Sebastian Vettel is set to kick off his Formula One campaign with Aston Martin on Sunday, however, he will start from the back of the field after being handed a five-place grid drop and three penalty points at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

According to Stewards, Vettel failed to respect double yellow warning flags at turn one in Saturday's qualifying. Former Ferrari, who qualified at 18th was dropped to last due to the penalty.&nbsp;

"He (Vettel) explained to the Stewards that he saw the smoke ahead of him, but was unsure if it was a lock-up or a stopped car until he was quite close to the car and the smoke was lifting," they added.

"The driver would have received a warning on his dash and the team should have been able to see that the sector had been a double yellow and could have advised the driver as other teams did.

"While the argument that the driver was already inside the sector when it went double yellow evokes sympathy, the Stewards feel it is important to note that he was approaching an incident visible ahead of him."

The 33-year-old German joined Aston Martin to get back to winning ways after a disappointing stint with Ferrari.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Reuters)

Sebastian Vettel is set to kick off his Formula One campaign with Aston Martin on Sunday, however, he will start from the back of the field after being handed a five-place grid drop and three penalty points at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel is set to kick off his Formula One campaign with Aston Martin on Sunday, however, he will start from the back of the field after being handed a five-place grid drop and three penalty points at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. According to Stewards, Vettel failed to respect double yellow warning flags at turn one in Saturday's qualifying. Former Ferrari, who qualified at 18th was dropped to last due to the penalty. "He (Vettel) explained to the Stewards that he saw the smoke ahead of him, but was unsure if it was a lock-up or a stopped car until he was quite close to the car and the smoke was lifting," they added. "The driver would have received a warning on his dash and the team should have been able to see that the sector had been a double yellow and could have advised the driver as other teams did. "While the argument that the driver was already inside the sector when it went double yellow evokes sympathy, the Stewards feel it is important to note that he was approaching an incident visible ahead of him." The 33-year-old German joined Aston Martin to get back to winning ways after a disappointing stint with Ferrari. (Inputs from Reuters)

Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel to kick-off F1 season with grid drop and penalty points

Aston Martin has returned to Formula One as a constructor for the first time since 1960 and has unveiled their first car for the upcoming season.&nbsp;

Formerly known as Racing Point, Aston Martin unveiled their F1 car alongside drivers Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll on Wednesday.

Lawrence Stroll, the owner of the Formula One team, said that he is in the business to win. "Like every other business I’ve owned, I’m here to win," he declared.

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The Canadian billionaire, who made his fortune in fashion, told Reuters the introduction of a budget cap this season and a fairer distribution of revenues could make the dream come true.

"If (F1 owners) Liberty had not brought in the rules of the new budget cap, and the new cash distribution, I would never have made the investment and acquired a Formula One team," he said.

"With this new budget cap, it makes these teams profitable. We’re all playing on a level playing field, it’s not that two or three teams are outspending and therefore more competitive."

Aston Martin has returned to Formula One as a constructor for the first time since 1960 and has unveiled their first car for the upcoming season. Formerly known as Racing Point, Aston Martin unveiled their F1 car alongside drivers Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll on Wednesday.

Aston Martin has returned to Formula One as a constructor for the first time since 1960 and has unveiled their first car for the upcoming season. Formerly known as Racing Point, Aston Martin unveiled their F1 car alongside drivers Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll on Wednesday. Lawrence Stroll, the owner of the Formula One team, said that he is in the business to win. "Like every other business I’ve owned, I’m here to win," he declared. × The Canadian billionaire, who made his fortune in fashion, told Reuters the introduction of a budget cap this season and a fairer distribution of revenues could make the dream come true. "If (F1 owners) Liberty had not brought in the rules of the new budget cap, and the new cash distribution, I would never have made the investment and acquired a Formula One team," he said. "With this new budget cap, it makes these teams profitable. We’re all playing on a level playing field, it’s not that two or three teams are outspending and therefore more competitive."

WATCH| Aston Martin unveil first Formula One car since 1960

Aston Martin unveiled their first F1 car since 1960 for the upcoming season alongside drivers Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll on Wednesday (March 3).

Aston Martin unveiled new F1 car

Machine Gun Kelly's stolen car worth $200K has been found. According to TMZ, the singer's purple Aston Martin which was stolen last week has been recovered by&nbsp;Los Angeles police.

Interestingly, Jeff Lewis was the person to leak the news to the world, having heard so from the singer's next-door neighbour. According to Jeff, the new owner wanted to know if he was aware of any security cameras that may have captured the thief or thieves. In the end, the police didn't need security cameras to get the car back.

TMZ says that police were on routine patrol when they saw someone drive by in the car. In that very moment, the police were unable to chase the car. However, they later searched the area and found the car abandoned in a home's driveway. The engine was still running and the car was in good shape.&nbsp;

Police weren't able to arrest the suspects, as they were gone by the time authorities came on the scene. Aston Martin's are incredibly expensive, as the average cost is $200,00, but the prices can range upwards of over one million dollars, as in the case of the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

&nbsp;

Machine Gun Kelly's stolen car worth $200K has been found. According to TMZ, the singer's purple Aston Martin which was stolen last week has been recovered by Los Angeles police.

