arrive in August.

Finally, you can mark down the new 2014 CLA-class and redesigned S-class for September, and the 355-hp CLA45 AMG for November—just in time for holiday gift-giving.

For fans of Benz’s Smart division and/or electric propulsion, the 2013 Fortwo Electric Drive EV launches in April.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/kUTBUq421s4/

Credit auto Credit automobiles

NNS Pole Report: Trevor Bayne wins pole for DRIVE4COPD 300

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2013/02/nns-pole-report-trevor-bayne-wins-pole.html

Financement automobiles Credit auto

Video: 2013 Wild NASCAR Nationwide Series Finish, Leaders Crash, Fans Injured, Stewart Wins At Daytona

Source: http://thefinallap.com/2013/02/24/video-2013-wild-nationwide-series-finish-leaders-crash-fans-injured-stewart-wins-at-daytona-kyle-larson-crashes-into-fence/

Financement auto Financement automobiles

Aston to field second car at Sebring

Aston Martin Racing will field a second Vantage GTE in next month’s Sebring 12 Hours as a possible precursor to running a fifth car at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The second Aston at Sebring will be raced by Grand-Am regulars Paul Dalla Lana and Billy Johnson, who race in the main GT and Continental Tire-sponsored feeder series respectively.

They will be joined in the car by Pedro Lamy, who raced for the AMR squad in 2004-05.

Lana and Johnson are likely to be part of a line-up in the fifth factory Aston at Le Mans should the car move up from its position at the head of the GTE reserve list.

AMR team principal John Gaw said: “We want a North American car at Le Mans and we are hoping to hear some positive news on the entry situation in the next week.

“Billy Johnson is one of the best young American GT drivers around, which is why he is in the car. We’ve brought in Pedro to add some experience for Sebring.”

AMR’s lead Vantage GTE will be raced by team regulars Darren Turner and Stefan Mucke and ex-Formula 1 driver Bruno Senna.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/aston-to-field-second-car-at-sebring

2e chance au credit 3e chance au credit

Harvick wins first Daytona duel

Kevin Harvick won the first of the 150-mile ‘Duel’ qualifying races at Daytona on Thursday afternoon, setting one half of the grid for Sunday’s showpiece 500-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup opener.

This race featured the 500 polesitter, Danica Patrick, plus the entrants that finished in the odd-numbered positions from qualifying last Sunday.

Patrick failed to lead the opening lap though, as fellow front-row sitter Trevor Bayne hit the front form the outside lane.

Bayne led the opening half of the race, until Harvick found a way to make the inside line work and he drafted past just before the pitstops.

Swift service kept Harvick, who also won last Saturday’s Sprint Unlimited non-points event, out front. He headed Greg Biffle, Martin Truex Jr and Jimmie Johnson until the race’s only caution with less than 10 laps to go.

Denny Hamlin got loose off Turn 2 and clipped Carl Edwards, sending the Roush Fenway Ford driver head-on into the wall. He was unhurt.

“I was minding my own business,” said Edwards. “I saw in my mirror Denny get sideways – I thought ‘what in the blip’!”

“It’s the fourth time we’ve wrecked a car down here. The car’s broke. She’s all torn up. At least I know what the wrecks look like here.”

Also involved were Bayne and Regan Smith, who collided in a secondary incident after Bayne had already hit Edwards.

Harvick kept the lead at the restart, holding off Biffle as he did on Saturday, ahead of Juan Pablo Montoya, Johnson and Kurt Busch. Montoya did an amazing job to charge to third after he restarted 13th following a pitstop for lengthy repairs under yellow.

Winner Harvick said: “The cars are a lot free-er [compared to the night race], but you have to be precise with the timing in the draft, or you get hung out. It was a great race for us again.”

Patrick finished in 17th and said: “I learned some. Harvick’s got it figured out, hasn’t he? The top line is the way to go. I lifted a little at the start. I was really tight in that race.”

After the race, Truex was penalised for not having his side window in place, which guaranteed ex-F1 racer Scott Speed’s starting spot in the 500.

Results - 60 laps:
 
 Pos  Driver              Team/Car                        Time/Gap
  1.  Kevin Harvick       Childress Chevrolet            60 laps
  2.  Greg Biffle         Roush Fenway Ford              + 0.165s
  3.  Juan Pablo Montoya  Earnhardt Ganassi Chevrolet    + 0.354s
  4.  Jimmie Johnson      Hendrick Chevrolet             + 0.379s
  5.  Kurt Busch          Furniture Row Chevrolet        + 0.446s
  6.  Tony Stewart        Stewart-Haas Chevrolet         + 0.535s
  7.  Brad Keselowski     Penske Ford                    + 0.593s
  8.  Casey Mears         Germain Ford                   + 0.622s
  9.  Dale Earnhardt Jr   Hendrick Chevrolet             + 0.678s
 10.  Joey Logano         Penske Ford                    + 0.730s
 11.  Bobby Labonte       JTG Daugherty Toyota           + 0.738s
 12.  David Gilliland     Front Row Ford                 + 0.811s
 13.  Joe Nemechek        NEMCO Toyota                   + 0.829s
 14.  Michael Waltrip     Waltrip Toyota                 + 0.854s
 15.  Scott Speed         Leavine Ford                   + 0.944s
 16.  David Reutimann     BK Ford                        + 0.961s
 17.  Danica Patrick      Stewart-Haas Chevrolet         + 6.294s
 18.  Regan Smith         Finch Chevrolet               + 31.440s
 19.  Martin Truex Jr     Waltrip Toyota                + 31.907s
 20.  Denny Hamlin        Gibbs Toyota 		         + 1 lap 
 21.  Brian Keselowski    Keseolwski Toyota              + 2 laps
 
