McLaren GT announces Brazilian ex-F1 driver Bruno Senna as a factory driver for the 2015.

McLaren GT is pleased to announce Brazilian ex-Formula 1 driver Bruno Senna as a factory driver for the 2015 season. Senna, 31, joins the McLaren GT factory driver programme alongside Rob Bell, Kevin Estre and Alvaro Parente. His role will involve the on-going development programme for the 650S GT3 and 650S Sprint models, as well as racing in selected events with the new 650S GT3, which makes its competitive debut with McLaren GT customer teams this year.

Senna, nephew of triple Formula 1 world champion Ayrton, has extensive experience of single-seater and endurance racing. A race winner in British Formula 3 and runner up in the 2008 GP2 series, Senna progressed to the pinnacle of the sport racing for three seasons in Formula 1. He raced with McLaren GT in a one-off appearance in the 12C GT3 at the Total 24 Hours of Spa in 2013 for customer team Von Ryan Racing. 

Throughout 2013 and 2014, he took part in the GTE class of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, proving to be one of the fastest GT drivers in the category with numerous poles, wins and podium finishes. Most recently, he has been racing in the pioneering FIA Formula E championship.

Bruno Senna, McLaren GT factory driver

‘It is a great honour for me to be joining McLaren; a team my uncle enjoyed such huge success with, and one of the most famous names in motorsport. 2015 is a big year for the whole of McLaren, and it is an exciting time to be part of everything that is taking place.

‘I am looking forward to working with the team at McLaren GT who I had a chance to get to know when I raced at the Spa 24 hour a couple of years ago, and I am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the new 650S. A lot of effort has gone into the development of the car since the 12C GT3, which I raced, and it made a big impression on its debut at the end of last season. It is shaping up to be a big year ahead.’

Andrew Kirkaldy, Managing Director, McLaren GT:

‘We are extremely pleased to be able to add Bruno to our factory driver line-up, and it is great to have the Senna name back on a McLaren. Our factory drivers are some of the most accomplished and capable on the grid, and Bruno adds further strength to our team. 

At only 31, he has a huge amount of experience, having raced with success in all major international championships including Formula 1, European Le Mans Series, World Endurance Championship and the Blancpain Endurance Series.’

Further details of Senna’s competitive plans for the 2015 season will be announced in the coming weeks.

Jaguar Land Rover supplies new Bond film, SPECTRE, with a host of vehicles.

• Continuing Jaguar Land Rover’s successful involvement with the Bond franchise, Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVRandLand Rover Defender Big Foot to feature in new James Bond movie,SPECTRE
• C-X75 concept vehicles will form part of spectacular chase scene in Rome

Jaguar Land Rover has announced its line-up of vehicles set to feature in SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond adventure, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.  These will include the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and Defender Big Foot, which have been provided by Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations.

The Jaguar C-X75 will feature in a spectacular car chase sequence through Rome alongside the Aston Martin DB10. The C-X75 vehicles used in filming have been built in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering facility in Oxfordshire, England.

Scenes including the heavily modified versions of Land Rover Defender & Range Rover Sport SVR have already been filmed in Austria. The Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest and most powerful Land Rover ever. The highly capable Big Foots were constructed by Special Operations with huge 37-inch diameter off-road tyres to tackle the extreme terrain. They also feature bespoke suspension systems and enhanced body protection.

Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, John Edwards, said: "This is an exciting partnership for Jaguar Land Rover and an opportunity to demonstrate the fantastic capabilities of the Special Operations team.’’

Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles have been involved in a succession of Bond films. Most recently, in 2012, the rugged Defender 110 Double Cab Pick Up was driven by field agent Eve Moneypenny in the opening sequence to SKYFALL.

Renault offers a new sporty look to the Clio, with the GT line look Pack.

• GT Line Look Pack now available for £400
• New wheels, exhaust, bumpers and trim details
• GT Line Look pack available on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav
• £250 parking camera option added to Clio GT Line
• Interior trim changes applied to all Clio models

Dynamique by name, dynamic-looking by nature – that’s the Renault Clio when fitted with the optional new GT Line Look Pack, which is now available on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav versions for a cost of £400.

The GT Line Look Pack adds an even sportier edge through GT Anthracite alloy wheels (16-inch on Dynamique MediaNav and 17-inch on Dynamique S MediaNav), GT front and rear bumpers topped with LED daytime running lights and a single chromed exhaust tailpipe.

There are also Anthracite door mirror casings and protective inserts on the doors, Renaultsport sill kick plates and GT Line badging included in the pack, which is available with the Glacier White, Diamond Black, Flame Red and Mercury paint choices.

The GT Line Look Pack is available on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav with the 90 hp 0.9-litre TCe and 90 hp 1.5 dCi engines.

