Bridgestone to invest Rs 2600 crore in Pune

Bridgestone India Private Limited, (BSID) has announced that it will be investing Rs.2600 crores towards building a new manufacturing unit near Pune's Chakan Industrial Area in Maharashtra. The company also announced that it has reached an agreement with the Government of Maharashtra for accquiring approximately 8.288 million sq ft of land. The factory will be used for manufacturing passenger car radial tyres along with radial tyres for buses.

Bridgestone is planning to start the production of radial tyres for passenger cars by January 2013 and that of radial tyres for buses by August 2013. The demand for these tyres have gone up cosiderably and is expected to further aid economic growth. The company expects production capacity of passenger car radial tyres and bus radial tyres to reach 10,000 and 3,000 units per day by 2020 respectively. The demand for tyres is further expected to grow owing to the development of road infrastructure and increase in automotive sales.

by Motoroids

Bridgestone to invest Rs 2600 crore in Pune

Bridgestone India Private Limited, (BSID) has announced that it will be investing Rs.2600 crores towards building a new manufacturing unit near Pune's Chakan Industrial Area in Maharashtra. The company also announced that it has reached an agreement with the Government of Maharashtra for accquiring approximately 8.288 million sq ft of land. The factory will be used for manufacturing passenger car radial tyres along with radial tyres for buses.

Bridgestone is planning to start the production of radial tyres for passenger cars by January 2013 and that of radial tyres for buses by August 2013. The demand for these tyres have gone up cosiderably and is expected to further aid economic growth. The company expects production capacity of passenger car radial tyres and bus radial tyres to reach 10,000 and 3,000 units per day by 2020 respectively. The demand for tyres is further expected to grow owing to the development of road infrastructure and increase in automotive sales.

by Motoroids

Lea-Francis

I notice that the new Nissan electric vehicle is being called the 'Leaf' which sounds all nice and tree-huggy green. This new car will be built in Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant. What's that got to with a blog about the British car scene? Not much, actually, but the Leaf name reminded me of the British Lea-Francis marque, affectionately referred to as 'LeaF' by its enthusiasts.

The Lea-Francis marque is one of the many that didn't stand the test of time. The firm came out of the partnership of Richard Henry Lea and Graham Ingoldsby Francis in 1895 and was based in Coventry. Lea-Francis was known for some pretty hot cars in the prewar era, carrying model names such as Hyper (Britain's first supercharged production car) and Ace of Spades.

Lea-Francis was a respectable competitor to the likes of Jaguar especially in the post war period when they produced a range of upscale sports cars and fine saloons.

The Lea-Francis automotive concern ceased trading in 1963.

Jaguar-xf interior view

Jaguar-xf interior view
Jaguar-xf interior view
Jaguar-xf interior view
Jaguar-xf interior view
Jaguar-xf interior view

Chevrolet to showcase 2011 Cruze RS

Chevrolet has announced that it will be showcasing its 2011 RS appearance package for the Cruze at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. The RS appearance package will be offered as an exterior option on the Cruze LS, LT and LTZ variants to potential buyers. With the RS package, the Cruze gets a more sporty and butch look in comparison to the plain model. The Cruze RS gets fog lamps, rocker panel extensions and a spoiler on the exterior. It will also feature an upgraded interior package including backlit instrument cluster and chrome accent rings.


As of now Chevrolet has not announced any plans of offering the RS appearance package as an option to potential buyers of the Cruze in India. Though we seriously hope that Chevrolet does offer the RS package as an option in India. This RS package seriously enhances the sporty appeal of the Cruze as evident from the pictures. The Cruze is already notching up numbers on the sales chart owing to its refreshing good looks and powerful diesel mill. This appearance package will further enhances the exterior appeal of the car, giving customers a reason to cheer about and bring one home.
 

