Autoblog

Nissan to build Golf-fighter in Spain

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Nissan, Earnings/Financials

Nissan hasn't had a proper European entry in the ridiculously popular compact hatchback segment since it stopped offering its somewhat staid and uninspiring Almera (above) in 2006. According to Automotive News Europe, the new machine, which will not be called Almera, will be marketed against the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus - two extremely popular models in Europe. Production is slated to begin in July of 2014.

The new compact will be built in Barcelona, Spain, at the factory that currently builds the Pathfinder, Navara pickup and NV200 commercial van. An investment of $178 million will be made to assemble the compact car, and an additional $27 million will go to the plant to create more trucks and transmissions for electric vehicles.

The decision to invest in Spain comes after the automaker successfully renegotiated contracts with local unions. Similar talks are underway in France, where Nissan partner Renault is based, but as of yet no new agreements have been struck. Feel free to browse through the official press release below.

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Nissan to build Golf-fighter in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan, Electric

There are two directions automakers can go to produce a vehicle with electric propulsion - be it a hybrid or an outright EV: make it look the same as any other car, or make it stand out. Like Toyota (for example) did with the Prius, Nissan made the Leaf look (for better or worse) unlike a conventional sedan. But while Toyota answered the call for more space with the equally "distinctive" Prius V, Nissan has gone a different route in producing a bigger brother for the Leaf.

That route is called the e-NV200, pictured above in concept form. And while the nose, unique shade of blue and electric powertrain are conceptually borrowed from the Leaf, the rest is nearly identical to the existing NV200 van that is being rolled out in New York as the city's new taxi of choice.

Nissan has just announced the production of the e-NV200, set to start next year at the same plant in Barcelona, Spain, as the conventionally-powered NV200. As a result, Nissan will hire 700 more workers at the plant and invest some €100 million (U.S. $126 million at today's exchange rates). Details like projected cost and annual capacity are not to be found in the press release below, but Nissan does say the electric van will be built starting some time in fiscal year 2013, which we take to mean before the end of March 2014.

Continue reading Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van

Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dramatic garage fire clouds Williams celebration at Spanish Grand Prix

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Safety, Videos

Yesterday's Spanish Grand Prix was an enormous cause for celebration for Williams. The Formula One team that was once at the very top of its game hadn't won a race since 2004, but it broke that losing streak when Pastor Maldonado claimed the checkered flag for the team against Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen and against all odds. But the celebrations in the team's garage were cut short when a massive fire broke out just after the race.

The fire erupted an hour and a half after the grand prix's conclusion as team members were toasting their victory in the garage on pit lane, sending smoke billowing out over the track. Members of other teams - Force India and Caterham chief among them - quickly sprung into action to help their comrades put out the fire. A total of 31 people were subsequently sent to the emergency medical center on site, with all but one treated and released. The remaining Williams team member is being treated for burns suffered in the incident and is expected to be sent back to the UK for further treatment in the coming days.

Officials are still looking into the cause of the fire, which reportedly emanated from the racecar that Bruno Senna drove until it was disabled in a collision with Michael Schumacher that took both cars out of the race. Suspicions center around a malfunction in the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The incident is not the first time a Williams facility suffered from a fire, the factory back in Grove having caught on fire a few years ago. Scroll down to watch video of the incident in Barcelona this weekend.

Continue reading Dramatic garage fire clouds Williams celebration at Spanish Grand Prix

Dramatic garage fire clouds Williams celebration at Spanish Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A rookie challenges the champions at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix [spoilers]

Noah Joseph — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

Every year the Formula One calendar incorporates new races at more far-flung locations around the world. Recent additions have brought the series to such locales as Abu Dhabi, South Korea and India. But the purists know that, no matter where it may roam, F1 is essentially a European series.

With the grands prix in Australia, Malaysia, China and Bahrain now behind us, the circus has come back home for the European section of the calendar that kicked off this weekend in Barcelona, Spain. Keep reading to see how it unfolded.

Continue reading A rookie challenges the champions at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix [spoilers]

A rookie challenges the champions at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 May 2012 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Spanish Grand Prix goes down as a game of leap frog [spoilers]

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 May 2011 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

2011 Spanish Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari. McLaren. Renault. Williams. The past few decades of Formula One racing have seen each of these teams at the top of their game, claiming championships and dispatching the others along the way. But after watching Brawn GP - having started out as the humble BAR-Honda team and emerging as Mercedes' own factory squad - claim the titles just a couple of years ago, are the years of domination behind us? Or was Brawn's victory merely a hiccup before things return to "normal"? Will Red Bull's championship prove another exception, or will the Anglo-Austrian team emerge as the new force to be reckoned with?

