The Finn had struggled...
The Finn had struggled to match the pace of team-mate Felipe Massa during pre-season testing, prompting sceptics to wonder if he was the right man for the job. But he took advantage when mechanical problems hit the Brazilian in qualifying, and claimed pole position, then led the Australian Grand Prix from start to finish.
Ford"s MPV was named...
Ford"s MPV was named Auto 1 Champion of Europe at a glittering Geneva gala, which was attended by bosses of all the major marques. The S-MAX made the final after being nominated by Auto Express readers in our poll last November. It then went forward to a European shoot-out against the other top cars in its class, before progressing to the final against five other sector champs.
This took place at the Bridge÷stone Test Track in Rome, Italy, and was conducted by the editors in chief from the Auto Bild group of magazines - including Auto Express - plus technicians and top inter÷na÷tional racing drivers. After the votes were counted, the S-MAX was the clear winner, with Lexus"s hybrid GS450h in second position and the BMW 3-Series Coupé in third.
Ford boss Roelant de Waard also collected a trophy for the S-MAX at the Geneva show from Auto Express editor in chief David Johns on behalf of UK readers.
As well as taking the runners-up spot, the Lexus received an innovation award for its Advanced Obstacle Detec÷tion system.