Machine Gun Kelly's stolen car worth $200K has been found. According to TMZ, the singer's purple Aston Martin which was stolen last week has been recovered by Los Angeles police. Interestingly, Jeff Lewis was the person to leak the news to the world, having heard so from the singer's next-door neighbour. According to Jeff, the new owner wanted to know if he was aware of any security cameras that may have captured the thief or thieves. In the end, the police didn't need security cameras to get the car back. TMZ says that police were on routine patrol when they saw someone drive by in the car. In that very moment, the police were unable to chase the car. However, they later searched the area and found the car abandoned in a home's driveway. The engine was still running and the car was in good shape. Police weren't able to arrest the suspects, as they were gone by the time authorities came on the scene. Aston Martin's are incredibly expensive, as the average cost is $200,00, but the prices can range upwards of over one million dollars, as in the case of the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Machine Gun Kelly's stolen $200K Aston Martin found by LA Police

British luxury car maker Aston Martin AML.L is testing investor appetite for risky assets days before the U.S. election with a 840-million-pound ($1.1 billion) junk bond sale, one of the largest deals of its kind in Europe this year.

Aston Martin tests skittish market with $1 billion junk bond sale

Sergio Perez was given only a few hours notice that he was to be replaced at Racing Point next year by Sebastian Vettel, the Mexican driver said on Thursday.

Perez, who had a contract for 2021 and believed the team wanted him to stay, learned his fate during a phone call from team owner Lawrence Stroll on Wednesday, shortly before his departure was confirmed.&nbsp;

The Canadian billionaire told him the team was going "in another direction".

"I didn't expect that. It is how it is," Perez told a news conference on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Tuscan Grand Prix.

Until then, said Perez, "nobody told me anything".

Perez announced his exit, after seven years with the Silverstone-based team, on social media later Wednesday and Vettel was confirmed as joining on a multi-year contract starting in 2021, with the re-branding of the team as Aston Martin, on Thursday morning.

"Nobody told me anything, but I already knew and figured out a couple of things," said Perez.&nbsp;

"Final confirmation came yesterday. It's fine. Seven years with the team -- I know everything has a beginning and also an end.&nbsp;

"We still have nine races to make each other proud."

Only four weeks ago at the Spanish Grand Prix, Perez quashed speculation that he was to be replaced by four-time champion Vettel.&nbsp;

He felt it was only a "matter of time" before the team confirmed in public the feedback he was being given about him continuing with them in 2021.

"That was the feedback that I was getting, that the team wanted to keep me and so on," he explained. &nbsp;

"There were some discussions in the background, about contracts and so on, that I'm not willing to disclose because I think those things should remain between the team and myself.

"There were a couple of things in the contract that we went through…. &nbsp;In the end, they officially told me yesterday that I'm not continuing."

<h2>- 'I understand it' -</h2>

Perez signed a three-year agreement last season and had a contract for 2021, which together with the team's apparent desire to keep him persuaded him not to seek any alternatives.

He was reluctant to criticise Racing Point's handling of the situation too forcefully but suggested that he could have been given more clarity.

"I understand it. It's the negotiations going on," he said.&nbsp;

"They probably took longer than I thought… Probably, a bit more clarity would have helped regarding my future as well.

"Then I would have looked for a plan B, which probably wouldn't have changed anything."

Perez, who now has no seat for 2021, said he wants to stay in Formula One next year with a competitive team.

"I think everything is an option right now. My main target is to remain in F1. I feel that I'm still very young and hungry and want to carry on, but it has to be the right package.

"A package that really gives me the maximum motivation to give 100 per cent every single lap and also a long-term project, targeting 2022, because then I expect the rule change to play a major effect."&nbsp;

Sergio Perez was given only a few hours notice that he was to be replaced at Racing Point next year by Sebastian Vettel, the Mexican driver said on Thursday. Perez, who had a contract for 2021 and believed the team wanted him to stay, learned his fate during a phone call from team owner Lawrence Stroll on Wednesday, shortly before his departure was confirmed.

Sergio Perez was given only a few hours notice that he was to be replaced at Racing Point next year by Sebastian Vettel, the Mexican driver said on Thursday. Perez, who had a contract for 2021 and believed the team wanted him to stay, learned his fate during a phone call from team owner Lawrence Stroll on Wednesday, shortly before his departure was confirmed. The Canadian billionaire told him the team was going "in another direction". "I didn't expect that. It is how it is," Perez told a news conference on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Tuscan Grand Prix. Until then, said Perez, "nobody told me anything". Perez announced his exit, after seven years with the Silverstone-based team, on social media later Wednesday and Vettel was confirmed as joining on a multi-year contract starting in 2021, with the re-branding of the team as Aston Martin, on Thursday morning. "Nobody told me anything, but I already knew and figured out a couple of things," said Perez. "Final confirmation came yesterday. It's fine. Seven years with the team -- I know everything has a beginning and also an end. "We still have nine races to make each other proud." Only four weeks ago at the Spanish Grand Prix, Perez quashed speculation that he was to be replaced by four-time champion Vettel. He felt it was only a "matter of time" before the team confirmed in public the feedback he was being given about him continuing with them in 2021. "That was the feedback that I was getting, that the team wanted to keep me and so on," he explained. "There were some discussions in the background, about contracts and so on, that I'm not willing to disclose because I think those things should remain between the team and myself. "There were a couple of things in the contract that we went through…. In the end, they officially told me yesterday that I'm not continuing." - 'I understand it' - Perez signed a three-year agreement last season and had a contract for 2021, which together with the team's apparent desire to keep him persuaded him not to seek any alternatives. He was reluctant to criticise Racing Point's handling of the situation too forcefully but suggested that he could have been given more clarity. "I understand it. It's the negotiations going on," he said. "They probably took longer than I thought… Probably, a bit more clarity would have helped regarding my future as well. "Then I would have looked for a plan B, which probably wouldn't have changed anything." Perez, who now has no seat for 2021, said he wants to stay in Formula One next year with a competitive team. "I think everything is an option right now. My main target is to remain in F1. I feel that I'm still very young and hungry and want to carry on, but it has to be the right package. "A package that really gives me the maximum motivation to give 100 per cent every single lap and also a long-term project, targeting 2022, because then I expect the rule change to play a major effect."

