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Alonso interview, part 2: He says F1-Indy crossovers boost racing

Fernando Alonso said his racing in this Sunday's Indy 500 spurred great interest in Spain and that other Formula One drivers crossing over would benefit both U.S. racing and Formula One. "I think Formula One needs North America and maybe North America needs more of Formula One than what we currently have," Alonso told Reuters on Tuesday. "I think its a win-win situation," the Spaniard said about the potential impact of more F1 drivers following his example and crossing over between the circuits. Alonso said he understood that interest back home in the Indy 500 had spiked by 800 percent. "For the fans, from what I see now in Spain and Europe, it is amazing the interest in the Indy 500 this year compared to any other year," he said. "Everyone in Spain, they are waiting for May 28 to watch the race. I received many messages from fans in social media saying, 'thanks for showing us this race because I never watched it before and I absolutely love it.'" Alonso also believes U.S. fans will become more intrigued by Formula One as they get to know those drivers. "Hopefully from now on the interest in Formula One in the US will be growing," he said. "We have new owners of Formula One, (U.S.-based) Liberty Media, and I think they have some good plans to build interest here." Alonso decided to skip this week's Monaco Grand Prix, which he has won twice, to try and add the Indy 500 as his second leg to a rare Triple Crown of Motorsport. The Spaniard hopes to emulate Graham Hill, who in 1972 became the first to complete the Formula One championship, Indy and Le Mans 24 Hours collection of titles. "The Triple Crown, I think that's the ultimate goal of any racing driver," said Alonso. "Only one man has achieved that in motor sports and that shows how difficult it is to do that." Alonso said he expects no problem adjusting back to Formula One after his Indy sojourn. "My skills, and my driving techniques are developed in Formula One cars. I think when I get back there it will be an immediate adaptation." With his contract up after this season with the poorly performing McLaren-Honda team, Alonso remained tight-lipped about his future. "After the summer I will consider what are the options out there," he said.Part 1 of this interview: F1 veteran gears up for his rookie run at Indy Reporting by Larry FineRelated Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Drive A McLaren | The List #650

Carmakers, NHTSA to unveil auto-emergency braking agreement tomorrow

Happy St. Patrick's Day Eve. Tomorrow, there will be green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and automatic emergency braking for all. Weird combo, we know. But on St. Patty's we can expect an official announcement from a pact of automakers making auto-braking systems standard equipment by 2022. That's per a report from Reuters, which cites three sources familiar with the plans. Originally announced in September 2015 by 10 automakers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the agreement is expected to be even larger when the details are unveiled tomorrow. According to Reuters, the manufacturers of 99 percent of the US domestic market's vehicles will be represented by the new agreement. It's believed that standard AEB systems could prevent thousands of accidents across the country. Expect more on the official announcement when it's made. Related Video:

Honda to reveal new Civic Coupe in LA

Honda will reveal 2016 Civic Coupe next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The company isn't saying much, but promises the two-door will "showcase even sportier lines" than the sedan that launches this week. The coupe will also feature the same engines as the four-door model, which is powered by either a 2.0-liter inline-four or a 1.5-liter turbo. These will just be the tip of the iceberg in what Honda promises will be "the most diverse and innovative lineup in Civic's 43-year history." Additional variants to follow, including a five-door hatchback, a warmed-up Si model, and a smokin' hot Type R version that will be the first of its kind to be offered in the US. The first sedans will begin arriving at dealers this month, with the coupes to follow in the new year. For now, the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe will be showcased alongside the new Clarity FCV that debuted in Tokyo last month and will be marking its North American debut in LA. Honda to Debut 2016 Civic Coupe and Next-Gen Clarity Fuel Cell at 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Nov 10, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif. - World debut of all-new 2016 Civic Coupe elevates sporty styling and dynamic performance on 10th-generation Honda Civic platform - 2016 Civic Coupe marks next step of ambitious cadence in new Civic lineup - Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle makes North American debut in advance of U.S. launch in 2016 Honda will reveal details on two exciting new expressions of its Clean, Safe, Fun brand values at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show with the world debut of the all-new 2016 Civic Coupe, the second in a line of new 10th-generation Civic models that will be launching over the next 18 months, and the North American debut of the all-new Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan, providing an early look at Honda's next-generation approach to low-carbon mobility, scheduled to launch in the U.S. next year. 2016 Honda Civic Coupe Built on the same athletic Civic platform that underpins the highly anticipated 2016 Civic Sedan that goes on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on November 12, the 2016 Civic Coupe will showcase even sportier lines, with an intimate, high-tech interior and engaging powertrain options to continue Honda's focus on launching the sportiest and most expansive Civic lineup in brand history.