Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[FIA gains official recognition from International Olympic Committee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/fia-gains-official-recognition-from-international-olympic-commit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/fia-gains-official-recognition-from-international-olympic-commit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/fia-gains-official-recognition-from-international-olympic-commit/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

There's plenty of racing that takes place at the Olympics, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There's running, cycling, sailing, speed skating, luge, bobsledding and skiing. The thing is, none of these sports are mechanically powered, so motorsports are decidedly excluded from the highest-profile sporting event in the world.

It wasn't always that way, though. The 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, France, included both car and motorcycle racing, but only as demonstration events that did not return. That may or may not change in the future, but one step has been taken closer as the FIA - the body which governs most forms of motor racing around the world - has been officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

The recognition is provisional for two years, and it encourages the FIA to abide by the principles embodied by the Olympics and the establishment of an Athlete's Commission.

Of course, even if the IOC gives the FIA permanent recognition, that doesn't mean we'll be seeing auto racing at the Olympics any time soon: the Committee already officially recognizes a number of sporting bodies, sanctioning everything from motorcycle and powerboat racing to chess, bowling and billiards. Follow the jump for the official statement.

Continue reading FIA gains official recognition from International Olympic Committee

FIA gains official recognition from International Olympic Committee originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>federation internationale de lautomobilefiainternational olympic committeeiocolympicolympicsMon, 16 Jan 2012 08:02:00 EST

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20147872 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fia-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fia-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Was Mini's late registration in WRC just an attempt to play hardball?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/was-minis-late-registration-in-wrc-just-an-attempt-to-play-hard/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/was-minis-late-registration-in-wrc-just-an-attempt-to-play-hard/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/was-minis-late-registration-in-wrc-just-an-attempt-to-play-hard/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, BMW, Mini, Racing

Mini Countryman WRC

Mini has reportedly confirmed its 2012 World Rally Championship entry after initially missing the December 19 entry deadline. According to Autosport, the delay may have had something to do with concerns Mini parent company BMW had over television coverage of the sport in Germany. Now it would seem the FIA is working to address those issues and Mini is once again slated to join both Ford and Citroën as full manufacturers in the series. The delay may have been a tactical move by BMW and Mini to convince series promoters to come up with more amicable coverage terms.

As it sits, Mini will campaign a John Cooper Works WRC in all 13 rounds, though it remains unclear whether driver Dani Sordo will be behind the wheel at every stage. Mini may look to save some cash by turning to a private driver in some of the more expensive rounds like New Zealand. Either way, Mini is slated to return to the WRC at the Monte Carlo Rally starting on January 17.

Was Mini's late registration in WRC just an attempt to play hardball? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcountrymandani sordofiaminimini countryman wrcmini wrcworld rally championshipwrcThu, 05 Jan 2012 09:31:00 EST

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20140580 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-wrc-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-wrc-628.jpg <![CDATA[Whoops! Mini misses WRC registration deadline]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/whoops-mini-misses-wrc-registration-deadline/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/whoops-mini-misses-wrc-registration-deadline/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/whoops-mini-misses-wrc-registration-deadline/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Mini, Off-Road, Racing

2011 Mini Countryman WRC car

Mini - or Prodrive, the outfit that preps Mini's rally cars - has inexplicably failed to file for entry into the 2012 World Rally Championship before the series' December 20 deadline. Mini's first year back at the top level of rallying as a development team yielded two podiums, and the company hasn't stepped back from its stated desire to win the whole championship in 2013. Word is that parent BMW is gung-ho to continue but that there are "significant issues which need to be resolved" between it and Prodrive.

In an update to the situation today, UK site PistonHeads said has spoken to Prodrive and has been told Mini will somehow gain entry and be at the first race in Monte Carlo. Prodrive is in discussions now with the FIA to clear the way to entry, but apparently told PistonHeads that had "some concern" over WRC promotion with respect to television coverage. We have no idea if that has anything to do with the supposed issues with BMW, but we do know we'd like to see the little red flyer in action again this year.

