Speed freaks exist in all sorts of sizes, colors, shapes and what not. So it’s no wonder that some forms of racing and motorsport go a bit overlooked: one of them being high-speed go-karting.

In the world of high performance karting, they have an individual who just might be the next Lewis Hamilton. A 13-year-old British go-karter by the name of Nathan Aston—who unofficially alone has some motoring pedigree in his surname—was just selected to join McLaren’s High Performance Program, which is a program that helps McLaren seek out new talent for the next generation of Formula 1 drivers on their Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.

Aston started karting just three years ago and has since built his reputation up as an aspiring young race driver who’s only in his second season of racing.

“This is an amazing opportunity and a great honor for me. I am so grateful for the support of McLaren and it will definitely help me develop a lot of my various skills and career,” said Nathan Aston in an interview. “Their factory is amazing and it just blows you away when you see how much innovation there is. This year is going to be a big challenge but this support will be invaluable.”

McLaren back in 1989 also started their McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award, which helped them find Aston this year as well as other big names such as former world champion Jenson Button and 13-time grand prix winner David Couthard.

“The McLaren High Performance Programme doesn’t require drivers to conform to a singular template, or metric, it’s about assessing the needs of a small selection of drivers and providing them with our expertise and experience to see them through the motorsport year,” Martin Whitmarsh said, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ team leader. “We are looking for drivers with the right approach, attitude and potential, and we will seek to assist their careers in a range of different ways, not simply through providing them with the financial means to extend their careers.”

- By: Chris Chin

Image Source: Flickr

Ken Block is well know for his hatred of tires and love for drifting. The professional rally racer with the Monster World Rally Team has become an Internet sensation with his Gymkhana drifting videos.

Well, Kenny from the Block will be turning in his drifting gloves for one day to make his Formula One debut in August when he’ll get the chance to drive Pirelli’s Toyota test car. Block will get the chance to have a one-off spin in the 700-hp 2009 Toyota F1 car, which will be used to test tires worn by Mssrs Vettel and Lewis Hamilton at the famous Monza circuit in Italy.

“I can’t wait to discover Formula One for myself,” says Block. “I need to be realistic about what I can do, but I know that it’s going to be a lot of fun and take hooning to a whole new level.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: TopGear

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

The Ford F-150 is FoMoCo’s pride and joy and the company’s best-selling model for many years. So when Ferrari recently announced that its 2011 Formula One race car will be called the F-150, FoMoCo wasn’t so happy.

Earlier today, Ford sued Ferrari for trademark infringement and cybersquatting. The Dearborn automaker filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Detroit. In the suit, Ford says that it registered the F-150 trademark in 1995 and that it has ‘suffered irreparable harm’ due to Ferrari’s actions. Ford wants Ferrari to stop using F150 on any products in the U.S. and is also seeking $100,000 in damages under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, because it believes the www.ferrarif150.com domain will confuse consumers.

Ferrari, on the other hand, is using the F150 to honor the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Russian Prime Minister hits 150 mph in F1 car

Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin recently put his foot down in a Formula One car and took it up to speeds of 150 mph. Would such a move be good for President Barack Obama’s image?

Following his party’s election defeat last week, Obama faces the hurdle of winning back support in red states. During his re-election run in 2004, President George W. Bush flaunted his support for “NASCAR America” and was given a nod in both liberal and conservative circles. Driving a NASCAR may help Obama connect with blue-collar America, says USAToday.

Taking advantage of Formula One, Putin knows that racing can be good for politics. He signed a deal last month with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone to bring F1 racing to Russia starting in 2014.

Hit the jump for the video of Putin driving a Formula One car.

- By: Zain Haq

Source: USAToday

Michael Schumacher

Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari’s president, says he misses working with F1 legend Michael Schumacher. The race-car driver, who won five world championships for the automaker, stayed with the team on as a consultant basis after retiring from Formula 1.

“We had beautiful years together and I gave him back his desire to race,” di Montezemolo said. “At times I miss Schumacher, he gave so much to Ferrari, but he also received a lot.”