 Did not finish:
 
      Carl Edwards        Roush Fenway Ford               + 8 laps
      Trevor Bayne        Wood Brothers Ford              + 8 laps
 
 

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/nascar-news/nascar/harvick-wins-first-daytona-duel

Financement automobiles Credit auto

Une annonce phare chez Nismo demain

Nismo va se fendre demain d’une annonce importante concernant son futur sportif. Le lever de voile sur cette information interviendra demain à l’occasion de la présentation du nouveau siège de Nismo et du programme sportif 2013 de la division de sport automobile de Nissan. Preuve de l’importance de cette information, c’est Carlos Ghosn lui-même qui prendra le micro pour faire cette annonce à 10h30 heure japonaise, soit 2h30 du matin heure française. Le président de Nissan sera également là pour marquer l’ouverture des nouveaux locaux de Nismo, qui quitte le site historique d’Omori pour reprendre, sur une bien plus vaste surface, un terrain appartenant à Nissan à Yokohama et situé à proximité de l’usine d’assemblage des moteurs de la Nissan GT-R à Shin Koyasu.

Le communiqué de Nismo annonce une nouvelle direction pour la performance, ce qui peut signifier nombre de choses. On sait que la GT-R qui court actuellement en GT500 sera remplacée par une nouvelle voiture en 2014. Sera-ce l’occasion pour Nissan d’entrer en DTM également ? Le constructeur reviendra-t-il à ses premières amours et s’impliquera-t-il plus avant en WEC ? Après les V8 supercars en Australie, Nismo suivra-t-il Toyota en Nascar ? La Leaf RC va-t-elle enfin s’engager sérieusement en compétition ? On peut tout imaginer, aucune information n’ayant fuité jusqu’à présent sur le sujet.

Cette inauguration devrait également être l’occasion pour Nissan de réitérer ses intentions de déployer un grand nombre de véhicules badgés Nismo dans la gamme, suivant le Juke Nismo et très bientôt la 370Z et on pourrait avoir une idée plus précise de la suite du programme.

Rendez-vous dans quelques heures avec le compte-rendu du blog auto qui sera sur place pour couvrir l’événement.

A lire également. Essai Nissan Juke Nismo : le petit rigolo et La Nissan 370Z Nismo débarque en Europe.

Source : Nissan.

Crédit illustrations : Nissan.

Source: http://www.leblogauto.com/2013/02/une-annonce-phare-avancee-chez-nismo.html

Credit automobiles Financement alternatif

MOUNTAIN VIEW RACING TEAM REPORT NHRA Nationals

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas
Another final round for Nobile in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (October 29) - still one week shy of his 21st birthday, Mountain View Racing Pro Stock driver Vincent Nobile has never pulled the lever on a slot machine or played a single hand of black jack, but that doesn't mean he hasn't gotten lucky in Las Vegas. For the second time this year, Nobile drove Nick Mitsos' NAPA/Mountain View Dodge to a Pro Stock final round at the famed Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Nobile was runner-up to teammate Allen Johnson at the first NHRA Las Vegas event last April and the Mopar duo repeated that performance this weekend with the win once again going to Johnson. Nobile did his job on the starting line with a great reaction time but his 6.67 elapsed time fell to Johnson's 6.63.

"Obviously, it would have been great to win but overall we're very happy with the way our weekend went," said Nobile. "We thought we had a good chance to win the final but we broke a lash cap on the run and that hurt our performance a bit. We've been knocking on the door of another final round for the last few races and it was nice to finally get there again."

On his way to the final round, Nobile drove past reigning NHRA Full Throttle series champion Jason Line and also claimed a crucial victory against Erica Enders, his closest rival in the points battle. Enders is currently ranked third while Nobile is fourth. The strong showing allowed Nobile to move to within 14 points of Enders with one event remaining in the 2012 season.

"That's our goal right now," said Nobile. "We know that we can finish in third place and that would be awesome for our team. We finished fifth last season and obviously we'd like to improve on that. A couple of races ago I wasn't so sure we could do it but it's definitely within our grasp now.

"The final race of the season is also in Pomona, which is the home track for the Mitsos family and the whole Mountain View Tires team. Nothing would make me happier than to end the season with a victory there."

The season-ending Automobile Club of Southern California Finals will take place at Auto Club Pomona Raceway, Nov. 8-11.

