Renault continues to have a dire season with a double retirement at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Renault Sport Formula One Team’s British Grand Prix came to a frustrating end with a double retirement. Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen stopped on lap 38 and 50 respectively both with suspected gearbox problems. 

The mixed track conditions presented scant opportunity for advancement from their P18 and P16 starting positions, with both Jolyon and Kevin caught in traffic before their retirements.

The race got underway behind the safety car following heavy rain on the grid. Kevin started the race from sixteenth on full wet tyres and stopped for Pirelli intermediate tyres on lap five. 

He held station behind his team-mate and Romain Grosjean’s Haas before a second stop to the medium compound slicks tyres on lap 17 while in sixteenth. He made a third stop to the soft tyres on lap 40 but retired 10 laps later with a suspected gearbox problem. He was running in sixteenth at the time.

Jolyon started on full wets from P18 and gained one position when the safety car was withdrawn. The Brit stopped on lap six for the intermediate tyres and closed the gap to Grosjean on the drying track. 

A second stop on lap 16 for medium tyres brought frustration, however, as he was released with only three of the four wheels. The resulting delay and penalty dropped him to the rear of the field. A retirement on lap 38 capped a disappointing day.

Kevin Magnussen, #20, R.S.16-01: Started P16, DNF

“In the first part of the race the track was very slippery and the balance was difficult as it was wet in places. You have to push from the beginning though and try to stay on track. We tried our best but unfortunately we were just not quick enough today. 

We suspected something might be wrong with the gearbox towards the end of the race so retired the car as a precaution. It’s just not been our day, but we’ll look through everything and come back stronger in Hungary.”

Jolyon Palmer, #30, R.S.16-02: Started P18, DNF

“Today wasn’t the result I wanted for my home race. It was going reasonably well on the wet tyres at the beginning of the race and then we did a good stop for the intermediate tyres. 

Things were looking up: I got ahead of Kevin and I was catching Romain Grosjean. When I pitted for slick tyres, I had a green light to go but the rear right wasn’t finished and I’d already started to leave the box. 

From then on I lost about a minute and then received a 10 second penalty for unsafe release. What happened was unfortunate but it could happen to anyone up and down the pitlane. We retired the car as there was a strange feeling with the gearbox, more as a precaution as at that stage we were two laps down. 

We’ll now investigate the problem thoroughly. I’m looking forward to the test this week and focussing on the next race weekend.”

Fred Vasseur, Team Principal

“Not the best Grand Prix in our history. It was a difficult race for us and we will be looking into what caused a double retirement. Both Kevin and Jolyon had been driving well until then, but our pace was not strong enough today.

Art of Living by Aston Martin presents a curated collection of the finest products and experiences.

• Art of Living by Aston Martin presents a curated collection of the finest products and experiences, capturing the essence of Aston Martin

British luxury brand introduces Art of Living by Aston Martin, an opportunity to experience the company’s legendary reputation for cutting-edge technology, iconic design and exceptional craftsmanship across a portfolio of the finest artisan products and truly bespoke experiences.

Since its founding in 1913, Aston Martin has developed a reputation for discernment and dynamism. The marque’s heritage has forged a rare blend of elegance and individuality that has transcended its cars.

Aston Martin’s Art of Living is a behind-the-scenes access at some of the world’s best events; it is a unique pair of sunglasses, a beautiful watch or an exquisite silk scarf. It is a way of life that captures the very essence of the Aston Martin brand.

Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichmancommented: “Aston Martin’sArt of Living distils our spirit and ethos.  It is a beautiful mix of design, technology and style to enhance your life.  It is deep in our culture, it is in everything we create for our customers.”

Art of Living by Aston Martin champions independent talent, refined craftsmanship and design integrity to create beautiful objects.  It is enjoying authentic experiences, enriching your passions and mastering new skills.  Engaging with Aston Martin’s Art of Living will bring you closer to the soul of the brand, be it via a life-enhancing experience or by owning a uniquely special product.

Unique partnerships creating a diverse selection of exclusive luxury products

For over 100 years Aston Martin has had access to the most creative thinkers, outstanding designers and unique personalities. A fine example of Art of Living in practice is the AM37, a stunning 37-foot powerboat that is being created as the ultimate in maritime refinement in partnership with Quintessence Yachts. The new boat showcases the Aston Martin design philosophy where luxury meets technical excellence to create a powerful yet understated product.

