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Gaurav Gill guns for APRC title again as season begins with South India Rally: April 23-25

Paris, 5 March 2021: The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has finalised different calendars for various motorsports disciplines and one that India will be most-interested is the revised date for Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2021 (APRC) which will kick-start the five-round season with the first round at Chennai from April 23 to 25, simultaneously run with Asia Zone and INRC events.

The Madras Motor Sports Club will host the South India Rally Championship on these dates and simultaneously run the APRC opening round to become a new venue for the FIA continental championship in India. India last hosted the APRC in Chikmagalur in 2017. Three-times APRC champion and Arjuna Awardee, Gaurav Gill, will be aiming for a fourth title as he rejoins the APRC campaign, albeit in Yellow colours, this time as a brand ambassador for JK Tyre. Gill joined the elite Indian club by winning his 7th INRC title to become the highest decorated rally driver along with Naren Kumar.

The FIA President reminded council members that in the 12-months since the last physically-attended WMSC meeting in March 2020, the FIA has maintained a strong level of governance across all disciplines and all regions despite these unprecedented times.

The FIA President led a one-minute silence which was observed by members in memory of all those from the global motor sport community who have fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also paid tribute to the Finnish rally driver Hannu Mikkola who passed away recently. The President said: “Hannu was a great champion and a gentleman. I’ve had the privilege of being his co-driver many years ago. My thoughts are with his loved ones and the families of the members of the FIA community who passed away due to the pandemic.”

The following is a summary of the decisions taken during the meeting:

FIA Formula One World Championship

The World Council has agreed to grant a one-year extension to the existing exclusive tyre supply contract with Pirelli to reflect the original intention of the 2018 tyre tender and remain within the overall technical framework in the best interests of all relevant stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic obliged the FIA and Formula 1 to implement emergency measures that included the cancellation of tyre development tests last year and the postponement of planned new technical regulations – which included 18-inch tyres – from 2021 to 2022. As a result, 13-inch tyres will be used during the 2021 season, with a move to 18-inch tyres in 2022.

The FIA Safety Department presented the findings of the investigation into the incident involving Romain Grosjean at the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix – further details of which can be found here.

Following the confirmation of Portugal as the venue for round three, the revised 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is as follows:

Formula 1 – 2021 Calendar

GP #	Date	Venue- Country	Track
1	28 March 2021	Bahrain	Sakhir
2	18 April	Italy	Imola
3	2 May	Portugal	Portimao
4	9 May	Spain	Barcelona
5	23 May	Monaco	Monaco
6	6 June	Azerbaijan	Baku
7	13 June	Canada	Montreal
8	27 June	France	Le Castellet
9	4 July	Austria	Spielberg
10	18 July	Great Britain	Silverstone
11	1 August	Hungary	Budapest
12	29 August	Belgium	Spa-Francorchamps
13	5 September	Netherlands	Zandvoort
14	12 September	Italy	Monza
15	26 September	Russia	Sochi
16	3 October	Singapore	Singapore
17	10 October	Japan	Suzuka
18	24 October	USA	Austin
19	31 October	Mexico	Mexico City
20	7 November	Brazil	São Paulo
21	21 November	Australia	Melbourne
22	5 December	Saudi Arabia	Jeddah*
23	12 December	Abu Dhabi	Yas Marina

*Subject to circuit homologation

FIA World Rally Championship

The Council approved the final Rally1 technical regulations, including an update of the 1.6 turbo engine details.

FIA Rally – 2022 WRC and ERC Sporting Pyramid

The principles of a Rally Sporting Pyramid, to be implemented for the FIA World Rally Championship with complementary details for the FIA European Rally Championship, have been approved. The ambition of this new structure is to align the championships names with the car categories names (e.g. Rally2 cars compete in WRC2), to identify a common theme of Open and Junior categories between the series, and to reinforce the positioning of the FIA European Rally Championship both as a feeder series for the WRC and a goal in itself by creating a clear pathway.

In application of these principles, the WRC2 classification, open to the Rally2 category, will feature an Open Championship and a Junior Championship for drivers under 30. The WRC3 classification, open to the Rally3 class, will also feature an Open Championship and a Junior Championship for drivers under 29.

