Performance Cars

Abarth 500 R3T Debuts, Lends Name to Upcoming Trophy

John Beltz Snyder — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:04:24 -0500

We love the Fiat 500, so when we saw these photos of the Abarth 500 R3T, our hearts grew a tiny bit.

The 500 R3T debuted at the Sanremo Rally in Italy. It’s 1.4-liter turbocharged engine produces up to 180 horsepower. The car features a six-speed gearbox, adjustable suspension and Brembo disc brakes.

According to the press release, the Abarth 500 R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy next year.

Check out the Abarth 500 R3T above, or scroll down to read the press release.

Abarth 500 for rallies launched in Sanremo
Abarth introduced its latest racing gem at the 51st Sanremo Rally. The new Abarth 500 R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.
For Abarth, this marks a return to promotional trophy events, a niche it has made its own for more than thirty years. Since 1977, to be precise, when the first ever Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship was held, followed by trophies for the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit.
The Abarth 500 rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm3 in capacity. This class will be the future of the specialism because it represents a good compromise between car cost and performance. Ideal for private drivers and young people who want to show their worth in a true racing car, capable of outstanding performance by any standard.
The Abarth 500 power unit is 1368 cm3 with a Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger capable of delivering a power of 180 hp (132 kw) at 5500 rpm.
The gearbox is sequential, front meshing with 6 speeds and includes a multiplate self-locking differential, twin plate clutch and special half-axles.
Great care has been taken to ensure the suspension can be adjusted to obtain a ride suited to each driver's individual driving style. The racing shock-absorbers are adjustable, with coaxial spring and wheel to alter the ground clearance plus special shims to adjust the caster and camber angles.
The 7” x 17” OZ asphalt rims are designed for 19/62-17 tyres.
The Brembo brakes are all disc, ventilated at the front with 4 callipers, solid disc at the rear with brake distributor and governor. The handbrake is hydraulic.
The Abarth 500 is equipped with a special welded roll-bar integral with the body, the required safety devices and FIA type-approved seats with 6 seat belt anchorage points.
The weight is the lowest set by the regulations for this category: 1080 kg unladen.
Great care has also been taken over the details, beginning with a livery that is most decidedly in keeping with tradition, complemented by a lovingly crafted interior and instruments.
The Abarth promotional trophy regulation and timetable will be circulated in the coming weeks.
Turin, 25th September 2009

First Look: Maserati GranTurismo MC

John Beltz Snyder — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:32:19 -0500

Today, Maserati announced it would debut the new Maserati GranTurismo MC during the FIA GT Media Days at the Paul Ricard circuit in France. The GranTurismo MC is based on the Maserati GranTurismo S, and the Concept debuted last September at Monza in Italy, and appeared at the Paris Motor Show. It features a 4.5-liter V-8 engine, of which the output has not yet been disclosed.

Maserati will sell a limited series of the GranTurismo MC, beginning in October, for drivers who wish to race in the 2010 GT4 European Cup and the national series. The price should be around 135,000 Euros, the current equivalent of almost $181,000 U.S.

View the Maserati GranTurismo MC in the gallery above, or scroll down to read the official press release.

OFFICIAL DEBUT OF
THE NEW MASERATI GRANTURISMO MC

Le Castellet (F), 6 April 2009 - The new Maserati GranTurismo MC will be officially unveiled during the FIA GT "Media Days" at the Paul Ricard circuit. The new model is an offshoot of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept introduced last September in Monza and based on the Maserati GranTurismo S road version, with electro-actuated gearbox system.

On 17 and 18 March the car participated in the "Balance of performance", two days of practices organized by SRO at the Paul Ricard circuit in order to analyze and balance the performance of the models that will be racing in the GT4 European Cup.

A Maserati GranTurismo MC entered by a private team is to participate in some GT4 European Cup events during the second half of this season.

