Felipe Massa fastest driver in Valencia

Valencia, 1st February 2010 – Felipe Massa was the fastest driver on the track on the first day of testing at the Cheste circuit, just outside Valencia. The Brazilian drove the fastest lap in the last minutes of the session, while he had been leading the time sheet with his lap times before. The 1.12.574 taken by Massa for his fastest lap today can’t be judged in absolute terms regarding the competitors, because this year, understanding the fuel loads in the cars, is more difficult than ever. Although it has to be said that this result is a good prelude for the Ferrari F10 on the day of its debut.

Felipe Massa puts Ferrari F10 to the test

“I’m happy about how it went today,” Felipe Massa said at the end of the test session. “We worked very well and drove many kilometres without any problems. The first impression of the car is really positive: it is easier to drive compared to the F60, we can work better on the set up and last but not least there’s much more grip, which makes it much more pleasant to drive.

Naturally it’s still very early, but it’s a good start. The fastest lap? That doesn’t mean anything, but it’s always good being in the lead! I’m also satisfied with myself. It’s great being back on the track, together with all the others and to see that nothing has changed. I drove over 100 laps and I could have done another 100 from the physical and mental point of view.”

Obviously the first meeting between a driver, who has always been part of the Ferrari family and one who has taken a different road, attracted lots of interest. “I haven’t spoken to Michael yet, but we said hello when I passed him towards the end of the day. It’s very good for Formula 1 that he’s back. It’s strange seeing him with a red helmet in a grey car.”

There were two main technical issues: the new tyres and the cars’ behaviour with lots of petrol on board. Felipe said: “I tried the soft compound a lot today and I really liked it, but it’s really too early to draw a conclusion: we have to wait and see how it works with higher temperatures to see the wear. We also drove with different fuel loads and the car was very balanced under all conditions; that’s encouraging!”

Tomorrow there is an “encore” on the same stage.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG sets new performance standards

Stuttgart – Pure fascination and high tech at the very highest level: with the new SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz is completely redefining the speed, driving dynamics and design of the super sports car. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Constructed primarily from aluminium, it tips the scales at just 1620 kilograms, which equates to 2.84 kilograms per hp – an absolute peak value in the super sports car segment, guaranteeing driving dynamics in a class of their own.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to be gaming sensation

With its gullwing doors, long bonnet and an instrument panel which is reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit, it embodies a powerful and passionate sportiness, coupled with exceptional elegance. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is an invitation to “take off” with all of the senses. This desire for a completely new driving sensation is also a highlight of the integrated marketing campaign which was launched at the vehicle’s world premiere in September at the International Motor Show (IAA), and is gradually building up to its market introduction in the first quarter of 2010.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in the new video game, Gran Turismo® 5The gull-wing is not only expected to cause a stir on the roads with its breathtaking performance. The SLS AMG is also featured in the latest version of the PlayStation® 3 (PS3™) game Gran Turismo® 5, scheduled for release in 2010. In this new video game, gaming fans and car enthusiasts alike will be able to enjoy an interactive driving experience first hand at the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in full HD quality thanks to extremely realistic rendering. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz gets to share a special honour: the super sports car will also grace the cover of Gran Turismo® 5 as the first vehicle from a German manufacturer in the history of the game series.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in the new video game, Gran Turismo® 5

Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz gets to share a special honour: the super sports car will also grace the cover of Gran Turismo® 5 as the first vehicle from a German manufacturer in the history of the game series.

BMW S 1000 RR to race for 2010 IDM Championship

Two aspiring and talented young riders will be racing BMW S 1000 RR machines for a second year, but with a new team in the 2010 German Superbike Championship (IDM). Filip Altendorfer and Toni Wirsing will represent the ‘Sport-Evolution BMW Motorrad Junior-Team’ that will race BMW motorcycles in the Superbike IDM 2010.

Young guns to master the BMW S 1000 RR

Both riders were part of the Alpha Technik van-Zon squads that contested the 2009 series and will now ride for the Sport Evolution race team from Coblence that is well known for nurturing and developing promising young talent. Having won the IDM Supersport Championship in 2008 with Arne Tode, the Sport Evolution team graduated to the Superbike class and made an instant impression with Tode – winning two races and finishing fifth overall in the series.

For 2010, Filip Altendorfer and Toni Wirsing will start their second full season riding the BMW S 1000 RR superbike. Both young racers bring a year’s experience of top-flight competition with them from the 2009 IDM series. Filip Altendorfer already showed his potential as an up-and-coming Superbike Junior rider last year when he scored a seventh place finish at the Nürburgring in May, eventually finishing in 16th place in the overall rankings. The 23-year-old from Raubling, who has made the journey to Superbike racing via the IDM 125cc and Yamaha R6 Cup classes, will be hoping that regular top 10 finishes will be achievable in this year’s eight-round, 16-race series.

