Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR tested

The Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR has successfully completed the official TCR comparison tests in Valencia.

Prior to this, the first five of 20 cars were delivered to two customers. The cars were then put through their paces during two days of testing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Engstler Motorsport from Germany and the W-Racing Team from Belgium, who line up in the TCR International Series in 2016, took to the racetrack for the first time with the new 330-hp touring car.

As well as familiarising themselves with the new car, the test programme also included the obligatory Balance-of-Performance test (BOP). This meant performance tests on the test stand, car measurements to determine the car’s centre of gravity, acceleration and deceleration tests with varying amounts of ballast and an official TCR driver at the wheel. The data gathered in the BOP is analysed and used to achieve a similar level of performance between the cars of different manufacturers, thus ensuring everyone has the same chance of winning. However, this task proved far from easy as heavy rain repeatedly disrupted the two test days.

In total, eight customer sports teams will field the Golf GTI TCR in 2016: Engstler Motorsport, Kai Jordan, D&T Drive & Training (all Germany), W-Racing Team, Gtps Delahaye Racing Team (both Belgium), Milo Racing (Luxembourg), Gusto Technik Performance (Hong Kong) and Novaplus Gestao Desportiva (Portugal). The racing Golf will start in five TCR championships: in the international series, the Benelux and Asia series as well as in the German and Portuguese championships.

Eduard Weidl, Head of Customer Sports said: “The comparison tests with the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR went well. We are happy, but we also know that we still have some work ahead of us – particularly when it comes to the cars’ traction. As such, the tests were very helpful and revealing. The Engstler team completed more than 50 laps with its three cars on both days, allowing it to make some valuable findings. The feedback received from the customer sports teams and drivers on the Golf GTI TCR was certainly very positive.”

Jordi Gene, test and development driver added: “The Golf GTI TCR is a real racer. Compared to last year’s concept car, we have made good progress in many areas. Thanks to the new six-speed sequential racing gearbox, an improved braking system, and modifications to the aerodynamics, the Golf is now even better to drive. We will obviously continue to work on the car throughout the season, where the regulations allow it, in order to ensure that we improve continuously. As far as performance is concerned, I am sure that the customer sports teams will be able to challenge for the championship in the various TCR series.”

Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing team up for new Hypercar

Aston Martin and F1 team Red Bull Racing have announced a partnership to develop a new Aston Martin hypercar.

Codenamed Project ‘AM-RB 001’, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey is key to the agreement following years of speculation as to when the widely regarded most successful Formula One designer of all time may help design a road car.

The new hypercar is described as ‘ground-breaking’ and will represent the ‘ultimate blend of cutting edge F1 technology with Aston Martin’s sports car design’. The new partnership unites some of the world’s best ‘aerodynamicists, composite experts and manufacturing masters’.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Formula One offers the ultimate global stage to build wider awareness of the Aston Martin brand. However, this partnership will deliver even more than that when the hypercar that Aston Martin and Adrian Newey are in the process of developing hits the road. These are exciting times for Aston Martin and arriving hot on the heels of our DB11 launch earlier this month, this new partnership underlines that our brand really is racing again.”

Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner said of the new partnership: “This is a very exciting project for everyone at Red Bull Racing. Through this Innovation Partnership the iconic Aston Martin logo will return to Grand Prix racing for the first time since 1960, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, led by Adrian, will be harnessing our Formula One DNA to produce the ultimate of all road cars. It’s an incredible project which also realises a dream and vision long held by Adrian to design a road car. We are very much looking forward to what I’m certain will be a successful partnership.”

Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “We are in the process of developing a hypercar that combines the latest in aerodynamics from F1 and the stunning design language of an Aston Martin sports car. The opportunity to collaborate with Adrian and Red Bull Advanced Technologies will be a fascinating experience for everyone involved. Unconstrained by F1 regulations, we have a unique chance to create a car in its most efficient form that will represent the ultimate fusion of art and technology.”

Having an illustrious Formula One career spanning nearly 30 years, and as the designer of ten World Championship winning Formula One cars, the partnership represents a new challenge for Red Bull Racing’s Adrian Newey.

