Kimi Wins F1 Championship in Memorable Race

His first championship

Two races ago the world was convinced of Lewis Hamilton writing Formula 1 history to be the first rookie to take the championship, even after the McLaren team was disqualified from the constructors championship. But Kimi showed some famous Finnish 'sisu' and did what all McLaren fans and the UK feared most, to win twice in a row while Lewis stumbled, twice. Finland went crazy last night celebrating the first championship since Mikä Häkkinen's 1999 victory.

Kimi 'Ice Man' Raikkonen was even seen smiling, a first for this season of F1. Kimi: "It is very difficult for me to explain in words what I am feeling at the moment: it is an incredible emotion. Even when we went through some difficult times and it looked as though there was no way to fight back, we never gave up and this work produced its reward today.”

Obviously Lewis Hamilton was not in the best of moods but was still able to put this season into perspective: “Obviously I am pretty disappointed with the result today, having lead for so much of the season and then not to win the Championship. However I have to put the result into perspective, this is only my first year in Formula 1 and overall it has just been phenomenal.” We are not expecting Lewis to make the same mistake (he lost 28 seconds while resetting his gearbox) next season.

The McLaren doom scenario became a reality with Kimi gathering 110 points throughout the season and both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso ending on 109 points, Lewis takes second place. Next season should prove interesting with three championship candidates on three different teams, Raikkonen at Ferrari, Hamilton at McLaren and Alonso at Renault.

Nissan GT-R GT500

The Nissan GT-R GT500 race car for the GT500 class of Japan's SUPER GT series got its first run on a race track less than a week after the unveiling of the production car. The Suzuka Circuit was the host of the Nissan GT-R GT500 tests that took place from October 29 – 30, being supervised by NISMO (Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd.).

The Nissan GT-R GT500 will debut in Japan's SUPER GT series next year. The tests took place under sunny skies and the Nissan GT-R GT500 had Satoshi Motoyama, Michael Krumm and Tsugio Matsuda, behind the wheel. The test was designed to obtain important data for the race car's further development.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT

Following repeated requests by motor racing enthusiasts among the SLR. CLUB members, the British motor racing specialists RML Group (Ray Mallock Ltd) have developed the new SLR 722 GT. This puristic super-sportscar is designed exclusively for the racetrack, has no approval for on-road use and will take part in the SLR. CLUB Trophy, a competition series forming part of the SLR. CLUB racetrack programme in Europe.

Compared to the series-production version, the SLR 722 GT has been uniquely and comprehensively re-engineered by RML, especially with respect to the suspension, braking system, aerodynamics, interior and exhaust system. More than 400 components were redesigned. The key data of this edition limited to 21 two-seaters kerb weight 1390 kilograms, maximum output 500 kW/680 ps at 1.75 bar boost, and maximum torque of 830 Newton metres to guarantee maximum racetrack performance.

The SLR 722 GT already makes a powerful impression at standstill: new body components such as the front apron with front splitter, wide wings, prominent side skirts, the large rear diffuser and the fixed rear spoiler are obvious indicators of outstanding racetrack performance and extensive aerodynamic development work.

The likewise redesigned bonnet conceals a supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8-engine uprated by RML to develop a peak output of 500 kW/680 ps and a maximum torque of 830 Newton metres. A racing air filter and a new exhaust system ensure outstanding responsiveness and an even more striking engine sound. Dispensing with numerous comfort features means that the SLR 722 GT tips the scales at a kerb weight of just 1390 kilograms. The result is a favourable power-to-weight ratio of 2.0 kg/ps and an acceleration time of 3.3 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h. The maximum speed is 315 km/h.

Modified suspension with central wheel locks

Fast lap times are guaranteed by the newly developed suspension: a new wheel location system at both front and rear provides improved kinematics and lateral dynamics. A modified stabiliser at the front axle reduces roll when cornering, while an adjustable wheel camber combined with shock absorbers with variable compression and rebound characteristics allow the suspension to be set up for different racetracks. 18-inch light- alloy wheels with central locks allow fast tyre-changes during a race which is also assisted by the pneumatic jacking system.