Altendorfer’s team-mate, Toni Wirsing, made the step up to the IDM series via the 250cc European Championship. Although only 18-years-old when he first sat on a superbike in 2009, the youngster from Chemnitz was among the points in his first race, eventually finishing in 30th place. With the experienced team leader Dietmar Franzen managing the Sport Evolution team for 2010, both BMW Juniors will have an extremely promising foundation on which to develop their talent throughout the 2010 IDM season, which begins on 23 April at the EuroSpeedway in Lausitz.

Best cars of 2010 – Three Audi models win

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Jan 28, 2010 – Audi has continued its success story in the Best Cars of 2010 readers’ poll conducted by the magazine “auto motor und sport” (ams). Readers voted three Audi models – the Audi A4, R8 Spyder and Audi Q5 – into first place in their categories. Second places for the Audi A3, A6 and R8 Coupé rounded out the outstanding result.

Audi voted to produce some of the best cars in the world

The three first-place finishes once again made Audi one of the most successful brands in the readers’ poll. The Audi R8 Spyder finished top of the category “Convertibles” this year at the first time of asking. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, took receipt of the award in the “Alte Reithalle” in Stuttgart. In the “Off-road vehicles” category, the Audi Q5 left its competitors trailing. The award was accepted by Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG.

And in the “Midsize class” category, the Audi A4 was the undisputed number one for the third successive occasion. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, received this award on the company’s behalf in Stuttgart.

These impressive results were rounded out by the three second-place finishes. Readers of ams voted the Audi A3 into second place in the “Lower midsize class” category, a feat emulated by the Audi A6 in the “Upper midsize class” and the Audi R8 Coupé in the “Sports car” categories.

BMW R 1150 R goes the extra miles

When American rider Barb Smith first started riding BMW motorcycles in the summer of 2005, she had no idea that less than four years later, she would be picking up a special 100,000 mile award (160,000 kilometres) from BMW Motorrad USA.

The great escape on a BMW R 1150 R made easy

Having passed her motorcycle test in August 2002, she spent her first two years riding a Japanese cruiser, but after realising its limitations, the rider from Texas was persuaded by a friend that she was ready for a BMW. A new BMW R 1150 R in the summer of 2005 changed her riding forever. In March 2006 she did a ‘Saddlesore 1000’ event to become a member of the Iron Butt Association (IBA) and thus began her long-distance riding career.

In just three years, she put nearly 90,000 miles on the BMW R 1550 R, criss-crossing the continent to attend motorcycling events, and to visit every National Park within easy reach of an interstate highway. However, for Barb it wasn’t really about accumulating these miles, it was all about escape…

“The BMW was an excellent conveyance to parts of the country I’d always wanted to visit and see: Mt. Rushmore; Acadia National Park; the great plains of the Midwest; Rocky Mountains; mid-Atlantic seashore. It was about satisfying my wanderlust and need to travel.”

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Voted Most Beautiful Car of the Year

Just in case there was ever any doubt, the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider supercar has been officially named as the Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2009 by Top Gear magazine. Judged by a Top Gear panel consisting of TV, magazine and online teams – spanning 24 international editions – the awards recognise the most innovative and exciting cars to be launched over the past 12 months.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider ticks all the right boxes

Described as ‘perfection’ by Top Gear, the 8C Spider’s good looks are more than skin deep. A responsive 4.7litre V8 engine produces an awesome 450BHP which is channelled through a sophisticated 6-speed F1-style paddle shift gearbox to the rear wheels, producing enough power to launch its occupants from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 181mph.

UK Brand Communications Manager, Damien Dally, said:

“There’s no doubt that the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is a sensational supercar but to have the recognition of the Top Gear panel is a perfect way to end the year.”

Limited to a production run of just 500 examples, 35 Alfa Romeo 8C Spiders are destined for the UK, with most of them sold before you could say “bellissima”. Valued at around £174,000 (R2.1m) the chance of owning an example remains ultra exclusive, however the latest models in Alfa Romeo’s line up have taken inspiration from the Alfa 8C Competizione and Spider – such as the sporty compact Alfa MiTo and 2010’s Alfa Giulietta.

Claudio Domenicali unveils new Ducati Desmosedici GP10

The main changes to the bike are based on the rule changes, so the major part of the work was done precisely to make it perform better using only six engines for the entire championship. It’s a very important difference, because we were used to using more-or-less one engine per race, so to switch from eighteen engines to six is a very important adjustment. To go 1,600 kilometres with an engine that goes over 19,000 rpm isn’t a simple assignment.

All of the main parts were redesigned — pistons, rods, crankshaft, the basics. It’s an engine with which our main objective was to minimize the loss of power to increase durability. It was a change that will be very useful and interesting, also because normally in racing, durability isn’t the principal objective. Perhaps this new objective has enabled us to perform a series of experiments that will also be interesting for the new production engines that we’re developing because at this point they become almost comparable.