It may take another year or two to watch the pattern unfold, but after winning both titles last year, Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull have come back strong in 2011. The team has converted pole position to the checkered flag at every race but one so far this season. Would this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix further gird Vettel and Red Bull in the defense of their titles, or would a new challenger draw blood around the corners and down the straights of Barcelona? Continue reading for a recap of today's action.

Continue reading 2011 Spanish Grand Prix goes down as a game of leap frog [spoilers]

2011 Spanish Grand Prix goes down as a game of leap frog [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 May 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai i40 to debut in Barcelona

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 07 May 2011 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Europe

Hyundai i40 Concept - Click above for high-res image

Hyundai has released a glimpse of its upcoming i40 sedan ahead of the sedan's May 12 debut at the Barcelona Motor Show. The i40 represents the latest Hyundai to be released under the company's new "New thinking. New possibilities" ad slogan, along with its "fluidic sculpture" design language. According to Hyundai, the design brief uses shapes found in nature to make vehicles with a distinct flowing shape. To our eyes, we see a subtle evolution of the styling that made the Elantra so popular, and there's a little Lexus IS thrown in there for good measure.

When it debuts, Hyundai says the i40 concept will lead the D-segment for front head, shoulder and leg room, but until its debut next week, powerplant and production details are kept under lock and key.

Continue reading Hyundai i40 to debut in Barcelona

Hyundai i40 to debut in Barcelona originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 May 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seat gears up for Audi Q3 production at Spanish plant

Noah Joseph — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Audi, SEAT

Last week, Porsche announced production plans for its upcoming Cajun sport-ute at its Leipzig plant in Germany. Now, sister-company Seat is following suit with preparations to build the Audi Q3 at its facility (pictured above) in Martorell on the outskirts of Barcelona.

If you're wondering what Audi has to do with Seat, allow us to fill in the blanks. Most essentially, the two are sister brands fall under the larger Volkswagen Group umbrella. Seat's flagship Exeo is essentially a re-bodied version of the previous-generation Audi A4. And when Audi was looking for the right place to build its upcoming Q3 compact crossover, it turned to the Spanish subsidiary.

In preparation for Q3 prduction to start, Seat is hiring over 700 new employees. Overall the company has undertaken the training of 1,200 new personnel, and if production requirements demand, could hire some or all of the remaining 500. Hit the jump for the full details in the press release.

[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Seat gears up for Audi Q3 production at Spanish plant

Seat gears up for Audi Q3 production at Spanish plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Spanish Grand Prix brings (a) few surprises [SPOILER ALERT]

Noah Joseph — Sun, 09 May 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

2010 Formula One Spanish Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Horrible, quite bad race." That's how one of the championship front-runners described the results from today's Spanish Grand Prix. We're not about to tell you who summarized his day with such frustration - for that you'll have to read through to the end, or at least click past the jump and scroll down. But the circumstances he described came as one of a few surprises in an otherwise largely processional race this weekend in Barcelona. Follow the jump to read how it unfolded.

Gallery: 2010 Formula One Spanish Grand Prix

Continue reading 2010 Spanish Grand Prix brings (a) few surprises [SPOILER ALERT]

2010 Spanish Grand Prix brings (a) few surprises [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sebastian Vettel previews Barcelona Grand Prix in Red Bull simulator

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

Sebastian Vettel explaining a hotlap of the Barcelona GP - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Barcelona GP is less than a week away, and you know what that means: original Red Bull content. This time it's Sebastian Vettel talking us through a flying lap of the 4.6-kilometer Barcelona track, and since he's doing it in German they put Mark Webber on translating duty. Except for Bahrain, the season has so far delivered brilliant action, and with the return to Europe and upgrades slated for a host of teams we see no reason Spain should be the same. Follow the jump to watch Vettel, and does anyone else want that RedBull simulator as much as we do?

Continue reading Video: Sebastian Vettel previews Barcelona Grand Prix in Red Bull simulator

Video: Sebastian Vettel previews Barcelona Grand Prix in Red Bull simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schumacher reportedly getting new chassis for Spanish GP *UPDATED

Noah Joseph — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:49:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes-Benz, Racing

Critics have given Michael Schumacher a hard time all season so far over what can charitably be characterized as lackluster performance. Leading figures at the Mercedes-Benz GP team, however, have magnanimously attributed the problems to their car. But if his young teammate Nico Rosberg is currently second in the championship, having reached the podium twice so far this season (doubling his record from four seasons at Williams), then how can you blame the car?

