Intermot 2014: New BMW S1000RR unveiled

BMW HAS just unveiled its revised 2015 S1000RR, with power up 6hp to 199hp and weight down 4kg to 204kg fully fuelled.

The German firm's flagship sports bike has been given a lighter frame and chassis geometry tweaks aimed at improving handling and feedback.

Torque has been increased at over 5,000rpm, with a peak of 83lbft and a 'wide torque plateau' between 9,500 and 12,000rpm, according to BMW.

Styling has been updated, with new bodywork and the trademark asymmetrical headlights swapped around to make it 'recognisable as new at first glance'.

Three-mode traction control and race ABS are standard. A further two riding modes and BMW's Dynamic Damping Control semi-active suspension, previously found on the high-spec HP4 version, are available as an option.

The optional extra electronics package also includes 'launch control' for 'flawless racing starts', plus a pit-lane speed limiter.

Other options include cruise control, a first for a superbike according to BMW.

The new S1000RR comes in red and white, metallic black or 'BMW Motorsport' colours.

BMW's release said:

'The new BMW S 1000 RR – the ultimate sports companion.

The new BMW S 1000 RR is receiving its world premiere at the Intermot 2014 motorcycle fair. With refined torque delivery and peak torque of 113 Nm (83 lb-ft), an increase in engine output of 4 kW (6 hp) to 146 kW (199 hp), plus a reduction in weight of 4 kg to 204 kg with a full tank of fuel and Race ABS (making allowances for equipment), the superbike that first debuted in 2009 is entering a new generation. Besides eliciting even sharper performance from the new S 1000 RR, particular attention was also paid to designing the bike to be even more rider-friendly. Whether it is used for everyday riding, flitting through bends on country roads or being put through its paces on the race track – the new S 1000 RR excels in every respect.

Optimised drivetrain for even greater performance and rideability.

The enhanced performance of the new RR in terms of drive power can be attributed to the re-engineered cylinder head with new duct geometry, new intake camshaft and even lighter intake valves. Furthermore, an airbox with a modified capacity combines with an intake system with shorter intake lengths to make mixture preparation more effective than ever and give the new S 1000 RR added punch. A further key contributing factor to the improvement in power and torque characteristics is the new exhaust system, which now dispenses with a front silencer and weighs around 3 kg lighter. Rideability and response from standstill both benefit from an increase in torque upwards of approx. 5,000 rpm, a more linear torque curve, as well as a wide torque plateau that allows the rider to summon up almost maximum pulling power between 9,500 (112 Nm) and 12,000 rpm (113 Nm / 83 lb-ft).

New frame structure and chassis geometry for superior riding precision and even better handling. Further improved Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) from the HP4 as an ex-works option.

Chassis-wise, the new RR has been honed with the introduction of a new, lighter frame structure offering an optimised blend of rigidity and flexibility. Together with the optimised chassis geometry featuring redefined values for the steering head angle, wheel castor, wheelbase and swingarm pivot point, it promises even better handling, increased traction and unequivocal feedback, particularly when riding at the limit. The tasks of wheel suspension and damping continue to be performed by fully adjustable spring elements, but with modified negative spring travel for more banking clearance and greater agility. As a factory-fitted option, the new S 1000 RR can also be specified with the new improved version of the electronically controlled Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) suspension – already familiar from the HP4 – that provides the basis for a chassis set-up with absolutely no compromises.

Three riding modes as standard, plus two more available for fine- tuned adjustment by opting for the Pro riding mode feature.

To enable optimum adaptation to the prevailing riding conditions, the new RR bike already comes with three riding modes as standard: “Rain”, “Sport” and “Race”. If the Pro riding mode option is selected, these can be supplemented by the two additional modes “Slick” and “User”. The Pro riding mode option also features Launch Control for flawless racing starts as well as the programmable pit-lane speed limiter for sticking exactly to the pit-lane speed limit. When this feature is activated, it has the additional effect of producing the impressive soundtrack familiar from the world of motorcycle racing. The HP Gear Shift Assist Pro, which can likewise be ordered as an ex-works option, enables lightning-fast clutchless upshifting and downshifting.

Refined control system set-up. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with precision calibration in seven +/- steps.

The new RR already leaves the factory with Race ABS (semi-integral) as well as Automatic Stability Control (ASC) included as standard. In conjunction with the optional Pro riding mode feature, it can be equipped with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) including banking sensor and precision calibration. All control systems have been retuned and further improved in terms of their control precision and characteristics.