'I didn't expect that', says axed Racing Point driver Perez

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aston-martin-built-for-james-bond-heading-to-auction-226695">Aston&nbsp;Martin</a>'s&nbsp;chief&nbsp;financial&nbsp;officer will&nbsp;leave&nbsp;the company following a tumultuous 2019 in which the luxury carmaker's&nbsp;losses&nbsp;ballooned after sales dropped and it drafted in a new investor to help turn around the firm.

The firm, famed for being fictional agent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aston-martin-built-for-james-bond-heading-to-auction-226695">James Bond</a>'s car of choice, posted a 104.3 million-pound&nbsp;pretax loss in 2019 after a 7 per cent&nbsp;decline in core wholesale demand.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-geely-automobile-in-talks-to-buy-stake-in-aston-martin-report-273983">China's Geely automobile in talks to buy stake in Aston Martin: Report</a>

Aston&nbsp;said last month that Canadian billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-perez-to-stay-with-f1-team-racing-point-for-three-more-years-246797">Lawrence Stroll</a> would buy up to 20 per cent&nbsp;of the company and existing shareholders would also inject more cash to stabilise the automaker.

"The big difference between last year and this year is the strength of the balance year," Chief Executive Andy Palmer told Reuters.

"We're in a very different place and have therefore an ability to properly... destock and that means gets the balance right between supply and demand."

The company said Chief&nbsp;Finance&nbsp;Officer Mark Wilson will step down from his role no later than April 30 but that he had not been fired.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aston-martin-built-for-james-bond-heading-to-auction-226695">Aston Martin built for James Bond heading to auction</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-geely-automobile-in-talks-to-buy-stake-in-aston-martin-report-273983">China</a>&nbsp;was a bright spot in its performance last year with sales rising 28 per cent&nbsp;but the company, like the rest of the industry, has seen demand drop due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-severity-shrinks-in-china-as-global-tally-continues-to-rise-282983">coronavirus </a>outbreak.

There has also been some disruption to the supply of certain components but the company said it had not seen any impact on production, with components secured until at least the end of March.

The firm has also delayed plans to electrify its line-up until "no earlier than 2025", and Palmer said the firm would focus on hybrid vehicles in the meantime, starting with the Valhalla model in 2022.

"We've enhanced the deployment of our V6 plug-in hybrid so there is a lot of work going into that technology and it will go across a greater range of cars," said Palmer.

Aston Martin's chief financial officer will leave the company following a tumultuous 2019 in which the luxury carmaker's losses ballooned after sales dropped and it drafted in a new investor to help turn around the firm.

Aston Martin's chief financial officer will leave the company following a tumultuous 2019 in which the luxury carmaker's losses ballooned after sales dropped and it drafted in a new investor to help turn around the firm. The firm, famed for being fictional agent James Bond's car of choice, posted a 104.3 million-pound pretax loss in 2019 after a 7 per cent decline in core wholesale demand. Also read: China's Geely automobile in talks to buy stake in Aston Martin: Report Aston said last month that Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll would buy up to 20 per cent of the company and existing shareholders would also inject more cash to stabilise the automaker. "The big difference between last year and this year is the strength of the balance year," Chief Executive Andy Palmer told Reuters. "We're in a very different place and have therefore an ability to properly... destock and that means gets the balance right between supply and demand." The company said Chief Finance Officer Mark Wilson will step down from his role no later than April 30 but that he had not been fired. Also read: Aston Martin built for James Bond heading to auction China was a bright spot in its performance last year with sales rising 28 per cent but the company, like the rest of the industry, has seen demand drop due to the coronavirus outbreak. There has also been some disruption to the supply of certain components but the company said it had not seen any impact on production, with components secured until at least the end of March. The firm has also delayed plans to electrify its line-up until "no earlier than 2025", and Palmer said the firm would focus on hybrid vehicles in the meantime, starting with the Valhalla model in 2022. "We've enhanced the deployment of our V6 plug-in hybrid so there is a lot of work going into that technology and it will go across a greater range of cars," said Palmer.

Aston Martin's finance boss to leave as losses deepen

The iconic British Aston Martin car may be sold to a Chinese company, according to reports.

China Geely Automobile is in talks with Aston Martin officials to put together a deal, various media reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/aston-martin-launches-first-suv-hopeful-of-a-turnaround-263381">Also Read:&nbsp;Aston Martin launches first SUV, hopeful of a turnaround</a>

A report said the owner of Racing Point Formula One team&nbsp;Lawrence Stroll is also in talks with the car British company, but it could not be confirmed.

After the news became public, Aston Martin shares jumped on Monday rising over two per cent in the London stock exchange.

The car which is famously used in James Bond movies reported third-quarter losses and warned that profits for 2019 would be halved.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aston-martin-built-for-james-bond-heading-to-auction-226695">Read:&nbsp;Aston Martin built for James Bond heading to auction</a>

However, both Aston Martin and &nbsp;Geely Automobile Holding haven't officially confirmed the takeover even as media reports circulated the Chinese company's was conducting due diligence.

Geely chairman Li Shufu has stakes in &nbsp;Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler. Geely also owns Volvo. Daimler owns five per cent stake in Aston Martin.

Last week, the 107-year old British car company had issued a second profit warning over its "very disappointing" sales. The shares of the company went into a tailspin after the profit warning falling nearly 16 per cent.

The iconic British Aston Martin car may be sold to a Chinese company, according to reports. China Geely Automobile is in talks with Aston Martin officials to put together a deal, various media reports said.