“From the age of six I have had two goals in life – to be involved in the design of racing cars, and to be involved in the design of a super car.” Newey commented. “Whilst the former ambition went on to form my career to date, the latter has always bubbled away, resulting in countless sketches and doodles over the years. The opportunity to now develop and realise those ideas whilst working with Marek and his colleagues from Aston Martin is tremendously exciting. It allows us to translate the technology we have developed in F1 into a new arena.”

To celebrate the partnership, the RB12s F1 race cars will carry the Aston Martin wings logo throughout the 2016 season, making their debut at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne.

Scuderia Ferrari test new F1 Halo safety device

With the new F1 season just around the corner, Ferrari has been testing a new lifesaving ‘Halo’ device.

Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel drove modified versions of their SF16-H F1 car around the Catalunya Circuit in Barcelona, fitted with the tubular carbon structure mounted over the cockpit. The design aims to protect the driver from flying debris while retaining F1’s open car feel. It follows recent motorsport tragedies including British driver Justin Wilson, F1 driver Jules Bianchi and former world champion John Surtees son Henry, in 2009, all of whom died as a result of race related head injuries. A prototype version has been trailed at this week's final pre-season test with a view to it being rolled out on all cars in time for the 2017 season.

On track for his final test-run prior to the opening round in Melbourne, Raikkonen completed 41 laps in Barcelona. On his installation lap, the Finn debuted the prototype. He said: “This morning I tried the Halo protection device and the difference to the usual driving was surprisingly small. The visibility is just a little bit limited at the front but I don’t think this is the final version of the device, so it can be improved further.”

Sebastian Vettel also tried out the safety device, put forward by the FIA as a means of providing additional head protection for drivers. He added: “I think “Halo” is ok, even if I believe that this system can be improved in terms of both aesthetic and visibility and I think we will see an evolution of it very soon. In principle, I think it doesn’t look very nice but if it can help saving lives, and if thanks to it at least the two drivers who died recently could still be here with us, then I think it can be the ugliest system, but nothing could justify not having it fitted.”

Other drivers were not so impressed with the device, as triple world champion Lewis Hamilton told the BBC the change was ”too drastic" and the "worst-looking" modification in Formula 1 history. He added "I understand safety is a huge issue and something we have to work towards, but this is not the one". Hamilton said F1 cars had lost “the cool look they used to have in the 1980s and 1990s" adding "It is not F1 for me. If they do implement it, I hope we have a choice of whether we have to use it and are not forced to, because ultimately it is our safety."

The Formula 1 season returns March 20 in Australia.

Abarth to appear at London Classic Car Show

Abarth is turning back the racing clock 50 years for its display at this year’s London Classic Car Show.

The performance car brand’s exhibition stand will feature new and old – with plans to show the recently-launched Abarth biposto Record alongside the classic Monoposto Record Class G racing car from 1965.

The Abarth biposto Record celebrates the 50th anniversary of Karl Abarth’s legacy of 133 international records, and as such, production will be strictly limited to just 133 examples.

Abarth founder Karl Abarth drove an Abarth Monoposto Record, Class G at Monza, winning the acceleration record on 400 metres and 500 metres. Unable to find the right driver, he decided to lose 30 kilograms in weight to slip into the tight cockpit himself.

“It’s an important classic car show and we are delighted to be showing two classics of our own,” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “The Monoposto was a highly successful car and is now steeped in history. As for the biposto Record, I’m sure that it will one day become a classic in its own right.”

The London Classic Car Show – to be held at London’s ExCel exhibition hall from 18-21 February – will also mark the UK launch of the Officine Abarth Classiche, the official Turin-based workshop where classic Abarth cars are repaired, restored and certified for customers.

Last year was Abarth’s best ever in the UK, with total sales of 2743 – a rise of 67 per cent against 2014 (1642) – and a top five finish in terms of fastest-growing car brands in the UK.

Abarth prices start at £14,610 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 140hp Manual rising to £33,055 OTR for the 1.4 TJet biposto 190hp Manual.

Subaru XV Concept teased ahead of Geneva debut

Subaru has released a teaser image of the XV Concept, which is set to make its world debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The shadowy, front-three-quarter detail image depicts a rugged, aggressively-styled, SUV-type vehicle. Bold, five-spoke alloy wheels are finished in black with red detailing around the cut-outs, contrasting with the concept car’s silver-grey two-tone paintwork.

The Subaru XV Concept will be unveiled at the press briefing scheduled for 11:15 AM (Central European Time) on 1 March on the Subaru stand.