First ever superbike with cruise control (optional).

Innovative instrument cluster design, new electrical system and lighter battery. For the first time, the RR is now also available with an electronic speed control for staying within the current speed limits (ex-works option).

The multifunctional instrument cluster comprises a new dial for the analogue rev counter as well as a redesigned LCD display offering a far greater array of functions.

The new S 1000 RR furthermore features a new electrical system and a more powerful sensor box, along with a smaller battery weighing around 1 kg less.

Design that is more dynamic than ever with stunning colour schemes.

Last, but by no means least, there is the completely restyled bodywork that speaks an even more dynamic design language. The principle of the asymmetric headlight arrangement on the outgoing model has been retained as a characteristic distinguishing feature, yet the headlights have been repositioned and restyled to ensure that the new RR is recognisable as “new” at first glance. The dynamic design with its sporty, aggressive feel is given further impact by colour schemes with three very individual characters: Racing Red / Light White, Black Storm metallic and the BMW Motorsport colours.

Highlights of the new BMW S 1000 RR:

• Increased power output and torque: 146 kW (199 hp) at 13,500 rpm and 113 Nm (83 lb-ft) at 10,500 rpm.

• Even better rideability thanks to increased torque from approx. 5,000 rpm upwards as well as a more linear curve. A broad plateau of peak torque available in the rev range from around 9,500 up to 12,000 rpm.

• Re-engineered cylinder head with new duct geometry, new intake camshaft and even lighter intake valves.

• New intake system with shorter intake lengths, larger airbox and full E-gas ride-by-wire.

• Reduction in weight of 4 kilograms to 204 kg with a full tank of fuel (making allowances for equipment). • New exhaust system weighing around 3 kilograms lighter without a front silencer.

• Riding modes “Rain”, “Sport” and “Race” as standard plus the option of the Pro riding mode with two additional modes, “Slick” and “User” (configurable), for optimum adaptation to riding conditions.

• Launch Control for flawless starts as part of the optional Pro riding mode feature.

• Pit-lane speed limiter for maintaining an exact speed in the pit lane as part of the optional Pro riding mode feature.

• New, lighter frame structure with an optimised blend of rigidity and flexibility for more traction, greater precision and clear feedback.

• Refined chassis geometry for even better handling, increased traction and unequivocal feedback at the limits of performance.

• Fully adjustable spring elements with optimised negative spring travel for more banking clearance and greater agility.

• Further improved version of electronic Dynamic Damping Control (DDC), familiar from the HP4, as an ex-works option.

• Race ABS with optimised set-up.

• DTC traction control with precision calibration in 7 +/- steps.

• HP Gear Shift Assist Pro for fast clutchless upshifting and downshifting as an ex-works option. • New electrical system with a more powerful sensor box and lighter battery.

• Electronic speed control as an ex-works option.

• More sophisticated instrument cluster with extended array of functions and wide variety of information.

• Completely restyled bodywork for an even more dynamic design language.

• Innovative colour schemes with three individual characters: Racing Red / Light White, Black Storm metallic and BMW Motorsport.

• Extended range of optional extras and special accessories available ex- works.'

Yamaha overhauls its YZF-R1 superbike

M-SPEC YAMAHA MODEL CLOSES IN ON MOTOGP

Yamaha’s flagship YZF-R1 superbike receives a much needed refresher after remaining nearly untouched for six years. Improvements include a new powertrain, electronics and a revamped look, along with the introduction of a more potent YZF-R1M model.

Like previous R1s, the updated bike is powered by a 998cc water-cooled dual overhead cam inline-four, but gets new titanium connecting rods and upgraded engine management to produce 200 hp. Power continues to be routed through a six-speed multi-plate wet-clutch transmission which now gets a standard cable-actuated slipper clutch.

An adjustable 4.2-inch digital LCD gauge cluster is also new with bar-style readouts for speedometer, tach and brake pressure. Riders can choose between a traditional street mode gauge layout and a more performance-oriented track display.

Rider support is standard and features a six-axis inertial measurement unit including pitch, roll, yaw, acceleration, deceleration and wheel spin sensors. Feedback from those help the ECU decide when to activate traction control, slide control, lift control and the quick-shift feature.