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/10/mountain_view_racing_team.php

Financement automobiles Credit auto

Colin Monahan Named Marketing Coordinator at Infineon Raceway

Infineon Raceway
SONOMA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2012)

Colin Monahan has been named Marketing Coordinator at Infineon Raceway, raceway officials announced.

Monahan, 23, will assist the marketing team with the planning and execution of event-related initiatives and programs, coordinate off-site tradeshows and promotions, and oversee the raceway's Little Racers Club and social networking efforts, among his many other responsibilities.

Monahan originally joined the team in 2009 and has worked as an intern and part-time employee the past three seasons. He graduated from Sonoma State University in 2011 with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. He is a native of Yorba Linda (Calif.), currently living in Novato in the North Bay.

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/01/colin_monahan_named_marke.php

Credit automobiles Financement alternatif

Vandoorne fastest in Aragon FR3.5 test

New McLaren junior driver Stoffel Vandoorne topped the first Formula Renault 3.5 test of 2013 at Aragon on Friday.

The Belgian, who was snapped up by McLaren earlier this week, topped both the morning and afternoon sessions in the Fortec car which took Robin Frijns to the 2012 championship.

Vandoorne, who also succeeded Frijns as Formula Renault Eurocup champion last year, pipped FR3.5 veteran Daniil Move to top spot in the closing minutes of both the morning and afternoon sessions.

The best times of the day came in the afternoon session, as the teams got some dry running in after the track had been wet for most of the morning.

Red Bull junior and championship favourite Antonio Felix da Costa jumped Move to take second just before the end of the day’s running, leaving the Russian with the third fastest time.

The top six was completed by the Draco cars of Nico Muller and Andre Negrao, who sandwiched fifth placed Will Stevens.

Vandoorne: future McLaren F1 star?

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/vandoorne-fastest-in-aragon-fr3-5-test

Financement maison Financement auto

Webster moves into GP3 with Status

2012 McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award finalist Josh Webster will move into GP3 with Status in 2013.

Webster, who finished runner-up in last year’s Formula Renault BARC championship, made his debut for the team yesterday as pre-season testing commenced at Estoril.

The 19-year-old said he was not setting unrealistic targets given the magnitude of his step up and the fact he has only driven one of the eight circuits GP3 will visit this year.

“GP3 is a massive step up for me and I am under no illusion about how much I have to learn, but it will be a fantastic experience and it’s great to be at the first test this week at Estoril,” Webster explained.

“Apart from learning about the car and the European circuits, the Pirelli tyres will also take some getting used to but I’m up for the challenge.

“Of course I hope to do well but I am also aware of the fact that I haven’t driven at seven of the eight circuits we will be competing at this season, so this will undoubtedly be a learning year for me.

“I see GP3 as a two-year programme and I intend to put some solid foundations in place as quickly as I can.”

Team principal Teddy Yip backed Webster to impress, adding: “Josh has been a clearly visible talent on the British scene over the past few seasons, and we believe his performances will turn heads this year.

“His test and simulator runs have been impressive, and we look forward to a strong season.”

2013 GP3 Series line-up so far:
 
 Lotus (ART)  Jack Harvey          Facu Regalia     tba
 MW Arden     Daniil Kvyat         Carlos Sainz Jr  Robert Visoiu
 Carlin       Eric Lichtenstein    Luis Sa Silva    Nick Yelloly
 Jenzer       Patric Niederhauser  Alex Fontana     Samin Gomez
 Manor        Dino Zamparelli      tba              tba
 Status       Jimmy Eriksson       Josh Webster     tba
 Bamboo       tba                  tba              tba
 Trident      Emanuele Zonzini     David Fumanelli  tba
 Koiranen     Kevin Korjus         Aaro Vainio      Patrick Kujala
 

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/webster-moves-into-gp3-with-status

3e chance au credit Financement maison

Rally Sweden video rewind

Story from www.wrc.com

Over in the video section you’ll find 14 clips from Sweden, arranged as features, highlights and onboards.
So, whether you want to ride in Jari-Matti Latvala’s Volkswagen Polo R, watch highlights of Saturday’s competition or find out what happened on stages 1-3, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t know where to start? Then allow us to recommend Sunday’s highlights. You’ll find the clip here.





More...

Source: http://www.motorsportforums.com/wrc-news/157254-rally-sweden-video-rewind.html

Credit auto Credit automobiles

Audi A3 e-tron Concept: Coming to America—Maybe [2013 Geneva Auto Show]

Including the indefinite hold put on the Audi R8 e-tron, the brand’s strategy on the implementation of electric vehicles may have stalled, but the German automaker is charging forward with its hybrid models. The proof will be in the pudding served at the Geneva auto show, where an almost-production-ready A3 e-tron bows. Based on the five-door A3 Sportback, the A3 e-tron concept packs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. READ MORE ››

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/I-gSEE3xaDs/audi-a3-e-tron-concept-photos-and-info-news-1

Financement alternatif Credit approuve

Tony Stewart's record-tying victory overshadowed by fan injuries

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2013/02/tony-stewarts-record-tying-victory.html

Financement maison Financement auto

Alonso sets early day-three pace

Fernando Alonso led the way on Thursday morning in Barcelona Formula 1 winter testing.