Chevrolet to showcase 2011 Cruze RS

Chevrolet has announced that it will be showcasing its 2011 RS appearance package for the Cruze at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. The RS appearance package will be offered as an exterior option on the Cruze LS, LT and LTZ variants to potential buyers. With the RS package, the Cruze gets a more sporty and butch look in comparison to the plain model. The Cruze RS gets fog lamps, rocker panel extensions and a spoiler on the exterior. It will also feature an upgraded interior package including backlit instrument cluster and chrome accent rings.


As of now Chevrolet has not announced any plans of offering the RS appearance package as an option to potential buyers of the Cruze in India. Though we seriously hope that Chevrolet does offer the RS package as an option in India. This RS package seriously enhances the sporty appeal of the Cruze as evident from the pictures. The Cruze is already notching up numbers on the sales chart owing to its refreshing good looks and powerful diesel mill. This appearance package will further enhances the exterior appeal of the car, giving customers a reason to cheer about and bring one home.
 

Ford sells its Volvo brand to Geely of China

Ford has finally decided to get rid of its Volvo brand. The American company got into an agreement to sell Volvo and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group of China for Rs 815 crore. The sale is officially expected to be closed by the third quarter of 2010. Much of this time will be consumed in getting permissions from governments in countries where the Swedish brand has presence.

Ford is completely selling off the Volvo brand, and will not keep any of the shares with it. Ford, that bought Volvo in 1999 hasn’t been able to make much of the deal, as the Swedish brand has not made any money since 2005.

As a part of the deal, Ford will keep supplying Volvo critical components. Ford will also reportedly provide support in terms of engineering, IT and other areas before the Chinese company could manage these things all by itself. The deal also includes the use of some of Ford’s intellectual property rights by Volvo and Geely.

Commending on the development, Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO said “Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product line-up. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geely’s ownership. At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world.”

 

Geely Chairman Li Shufu, on the occasion, said, Shufu said: "We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Ford, enabling us to safeguard and strengthen Volvo's renowned brand heritage. This transaction will ensure Volvo's continued leadership in the premium segment, where it enjoys a global reputation for safety and environmental-friendly technologies. As part of the proposed transaction, Zhejiang Geely Holdings will maintain the strong collaborative relationships that Volvo has built with employees, unions, suppliers, dealers and above all, customers. On completion, Volvo Cars will be a separate company with its own management team based in Gothenburg, Sweden, and a new board of directors."

Geely has raised the loan for this deal from banks in China, USA and Europe, and loans guaranteed by the governments of Sweden and Belgium. First impressions suggest that production of Volvos will continue in Sweden and Belgium to stay closer to the supplier chain and the main market.

Ford sells its Volvo brand to Geely of China

Ford has finally decided to get rid of its Volvo brand. The American company got into an agreement to sell Volvo and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group of China for Rs 815 crore. The sale is officially expected to be closed by the third quarter of 2010. Much of this time will be consumed in getting permissions from governments in countries where the Swedish brand has presence.

Ford is completely selling off the Volvo brand, and will not keep any of the shares with it. Ford, that bought Volvo in 1999 hasn’t been able to make much of the deal, as the Swedish brand has not made any money since 2005.

As a part of the deal, Ford will keep supplying Volvo critical components. Ford will also reportedly provide support in terms of engineering, IT and other areas before the Chinese company could manage these things all by itself. The deal also includes the use of some of Ford’s intellectual property rights by Volvo and Geely.

Commending on the development, Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO said “Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product line-up. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geely’s ownership. At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world.”

 

Geely Chairman Li Shufu, on the occasion, said, Shufu said: "We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Ford, enabling us to safeguard and strengthen Volvo's renowned brand heritage. This transaction will ensure Volvo's continued leadership in the premium segment, where it enjoys a global reputation for safety and environmental-friendly technologies. As part of the proposed transaction, Zhejiang Geely Holdings will maintain the strong collaborative relationships that Volvo has built with employees, unions, suppliers, dealers and above all, customers. On completion, Volvo Cars will be a separate company with its own management team based in Gothenburg, Sweden, and a new board of directors."