Marma London recently launched an innovative new range of Aston Martin eyewear with detailing inspired by the beautiful lines of the Aston Martin Racing cars. The exceptional quality of the eyewear is reflected in every Art of Living by Aston Martin product, where style and substance are the order of the day.

Managing Director of AM Brands Katia Bassi noted: “The Art of Living portfolio of products will be delivered with the same care and quality that would be expected of a bespoke Aston Martin sports car.  This programme provides us with the opportunity to engage with our customers on a new level. We want them to share in the Aston Martin lifestyle.”

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences

The next extraordinary Art of Living by Aston Martin experience will take place at the world’s most thrilling endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

During an exciting three-day Fast Track Adventure at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, from 17 to 19 June 2016, guests will have the chance to immerse themselves in the heart of the action as the Aston Martin Racing team fights for glory. Beat the crowds by helicoptering into the circuit each day from the private chateau and meet the team’s racing drivers, before taking some of the best seats in the house for the big race.

Reichman commented: “Le Mans is the ultimate test of man and machine. It is comparable to a full season of Grand Prix racing all rolled into just one epic race.  Our Art of Living guests will become part of the Aston Martin family at Le Mans with unprecedented access to the Garage and Strategy Centre.  They will experience the unique atmosphere as our team battles it out on track to hopefully take another Aston Martin class victory.”

Information on other future Art of Living by Aston Martin events will be released soon, including an extravagant weekend at the renowned Goodwood Revival; behind the scenes access to the finest fashion houses in Paris; a discovery of the technology and architecture of Japan and a unique Californian gastronomic experience, which will include private tastings and tours of the finest wines and vineyards.

Aston Martin’s Art of Living experiences are now available via a new digital platform, which will feature unique, curated content following the art, sports and fashion calendar.  www.astonmartinartofliving.com

Season Thirteen of Wheeler Dealers starts next week, so dont forget to get your fix of Edd, oh and the other one.

The WHEELER DEALERS are back as experienced car dealer, Mike Brewer, and multi-talented mechanic, Edd China, have returned with the 13^th series and eight more classic cars with a mix of British, European and American marques, with the first episode extoling the virtues of the 1980's Mercedes 560SL, made famous by Bobby Ewing in the 80's TV smash hit, Dallas.

Mike and Edd may have set up their workshop in sunny California, but their love of classics remains universal. Mike navigates the surrounding states in search of cars with money-making potential, bringing them back to Edd for him to work his mechanical magic to restore the cars into profit making machines.

In the new series, the boys get eco-friendly with the original ‘Econobox’, a 1977 Honda CVCC; rescue a neglected and extremely rusty 1965 Land Rover Series 2a; get aircooled California style in a 60s Corvair, and put the zip back into the performance of an 80s icon, the 1988 Ford Mustang 5.0.

The first episode sees Mike and Edd pick a car that was the car to buy in the 1980s if money were no object – a 1987 Mercedes 560SL. The Mercedes engineers spared no expense when designing this classic. Mike finds a well looked after example but one in need of a complete refresh, mechanically and cosmetically. As the costs and work mount up will Edd be able to revitalise this 80s icon without breaking the bank?

Mike said: “After restoring over 100 cars, me and Edd are still finding fantastic classics to restore and if there was a theme for this series, it would be ‘having fun.’ With cars from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, Edd will be getting more involved in choosing the type of car we are looking for each week while I’ll be taking my turn getting my hands dirty in the workshop.”

When the repairs are complete, the duo hit the open road to test the restored ride before Mike tries to sell it for the highest profit possible. From the massive oily challenge of rebuilding an engine to fixing tiny items like a rev-counter, no one knows how to transform a rust bucket to a dream machine like the WHEELER DEALERS.

Edd adds: “We may be basking in the LA sunshine but the job in hand remains the same. Our brand spanking new workshop will see the same amount of sweat and tears as the previous ones in Bracknell; It just so happens that we now have the Pacific Coast Highway outside rather than the M25!”

EPISODE 1

1987 MERCEDES 560SL

If money were no object, then this was the car to buy in the 1980s. The Mercedes engineers spared no expense when designing this classic. Mike finds a well looked after example but one in need of a complete refresh, mechanically and cosmetically. As the costs and work mount up will Edd be able to revitalise this 80s icon without breaking the bank?