The iconic British Aston Martin car may be sold to a Chinese company, according to reports. China Geely Automobile is in talks with Aston Martin officials to put together a deal, various media reports said. Also Read: Aston Martin launches first SUV, hopeful of a turnaround A report said the owner of Racing Point Formula One team Lawrence Stroll is also in talks with the car British company, but it could not be confirmed. After the news became public, Aston Martin shares jumped on Monday rising over two per cent in the London stock exchange. The car which is famously used in James Bond movies reported third-quarter losses and warned that profits for 2019 would be halved. Read: Aston Martin built for James Bond heading to auction However, both Aston Martin and Geely Automobile Holding haven't officially confirmed the takeover even as media reports circulated the Chinese company's was conducting due diligence. Geely chairman Li Shufu has stakes in Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler. Geely also owns Volvo. Daimler owns five per cent stake in Aston Martin. Last week, the 107-year old British car company had issued a second profit warning over its "very disappointing" sales. The shares of the company went into a tailspin after the profit warning falling nearly 16 per cent.

China's Geely automobile in talks to buy stake in Aston Martin: Report

Aston Martin, which has seen its share price plunge this year as sales failed to meet expectations after a stock market flotation, launched its first sport utility vehicle on Wednesday, hoping for a turnaround in fortunes.

The sports car maker, famed for being fictional agent James Bond's car of choice, has gone bankrupt seven times in its 106-year history and has had multiple owners over the last century including Ford.

Now largely owned by Kuwaiti and Italian private equity groups, Aston listed in October last year at 19 pounds per share but that has since plunged by around 75 per cent, hit most recently by falling demand in Europe and for its Vantage model.

The firm, which reported a pre-tax loss of $118 million&nbsp;in the first nine months of the year, has ploughed money into a new factory in Wales which will build the new DBX SUV model from next year.

"We're essentially holding the cost of a complete factory right now without the benefit of the revenues coming in ... so from that point of view of course it's a really important model," Chief Executive Andy Palmer told Reuters earlier this month.

Aston hopes to encourage more women buyers with its new offering and has received input from a female advisory body on the choice of certain features such as separate central arm rests and the design of the glovebox.

The first trial build of the DBX has been completed with production due in the second quarter of 2020 which the company hopes will contribute to a boost to its output, alongside sports cars made at its southern English Gaydon facility.

"If our volumes are slightly north of 6,000 this year, obviously you're adding another ultimately 4 or 5,000 so it's a big chunk of volume for us," said Palmer.

Aston Martin, which has seen its share price plunge this year as sales failed to meet expectations after a stock market flotation, launched its first sport utility vehicle on Wednesday, hoping for a turnaround in fortunes.

Aston Martin, which has seen its share price plunge this year as sales failed to meet expectations after a stock market flotation, launched its first sport utility vehicle on Wednesday, hoping for a turnaround in fortunes. The sports car maker, famed for being fictional agent James Bond's car of choice, has gone bankrupt seven times in its 106-year history and has had multiple owners over the last century including Ford. Now largely owned by Kuwaiti and Italian private equity groups, Aston listed in October last year at 19 pounds per share but that has since plunged by around 75 per cent, hit most recently by falling demand in Europe and for its Vantage model. The firm, which reported a pre-tax loss of $118 million in the first nine months of the year, has ploughed money into a new factory in Wales which will build the new DBX SUV model from next year. "We're essentially holding the cost of a complete factory right now without the benefit of the revenues coming in ... so from that point of view of course it's a really important model," Chief Executive Andy Palmer told Reuters earlier this month. Aston hopes to encourage more women buyers with its new offering and has received input from a female advisory body on the choice of certain features such as separate central arm rests and the design of the glovebox. The first trial build of the DBX has been completed with production due in the second quarter of 2020 which the company hopes will contribute to a boost to its output, alongside sports cars made at its southern English Gaydon facility. "If our volumes are slightly north of 6,000 this year, obviously you're adding another ultimately 4 or 5,000 so it's a big chunk of volume for us," said Palmer.

Aston Martin launches first SUV, hopeful of a turnaround

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has taken a step closer to Formula One this year but her dream of one day competing at the pinnacle of motor racing feels further away than ever.

The Briton, who collected $500,000 for winning the inaugural all-female single-seater title, celebrated her 21st birthday in May with a new role as a development driver for the Williams F1 team.

She is also one of four finalists for the BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, which is co-sponsored by Red Bull's title partners Aston Martin and whose main prize is a Formula One test.

The experience of being on the inside of the Grand Prix paddock has made her realise just how much more she has to do, however.

Asked whether she felt closer to becoming the first female Formula One driver since 1976, she replied: "To be completely honest, further away.

"Not in a bad way, in a really refreshing way, I feel I know what I need to now learn in the next few years. I’m not going to rush that. I’m not going to try and cheat it," Chadwick added.

Those who enquire on social media whether she might replace departing Williams driver Robert Kubica were living in a fantasy world, not only because Chadwick lacks a super licence but also because she is nowhere near ready.

Her world is very different to that of Mercedes' six times world champion Lewis Hamilton, an admired compatriot she has yet to meet.

"I need the time to develop and if I get to Formula One I want to be the best possible driver to make the mark I need to make," said Chadwick.

While the Williams role has been mostly simulator-based, her work has a direct correlation to what happens at the track.

Williams previously had Susie Wolff, now retired and a team principal in the all-electric Formula E series, in a similar role and gave the Scot track time in some Friday practice sessions.

Chadwick indicated she would be pushing for such an opportunity.