Whoops! Mini misses WRC registration deadline originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>countrymancountryman wrcfiamini motorsportmini wrcprodriveworld rally championshipwrcThu, 22 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST

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20133315 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2011-mini-wrc-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2011-mini-wrc-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi testing revised R18 at Sebring with possible hybrid power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/audi-testing-revised-r18-at-sebring-with-possible-hybrid-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/audi-testing-revised-r18-at-sebring-with-possible-hybrid-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/audi-testing-revised-r18-at-sebring-with-possible-hybrid-power/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Audi, Racing

2012 Audi R18 testing at Sebring

After dominating Le Mans-class endurance sportscar racing for years now, Audi is left with little to prove. Plus, with sister-company Porsche returning with an LMP1 program of its own, and Bentley reportedly considering the same, rumors have been circulating that the four-ringed automaker could quit while it's ahead. It's something that rivals old (like Peugeot) and new (like Toyota) were undoubtedly rooting for, but no such luck: Audi isn't going anywhere but the finish line.

The German automaker's racing division - which is, incidentally, undergoing a thorough shake-up in preparation for new opposition - has brought its new R18 prototype to these United States for testing at Sebring, saying little more than that it's preparing to challenge the new FIA World Endurance Championship in the new year. But take a close look at the photos the company released along with the statement after the jump and the keenest of eyes may notice that the new R18 has undergone what looks like some significant changes.

Of course, all we can see from the outside is the aero package, but sources suggest there's something more lurking under the skin. The Audi fanatics over at QuattroWorld insist this latest prototype is packing a hybrid powertrain, putting it up against Peugeot's 908 Hybrid4 and Toyota's upcoming hybrid challenger. If that's the case, we can pretty much guarantee that whoever's car will cross the finish line in the upcoming season of endurance racing will be doing so with a bit of battery boost, too.

Continue reading Audi testing revised R18 at Sebring with possible hybrid power

Audi testing revised R18 at Sebring with possible hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20131116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web2012-r18_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web2012-r18.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus, Renault and Virgin F1 teams change names for 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/lotus-renault-and-virgin-teams-change-names-for-2012-f1-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/lotus-renault-and-virgin-teams-change-names-for-2012-f1-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/06/lotus-renault-and-virgin-teams-change-names-for-2012-f1-season/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Lotus, Renault

Lotus Renault GP

What's in a name? More than you might think, particularly in Formula One where two teams have been fighting for use of the Lotus moniker for a couple of years now.

The battle, as you may recall, involves two outfits - neither of them directly owned by Lotus. One is based in Malaysia and licensed the name from Lotus' parent company, Proton, before subsequently "acquiring" the name from a third party that laid claim to it. The issue was further complicated when Lotus itself teamed with the Renault F1 team (which also happens to supply engines to the other Lotus team), resulting in two squads called Lotus-Renault.

The two operations have now reached a compromise. The green-and-yellow Malaysian outfit known until now as Team Lotus be named Caterham in 2012 (having bought that company recently), while the Renault team will be cleared to use the Lotus name.

The move further distances Renault from direct involvement with any particular team, stepping back to a more traditional engine-supply role with teams like Lotus, Caterham, Williams and, of course, the world-champion Red Bull Racing team.

The F1 Commission also approved a name change for Virgin Racing, which will drop the name of Richard Branson's company from its official moniker and adopt that of Marussia, the Russian exotic carmaker that bought into the team last year. All three team name changes will require official ratification from the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA, but that's seen as a pro-forma step that isn't expected to derail any plans.