EPISODE 2

1963 VOLVO PV544

Mike was set the challenge of finding a classic endurance sports car. On first appearances this Volvo does not look like a fits that bill but the PV544 is the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing.  With a record breaking rally past this car has some serious heritage. Mike finds a decent running example but with an engine that very few mechanics can master will Edd be able to restore it to its former glory and deliver a decent daily driver that will also deliver them a profit?

EPISODE 3

1977 HONDA CVCC

Edd wants the guys to tackle something eco-friendly but with personality. Mike’s surprise solution is the original ‘Econobox’, a 1977 Honda CVCC.  It’s no classic beauty but its retro understated looks belie the fact that when it was released it revolutionised the car industry and kept Honda making cars at a time they were thinking of giving up the Automobile industry. Can Edd restore the looks and the amazing 50mpg fuel economy employing only eco-friendly techniques?

EPISODE 4

1980 CHEVY LUV

When Edd set Mike the task of finding him a classic American truck for him to work on this was not what he expected to see back at the shop. Mike heads to Sonoma County where he meets his first hipster and her Chevy LUV. This truck is ‘loved’ but needs a lot of TLC from Edd to get it into a condition that a buyer will love. After Edd’s initial reservations he begins to see the little truck’s appeal and sets about the transformation.

EPISODE 5

1988 FORD MUSTANG 5.0

What’s the ideal affordable muscle car for a young aspiring mechanic to cut his teeth on? Mike and Edd decide that the 80s classic, a fox bodied Ford Mustang 5.0 is the ideal fit. Mike finds an unloved example that needs more than a little TLC to live up to its muscle car reputation. Edd embarks on a multitude of fixes and upgrades with the sole intention of putting the zip back into its performance. They’ll find out just how successful he was once they hit the ¼ mile strip on race night!

EPISODE 6

1963 CHEVROLET CORVAIR

Mike and Edd decide to create an eye catching, inexpensive beach cruiser, something that won’t break the bank but will turn heads and put a smile on the face of the lucky owner. Despite a poor reputation for safety when it was released Mike decides to go for the Chevy Corvair. He finds what looks like a wreck of a car in a towing yard, but it does have a running engine. Can the guys restore this forgotten classic to its original beauty, address all safety concerns and find a buyer to cover their costs?

EPISODE 7

1965 LAND ROVER 2a

In most people’s eyes the Land Rover series 2a is ‘The’ Land Rover to own. So when Edd and Mike set themselves the challenge of finding the ultimate bug out vehicle that will keep going no matter what, there was only one contender. Mike locates a neglected and extremely rusty example but like any true Land Rover fan he believes that it’s never too late to rescue one of these beauties… whether Edd agrees is another matter.

EPISODE 8

1968 Corvette C3

Mike and Edd turn their attention to the ultimate American dream. Formally owned by Doris in Texas, this 357 manual is just dying to be let loose but needs a complete engine refurbishment, and more power when getting out of the gate. Has Mike got the money for Edd to work his magic on this little red corvette?

Leading British polo player, Max Charlton signed as Land Rover UK’s first polo ambassador.

• Leading British polo player, Max Charlton signed as Land Rover UK’s first polo ambassador
• Charlton joins existing equestrian ambassadors Zara Phillips, Ben Maher, Harry Meade and Laura Tomlinson
• Charlton’s appointment, along with Land Rover’s sponsorship of Guards Polo Club announced earlier this year, further strengthens Land Rover’s long term support of equestrian sport in the UK and worldwide

Land Rover UK has today announced leading British polo player, Max Charlton as its first polo ambassador. Charlton joins Land Rover’s illustrious stable of equestrian ambassadors, which includes Olympic gold medallists, show jumper Ben Maher and dressage rider Laura Tomlinson, and World Championship team silver medallists, eventers Zara Phillips and Harry Meade.

At just 25 years old, Charlton has risen through the polo ranks at spectacular speed since first picking up a polo mallet at the age of 11. Now playing off a handicap of seven goal, he is regarded as one of the most exciting home-grown polo talents that the sport has seen for some time.

Charlton has played in most of the world’s major polo tournaments and has won notable silverware at every level. He has represented England on several occasions, most recently in the Coronation Cup against South America where he was awarded ‘Most Valuable Player’. He has been awarded ‘Most Outstanding British Polo Professional’ for the last two seasons.

