Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Silverstone secures the British Grand Prix for the next 17 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/silverstone-secures-the-british-grand-prix-for-the-next-17-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/silverstone-secures-the-british-grand-prix-for-the-next-17-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/silverstone-secures-the-british-grand-prix-for-the-next-17-years/#commentsFiled under: ,


BRDC President Damon Hill and Silvestone Managing Director Richard Phillips announce the new deal

Following months of negotiations and uncertainty, the British Racing Drivers Club has signed a deal with the FIA and Formula One Management to keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for the next seventeen years, starting with next year's race.

The deal is struck for the same amount of time (with a cancellation clause after ten years) that rival circuit Donington Park had signed with Bernie Ecclestone. That deal fell through, however, and Donington has gone into bankruptcy. In order to meet Formula One's demands, Silverstone - which first hosted the event in 1948 and has hosted it every year since 1987 - will undertake a massive renovation project.

Included in the plans are new grandstands, a new paddock area with new pits, and a potential switch to a new track layout. The Arena circuit was carved out of sections of the existing grand prix circuit for use by MotoGP, which will also be racing at Silverstone in the coming year. By containing it within the main area, the Arena circuit offers spectators a better view of the action, and the BRDC (headed by 1996 World Champion Damon Hill) has submitted the layout for FIA approval. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Silverstone]

Continue reading Silverstone secures the British Grand Prix for the next 17 years

Silverstone secures the British Grand Prix for the next 17 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brdcbritish grand prixbritish racing drivers clubBritishGrandPrixBritishRacingDriversClubf1FIAformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnesilverstonesilverstone arenasilverstone circuitSilverstoneArenaSilverstoneCircuitWed, 09 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Family Style: Nigel Mansell and son to race in Le Mans Series for Ginetta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/family-style-nigel-mansell-and-son-to-race-in-le-mans-series-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/family-style-nigel-mansell-and-son-to-race-in-le-mans-series-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/family-style-nigel-mansell-and-son-to-race-in-le-mans-series-fo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Nigel Mansell's name is still a legend in motor racing. He remains the most successful driver in British racing history and one of only a handful of drivers to win both the Formula One title and the CART championship. It's been fourteen years since he last competed in a grand prix, but he'll soon be back behind the wheel in pursuit of more trophies at the 1000 Kilometers of Silverstone, the Le Mans Series race at the same track where he won the British Grand Prix three times.

To sweeten the deal, Mansell will be joined in his headline return by his own 21-year-old son, Greg, who recently left the Formula Renault 3.5 series. Rounding out the three-man team will be Ginetta chairman Lawrence Tomilson, who also took home a GT2 class win at Le Mans in 2006. They'll be driving the Ginetta-Zytek GZ09S (pictured above) in the LMP1 category in a factory-supported works racing effort, more of which you can read about in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ginetta]

Continue reading Family Style: Nigel Mansell and son to race in Le Mans Series for Ginetta

Family Style: Nigel Mansell and son to race in Le Mans Series for Ginetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ginettaginetta carsginetta zytekginetta-zytek gz09sGinetta-zytekGz09sGinettaCarsGinettaZytekgreg mansellGregManselllawrence tomilsonLawrenceTomilsonle mans seriesLeMansSeriesmansellnigel mansellNigelMansellsilverstonesilverstone 1000 kmSilverstone1000KmWed, 19 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bentleys Galore: Bentley Drivers Club 60th Anniversary Meeting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/bentleys-galore-bentley-drivers-club-60th-anniversary-meeting/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/bentleys-galore-bentley-drivers-club-60th-anniversary-meeting/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/bentleys-galore-bentley-drivers-club-60th-anniversary-meeting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Bentley Drivers Club 60th Anniversary Meeting - click image above for high-res gallery

It's hard to argue against Bentley. From the marque's start as high speed play things for Europe's Jazz Age, monied neerdowell/rapscallion set to an impressive string of Le Mans victories at the hands of ubermenschen like Woolf "Babe" Barnato to all the Bond Villianesque Coupes of the 1950s to the torque-master turbo yachts of the 1980s and 90s all the way up to today's steriodal VW-platformed Continentals, the brand's got that little sumpin' sumpin'.