Geely has raised the loan for this deal from banks in China, USA and Europe, and loans guaranteed by the governments of Sweden and Belgium. First impressions suggest that production of Volvos will continue in Sweden and Belgium to stay closer to the supplier chain and the main market.

1929 Austin Parked Since 1961 - Starts on the First Crank!

The Daily Telegraph is reporting that an Austin 12/4 fabric bodied saloon was started for the first time in five decades on one turn of the crank handle:

The fabric-bodied motor was owned by Mr Bulled’s late father, Leslie, who had been given it by his parents when it was brand new and straight off the forecourt.

Mr Bulled, 63, said he discovered the old car whilst going through his father’s possessions shortly after his death in 2008.

He was too frightened to start the engine up fully in case it ruined the car, but is now putting it up for sale to allow an expert to restore it fully and hopefully get it onto the road.

He said: “I pumped up the tyres and they stayed up. The rubber is cracked but the inner tubes are obviously still intact, which is remarkable really.

"And the engine turned over when we tried it with the starter handle, but I didn't try to start her up in case I did any damage but I'm sure it would go.

Link to the rest of the article

BBC Photo

The View from Within

I haven't put up a YouTube video in sometime, but this one is worth watching. It's the view from inside a four stroke engine cylinder during operation. Enjoy!

Ferrari F430 with Optimum Opti-Seal and Optimum Car Wax

Just came across a Ferrari F430 detailed with some Optimum products on Autopia by Esoteric Auto Detail.

Some comments about Optimum products:

First up is a brand new yellow F430... sealed with Optimum Opti-Seal, and topped with Optimum Car Wax (gasp...a $200K car with a $17 wax!...say it isn't so!).


That's some serious gloss out of the Optimum Opti-Seal / Optimum Car Wax combo.

Check it out...
http://www.autopia.org/forum/1365097-post1.html

The first shipment of ONR should be arriving soon followed by the rest of the Optimum products.

Stocks are limited so reserve your bottle of ONR today and receive a special introductory offer.

Call:

016-2209227 (KC's)

016-6603217 (Jack)

or email:

kc.prodetailing@gmail.com

jack.prodetailing@gmail.com

Several cars to be phased out due to BS IV norms

The Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) emission norms will be applicable from the 1st of April, 2010. However, the entry of the BS IV norms has marked the exit of various old car models including the Skoda Octavia, Fabia (petrol) and Chevrolet Tavera. Maruti had taken the decision of not upgrading its Maruti 800 to suit the BS IV norms after which Skoda has decided to do the same for a few of its car models including the Octavia and Fabia (petrol). The Octavia’s 1.9 TDi Pumpe-Duse engine along with the Fabia petrol engine will be spared from being upgraded to the BS IV requirements making it face the similar fate of the once-legendary Maruti 800. These cars will now not be available in 13 cities across the country.

The Tavera from Chevrolet’s stable too is ready with its bags packed to bid good bye to all the BS IV cities. The MPV contender’s 2.5-litre diesel engine will not be upgraded by the firm to meet the BS IV requirements which will make the car unavailable in BS IV cities.

 

However, all the four cars mentioned above will be available in the showrooms of BS III cities across the country. Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Surat and Agra are a few amongst the cities which will bear the BS IV emission norms from the 1st of April.

Several cars to be phased out due to BS IV norms

The Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) emission norms will be applicable from the 1st of April, 2010. However, the entry of the BS IV norms has marked the exit of various old car models including the Skoda Octavia, Fabia (petrol) and Chevrolet Tavera. Maruti had taken the decision of not upgrading its Maruti 800 to suit the BS IV norms after which Skoda has decided to do the same for a few of its car models including the Octavia and Fabia (petrol). The Octavia’s 1.9 TDi Pumpe-Duse engine along with the Fabia petrol engine will be spared from being upgraded to the BS IV requirements making it face the similar fate of the once-legendary Maruti 800. These cars will now not be available in 13 cities across the country.