Some interior trim details have also been changed on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav models, with or without the GT Line look pack. The interior lighting is now a more modern white rather than amber, grey replaces gloss black for the door armrests and handles, and MediaNav or R-Link inserts and air conditioning controls now have a matt chrome rather than a shiny chrome finish.

On Dynamique S MediaNav, GT Line and Renaultsport models the air vent surrounds are also in matt chrome, which has been applied to the air vent handle and gear knob of all Clios. The gear gaiter surround is now grey on Expression and Expression+ versions and gloss black on Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav models, matt chrome dashboard rings become standard across the range and there is a matt chrome handbrake button and interior door handles, plus the steering wheel on models with a leather wheel rim.

A rear parking camera also becomes available on the GT Line model for £250.

All changes are applicable to cars in production now.  

Two new Suzuki bikes launched with pricing and specs.

Suzuki has confirmed pricing for its new Address 110 and Inazuma 250F models, with the economical commuter-targeted machines priced at £1,799 and £3,999 respectively.

The Address 110 defines urban practicality, with its impressive 145MPG* figure, a kerb mass of just 97kg, and over 20 litres of under-seat storage. The stylish new scooter also boasts cutaway footboards, making it easy to stop around town, a rear brake locking system for use when parked, and an ignition cover which aids in security.

Performance comes from a new fuel injection system and redesigned piston skirts, while cast aluminium wheels with hollow cores boost handling capabilities.

The new scooter comes with an RRP of £1,799 while a number of optional accessories are also available, including a top box, hand guards, and tall windscreen.

The Inazuma 250F joins Suzuki's on-road range for 2015, following the success of the naked Inazuma 250 launched at Motorcycle Live 2012.

The new F variant adds a fairing and screen for improved weather protection on longer journeys, all wrapped around an economical 248cc parallel twin capable of 85MPG* while also delivering enough punch for a spirited ride out of town.

The Inazuma 250F is available with an RRP of £3,999. Both the Address 110 and Inazuma 250F are expected in dealers in March.

*Data resulting from tests made by Suzuki in compliance with WMTC. These tests were conducted by a single pilot with no additional optional equipment. Fuel consumption may vary depending on your riding style, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tyre pressure, the presence of accessories, the load, the weight of the crew and many other parameters.

Renault’s new Twingo city car now has a new top-of-the-range model, the Dynamique S TCe 90.v

• Sporty new flagship for Renault’s hot-selling new city car
• Previously optional Sport Pack added as standard
• Exterior styling and interior trim embellishments
• Powered by 90 hp TCe 90 0.9-litre turbo engine
• £12,545 on the road including 4+ warranty and assistance package

Renault’s award-winning new Twingo city car range has been further bolstered by the addition of a new top-of-the-range model, the Dynamique S TCe 90.

It features the previously optional ‘Sport Pack’ of exterior styling and interior trim embellishments as standard, and is powered by the 90 hp 0.9-litre TCe  turbocharged petrol engine fitted to the former top model, the Dynamique TCe 90.

Standard features unique to the Dynamique S include an aluminium pedal set, red/black part leather upholstery and a red interior touch pack. The exterior lines are set off by 16-inch sport diamond-cut alloy wheels, matt black side decals and an exterior touch pack in red, with white as a no-cost option.

The red interior touch pack adds stylish finishing touches to the steering wheel, centre console and air vents, while the exterior touch pack does the same for the front grille insert, door mirrors and side door protectors.

The Dynamique S also comes with LED daytime running lights, front foglamps, electric heated door mirrors, cruise control, a lane departure warning system, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift knob, air conditioning and white instrument backlighting. As with every new Twingo, it has electric power steering, electric front windows, a trip computer and gearchange indicator, a lane-change function for the indicators and automatic activation of the rear screen wiper when reverse gear is selected. 

Practicality is ensured by the unique-in-segment folding front passenger seat and a split-folding two-seat rear bench. The safety equipment includes Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Brake Assist and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

The 0.9-litre TCe turbocharged engine endows the Dynamique S with the performance to match its sporty looks. It develops 90 hp at 5,500 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm – sufficient for 0-62 mph acceleration in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 103 mph. Yet with engine Stop & Start as standard it is also extremely efficient, recording an official 65.7 mpg – and more than 50 mpg in urban city use – with CO₂emissions of just 99 g/km to put it in VED Band A for free Road Fund Licence.

Fuel economy can be improved by up to 10 per cent by making full use of the gearshift indicator, the Renault Driving eco² feature incorporated within the R & GO^®or R-Link connectivity systems and the in-built ECO switch, which alters the throttle mapping and air conditioning power.

