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Miller ended pre-season testing in Qatar fastest of all with an unofficial lap record and came into the Qatar/Doha Grand Prix double-header as favourite to continue Ducati’s victory streak at the Losail circuit. However, a tyre issue in the first race and arm pump in the second meant he emerged from both rounds in ninth spot – while Pramac’s Johann Zarco was second in both and leads the championship ahead of this weekend’s Portuguese GP. Miller also came in for criticism after the Doha GP for a clash with world champion Joan Mir, which Miller escaped punishment for, though the Suzuki rider insists the Australian’s actions were intentional. When asked if he’d spoken to Mir since then on Thursday at Portimao, Miller replied: “No, I haven’t… to be honest I’ve been absent from social media, I haven’t been on at all. “So, I haven’t even looked or had a chance to send a message on that. “I don’t have his number, but I’m sure we’ll have a chance to catch up over the … [Read more...] about “Crap” comments forced Miller to “turn off” social media

The new TNGA-based sedan is bigger and more refined than before. UPDATE: Four videos added below. The first two require no Japanese language ability to understand, but the other two are predominantly in the language. After launching its absolute flagship for Japan, the Century , Toyota is now introducing the more mainstream Crown luxury sedan, which was previewed by a namesake concept last year. The automaker describes the 15 th generation of the model as the first-generation connected car because it comes as standard equipped with a data communication module (DCM). Based on Toyota’s new TNGA platform, the vehicle has been tested on the Nurburgring and should deliver “outstanding handling,” “responsive driving performance,” and “exceptional vehicle stability” in a wide range of driving conditions. The new model is slightly longer than its predecessor, which was launched in 2012 - 193 inches (4,190 millimeters) versus 192 inches (4,885 mm), with a bit longer … [Read more...] about 15th Generation Toyota Crown Launched In Japan [UPDATED]

De Beer has been on gardening leave since leaving Williams last year, but will now join Renault as its head of aerodynamics. Peter Machin, who is currently in that role, is to leave the outfit by mutual agreement. As part of a wider restructure, Renault has made Vince Todd an interim deputy head of aerodynamics before a full-time appointment is made next year when a staff member will join from a rival team. James Rogers, who is principal aerodynamicist in change of future car projects, has been promoted to a new position of chief aerodynamicist. Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul said: "In 2019 we have shown some strengths, but identified areas that needed reinforcement. "After a rapid growth of our aerodynamic department and a modernisation of our equipment, the strengthening of the management layer of this key department will help us reap the benefits of our investments. "This is particularly relevant as we enter a very important year in our midterm plan with the … [Read more...] about Renault F1 team signs de Beer as head of aero

The UK “definitely has its place” in the World Rally Championship's future, according to FIA rally director Yves Matton, despite Rally GB losing its slot in the schedule for 2021. Plans to relocate the UK event to Northern Ireland for 2021 collapsed as the move hinged on Bobby Willis – the event’s promoter – securing £2 million in government funding, but in January it was confirmed that months of talks involving Tourism NI officials had come to naught. While recognising the event’s benefits, they felt it “did not represent good value” in the difficult economic climate following the coronavirus pandemic. With the UK not hosting a scoring round of the WRC for only the third time ever, it has led to fears in some quarters that Willis and his allies at Motorsport UK will struggle to win the place back. However, Matton has said a UK event would be welcomed back onto the WRC calendar. “Bobby Willis and his team have put in a lot of effort to bring the World Rally … [Read more...] about UK “definitely has its place” on future WRC schedules

The hotly anticipated, rear-wheel-drive, mid-engined sports car seems to be quite adept at hooning. Reformed sports car maker Alpine has dropped the first official teaser of its upcoming A120, one of the most hotly anticipated new models that is due for launch in 2017. Alpine’s dedicated website and Youtube channel have gone live, and ordering has opened for the initial First Edition model, suggesting the car’s launch is imminent. The Alpine name hasn’t been around since the mid-1990s. The company was founded 40 years earlier by Renault tuner and racer Jean Redele. It quickly graduated from making tuning parts to building Renault-based, rear-engined sports cars. Alpines proved hugely successful in racing and rallying, often punching well above their weight. Renault bought the company in 1973 and spliced it into the factory Renault Sport racing department. Alpine continued producing rather idiosyncratic road cars until Renault pulled the plug in 1995. Beneath the … [Read more...] about Alpine A120 teased in first official video