We get sent a lot of infographics so not all make the cut and land on the blog. However, when your infographic gives us tips on how to recreate some of Top Gear’s great cinematic moments from the episode in which the boys searched for Europe’s greatest driving road, you’re likely to get featured on the blog. The folks over at Select Car Leasing put together a look at some great driving roads in France, Italy, Germany and Norway in a handy infographic.
Europe
F1 European GP: Hometown Hero
For the first time this season, we have a repeat winner. It was only appropriate that the driver who has gotten the most out of his equipment this season and was racing in a home race was the first driver to win two races this year as Fernando Alonso picked up the surprise win. For a race on the streets of Valencia, this race was full of drama with passing and crashing a regular occurrence. The race will also be remembered for Michael Schumacher scoring the first podium of his comeback as he scored a hard-fought third place finish. Continue reading
F1 Power Rankings: European Grand Prix
Over a three race stretch, the 2012 Formula One World Championship went from the historic street circuit in Monaco to the exciting and unpredictable street circuit in Montreal to the dreadfully boring streets of Valencia for the European Grand Prix. The streets around Valencia’s harbour and America’s Cup port were probably selected to mimic the harbour atmosphere of Monaco. Unfortunately, Monaco is a challenging and historic track. Valencia is boring enough to help even the worst insomniac. Perhaps the combination of Pirelli tyres and DRS could save this race. Continue reading
F1 Power Rankings: European Grand Prix
It’s back to Europe for the summer stretch of the Formula One World Championship. The European Grand Prix held around the streets of the harbour of Valencia is the fourth-to-last race before the annual summer break. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the worst races on the calendar. But with the KERS and double DRS zones, maybe there’s hope for this race. And hope is all 23 drivers in the field are clinging to if they think they can beat Sebastian Vettel. Continue reading
Not News of the Week
It’s time for the weirdest and wackiest stories from around the world. It’s time for the Not News of the Week.
Even under intense public scrutiny, Silvio Berlusconi is still a ladies man. As a Christmas gift for the 24 female MPs and 13 female senators from his party, he’s purchased 37 “Italian tricolour” rings which cost $1,900. The rings are made of three bands of yellow, white and pink gold and studded with small diamonds. Silvio is a firm believer in the adage that diamonds are a girl’s best friend because he bought female MPs diamond studded crucifixes last year. As for the male MPs, their presents are still en route. Continue reading
F1 European GP: The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men
It all started so well for the McLaren-Mercedes team at the European Grand Prix. They locked out the front row and would have KERS to guarantee them the lead on a track that is notoriously hard to pass. However, the race results showed a mix of misfortune, mistakes, and strategy rather than just the qualifying results. In the end, it was Rubens Barrichello using a mix of strategy and taking advantage of mistakes to pick up his first win in five years. The race did show the continued improvement of McLaren and Ferrari. And, of course, there is all the silly season news and rumours that are kicking about with drivers trying desperately to find a ride for next season. Continue reading
The Lowdown 