The Ferrari was quickest for the majority of the four-hour session.

Alonso and Williams’s Pastor Maldonado swapped the top spot for a spell as both did short runs on soft tyres, but Alonso then started edging clear with repeated small improvements.

Nico Hulkenberg ultimately got closest for Sauber, lapping 0.286s adrift of Alonso on a quick soft-tyre run of his own.

Romain Grosjean took the Lotus over from Kimi Raikkonen and completed the top three.

Mercedes made a slow start to the morning, focusing on data-gathering. That meant a long garage sojourn while the various measuring appendages were removed, after which Nico Rosberg got up to fourth.

Following his early dice with Alonso, Maldonado concentrated on much longer runs, completing an ample 79 laps before lunch.

He will hand over to team-mate Valtteri Bottas for the remainder of the day.

Jenson Button completed the top six for McLaren.

Adrian Sutil’s return with Force India gathered plenty of interest. The German was fully engaged with the team’s development programme, starting off with aerodynamic tests before lapping a second off the pace in seventh.

Mark Webber was back in eighth at the end of a low-key morning for Red Bull.

The session ran smoothly, with no red flag interruptions.

Morning times
 
Pos  Driver                Team            Time       Gap     Laps   
  1.  Fernando Alonso       Ferrari         1m21.875s           51
 2.  Nico Hulkenberg       Sauber          1m22.160s  +0.285   43
 3.  Romain Grosjean       Lotus           1m22.188s  +0.313   47
 4.  Nico Rosberg          Mercedes        1m22.627s  +0.752   29
 5.  Pastor Maldonado      Williams        1m22.675s  +0.800   79
 6.  Jenson Button         McLaren         1m22.840s  +0.965   29
 7.  Adrian Sutil          Force India     1m22.877s  +1.002   39
 8.  Mark Webber           Red Bull        1m23.024s  +1.149   46
 9.  Jean-Eric Vergne      Toro Rosso      1m23.366s  +1.491   66
10.  Max Chilton           Marussia        1m26.416s  +4.541   33
11.  Giedo van der Garde   Caterham        1m27.344s  +5.469   50

AUTOSPORT special testing coverage:

Gallery Testing blog Technical blog Live commentary Trackside analysis

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/alonso-sets-early-day-three-pace

Financement alternatif Credit approuve

Dustin Morgan looking for smooth 2013 season

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2013/02/dustin-morgan-looking-for-smooth-2013.html

2e chance au credit 3e chance au credit

Quaife-Hobbs moves into GP2

Auto GP champion Adrian Quaife-Hobbs will move into GP2 with MP Motorsport this season.

Quaife-Hobbs dominated Auto GP with Super Nova in 2012.

He will line up alongside Daniel de Jong at MP as it makes its GP2 debut.

Team manager Sander Dorsman described the signing of Quaife-Hobbs as a “great coup.”

“He’s held in very high regard by a lot of people and his performances in Auto GP last year proved what a really talented racer he is,” said Dorsman.

MP also announced that Formula Renault graduate Meindert van Buuren will join Riccardo Agostini in its Auto GP programme, which is run in conjunction with Manor.

2013 GP2 line-up so far:
 
DAMS                     Marcus Ericsson    Stephane Richelmi
 ART (Lotus GP)           James Calado       Daniel Abt
 Arden International      Johnny Cecotto Jr  Mitch Evans
 Racing Engineering       Fabio Leimer       Julian Leal
 Carlin                   Felipe Nasr        Jolyon Palmer
 iSport                   TBA                TBA
 Caterham Racing          TBA                TBA
 Addax Team               Rio Haryanto       TBA
 Rapax                    Stefano Coletti    TBA
 Trident Racing           TBA                TBA
 Hilmer Motorsport        TBA                TBA
 Lazarus GP               Rene Binder        TBA
 MP Motorsport            Daniel de Jong     Adrian Quaife-Hobbs
 

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/formula-cars/gp2/quaife-hobbs-moves-into-gp2

3e chance au credit Financement maison

Johnny Sauter survives to score NCWTS win at Daytona

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2013/02/johnny-sauter-survives-to-score-ncwts.html

Financement alternatif Credit approuve

Audi A3 e-tron Concept: Coming to America—Maybe [2013 Geneva Auto Show]

Including the indefinite hold put on the Audi R8 e-tron, the brand’s strategy on the implementation of electric vehicles may have stalled, but the German automaker is charging forward with its hybrid models. The proof will be in the pudding served at the Geneva auto show, where an almost-production-ready A3 e-tron bows. Based on the five-door A3 Sportback, the A3 e-tron concept packs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. READ MORE ››

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/I-gSEE3xaDs/audi-a3-e-tron-concept-photos-and-info-news-1

Financement alternatif Credit approuve

Alguersuari unlikely to race outside F1

Jaime Alguersuari is unlikely to race outside Formula 1 this season after failing to secure a return to the grand prix grid.

The 22-year-old ex-Scuderia Toro Rosso driver admitted last week that his hopes of a comeback had been thwarted because of the prevalence of pay drivers and he plans to focus on his role as a Pirelli test driver this year.