August 8 and 9 marked the 60th anniversary meeting of the Bentley's Drivers Club at England's famed Silverstone track and what better way to celebrate than with lots of racing? Says the club's Competitions Captain Sebastian Welch, "Our aim was to celebrate 60 years of BDC racing at Silverstone with two days of 'proper' club racing, from highly competitive dicing on track to a non-stop slideshow of archive pictures in the pit garage and family picnics on the grass at Copse." We so wish we were rich.

Perhaps equal to our raging jealousy is our fascination at the lineup of cars on hand for the 60th meet up. A few favorites: 1928 Speed Six, 1933 Napier-Railton (with a 24-liter, 550 hp W12 -- no front-wheel brakes, either), 1949 MkVI Special, 1990 Turbo R and the Le Mans winning, 600 hp, 217 mph 2003 Speed 8. If none of those float your boat, check your pulse concentrate on the fact that one of the scratch races saw 25 Bentleys of all vintages going wheel to wheel with Michael Higginbotham's MkVI Special coming out on top. Be sure to peruse the gallery as these are some mightily beautiful pictures.


Gallery: Bentley Driver's Club 60th Anniversary Meeting


[Image Source: Peter de Rousset-Hall]


Bentleys Galore: Bentley Drivers Club 60th Anniversary Meeting originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1928 Bentley Speed Six1928BentleySpeedSix1949 Bentley MkVI Special1949 MkVI Special1949BentleyMkviSpecial1949MkviSpecialBabe BarnatoBabeBarnatoBentleyBentley Drivers ClubBentley Speed 6Bentley Speed 8Bentley Turbo RBentleyDriversClubBentleySpeed6BentleySpeed8BentleyTurboRLe MansLeMansNapier-RailtonSilverstoneSpeed SixSpeedSixWoolf BarnatoWoolfBarnatoMon, 10 Aug 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: Holding Back the Reign at the 2009 British Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spoiler-alert-holding-back-the-reign-at-the-2009-british-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spoiler-alert-holding-back-the-reign-at-the-2009-british-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spoiler-alert-holding-back-the-reign-at-the-2009-british-grand/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 British Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Did summertime showers put a damper on your Father's Day plans? That game of catch in the park or trip to the local Six Flags may not have worked out, but despite seemingly year-round rain in England, race fans at Silverstone enjoyed beautifully dry weather for this weekend's running of the British Grand Prix.

Clear skies may not have been enough to hold back the gathering storm clouds darkening F1's skies: the future of the British Grand Prix hangs in the balance as officials debate the merits of the planned move from Silverstone to Donington, while the sport itself threatens to split in two as the FIA holds its line and the teams prepare to form their own series. But none of that mattered when the lights flashed green on the starting grid at Silverstone. The question on everyone's minds, of course, was whether the so-far dominant Jenson Button would be able to carry his momentum into a sought-after home-turf victory, or if his challengers would be able to turn the tides. Follow the jump to find out who came out on top.


Gallery: 2009 British Grand Prix


Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Holding Back the Reign at the 2009 British Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: Holding Back the Reign at the 2009 British Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 british grand prix2009BritishGrandPrixbritish gobritish gpbritish grand prixBritishGoBritishGpBritishGrandPrixdoningtondonington parkDoningtonParkred bullred bull racingred bull renaultRedBullRedBullRacingRedBullRenaultsebastian vettelSebastianVettelsilverstonevettelMon, 22 Jun 2009 23:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/officially-official-mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50-detai/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/officially-official-mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50-detai/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/officially-official-mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50-detai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 - Click above for high-res gallery

Although it actually debuted at the Mini United Festival at Silverstone late last month, the special edition Mini Cooper John Cooper Works World Championship 50 (good luck getting all of that script on the hatch lid, gents) has finally received a full slate of details and press images.

The special edition was designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the start of the Mini's motorsports successes, as well as John Cooper's victory in the F1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship with Jack Brabham manning the controls. Limited to just 250 examples, the MCJCWWC50 features the standard JCW's 211-hp turbo four, along with a full slate of celebratory garnishes inside and out.

Available exclusively in Connaught Green (a new color for Mini), all examples receive Pepper White stripes down the hood and roof, a color scheme designed to invoke the livery of Cooper F1 cars. There are also cross-spoke Challenge alloy wheels finished in black, a bunch of carbon-fiber bits (hood scoop, rear diffuser, mirror caps, tailgate handle) and special numbering. The model was designed in conjunction with John Cooper's son, "John" Michael Cooper, whose signature appears on the hood stripe and on a special fascia plate.

