WTCC NEWS // MEHDI BENNANI SIGNS WITH WIECHERS-SPORT

Moroccan driver Mehdi Bennani will compete in the whole 2010 World Touring Car Championship season at the wheel of a BMW 320si after signing with Wiechers-Sport.

Last year Bennani took part in selected events with a SEAT León run by Exagon Engineering and managed to claim an outstanding victory in the Independents’ class on his first appearance at his home race in Marrakech... [read more]

Wiechers-Sport team boss Dominik Greiner was delighted with his signing commenting "From his very first laps in the WTCC, he proved to be very competitive. Our common aim is a place on the podium of the 2010 Yokohama Independents’ Trophy,”

While Aly Horma, President of Marrakech Grand Prix added "“We are delighted that Mehdi will be able to do the entire season with Wiechers-Sport. As the only Moroccan driver in a world championship, he will be carrying high the colours of Morocco on the world’s most prestigious circuits” .

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: WTCC

A PROPER HYBRID // DBM ENGINEERING'S E36 M3 GT-R

Built by DBM Engineering in Maarssen, the Netherlands, this E36 M3 is powered by an RB26DETT, which was removed from a Nissan Skyline GT-R. The car features a Nira ECU, Ikeya Formula suspension and from what I can tell, a massive center exit exhaust system. Little else is known about this hybrid, but as far as we're concerned, if your going to perform a heart transplant on an E36 M3, what better than the twin turbocharged, dual overhead cam, all aluminum inline-six of Godzilla to fill the vacant cavity? // [comment]

NEWS // 2010 McLAREN MP4-25 UNVEILED

Today saw the second F1 launch in as many days, as the chassis that will carry the hopes of current F1 world champion Jenson Button and former title holder Lewis Hamilton was revealed to the media.

Unveiled at Vodafone UK's headquarters in Newbury UK the 2010 car looks noticeably different from last year's race-winning MP4-24. The MP4-25 features a radical aerodynamic overhaul and a significantly larger fuel tank to take full advantage of this year's new regulations, and its design team is confident it has explored every possible avenue to maximise the car's performance.

Horsepower once again comes courtesy of Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz's FO 108X V8 is said to subtley improve upon an engine that has become the benchmark in Formula 1, winning the last two drivers' world championships... [read more]

The team kicks off its 2010 campaign with an all British driver pairing: 2009 world champion Jenson Button and 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton. It is the first time since 1989 - when it ran Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna - that the team has fielded a joint-world champion driver line-up, and marks the first time in Formula 1 history that the sport's two most recent world champions have been partnered together.

However, the driver line-up represents only a fraction of the team's remarkable strength in depth. Members of the design team who contributed to the development of MP4-25 can also trace their involvement back through an incredible seven of the team's 12 drivers' world championships, five of the team's eight constructors' world championships and 112 of the team's 164 grand prix victories.

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team begins pre-season testing with MP4-25 at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo on Monday.

Images and Info: Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes F1
Editorial: Neil Tozer

VIDEO // ONBOARD A PORSCHE 956 @ LE MANS

I am not sure, but I think the video featured below is an excerpt from In Car 956, a full length feature film with yes, you guessed it, loads of in car footage. That said, what I do know is that the footage was taken at Le Mans before the Mulsanne straight was divided into three parts and features a Porsche 956, the 635hp Group C racer that dominated Le Mans in the 1980's.

Follow the link for a look... [read more]



Group C Porsche 956 Specs:
Turbocharged 2.65-liter Flat 6
635hp
5 speed gearbox
350 kmh/217mph top speed

Video: Manute951
Photo: UltimateCarPage
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

MAZDA MAKES F1 NOISES // BMI RACING'S 4-ROTOR RX8

Making its debut at this years SEMA show in Las Vegas, the BMI Racing RX8 is, as far as we know, the only 4-rotor Mazda RX8 in the world. Having moved their operation from Australia to the US earlier this year, BMI Racing will campaign one of their 4-rotor RX8's in the 2010 Formula DRIFT Championship, with the other set to compete in the Redline Time Attack Series.