Schumacher left Ferrari and joined Mercedes-Benz this year to make his comeback in F1. di Montezemolo admits that his relationship with Schumacher has changed since he signed with Mercedes. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

McLaren Automotive yesterday officially revealed the final production version of the MP4-12C supercar, the firm’s first road-going performance car since the McLaren F1. Well, McLaren thought who better to give it to take it out on the track than McLaren’s Formula 1 driving team – Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Here is a video of the two taking the new McLaren MP4-12C for a spin.

Make the jump for the video.

Click here to read our original post on the official launch of the McLaren MP4-12C.

Click here to read more news on the McLaren MP4-12C.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 McLaren MP4-12C comes from a 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600-hp mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox (SSG). 0 to 60 mph is expected to come in the low 3 second range with a top speed of more than 200 mph. Sales begin in early 2011.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C:

Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button drive the McLaren MP4-12C:

2011 McLaren MP4-12C:

- By: Omar Rana

When the F1 season gets back underway in Manama/Bahrain next month, Mercedes-Benz will hold the debut of the most powerful Official F1 Safety Car of all time – the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car.

“Together with the entire AMG Team, I am very proud that the new SLS AMG is the official F1 safety car. I’m sure all Mercedes and AMG fans will be excited to see the gullwing model together with the new Mercedes GP Petronas Team at the F1 circuits,” said Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car:

Press Release:

The most powerful Official F1™ Safety Car of all time: The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG takes its place at the head of the Formula-1 field

- Gullwing model for motor racing’s top flight
- Unique super sports car concept
- Two monitors for keeping a close eye on the race
- C 63 AMG Estate once again Official F1™ Medical Car

When the new Formula-1 season gets underway in Manama/Bahrain (12-14 March 2010), it will mark the debut of the most spectacular and powerful Official F1™ Safety Car of all time. The job of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which will be launched on 27 March 2010, is to ensure maximum safety in Formula 1. The “gullwing” model replaces the SL 63 AMG, which was used as the Official F1™ Safety Car in 2008 and 2009. As in the last two years, the C 63 AMG Estate will be used as the Official F1™ Medical Car for the coming season.

From March 2010, the Official F1™ Safety Car will be deployed whenever hazardous situations such as accidents or bad weather endanger normal racing. The SLS AMG, piloted by Bernd Mayländer (38, from Germany), will be on standby in the pit lane throughout the entire race. When radioed by Race Control, the former DTM driver and his co-driver, FIA man Pete Tibbetts (44, from the UK) will take to the track at the head of the field in order to guide the Formula-1 race cars safely around the circuit.

Unique vehicle concept for maximum driving dynamics

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has the best possible credentials for this demanding role in the top flight of motor racing: its 6.3-litre V8 engine has a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm, enabling the gullwing model to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Fast lap times are a must for the Official F1™ Safety Car, otherwise the Formula-1 cars’ tyres and brakes would cool down too quickly, while their engines could overheat.

The unique vehicle concept is a key factor in ensuring outstanding driving dynamics: the aluminium spaceframe body keeps the vehicle weight down to 1620 kilograms (DIN kerb weight). And thanks to the dry-sump lubrication system, the AMG V8 powerplant can be installed very low down, resulting in a beneficial lowering of the vehicle’s centre of gravity. The installation position a long way behind the front axle and the transaxle arrangement of the new seven-speed double-clutch transmission on the rear axle have a positive effect on the weight distribution, which is 47/53 percent (front/rear). Pure motorsport tech-nology is used for the AMG sports suspension: aluminium double-wishbone axles front and rear ensure outstanding driving dynamics with precise turn-in ability, first-class agility, low mass inertia when changing direction spontaneously and, therefore, a high cornering limit.

Double-clutch transmission and ceramic composite brake system

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with double-clutch technology features four modes and allows fast gear changes with practically no interruption in tractive power ““ in manual mode (“M”), gear changes can be effected in 100 milliseconds. Together with the 3-stage ESP®, the integrated mechanical multidisc differential lock ensures outstanding traction. Meanwhile, braking distances are minimised and resistance to fading is maximised, even when the brakes are subject to typical race-track loads, courtesy of the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system with its generously sized ceramic discs measuring 402 x 39 mm on the front axle and 360 x 32 mm on the rear axle. The weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels are shod with 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres.