Inside, there's carbon black leather with red piping and stitching throughout, along with more carbon fiber bits (fascia, door handles), an Alcantara steering wheel, and a six-speed manual gearbox - no torque converters allowed in this celebration.

All-in, this looks like a tidy package not just for collectors, but enthusiasts as well. No word yet on how much this limited-edition hatchback will cost, but if Mini's current pricing stratagem is anything to go by... it won't be cheap.


Gallery: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50

Continue reading Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released

Officially Official: Mini Cooper JCW World Championship 50 details and photos released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JCWjohn cooper worksJohnCooperWorksmini cooperMini unitedMiniCooperMiniUnitedSilverstoneWed, 10 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[It's a Small World After All: Official pictures from MINI United]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/official-pictures-from-mini-united/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/official-pictures-from-mini-united/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/official-pictures-from-mini-united/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


MINI United '09 at Silverstone - Click above for a gallery of high-res images

To celebrate 50 years of all things small and wonderful, MINI held a little party at one of England's most iconic racetracks, Silverstone. The event was equal parts racing, music festival and fashion show, highlighted by a concert by "modfather" Paul Weller, he of The Jam and The Style Council fame.

This was the third edition of the event, dubbed MINI United, and for MINI's 50th birthday it attracted a crowd that was anything but mini. Some 25,000 enthusiasts made it to the party, driving more than 10,000 Minis and representing 40+ countries. Folks from as far away as Russia, the United States and South Africa descended on Silverstone with their customized Coopers.

It was also a golden opportunity to show off the company's newest specials, the Mayfair and the Camden, as well as the George Harrison tribute MINI. Common folk and celebrities alike partook, including iconic British designer Mary Quant, inventor of the miniskirt. Quant even admitted that the name of the short skirt owed more to her love of her own little car than to the garment's length.

Among the thousands of cars on hand, a bunch of customized MINIs were displayed, with artwork by designer Paul Smith, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Missoni and illustrator Alan Aldridge among others. There's a gallery of pics from the event below, and a full press release after the jump.


Gallery: MINI United event '09


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading It's a Small World After All: Official pictures from MINI United

It's a Small World After All: Official pictures from MINI United originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minimini cooperMINI UKmini unitedMiniCooperMiniUkMiniUnitedsilverstoneTue, 26 May 2009 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[MINI says "Nevermind the VW Beetle, Here's the Beatles!" with new Harrison art car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/mini-says-nevermind-the-vw-beetle-heres-the-beatles-with-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/mini-says-nevermind-the-vw-beetle-heres-the-beatles-with-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/mini-says-nevermind-the-vw-beetle-heres-the-beatles-with-ne/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


George Harrison's Mini Coopers - Click above for a high-res gallery

Yesterday, we told you about a one-off Ferrari 430 being auctioned off for Abruzzo earthquake relief, and today we have another special European car that is set to hit the block for a good cause. BMW has just unveiled a special George Harrison Mini Cooper that will be up for bidding, with the proceeds set to go to Harrison's own Material World Charitable Foundation, an organization dedicated "the exploration of alternate and diverse forms of artistic expression, life views and philosophies as well as a way to support established charities and people with special needs."

The psychedelic hatchback is actually an homage to George Harrison's "extravagant original" Mini Cooper S, a customized car that was given to the late Beatle by his manager, Brian Epstein back in 1966 (the other members of the Fab Four got one too). The original Harrison Cooper actually starred in the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour movie, and the new one has been designed with the input of Olivia Harrison, George's wife. The keys to the new Cooper will be handed over to Olivia on behalf of the MWCF at MINI United, a three-day festival held in Silverstone from May 22 through 24. Official press release after the jump.