The Tavera from Chevrolet’s stable too is ready with its bags packed to bid good bye to all the BS IV cities. The MPV contender’s 2.5-litre diesel engine will not be upgraded by the firm to meet the BS IV requirements which will make the car unavailable in BS IV cities.

 

However, all the four cars mentioned above will be available in the showrooms of BS III cities across the country. Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Surat and Agra are a few amongst the cities which will bear the BS IV emission norms from the 1st of April.

The Official SABCC Mugs & Motors Coffee Mug

OK, SABCC'ers - you said that you enjoyed our infrequent Mugs & Motors sessions so we'll be planning a few more in the near future.

In the meantime, why don't you head over to the SABCC Swag site and order one of the new 15 ounce ceramic mugs with the official Mugs & Motors logo? Your coffee will taste much better and you'll be twice as cool as you were before you bought your mug!

A Stag Joins the Party

SABCC member Stuart Waddington announced at the last club meeting that he was the successful bidder for a 1972 Triumph Stag. This 73,000 mile car spent its life in the western US. I had the opportunity to see the car this evening - just a few hours after it was dropped off by the car hauler.

It appears to be a solid, honest car - one that Stuart should be able to renovate easily and make a fine stablemate to his award-winning MGB. The Triumph V8 sounds awesome.

Look for it at an event near you!

Another Great New Orleans British Car Day

Once again, the more intrepid members of the South Alabama British Car Club made the trek to New Orleans to attend the British Car Day sponsored by British Motoring Club New Orleans.

For me, the day began early. The club was meeting at the I10- Government Street interchange to assemble our little caravan for the trip over. Since I was riding shotgun with Mike Darby in his Jaguar 240, he dropped by my house at 5:45 to pick me up. Richard Cunningham decided that he would leave his Jaguar XJS at home this year, it being a victim of an undiagnosed transmission fluid leak. He accepted Mike's invitation to ride with us. We met the rest of the gang at gathering spot and set out before sunrise.

The British car contingent included Stewart Waddington (MGB), Chris Cronk (MGB) and Michael King (Jaguar XJS). We had several escorts in non-British iron, they bringing things like the new club shelter, banners, tables, chairs, etc. Along the way, we picked up our club president, Noel Eagleson, since he struck out on his from his home in the western part of Mobile county.

The group made great progress and soon we were in Louisiana, taking advantage of the newly renovated welcome center just across the state line. We saddled up and steeled ourselves for the New Orleans traffic that lay ahead. Thankfully, the group kept up a quick pace and was able to stay together for the trip to Delgado Community College.

A certain three SABCC'ers in a Jaguar 240 decided that we should have some morning nourishment and peeled off at a McDonald's in Slidell for biscuits and coffee. Once we had our fill of caffeine and carbs we, too headed off towards the Big Easy. We arrived at the show site and found that the new pop up shelter had already been popped up and the members were staking out places under it. Mike got his photo made and took his place on the field with only one other Jaguar saloon.

I took the opportunity to browse the show field and was impressed with the quality and variety of the cars present. The organizers welcomed three Deloreans, a handful of Rolls Royces and Bentleys, along with a very large field of MGBs, TR6s and MG T-Series cars. We also met SABCC'ers Ken McElhaney (MGB) and Bill Silhan (Aston Martin DB6) who came separately to the event.

As always, the folks of BMCNO ran a tight ship. Organization was top-notch and the show site was perfect.

As the day wore on, it became apparent that the we would be lucky if we managed to dodge rain in the afternoon. We had several periods of sprinkles during the prize giving ceremony but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the attendees.

SABCC once again made out well with trophies going to every SABCC car registered with the notable exception of our steed. It seems that BMCNO decided that classes with only two cars would have one trophy awarded. Too bad for Mike Darby, but then he's not given to arm-twisting for votes. He's content to let his cars speak for themselves.

With clouds gathering, we bid our New Orleans friends adieu and headed for Alabama. Several SABCC members elected to take advantage of some of the fine eateries in New Orleans and delayed their return home. Our car pointed its nose towards the Portable City and home.