The Official F1™ Safety Car features the same engine, power transmission, suspension and brake system as the standard-production SLS AMG. The exceptional technology package for the super sports car ensures perfect driving dynamics and means that no further technical modifications or lightweight-design measures are necessary, with the sole exception of the all-new rear silencer, which allows the high-revving AMG V8 naturally aspirated engine to breathe more easily and offers Formula-1 fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience.

Aerodynamically optimised roof light bar incorporating LED technology

Compared to the standard-production SLS, the Official F1™ Safety Car is distinguishable on the outside by its prominent F1 logos, carbon-fibre exterior mirrors and the characteristic roof light bar with integrated TV camera. It sits on an all-new carbon-fibre hood whose shape has been tested in the wind tunnel to ensure optimum airflow at the rear aerofoil. The aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 120 km/h and, together with the rear diffuser, provides the necessary rear downforce. LEDs are used for all light functions for the first time in the new, aerodynamically styled roof light bar. Their advantages over the previously used bulbs lie in their extremely fast response time and low power consumption.

The two centrally positioned green lights in the aerodynamically optimised light bar are illuminated when the Official F1™ Safety Car joins the field and first needs to overtake all the racing cars in front of it. Once the SLS AMG has assumed the leading position, the outer orange flashing lights are switched on to signal to the Formula-1 drivers that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed. The white stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights perform a general signalling function in that they always flash whilst the safety car is deployed. A special number plate at the rear, with “Safety Car” lettering and 700 LEDs, provides additional safety in darkness or wet weather. A reversing camera is integrated to the left of the number plate, allowing those in the cockpit of the Official F1™ Safety Car to keep an eye on the Formula-1 cars behind via monitor.

Practical interior with AMG sports bucket seats

The distinctive gullwing doors open to reveal a practical cockpit which, like the exterior, differs only slightly from that of the standard-production model. AMG sports bucket seats with black leather upholstery and six-point seat belts ensure optimum lateral support. On the right side of the AMG DRIVE UNIT, there are four coloured buttons for controlling the various light functions, along with the signal horn, which is activated when the car is driving into and out of the pit lane. The centre console, like various other interior trim parts, is finished in genuine carbon fibre, while the AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara features a specially shaped grip area, a high-quality genuine-metal insert and a flat-bottomed rim with a diameter of 370 millimetres. Two genuine-metal shift paddles are used to change between the seven gears in the double-clutch transmission.

Two central monitors in the SLS AMG cockpit are used to monitor the progress of the race. To the left and right of the lower monitor are the controls for the radio system, which allows Bernd Mayländer and Pete Tibbetts to communicate with Race Control as well as with each other. A second interior mirror lets the co-driver keep an eye on the Formula-1 cars behind. Meanwhile, the “Marshalling System” is integrated in the central display on the instrument cluster and in the lid of the glove compartment: here the driver and co-driver can see exactly the same signals as the Formula-1 drivers in their cockpits. For instance, the various LEDs indicate when yellow or green flags are being waved. LEDs indicating the status of the roof light bar, along with an on-board camera angled towards Bernd Mayländer, are mounted at the front end of the dashboard.

C 63 AMG Estate once again Official F1™ Medical Car

The SLS AMG is not the only AMG high-performance car to be involved in the Formula-1 World Championship: as in 2008 and 2009, the C 63 AMG Estate is the Official F1™ Medical Car ““ responsible for ensuring rapid emergency response in the event of an accident. The lightning-fast estate car follows the Formula-1 field on the start lap because the race cars are still bunched extremely closely together during this critical phase of the race.

The concept on which the AMG Estate is based is ideal for meeting the requirements of Formula-1: outstanding driving dynamics are assured courtesy of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 336 kW (457 hp) with a peak torque of 600 Nm, not to mention the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, the adjustable coil-over suspension, the AMG light-alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres, the differential lock, the 3-stage ESP®, and the AMG high-performance brake system with internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs on the front axle.