Gallery: George Harrison's Mini Coopers


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading MINI says "Nevermind the VW Beetle, Here's the Beatles!" with new Harrison art car

MINI says "Nevermind the VW Beetle, Here's the Beatles!" with new Harrison art car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeatlesGeorge HarrisonGeorgeHarrisonMiniMini CooperMINI UnitedMiniCooperMiniUnitedSilverstoneThu, 14 May 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamborghini Super Trofeo stars in one-make race series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/25/lamborghini-super-trofeo-stars-in-one-make-race-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/25/lamborghini-super-trofeo-stars-in-one-make-race-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/25/lamborghini-super-trofeo-stars-in-one-make-race-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo racer

Ferrari does it. Porsche does it. And now, Lamborghini is going to do it, too. "It" is a single-make race series, and Lambo's will showcase a competition-spec Gallardo LP560-4 dubbed the Super Trofeo. Each race will feature 30 of the cars, piloted by deep-pocketed private owners, dealer teams, and a single, Lambo-sponsored "celebrity driver" who'll change from race-to-race.

The Super Trofeo racer weighs in at 1300 kg/2866 lb and is spec'd out with all the requisite safety equipment; race-specific chassis adjustments, ABS brakes and wheels; Pirelli slicks; new instrumentation; and aero tweaks. The powered-up 5.2L direct-injected V10 sends 570 horses to all four wheels via the automaker's e.gear six-speed sequential gearbox. If you have the itch, head to your Lamborghini dealer with €200,000 -- that's the buy-in fee for the car and parts package. Each race will offer trackside support and parts sales to participants, who get to cool their heels in luxury at the Lamborghini Village that'll be set up at every venue. It all kicks off next May at Silverstone. Head over to the Super Trofeo website for the rest of the schedule and additional info. Thanks to Mobius for the heads-up!

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo


[Source: Lamborghini]

Lamborghini Super Trofeo stars in one-make race series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gallardolamborghinilp560-4may 2009May2009silverstonesuper trofeoSuperTrofeoSat, 25 Oct 2008 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Win the lottery? Have Stig take you for a spin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/12/win-the-lottery-have-stig-take-you-for-a-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/12/win-the-lottery-have-stig-take-you-for-a-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/12/win-the-lottery-have-stig-take-you-for-a-spin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lottery winners can often have subhuman tendencies, so it's only natural that you'd want to hang out with equally awful subset of humanity, racing drivers. The Stig is a perfect representation of those with abnormally high levels of octane in their blood, and his/its services around Silverstone were purchased for £35,000 at a charity auction buy a lottery winner recently in reciept of £5 million. The Stig's passenger got three rain-soaked laps for a price of £11,666 per, and the Stig's performance, even on rain tires, was enough to impress Fernando Alonso. For the same price, you might be able to hire a passel of goons to abduct the esteemed Stigginator and pop that darn helmet off, though that particular scenario might be as creepy as the Darth Vader death scene in Return Of The Jedi.

[Source: Top Gear]

Win the lottery? Have Stig take you for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lottery winnerLotteryWinnersilverstonestigstig lapsStigLapsthe stigTheStigtop gearTopGearSat, 12 Jul 2008 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Storms sweep through the 2008 British Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/storms-sweep-through-the-2008-british-grand-prix-spoiler-alert/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/storms-sweep-through-the-2008-british-grand-prix-spoiler-alert/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/storms-sweep-through-the-2008-british-grand-prix-spoiler-alert/#commentsFiled under: ,

SPOILER ALERT


Click for a hi-res gallery from the 2008 British GP

Storms swept through Silverstone this year for the British Grand Prix. First came the announcement of David Coulthard's retirement from Formula 1, which was followed by the announcement that, starting in 2010, the race would leave its historic home at Silverstone and move to Donington Park.

The decision by Formula One Management and the FIA followed years of calls for the ageing Silverstone track -- owned and operated by the British Drivers Racing Club -- to renovate and get itself up to the modern standards set by F1's newer tracks. However, after failing to secure government funding or sufficient private investment, the decision was made to move the event to Donington. So as the storms set in to close two major chapters of British motor racing history, the rain poured down on the penultimate running of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Follow the jump to read how it turned out.

Gallery: 2008 British Grand Prix

[Images: Getty/AFP]

Continue reading Storms sweep through the 2008 British Grand Prix

Storms sweep through the 2008 British Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british grand prixBritishGrandPrixdoningtondonington parkdoningtonparkhamiltonlewis hamiltonlewis-hamiltonLewisHamiltonmclarenmclaren f1mclaren-mercedesmclarenf1santandersilverstoneMon, 07 Jul 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Free tape measure, 'Ring tuition for European GT-R buyers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/22/free-tape-measure-ring-tuition-for-european-gt-r-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/22/free-tape-measure-ring-tuition-for-european-gt-r-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/22/free-tape-measure-ring-tuition-for-european-gt-r-buyers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hundreds of European GT-R buyers, who have put down large down payments on cars that they won't see until next spring at the earliest, have received a small consolation gift from Nissan: a tape measure.