He sees driving Pirelli’s 2010 Renault test hack as the best way to keep himself sharp enough to drop into an F1 seat if the opportunity arises, although he is also hoping to do some karting to keep sharp.

“When a driver in his best racing form leaves F1, he needs to keep his currency up,” Alguersuari told AUTOSPORT.

“That’s why I’m very happy to have this Pirelli deal, because I can still be active, can still run in the car and can understand the tyres.

“I’m still ready to jump in and race this year and do the job I should do.

“Possibly I did close other opportunities in other series but now I’m concentrating on this [the Pirelli role].

“Maybe in the future I will look at other things.”

Alguersuari had been in contention for a DTM seat after testing for BMW at Estoril over the winter.

AUTOSPORT understands that his pace impressed BMW, although the final slot in the marque’s line-up went to fellow F1 outcast Timo Glock.

“It’s true I’ve been in talks with some DTM teams but nothing was assured, especially because I was waiting for other options in F1 which were in doubt until a week or two ago,” said Alguersuari.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/alguersuari-unlikely-to-race-outside-f1

Financement alternatif Credit approuve

Toyota Racing 2013 NSCS Budweiser Duel Race 2 Recaps

Toyota Racing Logo

KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 M&M’s Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Duel 2 Finishing Position: 1st

What did you learn on the track today? “It’s hard to pass the leader. Just stay out front when you can get out front and you can run pretty good and just try to hold everybody off behind you. There wasn’t enough lane by lane racing — I’d call it — here. But, it’s awesome to be able to put the M&M’s Camry in victory lane. You use those tools to your advantage as best you can when you learn what’s going on with the races around you. I can’t say enough about everybody at M&M’s, Interstate Batteries, Toyota, Sprint — thank Sprint for being here. Appreciate those guys. It’s great to refresh here with a Monster Energy and cool that the fans come out here to watch the Budweiser Duels today. We appreciate them and everybody out there on TV.”

Were you having trouble advancing your position when you went to the bottom of the race track? “Oh yeah, definitely. I think we saw a lot of that with the 27 (Paul Menard) car trying to make the bottom come up. Never could get it to go. But, I tried it there that one time — everybody was checking up, getting into the corners and I knew there wasn’t a gap for me to get back in but I was like, ‘Well, maybe if I side draft the 31 (Jeff Burton) enough I can pull him back and I can get up in line and start making moves that way.’ But, it didn’t work like that. I didn’t have much to lose. I only had two cars that were behind me to single me out to push me backwards so I figured what the heck? I might as well give it a try and see what happens. Coming to pit road there, that is what won us the race. Just being able to beat those guys, over-braking them getting into the pits and not sliding any tires so we could take that advantage to not have to take any tires under the pit stop. Dave Rogers (crew chief) made a great call there to just take fuel only and get us out front and had a great teammate behind me pushing me with Matt Kenseth there at the end. Just trying to go down in order. I know he didn’t get second so he could start behind in the 500, but those guys behind him got a little bit antsy.”

What happened on the final lap? “I was hoping it would go down in order and I knew those guys back there were probably thinking, ‘Okay, those two are just going to stay single file so they knew Matt (Kenseth) wasn’t going to make the move. I was hoping Matt was mirror driving just as much as I was to see if he couldn’t keep those guys behind him and then I would go wherever he needed to go to protect his position. Just didn’t work out. Once those guys got by Matt, I just basically concentrated on what was going on in my mirror and seeing what those guys were doing to make sure that we could bring this M&M’s Camry home first. Can’t say enough about everybody at M&M’s, Interstate Batteries, Monster Energy, Toyota, the fans — we appreciate their support here being out here today on Thursday. It’s a long SpeedWeek’s so it’s always fun to be able to have everybody here.”

Was the plan to not take any tires on your pit stop? “That was not our original plan. Our original plan was two tires, but he (Dave Rogers, crew chief) called it. They were just harping on me to make sure, don’t slide your tires. Because you don’t want to slide a left front (tire) and then have to take four. So, when I came down I got a good braking mark and I got slowed down and started to slow down nice and smooth and then Marcos (Ambrose) was locked up in front of me sliding all of the tires so I had to go around him. So, I felt like I got a really good pit road entry. I felt like I ran good pit road speed all of the way down pit road and getting into my box was great. The guys just filled the tank for five seconds. It’s all we needed and we ended up back here. We got out front where it mattered most and got teamed up with a couple of Toyota’s which was great. Can’t say enough about my teammate Matt Kenseth. He was a great push today and helped me out a lot in being able to keep those guys back there. I wish we could’ve come home one-two for the Coach (Joe Gibbs).”

