Driveblog

British sports car manufacturer Ariel has announced it will be introducing its Atom models to the Indian market. This news comes hot on the heels of Caterham, also a British light-weight sports car manufacturer, recently announcing its entry. InterGlobe Established Private Limited is looking to capitalise on the racing enthusiasm that F1 has created by collaborating with the Ariel Motor Company to bring the Ariel Atom 3, the latest model, to our shores. Mr Nigel Harwood, President and CEO of InterGlobe said, “The Atom is a perfect fit for any sports car enthusiast who is looking for serious fun and unbeatable performance, be it on the road or track.” The Atom has no doors, no roof and no body panels; in fact it is just an open chassis with two seats and a powertrain bolted to it. But, as a result, it offers a pure and unhinged driving experience, much like an open-wheel race car. Power comes from a 2.0-litre Honda engine in either 245bhp or supercharged 300bhp guise, both of which w...

With improvements to the infrastructure already in the pipeline for next year after a wide range of teething problems were experienced over the weekend, Ecclestone sees only a positive future for the event. "I am very, very happy with it and I think everyone else is as well, there is nothing to complain about," he said. "They only need to work on bits and pieces. But this is a prototype, as soon as they get down and have a good look they will find things to improve and I am sure they will improve them." Ecclestone confessed to feeling anxious in the build-up to the event about the track not being ready in time, but says that organisers put in a huge effort to get things in place. "I was only nervous, a little bit, before because I thought it wasn't going to get completed," he said. "I kept seeing photographs every day and they kept improving everything. "Normally you get people complaining if there is something to complain about, but I hav...

Sebastian Vettel strolled to his 11th victory of the season at the Buddh International Circuit to become the winner of Formula 1's first ever Indian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver's latest triumph was one of his most straightforward of his ultra-successful year. As his front row partner and team-mate Mark Webber was attacked by Jenson Button's McLaren and Fernando Alonso's Ferrari at the start, Vettel was free to pull clear. He sat on a four to five second lead for most of the distance, as he led every lap and completed a perfect performance with the fastest lap of the race as well. Button got through to second at the first corner, as Alonso twitched under braking and ran wide, letting Webber keep third. The Australian mounted some vigorous attacks on Button over the opening laps, before the McLaren managed to escape and head off for an ultimately uncontested second. Webber then lost third to Alonso at the final stops, when being the first of the frontrunners t...

British motorsports brand Caterham Cars is entering India with the Burmans, promoters of FMCG company Dabur, at the helm of the operations here.  The company will start selling its Caterham Seven, built- to-order models priced ranging from Rs 28 lakh up to Rs 90 lakh by the first half of next year.  It also plans to bring its latest sports car SP300, that is priced at 66,000 pounds, to India by next year.  "We think we are entering India at the right time when the country is set to host its first Formula One race. Caterham being motorsports oriented, we think we can provide an affordable option to motorsports enthusiasts here," said Caterham Cars Managing Director Ansar Ali.  The Indian operations of Caterham Cars will be handled by an independent company -- Caterham Cars India, which is owned by Burman family scions,Mohit Burman and Gaurav Burman, in partnership with a UK citizen, Matt Cummings.  Caterham Cars India will set up an assembly ...

 Luxury car maker Mercedes Benz India will establish a performance driving academy in partnership with JPSI, as it announces its presence at the Indian Formual 1 races to be held at the Buddh International Circuit, Noida, from October 28-30.  Jaypee Sports International, or JPSI, has developed the F1 track.  Mercedes Benz has announced a three-pronged strategy in India for its participation in Indian motor sports. Among the major attractions will be the presence of Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg during the Indian leg of the Formula One.  As JPSI's automobile partner, Mercedes cars will be used as safety and monitor cars for all events at the track. Promotional events to popularise motorsports in India through a series of road shows and dealership activation is part of the premium car maker's strategy. A statement released here quoted Mercedes Benz managing director and CEO, Peter Honegg, as saying, "Mercedes-Benz is a performance brand and our long association...