Outside New Orleans, Mike asked if I would help with the driving chores. Has a toad got warts? Are flounders flat? Do wild bears - -oh, never mind. I gathered up all the cool I could muster and tried to keep from snatching the keys from Mike's hand.

I settled into the right hand seat and immediately enjoyed the smooth, torquey XK power. The 43-year old car pulled strongly and kept up with the east New Orleans traffic with grace and style. I maintained a 70MPH cruise (with occasional forays into the low 80s) and soon found us in Mississippi.

And a rain shower.

The old Jag's windscreen wipers were well up to the task and we didn't slow our pace. While cruising the left lane, we came upon Ron Wolverton and Becky Kramer following Noel Ealgeson. We gave them a pip on the hooter and passed them by.

We passed through the rain and found ourselves hungry (again) so we stopped in Gulfport at a chain eatery. Don Pritchett joined our group for dinner and we enjoyed a good meal and fine conversation.

And the rain caught up to us.

Mike wrestled the keys from me and drove back into Mobile. I enjoyed the ride in the left hand seat, secretly thankful that I wasn't driving this very special car in the downpour. We pressed on to my house in Spanish Fort where I was deposited. I had to watch as the fine Jaguar drove away in the rain, lit by the street lights in my neighborhood.

Thanks BMCNO for a great day!

Volkswagen - Pune Plant’s first anniversary

Volkswagen’s Pune plant is one of its most modern plants amongst the Volkswagen group. The plant was inaugurated on the 31st of March, 2009. Very soon, the plant will complete a year of functioning in the City of Pune. To cherish this special occasion for Volkswagen, the firm has organized a grand celebration starting from the 27th of March, 2010. “Volkswagen India. Building Cars. Winning Hearts,” will be the theme of the celebration.

The firm has decided to share its joy amongst with the city of Pune by distributing muffins with a 1 year candle. This will be a symbol of the 1 year birthday cake and will be distributed during the screening of the IPL matches at Inshanya Mall on the 27th and 28th of March.

On 30th of March, as a part of the celebrations, the works of the Artist Lala who is a German residing in Pune will be unveiled at the Volkswagen India plant. Around 20 paintings which display the cultural exchange between Germany and India will be displayed as a part of the exhibition at the Chakan plant.

On the 31st of March, which is exactly a year after the inauguration of the plant, an art competition will take place for the children of the employees who serve at the Volkswagen Pune plant. The theme of the competition for children within the age limit of 6 to 12 years will be “Volkswagen Employee Children. Winning Hearts with Polo.” The firm will reward all participants after which all the paintings will be displayed at the plant. On the same day, there will be an after-work dinner for all the employees at the plant. During this part of the celebrations, the efforts of the Volkswagen employees will be recognized and appreciated. “Volkswagen People. Winning Hearts,” will be the theme of this party.

The Pune plant has proved to be a catalyst for the firm in achieving its sales targets in the Indian subcontinent. With a maximum production capacity of 110,000 vehicles annually, the plant is technically advanced with all kinds of facilities. The plant covers all stages including the press shop, body shop, paint shop and final assembly. Along with the Volkswagen Polo, the Skoda Fabia is also built at the Pune plant. The Pune plant is reportedly the largest investment (Rs 3,800) by a German company in India.

Volkswagen - Pune Plant’s first anniversary

Volkswagen’s Pune plant is one of its most modern plants amongst the Volkswagen group. The plant was inaugurated on the 31st of March, 2009. Very soon, the plant will complete a year of functioning in the City of Pune. To cherish this special occasion for Volkswagen, the firm has organized a grand celebration starting from the 27th of March, 2010. “Volkswagen India. Building Cars. Winning Hearts,” will be the theme of the celebration.

The firm has decided to share its joy amongst with the city of Pune by distributing muffins with a 1 year candle. This will be a symbol of the 1 year birthday cake and will be distributed during the screening of the IPL matches at Inshanya Mall on the 27th and 28th of March.

