Welcome to The Grid, R&T's quick roundup of the auto industry and motorsports news you should know this morning.
BMW's German and Austrian facilities searched for evidence of emissions cheating
German state prosecutors have sent 100 police and law enforcement officials to BMW's Munich headquarters, as well as research facilities and an engine manufacturing plant in Steyr, Austria, as part of an investigation into alleged emissions cheating, Automotive News reports. "There is an early suspicion that BMW has used a test bench-related defeat device," prosecutors said in a statement. BMW denies using a "targeted manipulation" of emissions controls, though the automaker recently recalled more than 11,000 vehicles it says had the wrong engine management software installed.
The Australian Grand Prix Gets a Third DRS Zone
This weekend's Formula 1 race in Australia will feature a third DRS zone, WTF1 reports. In addition to the two existing DRS locations on the pit straight and between Turn 2 and 3, FIA has added a third on the short straightaway after the Turn 11-12 chicane. It's the first time the Australian GP has had three DRS zones since the system was first introduced in 2011.
Pastor Maldonado Will Race in WEC LMP2 in 2018-2019
The Venezuelan ex-Formula 1 driver, 33, moves into sports car racing after two years away from racing, Autosport reports, nabbing a seat in DragonSpeed's LMP2 ORECA-Gibson 07 with co-driver Roberto Gonzalez. The announcement of a third driver for the WEC super-season is coming shortly.
Bob Sorokanich previously served as deputy editor of Road & Track Magazine. He is based in New York City.