The answer may be coming as soon as May 9, when the circus heads to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix. According to reports, Mercedes will give Schumacher a new chassis design to try out at the Catalunya circuit. If the new car suits Schumi better than the current one, they'll presumably have him run it for the remainder of the season. But given Rosberg's performance in the current chassis, the smart money would be on Nico continuing with the existing machinery, meaning that the team could - in a Formula One rarity - wind up running two different cars in a bid to defend the championships it won last year under the Brawn GP banner.

*UPDATE: Reports have since verified that Mercedes GP is set to introduce a longer-wheelbase version of the current car, and not a full redesign. By increasing the wheelbase, the team hopes to address certain weight distribution issues related to the latest tires provided by Bridgestone. At the same time, the new set-up aims to rectify the understeer that's been hindering Schumacher, while a new aerodynamics package will also be introduced on the revised car. Thanks for the tip, Patrick!

[Source: Autocar]

Schumacher reportedly getting new chassis for Spanish GP *UPDATED originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mystery concept caught in Spain

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Hatchback

Mystery concept car in Barcelona -- Click above for image gallery

Autoblog Quiz of the Day: the minicar pictured above was spotted in Barcelona, Spain at Central del Poblenou Park, during what sounds like a photo or commercial shoot. Two people were caught driving it, the one in the sky blue outfit and hat looks to be a model/actress. The car, devoid of any logos or identifying marks, was accompanied by several trucks with French license plates - along with about ten people who didn't appreciate the person taking photos. Can anyone help us solve the mystery? Check out the image gallery below, and leave your guessses in 'Comments.'

Gallery: Mystery Concept Car in Barcelona

[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated) | Photo credit: X15A]

Spy Shots: Mystery concept caught in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forum Spy: 2010 Volvo C70 convertible snapped during Barcelona commercial shoot

Chris Paukert — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Europe, Volvo

2010 Volvo C70 Spy Shots - Click above for a high-res gallery

Swedespeed forum member al_bcn has managed to capture a pair of what looks to be Volvo's refreshed-for-2010 C70 convertibles totally undisguised. The topless twosome were caught galavanting around in Barcelona as they were apparently being shot for some sort of commercial.

The folding hardtop four-seater looks as if it benefits from a very similar front-end to the Concept S60 unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past January. Incorporating a larger set of swept-back headlamps and a deeper, less upright grille, the C70's look is certainly evolutionary, but as it's a handsome enough model, we don't see this denting its appeal. Out back, the changes seem to be even more modest, with new headlamp lenses featuring more prominent backup lamps.

Whether there are substantive changes in the interior or under the C70's skin remains to be seen, but judging by the finished state of these cars, we expect to see them debut on the show circuit soon. Hat tip to Erik!

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2010 Volvo C70

[Source: Swedespeed]

Forum Spy: 2010 Volvo C70 convertible snapped during Barcelona commercial shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Spanish Grand Prix: How the Mighty Have Fallen [SPOILER ALERT]

Noah Joseph — Sun, 10 May 2009 13:53:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

2009 Chinese Grand Prix - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Those who tuned in on Saturday for the qualifying session at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix would not have been surprised by the top three: Brawn's Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello took first and third on the starting grid, respectively, sandwiching Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel in second. No big surprise there - after dominating the first four rounds of the season, these three drivers hold the top three spots in the standings, after all. But coming in right behind them was a daunting wild card in Felipe Massa, who took fourth place on the grid. Of course only in this topsy-turvy season could Ferrari's golden boy, runner-up in last year's championship, be considered a wild card. Call it a sign of the times. But would Massa be able to turn around his dismal fortunes, take on the erstwhile underdogs and restore the Scuderia to its rightful place in the winner's circle? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2009 Spanish Grand Prix

Continue reading 2009 Spanish Grand Prix: How the Mighty Have Fallen [SPOILER ALERT]

2009 Spanish Grand Prix: How the Mighty Have Fallen [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 May 2009 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barcelona Preview: Seat reveals new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, SEAT

2009 Seat Ibiza FR and Cupra Leon - Click either image above for a hi-res gallery

Variety, so they say, is the spice of life. So while American fans of Volkswagen's hot hatches have nothing to complain about, none could be blamed for pining for the alternative options that the German auto group offers overseas. The company's Spanish subsidiary Seat doesn't sell stateside altogether, which is a bit of a shame, because Seats offer compelling packages with a bit more flavor than their VW counterparts, often with more power and at a lower cost, too. (Think Pontiac vs. Chevrolet with a bit more Mediterranean flavor and you're halfway there.) Case in point the revised Leon Cupra and new Ibiza FR which the company will be unveiling next month at its home-market Barcelona Motor Show (which, incidentally, was evidently not canceled).