Lotus, Renault and Virgin F1 teams change names for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamf1f1 commissionfiaformula 1formula onelotuslotus renault gpmarussiamarussia f1marussia racingmarussia virgin racingrenaultteam lotusvirginvirgin racingwmscworld motor sport councilSun, 06 Nov 2011 14:03:00 EST

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20099744 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gu5g1811_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gu5g1811.jpg <![CDATA[F1 debates allowing customer cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/f1-debates-allowing-customer-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/f1-debates-allowing-customer-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/f1-debates-allowing-customer-cars/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

Force India and McLaren

What's the difference between F1 and Indy? Plenty. But it's a question that comes up more than you'd expect, and there are numerous answers. While F1 races only on street circuits and road courses, Indy also races on ovals. Indy, of course, is also primarily an American series, while F1 hasn't had a race in the United States for years now. The two series use different fuel, different engines, but the biggest difference, of course, is the cars: While Indy uses one spec chassis (and until next year, one engine), every team in F1, by definition, has to design and build their own cars. That's why F1 teams aren't called teams in the technical lingo. They're called constructors.

All that may be about to change, however, as the sport moves into a new round of debates over customer cars. The issue, as you might have guessed, revolves around the potential for some of the bigger teams (like Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes GP) to supply complete cars, ready to race, to smaller teams.

It's an issue that has been moving back and forth over the course of recent years: you may recall that, until a couple of years ago, Red Bull was designing and building the cars for Scuderia Toro Rosso - its B-squad - until the regulations put a stop to it. Meanwhile McLaren, for example, has signed technical partnerships with teams like Force India (pictured above) and Virgin Racing that have seen the front-running team help the back-markers get a leg up.

For its part McLaren isn't interested in supplying complete cars to its customer teams, but Ferrari is. It's something Maranello already does with its sportscar programs, and until its collapse, was doing for the A1GP series. The current regulations prohibit such deals from taking place in F1, but with the debate set to start anew between the teams, Formula One Management and the FIA, things could change.

F1 debates allowing customer cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concorde agreementcustomer carsf1ferrarifiaformula 1formula onemclarenWed, 02 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST

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20094496 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/d11ger2226_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/d11ger2226.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Formula Ford brings EcoBoost to open-wheel racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/2012-formula-ford-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/2012-formula-ford-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/2012-formula-ford-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Performance, Ford, Design/Style, Racing

2012 Formula Ford

We're officially grabbing our helmets and ready to go racing. Ford has pulled what must have been an unusually creased sheet off of its 2012 Formula Ford racecar, and while the shape is similar to Formula F racers from years past, it somehow appears altogether modern thanks to angular items like angular air inlets and funky lightweight wheels.

The 2012-spec Formula Ford will power its way into Great Britain's 2012 Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship with 1.6-liter EcoBoost motivation and a sequential six-speed gearbox at the driver's command. While 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque from the production-based engine might not sound like much, the lightweight steel-tube single-seater should have no problem providing thrills for both racer and spectator alike in the many feeder series it will eventually race in. Check it out in our gallery below and learn more about the car in the official press release reprised after the jump.

Continue reading 2012 Formula Ford brings EcoBoost to open-wheel racing

2012 Formula Ford brings EcoBoost to open-wheel racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtecoboostfiaformula fformula fordfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showWed, 14 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST

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20041305 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-formula-ford-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-formula-ford-frankfurt.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Exige R-GT looks Group B fantastic for the modern era]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/lotus-exige-r-gt-rally-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/lotus-exige-r-gt-rally-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/lotus-exige-r-gt-rally-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Motorsports, Lotus, Racing

lotus exige r-gt

Lotus has continually stated that it has big plans for the future. One of those being a return to the rallying world, and it will do just that with the all-new Lotus Exige R-GT. Sitting on the Frankfurt floor, the R-GT evokes visions of classic rally cars while also providing a showcase of Lotus' current and future styling.

The car will compete in the FIA R-GT class, and it tips the scales at 2,646 pounds. Some of that weight comes in the form of class-mandated underside and side protection for driver and passenger, as well as the steel rollcage.