"In terms of getting in the car, that’s an ongoing discussion. We’re sort of pushing as hard as we can but we’ll see," she said.

"If we can continue the relationship into next year, and if I can continue to do the best possible job in the sim, then that hopefully gives me a justifiable reason to potentially test the car at a future date."

Chadwick will be back to defend her W Series title next year, hoping to then join the men climbing the motorsport ladder.

"At the moment although the first year and the exposure has been absolutely incredible, I haven’t quite managed to secure the (financial) support to go to, say, FIA F3," she said.

"Hopefully off the back of a strong second year’s campaign... that’s going to give me that opportunity."

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has taken a step closer to Formula One this year but her dream of one day competing at the pinnacle of motor racing feels further away than ever.

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has taken a step closer to Formula One this year but her dream of one day competing at the pinnacle of motor racing feels further away than ever. The Briton, who collected $500,000 for winning the inaugural all-female single-seater title, celebrated her 21st birthday in May with a new role as a development driver for the Williams F1 team. She is also one of four finalists for the BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, which is co-sponsored by Red Bull's title partners Aston Martin and whose main prize is a Formula One test. The experience of being on the inside of the Grand Prix paddock has made her realise just how much more she has to do, however. Asked whether she felt closer to becoming the first female Formula One driver since 1976, she replied: "To be completely honest, further away. "Not in a bad way, in a really refreshing way, I feel I know what I need to now learn in the next few years. I’m not going to rush that. I’m not going to try and cheat it," Chadwick added. Those who enquire on social media whether she might replace departing Williams driver Robert Kubica were living in a fantasy world, not only because Chadwick lacks a super licence but also because she is nowhere near ready. Her world is very different to that of Mercedes' six times world champion Lewis Hamilton, an admired compatriot she has yet to meet. "I need the time to develop and if I get to Formula One I want to be the best possible driver to make the mark I need to make," said Chadwick. While the Williams role has been mostly simulator-based, her work has a direct correlation to what happens at the track. Williams previously had Susie Wolff, now retired and a team principal in the all-electric Formula E series, in a similar role and gave the Scot track time in some Friday practice sessions. Chadwick indicated she would be pushing for such an opportunity. "In terms of getting in the car, that’s an ongoing discussion. We’re sort of pushing as hard as we can but we’ll see," she said. "If we can continue the relationship into next year, and if I can continue to do the best possible job in the sim, then that hopefully gives me a justifiable reason to potentially test the car at a future date." Chadwick will be back to defend her W Series title next year, hoping to then join the men climbing the motorsport ladder. "At the moment although the first year and the exposure has been absolutely incredible, I haven’t quite managed to secure the (financial) support to go to, say, FIA F3," she said. "Hopefully off the back of a strong second year’s campaign... that’s going to give me that opportunity."

Chadwick feels Formula One is further away the closer she gets

A 1965 Aston Martin DB5 outfitted with special gadgets for James Bond, such as tire slashers, machine guns and a bulletproof shield, will go up for auction in August, the auction house announced on Wednesday. 
 
The vehicle painted grey is expected to fetch between $4 million and $6 million, according to a statement from RM Sotheby`s. 
 
The car was never seen in Bond films, but matches the one that '007'&nbsp;- the code number by which Bond was often known - drove in the movies 'Goldfinger,'&nbsp;and 'Thunderball.' 
 
The vehicle was commissioned by filmmaker Eon Productions and used at promotional events for 'Thunderball'&nbsp;in the United States, the auction house said.&nbsp; 
 
It includes 13 modifications created for Bond, including a Browning .30 caliber machine gun in each fender, tire slashers mounted on its wheel hubs and a bulletproof rear screen that can be raised and lowered. 
 
RM Sotheby`s said the Bond modifications had been "properly refurbished to function as originally built," and has had three private owners over 50 years. 
The auction will take place on Aug. 15 in Monterey, California.

A 1965 Aston Martin DB5 outfitted with special gadgets for James Bond, such as tire slashers, machine guns and a bulletproof shield, will go up for auction in August, the auction house announced on Wednesday.

A 1965 Aston Martin DB5 outfitted with special gadgets for James Bond, such as tire slashers, machine guns and a bulletproof shield, will go up for auction in August, the auction house announced on Wednesday. The vehicle painted grey is expected to fetch between $4 million and $6 million, according to a statement from RM Sotheby`s. The car was never seen in Bond films, but matches the one that '007' - the code number by which Bond was often known - drove in the movies 'Goldfinger,' and 'Thunderball.' The vehicle was commissioned by filmmaker Eon Productions and used at promotional events for 'Thunderball' in the United States, the auction house said. It includes 13 modifications created for Bond, including a Browning .30 caliber machine gun in each fender, tire slashers mounted on its wheel hubs and a bulletproof rear screen that can be raised and lowered. RM Sotheby`s said the Bond modifications had been "properly refurbished to function as originally built," and has had three private owners over 50 years. The auction will take place on Aug. 15 in Monterey, California.

Aston Martin built for James Bond heading to auction

The tyres of the Aston Martin Racing team car screech and the engine roars as it leaves the pits on its way back into the race at the Shanghai international circuit, one of China's premier motor racing venues.

This sound is something of a metaphor for the growth of the sport in China, where young and old drivers alike are increasingly itching to make an impression on the track.

One of those is 29-year-old Ryan Liu from Shanghai, who won the China GT4 Championship last year in an Aston Martin Vantage with British co-driver Jack Mitchell.

The result, however, is only a stepping stone for Liu towards his dream of driving at the highest levels, although he is realistic about his chances given his age.

"This is a beautiful dream, for me, as it is for many other people," Liu said. "Whether or not one can get into F1 depends on maximising resources in all areas.