The highly cool GT-R-embossed little box is to be used to measure their heads, so Nissan will know what sized helmets to prepare for them when they show up for their free lessons in how to extract the best from their new steeds at Silverstone or (where else?) the Nürburgring.

That's one good reason to buy from Nissan, rather than from the numerous grey importers of surprisingly cheap second-hand R35s that are already hitting Japanese websites. Thanks for the tip (and pic) Philippe!

[Source: Autocar]

Free tape measure, 'Ring tuition for European GT-R buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free tuitionFreeTuitiongt-rnurburgringsilverstonetape measureTapeMeasureSun, 22 Jun 2008 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Hammond crashes again in enduro race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/richard-hammond-crashes-again-in-enduro-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/richard-hammond-crashes-again-in-enduro-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/richard-hammond-crashes-again-in-enduro-race/#commentsFiled under:

Our favorite rodent host of Top Gear, Richard "The Hamster" Hammond, was involved in an on-track collision last Saturday during an endurance race at Silverstone behind the wheel of a BMW 330 DTi Sport. Hammond, of course, was almost killed last September when he lost control of a jet-powered dragster at 288 MPH. This time Hammond merely collided with a car that was trying to overtake him. Reportedly traveling around 100 MPH at the time, he was able to limp the BMW off the track and wait for a tow to the pits where the car was repaired so he could continue racing. Fellow hosts Jeremy Clarkson and Jay Mays, as well as their mystery driver, the Stig, were also taking turns with the BMW last weekend.

The one-year anniversary of Hammond's near death experience in a jet car is September 20th. While his most recent incident is hardly newsworthy in and of itself, the fact it's his first since the jet car accident and comes almost exactly one year later makes it an interesting piece of news. Hammond, however, doesn't think there's much to report here, saying ""Reports of my shunt this weekend have been greatly exaggerated." Regardless, no one can say that Richard Hammond doesn't lay it on the line for his craft, that's for sure.

Thanks for the tip, Filip!

[Source: AOL Entertainment]

Richard Hammond crashes again in enduro race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWcrashendurance raceEnduranceRaceincidentracerichard hammondRichardHammondsilverstonethe hamsterTheHamstertop gearTopGearFri, 14 Sep 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mansell and Herbert back in the F1 cockpit for BMW Sauber demo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/mansell-and-herbert-back-in-the-f1-cockpit-for-bmw-sauber-demo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/mansell-and-herbert-back-in-the-f1-cockpit-for-bmw-sauber-demo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/mansell-and-herbert-back-in-the-f1-cockpit-for-bmw-sauber-demo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While its cars charge towards the head of the pack on the F1 racing circuit, BMW-Sauber has been positioning itself as the champion of demonstrations off-track. Following such shenanigans as driving on ice, and the return to the old Nurburgring Nordschleife, the team brought a couple of veterans back for demonstration drives at Silverstone.

Three-time world champion Nigel Mansell, more recently a fixture of the Grand Prix Masters series, drove Sauber's latest at the team's Pit Lane Park set up at Silverstone to coincide with this past weekend's British Grand Prix. Fellow retired driver Johnny Herbert, who won at Silverstone in '95, also had a go in the Bimmer single-seater. The drivers pulled donuts and smoky burnouts to the delight of the fans.

As you may recall, the team also gave former F1 driver Alex Zanardi another drive behind the wheel of an F1 car, and the handicapped car driver pulled off some impressive lap times, despite a minimum of preparation.

[Source: BMW Sauber F1 via AutoMotoPortal]

Mansell and Herbert back in the F1 cockpit for BMW Sauber demo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdemof1herbertjohnnymansellnigelsaubersilverstoneMon, 09 Jul 2007 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Prix, Great Britain, Big Screen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/04/grand-prix-great-britain-big-screen/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/04/grand-prix-great-britain-big-screen/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/04/grand-prix-great-britain-big-screen/#commentsFiled under: ,

The UK is a pretty good place to be an F1 fan, as a number of F1 teams are headquartered in Great Britain. Four current F1 racing drivers are British, including the incredible Lewis Hamilton, with several more test drivers as well. Brits have their own race every year, no matter how poor the facilities and the attendance. And they're within driving distance of a handful more on the Continent. In short, the British Isles are F1-land, and more British companies are getting in on the action every year.