On 30th of March, as a part of the celebrations, the works of the Artist Lala who is a German residing in Pune will be unveiled at the Volkswagen India plant. Around 20 paintings which display the cultural exchange between Germany and India will be displayed as a part of the exhibition at the Chakan plant.

On the 31st of March, which is exactly a year after the inauguration of the plant, an art competition will take place for the children of the employees who serve at the Volkswagen Pune plant. The theme of the competition for children within the age limit of 6 to 12 years will be “Volkswagen Employee Children. Winning Hearts with Polo.” The firm will reward all participants after which all the paintings will be displayed at the plant. On the same day, there will be an after-work dinner for all the employees at the plant. During this part of the celebrations, the efforts of the Volkswagen employees will be recognized and appreciated. “Volkswagen People. Winning Hearts,” will be the theme of this party.

The Pune plant has proved to be a catalyst for the firm in achieving its sales targets in the Indian subcontinent. With a maximum production capacity of 110,000 vehicles annually, the plant is technically advanced with all kinds of facilities. The plant covers all stages including the press shop, body shop, paint shop and final assembly. Along with the Volkswagen Polo, the Skoda Fabia is also built at the Pune plant. The Pune plant is reportedly the largest investment (Rs 3,800) by a German company in India.

AMG - Reportedly developing an entry level performance saloon?

Automotive websites are once again abuzz with reports of AMG developing a super sports saloon based on the future generation B-Class. According to Autocar, this new entry level AMG offering will borrow styling cues from the Mercedes Benz F800 Style Concept which was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. Autocar has further said in its report that this new AMG will be powered by a new engine based on the 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 mill that was actually developed for the CLS350.

The report also says that the engine will be downsized to 3.2 liters and utilize an electrically operated pressure wave supercharger. It further reveals that maximum power output will be close to 400bhp and there is a possibility of the power being delivered to all four wheels with more bias towards the rear. To the non-performance engine enthusiast, a pressure wave supercharger is one which utilizes the exhaust gases generated by an internal combustion engine to generate pressure waves which compress the intake air.

AMG is developing this entry level performance saloon to in order to increase the chances of attract more customers especially in the young age group to its brand. Once launched, this new car will face stiff competition from the likes of BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf R. We will keep you posted as and when more information surfaces.

Images: These Images are of the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept

AMG - Reportedly developing an entry level performance saloon?

Automotive websites are once again abuzz with reports of AMG developing a super sports saloon based on the future generation B-Class. According to Autocar, this new entry level AMG offering will borrow styling cues from the Mercedes Benz F800 Style Concept which was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. Autocar has further said in its report that this new AMG will be powered by a new engine based on the 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 mill that was actually developed for the CLS350.

The report also says that the engine will be downsized to 3.2 liters and utilize an electrically operated pressure wave supercharger. It further reveals that maximum power output will be close to 400bhp and there is a possibility of the power being delivered to all four wheels with more bias towards the rear. To the non-performance engine enthusiast, a pressure wave supercharger is one which utilizes the exhaust gases generated by an internal combustion engine to generate pressure waves which compress the intake air.

AMG is developing this entry level performance saloon to in order to increase the chances of attract more customers especially in the young age group to its brand. Once launched, this new car will face stiff competition from the likes of BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf R. We will keep you posted as and when more information surfaces.

Images: These Images are of the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept

Honda bikes pictures

Honda bike
Honda bike
Honda bike
Honda bike
Honda bike

Virgin All Set To Fly - Australian GP

It’s no secret that the Virgin Racing team had quite an abysmal time at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Initially the pre-qualifying practice sessions and the qualifying sessions at the Bahrain Grand Prix did show some amount of hope and promise for the debutants. However, much of their hopes and aspirations were extinguished when both their cars retired within just a few laps of the race.

