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Button blasts noise detractors

JENSON BUTTON has delivered a damning response to any Formula One driver bemoaning the sport's current lack of noise. The piercing scream of the old 2.4-litre V8 engines has been replaced by the more textural sound of the new 1.6-litre V6 turbo-charged power units, and it has caused a considerable furore. Following the Australian Grand Prix race chairman Ron Walker was left fuming, suggesting he had grounds for a lawsuit as he felt the lack of sound compromised his contract with Bernie Ecclestone.

Mini to return to the WRC in 2011 with 4x4

Mini is back in rallying, more than 50 years after it ruled the roost at Monte Carlo and beyond, giving a huge shot in the arm to the World Rally Championship. In typically audacious style BMW has announced it will campaign the Countryman SUV rather than the standard Mini, starting with selected WRC rounds in 2011 followed by the entire 2012 season.It’s also a return to WRC for Banbury-based Prodrive, the outfit behind Subaru’s legendary WRC success, who will develop the car and run the team. Prodrive last campaigned in the 2008 season, and have been developing the Countryman since early 2009.

Lotus Group CEO Dany Bahar suspended, facing investigation

Lotus Group chief executive officer Dany Bahar has been suspended and is facing an investigation following an undisclosed conduct complaint. While there is no official word on the nature of the complaint against Bahar, the The Daily Telegraph reports that it might be related to expenses claimed by Bahar or a legal dispute surrounding renovations on one of two Norwich, England, rental homes paid for by Lotus. Bahar's suspension has heightened the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Lotus Group.