Similarly, the ERC3 classification, open to the Rally3 category, will feature an Open Championship and a Junior Championship for drivers under 28, while the ERC4 classification, open to the Rally4 and Rally5 classes, will equally have an Open Championship and a Junior Championship for drivers under 27.

In addition to age limits, experience restrictions will be implemented in the Junior Championships. As a result, former champions will not be allowed to put their titles back into play.

For both the WRC and ERC classifications, awards for Rookies, with less than three participations before the start of the season, and Masters, for drivers over 40 years old not included on the FIA Regional Priority List, will be created.

As a next step, details will be defined to reflect these principles in the sporting regulations.

FIA World Endurance Championship

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, it was necessary to revise the 2021 calendar. A revised calendar has been approved as follows:

26-27 April	Belgium	Official Prologue – Spa-Francorchamps*
1 May	Belgium	TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
13 June	Portugal	8 Hours of Portimão*
18 July	Italy	6 Hours of Monza
21-22 August	France	24 Hours of Le Mans*
26 September	Japan	6 Hours of Fuji
20 November	Bahrain	8 Hours of Bahrain

*new dates

FIA Women in Motorsport Commission

The final phase of the 2020 FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars programme came to a successful conclusion at the Ferrari Driver Academy in Maranello, Italy. Postponed from November 2020 to January, due to the pandemic, the five-day assessment was the final step for the four finalists after nearly a year of selection and evaluation. During a live broadcast on the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission’s Facebook page, Dutch/Belgian born Maya Weug was announced as the winner and became the first-ever female driver to become a student of the Academy. Weug will also contest a 2021 Formula 4 championship certified by the FIA. The three other finalists, Doriane Pin, Antonella Bassani and Julia Ayoub, were each awarded by Ferrari a test session in a 488 Challenge EVO.

The FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars is a four-year programme and 2021 will host a second call for talent among the FIA ASNs and the same process will result in a second female driver potentially becoming part of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022.

Michèle Mouton, the Commission President, received widespread praise from council members for her vision and leadership of the Girls on Track project.

FIA Digital Motorsport Commission

The Commission President Anna Nordkvist, of Sweden, was introduced to WMSC members. The task of the new Commission is to grow participation at grassroots level and position the FIA as a key stakeholder in the Digital and Esports industry. It was also agreed that one of the aims of the Commission should be to encourage participation among female Esports competitors.

FIA Karting Championships

Approval was given for the re-scheduling of two events on the 2021 calendar.

The FIA Karting European Championship event (OK & OK-JUNIOR) on the Circuito Internacional Zuera (Spain), originally scheduled for 15-18 April 2021 has been rearranged for 22-25 July 2021.

The FIA Karting European Championship event (KZ & KZ2) and FIA Karting Academy Trophy on the Adria Karting Raceway (Italy), originally scheduled for 29 April-2 May 2021, has been rearranged for 12-15 August 2021.

The revised 2021 calendars are as follows:

FIA Karting World Championship – OK
28-31 October	Brazil	Birigui
FIA Karting World Championship – Junior
28-31 October	Brazil	Birigui
FIA Karting World Championship – KZ
02-05 September	Sweden	Kristianstad
FIA Karting European Championship – OK
13-16 May	Belgium	Genk
27-30 May	France	Aunay-Les-Bois*
08-11 July	Italy	Sarno
22-25 July	Spain	Zuera
FIA Karting European Championship – Junior
13-16 May	Belgium	Genk
27-30 May	France	Aunay-Les-Bois*
08-11 July	Italy	Sarno
22-25 July	Spain	Zuera
FIA Karting European Championship – KZ
17-20 June	Germany	Wackersdorf
12-15 August	Italy	Adria
FIA Karting European Championship – KZ2
17-20 June	Germany	Wackersdorf
12-15 August	Italy	Adria
FIA Karting European Championship – Superkart
22-24 October	France	Le Mans – Bugatti*
FIA Karting International Super Cup – KZ2
02-05 September	Sweden	Kristianstad
FIA Karting Academy Trophy
17-20 June	Germany	Wackersdorf
12-15 August	Italy	Adria
02-05 September	Sweden	Kristianstad

*subject to track homologation or re-homologation

FIA WTCR – World Touring Car Cup

There are several minor updates to the WTCR Sporting Regulations, including an extension to the registration deadline for full season entries as a result of the later start to the season previously announced. The new deadline is May 2, 2021.