Although the Leon Cupra is ostensibly the same model as the one it replaces, Seat has added a few extra touches. Fortunately, the engines - 2.0-liter turbo fours in either 208 horsepower TSI trim (VeeDub-speak for gasoline turbo) or 168 hp TDI (turbo diesel) guise - carry over, but both are now mated to Seat's new XDS electronic differential, and complimented by a series of adjustments to the exterior and interior styling. Outside, the front fascia is more aggressive, the rear bumper gets a faux-diffuser black insert, the side mirror housings are blacked out and the ride height has been dropped slightly. Inside everything's all black and brushed aluminum. We had a chance to drive the Leon Cupra last year and found it to be a slick ride, if suffering slightly from torque steer that the e-diff should help clear up.

Joining the revised Leon Cupra is the FR version of its little brother, the Ibiza. Slotting in below the new top-of-the-line Ibiza Cupra, the FR offers a compelling package with the VW Group's new 1.4-liter twincharger, packing both supercharger and turbocharger to deliver 148 hp, mated to a standard-equipment seven-speed DSG with paddle shifters. A host of electronic aids keeps everything in check, while the FR (Seat's second-tier sport trim) benefits from a variety of sporty touches which you can read about more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Seat Leon Cupra

Gallery: 2009 Seat Ibiza FR

[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Barcelona Preview: Seat reveals new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR

Barcelona Preview: Seat reveals new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin LMP1 debuts at Le Mans Series season-opener in Catalunya [SPOILER ALERT]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Aston Martin

European Le Mans Series, Catalunya 2009 - Click above for image gallery

Ambition is good. Ambition backed by competence is better. Aston Martin Racing would appear to have both.

Since landing on the endurance racing scene in 2005 with a victory in its first race, the competition arm of the venerable British sportscar-maker has become an indomitable force, taking victory in the GT1 category at Le Mans two years in a row and expanding into every other GT class along the way. But AMR wasn't satisfied with class wins, so for this year, David Richards and company took aim at the diesel-burning big boys from Audi and Peugeot by entering the Le Mans Prototype Class with a DBR9-powered Lola chassis in partnership with Charouz Racing Systems. The Gulf-liveried Astons were unveiled less than a month ago, but made their racing debut this past weekend in Spain at the 1000 km of Catalunya, the season-opener to the European Le Mans Series. Follow the jump to read how it all unfolded.

Gallery: European Le Mans Series - Catalunya 2009

Continue reading Aston Martin LMP1 debuts at Le Mans Series season-opener in Catalunya [SPOILER ALERT]

Aston Martin LMP1 debuts at Le Mans Series season-opener in Catalunya [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�Muy Triste! Barcelona Motor Show scrapped for 2009*

Noah Joseph — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Misc. Auto Shows

With every major city and its suburbs hosting their own auto shows, we can't be everywhere. Most major news occurs at the major auto shows, but this year, our absence will be missed at one less auto show than last year, because organizers have announced the cancellation the Barcelona Motor Show.

Following reduced participation in the Detroit Auto Show, several automakers - including General Motors, Peugeot, Citroen, and Nissan - announced they would not be participating. The decision came as a result of plummeting new car sales in Spain, which dropped a staggering 28.1% last year, and could fall as much as 23% again this year. With major automakers dropping out of the show like flies, Spain's national auto manufacturers association, ANFAC, decided to cancel. Since the country's only annual show alternates between Barcelona and Madrid, that means there will be no major show at all in Spain this year. This year the show was to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

*UPDATE: Our man in Spain, AB Español contributor Guille Alfonsin has chimed in to let us know that he believes the Barcelona show may not be dead yet. He has just phoned their press department and was told that the show will "open its doors with or without the ANFAC brands (SEAT, Renault, Nissan, PSA, and others)."Further, Alfonsin notes that the governor of Catalunya has just gone on record saying that he plans to "meet with ANFAC members to persuade/convince/threaten them to take part on the show."