The new appearance is sleeker and more compact with smaller fairing surface areas and cross-layering. The central ram air intake resembles that of Yamaha’s M1 MotoGP bike. The hidden headlights also add to the race-bike look.

Yamaha’s introduction of the R1M is aimed squarely at the likes of the BMW S1000RR, Kawasaki ZX-10r, and Honda CBR 1000RR with an ÖHLINS electronically controlled race suspension, carbon fiber bodywork, performance data recorder and a wider 200 mm rear tire.

The new R1s go on sale in early 2015 starting at $16,490 for the base model and $21,990 for racier R1M.

2015 Yamaha YZF-R1M features.

Best Bikes of the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan

INSANE POWER, INSANE TORQUE, INSANE HYPERBOLE TURN ITALIAN SHOW INTO INSANE CENTENNIAL BLOWOUT

There was a time, in our own lifetimes, when there wasn’t this much power in supercars. That it exists – and performs – in production motorcycles means it’s time to reset your brain’s whole outlook of what’s possible on two wheels.

The EICMA (Esposizione Mondiale del Motociclismo) motorcycle show started 100 years ago in Milan and has, after a couple of world wars and a Great Depression or two, managed to come together 72 times. It remains the granddaddy of all bike shows. It runs through Sunday so you could still fuel the private jet and get over to Milan to see all this stuff (some of you are actually going to do that, which makes us insanely jealous).

The EICMA is a big deal. It is for motorcycles what the Frankfurt or Tokyo motor shows are for cars. There are spacey futuristic alien concept bikes for manufacturers to be coy about, there are superbikes that blur the line between track and street and there are more pedestrian cycles the average Joe could buy and ride, but no one wants to hear about that last group. They want to see the screamers and the dreamers. So let’s go.

The two standout superbikes in Milan this year are the Kawasaki Ninja H2 and the Yamaha YZF-R1.

The big news with the Kawasaki Ninja H2 is the bike’s supercharger. It sits aft of the 998cc four-cylinder to provide a reported 200 hp and what Kawasaki promises will be an experience “beyond belief.” And if that isn’t far enough, beyond that is the H2’s bigger brother the H2R, which debuted a month earlier. The space-age centrifugal supercharger is said to spin at a delirious 140,000 rpm. Yes, that’s a six-figure spin rate, 140,000. Output is said to peak at 300 almost-ridiculous horsepower and is, understandably, for the track only. Some estimates say top speed of the H2R could hit 250 mph.

World Superbike champions Aprilia, meanwhile, showed an RSV4 with an added 16 hp for a total output of 201.

We told you about the Yamaha YFZ-R1 when it debuted simultaneously in Milan and Hollywood last Monday. Yamaha offers two depths of depravity in this bike: the R1 and the R1M. The R1 weighs just 439 pounds and gets its reported 200 hp from an inline four-cylinder engine. The mill’s titanium connecting rods mean quicker, higher revs to make that much output useable.

Electronic controls play an increasingly larger part in extracting power from this beast and putting it on the ground, with traction control, slide control, wheelie control, launch control, quickshifter, ABS and what Yamaha calls the first six-axis “Inertial Measuring Unit” ever put on a street bike. Yamaha says the R1M, a step up from the R1, is “the closest you can get to a production YZR-M1 MotoGP bike. In addition to the electronic controls on the R1, the R1M gets Ohlins Electronic Racing Suspension, a Communication Control Unit that lets riders download their runs for later analysis, and some nice carbon fiber bodywork.

Also new among superbikes is the Ducati Panigale 1299. The 1285cc Superquadro engine makes 205 hp at 10,500 rpm and gains a number of electronic systems to make the most of that power: Cornering ABS, Ducati Wheelie Control, Ducati Traction Control, Engine Brake Control and Ohlins Smart EC on the S version of the bike. Ducati Quick Shift can now be used to downshift the 1299, too.

Competitor Honda revealed its own World Superbike prototype, the RC213V-S, but it had “only” 174 hp.

The BMW S 1000 RR superbike made a showing in Milan with a new 199-hp engine that has nine fewer pounds of motorcycle to push around. Sure, all that was introduced at the Intermot show a month earlier, but we like the S 1000 RR so here it is again. BMW did show all-new bikes in Milan, including new boxer models BMW R 1200 R and R 1200 RS and the S 1000 XR Sports Tourer.