A limited series of the Maserati GranTurismo MC produced for gentlemen drivers who wish to race in the 2010 GT4 European Cup and the national series, will be on sale as of October 2009. The indicative price is 135,000 Euro + VAT. The cars will be sold directly through Maserati Corse.

In 2010 Maserati intends to once again organize a European single-make cup race. The cars participating in this Cup shall naturally present specifications that will set them apart from the GT4-version Maserati GranTurismo MCs.

Maserati chose to create a model with GT4 features because GT4 is the category with the closest links to production models. There is a niche of GranTurismo road car owners who love racing and want to be able to test their mettle on a track driving a racing version of the same model they own.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC is the result of a development work carried out during many test sessions that started in the Summer of 2008.

Various drivers have taken turns developing the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept from which the Maserati GranTurismo MC stemmed. With their strong professional and racing background, each and every one of them contributed to the creation of the final version.

The predominant part of the fine-tuning work was conducted by Andrea Bertolini, official Maserati tester as well as incumbent FIA GT Champion at the wheel of the MC12.

Bertolini worked together with Thomas Cremonini, Maserati series production tester, and Vitaphone Racing Team teammate Michael Bartels, also 2008 FIA GT champion.

During the most recent tests, the Maserati GranTurismo MC with GT4 specs was also tested by former F.1 driver Ivan Capelli.

With the creation of the Maserati GranTurismo MC, the tradition of the Trident logo car manufacturer who remains loyal to its origins - those of a company founded in 1914 to tune and subsequently build racecars - lives on.

The Maserati list of wins is abundant and it includes a two consecutive wins at the famous Indianapolis 500 in 1939 and in 1940, with Wilbur Shaw at the wheel of the 8CTF "Boyle Special". This year is the 70th anniversary of that first success.

Juan Manuel Fangio won two F1 world titles in 1954 and in 1957 at the wheel of a Maserati 250F.
In the 1950s and 1960s cars with the Trident logo won a good many Endurance races, while the last victory in a Formula 1 GP was clinched by Pedro Rodriguez on a Cooper-Maserati in 1967.

In 2004 Maserati Corse started racing again internationally in the FIA GT Championship featuring the MC12; it achieved three victories at the prestigious Spa 24 Hours (2005, 2006, and 2008 Vitaphone Racing Team) and no less than ten absolute titles:

- Three FIA GT Drivers Championships in 2006 (Michael Bartels/Andrea Bertolini), in 2007 (Thomas Biagi) and in 2008 (Michael Bartels/Andrea Bertolini)

- Four FIA GT Teams Championships in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Vitaphone Racing Team)

- Two FIA GT Manufacturers Cups in 2005 and 2007

- One Citation Cup for gentlemen drivers in 2007 (Ben Aucott).

Race have always been the most demanding test-bench for all cars. Traditionally, reliability and performance are checked on track. It is in races that new technologies and materials are tested. And it is on the circuit that Maserati has decided to raise the much praised-sporty verve of its Maserati GranTurismo S to even higher levels to create the Maserati GranTurismo MC.

GRANTURISMO MC - TECH. SPEC.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Width

1914,0 mm

Lenght

4935,3 mm

Height

1300,0 mm

Overhang front

930,5 mm

Overhang rear

1064,1 mm

Wheelbase

2940,7 mm

Front track

1618,4 mm

Rear Track

1580,7 mm

Weight

< 1400 Kg

Weight distribution

51,3 front / 48,7 rear

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Engine

Displacement

4,691 cc

Maximum power

Maximum torque

Weight/power ratio

<4.6 Kg/KW (<3.4 Kg/HP)

Ignition

Bosch - digital system

Air intake

Double cone racing type filter

Exhaust system

Racing type with removable catalyzers

Lubrication

Wet sump

Gearbox

Rear, longitudinal gearbox, with transaxle scheme.
6 gears + reverse, syncromesh.
Electrohydraulic activation, with paddles shift

CHASSIS AND BODYWORK

Bodywork

Carbon fiber

Windows

Windscreen, rear and side windows in Lexan.