The 86th Geneva International Motor Show will be open to the public from 3-13 March 2016.

New Citroen SpaceTourer to debut in Geneva

Citroen has confirmed its new SpaceTourer is set for a World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.

The SpaceTourer combines ‘comfort and practicality’ with dynamic performance and what Citroen calls ‘remarkable fuel efficiency’. Built on a new modular EMP2-based platform, a variant of the one used by the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, this provides more cabin space and boot volume.

The front design consists of a short horizontally-styled bonnet with large, high-set headlights. Vertical LED daytime running lights are integrated with the fog lamps. The positioning of the wheels, together with short overhangs, ensures ‘maximisation’ of the vehicle’s proportions and results in its spacious interior. Features such as hands-free sliding side doors and a rear window that opens fully are described as indicative of how practical the vehicle is, while 17-inch ‘Curve’ alloy wheels are also available.

There are new front and rear axles, which means the SpaceTourer is able to carry loads of up to 1,400kg. The platform's modular design allows for two wheelbases (2.92m and 3.27m) as well as two rear overhangs (0.80m and 1.15m). The combination allows for 3 body lengths which offer five, seven or eight seats: XS at 4.60m, with the shorter wheelbase, then the M at 4.95m and XL at 5.30m with the longer wheelbase. The boot space reaches a maximum of 2,932 litres for the XL version with 5 seats. The sliding seats sit on rails for optimal boot volume and added leg room.

The SpaceTourer Business is available in three lengths with five to nine seats. This version has professional passenger transport use in mind (such as hotel shuttles, taxis etc) and can be configured in terms of the number of seats and the equipment to create an entirely bespoke vehicle.

The people carrier features hands-free access, enabling motorists to open and close the side doors contact-free when both their hands are full. With a simple movement of the foot, under the corner of the rear bumper, the vehicle unlocks and the sliding side door on the driver’s side opens automatically. The rear window also opens for optimal boot loading or for easy access when the tailgate cannot be opened due to limited access behind the vehicle. The front of the cabin is also home to a lower glove box with an audio jack, 12V socket and a USB socket, while the upper glove box is lit and refrigerated.

The spacious and uncluttered interior has been designed for long-distance journeys and its multiple windows and large glass roof with blinds can be closed separately in two sections. Passengers in rows two and three benefit from independent, sliding and reclining seats with comfortable head rests and arm rests.

Available with five powertrains, all feature BlueHDi diesel engines, delivering as much as 55.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 133g/km for the XS length BlueHDi 115 S&S 6-speed manual.

Additionally, coinciding with the launch of the SpaceTourer, Citroen is joining forces with French pop group “HYPHEN HYPHEN” to unveil a bright, vibrant 4x4 concept version - the SpaceTourer HYPHEN. Amplifying the character of the production version, the SpaceTourer HYPHEN concept has bright, breezy, ‘go-anywhere looks that inspire thoughts of unlimited travel’.

The concept has a broader front bumper design, wheel arch trims and sill protectors inspired by the Aircross concept. All of these features are finished in a matt Dark Moondust colour that is amplified by red-orange highlights. With a higher ride-height than the production version, the concept runs on 19-inch diamond-cut matt black alloy wheels with red-orange detailing. To emphasise its all-terrain credentials, five elastomer straps are positioned on each tyre.

Onboard, every occupant enjoys ‘VIP treatment’ - each seat is given a unique colour scheme, repeating the shaded tones and graphic choices throughout the cabin.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.

Peugeot wins 2016 Dakar Rally

Peugeot has won the 2016 Dakar Rally.

The Peugeot 2008 DKRs claimed nine stage wins out of a possible 12, including seven one-twos and two one-two-threes.

This French marque triumphed at only its second participation in South America with a total of three Peugeot 2008 DKRs reaching the finish ramp. The duo of Stephane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret in the number 302 Peugeot 2008 DKR called upon all of their experience to seal another win at the finish ramp in Rosario. This is not only their sixth win together, but the 12th win in total for Peterhansel – a six-time Dakar motorbike winner – 25 years after his debut triumph.

With a 9500-kilometre route in two weeks through Argentina and Bolivia, taking in extremes of weather and altitudes that peaked at 4800 metres, Team Peugeot Total took on a challenge with a rather accomplished line-up. The crews of Stephane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret, Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz and Cyril Despres/David Castera have 17 Dakar victories between them and were joined by nine-time world rally champions Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, making their debut on the event.