"So this for me is more of a dream (than anything else)."

No Chinese driver has featured in a Formula One race, although Ma Qinghua made a free practice appearance for HRT ahead of the 2012 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

It is a journey which does not come cheap, in a sport which Liu says is notorious for "burning money".

Liu, who funds his passion from his savings as a former analyst with Morgan Stanley and support from his family and sponsors, said it had cost him around five million yuan ($729,288) last year.

About two million yuan is for using the Aston Martin car, of which around 800,000 yuan pays for Mitchell to be his co-driver.

Mitchell, who also won the British GT4 championship in 2018, said he loves racing in China, which established their own GT (Grand Touring) Championship in 2016 as more wealthy Chinese drivers got into the sport, but recognised the standard was different.

"Most of the guys I've raced with in the UK we've been practising since we were seven," the 20-year-old said.

"Whereas a lot of the guys in this championship, the Chinese people ... they are new to it.

"So obviously we've got a lot more experience in that sense... obviously we've been practising since we were seven so at the end of the day it's always practice makes perfect."

KARTING PATHWAY EMERGING

The emergence of go-karting, which is widely seen as the principal route into motor racing, however, is gaining in popularity in China and could drive younger people into the sport.

SD Karting Club in north east Beijing, one of a growing number of clubs in the capital, epitomises the trend.

A year after it opened in 2013, it had only around 10 junior members. Now there are around 500 juniors racing regularly.

One such member, He Wencong, who is 10, began karting aged four after his motorsport-mad father took him along. He now goes up to four times a week and won junior races in Beijing.

"My dream is to one day become a formula racing driver and do everything I can to get to F1," the primary school student said.

His father He Wei, an internet operations technician and a keen go-karter himself, said he would support his son in achieving his goal.

Wei is excited about the growth of the sport in China but thinks a better pathway is needed for local drivers to succeed on the world's biggest motor racing stages.

"We aren't like Italy or Europe where they have professional academies. They'll have professional teams, coaches and engineers or technicians," Wei said.

"But in China in lots of cases everything is spontaneous. For example it could be parents who've started it, or the karting centre who've started it.

"It's very rare to have real, official sponsorship."

The tyres of the Aston Martin Racing team car screech and the engine roars as it leaves the pits on its way back into the race at the Shanghai international circuit, one of China's premier motor racing venues.

The tyres of the Aston Martin Racing team car screech and the engine roars as it leaves the pits on its way back into the race at the Shanghai international circuit, one of China's premier motor racing venues. This sound is something of a metaphor for the growth of the sport in China, where young and old drivers alike are increasingly itching to make an impression on the track. One of those is 29-year-old Ryan Liu from Shanghai, who won the China GT4 Championship last year in an Aston Martin Vantage with British co-driver Jack Mitchell. The result, however, is only a stepping stone for Liu towards his dream of driving at the highest levels, although he is realistic about his chances given his age. "This is a beautiful dream, for me, as it is for many other people," Liu said. "Whether or not one can get into F1 depends on maximising resources in all areas. "So this for me is more of a dream (than anything else)." No Chinese driver has featured in a Formula One race, although Ma Qinghua made a free practice appearance for HRT ahead of the 2012 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. It is a journey which does not come cheap, in a sport which Liu says is notorious for "burning money". Liu, who funds his passion from his savings as a former analyst with Morgan Stanley and support from his family and sponsors, said it had cost him around five million yuan ($729,288) last year. About two million yuan is for using the Aston Martin car, of which around 800,000 yuan pays for Mitchell to be his co-driver. Mitchell, who also won the British GT4 championship in 2018, said he loves racing in China, which established their own GT (Grand Touring) Championship in 2016 as more wealthy Chinese drivers got into the sport, but recognised the standard was different. "Most of the guys I've raced with in the UK we've been practising since we were seven," the 20-year-old said. "Whereas a lot of the guys in this championship, the Chinese people ... they are new to it. "So obviously we've got a lot more experience in that sense... obviously we've been practising since we were seven so at the end of the day it's always practice makes perfect." KARTING PATHWAY EMERGING The emergence of go-karting, which is widely seen as the principal route into motor racing, however, is gaining in popularity in China and could drive younger people into the sport. SD Karting Club in north east Beijing, one of a growing number of clubs in the capital, epitomises the trend. A year after it opened in 2013, it had only around 10 junior members. Now there are around 500 juniors racing regularly. One such member, He Wencong, who is 10, began karting aged four after his motorsport-mad father took him along. He now goes up to four times a week and won junior races in Beijing. "My dream is to one day become a formula racing driver and do everything I can to get to F1," the primary school student said. His father He Wei, an internet operations technician and a keen go-karter himself, said he would support his son in achieving his goal. Wei is excited about the growth of the sport in China but thinks a better pathway is needed for local drivers to succeed on the world's biggest motor racing stages. "We aren't like Italy or Europe where they have professional academies. They'll have professional teams, coaches and engineers or technicians," Wei said. "But in China in lots of cases everything is spontaneous. For example it could be parents who've started it, or the karting centre who've started it. "It's very rare to have real, official sponsorship."

Motor racing: Chinese drivers take baby steps towards F1 dream

New Aston Martin Vantage lands in India

A grid penalty was handed to Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, Toro Rosso drivers France's Pierre Gasly and New Zealand's Brendon Hartley and McLaren's Spaniard Fernando Alonso on Friday ahead of the Russian Formula One Grand Prix over exceeding the engine change limit.

The Formula 1 rules state three engine changes for a single season and those who exceed this limit are penalized by being dropped to the back of the grid, as it is the case for those five drivers.