Chassis

Steel with welded integral rollcage structure, FIA approved.

Interior

Backward-set driving position, with racing seat, dashboard and console in carbon fiber throughout.
6-points seat-belt compatible with HANS protection system.

Electrical system

Specific, with data acquisition system integrated in the dashboard.

Fuel tank

120 L, with carbon safety structure, FIA approved.

Brakes

Racing system without ABS, with steel discs:
Front disc: 380 mm
Rear disc: 326 mm
Front caliper: 6 pistons
Rear caliper: 4 pistons

Wheels

Front: 11''x18''
Rear: 11''x18''

Tyres

Front: 305/645/18
Rear: 305/680/18

Shock absorbers

Carbon fiber

Aston Martin Debuts LMP1 for Le Mans Series

John Beltz Snyder — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:57:13 -0500

Aston Martin announced yesterday the debut of its factory entry in the Le Mans Series. The Aston Martin LMP1 car, pictured above, will make its entrance in Barcelona in the 1000 kilometers of Catalunya.

The new car has been tested very little, so the beginning of the Le Mans Series will be the team’s chance to truly test the LMP1 in preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

Scroll down for the official press release from Aston Martin.

ASTON MARTIN RACING SET FOR BARCELONA DEBUT

Gaydon, 31 March, 2009. The Aston Martin Racing team is set to make its debut in the premier class of the Le Mans Series this weekend, with a two-car factory entry in the 1000 kilometres of Catalunya: the opening round of the LMS.

The two cars – numbered 007 and 009 – will be driven by Jan Charouz (CZ), Tomas
Enge (CZ) and Stefan Mucke (DE) (007) and Harold Primat (CH), Miguel Ramos (PT) and Darren Turner (GB) (009).

Aston Martin Racing will compete in the entire Le Mans Series for the first time this season with the new Aston Martin LMP1 car, as well as the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

Barcelona, the opening race of the five-round LMS, is a technical circuit that tests every aspect of a car and driver’s performance: one of the reasons why it is a popular Formula 1 testing venue as well as the home of the Spanish Grand Prix.

For Aston Martin Racing, Barcelona marks the first step of a steep learning curve. With just one official pre-season test at Paul Ricard behind the team, the new LMP1 car is lacking in track mileage and the objective in Spain will be primarily to develop the car. The driver line-up includes two new faces; Harold Primat and Miguel Ramos, with the rest of the drivers all having formed part of the factory squad in the past.

Aston Martin Racing will face strong and experienced opposition at Barcelona, including a number of diesel-powered cars that have recently dominated the series.
With 11 cars entered in the top LMP1 category and 15 cars in LMP2, the action is sure to be frenetic throughout the 215 laps – which equate to 1000.82 kilometres of the Spanish circuit.

After qualifying on Saturday afternoon, the race will get underway with a rolling start at 11:30 on Sunday and it is expected to finish at around 17:30. The two blue and orange Aston Martin Racing cars will take to the track for the first time on Friday afternoon, for the first of two free practice sessions prior to qualifying.

Aston Martin Racing Team Principal George Howard-Chappell commented: “The first race of the new season is in many ways the most exciting one of all, because nobody really knows where they are relative to their rivals.

“From our point of view, we’re as well prepared as we’ll ever be although there’s a lot of work still ahead. With our programme only confirmed quite late in the day, we’ve had to do an awful lot in a very short space of time, so I’d like to thank everybody in the team for their hard work and dedication that has brought us up to this point. I’m sure it’s going to be a very interesting race at Barcelona, and it’s impossible really to predict what might happen.”

Aston Martin Racing will host a media ‘Meet and Greet’ at Barcelona, in the team’s
hospitality unit in the paddock from 17:00-18:00 on Saturday 4 April. All accredited media are welcome.