�Muy Triste! Barcelona Motor Show scrapped for 2009* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ashes to Apex: Spread your remains at Catalunya

Michael Harley — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:44:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Humor

If you are a motorhead looking for a final resting spot, there's a place just outside Barcelona, Spain that may be your ticket. It's the Circuit de Catalunya, host to both MotoGP and Formula 1 races. The track is now permitting human remains to be scattered across the course. While the circuit isn't allowing whole bodies (or even partial ones, for that matter) to be buried, an initial fee of €1,500 (about $1,950 at today's exchange) will get your cremated remains distributed at some of your favorite turns. Before you sell your loved ones on the idea, make sure to tell them that there is also a €50 ($65) annual maintenance fee to ensure what's left of you stays off the racing surface and in the gravel traps. Although spending eternity at a track may appeal to you, keep in mind you won't be watching any races. Thanks for the tip, Jensen!

[Source: Asphaltandrubber.com]

Ashes to Apex: Spread your remains at Catalunya originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SPOILER ALERT: Crashes aplenty at the Spanish Grand Prix

Noah Joseph — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:24:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix

Formula One is fast, and fast is dangerous. That's the assumption formed on the basis of decades of fatal crashes in the sport when the slow advancement of safety measures couldn't keep up with the ever-increasing speeds of grand prix racing. But those assumptions and those safety measures were again put to the test this weekend in Spain, where McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen crashed at 220 km/h (137mph) into a wall of tires, resulting in an estimated impact force of 26 Gs. The crash, which occurred on the 22nd lap of the race, was attributed to a wheel/tire malfunction, and Kovalainen is expected to return in two weeks to race in Turkey.

As jarring as it was, Heikki's crash was only one of the many times the safety car was deployed in a race that was dominated by the color yellow of the caution flag. The next most dominant color at Catalunya, however, was surely red, as Ferrari dominated the race virtually from start to finish, with Kimi Raikkonen sailing to an easy checkered flag with his team mate Felipe Massa close behind. Towards the end of the race, Kovalainen's teammate Lewis Hamilton was closing in on Massa, but ended up taking the third step on the podium, giving defending champion Raikkonen a commanding nine point lead over Hamilton. The perfect finish for Ferrari likewise gave the team a commanding lead in the constructors' championship, leading 47 to BMW Sauber's 35 and McLaren's 34. BMW, which entered the race with the lead for the constructors' title, didn't fair as well as hoped, with Kubica finishing an admirable fourth while his teammate Heidfeld came in outside the points in 9th after suffering a drive-through penalty. However, that wasn't nearly as bad as second-tier rival Renault did under the Spanish sun, with neither local hero Fernando Alonso nor his teammate Nelsinho Piquet completing the race. All in all, a shocking nine drivers retired before the last lap, including Nico Rosberg (Williams), Rubens Barrichello (Honda), Adrian Sutil (Force India), Anthony Davidson (Super Aguri), both the Toro Rosso drivers (Bourdais and Vettel) in addition to the Renaults and the aforementioned Kovalainen.

Follow the jump for the full results, current standings after four rounds of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship and a video of Kovalainen's crash.

Gallery: 2008 Spanish Grand Prix

[Source: Autosport]

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Crashes aplenty at the Spanish Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: Crashes aplenty at the Spanish Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back with a Vengeance: Schumacher takes all in comeback F1 test

Noah Joseph — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari

The critics have been silenced, and silenced good.

Michael Schumacher retired a seven-time world champion, but his eighth title narrowly escaped him right down to the line at his farewell grand prix in 2006. Retiring after losing the championship two years in a row to a younger Fernando Alonso, many started asking if the driver that dominated the sport for so long still had it in his, ahem, "advancing" age.

Those pundits got their answer when Schumacher briefly returned to F1 in taking the wheel of the Ferrari F2007, this year's title-winning car, at an official FIA-sanctioned Formula One testing event in Spain this week. The focus of the event, the first since the end of the season, was to give the teams a chance to run the cars without traction control and with the standardized engine control unit (ECU), as mandated by the 2008 regulations.

Schumacher drove for the first two of the three day test session, and on both days his lap times sat at the very top of the time sheets. Unfortunately, spokespersons were quick to point out that this did not herald Michael's return to the grid, just a one-time event. So the rest of the drivers can sleep easier.

[Sources: Italiaspeed and Ferrari]

Back with a Vengeance: Schumacher takes all in comeback F1 test originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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