Competitor KTM also unveiled a new Sports Tourer – the 1050 Adventure.

Those are just a few of the bikes in the Fieramilana this weekend. If you go, and you have all the way through Sunday to get there, have fun. Ciao!

An eye on the pesos: budget holidays in Argentina and Chile

Keep costs down while travelling in Chile and Argentina by following our expert tips, from low-price lunches to free accommodation

Flights: buy international and domestic flights together

Book all your flights at the same time for the best prices. Some large airlines have agreements with small local carriers, or, like Lan, operate both international and domestic flights, which means they can offer either discounted multi-destination airpasses or add internal flights for a small additional cost. For example, Journey Latin America (journeylatinamerica.co.uk) offers a return fare to Santiago for £975, or one with added stops in both Puerto Montt and Punto Arenas for £1,048. If you do buy separately, good prices can often be found on lesser-known airlines Sky (skyairline.cl) and Pal (palair.cl).

Buses: go long haul

Long-distance coaches in South America are in a league of their own.When taking a sleeper, forget about first and second class, and learn that all categories based around the word for bed: cama, semi-cama, and cama VIP/executivo refer to how much your seat reclines, with the top-end ones not far off an airline business-class seat. You'll often be served a hot meal and maybe even a glass of wine, but ask exactly what is included when you book and take your own snacks too, as quality can be hit and miss. Travelling by bus is the best way to appreciate the sheer size of various countries in South America, and can save you the cost of a night's accommodation if it's an overnighter.

Accommodation: explore alternatives

 While foreigners rush to the nearest hotel, Argentinians and Chileans often holiday in cabañas, self-catering cabins that are great for families and small groups. Just type your destination into a search engine plus the word cabaña for plenty of affordable, no-frills options. Sleeping under canvas in national parks will also cut costs.

Shafik Meghji, co-author of the new Rough Guide to Chile, says: "If you want to escape the crowds and reach the most spectacular areas, you generally have to camp. Some sites are free and, although very basic, usually have wonderfully isolated locations. Others charge a fee and offer equipment for hire, bathrooms, cooking facilities and even cafes."

Some parks also have refugios (mountain huts with bunk beds, hot showers and gas stoves), but be sure to book in advance during high season. For cities, try peer-to-peer accommodation networks, such as AirBnB.com, Wimdu.co.uk and Tripping.com, which now have much better coverage in South America.

Wine tours: go solo

Organised wine tours are often expensive. Cut costs by arranging your own visits, using public transport. Several vineyards around Santiago, including Vina Undurraga (undurraga.cl), Cousiño Macul (cousinomacul.com) and Concha y Toro (conchaytoro.com) can be visited by bus or metro. You'll usually be expected to book a time slot in advance. La Rural (bodegalarural.com.ar), about 12km from Mendoza, also has a wine museum.

Food: opt for meal deals

Chile does a fine line in set lunches, so make this the main meal of your day. Look for chalkboards outside restaurants. The key words are menú ejecutivo, sometimes shortened to simply menú, usually comprising starter, main course, dessert and drink. Similar deals exist in some Argentina restaurants too, although they are not so common.

City transport: go public

A few years ago, taxis were so cheap in Buenos Aires that some foreigners never even set foot on a bus or subte (underground train). Now they are learning to appreciate public transport as one of the best bargains in the city, with fares from 15p to 30p. The city's bus system is very comprehensive, but getting to grips with it – the official guide is Guia T, a book packed with grids and cross references – can seem harder than cracking the Da Vinci Code.

But help is at hand: British expat Jonathan Evans will teach you all you need to know, while offering an introductory tour to the city sights (buenosaireslocaltours.com). The tour is free (leave a tip) and runs entirely on public transport, including a stint on an underground line with original wooden carriages dating from 1913.

Shopping: step behind closed doors

Buenos Aires pioneered the in-house restaurant scene and now it's taking fashion behind closed doors, too. Clothing has been one of the areas hardest hit by Argentina's soaring inflation, so instead of paying for rental premises, many designers open up their studios or workshops, offering well-priced limited editions that make unusual souvenirs.