-ends-

Geneva 2009: BMW Alpina B6 GT3

John Beltz Snyder — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:15:34 -0600

Alpina unveiled its BMW B6 GT3 in Geneva, which it intends to race in the FIA European GT3 championship. It houses a 4.4-liter V8 engine capable of 530 horsepower and 535 pound-feet of torque. Plus, it just looks mean.

We voted it Most Desirable Car To Drive of the Day.

Click through the gallery above, or scroll down for the press release, in which Alpina calls out the Nürburgring.

Successfully Launched: The ALPINA B6 GT3

After a 20-year hiatus, ALPINA celebrate their return to racing with the BMW ALPINA B6 GT3, to compete in the FIA European GT3 championship. Based on the BMW 6 Series, ALPINA have developed a competitive weapon for touring-car racing that will be offered to clients, collectors and race teams alike. Furious forward pace is provided by the 4.4-litre V8 with radial compressor, taken from the BMW ALPINA B6 S. It yields 530 horsepower and 725Nm of torque.

At the end of January, upon completion of the first BMW ALPINA B6 GT3, the roll-out of B6 GT3 took place.

The race car debuted in freezing temperatures, yet mastered its first 300km brilliantly.

ALPINA will field two race cars in the FIA GT3 European Championship. Race cars are planned for customer race teams, and will compete in the FIA GT3 European Championship, as well as in national GT3 races in Belgium, Brazil, Germany, England, France and Italy. The VLN-sanctioned endurance series at the Nürburgring is also planned, as well as selected 24-hour endurance races.

Let's all get excited about a spectacular race car and an thrilling season!

Tonight Show’s Jay Leno Test-Drives Deronda Type G

John Beltz Snyder — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:48:21 -0600

Jay Leno, famed late-night talk show host, comedian, and car enthusiast, recently took a ride in a Deronda Type G, a street-legal racecar. The Deronda G is a track day car weighing 1900 pounds, and featuring a GM 7.0-liter LS7 engine, and is capable of 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Leno made a surprise phone call to Trenton Forging and Deronda USA president, David Moxlow, to ask about the car. After talking shop for a bit, Moxlow arranged to have his foreman, Chris Trapp, take the Deronda from Michigan to Leno’s “Big Dog Garage” in Burbank, California for a test drive.

According to Trapp (and Leno’s thumbs-up in the photo above), the star enjoyed the Deronda Type G.

Hey, Moxlow, when’s our test drive? We’ll come to you.

Scroll down for the full press release.

The Tonight Show’s Jay Leno test-drives Michigan-made Deronda Type G racecar

Trenton, Michigan automotive manufacturer gets surprise phone call from late night television host and car enthusiast

Trenton, MI--February 17, 2009--Fielding phone calls from celebrities isn’t how David Moxlow, president of Trenton Forging and Deronda USA, typically spends his workdays. A recent Thursday was an exception, however, when Jay Leno phoned him to talk cars.

The popular host of The Tonight Show, a well-known auto aficionado, wanted information on the Deronda Type G, a street-legal, track-day racecar that Moxlow manufactures at his Trenton, Michigan facility in conjunction with Illinois-based Sirius Motorsports.

“We talked about the car, its performance, how our company got started, etc.,” said Moxlow.

Moxlow mentioned to Leno that he had tried to contact him last New Year’s Eve when the comedian had a scheduled appearance in nearby Windsor, Ontario. Moxlow wanted to invite Leno over to test-drive the car.

Although they didn’t connect then, Leno expressed interest in driving the Deronda during the phone call so Moxlow arranged for his shop foreman to transport the car from Michigan to Burbank, California. Burbank is home to Leno’s famous “Big Dog Garage,” a 17,000 square foot facility that houses his vast collection of cars spanning a 100 years of automotive history.

An experienced auto mechanic and driver, Leno got behind the wheel of the Deronda and tested the racecar’s performance on the streets of Burbank. He took full advantage of the car’s swift zero to 60 in under four seconds acceleration and demonstrated its agility and strength on turns.

He liked the car said Chris Trapp, Deronda USA shop foreman, who rode shotgun with Leno.