For a production engine, 2,000 kilometres of track use is a severe challenge so we start to think that the race engine durability is comparable with production engines. The second big news isn’t related to the rules, but to our attempt to make the bike more rideable. This has to do with the firing order. We have a motor that, since the switch to 800s, utilized a screamer setup. This has permitted us to have maximum power, which was very important and was probably fundamental with the results that we’ve had in 2007, 2008 and 2009, but at a certain point, we began to wonder whether it could be worthwhile to re-test a way that we’d already followed in the past.

The last 1000cc motors that we made in 2005 and 2006 used a big-bang firing order, and this gave us important rideability. We re-tested that way, first trying it on the dyno, then with Vittoriano Guareschi in his previous role as test rider and then with Nicky and Casey. We think we have a bike for 2010 with better traction, and that therefore makes it easier for us to find a good setup. Another part of the work was dedicated to the chassis. In the pursuit of ease of use, we’ve worked to eliminate the bike’s squatting, which is why the entire rear portion of the bike was redesigned.

This bike has a rear structure that carries the rider — which we call the seat support — and that also supports the swingarm. That part was redesigned to have six mounting points instead of four; this makes the bike more rigid in a way and it guarantees better rideability and improved rigidity. With respect to the bike we introduced last year, this bike is also aesthetically different because of the redesigned fairing but we already saw that at Estoril.

Felipe Massa gets special Ferrari training

Perfect weather conditions today enabled Felipe Massa to complete a special test session which started in the morning behind the wheel of a Ferrari F2008 provided by Maranello’s F1 Clienti department. The World Champion car from 2008 was brought to the Catalan track for a very special two-day test session with Valentino Rossi. The Brazilian driver took the opportunity to regain confidence behind the wheel on a track, which is part of the Formula 1 calendar.

Felipe Massa tests Ferrari F2008

Felipe concluded the training with the single-seater – fitted with demo tyres due to the current rules – after over 400 kilometres. Before a satisfied Felipe Massa left the track he spoke to www.ferrari.com about today’s impressions: “It was a perfect way to optimise my form here in Barcelona. I’m really happy that I had this new opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 single-seater on a race track. I can’t wait to sit in the new car and get stuck in.”

2010 Kawasaki Versys – ‘fun, agile and great to throw around’

“Kawasaki has made a few cosmetic changes to its 2010 Versys yet it retains a similar look to the old bike but with a classier finish. The headlight is new, with a ‘city’ light at the top. The indicators have been moved and the mirrors re-designed and larger than before. The build quality is top notch, too, almost Honda-like in places. Considering its budget price of just £5999 you get a lot of bike for your money.”

“Thankfully Kawasaki hasn’t played around with the bike’s parallel twin engine, which is a little peach. There’s enough torque to loft the front in the first few gears and make it punchy around town, yet at the same time it will happily scream to its red line. It’s not breathtaking performance, but is easily more than enough to have fun with, without being over powering for new riders.”

“In the switchback mountain roads of Sardinia the new Versys is performing well above its station. It’s fun, agile and great to throw around.”

Mercedes-Benz Formula One team announced

Today, the new Silver Arrows Formula One works team MERCEDES GP PETRONAS was presented at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Nico Rosberg and seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher along with team management Ross Brawn, Nick Fry and Norbert Haug were introduced to guests with a presentation and press conference.

Over 600 guests, including 200 media representatives and 200 Mercedes-Benz employees, visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum, one of the biggest and most famous car museums in the world, to see the launch of the Mercedes-Benz formula one team and the unveiling of the new Silver Arrows livery. Mercedes-Benz employees from the company’s manufacturing plants in Untertürkheim and Sindelfingen, 100 of whom were invited for their outstanding performances and 100 selected through a popular internal draw, also had the opportunity to take their first look at the new MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team.

Promising future for Mercedes-Benz Formula One Team

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER:

“Finally the 2010 Formula One season is firing up! I have to say that I am totally committed to this new challenge. This season feels like a re-start for me and I am so motivated. We have a very exciting combination at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. We have a World Champion team in every sense of the word and I cannot wait to get into the car for the first time in Valencia. I am convinced that MERCEDES GP PETRONAS will be in a very good position to fight for the championships this season and I will definitely give it a go.

ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL, MERCEDES GP PETRONAS:

“It is a privilege to be here at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart today for the official presentation of the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team. With your first look around the Museum, you realise the fantastic racing heritage of Mercedes-Benz and we hope to be able to contribute to those successes going forward. Our team have been working extremely hard throughout last year and over the winter on the development of the MGP W01 and everyone at the team is looking forward to the start of testing in Valencia next week.