Try Vendaval (vendavalbuenosaires.com.ar), Pippy Miller (facebook.com/PippyMiller), Maison Abbey (facebook.com/maison.abbey), Jungle Vi.ai.pi (jungleviaipi.blogspot.com.ar) and Blit Bags (bolu.us). Pop-up fashion ferias (markets) are also popular in Santiago. Most are advertised via Facebook or Twitter. For a short cut, arrange a tour with Santiago stylist Ameriga Giannone (agstyling.com). In Buenos Aires, try Shop Hop BA (shop-buenosaires.com) or Creme de la Creme (cremedelacreme.com.ar).

Money take : dollars

It's not wise to carry large amounts of cash, but a handful of dollars could lead to discounts on, well, almost anything in Argentina. The government has recently introduced very strict laws that make it incredibly hard for residents to change money, so people are clamouring for international currency, namely dollars. Keep a few in your hotel safe for negotiating deals.

Stay longer: work in a hostel

Looking to extend your trip and learn the lingo while keeping accommodation costs low? Hostels often offer travellers medium-term accommodation and other benefits (sometimes meals and Spanish lessons) in exchange for a few hours' work. You can arrange this on the hoof or by contacting establishments in advance. Or, for a guaranteed placement, try Real Hostel Work (realhostelwork.com), a new site that has links with hostels across South America.

The Philippines: a cruise around the stunning islands of Palawan

The Philippine island province of Palawan offers gorgeous beaches, aquamarine waters and secluded coves. Now, an ethical boat tour meanders wherever passengers choose to go, and offers a close-up of village life on the water’s edge

The endless ocean, broken occasionally by sand-fringed islands, stretched before me. A salty breeze caressed my face and two magnificent sails billowed bright in the sunlight as we headed into the unknown. I was on an oceanic adventure, sailing across the Palawan archipelago in a replica of a boat that first crossed these Philippine seas more than 1,000 years ago.

My trip was a taster of a new tour by local company Tao Philippines, which offers off-the-beaten-track sailing holidays between El Nido, in the north of long, thin Palawan island, and Coron, further north, off Busuanga island. Taking in areas few tourists visit, it directs some of its profits to funding community projects across the islands.

The newly built boat, christened Balitik (which means “constellation of Orion” in Hiligaynon, a language of the Western Visayas region of the Philippines), was their latest and most ambitious project. We were to spend three days at sea, setting off from Coron and stopping at different islands each night, with only a vague route planned. Most of the journey would depend on the wind, the weather and the whims of the crew and guests. It was a chance to go off-grid and see Palawan’s beauty, untouched by tourism.

The day was perfect as we boarded – cotton puff clouds drifting across the sky, the luminous aquamarine ocean shifting gently. It was difficult to believe that just a year earlier, typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms in recorded history, tore across this region, leaving 8,000 people dead or missing and four million displaced. By the time it hit Palawan, in the south-west Philippines, its force had waned, but small island communities were devastated.

Gradually, people here have been putting their lives back together, with Tao Philippines at the forefront of the mission to deliver aid to the area. Today, there is little evidence of any damage in the region – though thousands are still waiting for new homes in the worst-hit areas, such as Tacloban and Guiuan, in the east of the country.

Balitik was something to behold. At 22 metres long, with room for 20 guests and a crew of nine, it is the largest boat of its kind in the Philippines today, a reconstructed paraw, the traditional Philippine outrigger sailing boat once used to transport cargo and passengers.

I had watched the boat’s development before I saw it in real life, following the trials and tribulations of its birth on a blog. Balitik was much bigger than initially planned, much costlier and much more demanding, but when I first laid eyes on it, I could see why the owners of Tao Philippines – British sailing enthusiast Jack Footit, Eddie Brock, a Filipino who met Footit while waiting tables in Edinburgh, and Gener Paduga, an avid sailor who grew up in Palawan – had put their heart and soul into the project.

Now, three kayaks were shuttling back and forth between the shore and the boat, bringing supplies and guests on to its bobbing deck. A flurry of activity on board signalled our imminent departure, as the crew scuttled into position, gathering up the ropes. Datu, the boat’s jack russell, scampered to attention. Balitik was ready to set sail.

I settled in, putting my bags below deck and chatting to Eddie, Gener and Lito, a former smuggler turned boat captain. Gener showed me around the captain’s den, pointing out the old navigation devices, used when sailors relied much more heavily on the constellations. Aside from modifications to make the boat more reliable and comfortable than its ancient counterpart (including a motor for windless days), a lot of effort had gone into recreating an authentic experience of traditional boat life. Vegetables hung from the roof of the kitchen – originally a measure to stop rats getting to them on long journeys, though thankfully no rats were to be seen, and the crew had brought along a pig, as is the tradition, to eat any leftovers.