Variable Gear Ratio steering is also standard, giving a firmer feel to the leather-rimmed wheel in the straight-ahead position while ensuring a higher steering ratio as the car starts to turn. The result is effortless manoeuvrability in congested cities with great precision when changing direction on open roads.

The Twingo Dynamique S is available in Crystal White, Diamond Black or Flame Red paint colours and is available to order now, with first deliveries expected in April 2015.

It costs £12,545 on the road and comes with the peace of mind of Renault’s 4+ warranty and assistance package. This protects against defects recognised by Renault for four years or 100,000 miles (first two years unlimited). In the event of a breakdown, Renault provides emergency roadside repairs or towing to the nearest dealer 24/7 every day of the year, plus three years’ European cover. There is also a three-year paint warranty and 12 years’ cover against corrosion.

All-inclusive servicing packages are also available for up to four years.

Bentley Motorsport made an impressive debut at the famous Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst, Australia.

• Continental GT3 #10 of Guy Smith, Steven Kane and Matt Bell finish fourth in debut at Bathurst 12 Hours, third in Pro class.
• Car #10 leads for final hour, only losing out with four minutes to go
• Contact in final corner almost spins car, dropping from P2 to P4
• Car #11 runs until final hour, when a drivetrain failure caused by rear-end damage from contact forces retirement

Bentley Motorsport made an impressive debut at the famous Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst, Australia, taking a fourth-place finish after twelve hours of incredibly close racing. The #10 Continental GT3 of the British driving trio of Guy Smith, Steven Kane and Matt Bell drove a strong race to take the lead in the final hour, only to be defeated in the final two laps by the #35 Nissan utilising a Balance of Performance power advantage. Driving the final stint, Matt Bell managed to hold second place until the last corner, when he was forced off line by two bouts of contact from chasing cars, ultimately crossing the line fourth.

The sister #11 car of Andy Soucek, Maximilian Buhk and Harold Primat endured a tougher race, having made progress in the opening hours of the race to climb from P21 on the grid to be racing in the top ten. A series of drive-through penalties cost time, dropping the car down the order, until a failure in the closing hour caused by rear-end contact left the car without drive. However, for new Bentley Boys Andy and Maxi, who will drive together all season, the race was a great opportunity to compete together for the first time alongside the drivers of car #10.

Brian Gush, Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, comments:

“We came to Bathurst to show the pace of the Continental GT3 over one of the toughest endurance races in the word. While we’ll leave here knowing we’ve succeeded in that mission, and proud of finishing in the top five, we also know it could’ve and should’ve been more. The Bentley Boys drove an outstanding race and it’s very tough to see their efforts undone on the closing lap by what appeared to be unsportsmanlike driving.”

Rolf Frech, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Engineering, comments:

“I’m very pleased with the performance that the team has showed today. The pace of the cars, the efficiency of the pit crew and the speed of the drivers bodes well for the season ahead. “

The Story of the Race

The #10 Continental GT3 of Guy Smith, Steven Kane and Matt Bell started the race in P10. Over an opening double stint, Guy climbed to P4 before handing the car to Matt Bell on lap 66. Matt piloted the Continental GT3 all the way to P2 before assuming P1 as cars pitted behind the safety car. A blocked drinks tube combined with increasing cabin temperatures behind the safety car meant that Matt had to pit slightly early as fatigue in the 30°C temperatures set in, and after Steven Kane replaced him the car sat P10.

By lap 105, Steven was up to P8, when a drive-through penalty was awarded for a race restart procedural infringement. Fortunately, Steven maintained his position, and by lap 131 he was up to P3. Guy then started his second stint, driving with precision and outright speed to claim P2 by lap 162. He finished his stint on lap 170, when a rejuvenated Matt Bell (complete with working drinks tube) took the wheel for the second time. His stint was going well until contact with a lapped competitor resulted in an unnecessary and harsh drive-through penalty, which dropped Matt to P6.

However, by the time he stopped on lap 207, Matt had recovered to P2. Steven’s second stint started behind the safety car in P6 after the stop, but by lap 230 Steven had retaken the lead as other cars made their pit visits. He held the lead until giving the car back to Matt Bell on lap 242, who rejoined P3 and then made his way to the lead of the race as others made their final pit stops. 

Two safety car in the closing minutes added to the tension as the race clock counted down, and while Matt held the lead during the first race restart, at the second restart the more powerful #35 Nissan took the lead. Matt showed great skill in maintaining second place until the last corner, when a fight for third place between the #15 Audi and #97 Aston Martin resulted in Matt being forced off line and almost in to a spin, ultimately finishing fourth.

Maximilian Buhk, Andy Soucek and Harold Primat started from P21 on the grid in the sister #11 Continental GT3. It was Maxi who started the race, finding space in the opening laps to climb 11 places to P10. He handed over to Harold Primat on lap 29, who then faced a challenging stint that involved two drive-through penalties following race restart infractions and a spin after light contact with a backmarker. 