Follow the link for a few videos of the BMI Racing 4-rotor RX8 making noises that up until now we thought only Formula One cars could make... [read more]





Photo/Video: BMI Racing

VIDEO // RAIKKONEN TESTING CITROEN'S C4 WRC

Former F1 World Champion, Kimi Raikkonen, having signed with Citroen for the 2010 WRC season, spent last weekend testing the French automakers 300hp C4 WRC ahead of next months Rally Sweden. This will be the first WRC event that Raikkonen has participated in and considering the conditions are expected to be, well, less than desirable, Raikkonen's winter test session seems rather appropriate // [comment]

NEWS // DTM TO VISIT SHANGHAI

This year will provisionally see the expansion of the 2010 DTM series into Asia, as Shanghai was announced today as the venue for the final round of this years championship.

The race, which is scheduled for October 31st, will be held on a circuit specially built for the event in the heart of the Chinese metropolis. Valencia in Spain is also a new venue for the series with the 2nd round of the 2010 series taking place on May 23rd... [read more]

2010 DTM Calendar:

25.04 Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (D)
23.05 Valencia (E)
06.06 EuroSpeedway Lausitz (D)
04.07 Norisring (D)
08.08 Nürburgring (D)
22.08 Circuit Park Zandvoort (NL)
05.09 Brands Hatch (GB)
19.09 Oschersleben (D)
17.10 Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (D)
31.10 Shanghai (CN)*

* Contract negotiations still running


Editorial/Photo: Neil Tozer

NEWS // HARTMAN RACING TO ENTER SELECT WTCC EVENTS

Denmark-based Hartmann Racing confirmed today their plans to take part in a select number of events for the 2010 FIA World Touring Car Championship. Hartman Racing will enter their ETCC Honda Accord Euro R cars, one of them driven by British touring car ace James Thompson... [read more]

“Our priority is the FIA European Touring Car Cup, because we want to defend the title James won last year at Braga,” team principal Hans Hartmann revealed. “ However we are also looking at occasional participations in the WTCC, because we wolud like to warm Honda up for the future.”

The Danish team are due to take part in the WTCC events at Monza and Brands Hatch and they are currently in negotiations with a few experienced drivers for their second Accord car.

“I think we can spring a surprise or two at one of those races and represent ourselves well,” Thompson commented.

Info: WTCC
Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: ETCC

NEWS // AUDI SIGNS NEW DRIVER TRIO FOR 2010 LE MANS EFFORT

For motorsports greatest test of endurance, Audi has signed three new drivers, the Swiss Marcel Fässler, German André Lotterer and Frenchman Benoît Treluyer. The three will share the cockpit of one of three Audi R15 TDI cars this June, when the green flag waves at the Circuit de la Sarthe... [read more]

"In view of our strong competitors, we want to – and have to – be perfectly positioned in terms of drivers too," explained Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport. "Therefore, we decided to extend our driver line-up. Marcel, André and Benoît attracted our attention during the past two years in a particularly positive way. They are used to handling fast prototypes and know each other extremely well. The three of them, and we too, are convinced that they are a very good combination for Le Mans."

The new Audi drivers already have experience at the wheel of diesel racing cars. Marcel Fässler successfully contested two races in the American Le Mans Series for Audi in 2008, André Lotterer impressed at Le Mans last year behind the wheel of the Kolles Audi R10 TDI, and Benoît Treluyer competed in the 24-hour classic in a Peugeot in 2009

Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer have already visited Audi Sport in Ingolstadt for seat-fittings and will soon be testing the Audi R15 TDI. The first racing commitment for the new Audi driver trio is planned for May 9, in the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), which will serve as a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Audi Sport Team Joest.

"For the time being, plans for Marcel, André and Benoît are fully focused on Le Mans 2010," says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "But all three of them are still relatively young, and therefore, may also become part of our sports car project over the long term."