Peugeot says its engineers learned several valuable lessons during their first participation in South America last year, and worked non-stop ever since to improve the car. Lower, wider, longer and more powerful, the new 2008 DKR kept faith with its two-wheel drive configuration against the traditional 4x4s.

During the first week Peugeot occupied the top three places, thanks to six one-twos and two one-two-threes on the six stages run. The second week of the rally offered a more varied route, taking in an increased amount of off-piste action and an itinerary through the dunes. Through this hazard-strewn terrain, both Sebastien Loeb and Carlos Sainz bid farewell to their hopes of victory, because of a roll and a mechanical breakage on stage 10 respectively. Cyril Despres had already been delayed on stage five with a turbo problem, so it was Stephane Peterhansel who emerged as Team Peugeot Total’s main contender for victory.

The Frenchman won a crucial stage through the famous Fiambala dunes, and then seized the advantage on the 10th of 13 stages, with a cushion of one hour at the head of the field. He then just had to manage that advantage all the way to the finish.

Stephane Peterhansel (driver of the winning Peugeot 2008 DKR) said: “This is a huge satisfaction for us. Before the start, a result like this was far from guaranteed. My feeling was that the team was still a bit young, but in fact everything came together extremely well. We had the nice surprise of seeing that our car was extremely competitive throughout the WRC-style stages. I just tried to stay in touch during those days, knowing that Carlos and Seb were quicker than me. We drove a clean rally with one day of maximum attack, and then we found ourselves in the lead with a very comfortable margin: 50 minutes with just three days to go. After that, it was just a question of looking after that gap as intelligently as possible. When I was competing on my very first Dakars as a bike rider, I dreamed of one day driving for Peugeot. To have joined the team and won with them is a massive source of satisfaction for me. “

Jean-Paul Cottret (co-driver of the winning Peugeot 2008 DKR) added: “We’re delighted to have brought this Peugeot 2008 DKR to the top step of the podium. It’s a great reward for the whole team, which has worked so hard for two years. After a year of learning, we’ve now achieved victory. It’s a great result, so a massive thanks to everyone.”

BBC Sport ends F1 TV deal early

BBC Sport is to end its Formula 1 television contract three years early, with Channel 4 taking over from next season.

The beeb described how it has to 'reluctantly' cancel the remaining three years of its contract as part of savings across the corporation. Barbara Slater, BBC's director of sport said: "The current financial position of the BBC means some tough and unwanted choices have to be made. A significant chunk of BBC Sport's savings target will be delivered through the immediate termination of our TV rights agreement for Formula 1.”

BBC Sport broadcasted 10 live races of Lewis Hamilton's world championship-winning season in 2015 with a one-hour build-up to each grand prix. It also offered highlights of the nine other races. As part of a £150m gap in the corporation's finances from next year, BBC Sport was asked to deliver £35m of savings.

BBC Sport regained F1 rights from ITV in 2009 but - in another cost-saving move - had been sharing the broadcast rights with Sky Sports since the 2012 season.

Channel 4 and Formula One agreed the new three-year deal for 2016-2018, and immediately confirmed the live races to be broadcast without advertising breaks. Channel 4 will broadcast 10 races per season live – with highlights of all 21 races, including practice and qualifying sessions, in each of the three FIA Formula One World Championship seasons from 2016 to 2018. It will also broadcast highlights of all 21 Grands Prix and qualifying sessions – including those shown live by Sky Sports F1. All of the live coverage and highlights will be broadcast free-to-air and in high definition.

Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive Officer of the Formula One group said: “I am sorry that the BBC could not comply with their contract but I am happy that we now have a broadcaster that can broadcast Formula 1 events without commercial intervals during the race. I am confident that Channel 4 will achieve not only how the BBC carried out the broadcast in the past but also with a new approach as the World and Formula 1 have moved on.”

David Abraham, Channel 4 Chief Executive said: “Formula One is one of the world’s biggest sporting events with huge appeal to British audiences. I’m delighted to have agreed this exciting new partnership with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the sport on free-to-air television.”

Details of the 2016 races broadcast live by Channel 4 will be agreed in early-2016. Further details of Channel 4’s production and presenting teams will also be announced in due course.