Days rolled by at a leisurely pace. I sprawled under the decks’ canopies, mesmerised by the shimmering ocean, and watched occasional passing fishermen making their rounds of pearl farms. As the sun crossed the sky, I too shifted position, finding cosy nooks within the mesh of ropes snaking across the boat. Two nets at the prow soon became my favourite viewing pouch and siesta spot.

Several times a day we’d stop to explore secret snorkelling spots, hidden caves or picture-perfect bays. I donned my snorkel and mask and dived into the cool deep blue, seeking sunken wrecks, stingrays and schools of tropical fish.

In the evenings we moored at the islands where Tao has base camps. First was Pinagbuyutan, where a dense, knotted jungle crept up to the mangrove-fringed shore. The low hum of crickets, cicadas and lapping waves accompanied me as I strolled at sunset to my hut on the beach. The paradise landscapes of Cadlao island, with its virgin chalk-white sand backed by limestone cliffs, could indeed have been the inspiration for Alex Garland’s novel The Beach. He was living in the Philippines when he wrote it.

Some nights, I basked in the rawness of nature; on others I laughed and played with village children, who would show me their favourite swimming spots or beachcombing treasures. When we docked at one island, a boy ran up to me and ushered me to his hut, where his pig had just given birth. He proudly showed me the heavy mother and her dozens of suckling piglets.

Gener would fish from the back of the boat, and when I wanted to hide from the wind and the sun, I retreated to the kitchen, which was always bustling with activity and smelled strongly of coconut milk or grilled fish. Meals were Filipino food at its most basic and tasty, using ingredients found around us. Stuffed squid marinated delicately in calamansi (a type of lime), curries of vegetables grown in Tao’s organic gardens, grilled grouper fish and banana lotus. Dinner became a theatre of food, and I dug my feet into the sand and sipped rum and pineapple cocktails while colourful fish and squid were brought out to be grilled.

As the days passed I learned more about the scale of the project to recreate a paraw from the crew. Eddie, Jack and Gener had hatched the idea because they wanted to revive the Philippine sailing traditions that had almost died out with the arrival of the motorboat in the 1970s. Only a handful of small traditional sailing boats exist for show, in tourist hotspots such as Boracay.

Finding men to build the boat had been the initial hurdle. There were no blueprints or diagrams. Knowledge of boat-making was passed down from generation to generation, so they searched the Philippines to find three master carpenters who still remembered the traditional structure: Jaime Maltos and Bernando Conche from Palawan, and Celso Conde, a boat builder from the Sulu sea to the east. After two years of research and building (five types of wood were used), they fulfilled their dream and successfully launched the largest paraw in the Philippines.

For the traveller who wants to go where few tourists have gone before, the trip is a dream come true. Traversing these seas by boat is really the only way to explore the remotest islands and discover their rare beauty. And a tour that doesn’t adhere to any particular schedule, that changes and evolves depending on the weather and the whims of its passengers, yet takes care of everything, is hard to find.

The fact that our tourist pesos were helping the people on these islands get back on their feet again allowed us to bask in the glow of doing good, as we soaked up the culture, the food, and the glorious scenery of the open sea.

• The trip was provided by Tao Philippines. A five-day/four-night group sailing expedition costs £366pp, including guides and crew, overnight stays in Tao base camps, all meals and refreshments and a donation to the Tao Foundation. Part of the profit goes to supporting livelihood projects such as farming, and training local people to become carpenters and masseurs. Book well ahead, because places sell out quickly.

Nico Rosberg beats Lewis Hamilton to Brazil win

Nico Rosberg held off Mercedes team-mate and title rival Lewis Hamilton to win a race-long battle at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Hamilton fought back to close a seven-second margin after a spin at about one-third distance just as he appeared to be set to take the lead.
But Rosberg did just enough to hold him off in a tense final part of the race.
It reduces Hamilton's advantage in the title to 17 points, with 50 available in the final race in Abu Dhabi.
"I'm very happy with the whole weekend," said Rosberg. "I've been feeling comfortable in the car and controlled the gap to Lewis in the race."