Audi has been contesting the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1999 and having made 11 starts, has won the race as many as eight times. In addition to speed, reliability and efficiency are the key factors of success in the world’s most famous endurance race.

Furthermore, the LMP1 class is unrivaled by any other motorsport category in terms of offering the opportunity to test technical innovations in racing conditions. Thanks to its technology leadership, Audi has repeatedly set milestones in this regard. The Audi R8, for instance, successfully introduced TFSI gasoline direct injection technology in 2001, while in 2006 the Audi R10 TDI was the first diesel-powered vehicle to clinch victory in the history of the race.

Quotes by the new Audi drivers

Marcel Fässler: "For me, Audi is the most successful brand at Le Mans. Having the chance to be part of the Audi team this year is incredible for me and a great opportunity I want to take advantage of at all cost. I’m tremendously looking forward to the new challenge with Audi and expect the R15 TDI to be competing for overall victory. We’ll see which Audi team will be the most fortunate one in the end. The main thing is that victory will go to Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm again."

André Lotterer: "I’m proud about having been selected by such a successful team as Audi Sport. This is a major step in my career. I’ll give my best for Audi to recapture the Le Mans trophy. Last year, as a Le Mans rookie, I learned a lot in the R10 TDI of the Kolles team – particularly because my team-mate and I had to contest the race as a team of two. Now I’ve got the chance to compete for a top-class team. Consequently, I’ve just got a single goal: victory!"

Benoît Treluyer: "For me, a dream is coming true. I’d never have expected to immediately get a slot with a ‘factory’ team for Le Mans after my return from Japan – and, what’s more, together with my best friend Andre Lotterer, and with Marcel Fässler with whom I started my career in Formula Campus. That really can’t be topped! We’ve got a car in which we can clinch overall victory. Before signing the agreement with Audi I watched the team while it was testing. The way they work and the attitude at Audi are exactly what I was looking for."

Info: Audi Motorsport
Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: Justin W Coffey

NEWS // FERRARI UNVEIL THEIR 2010 F1 ENTRY

Scuderia Ferrari launched the car that they hope can take them back to the top of the sport today in a typically lavish ceremony at Maranello.

The Italian team is the first manufacturer to launch their 2010 car, but plans for the F10 to take up the traditional challenge of a few laps around the test track were scuppered due to particularly inclement weather conditions... [read more]

Team Boss Stefano Domenicali commented: "This season will be very important for us, as the last championship, for different reasons, was not very positive, that is why we are dealing with this one looking to be competitive - and this is what Ferrari deserves to have."

He then added: "We have two new drivers, why two new drivers? Fernando Alonso, is a twice world champion and we will say after the second one he will have a third one. He already appears among the big champions in F1, it is the right moment for him, for us, he wants to be successful and we want to repeat what the team concept is in our group."

Domenicali finished by saying, "Felipe, we are talking of a new version of Felipe, but after such a dramatic championship like last year with the accident in Hungary and such a fantastic season, Felipe has all the assets to prove that he is a very successful one, he can prove that he wants to restart his pathway that destiny interrupted it in Hungary.

Rivals Mclaren are set to launch their 2010 machine at the team's headquarters in Woking UK tomorrow.


Images: Ferrari
Editorial: Neil Tozer

THREE SERIES THURSDAY // RAYMOND MOORE'S E46 M3

As promised, here is the first of many photos in what we hope to be a popular new feature here at ColdTrackDays, ThreeSeriesThursday!

With that said, check out Raymond Moore's newly acquired E46 M3. Built in 2002, Raymond's M3 features a carbon black exterior, cinnamon interior, a six-speed manual gearbox and the ever popular S54 3.2-liter engine, which at 333hp, is producing more than 100hp per liter!

Click here for more photos of Raymond's M3 // [comment]

DESIRE // THE PORSCHE 911 GT3 R

Designed and built by the Porsche Motorsport Department at the company’s Weissach Development Center, the new 911 GT3 R is amongst the most desirable Porsches ever built.