FIA World Cup for Cross-Country – Rallies and Bajas

Date changes to the 2021 calendars were approved. The BP Ultimate Portugal Cross-Country Rally, previously the opening round of the World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, will now take place from 16-21 September due to the implementation of further COVID-19 restrictions in the country.

The Hungarian Baja, a qualifying round of the World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and the newly introduced European Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, has been moved to 5-8 August for operational reasons.

FIA Single-Seater Commission

FIA Formula 3 World Cup

The FIA Formula 3 World Cup has been confirmed on the International Sporting Calendar and is scheduled to take place on 21 November 2021 in Macau, China (subject to contract with the promoter).

Formula 4

Sporting and Technical Regulations for the Formula 4 element of the 2021 FIA Motorsport Games were approved.

FIA Rally Commission

In the FIA Regional Rally Championships, changes to the following 2021 calendars due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have been approved:

FIA European Rally Championship

06-08 May (initially 25-27 March)	Portugal	Azores Rallye
18-20 June	Poland	78 Rally Poland¹
01-03 July	Latvia	Rally Liepaja¹
23-25 July	Italy	Rally di Roma Capitale¹
27-29 August	Czech Rep.	Barum Czech Rally Zlin¹
24-26 September (initially 12-14 March)	Portugal	Rallye Fafe
22-24 October	Hungary	Rally Hungary¹
18-20 November (initially 06-08 May)	Spain	Rally Islas Canarias¹

¹ Round of the FIA ERC Junior Championships

FIA European Rally Trophy – Benelux Rally Trophy

09-10 July	Luxembourg	Rallye Lëtzebuerg
28-29 August	Belgium	Aarova Rally
05-07 November	Belgium	Rallye du Condroz

FIA European Rally Trophy – Celtic Rally Trophy

18-20 June	Ireland	Donegal International Rally
25-26 September	Ireland	Cork 20 International Rally
19-20 November (initially 20-21 August)	Great Britain	Ulster International Rally

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship – Asia Cup

23-25 April (initially 26-28 March)	India	South Inda Rally
10-12 September	Japan	Rally Hokkaido
22-24 October	China	Rally Longyou

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship – Pacific Cup

15-17 October	Australia	Adelaide Hills Rally
27-28 November (initially 20-21 Nov.)	Australia	Coffs Harbour Rally

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship – Final

27-28 November (initially 20-21 Nov.)

Australia

Coffs Harbour Rally

FIA Middle East Rally Championship

28-30 January	Qatar	Manateq Qatar International Rally
20-22 May	Jordan	Jordan Rally
03-05 September	Lebanon	Rally of Lebanon
24-26 September	Cyprus	Cyprus Rally
04-06 November	Kuwait	Rally of Kuwait
TBA (initially 18-20 February)	Oman	Rally of Oman

FIA African Rally Championship

23-25 April	Kenya	Equator Rally Kenya
25-26 July	Tanzania	Rally of Tanzania
20-22 August	Uganda	Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally
24-26 September	Zambia	Zambia International Rally
05-06 November	South Africa	Rally of South Africa
TBA (initially 19-21 March)	Rwanda	Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally

FIA NACAM Rally Championship

19-20 March (initially 12-13 March)	Mexico	Rally Colima
02-04 July	Canada	Rallye Int. Baie des Chaleurs
13-14 August	Mexico	Rally Guanajuato
03-04 September (initially 26-28 August)	Mexico	Rally Sierra Juarez
25-26 September (initially 28-30 May)	Barbados	Rally Barbados
27-28 November	Mexico	Rally Montanas

FIA RGT Cup

21-24 January	Monaco	Rallye Monte-Carlo
07-09 May	France	Rallye Ain Jura
23-25 July	Italy	Rally di Roma Capitale
13-15 August (initially 25-26 June)	Belgium	Ypres Rally
14-17 October	Spain	RallyRACC Catalunya

Note: The other FIA Regional Rally Championship calendars remain unchanged.