Charlton, who is based in Windsor during the UK polo season, said: “To be a Land Rover ambassador is an amazing opportunity for me. Land Rover has such a unique and long associated heritage within equestrian sports. I am really looking forward to working with them in the future.”

Land Rover UK has been a long term supporter of equestrian sport for over 25 years, and the ambassador appointment comes off the back of a successful first season for Land Rover as Official Vehicle Partner of Guards Polo Club.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “It is really exciting to have Max join the Land Rover stable of equestrian ambassadors. His sporting CV at such a young age is truly remarkable – we are proud to be supporting such a wonderfully talented sportsman.”

Calais crisis is now starting to hurt the Scottish Export business - This must be dealt with NOW.

The continued chaos in Calais is impacting Scottish exports and the French Government must take action on the migrant situation in the port as a matter of urgency - is the message from the FTA today.  

Responding to the Scottish Government’s call for ‘action’ to help alleviate the delays to exports  - the Freight Transport Association (FTA) reiterated that the situation is not just affecting the south east of England but that it is a much wider issue affecting industry nationwide. 

The combination of industrial action and migrant activity in and around the port of Calais has continued to cause chaos both in the UK and France, including the implementation of Operation Stack on the M20 in Kent causing delays for some truck drivers for hours  – some up to 20 hours at a time.

Scottish businesses from the fishing and food processing sectors have raised their concerns regarding the impact of delays and potential delays on their businesses.

Margaret Simpson, FTA’s Country Manager - Scotland said: “The situation in Calais is having a huge impact on the Scottish freight industry.  The delays on both sides of the Channel are causing financial and logistical implications for operators and it can’t be allowed to continue.  Every year we are subject to disruptions of some kind at the French ports and the migrant issue this year has simply compounded an ongoing problem.”

FTA has previously highlighted the detrimental effect on the national supply chain because of lengthy delays to cross the Channel, and warned of the cost to the economy as loads are being damaged by the extensive delays and those being rejected by customers because of contamination when migrants break on board of trucks.

Operation Stack is used to park HGVs on the M20 and can affect 35 miles of the motorway.  The system is normally used during cross-Channel disruption, and has been implemented on 26 occasions in the past six weeks causing subsequent chaos in Kent not only for freight operators, but also for residents, tourist traffic and local businesses.

With the Calais situation getting worse, here are some tips to avoid the queues, and no, not shoot the Idiots.

TMW THOUGHTS

I am sorry, but what the hell are the French doing, if this were any other country in the world, anyone trying to illegally gain access to another country by crossing the border without permission would be be arrested, sent back or shot, Now I am not saying that we should shoot them, but something has got to be done.

The vast sums of money involved in keeping the lorries backed up is now running into hundreds of millions of pounds, at £100 per hour per truck, it can soon build up.

Why are these illegal immigrants not being dealt with on the French side, surely they are illegal in France, so why are they not being taken into custody, processed and sent home, why, well, they French just don't care, they seem to think that if they can lose a few by them coming here, it's less for them to worry about, it seems like they are happy to let them come here, rather than deal with it.

Well NO, I care little if the French like us or not, these immigrants are breaking the law in France, FACT, the French are seemingly doing little to stop it, FACT, it is costing the UK haulage industry Millions every day, and not just us, what about those countries exporting to the UK, they are being hit too, it is about time that fines and compensation should be awarded to the British drivers and companies that are out of pocket.

But it is not just the drivers and associated companies, what about the high street businesses, the shops that can not get their stock, like fresh flowers, our local news had a report where shops were having to close because of a lack of stock and refunds having to be given due to no items to supply.

The French need to get of their baguette filled arses and do something about it, because believe me, if they don't, they will continue to invade the tunnel daily, until they either succeed, or there is a lot more deaths, neither will be acceptable.

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Information and links for anyone affected by travel disruption at Calais. This will be updated as the situation develops.

Border controls in France.

Calais situation: 30 July 2015

There is an ongoing possibility of disruption to cross-Channel services as a result of industrial action and migrant activity in and around Calais.

Check online with your chosen operator and plan your journey to avoid disruption

If you are in the UK and have a booking, check online with your operator for more information before you leave and consider making alternative arrangements if necessary.

If you are in returning to the UK from abroad and you have a booking, check online with your operator for more information. You may also wish to consider alternative routes for returning to the UK.