Powered by a 480hp 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, the new GT3 R features a lighweight chassis, some 2,600 lbs., as well as height adjustable Mac Pherson struts in the front and a multi-arm axle in the rear. Built for those who intend to race but are unable to commit to the RSR’s hefty price tag, the 911 GT3 R will set you back roughly $390,000, but hey, no one ever said racing was cheap... // [comment]

VIDEO // VICTOR MOORE: 2010 DRIVER PROFILE

The guys at Running Projects have just finished another 2010 driver profile, this time looking at fellow Northwest native, Victor Moore.

Victor, who travelled to Long Beach last season for the Formula DRIFT Pro-Am, has since been granted his pro license for the 2010 Formula DRIFT Championship and has plans to compete in the Evergreen Drift Championship as well as a number of Formula DRIFT events in the coming year // [comment]

EYE CANDY // ALFA ROMEO @ THE NURBURGRING

From our friends the Bulgogi Brothers, enjoy this shot of an Alfa Romeo GTA(V) as it laps the infamous Nurburgring. Proper Eye Candy as far as I am concerned! // [comment]

VIDEO // THE PORSCHE MUSEUM: TRADITION OBLIGES

In hopes of garnering additional interest in the new Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, the German automaker has just released this promo video onto the internet. Highlighting their longstanding relationship with motorsport, the video captures the passion and performance that Porsche is known for // [comment]

PHOTO GALLERY // SPOON SPORTS @ THUNDERHILL

Having been hired by Spoon Sports to document their effort at this years 25 Hours at Thunderhill, ColdTrackDays correspondent Jesse Lee has since provided us with a photo gallery from his time at the northern California race track.

Amongst those sharing driving duties in the Spoon Sports #96 FD2 Civic Type R was Tatsuru Ichishima, President and founder of Spoon Sports, Sam Mitani, Editor from Road and Track, Naoki Hattori of Best Motoring and Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Sony Playstation.

Follow the link for a look at Jesse's photos... [read more]














For a look at more photos from Jesse Lee's visit to the 2009 25 Hours at Thunderhill, click here

Photo: Jesse Lee
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // YAMAHA BOSS WORRIED ROSSI MIGHT MOVE TO F1

Davide Brivio, Valentino Rossi's team manager at Yamaha, has expressed concern that the nine-time MotoGP champion might not switch to Ducati for the 2011 season as they had feared, but instead be lured to race in Formula One with Ferrari.

Following a two-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona last week, Rossi, who managed the fastest lap time of the entire session, expressed interest in racing for the Scuderia and considering his lap times were only two tenths of a second shy of the lap record set by Kimi Raikkonen, we have to assume the interest is mutual... [read more]

The Scuderia's team principal, Stefano Domenicali, has made it quite clear that he would like to see Rossi in a third car, assuming the FIA should consent to such a rule change.

And while we would love to see Rossi fill a third seat at Ferrari, it appears the Urbino native would more than likely choose rally racing over open wheel, as he has participated in a number of events, most notably the 2008 Wales Rally GB, where he finished twelfth in a M-Sport Ford Focus WRC.

“As of tomorrow my job is to ride a motorbike,” Rossi told La Gazzetta dello Sport following his F1 test in Barcelona. “I'll decide my future in a few months. I've also had an offer from Ducati. It will all be clear in a few months.”

Photo: Anas Zakaria
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey
Info: Crash.net

NEWS // PETER WINDSOR BACKS UP LOPEZ DECISION

Earlier this week, the USF1 team confirmed Jose Maria Lopez as their first driver for the much anticipated 2010 Formula One season. Following the announcement, the blogosphere erupted with comments suggesting that Lopez was unfit for F1 and that his seat came only because of an association with USF1 vice president, Peter Windsor... [read more]

When asked about Lopez, his inexperience and what prompted the USF1 brass to select him over other candidates, Windsor had this to say:

“We’ve been following his career since he dominated the Renault V6 Championship in 2003 and we’re thrilled to have him on board as we return America to Formula One. Lopez is a consummate professional and born leader. The most revealing thing about his character was how he handled the disappointment of not racing for Renault after three years of testing with them in F1. Instead of moping around and feeling sorry for himself, he returned to Argentina and totally dominated the local scene, winning 38 races and three championships. He became a major star as a result and, in turn, the Argentine nation – a country where F1 is second only to soccer – has got behind him.”