The latest to offer their services to race fans is Vue Cinemas, a rapidly-expanding chain of movie theaters that currently counts 59 multiplexes encompassing over 570 screens in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The chain has announced it will be screening a live feed of the British Grand Prix, directly from Silverstone, with no commercial interruptions. Vue Cinemas is calling it a "larger-than-life-experience" that will be offered at 30 of its locations in the UK.

You can expect tickets to be considerably less expensive than race tickets, and while it won't feature the same "right-there" experience, you'll probably get a better Vue.

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Grand Prix, Great Britain, Big Screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbritishcinemaenglandgrandmovieprixsilverstonetheatertheatreukvueWed, 04 Jul 2007 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Gunning for Guinness: Ferrari eyes record with parade at Silverstone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/gunning-for-guinness-ferrari-eyes-record-with-parade-at-silvers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/gunning-for-guinness-ferrari-eyes-record-with-parade-at-silvers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/gunning-for-guinness-ferrari-eyes-record-with-parade-at-silvers/#comments

This year is Ferrari's 60th anniversary, and Ferrari is doing Rossa-themed things all over the world to celebrate. In Britain, the Silverstone race track will play host to Ferrari Racing Days the weekend of June 8-10. Among the range of festivities will be Ferrari Great Britain's attempt to break the world record for the "Largest Parade of Ferraris." The current record is 128, and based on what they have planned, updating the Guinness entry sounds perfectly doable. In addition to a round of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli for F430 Challenge cars, the FXX will be appearing in the UK for the one and only (official) time, there will be races for historic road and race cars, a demonstration of F1 cars, and on display will be at least forty Ferrari F40's. The weekend will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the UK Ferrari Owners Club. If that doesn't attract every Ferrari from Land's End to John O' Groats, we don't know what will.

[Source: Ferrari]

Gunning for Guinness: Ferrari eyes record with parade at Silverstone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60anniversarybritaindaysferrarigreatracingsilverstoneMon, 14 May 2007 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Mansell returns to race at Silverstone in a Ferrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/03/mansell-returns-to-race-at-silverstone-in-a-ferrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/03/mansell-returns-to-race-at-silverstone-in-a-ferrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/03/mansell-returns-to-race-at-silverstone-in-a-ferrari/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After 17 years, Nigel Mansell is returning to the wheel of a Ferrari. The former world champion will be driving an F430 GT for Scuderia Ecosse in the second round of the 2007 FIA GT Championship, held at the same Silverstone track where Mansell scored three celebrated grand prix victories.

The old dog can apparently still learn new tricks - at 53 years old, this will be the first time the champ will be racing sports cars. Driving alongside him will be one of Scuderia Ecosse's team drivers, either fellow British pilot Andrew Kirkaldy or Canadian driver Chris Niarchos, to be confirmed before the race this Sunday.

Although he evidently welcomes the new challenge, Mansell's remains understandably apprehensive about his prospects: "The Ferrari is fun to drive, but it remains to be seen how I will get on in a race situation, as ex-F1 drivers tend to go out with a target on their backs!"

The race looks set to gather quite a crowd. In addition to Mansell's participation, the Silverstone race will also mark Jaguar's return to GT racing.

[Source: Auto Express]

Mansell returns to race at Silverstone in a Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championshipcupecossef430ferrarifiagtmansellnigelscuderiasilverstonetouristtrophyThu, 03 May 2007 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Prodrive's F1 plans, Aston Martin team not in the cards, yet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/prodrives-f1-plans-aston-martin-team-not-in-the-cards-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/prodrives-f1-plans-aston-martin-team-not-in-the-cards-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/14/prodrives-f1-plans-aston-martin-team-not-in-the-cards-yet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Purchasing a multi-million dollar automaker is a good excuse for not being able to concentrate on other matters, but according to Prodrive's team boss, David Richards, the 2008 Prodrive F1 team is, "perfectly on target."