CLINT BOWYER, No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing Duel 2 Finishing Position: 4th

How was your race today? “It was interesting. I had some good runs. My car was strong in areas and not so strong in others. It enabled me to get a run, but then I couldn’t complete the pass on somebody. I was wanting (Ricky) Stenhouse to get going on that bottom line. I had a feeling that once it kind of spread out there, the shortest way around would get to be the fastest way around again. We could get up to them and then we would fizzle out. Just learned a little bit. We needed more cars up there in that pack to create those runs. You get a run, but without help you don’t get to complete it. But hey, it’s still in one piece, it’s a good car and proud of our 5-hour ENERGY Toyota guys — they are doing a great job and we are ready for the (Daytona) 500.” Are you pleased to finish with the race car intact? “That’s your best bullet. If it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be first in line. I guess there is two more opportunities to tear it up so I shouldn’t speak too soon — shouldn’t put the cart in front of the horse. Nonetheless, it’s been a good week. I finally got to draft a little bit so I was excited about that.”

MATT KENSETH, No. 20 Dollar General Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Duel 2 Finishing Position: 5th

How was your race today? “Overall it was pretty good — I’m disappointed right now because we were running second on the last lap and finished fifth. I think we need to work on our handling a little bit. Jason (Ratcliff, crew chief) made a great call — the 18 (Kyle Busch) and the 15 (Clint Bowyer) — we all got together. Thought we had most of the right moves — I just seen the 5 (Kasey Kahne) and them mount a challenge and couldn’t really do anything about it. I knew what he was going to do, I just couldn’t get a block.”

What happened on the last lap? “I saw the 5 (Kasey Kahne) coming and knew he had a big run — knew he would make a run to the inside sooner or later. Typically, the outside has been better. I knew he was going to make a run — I just wanted to make ours and maybe go with him. I thought we’d be okay — we had 15 (Clint Bowyer) and 55 (Mark Martin) coming to the top and then they went left and got by me as well. I was the only one stuck out there so I knew I was in trouble.”

What kind of differences do you see now with the new car? “There’s some differences with them and there’s some things you want to do and some things you don’t want to do with them so they are different. There’s times where it’s easy to pass a car and there’s other times where it seems like it’s tough to get enough people to make anything happen. Overall, today was a success. We’ve got something we can work on — it’s in one piece and we just need to make it a little better for Sunday.”

MARK MARTIN, No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing Duel 2 Finishing Position: 6th

What were you able to learn in the race? “We’ve got some more work to do, but we were in contact with the leaders throughout the race, especially at the end. If we can do that in the (Daytona) 500 then anything can happen. We’ve got a little work to do to be a little better. We weren’t quite good enough to contend yet, but we’re getting there.”

Source: Toyota Racing, Press Release

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2013/sprintcup/02/21/toyota-racing-2013-nscs-budweiser-duel-race-2-recaps/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=toyota-racing-2013-nscs-budweiser-duel-race-2-recaps

Credit approuve 2e chance au credit

AMSOIL Sprints Open 2013 Calendar at Bubba Raceway Park Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2013/02/amsoil-sprints-open-2013-calendar-at.html

Credit approuve 2e chance au credit

Carella's 2011 World Title Turns a New Page in F1 H2O Series!

F1 H2O / F1 Powerboat News
ABU DHABI - January 2, 2012

Italian Alex Carella of the Qatar Team used both his driving skills and youthful exuberance to overtake his wily veteran teammate Jay Price of the USA with a victory in Abu Dhabi in early December to win the 2011 UIM F1 H2O World Championship for power boating for the first time in only his second season in the series.

The young 26 year-old racer from Piacenza, Italy while trailing his teammate for most of the season, ran a smart and steady campaign, winning twice from pole position in both Kazan at the Grand Prix of Russia and along the corniche in Abu Dhabi.

Carella virtually locked his title away, when on the first lap of the final Grand Prix in Sharjah, he was able to out duel his teammate into second place. The two of them went into the left hand corner with Price making a desperate move that didn't work taking both drivers out of the race and handing Alex the title even before both DAC boats stopped barrel rolling in turn three.

"It was a very fulfilling season and we had success when we needed too," said Alex. "Jay was an excellent teammate all season and its too bad it ended the way it did on the very first lap in Sharjah. I was looking forward to going toe to toe with him for all 37 laps but I'll take the championship and am thankful to my whole team for making this a truly dream season for me."

The 2011 campaign started out as if the Qatar Team was going to run away and hide from the competition throughout the full ten month schedule. Jay won the opening two events. First, at the Qatar Teams home event in Doha in the month of March, and again at the next Grand Prix in Portimao, Portugal in May passing Alex for his 11th career win.

The string Qatar Team success continued at the third event of the season. Alex, won easily from pole position. Meanwhile, Jay, racing what many thought was the drive of the season, charged all the way up from 15th on the grid to finish third giving the Qatar organization their third straight Grand Prix where both drivers finished on the podium at days end.

Alex finished the season with 84 points on the strength of two wins, two second places and a pair of fifth's and only failing to finish crashing out with his teammate at the final event.

The final standings differential Jay had with Alex and how he lost on the title, was his disqualification at the Grand Prix of China in Liuzhou.

On the very last lap, Jay misjudged the right hand buoy with three corners to go and lost out on a third place finish giving him no points and opening the door for his teammate Alex to have a chance to chase him down for the title. Alex did just that in Abu Dhabi out qualifying him and winning. Jay was third that day and finished second in the championship for the second straight year with 79 points.