At the end of his two-hour driving session, Harold pitted from P21, so that Andy Soucek could start a recovery. From lap 81 to lap 143, Andy climbed eight places to P13, before handing back to Harold, who drove a short stint until lap 170 when Maxi Buhk rejoined the race after a driver change in P12.

On lap 207, Andy Soucek took charge of the #11 car once again, continuing in P12 until a stop on lap 229 for a brake pad change. He emerged from the pits in P16 and then handed the car to Maxi Buhk on lap 244. Maxi continued to push hard until lap 253, when a failure in the drivetrain caused by damage to the rear of the car from earlier contact left the car stranded and forced an unhappy retirement.

Driver Quotes

Guy Smith, car #10: “This race has got to be one of the most exciting of my career. It wasn’t like an endurance race – it was more like a 12-hour sprint. I’m really pleased with our pace and how strong our car was today, but ultimately we couldn’t quite hold on for the win. We know we should’ve finished second, but unfortunately racing isn’t always fair. We’ve learnt so much this weekend and will make sure we’re even stronger for the start of our European season at Monza.”

Steven Kane, car #10: “We came here with an ambition to race hard and well, and we certainly did that today. We got the setup of our car right and showed great pace throughout the 12 hours, and to finish such a race less than four seconds from the winner is no mean feat. Matt was phenomenal in the last hour to hold on for as long as he did, and the third-in-class trophy is a small consolation. We can use what we’ve learnt here to help with our Blancpain campaign this year, and we can’t wait to get started.”

Matt Bell, car #10: “It was amazing to come here with Bentley and we put on a great show. This was my first race in the Continental GT3 and I’m thoroughly impressed with the car that Bentley Team M-Sport has developed. Guy and Steven were amazing throughout the race, and put me in a position where I could battle right to the last corner. It’s a shame we couldn’t have a clean race finish, but I as a driver and we as a team are rightly proud of our performance.”

Maximilian Buhk, car #11: “This was a real rollercoaster of a race for us. We started strongly and made up so many places, getting in to the top ten, but the penalties dropped us down the order again. I was still enjoying the race in the top 20 when we had a failure and the car lost drive. These things happen, but we leave here knowing that we have a very fast car – so the season ahead looks good.”

Andy Soucek, car #11: “The weekend has been tough and we were obviously hoping for a better result. However, there are a lot of positives to take from here – we arrived at a new circuit for the car, adapted quickly, and had really good pace. That gives me confidence for the season and I’m really looking to getting started with the Blancpain Endurance Series.”

Harold Primat, car #11: “This has been a really mixed race weekend for me. I’ve enjoyed working with the Bentley team and getting to know the Continental GT3, but some driving mistakes meant I had a really difficult first stint. We regrouped as a team really well and got back on the pace, and I was much happier with my second stint. Overall it was a good experience with the new race car and we can take away knowledge for my season with Bentley Team HTP in Europe.”

Race Result – Top 10

	Team	Car	Drivers	Gap	Fastest lap
1	NISMO Athlete Global Team	#35 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3	K. Chiyo / W. Reip / F. Strauss	0	2:03.9769
2	Phoenix Racing	#15 Audi R8-LMS Ultra	L. Vanthoor / M. Mapelli / M. Winkelhock	2.4529	2:03.3091
3	Craft Bamboo Racing	#97 Aston Martin Vantage GT3	S. Mucke / A. MacDowell / D. O’YOung	2.8016	2:04.4514
4	Bentley Team M-Sport	#10 Bentley Continental GT3	M.Bell / G. Smith / S.Kane	3.7821	2:05.1808
5	Erebus Motorsport	#36 Mercedes SLS AMG GT3	J. LeBrocq / R. Muscat / D. Canto	3.9430	2:04.5607
6	Vicious Rumour Racing	#49 Ferrari F458 Italia GT3	A. Montermini /	1 lap	2:05.5603
7	JBS Australia	#32 Lamborghini LP 560	D. Russell / S. Owen / R. Lago	1 lap	2:04.8101
8	Clearwater Racing	#33 Ferrari F458 Italia GT3	T.Vilander / M. Griffin  / M.W. Sun	1 lap	2:04.8706
9	Phoenix Racing	#16 Audi R8-LMS Ultra	S. Ortelli / C. Haase / F. Baumgartner	1 lap	2:05.0164
10	Hallmarc / Network Clothing	#9 Audi R8-LMS Ultra	C. Mies / M. Eddy / M. Cini	2 laps	2:05.0948
DNF	#11 Bentley Team M-Sport	#11 Bentley Continental GT3	M. Buhk / A. Soucek / H. Primat	N/A	2:05.1746