"But with all five drivers doing so at the same time, the order they will line up on the grid is determined by when those new elements are first used on track," F1 said on its website.

Replacing Alonso in the first free practice, Briton Lando Norris, McLaren's new driver starting from 2019, was the first to do change the engine, allowing the Spaniard to lead Ricciardo, Verstappen, Gasly and Hartley for Sunday's race.

A grid penalty was handed to Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, Toro Rosso drivers France's Pierre Gasly and New Zealand's Brendon Hartley and McLaren's Spaniard Fernando Alonso on Friday ahead of the Russian Formula One Grand Prix over exceeding the engine change limit.

A grid penalty was handed to Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, Toro Rosso drivers France's Pierre Gasly and New Zealand's Brendon Hartley and McLaren's Spaniard Fernando Alonso on Friday ahead of the Russian Formula One Grand Prix over exceeding the engine change limit. The Formula 1 rules state three engine changes for a single season and those who exceed this limit are penalized by being dropped to the back of the grid, as it is the case for those five drivers. "But with all five drivers doing so at the same time, the order they will line up on the grid is determined by when those new elements are first used on track," F1 said on its website. Replacing Alonso in the first free practice, Briton Lando Norris, McLaren's new driver starting from 2019, was the first to do change the engine, allowing the Spaniard to lead Ricciardo, Verstappen, Gasly and Hartley for Sunday's race.

Alonso, Ricciardo, Verstappen handed grid penalty over engine change

The Aston Martin Vanquish owned by James Bond actor Daniel Craig which bears the famous no 007 has sold at auction for $468,500&nbsp;

James Bond as we all know is a fictional character,&nbsp;a man with the great taste for cars in which he likes to drive his&nbsp; Aston Martins. 
 
It was earlier estimated that the limited edition midnight blue 2104 would fetch between $400,000-$600,00.

Both Craig and his wife, actress Rachel Weisz, were on the charity board.

<img alt="zav-001_1.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/zav-001_1.jpg" width="770" /> 
 
All proceeds from the sale will go to The Opportunity Network, a charity helping under-served youths to develop their careers.

The car Aston Martin has a top speed of 183 miles(295 kilometres) per hour, has been a part of the series of James Bond 007 which was created in 2014 to celebrate the firm's 100th anniversary.

Exteriors are made of the lightweight aluminium structure and a motor-inspired carbon-fibre. The hand-crafted interiors included luxury leather, carbon fibre and aluminium.

Craig made a surprise appearance during the auction to encourage a client to bid higher.

The car has been a part of the series of James Bond 007 which was created in 2014 to celebrate the firm's 100th anniversary

The Aston Martin Vanquish owned by James Bond actor Daniel Craig which bears the famous no 007 has sold at auction for $468,500 James Bond as we all know is a fictional character, a man with the great taste for cars in which he likes to drive his Aston Martins. It was earlier estimated that the limited edition midnight blue 2104 would fetch between $400,000-$600,00. Both Craig and his wife, actress Rachel Weisz, were on the charity board. All proceeds from the sale will go to The Opportunity Network, a charity helping under-served youths to develop their careers. The car Aston Martin has a top speed of 183 miles(295 kilometres) per hour, has been a part of the series of James Bond 007 which was created in 2014 to celebrate the firm's 100th anniversary. Exteriors are made of the lightweight aluminium structure and a motor-inspired carbon-fibre. The hand-crafted interiors included luxury leather, carbon fibre and aluminium. Craig made a surprise appearance during the auction to encourage a client to bid higher.

James Bond actor Daniel Craig's  Aston Martin sold at the auction for a whopping amount of  $468,500

BlackBerry is working with at least two automakers to develop a security service that would remotely scan vehicles for computer viruses and tell drivers to pull over if they were in critical danger, according to a financial analyst.

The service, which would also be able to install security patches to an idle car, is being tested by luxury automakers Aston Martin and Range Rover, Macquarie analyst Gus Papageorgiou said in a note to clients.

Auto security is among several areas that BlackBerry is betting on. It is expected to boost its revenue after the Canadian company lost its dominance of the smartphone market to Apple and others over the past decade.

John Wall, the head of BlackBerry&#39;s QNX division, and company spokeswoman Sarah McKinney both declined to comment.

Matthew Clarke, a spokesman for Aston Martin, said in an email he was not aware of the company testing such a product. Representatives with Range Rover&#39;s parent company, Jaguar Land Rover, could not be reached for comment.

The service could be launched as early as next year, generating about $10 a month per vehicle for BlackBerry, according to Papageorgiou, who has followed BlackBerry for more than 15 years.

Vehicles increasingly rely on dozens of computers that connect to each other as well as the internet, mobile networks and Bluetooth communications systems that make them vulnerable to remote hacks.

&quot;Although a connected, more software-centric automobile offers tremendous advantages to consumers, it also opens the doors to hackers,&quot; Papageorgiou wrote in his note.

Automakers&#39; interest in cyber security has risen dramatically since 2015, when two hacking experts uncovered vulnerabilities in Fiat Chrysler vehicles that led to a US&nbsp;recall of 1.4 million autos.