Richards, who is currently in Bahrain after a business trip to Kuwait, took a few minutes to talk to reporters about the future of Prodrive's F1 efforts and the possibility of running an Aston Martin team in the future.

In short, Richards was mum on drivers, but confirmation about Prodrive's pilots, suppliers and sponsors is due during the British GP in Silverstone. The rumors of late include an engine and chassis provided by Ferrari, McLaren or Renault.

As for an Aston Martin team, Richards downplayed the idea, but gave the impression that something may come to fruition in the future.

[Source: TSN]

Prodrive's F1 plans, Aston Martin team not in the cards, yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia has an upscale division that goes by the name Vertu, which happens to make some pretty nifty phones. They aren't for everybody -- not with pricetags that sound like the down payment on a Porsche -- but they will certainly appeal to those of us who are interested in automobilia. One line of phones in particular should prove irresistible to motorsports aficionados. Vertu's Racetrack Legends series consists of six limited-edition phones, each featuring a different racetrack on its shell. The final two members of the set were just released, depicting Monaco and the Nürburgring.

Like the previous issues (Monza, Silverstone, Indianapolis and Le Mans), the new models each have a uniquely-colored casing (yellow for Monaco, titanium gray for the 'Ring) with a map of the track etched into it. Available for around $6,400 each, they make quite a stocking stuffer. If you really feel like splurging, you can get the whole boxed set. The box alone probably costs more than most of our cars. It's made of carbon fiber, with three drawers under the display level for the cases and oth accessories. Stylish and exclusive, the limited edition ractreack phones are limited to 1000 units each. Limited or not, six grand is an insane amont of money, but hey, to each his (or her) own.

[Source: Vertu via Sybarites]

GT, phone home: Vertu releases last two Racetrack Legends phone originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Dec 2006 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IndianapolisLe MansLeMansMonacoMonzaNürburgringSilverstoneVertu Racetrack LegendsVertuRacetrackLegendsSat, 09 Dec 2006 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[SPY SHOTS: Aston Martin DBS...or is that the DBRS9?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/09/spy-shots-aston-martin-dbs-or-is-that-the-dbrs9/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/09/spy-shots-aston-martin-dbs-or-is-that-the-dbrs9/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/09/spy-shots-aston-martin-dbs-or-is-that-the-dbrs9/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sure, photos of Aston Martin's newest model, the DBS, have already been released in film spec. Sure, it was already shown to a group of VIPs alongside the V8 Roadster. But Car magazine claims to have photos of the first one to be caught in public.

The DBS is making its first official public premier on November 17, the opening night of the new James Bond movie Casino Royale in which the car plays a starring role alongside Agent Double "Oooooh, James" Seven. The car is based on the DB9 and features a 530hp V12 along with new bodywork, among other modifications (check out the rear diffuser).

Conspicuously, this undisguised test mule, which was snapped in a parking lot at Silverstone, is wearing the badges of the DBRS9, the street version of the DBR9 racecar, all of which are based on the same DB9. Despite the confusing alphabet soup, the British publication is adamant this is the new DBS. Think they're mistaken?

[Source: Car magazine]

SPY SHOTS: Aston Martin DBS...or is that the DBRS9? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back in April we told you about Vertu's Racetrack Legends series of mobile phones. At that time only Monza and Silverstone were available. But now filthy rich fans of LeMans and Indianapolis can chat on phones more expensive than a 10-year-old Miata. Made by Nokia, the $6,000+ phone is made of carbon-fiber-like leather, and an alloy called LiquidMetal laser-etched with a map of the namesake racetrack. Only 1,000 of each of six tracks will be produced.

But if you must talk on the phone while in the car, do the safe, courteous thing and pit.

[Source: www.sybarites.org]

GT, phone home: Vertu releases two more race track phones originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expensive cell phoneexpensive mobile phoneExpensiveCellPhoneExpensiveMobilePhoneindianapolis motor speedwayindianapolis phoneIndianapolisMotorSpeedwayIndianapolisPhonelemanslemans phoneLemansPhoneliquidmetalmobile phoneMobilePhonemonzanokia racetrack phonenokia vertuNokiaRacetrackPhoneNokiaVertusilverstonevertuvertu racetrackVertuRacetrackTue, 31 Oct 2006 16:54:00 EST