“He said the car handled well, had plenty of power and the ride was really smooth.”

Leno will share more details on the Deronda in a forthcoming video that will appear shortly on his website: www.jaylenosgarage.com

For Trapp, it was a memorable experience to drive around southern California with an icon like Leno. While Trapp remains mum about details concerning speed, he shared a few anecdotes that further exemplify Jay Leno’s renowned reputation as an “ordinary guy.”

“We drove to a local gas station and everyone that worked there knew him.”
While Leno fueled up the car and showed it off to the staff, Trapp noticed the other people at the pumps “drooling” over the car.

Moxlow and the entire Deronda USA crew are excited by the opportunity to bring a little Hollywood to Trenton, Michigan and talk shop with Jay Leno. They welcome the high-profile exposure his interest brings to their car.

“He is a great "car guy" and really down to earth,” said Moxlow. “ I’ll be going to Burbank to meet Jay myself and pick the car up in the next few weeks.”

#####

The Cars of 2009 Formula One Racing

John Beltz Snyder — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:56:44 -0600

In anticipation of the first Formula One race of the 2009 season (ING Australian Grand Prix) approaching on March 29 in Melbourne, Australia, we bring you a collection of the cars you will be watching this year. Not yet revealed are Force India's VJM-02 (Mercedes engine) and Toro Rosso's STR4 (Ferrari engine). The Honda car, of course, is also not pictured as the team's fate is still up in the air.

Click through the gallery above to see the machines Formula One teams will be racing.

9ff Working On 1121-Horsepower GT9R

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:21:04 -0600

It's hard to imagine why anyone would need a more powerful car than 9ff's GT9, what with its 974-horsepower, 711-pound-feet, twin-turbo, 4.0-liter flat-six. In building the GT9, the folks at 9ff had set out to create a car capable of beating the Bugatti Veyron's top speed of 254 miles per hour, but when the SCC Ultimate Aero TT beat that record (by 1 mph), 9ff went back to the drawing board.

9ff has now created an even more powerful version of the GT9, called the GT9R. While no official images have been released, this rendering shows a GT9 sporting an updated front bumper and splitter, new wheel well extractors, a revised rear wing, and a side-mounted exhaust system. Initial numbers say that the GT9R will be able to produce 1121 horsepower and 774 pound-feet of torque and should easily best the Aero TT's top speed record.

Only twenty examples of the GT9 are expected to be built, so it's likely to assume that even less GT9Rs will be made. Pricing for the GT9 is set at €498,000 ($785,677) and we'd expect the GT9R to command even more dough than that.

+ Motor Authority: Faster 9ff GT9 'R' in the works

Preview: Maserati GranTurismo MC Corsa Concept to Paris Motor Show

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:40:02 -0500

Maserati is planning to bring a hardcore, racing tuned version of its effortlessly beautiful GranTurismo coupe to the Paris Motor Show next week, called the MC Corse Concept.

Suitable for those Maser buyers who’re more interested in racing than posing in their Italian supercars, the Corse offers quite a few meaningful upgrades over the standard car. The most obvious difference from the outside is the new aero package that the car wears, including a prominent front splitter that is said to purposefully funnel air to the revised and enlarged rear spoiler, keeping the Corse firmly planted on the track. The racing concept has also been lightened – Maserati specifies that the MC Corse weights less than 1400 Kilograms or 3086 pounds – and draws more power from its 4.7-liter V-8, now rated at 450 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque.

Various additional scoops, creases, and a racy white livery complete the Corse package, and ensure that the Maserati stand will be buzzing at the Paris show. Check out the car in the gallery above.

Audi to Build GT3 R8 Customer Race Car

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:42:52 -0500

Audi, whose motorsports division has been a dominant presence in sports car racing for a decade, is set to put yet another feather in its racing cap. The German automaker has announced plans to offer a race-tuned GT3 version of its R8 sports car for customer purchase, and set to appear in action by next year.