Both their drivers and the technical director were disappointed and understandably so. After all, the pre-season had started off with much promise for them and it was to be seen how the only team on the grid to have boldly used only CFD design and technology would perform.

Having said all that, all those problems, and the woes of Virgin Racing at Bahrain are all in the past and were not necessarily related to their CFD designed aerodynamics. The cars suffered from hydraulic and transmission problems which made the sun set rather quickly on their weekend in Bahrain.

This time round at the Australian Grand Prix, Virgin Racing certainly hopes to make an impact. It is a rather interesting race, being a street circuit and will require the drivers to use their technical skill. Good speed and lap times will be crucial during the qualifying sessions as the new regulations do seem to have made over-taking a little too difficult.

The Virgin Racing team seems to be rather upbeat about this weekend and one hopes they can certainly do better than the Bahrain Grand Prix. In my opinion, I am certain that they will. After all, let’s not forget that this is a young team with young drivers and there may certainly be a few technical glitches at the start; but nothing that can’t be fixed.

My prediction for the race is that Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi will both complete the race this time round and see the much desired chequered flag. I think that would be a good goal to achieve and as long as the team manages that, this race will be a successful one. I believe that one must climb the ladder to success slowly but surely and a step in the right direction would be to finish the race this street circuit.

Timo Glock is said to like the race track and conditions at the Australian Grand Prix and it would be exciting to see the young Lucas di Grassi race on this circuit for the first time. I certainly look forward to the race this weekend and to Virgin Racing being competitive. I am sure that they will do much better as the season progresses. But my prediction for this weekend is that both the cars make the chequered flag.

Virgin All Set To Fly - Australian GP

It’s no secret that the Virgin Racing team had quite an abysmal time at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Initially the pre-qualifying practice sessions and the qualifying sessions at the Bahrain Grand Prix did show some amount of hope and promise for the debutants. However, much of their hopes and aspirations were extinguished when both their cars retired within just a few laps of the race.

Both their drivers and the technical director were disappointed and understandably so. After all, the pre-season had started off with much promise for them and it was to be seen how the only team on the grid to have boldly used only CFD design and technology would perform.

Having said all that, all those problems, and the woes of Virgin Racing at Bahrain are all in the past and were not necessarily related to their CFD designed aerodynamics. The cars suffered from hydraulic and transmission problems which made the sun set rather quickly on their weekend in Bahrain.

This time round at the Australian Grand Prix, Virgin Racing certainly hopes to make an impact. It is a rather interesting race, being a street circuit and will require the drivers to use their technical skill. Good speed and lap times will be crucial during the qualifying sessions as the new regulations do seem to have made over-taking a little too difficult.

The Virgin Racing team seems to be rather upbeat about this weekend and one hopes they can certainly do better than the Bahrain Grand Prix. In my opinion, I am certain that they will. After all, let’s not forget that this is a young team with young drivers and there may certainly be a few technical glitches at the start; but nothing that can’t be fixed.

My prediction for the race is that Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi will both complete the race this time round and see the much desired chequered flag. I think that would be a good goal to achieve and as long as the team manages that, this race will be a successful one. I believe that one must climb the ladder to success slowly but surely and a step in the right direction would be to finish the race this street circuit.

Timo Glock is said to like the race track and conditions at the Australian Grand Prix and it would be exciting to see the young Lucas di Grassi race on this circuit for the first time. I certainly look forward to the race this weekend and to Virgin Racing being competitive. I am sure that they will do much better as the season progresses. But my prediction for this weekend is that both the cars make the chequered flag.

Ajith's entry confirmed - 2010 F2 (Formula2) Championships!

Motorsports seems to be climbing the slope of popularity in India. The number of Indian names in the list of racers taking part in International races is substantially increasing year after year. One of these names is Ajith Kumar. Mr Kumar has just confirmed his entry for the 2010 FIA Formula 2 Championship. Ajith Kumar is a South Indian film Star and a motor racing enthusiast. However, this is not the first time Ajith will be burning rubber on the race track. This makes it his third season in the International Racing scenario after his debut in 2003 in the Formula BMW Asia Championship. His best results were in Korea where he qualified 4th and finished 6th. The other best results achieved by him were in 2004 races in British Formula 3 Scholarship Class, where he managed two podium finishes.