FIA GT Commission

For a new competition designed for electric-powered GT cars, the council has selected the Promoter and will work towards concluding the next steps as soon as possible.
Council has chosen the exclusive battery cell supplier.

Sporting regulations have been approved for both GT3 competitions scheduled for this year’s FIA Motorsport Games, the GT Cup for Silver/Bronze driver pairings and the GT Sprint Cup for a single driver of any ranking.

FIA Touring Car Commission

For a new competition designed for electric-powered Touring Cars, the council has selected the Promoter and will work towards concluding the next steps as soon as possible.

Sporting regulations have been approved for the FIA Motorsport Games: Touring Car Cup.

FIA Off-Road Commission

Amendments to the Technical Regulations for the FIA RX2e Championship, the first-ever FIA electric rallycross championship, which starts in 2021, were approved. Six race weekends are planned for the inaugural RX2e season, running alongside FIA World RX.

FIA Hill Climb Commission

An amendment to the FIA Hill Climb Regulations (Championship, Cup and Masters) was approved. The change allows FIA technical delegates to install randomly data loggers on cars to check the engine RPM during the competition. For Category 1 cars, this will allow crosschecking the RPM values submitted by competitors when registering their car in the “Performance Factor” system that decides in which Group the car is classified. In Category 2, checking RPM values is part of the on-going process of performance analysis of the cars.

The following calendar changes for the FIA European Hill Climb Championship for 2021 have been approved.

2021 FIA European Hill Climb Championship (updated)

07-09 May	Portugal	Rampa da Boticas
14-16 May	Spain	Subida Internacional al Fito
28-30 May	Czech Republic	Ecce Homo Sternberk ⁽¹⁾
11-13 June	Germany	Glasbachrennen
25-27 June	Italy	Coppa Paolino Teodori ⁽¹⁾
16-18 July	Slovakia	Dobšinský kopec ⁽¹⁾
23-25 July	Poland	Limanowa
13-15 August	Switzerland	St. Ursanne – Les Rangiers
27-29 August	Slovenia	GHD Petrol Ilirska Bistrica
17-19 September	Croatia	Buzetski dani

⁽¹⁾ Subject to obtaining guarantees from the organisers via their ASN regarding the organisational and/or safety improvements.

FIA Historic Motor Sport Commission

The following calendar changes for FIA Historic Championships in 2021 have been approved.

2021 FIA European Historic Sporting Rally Championship calendar (updated)

09-11 April	Italy	36° Sanremo Rally Storico
06-08 May	Czech Republic	30. Historic Vltava Rally
24-26 June	Hungary	54. Mecsek Rallye
15-17 July	Austria	Rally Weiz
13-14 August	Finland	Lahti Historic Rally
02-04 September	Spain	Rally Asturias Historico
23-25 September	Italy	33° Rally Elba Storico
21-23 October	Switzerland	Rallye International du Valais
19-20 November	Spain	69 Rally Costa Brava

2021 FIA Historic Hill Climb Championship calendar (updated)

28-30 May	Czech Republic	Ecce Homo Sternberk
18-20 June	Slovenia	GHD Gorjanci
02-04 July	Italy	Trento Bondone
09-11 July	Italy	Cesana Sestriere
27-29 August	Slovenia	GHD Petrol Ilirska Bistrica
17-19 September	Croatia	Buzetski Dani
24-26 September	Italy	Coppa Chianti Classico

2021 FIA Trophy for Historic Regularity Rallies (updated)

11-13 November

Poland

10th Rally Poland Historic

2021 FIA Historic Formula 3 European Cup

16-18 July

Netherlands

Zandvoort

FIA Truck Racing Commission

Following a successful tender process, an exclusive supplier of biofuel for the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, covering the term from 2021-2023, has been selected, making FIA ETRC the first FIA-regulated competition to switch to a fuel fully originated from renewable sources (HVO biofuel). The announcement will be made in due course.