Power is transferred by a five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles, which has been adapted to racing conditions. A mechanical locking differential with a locking effect of 70 percent under acceleration and 80 percent on the overrun ensures traction without loss of power. Highly efficient, fade- resistant braking is provided by the new racing brakes complying with FIA GT regulations, which feature a modified cooling airflow and adjustable balance. The interior of the SLR 722 GT is characterised by the functional atmosphere of a thoroughbred racing car. Eye-catching details include a rollover cage, a redesigned instrument panel with a racing display, a racing steering wheel and bucket seats with six-point seat belts.

Developed by motor racing specialists

Development, production and sales of the SLR 722 GT are in the hands of the renowned British motorsport and automotive specialists RML Group. A maximum of 21 vehicles will be produced. Servicing and participation in racing events is also under the aegis of RML in collaboration with the SLR.SAFETY & SPEED ACADEMY.

The owners of cars already ordered are all members of the SLR. CLUB a highly exclusive community which organises events relating to the SLR and is chaired by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The SLR.SAFETY & SPEED ACADEMY forming part of the SLR. CLUB offers special driver training courses, and enables customers to acquire a national Category A racing licence.

Prominent, highly-skilled instructors for the SLR. CLUB include David Coulthard, Klaus Ludwig, Jochen Mass, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer. The central focus of SLR. CLUB events is on automotive passion, professionalism and perfection.

Toyota TRD Aurion Race Ready (AU)

Ready for the tarmac

Toyota Racing Development is readying itself for a tarmac rally return in Australia. Toyota TRD has been competing in the Australian rally successfully and will return to the tarmac Targa Tasmania rally this coming April with their new TRD Aurion.

The TRD Aurion is a, although sporty, regular road going car and will now get a proper run to show what the car is really capable of. Neal Bates Motorsport, who are also heavily involved with the rally TRD team, have been an integral part of the TRD Aurion development and are sure they can show the race-bred competition a thing or two and aims for a top 15 finish.

"We have only made minor modifications to the standard car, like fitting a roll cage, racing seats and safety equipment," said Neal Bates. "Targa is an event I absolutely love and the team's ultimate aim is to finish inside the top 10 outright. It would be an amazing performance if we could achieve it."

Press Release

TRD AURION RACE CAR HEADED TO TARGA

Toyota is set to return to one of Australia's iconic motorsport events in 2008, tackling the legendary Targa Tasmania with a TRD Aurion. It will be the first time since 2003 that Toyota Australia has entered a car in the tarmac rally and will mark the first competitive outing for the TRD-designed-and-built 3.5-litre, supercharged V6 Aurion.

Toyota will enter a standard TRD Aurion prepared by the team at Neal Bates Motorsport - the same group behind Toyota's multiple-championship-winning TRD rally outfit. Former Targa winner Bates was an integral part of TRD Aurion's development and believes the car has the potential to knock off some of its race-bred competitors.

"We have only made minor modifications to the standard car, like fitting a roll cage, racing seats and safety equipment," said Neal Bates. "TRD Aurion was developed over roads like those found on Targa Tasmania so it will be great to see it being driven at its maximum." Although TRD Aurion will be competing against cars specifically designed for racing, Bates believes it can finish inside the top 15.

"Targa is an event I absolutely love and the team's ultimate aim is to finish inside the top 10 outright. It would be an amazing performance if we could achieve it," said Bates. "The entire team is very excited about returning to Targa as we haven't done a tarmac event in a while."

The car is set to run in the Modern category of Targa's 17th edition. Targa Tasmania will provide Toyota Australia with an idea of TRD Aurion's potential for future motorsport events.

Toyota's last entry in the iconic tarmac rally was in 2003 with a Camry Sportivo and involved two greats of world motorsport. The car was piloted by the legendary Colin Bond, with the former 'Voice of Formula One', commentator Murray Walker, acting as co-driver.

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Toyota TRD Aurion In Depth (AU)