The Exige R-GT is powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine, which produces 302 horsepower. That energy is routed to the wheels through a six-speed sequential transmission. The engine is the same as the one found in the standard Exige, however 34-millimeter air restrictors have been put in place to control the power, as is required by the FIA rulebook for R-GT racing.

Lotus will first offer the Exige R-GT to motorsports customers rather than dive into rallying with its own factory team. Either way, we're happy to see the Lotus name once again applied to a rally race car. Feel free to read the complete press release after the break.

Continue reading Lotus Exige R-GT looks Group B fantastic for the modern era

Lotus Exige R-GT looks Group B fantastic for the modern era originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20041533 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/09lotus-exige-rallyiaa11-1315932411_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/09lotus-exige-rallyiaa11-1315932411.jpg <![CDATA[FIA confirms 2012 Formula 1 calendar, United States GP set for November 18]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/fia-confirms-2012-formula-1-calendar-united-states-gp-set-for-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/fia-confirms-2012-formula-1-calendar-united-states-gp-set-for-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/fia-confirms-2012-formula-1-calendar-united-states-gp-set-for-n/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

grand prix starting grid

Finalizing the calendar for the Formula 1 World Championship can't be an easy task. Each race organizer has its own demands, as do the teams. The FIA has its say, and so does Formula 1 Management. Logistical considerations need to be taken into account, as well as projected weather conditions. So it strikes us as reasonable enough that the schedule should need to be tweaked and adjusted here and there. Now, after releasing the initial calendar back in June and receiving input in August for changes, the FIA has announced what looks set to be the final calendar for the 2012 Formula 1 World Championship.

So what are we looking at? A jam-packed 20-race calendar, for starters. After its anticipated premier this season, the Indian Grand Prix is slated to return next season. Turkey is back on the calendar (and no longer with a tentative asterix), as is Bahrain which was famously canceled this year due to clashes between protestors and the royal regime there. Finally, the return of the United States Grand Prix is confirmed for November 18, teaming up with the season closer in Brazil the following weekend. Follow the jump to view the full calendar.

Continue reading FIA confirms 2012 Formula 1 calendar, United States GP set for November 18

FIA confirms 2012 Formula 1 calendar, United States GP set for November 18 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20032394 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/hkg3488395_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/hkg3488395.jpg <![CDATA[Teams lining up for new FIA GT World Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/teams-lining-up-for-new-fia-gt-world-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/teams-lining-up-for-new-fia-gt-world-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/teams-lining-up-for-new-fia-gt-world-championship/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

2010 FIA GT1 World Championship

There's a lot of changes going on in the world of sports car racing, the bulk of them resulting from the rekindled friendship between the ACO (which organizes Le Mans and its related series) and the FIA (which until now governed just about every other form of motorsport). However, the FIA's own GT racing championships have also had their own fluctuations over the past few years.

What started out as the FIA GT Championship then split into the GT1 World Championship, GT3 European Championship and GT4 European Cup. The classes are set to rejoin next year, though, as the SRO which organizes them on the FIA's behalf has announced the formation of the new FIA GT World Championship.

Rather than have a variety of cars competing in different classes, SRO and the FIA are working to equalize the performance of existing cars to have them all fighting for the same prize. As a result, organizers are expecting a bigger grid. Teams representing Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini and Nissan are all expected to return from the current GT1 series, while talks are also underway to bring Mercedes-Benz, Alpina and Chevrolet teams to the grid. With all these challengers lining up, we'd be surprised not to see any Porsches jumping in, too.

The series is expected to return to circuits across Europe, Asia and South America next season, however discussions are underway to expand to such locations as Australia, Russia and even North America in the near future.

So what's the difference between the reformatted FIA GT Championship and the new FIA World Endurance Championship also starting next year? In two words, race length. While the latter will go with the ACO's format of round-the-clock racing, the former will stick with the current series' one-hour sprint-race format.