Developed under the code name “R16” within Audi’s Sport division, the new R8 will offer more than 500 horsepower and conform to all production-based GT3 regulations. To meet those standards for numerous racing events across the globe, the Audi team has had to do away with the Quattro system (GT3 regs prohibit four-wheel drive) and replace it with a more conventional rear-drive layout. Power is managed through a six-speed sequential gearbox, and the R8 has been further modified for competition with a far more aggressive aerodynamic package and multiple upgraded safety components.

Head of Audi Motorsport, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, says that creating the R8 GT3 car was in part the result of massive demand on the part of the company’s customer base. "Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version,” said Ullrich. “With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle."

While no images of the upcoming R8 were released, the car may be not unlike the version pictured above, a privateer entry in the 2008 Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race. Read the full Audi press release below.

Audi develops race version of the R8

•    Customer sport programme with the mid-engine sportscar
•    First races planned for 2009 season
•    Factory driver Frank Biela completes roll-out

Ingolstadt – For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.

"The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle."

The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

The Audi R8, which bears the project name "R16" within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of this coming year.

The customer cars are manufactured together by Audi Sport and the quattro GmbH, which is also responsible for production of the Audi R8 street version, and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. (Györ).

eBay Auction of the Day: 2007 Ford GT40 Replica

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:00:47 -0500

Looking for the experience of driving a legendary racecar, but don’t quite have the budget to pull off the real thing? This Ford GT40 replica looks to provide automotive champagne on a beer (ok, maybe just slightly cheaper champagne) budget.

While this replica race car may not have all the moxie of a real sixties GT40, it’s likely to be a much more livable proposition. The car is built around a modern, and perfectly powerful Roush 427 V-8, with a Ford five-speed manual that’s less likely than an original GT40 transmission to break your ankle at low speeds. As an means to experiencing the true vintage Le Mans sensation, the replica may be marginal, but as a way to enjoy some head-turning, high speed fun, we’d guess it’s spot on.

+ eBay Motors: 2007 Other Makes Other GT40

eBay Auction of the Day: 2006 Saleen S7R

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:00:44 -0500

Saleen’s S7 super car is a special piece of machinery in any trim but for those buyers looking for the ultimate in performance this S7R racecar is where it’s at.

This particular car, chassis number 00067, raced under the colors of Team Oreca and driven by the trio of Belloc, Groppi and Probst to a laudable fifth in class finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car also saw time in the 2007 FFSA French GT Series, where it achieved three first place finishes, seven total podiums, and twelve top five placements.

Despite the car’s long racing history it’s being presented for sale on eBay motors in nearly unblemished condition. Unsurprisingly, the price reflects that condition, as well as the history, with a starting bid of a cool million dollars and a “buy it now” price of $1.5 million.

+ eBay Motors: 2006 Other Makes Other Saleen S7R

If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com

Schumacher Tests for Ferrari, Turns in Blazing Laps at Catalunya

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:00:45 -0500

With the Spanish Grand Prix still more than a week away the Ferrari team is keeping busy by getting in some testing, along with the rest of the Formula One field, for the 2009 car at the Catalunya circuit. And who better to work out the technical bugs than former world champion Michael Schumacher?

Schumi was onboard for some lengthy tire testing today, wringing our several different forms of Bridgestone rubber aimed at use in the 2009 F1 Season. The driver was piloting a version of this year’s F2008 that had been modified in an attempt to replicate the levels of downforce expected next season.

Schumacher reeled off a total of 83 laps on the day, recording a best of 1:19.323 seconds on the 4.655 kilometer circuit. The time was actually the second fastest of the field, coming a close second to the mark turned in by Renault’s Fernando Alonso. Not bad for a retiree.

+ F1-Live: Schumacher working on the '09 programme

If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com

High and Mighty: We Take Porsche’s 959 Paris-Dakar On Road

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:00:43 -0500

Porsche’s Paris-Dakar 959s conquered the desert, but what would one feel like on the road? We found out.

Continue -->