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Fisker, Energy Department face tough Congressional hearing on federal loans

Struggling Fisker Automotive took a bludgeoning Wednesday on Capitol Hill from top congressional Republicans who compared Fisker to failed automotive startups of the past and lambasted the Department of Energy for allowing the electric-car producer to draw down nearly $200 million in taxpayer-funded loans. House Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., told Fisker founder Henrik Fisker that he will be remembered fondly for his design work for BMW and Aston Martin. But he compared Fisker to Malcolm Bricklin, John DeLorean and Preston Tucker -- three entrepreneurs known for their failed startup car companies.

VW’s Sebastien Ogier wins 2013 World Rally Championship

By Ollie Kew Motor Industry 04 October 2013 11:00 The World Rally Championship has its first new champion in nearly a decade – and wouldn’t you know it, this one’s called Sebastien too. Taking over the mantle from unbeatable Frenchman Sebastien Loeb is his fellow countryman Sebastien Ogier, driving for VW rather than Loeb’s dominating Citroen World Rally Team. Loeb chose to compete in ‘selected events’ in 2013, opting to race in the Monte Carlo, Sweden and Argentina and France events.

Kimi may quit again

KIMI RAIKKONEN has revealed he will likely quit Formula One again once his current deal with Ferrari expires at the end of 2015. Raikkonen dropped the bombshell at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix this weekend, and just eight races into his second coming at Ferrari which has so far been a bitter disappointment. Struggling with a car not to his liking, the hotly-anticipated scrap with team-mate Fernando Alonso has failed to materialise as the Spaniard has comfortably out-qualified and out-raced the Finn.