Teams lining up for new FIA GT World Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiafia gt racingfia gt world championshipgtsroMon, 01 Aug 2011 14:29:00 EST

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20005265 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/10fiagtwc2010preview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/10fiagtwc2010preview.jpg <![CDATA[F1 teams concerned over FIA engine chief moving to competitor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/31/f1-teams-concerned-over-fia-engine-chief-moving-to-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/31/f1-teams-concerned-over-fia-engine-chief-moving-to-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/31/f1-teams-concerned-over-fia-engine-chief-moving-to-competitor/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Gilles Simon

When Formula One opted to switch from the planned four-cylinder engine regulations to the new six-cylinder format, it came as good news (or at least, less bad news than originally expected) to just about everyone involved. With the possible exception of PURE.

As you may recall, former BAR-Honda team principal Craig Pollock started the outfit called Propulsion Universelle et Recuperation d'Energie a few months ago with the aim of joining Cosworth, Renault, Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari as F1 engine suppliers. The firm got what it believed would be a head start by beginning development of its new turbo four earlier than the existing suppliers could. The change in direction must have thrown a wrench in the proverbial works over at PURE's headquarters in France, but its latest hire might help it get back on track.

The hire in question is Gilles Simon, well known in the racing world as a certified guru when it comes to motorsport powertrains. He was the brains behind the engine that powered Peugeot's Le Mans program in the early 90s, then followed Jean Todt to Ferrari to run its racing engine program, and joined Todt again in 2009 as an FIA propulsion consultant.

Now that he's leaving the FIA to join PURE, however, the other engine manufacturers have raised some concerns. Namely, that in his capacity with the motorsport governing body, he was privy to each supplier's engine specifications, information he could potentially take with him to their new competitor. Looks like someone's gonna have some explaining to do.

F1 teams concerned over FIA engine chief moving to competitor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20005282 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/gilles-simon1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/gilles-simon1.jpg <![CDATA[FIA mandates electric-only propulsion for F1 grand prix pit lanes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/fia-mandates-electric-only-propulsion-for-f1-grand-prix-pit-lane/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/fia-mandates-electric-only-propulsion-for-f1-grand-prix-pit-lane/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/fia-mandates-electric-only-propulsion-for-f1-grand-prix-pit-lane/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Technology, Racing

Silverstone pit lane

Go back into the history of grand prix racing, and the only green you'd expect to see was the color of a British racing car and the vast quantity of cash injected into the sport. But today, Formula One is different scene, thanks in no small part to a push by the FIA for a more environmentally friendly form of motorsport. Just take a look at the on-again, off-again implementation of regenerative braking and the limitation on everything from fuel to tires.

That push is set to take a big step forward (or backward, depending on who you're talking to) when the current high-revving V8 engines are replaced by 1.6-liter turbo sixes in 2014. But that's not the end of the changes. The FIA has just published further modifications to the regulations, which will now include the necessity for F1 cars to run entirely on electric power for the entire time they're in the pit lane.

According to Rule 5.19 of the revised technical regulations (which you can find in PDF form here), "The car must be run in electric mode (no ignition and no fuel supply to the engine) at all times when being driven in the pit lane." The new rules, which come into effect together with the new engines in 2014, also mandate the inclusion of on-board ignition (as opposed to the external starter motors used currently).

In order to accommodate electric-only propulsion in and out of pit lane, the new Energy Recovery Systems have been increased in capacity to 120 kW, and theywill also be allowed to recapture energy from exhaust fumes as well. Unfortunately, that also means waving goodbye to the high-pitched whine of the engine holding at the pit-lane rev limiter every time it goes in for fresh rubber, but as they'd say at FIA headquarters in France, c'est la vie.