Formerly part of the Renault Driver Development program, 2006 was Lopez’ last season in GP2, where the Argentinian faced a rather tough field of competitors to include Lewis Hamilton (who would go on to win the championship that year), Nelson Piquet Jr., and Timo Glock. And while Lopez was able to qualify well for many of the races that season, he often found himself a backmarker, and was forced to watch the soon-to-be F1 drivers battle it out for the championship.

The real question however, is not how well Lopez will do at USF1, but who will fill their second seat. An experienced driver will not only help the teams chances of seeing the podium in 2010, but will also provide Lopez with a mentor, someone to inspire the young Argentinean and provide him with a bit of feedback, the kind a team principal, especially one who has never been an F1 pilot himself, would otherwise be unable to provide.

Photo: Renault
Info: USF1
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // BELL TO MISS 2010 BTCC SEASON

Following a decision to undergo surgery on two longstanding injuries, British BTCC racer Martyn Bell will take a year out from the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car championship in 2010.

Bell who suffered a back injury following a heavy shunt at Snetterton in 2008 also requires treatment on a separate hip injury sustained from a fall whilst on holiday last year... [read more]

The Tech-Speed driver who was set to pilot one of the teams BTC spec Honda Integra's this season told btcc.net “It’s been common knowledge that I have been carrying an injury since July, but after extensive tests and treatment following the final round of the season at Brands Hatch, it has now been discovered that I suffered a fracture in my hip, and have now developed arthritis.

“Added to the fact that I also require surgery on a long-standing back injury, I’ve been forced into the difficult decision to sit out the 2010 season.”

He went on to say "“It’s not a decision I have taken lightly, but in reality I had no option. My sponsors and backers fully understand the reasons behind the decision and have already said that they will continue to support me despite this setback. To have that level of support behind me is fantastic and I thank them all for it, and I fully intend to be back in the BTCC in 2011.”

At present Techspeed have only one Integra entered for this years series which will, as in 2009, be driven by Paul O'Neill

Editorial/Photo: Neil Tozer

VIDEO // BLOCK'S NEW RIDE: THE MONSTER ENERGY FORD FIESTA

The Monster World Rally Team has just released a video of Ken Block's 2010 Rally America Ford Fiesta livery, set to make its debut at the Sno*Drift Rally on January 29-30th. The video also includes the complete race schedule for 2010 including the WRC, Rally America and the X-Games.

Follow the link for a look... [read more]



For more info on Ken Block and the Monster Energy World Rally Team, click here

NEWS // ASTON MARTIN COULD JOIN ALMS WITH FERNANDEZ

Autosport is reporting that 44 year-old Adrian Fernandez is close to signing a deal with Aston Martin Racing that would have him behind the wheel of an AMR LMP1 coupe for a number of races during the 2010 years American Le Mans Series... [read more]

Fernandez, who won the ALMS LMP2 title last year, confirmed he is working on a plan for 2010, which, assuming the deal with Aston Martin were to go through, would see Fernandez entered into the most popular ALMS races at Sebring, Long Beach and Road Atlanta's Petit Le Mans, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In a conversation with Autopost, Fernandez said: "I'm talking to Aston, but right now there's still a way to go to make it happen. I hope we can finalise it by the end of the month."

And while nothing has been confirmed as of yet, the idea of a factory-backed Aston Martin LMP1 competing on US soil is rumor we are willing to propagate...

Photo: Phil Woodard and Justin W. Coffey
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey
Info: Autosport