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Race recap: 2016 Belgian Grand Prix is a dozen angry laps

The calm of the Formula One summer break ended with the tumult of the Belgian Grand Prix. The first two days included unusual tire pressures and grid penalties; Mercedes-AMG Petronas' Lewis Hamilton started 21st because of a 55-place grid penalty for engine and gearbox changes, McLaren's Fernando Alonso started 22nd due to a 60-place penalty for the same offenses. The bedlam rolled right into what was effectively an 11-or 12-lap race. Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg took off from pole and the cameras barely bothered with him until he took the checkered flag 44 laps later. Red Bull's Max Verstappen bogged from second on the grid, got swallowed by Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen on the way to Turn 1, then attempted to recover by sticking his Red Bull's nose between Raikkonen's sidepod and the apex at the first corner. Vettel, who didn't see Verstappen, turned into La Source leaving only enough room for Raikkonen. Three cars don't fit in a space for two cars. Vettel spun, Raikkonen and Verstappen clobbered one another and all three drivers had to pit for repairs. Force India's Nico Hulkenberg zig-zagged his way into second ahead of Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, Williams' Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio Perez in the second Force India. On Lap 6 Kevin Magnussen lost his Renault at Raidillon at the top of Eau Rouge and flew backward into an enormous crash. Magnussen escaped with just a cut ankle. The Safety Car paraded the field for four laps before officials red flagged the race to repair the barriers. When racing resumed on Lap 10, Rosberg led Ricciardo, Hulkenberg, Alonso, and Hamilton. Ricciardo stayed ahead of Hamilton to keep second place at the end of the race, Hamilton easily got around Alonso and Hulkenberg to lock up third. Hulkenberg – who'd given up second to Ricciardo by pitting during the Safety Car period – earned another career-best fourth position ahead of teammate Perez in fifth, followed by Vettel and Alonso on recovery drives, Bottas, Raikkonen, and Felipe Massa taking 10th in the second Williams. Rosberg reignited his Driver's Championship charge with the victory, closing to nine points of leader Hamilton. We could argue that Hamilton had an equally good day by driving from 21st to third, limiting his loss to only 10 points. About that Verstappen, though... We've seen far more experienced drivers attempt the same move Verstappen made into Turn 1 – Raikkonen on Bottas in Russia in 2015, for instance.

Honda recalls 250K vehicles because connecting rod bearings can fail

DETROIT — Honda is recalling nearly 250,000 vehicles in the U.S. because bearings can fail, causing the engines to stall and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall covers certain 2018 and 2019 Honda Pilot SUVs and Odyssey minivans and some 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline pickup trucks. Also affected are certain 2015 to 2020 Acura TLX cars and some 2016 to 2020 Acura MDX SUVs. Honda says in documents posted Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that connecting rod bearings in the engine can wear and seize due to a manufacturing error, damaging the engines. The engines could run improperly or stall while being driven, increasing the risk of a fire, crash or injury. The automaker says in documents that it has 1,450 warranty claims due to the problem but no reports of injuries. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the engines if needed. Owners will be notified by mail starting Jan. 2. Recalls Acura Honda

Honda worker dies in forklift accident at Ohio R&D complex

Ghouse Gulam, a contract worker at the Honda R&D Americas complex in Raymond, OH, died January 4 after being hit by a forklift and suffering a skull fracture. Union County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Michael Justice tells Autoblog that this is still an open investigation, but there are no pending charges. He said it could be about three months for the authorities to make a final determination until the coroner's report is complete. According to Automotive News, the accident happened between two buildings on the site's campus, and the forklift was carrying an empty trash bin when it struck Gulam. A media release (as a PDF) from the Union County Sheriff's Office showed that police responded at 6:01 AM. Justice would not reveal the name of the driver, but said that the person had retained legal council. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration also opened an investigation, according to AN. In a statement (in full below), Honda expressed sympathy to Gulam's family. "Associates of Honda R&D Americas are deeply saddened and extend heartfelt sympathy and condolences to family members, friends and colleagues." On Monday, January 4, 2016, at approximately 6:00 a.m. Ghouse Gulam, a contract worker at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Raymond, Ohio, was injured in an accident involving a forklift driven by another contract worker. On-site emergency personnel responded immediately to the incident, followed by emergency responders from the Raymond, Ohio based Liberty Township Fire Department. Mr. Gulam was transported by Liberty Township Fire to Memorial Hospital of Union County where he later passed away. Mr. Gulam, 61, was a resident of Livonia, Michigan. Local law enforcement officials were notified of the incident. With respect for the privacy of Mr. Gulam and his family, no additional details will be provided. Associates of Honda R&D Americas are deeply saddened and extend heartfelt sympathy and condolences to family members, friends and colleagues.