FIA mandates electric-only propulsion for F1 grand prix pit lanes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19996632 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/britainf1britishgpautoracing.974d0760f5d24992af35a36d16f09bf1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/britainf1britishgpautoracing.974d0760f5d24992af35a36d16f09bf1.jpg <![CDATA[FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/17/fia-tests-fighter-jet-canopy-for-use-in-formula-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/17/fia-tests-fighter-jet-canopy-for-use-in-formula-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/17/fia-tests-fighter-jet-canopy-for-use-in-formula-1/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Safety, Technology, Videos

FIA fighter jet canopy impact test

F1 cars keep getting safer every year. Their carbon-fiber tubs have been strengthened to the point that they're nearly indestructible. Helmets and the HANS neck supports they're attached keep improving. Despite all this, there's still one principal weak point inherent to the design of a grand prix racer: the open cockpit.

If you've ever sat back and wondered why F1 cars stick with open-cockpit designs when drivers are injured - or narrowly escape injury - by airborne cars (or parts thereof) striking their helmets, you're not alone.

The FIA Institute is testing designs to potentially outfit future F1 racers with closed cockpits. The question is, what kind? Many Le Mans prototypes (like the Audi R18 and Peugeot 908) use curved polycarbonate windshields, but in its research, the FIA Institute also looked to fighter jets for their canopy designs. Follow the jump to see what they discovered.

Continue reading FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1

FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19993059 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fia-canopy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fia-canopy.jpg <![CDATA[Grand Prix promoters threaten switch to Indy, Ecclestone to sue over new F1 engines?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/grand-prix-promoters-threaten-switch-to-indy-ecclestone-to-sue/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/grand-prix-promoters-threaten-switch-to-indy-ecclestone-to-sue/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/grand-prix-promoters-threaten-switch-to-indy-ecclestone-to-sue/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

Bernie Ecclestone

The world of Formula One racing is being torn in two. On one side are forces like Renault and the FIA who want to see F1 moving towards more environmentally conscious means of propulsion. On the other are parties like Ferrari, the race promoters and Bernie Ecclestone that are more concerned about abandoning the elements that make grands prix the spectacle that they are.

The FIA recently approved a new engine formula that will see the sport switching from its current V8 engines to V6 turbos, which will also cut the rev limiter from 18,000 rpm down to 15,000. As a result, the commercial side of the sport is growing concerned that the screeching noise that has become associated with F1 racing will mean lower ticket sales. And ticket sales are the only way for local racers promoters to raise the millions demanded by Bernie Ecclestone for the right to host a grand prix.

In fact, according to ESPN, some of the race promoters are threatening to jump ship and hold IndyCar racers instead. With the series once again reunited and new engine suppliers expected to move in, Indy is hoping it can retake its place as the next viable alternative to F1.

For his part, Ecclestone can hardly blame them, and says that if the new engine regulations result in a drop in ticket sales, he could hardly hold the race promoters at fault. So what recourse would he have? Sue the FIA for loss of revenue. At this point, it could prove little more than saber-rattling - particularly since this isn't the first time the sport has gone with turbocharged V6 engines - but then again, F1 is a bigger spectacle these days than it was in the past.

Grand Prix promoters threaten switch to Indy, Ecclestone to sue over new F1 engines? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19982757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/ecclestone-fingerwagging_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/ecclestone-fingerwagging.jpg <![CDATA[FIA confirms 1.6-liter turbo V6 F1 engines for 2014]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/fia-confirms-1-6-liter-turbo-v6-f1-engines-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/fia-confirms-1-6-liter-turbo-v6-f1-engines-for-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/fia-confirms-1-6-liter-turbo-v6-f1-engines-for-2014/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Technology

Honda RA163E 1.5-liter V6 turbo F1 engine from 1984

Formula One racing engines have been dropping cylinders like advanced trigonometry classes over the past couple of decades. The V12s gave way to V10s in the mid 90s. Those were replaced in turn by the current V8s in 2006, and now it's been confirmed that by 2014 two more cylinders will drop off the block for V6 propulsion.

Confirmation comes from the FIA, whose World Motor Sport Council adopted via fax vote the suggestion put forth by the Formula One Commission after consultation with the teams. The new regulations will take effect in 2014 instead of the four-cylinder formula that was set to take hold in 2013.