The new AMG front apron with larger air dams is an indicator of the optimised cooling for the water, engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering. One aspect that cannot be seen but can certainly be heard is the distinctive AMG V8 sound emitted from the new rear silencers of the AMG sports exhaust system. Like the Official F1™ Safety Car, the Official F1™ Medical Car is distinguishable by its F1″‘ logos, the roof light bar, and the stroboscopic flashing LED lights at the front and rear. A number plate illuminated with LEDs and displaying the words “Medical Car” on the tailgate makes the car easier to see in darkness or adverse weather conditions.

Plenty of space in the boot for emergency equipment

The Official F1™ Medical Car is piloted by racing driver Alan van de Merwe (from South Africa); his co-driver is the official FIA Grand Prix Chief Medical Officer Dr Gary Hartstein (from Belgium). Two assisting medical experts from a specially selected clinic near the race track sit in the rear. There is plenty of space for all of the emergency equipment ““ including a defibrillator and respiration apparatus ““ in the 485-litre boot of the C 63 AMG Estate. Four AMG sports bucket seats with six-point seat belts, two monitors integrated in the centre console for monitoring the race and a radio set for communicating with Race Control distinguish the interior of the Official F1™ Medical Car from that of the standard-production C 63 AMG Estate.

AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO responsible for development

The development, track-testing and configuration of the two Official F1™ Safety Cars and the two Official F1™ Medical Cars ““ in both cases, there is one emergency vehicle and one replacement vehicle ““ are carried out by the specialists from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in close collaboration with the test team for AMG overall vehicle development. This involves drawing on over 40 years of know-how from the field of motorsport as well as the wealth of experience in the design of high-performance sports cars. Numerous test drives were carried out on various racetracks in order to tune the suspension and verify all the systems and components. Two highly-qualified AMG technicians are also on hand to take responsibility for the deployment of the Safety Car and Medical Car at all 19 Formula-1 races.

- By: Kap Shah

Remember that video of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG doing a barrel roll inside a tunnel we showed you last week? If you go back and watch the video, there was some unknown chap driving the SLS AMG during the whole stunt. However, Mercedes-Benz now wants us to believe it was Michael Schumacher behind the wheel the whole time. Watch the latest version of the video (after the jump). At the end, the door flies open and there he is.

We’re guessing this CGI commercial was shot way before Mercedes-Benz officially signed Schumi to their F1 team.

Click here for more Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG news.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

New Version:

Old Version:

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: TopGear

Mercedes-Benz officially announced today that Michael Schumacher will return to Formula One in 2010 with the Silver Arrows team. Schumacher, 40, has signed a three-year deal with Mercedes GP and will reunite with Ross Brawn, with whom he won all 7 of his World Championships.

The winner of 91 F1 races will partner up with Mercedes GP team driver Niko Rosberg.

Schumacher originally retired at the end of the 2006 season, 11 years after racing with Ferrari.

Click through for the official press release.

Press Release:

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER JOINS MERCEDES GP PETRONAS

The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team can confirm today that seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will make his racing return in 2010 with the Silver Arrows team.

With seven Drivers’ World Championships, 248 Grand Prix starts, 91 victories, 154 podium finishes and 68 pole positions, the 40-year old German needs no introduction following an illustrious and record-breaking Formula One career from 1991 to 2006 at the Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari teams.

Michael’s return to racing with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS sees his return to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport where he began his racing apprenticeship as part of the Junior Programme in 1990, racing in Group C sports cars and DTM, and sees Michael renew his partnership with Ross Brawn with whom he won all seven of his World Championships.

Today’s announcement confirms the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver line-up for the 2010 season with Michael partnering his compatriot, 24 year old Nico Rosberg, in the Silver Arrows cars.

Michael Schumacher: “MERCEDES GP PETRONAS represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star.”

Nico Rosberg: “It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans.”

Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: “I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael’s outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: “In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: “It’s about time that I got into Formula 1″. Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes-Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Programme, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realised Michael’s talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers’ World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn’t happen in 1995, it didn’t happen in 1998 and it didn’t happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our ‘apprentice’ of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time.”

- By: Kap Shah

Michael Schumacher is reported to make a come back to Formula 1 with the new Mercedes team, according to BBC Sport.

“Mercedes want the seven-time champion as their lead driver after taking over title-winning Brawn,” BBC Sport’s Eddie Jordan says. ”The possibility is being actively pursued and I believe it is going to happen.”

Schumacher’s return to F1 with Mercedes GP will reunite him with Ross Brawn, who assisted him with all his seven title wins at Benetton and Ferrari.

41-year-old Schumacher pulled out of a temporary come back to F1 earlier this year to replace Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.

Schumacher’s spokeswoman Sabine Kehm told BBC Sport that a return was “highly unlikely – but never say never”.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: BBC Sport

Joining Japanese rival Honda, Toyota announced its plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship by the end of the 2009 season.

“Toyota has engaged in F1 racing for eight seasons, starting in two thousand two,” Toyota’s President Akio Toyoda said at a press conference “But we will conclude our participation in F1 competition with this season.”

He said that the board of directors reached the decision after debating it thoroughly. TMC leaves F1 having compiled 13 podium and 87 point finishes over eight challenging seasons since 2002 with its partner, Panasonic Toyota Racing.

Honda quit Formula One last December.

Make the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

Toyota to Withdraw from F1

Tokyo – TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) at the end of the 2009 season.

TMC, which had viewed its participation in F1 as contributing to the prosperity of automotive culture, remained dedicated to competing at the pinnacle of motor sports, even in the face of the abrupt economic changes that started last year. However, when considering TMC’s motor-sports activities next year and beyond from a comprehensive midterm viewpoint reflecting the current severe economic realities, TMC decided to withdraw from F1.

TMC leaves F1 having compiled 13 podium and 87 point finishes over eight challenging seasons since 2002 with Panasonic Toyota Racing, a full-constructor team. It views its time in F1 – in which teams put forth their best efforts to fiercely compete at racing’s highest level – as an irreplaceable experience that provided an opportunity to develop both human resources and its R&D operations. TMC expresses its deepest appreciation to its F1 fans and others for their warm support.

TMC also wants to express its heartfelt gratitude to all Panasonic Toyota Racing drivers to date and to all Toyota Motorsport GmbH employees who have helped make the team’s achievements possible. TMC intends to do its best to find a solution for those parties who will be affected by any inconvenience this decision may cause.

Drawing on its experience in F1 and other motor sports, TMC intends to move forward in developing exciting production vehicles, such as the Lexus “LFA” supercar and compact rear-wheel-drive sports cars. In motor sports, it will not only race in various categories, but will also actively contribute to further development of motor sports by supporting grassroots races and planning events in which it is easy for people to participate.

- By: Omar Rana

Michael Schumacher confirmed yesterday that Formula One racing is a pain in his neck – literally. With Schumacher unable to fill in for Felipe Massa, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro announced that car number 3 will be driven by Luca Badoer.

“I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing,” commented Ferrari’s boss Luca di Montezemolo. “In the past few days, I could appreciate his great efforts and extraordinary motivation which had spread through the team and fans around the world. No doubt his return would have been good for Formula 1 and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again.”

“Since I’ve been a child I always wanted to race for Ferrari and now I’ve got the possibility to make this desire come true,” Badoer said. “I’m really sorry for Michael, because I know how much he wanted to return: I’m saying that as his friend and his fan.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Michael Schumacher has cancelled his much anticipated comeback to Formula One due to neck injuries from a motorcycling accident earlier this year. The 7-time world champion was scheduled to fill in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.

Schumacher, 40, said that he informed Ferrari officials on Monday that he will not be able to step in for Massa.

“The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe,” Schumacher said. “That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula One yet.

Schumacher retired at the end of the 2006 season.