"The difference between a great pass in a race and a miscalculation and disaster is a millisecond and that's what happened in Sharjah," said Jay.

"I thought I had an avenue and it closed and before I knew it, the season was finished. Alex is a great teammate and I couldn't have asked for a better team to work with this season. It was great to lead the championship for over 36 weeks I just wished I could have finished it the way I wanted to for myself and my team."

While Jay was racking up five straight podiums in every race he finished in 2011 another team that started slowly came on and dominated most of the last half of the season when their drivers caught fire themselves.

Team Abu Dhabi, which welcomed their two talented drivers Thani Al Qamzi and Ahmed Al Hameli back together for the fifth straight season, had no answer for their rivals from Doha in the first half of the year.

However, once both Thani and Ahmed hit their stride in their BABA boats at the mid-season mark, they became almost unbeatable, with Ahmed winning two of the final four events including a dominating one-two finish on the podium in Sharjah.

Thani, finished third in the championship with 75 points. He completed all seven races winning at Liuzhou in October and being a late season player for the championship with his four podium performances throughout the year.

Ahmed set the water on fire in qualifying in the second half of the season. He took three pole's in his last four starts. Ahmed, like Jay Price, finished on the podium in every race he finished this season with a pair of wins and two second place finishes coming home fourth in the championship with 70 points.

The 33 year-old driver from Abu Dhabi could have had even more points had he not crashed out in Portugal and was disqualified from running the next race in Kiev by the officials for his actions on the race course on the Arade River.

This opened the door for a special treat for all race fans of the UIM F1 H2O world tour. For Team Abu Dhabi Team Manager and four-time World Champion Scott Gillman came out of semi-retirement to race for the first time since 2007 for Team Abu Dhabi replacing the suspended Ahmed Al Hameli.

Despite never running in the BABA boat before this weekend, Scott qualified a respectable eighth and just missed taking his 56th career podium when fellow American Jay Price passed him with just a few laps to go in Kazan to capture third with Scott settling for a fine fourth.

While the Qatar Team held off Team Abu Dhabi for the Team Championship 172-154, finishing strongly as well was the CTIC China Team with 63 points. Led by French veteran pilot Philippe Chiappe who was fifth in the championship with 47 points and gaining confidence throughout the season.

Chiappe, driving a new French built "Moore" hull had three podium third place finishes (Doha, Liuzhou and Sharjah) combined with one other top five performance in Kazan. The driver from Rouen was penalized in Portimao and failed to finish only in Abu Dhabi to complete a solid year and bigger hopes for 2012.

Teammate Pierre Lundin of Sweden had all sorts of gremlins early on. The driver from Eskilstuna, started with three straight failures to finish, then he turned it around, going three straight finishes before dropping out at the last race in Sharjah. His best performance of the season came in Abu Dhabi when he qualified 10th and finished fourth. He finished the year tied for 10th in the drivers table with 16 points.

The Singha F1 Team was fourth in the championship with 44 points mostly delivered by the veteran number one driver Francesco Cantando who was sixth in the drivers championship with 42 points.

For this two time runner-up in the title chase back in 2000 and 2001, Francesco's best events were a pair of fourth's at the Grand Prix of Ukraine in Kiev and Sharjah in the UAE driving his own newly designed BLAZE boat.

The driver from Milan finished his 16th season in F1 and now in 134 starts has 12 victories and is third all time with 41 podiums and 79 top-10 finishes in his career.

Fellow Italian Stefano Paoletti joined him for the first race of the season in Doha finishing 13th in his first ever F1 Grand Prix.

Another young Italian star Ivan Brigada joined the team for one race in Portugal qualifying 12th and finishing a respectable 10th in the Grand Prix.

Italian veteran Valerio Lagiannella was at Francesco's side for the remaining races of the season picking up his first point of the season at the very last event in Sharjah for the Lecco driver who expects to be back for 2012.

Coming into the season the defending World Champion Mad Croc F1 Team looked to be solid with two time World Titlist Sami Selio back leading the team along with his new teammate Davide Padovan from Italy.

The Finnish superstar, Selio, never really got into the groove all year long except for the opening event in Doha where he earned pole position and led, until, breaking down. This opened the floodgates to a season where Sami would play catch up throughout the campaign finally finishing tied for seventh with his teammate with 21 points.

Sami, had one podium in Kiev and then had his year shortened after a horrendous accident at the Grand Prix of China. While at full speed, he crashed the boat, going in nose first and stopping immediately on the front straight while traveling at over 200 kilometers per hour. The driver from Helsinki sat out the rest of the year to rest and recover hoping to start back in Doha this March chasing a third title.

The young Italian Padovan, who was runner-up to rookie of the year honors in 2010, finished all four of his races in the top ten with his best day being in Liuzhou where he finished fourth. His learning curve will continue and he's looking more comfortable in the BABA boat all the time as he chases his first career podium in 2012.

Also joining the team late in the season was the first ever driver from Kuwait to race in F1 Yousef Al Rubayan. The talented driver from Holi, came over from F2 and earned his first two points in his first ever event in Abu Dhabi. His 11th place in Sharjah saw his tied for 18th in title with two points in the ledger books for a driver who has a great future.