Displacement will drop as well from 2.4 liters to 1.6, but don't expect a big drop in performance, as the lost cylinders will be replaced by a turbocharger. The overall package, then, marks a little bit of history repeating. Until they were dropped in 1989, many of the cars on the grid were powered by 1.5-liter turbocharged V6 engines (like the '84-spec Honda unit pictured above), although this time they'll be coupled to a new Energy Recovery System that will replace the current Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Official announcement after the jump.

Continue reading FIA confirms 1.6-liter turbo V6 F1 engines for 2014

FIA confirms 1.6-liter turbo V6 F1 engines for 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19980175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/hondaf1-v6-turbo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/hondaf1-v6-turbo.jpg <![CDATA[F1 to switch to turbocharged V6 engines instead of proposed turbo fours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/23/f1-to-switch-to-turbocharged-v6-engines-instead-of-proposed-turb/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/23/f1-to-switch-to-turbocharged-v6-engines-instead-of-proposed-turb/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/23/f1-to-switch-to-turbocharged-v6-engines-instead-of-proposed-turb/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Technology

Ferrari F1 engine

A compromise has reportedly been reached in Formula 1 that will guarantee the future participation of all the current engine suppliers, while satisfying the FIA's drive for more fuel-efficient propulsion.

Plans were (until now) in place for F1 to switch from the current 2.4-liter V8 engines to 1.6-liter turbo fours by 2013. However, some of the current propulsion suppliers - Ferrari most vocally among them - vehemently objected to the proposal. The compromise agreement arrived at by the Formula 1 Commission is to replace both formulas with new turbocharged V6 engines, also 1.6 liters in displacement, which will still allow the integration of KERS regenerative braking by 2014 - one year later and two cylinders greater than initially planned.

The proposal still needs to be approved by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council, but if adopted would apparently satisfy both sides of the debate, including Ferrari's hesitance (at one end) and Renault's insistence (on the other) towards downsizing the current engines. What this will mean for planned newcomers like Craig Pollock's PURE outfit, however, which was already working on a turbo four, remains to be seen.

F1 to switch to turbocharged V6 engines instead of proposed turbo fours originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19974654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/motore2490_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/motore2490.jpg <![CDATA[ACO & FIA announce details for joint World Endurance Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/aco-and-fia-announce-details-for-joint-world-endurance-championshi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/aco-and-fia-announce-details-for-joint-world-endurance-championshi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/aco-and-fia-announce-details-for-joint-world-endurance-championshi/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

2010 24 Hours of Le Mans

Isn't it nice when we can all get along? After decades of rift between the FIA (which governs such premier racing series as F1, the WRC and the WTCC) and the ACO (which organizes Le Mans and its related series), the two have gotten together to form the new FIA World Endurance Championship.

The rapprochement is widely credited to FIA President Jean Todt, who lead Peugeot's factory team to victory at Le Mans before running the Scuderia Ferrari. After the initial announcement a few days ago, Todt and his ACO counterpart Jean-Claude Plassart held a press conference just two days before the start of this year's 24-hour race at La Sarthe to announce further details on what we can expect from the new series.

For starters, it would appear that the FIA World Endurance Championship will replace both the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup and the FIA GT1 World Championship in 2012, basing the new calendar on the ILMC's current season now underway. The official calendar will be announced in the fall, and will consist of seven races of at least six hours each: two in the United States (likely Sebring and the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta), two in Asia (probably in China and Abu Dhabi) and three in Europe (including Le Mans and two others - we'd guess Spa and Silverstone).

Points will be awarded on the same scale used in all FIA championships, awarding 25 points for first place, 18 for second, 15 for third, then 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 point for tenth place. The headline 24 Hours of Le Mans, however, will be worth double points towards the titles. The classes will follow the ACO's formula, consisting of LMP1, LMP2, GTE Pro ad GTE Amateur. For more details check out the full announcement after the jump.