“I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me,” Schumacher said.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: ESPN

While we have sympathy for Ferrari Formula One injured driver Felipe Massa, we are very exited to see 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher return to the race track. According to reports coming out of Germany, Schumacher is to get almost $1 million per race.

In addition to the $1 million, Schumacher is to get the same amount as a bonus for each victory.

The former Formula One champion already gets close to $6 million per year from his Ferrari advisory role, which is scheduled to be extended beyond the end of 2009.

“I’m currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race,” Schumacher said on his website. “I already lost three kilograms even if it is also important to me to build up muscles. So all in all, the practice works pretty well.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoCar

BMW surprised the Formula One world today by announcing their exit as a team and engine supplier at the end of 2009.

“Resources freed up as a result are to be dedicated to the development of new drive technologies and projects in the field of sustainability,” BMW said in a statement. “BMW will continue to be actively involved in other motor sports series.”

“Of course, this was a difficult decision for us. But it’s a resolute step in view of our company’s strategic realignment,” explained Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “Premium will increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead.”

Reithofer said that BMW will remain active in the field of motor sports, focusing on close-to-production motor sports and promoting young drivers.

Follow the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

BMW looks back on a long track record of success in the field of motor sports:

BMW achieved eight Formula One victories from 1982 to 1985 with Brabham. In 1983, BMW won the driver’s championship with Nelson Piquet (Brabham BMW). The last win with the legendary turbo engine followed with Benetton in 1986. Ten victories were scored during the partnership with Williams (2000-2005). BMW had a total of 19 grand prix wins and 33 pole positions before the BMW Sauber F1 Team era.

In its debut season in 2006, the newly established BMW Sauber F1 Team wound up fifth in the constructor’s championship. In 2007, the German-Swiss team came in second after McLaren-Mercedes’ exclusion from the points standings. The 2008 season saw the team in the hunt for the world championship until the end of the season, winding up third. Polish-born Robert Kubica achieved the first and hitherto only GP victory in Canada on June 8, 2008. So far, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has taken one pole position (Kubica in Bahrain in 2008) and 16 podium finishes. The BMW Sauber F1 Team occupies the eighth spot in the manufacturer’s standings in the season presently underway.

- By: Omar Rana

Vodaphone has launched their new Taxi Grand Prix fantasy racing campaign. Users can log on to the Taxi Grand Prix website, pick their team of taxi drivers and must have them finish the race before anyone else to win. The distance traveled by each taxi driver in real life is added to the player’s total points and virtual race.

A rather amusing TV ad spot featuring F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen has been created to promote the Taxi Grand Prix.

Click through for the video.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Top Gear

The Chrysler bankruptcy is like a test drive for General Motors. The struggling U.S. automaker is surviving on $15.4 billion in government loans and is under pressure from the government to restructure its debt and make concessions with the union by June 1 or face bankruptcy.

GM talking to Renault for potential sale, Geely bids for Saturn: According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, General Motors’ talks with selling Saturn to Renault SA, giving the French automaker a “launching pad for growth in North America.” The report also said that Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. has put out a bid to buy Saab. – WSJ

Ferrari opens up a new store in London: Ferrari opened up a new 5,705 square-foot store in London. The company opened the store on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting by Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen. – AutoWeek

GM plans to wipe out current shareholder: In a plan released to the U.S. government yesterday, GM said that it plans to wipe out the holdings of remaining shareholders by issuing up to 60 million new shares in a move to pay off debt to the U.S. Treasury, bondholders and the UAW. – Reuters

F1 Chief Max Mosley’s son found dead: Formula 1 chief Max Mosley’s son was found dead in his home in Notting Hill. Reports suggest that Alexander Mosley’s death is related to drug overdose. – Inside Line

- By: Omar Rana

After six months of painstaking work and $233,172, London’s Madame Tussauds unveiled a lifelike wax statue of Formula One Champion – Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton underwent 300 measurements for the statue which shows him holding his helmet and gloves dressed in his McLaren race gear.

Hamilton’s wax statue joins Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell and Michael Schumacher in the interactive Sports Zone of Madame Tussads.

Lewis Hamilton Wax Statue at Madame Tussauds:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: WCF