Team Sweden started the season in Doha with a solid line-up of Swedish driver Jonas Andersson and USA rookie Shaun Torrente hoping to make a statement before seasons end. The two-time North American champ Torrente, captured a fine fourth place just ahead of his veteran teammate in Qatar. This sadly was a mirage as both drivers fell from a bis of exuberance followed by disappointment and back again as the season marched along.

Andersson, a winner of four victories during his six year career on the tour, finished the season a disappointing ninth in the drivers championship with 19 points and just one top five performance in four finishes. His switch to a MOLGAARD hull late in the year seemed to help his confidence.

Meanwhile, for the Peters & May sponsored Torrente, after his brilliant fourth place finish in Doha, battled for the lead of the race at the next Grand Prix in Portugal only to crash out on the restart after qualifying sixth. Now, forced to drive a new boat in Kazan for the first time, Shaun qualified a fine second place only to crash while pushing for a podium finish for the second straight event. His luck didn't change at the next event as he had a technical problem forcing him to drop out in Kiev on the opening lap.

The Miami driver missed China, only to rejoin the series with the Qatar Team in December. Shipping his own GRAN PRIX short boat from California to the series, Shaun's bad luck continued, crashing out on the opening lap in Abu Dhabi. The 33 year-old finished the season strongly in Sharjah taking a fine fifth place. His performance earned him Rookie-of-the-Year honors in the process capturing 10th in the championship with 16 points.

Also joining Team Sweden was the talented driver from "down under" Rhys Coles. The likeable Aussie who has a couple Australian titles to his resume, joined the team in China and played out the year. In his three races his seventh at the final round in Sharjah was his best. Overall, Rhys did rather well with two top 10's in his three finishes for the driver from Sydney.

Also on board was Swedish F2 veteran and part time ace mechanic Tommy Wahlsten, who, in his only appearance of the season, took a well earned ninth place in Liuzhou after starting 14th for the driver from Nora.

F1 Team Atlantic was four points behind Team Sweden in the team championship with 21 points. Led by their long time Portuguese veteran driver Duarte Benavente, who in his 15th year of racing, was tied for 10th in the drivers table with 16 points.

Duarte, who has 105 starts in his career, had five race finishes in the top-10. His best result, being at the final Grand Prix in Sharjah, where he finished sixth in his DRAGON boat built in Wales. He only failed to finish one event all year so he'll try to keep the consistency alive once again as he goes after his first Grand Prix win in 2012.

Philippe Tourre of France was Duarte's teammate for another year. The likeable driver from Paris, who enjoys a summer house off an island on the West Coast of France, struggled with just three finishes in his six starts. His best day was an eighth in Portugal followed by a ninth in Russia for five points overall and tied for 15th in the drivers championship.

The American Team Nautica organization enjoyed a three boat group of racers led by Norwegian women Marit Stromoy. The Oslo driver, had a breakthrough season, with a tremendous pole position at the Grand Prix of Portugal in May and later in the year with a second place starting spot in Abu Dhabi.

The multi-talented driver lost out on her first ever Grand Prix win when she and Shaun Torrente got together on a re-start in Portugal eliminating both drivers. This was followed by a season best sixth place in Kazan for her last finishing result of the season. Marit closed out 2011 with nine points tied for 13th but with a lot of confidence for the upcoming season as well.

Swiss driver Rinaldo "Rini" Osculati raced in six of seven events. He earned a championship point with a 10th place finish in Kazan. Rini's luck ran out failing to finish his last two starts for the native of Monza, Italy.

Joining Rini was another rookie in Polish driver Bartek Marszalek. His promising first season in F1 was abruptly ended in Abu Dhabi when he and Shaun Torrente got together at the first corner and never finished the first lap. Bartek's best day came in Kiev when he qualified 15th and climbed up to 10th earning his first point in F1 tied for 20th in the standings.

Russian pilot Stanislav Kourtsenovsky raced twice in Kazan and Kiev for his Jetech Tool F1 Racing Team. The veteran from St. Petersburg earning a fine seventh place after charging all the way from 16th on the grid at his home Grand Prix. This talented driver is hoping to fill his calendar for the upcoming campaign and run a full season.

In total, 2011 saw 24 drivers from 13 different countries travel throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East on their 10 month journey for a World Title. In the end, a young, new generation Italian in only 15 starts joined the elite list of person's who can be called World Champion. Alex Carella give the Qatar Team their second title in four years and moves them in a tie with Team Abu Dhabi and the Mad Croc Teams for most drivers titles of current F1 organizations.

Is 2012 going to be the year that Team's Abu Dhabi or Mad Croc shoot for revenge? Or will the Qatar Team

make it a rare back to back success for one Alex Carella? Time is short, there is only 10 weeks before the start of the new campaign on the ninth and tenth of March at the Grand Prix of Qatar in Doha.

Stay tuned, new drivers to new teams and new boats. It's already shaping up to something special for 2012!

Be In The Know - With F1 H2O!

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/01/carellas_2011_world_title.php

Financement auto Financement automobiles