General travel advice

Cross-Channel passengers travelling from Dover/Folkestone to the Port of Calais are advised to check online with their chosen operator and plan their journey to avoid disruption. You may also want to follow local radio for travel updates.

Cross-Channel passengers planning to travel through Calais are advised to check online with their travel operator. Information about alternative routes and operators is available via this interactive map.

If you require emergency assistance, emergency services in France are contacted by dialling 112. If you require assistance from the British Embassy, please contact 00 33 (0)1 44 51 31 00.

Compensation and exchanging tickets

If you need to exchange travel tickets, contact your operator. For advice on compensation and your rights, visit the ABTA website.

Read guidance on EU Regulation 1177/2010, which establishes the rights of all maritime passengers to assistance in the case of delayed or cancelled departures.

Contacts for cross-Channel operators

Dover/Folkestone – Calais/Coquelles cross-Channel operators

DFDS Seaways also operates out of Amsterdam, Dieppe and Dunkirk:

• Twitter @DFDSUKUpdates
• telephone:
  • Calais, Dunkirk and Amsterdam +44 (0) 344 902 0265 and +44 (0) 871 882 1777 for sailing information
  • Dieppe +44 (0) 844 576 8836, INT 0800 650 100 and +44 (0) 844 576 8836 for sailing information

P&O Ferries also operates out of Rotterdam and Zeebrugge:

• Twitter @POferries for ferry updates
• telephone +44 (0) 800 13 0030

Eurotunnel operates from Coquelles:

• Twitter @LeShuttle
• telephone: +44 (0) 8444 63 0000 (24 hour pre-recorded travel information), +44 (0) 8443 35 35 35, +33 (0) 810 63 03 04

Other cross-Channel operators and routes

Details of alternative routes for returning to the UK. Check availability and book ahead before considering travelling to another port of exit.

Brittany Ferries operates out of Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Roscoff, St Malo, Bilbao and Santander:

• Twitter @Brittanyferries
• telephone +44 (0) 1752 648 637

Condor Ferries operates out of St Malo and Cherbourg:

• Twitter @CF_Travel_News
• telephone +44 (0) 1202 207 216, St Malo +44 (0) 825 165 463, Cherbourg +33 (0) 233 88 44 88

Stena operates out of Hook of Holland:

• Twitter @StenalineUK
• telephone +44 (0) 8447 70 70 70

Additional contacts

• Port of Dover, Twitter @Port_of_Dover
• Foreign travel advice: France
• British embassy in Paris

Road traffic information

UK road traffic

• Highways England traffic information or on Twitter: @HighwaysSEAST

France road traffic

• autoroutes.fr
• Bison Fute

What the government is doing (SOD ALL -ATM)

We are working closely with the French government to seek an urgent return of normal services. We have also increased security and Border Force operations at the port.

We continue to closely monitor the situation and will update travel advice accordingly.

The government’s COBR emergency committee has met to discuss the situation in Calais and review implementation of our contingency plans.

Law and order in and around Calais is the responsibility of the French authorities, but the UK continues to work with its French counterparts to strengthen the security of the border to stop migrants entering the UK illegally.

Border Force put its well-rehearsed and practised contingency plans into operation to ensure security is maintained during this period of disruption to cross-Channel services and as they return to normal. 

We have deployed additional Border Force staff and sniffer dogs in northern France as well as bolstering screening checks at Dover for both tourist and freight vehicles. This is on top of already rigorous border controls, which include 100% freight screening at Coquelles and Calais.

The government:

• has agreed to additional funding of up to £7 million towards increasing security at the Channel Tunnel railhead at Coquelles
• is providing funding to bolster the security and infrastructure of ports in northern France and Belgium – this includes a £2 million upgrade of detection technology, a £1 million extension of dog searching capacity and an additional £12 million to reinforce security at the juxtaposed border
• has installed new fencing in Calais to enhance security at the port and help protect traffic on the road leading to it
• has announced there will be a new secure area for freight at Calais port
• is tackling the roots of this problem by increasing joint intelligence work with the French to target the organised crime gangs behind people smuggling
• has granted an exceptional temporary relaxation of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours rules for drivers delayed due to Operation Stack in Kent

More than 39,000 attempts to cross the Channel illegally were prevented in 2014 to 2015 – more than double the previous year.