Continue reading ACO & FIA announce details for joint World Endurance Championship

ACO & FIA announce details for joint World Endurance Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19962841 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lasarthe-straight_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lasarthe-straight.jpg <![CDATA[Watch as hot-headed Aston Martin GT1 racer retaliates against Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/watch-as-hot-headed-aston-martin-gt1-racer-retaliates-against-ni/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/watch-as-hot-headed-aston-martin-gt1-racer-retaliates-against-ni/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/watch-as-hot-headed-aston-martin-gt1-racer-retaliates-against-ni/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Aston Martin, Nissan

silverstone crash screenshot

Anger at Silverstone - Click above to watch video after the jump

Contact during racing is typically accidental. Sometimes, however, you can't call a crash an accident when one of the drivers involved clearly looks like he's out to inflict a little pain. Just such a crackup occurred during a GT1 race at Silverstone this weekend when Aston Martin driver Stefan Mücke was a tad unhappy with Nissan GT-R driver Richard Westbrook.

About halfway through the race, Westbrook attempted to cut inside of Mücke's Aston but the GT-R had no room, and instead went into the side of the British racecar, sending it spinning off track. Mücke regained control... but not his composure. He caught up with Westbrook and... well, click past the jump to watch the clip.

Continue reading Watch as hot-headed Aston Martin GT1 racer retaliates against Nissan GT-R

Watch as hot-headed Aston Martin GT1 racer retaliates against Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you thought this year's 20-race calendar was already packed, next year's is set to surpass it with a massive 21-race schedule for the 2012 Formula One World Championship.

The tentative calendar approved by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council includes all 20 grands prix from this year (albeit in a modified order) but with the notable inclusion of the United States Grand Prix. As the schedule stands, F1 racing will return to the U.S. for the first time since the last one was held at Indianapolis in 2007.

The gap is not the longest period Americans have gone without hosting an F1 race. Not by a long shot. No F1 race was held in the US between 1992 and 1999, from 1981 to 1988 and, longest of all, from 1917 to 1957 - though much of that period pre-dates the post-war establishment of the contemporary Formula 1 series.

Though the calendar was expanded by the inclusion of the round in Austin, Texas, for June 17 (one week after the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal), it could potentially shrink again if an agreement isn't reached over the Turkish Grand Prix, which is listed with an asterisk on the tentative schedule.

The calendar is bookended by the season opener in Bahrain on March 11 and by the season closer at Interlagos in Brazil on November 25. In between are no fewer than six coupled races that follow one week after another in pairs, including the aforementioned North American rounds, the races in Malaysia and Shanghai, and the grands prix in Spain and Monaco. Follow the jump for the tentative schedule as approved by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council.

Continue reading United States Grand Prix scheduled for June 17, 2012

United States Grand Prix scheduled for June 17, 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIA GT1 World Championship

International motor racing is a complicated web of various series, each with their own types of cars run under different rules. The one element that binds them all - or at least a good proportion of them - together is the FIA. The international automobile federation governs Formula One, the World Rally Championship, the World Touring Car Championship and a variety of others. The one notable exception is Le Mans.

The iconic 24-hour endurance race and its affiliated series are organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), and have long stood apart from the FIA. But not any more, as the two French racing organizations have come together to form the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The announcement is set to take effect with a new series next season, but poses more questions than its answers. Of particular interest is what effect this will have on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Europe-based Le Mans Series, the American Le Mans Series and the newly formed Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, as well as the FIA's GT1 World Championship (pictured above) and GT3 European Championship. However, the FIA is said to be working on combining its GT1, GT2 and GT3 regulations into one class of sports cars.

A further announcement set for June 9 will hopefully address such details, but in the meantime, as a symbol of their cooperation, FIA President Jean Todt has been announced to start the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 11. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading FIA and ACO team up for new World Endurance Championship

FIA and ACO team up for new World Endurance Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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