Ajith is one of those many enthusiasts in the country who believe motorsports in India very well needs a wakeup call. The other prominent Indian names in the field of International Motorsports are Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. Ajith is not the only Indian to take part in the Formula 2 Championship. The other Indian names in the championship are Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaran. Ajith hopes that the Indian youth is inspired by his as well his fellow Indian racer’s entry into the International Motorsports scene.

"I have the confidence of achieving some success in this year's FIA Formula 2 European Championships. I have already done some testing in Malaysia recently and am looking forward to more practice runs in Snetterton & Silverstone before the event kicks off on April 16th. I hope my participation along with the other two Indians, Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaran will create the right amount of interest in the sport in India," says Ajith Kumar.

F2 Series Director Jonathan Palmer said, "I am delighted to welcome Ajith to F2. To have a well known Indian film star who has demonstrated such ambition now racing in F2 is very exciting for the championship, and I really admire Ajith's determination and enthusiasm. Paul Newman demonstrated that international celebrities can be competitive in international motorsport - and late in his career. Ajith on the other hand is several years younger than both Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. The F2 team and other drivers look forward to giving maximum support to help Ajith become increasingly competitive."

Managing a professional approach towards motorsports along with an ongoing acting career may not be a piece of cake. We hope Ajith’s efforts bear the sweet fruits in form of inspiration to the rest of the enthusiasts back in the country who may restrict their entry into professional motorsports citing career related issues. Ajith intends to be a professional racer alongside his acting career.

by Motoroids

Ajith's entry confirmed - 2010 F2 (Formula2) Championships!

Motorsports seems to be climbing the slope of popularity in India. The number of Indian names in the list of racers taking part in International races is substantially increasing year after year. One of these names is Ajith Kumar. Mr Kumar has just confirmed his entry for the 2010 FIA Formula 2 Championship. Ajith Kumar is a South Indian film Star and a motor racing enthusiast. However, this is not the first time Ajith will be burning rubber on the race track. This makes it his third season in the International Racing scenario after his debut in 2003 in the Formula BMW Asia Championship. His best results were in Korea where he qualified 4th and finished 6th. The other best results achieved by him were in 2004 races in British Formula 3 Scholarship Class, where he managed two podium finishes.

Ajith is one of those many enthusiasts in the country who believe motorsports in India very well needs a wakeup call. The other prominent Indian names in the field of International Motorsports are Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. Ajith is not the only Indian to take part in the Formula 2 Championship. The other Indian names in the championship are Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaran. Ajith hopes that the Indian youth is inspired by his as well his fellow Indian racer’s entry into the International Motorsports scene.

"I have the confidence of achieving some success in this year's FIA Formula 2 European Championships. I have already done some testing in Malaysia recently and am looking forward to more practice runs in Snetterton & Silverstone before the event kicks off on April 16th. I hope my participation along with the other two Indians, Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaran will create the right amount of interest in the sport in India," says Ajith Kumar.

F2 Series Director Jonathan Palmer said, "I am delighted to welcome Ajith to F2. To have a well known Indian film star who has demonstrated such ambition now racing in F2 is very exciting for the championship, and I really admire Ajith's determination and enthusiasm. Paul Newman demonstrated that international celebrities can be competitive in international motorsport - and late in his career. Ajith on the other hand is several years younger than both Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. The F2 team and other drivers look forward to giving maximum support to help Ajith become increasingly competitive."

Managing a professional approach towards motorsports along with an ongoing acting career may not be a piece of cake. We hope Ajith’s efforts bear the sweet fruits in form of inspiration to the rest of the enthusiasts back in the country who may restrict their entry into professional motorsports citing career related issues. Ajith intends to be a professional racer alongside his acting career.

by Motoroids