(Reuters)

The service could be launched as early as next year, generating about $10 a month per vehicle for BlackBerry

BlackBerry is working with at least two automakers to develop a security service that would remotely scan vehicles for computer viruses and tell drivers to pull over if they were in critical danger, according to a financial analyst. The service, which would also be able to install security patches to an idle car, is being tested by luxury automakers Aston Martin and Range Rover, Macquarie analyst Gus Papageorgiou said in a note to clients. Auto security is among several areas that BlackBerry is betting on. It is expected to boost its revenue after the Canadian company lost its dominance of the smartphone market to Apple and others over the past decade. John Wall, the head of BlackBerry's QNX division, and company spokeswoman Sarah McKinney both declined to comment. Matthew Clarke, a spokesman for Aston Martin, said in an email he was not aware of the company testing such a product. Representatives with Range Rover's parent company, Jaguar Land Rover, could not be reached for comment. The service could be launched as early as next year, generating about $10 a month per vehicle for BlackBerry, according to Papageorgiou, who has followed BlackBerry for more than 15 years. Vehicles increasingly rely on dozens of computers that connect to each other as well as the internet, mobile networks and Bluetooth communications systems that make them vulnerable to remote hacks. "Although a connected, more software-centric automobile offers tremendous advantages to consumers, it also opens the doors to hackers," Papageorgiou wrote in his note. Automakers' interest in cyber security has risen dramatically since 2015, when two hacking experts uncovered vulnerabilities in Fiat Chrysler vehicles that led to a US recall of 1.4 million autos. (Reuters)

Is BlackBerry working with automakers on anti-hack tool?

Iconic British luxury car brand Aston Martin is eyeing good growth in the Indian market and plans to launch a new product every nine months, a top company official said.

Aston Martin has been selling cars under the brands Vantage, Rapide and Vanquish in India, as well as the recently launched DB11.

&quot;The market has been fairly stagnant due to harsher economic conditions. However, with the new products coming, we expect real growth in India,&quot; Aston Martin president, Middle East and North Africa, Neil Slade told PTI.

The company recently launched its latest luxury brand DB11, successor to the DB9 launched in 2003.

&quot;The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics, and is powered by a potent in-house designed 5.2 litre turbocharged V12 engine.&quot;

&quot;The Aston Martin DB11 is a fine balance of beauty and performance. We at Aston Martin are proud to showcase this powerhouse to our discerning clientele in India,&quot; he said.

To a query on the sales target for the next two years, he declined to divulge any figures, but said that &quot;with the new products we expect good growth&quot;.

&quot;We will be launching our new products every nine months from now in India,&quot; he said.

The company has been selling between 3,500 - 4,000 units over the last few years. &quot;We expect our stability (in sales) to continue,&quot; he said.

&quot;Our second Century plan is an exciting time for Aston Martin, starting with a complete line up to be released in the coming five years,&quot; he said.

Asked about the growth of premium luxury car segment in India over the last two years, he said, &quot;The market has been fairly stagnant due to harsher economic conditions.&quot;

On import duty for cars not manufactured in India, he said it was punitive and had an impact on sales.

&quot;This is punitive. Of course, it impacts sales potential,&quot; he said.

On the launch of DB11 in the market, which already has stiff competition with the presence of Ferrari and Lamborghini, he said, &quot;No doubt our new products are revolutionary.&quot;

He said their cars have ground breaking technology and beautiful design. &quot;We are an everyday luxury vehicle with emphasis on comfort and style,&quot; he said.

Asked about the target customers for DB11 in India, he said it will be existing high luxury car owners.

&quot;Typically, it may be businessmen in their late 40s or early 50s with children in their late teens, who also enjoy the car.

&quot;There are also others in their early 20s and some in the late 60s who buy our cars for the absolute thrill of owning them,&quot; he said.

On projected sales in India, he said, &quot;It is a small market, but we view it as having great potential in future.&quot;

Majority of sales in India is from metros, he added.

(PTI)

A top company official said the growth in India has been stagnant, but with the launch of new products the company expects real growth

Iconic British luxury car brand Aston Martin is eyeing good growth in the Indian market and plans to launch a new product every nine months, a top company official said. Aston Martin has been selling cars under the brands Vantage, Rapide and Vanquish in India, as well as the recently launched DB11. "The market has been fairly stagnant due to harsher economic conditions. However, with the new products coming, we expect real growth in India," Aston Martin president, Middle East and North Africa, Neil Slade told PTI. The company recently launched its latest luxury brand DB11, successor to the DB9 launched in 2003. "The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics, and is powered by a potent in-house designed 5.2 litre turbocharged V12 engine." "The Aston Martin DB11 is a fine balance of beauty and performance. We at Aston Martin are proud to showcase this powerhouse to our discerning clientele in India," he said. To a query on the sales target for the next two years, he declined to divulge any figures, but said that "with the new products we expect good growth". "We will be launching our new products every nine months from now in India," he said. The company has been selling between 3,500 - 4,000 units over the last few years. "We expect our stability (in sales) to continue," he said. "Our second Century plan is an exciting time for Aston Martin, starting with a complete line up to be released in the coming five years," he said. Asked about the growth of premium luxury car segment in India over the last two years, he said, "The market has been fairly stagnant due to harsher economic conditions." On import duty for cars not manufactured in India, he said it was punitive and had an impact on sales. "This is punitive. Of course, it impacts sales potential," he said. On the launch of DB11 in the market, which already has stiff competition with the presence of Ferrari and Lamborghini, he said, "No doubt our new products are revolutionary." He said their cars have ground breaking technology and beautiful design. "We are an everyday luxury vehicle with emphasis on comfort and style," he said. Asked about the target customers for DB11 in India, he said it will be existing high luxury car owners. "Typically, it may be businessmen in their late 40s or early 50s with children in their late teens, who also enjoy the car. "There are also others in their early 20s and some in the late 60s who buy our cars for the absolute thrill of owning them," he said. On projected sales in India, he said, "It is a small market, but we view it as having great potential in future." Majority of sales in India is from metros, he added. (PTI)

Aston Martin to launch new product every nine months in India

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