Chilton's 6696 Ford Mercury Lincoln Mid-size 1971-85 on 2040-parts.com

Partners make the perfect co-driver

CELEBRITY heart-throbs such as George Clooney and Cheryl Cole have come second-best in a recent survey of drivers who were asked for their perfect partner on a long road trip. Six out of 10 drivers in the UK said they would choose their regular partner, whether that person is their husband, wife, friend or workmate, 61% of drivers asked said they would prefer their usual driving buddy to George Clooney or Cheryl Cole. Surprisingly, 11% of drivers surveyed by Halfords said they would be happiest with just a satellite navigation system for company on a long road trip.

Aston Martin dealer toasts record March

ASTON MARTIN Works is raising a glass this month after a record March that saw its best monthly sales results yet. The special showroom for the iconic British firm saw the extreme V12 Vantage S and the extremely beautiful Vanquish Volante lead the way in sales, with well-to-do buyers racing to place orders for the earliest deliveries of the two newest Astons. Based at the historic home of Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, Aston Martin Works has for almost 60 years been home to either the factory or, more recently, the brand’s specialist heritage, restoration and servicing operations.

Vettel wins for Red Bull in Japan

Vettel wins for Red Bull in Suzuka (Image: Getty) The start grid was not what we expected after Q3 on Saturday, after a raft of speeding under a yellow flag penalties were handed out to the drivers in Q3, resulting in Button starting 10th on the grid. And the race didn’t get a lot better for Button, ending up in eighth place with just one point, a place behind team mate Rubens Barrichello who finished in seventh. But the day belonged to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel who was in control from start to finish, picking up ten points and keeping alive his championship hopes.