Hamilton can win the title by finishing second to Rosberg in Abu Dhabi on 23 November, even though double points will be on offer.
But the Englishman may rue a half-spin on lap 28 which, as it turned out, decided the race in Brazil.

Double jeopardy: Hamilton v Rosberg for the title

Hamilton now has a 17-point lead over Rosberg with a maximum of 50 points remaining at the final race in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton can win the title by finishing second to Rosberg in Abu Dhabi. Third or lower and Rosberg is champion if he wins
Rosberg had made his second pit stop on lap 26, with Hamilton less than two seconds behind him.
Hamilton stayed out. He set the fastest lap of the race to that point next time around, having set three sectors that were the fastest anyone had set up to that point.

The Mercedes engineers calculated that his first lap had not been enough to leapfrog him ahead and decided to keep him out for one more lap to give him extra time to build the advantage he needed.
But he dropped a wheel on to the white line on the entry to Turn Four, the Descido do Lago and ran wide into the run-off area, half-spinning.
Hamilton said: "Ultimately it cost me the win. I was a much quicker up to that point. I went a second quicker, thought I was going to pit on that lap, used all my tyres and on the next lap there was nothing left.

"I locked the rear and went wide. No-one's mistake but mine."
The incident cost Hamilton seven seconds, which he reduced to two over the course of their third stint.
Rosberg came in first for his final stop, on lap 50, with Hamilton making his a lap later, and their battle resumed with them half a second apart on lap 52, 19 from the finish.
Hamilton, clearly faster, stayed within a second of Rosberg for the remainder of the race but was never close enough to make a passing attempt.

Rampant Derby moved to the top of the Championship with an emphatic win over a lacklustre Wolves

The Rams took the lead from Ryan Shotton's flicked header, before Jeff Hendrick's long-range shot fizzed past Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme from 25 yards.

Johnny Russell's low strike from 12 yards made it 3-0 going into half-time.
Hendrick added his second after some intricate play, before Russell completed the scoring with a neat finish from Craig Forsyth's cross.
The fourth win in six games saw Steve McClaren's side leapfrog Bournemouth and Middlesbrough, who drew 0-0 at the Riverside Stadium.
Wolves, who slipped to a second straight league defeat for the first time this season, struggled to contain the Rams.

Wolves demolished

Steve McClaren's Derby are now the joint top scorers in the Championship alongside Bournemouth, with 33 goals from their 17 games
The defeat is Wolves' biggest since their 6-0 Capital One Cup loss to Chelsea on 25 September 2012
The last time Wolves lost 5-0 in the league was at home to Manchester United on 18 March 2012, when Terry Connor was in charge
It is the first time Wolves have lost by more than two goals under manager Kenny Jackett
Derby's Real Madrid loanee Omar Mascarell threatened early on from set pieces and he provided the cross for Shotton to nod in past Ikeme on 16 minutes.

Poor defending from Wolves saw the hosts double their lead, with Hendrick latching on to a loose ball after a Cyrus Christie throw-in from midway inside the half to drill home from 25 yards.
Russell then scored his fourth goal of the season to make it 3-0 at the break. Wolves had failed to clear from an in-swinging corner, and the Scot ghosted in to drill into the corner.
Derby's fourth came thanks to some intricate work in the final third which ended with Will Hughes flicking the ball into the path of Hendrick, who placed his second of the game into the corner.
Leon Clarke was then denied a consolation for Kenny Jackett's side, as his deflected shot from 20 yards trickled onto the post.
That was as good as it got for the visitors, who went on to concede a fifth as Russell placed the ball into the roof of the net.

Derby manager Steve McClaren:
"I don't often sit there and enjoy the full aspects of games but today I did.
"The team worked so hard even at 5-0 up and the key thing was the discipline they showed and looking a good team without the ball.
"It was a game we controlled by being a good team without the ball and that's what really pleased me.
"To do that to a very good team shows what this group is capable of doing. That was a complete performance."

Wolves manager Kenny Jackett:
"As a unit defensively we were poor today and that was the difference.
"The fact is we have played Ipswich away and Derby away this week and we've come up short in both games.
"I think they are a good yardstick, very good teams who have aspirations of trying to get into the Premier League and we have to make sure that when we come out again we are of the standard of these clubs.
"Derby were ruthless today and it's been a good lesson for us this week and one we have to learn and learn very quickly."