FIA Drag Racing Commission

In order to standarise class structure and regulations across national drag racing competitions, amended Technical Regulations and Race Procedures for FIA Drag Racing have been approved, with the addition of new “Sportsman” and “Grassroots” categories. The aim of this work is to support ASNs by:

Enabling national level competitors to be able to compete across borders more easily, increasing entry numbers for all events
Assisting national level technical officials to maintain a higher safety and regulatory standard
Minimising the resources that an ASN must invest in Drag Racing by having the regulations instead maintained by the FIA, and
Increasing the resale value of competition cars by making them eligible to compete in more markets.

FIA Drifting Commission

Sporting regulations have been approved for both the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup and the FIA Motorsport Games: Drifting Cup.

Sport Clubs Development Programme

The WMSC members were informed that applications had opened for the Sport Clubs Development Programme (SCDP) – an FIA Innovation Fund (FIF) initiative which provides support for the management and development of motor sport activities through an intensive, two-year mentoring process from FIA Experts. The closing date for applications is March 31.

Upcoming World Motor Sport Council Meetings

Dates of the FIA World Motor Sport Council meetings in 2021 are as follows:

09 July	Monaco, on the occasion of the FIA Sport and Mobility Conference
15 October	Paris
15 December	Paris, on the occasion of the FIA Annual General Assembly

March 6, 2021

FIA releases 2021 safety initiatives after concluding Bahrain GP accident inquiry
Paris, 5 March 2021: According to Festus area auto injury attorneys, the FIA’s Safety department has completed its investigation into the accident in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship race at the Bahrain International Circuit on November 29, 2020, in which the Swiss-born French driver Romain Grosjean crashed into the barrier 180 metres after the apex of Turn 3 and his Haas F1 team car caught fire before he escaped with significant but not life-threatening injuries.

The investigation included interviews with those involved, inspection of the physical evidence, analysis of available video material, as well as examination of the data from the car’s accident data recorder and driver’s ear accelerometers. For any other types of accidents like oil field injury claim in San Antonio, they can get the best attorneys from here!

This investigative work has been peer-reviewed by the FIA Serious Accident Study Group, led by FIA President Jean Todt. Input into the investigation was also received from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association. The findings of the investigation were presented to the FIA’s Circuits Commission, Medical Commission, Single Seater Commission, F1 Commission, Safety Commission, Volunteers and Officials Commission, and the World Motor Sport Council. The findings will also be presented in the Drivers’ Commission on March 23, 2021. One can also hire a lawyer after a construction accident to make sure they stay out of legal trouble.

The objective of the accident investigation was to identify factors that contributed to the accident consequence, as well as other tertiary factors that did not influence the severity of the outcome but nonetheless provide invaluable learnings for the FIA’s ongoing efforts to improve safety in motor sport.

Accident Analysis

The investigation focused on the two cars that were involved in the accident – the #8 driven by Romain Grosjean and the #26 Scuderia Alpha Tauri car driven by Russia’s Daniil Kvyat, noting that several other cars had a circumstantial but non-consequential effect on the initiation of the accident sequence.

During the opening lap of the Bahrain GP, Romain Grosjean’s car was travelling at 241 km/h when he lost control on the exit of Turn 3 following contact between his right rear wheel and Daniil Kvyat’s left front wheel when attempting to pass from the left to right-hand side of the track.

The car-to-car contact lifted the rear of Romain Grosjean’s car, forcing it to yaw to the right and placing it on an out-of-control trajectory into the run-off area on the inside of the circuit at the exit of Turn 3. Daniil Kvyat also altered trajectory and entered the same run-off area but was able to re-join the track shortly after without further contact.

Romain Grosjean’s car impacted the triple guardrail barrier behind the run-off area at 192 km/h and at an angle of 29 degrees, with an estimated yaw of 22 degrees to the direction of travel and a resultant peak force equivalent to 67g. Following the failure of the middle rail of the barrier and significant deformation of the upper and lower rails, the survival cell was able to pierce the barrier and came to rest behind the barrier, constrained by the primary roll structure against the upper rail of the barrier.

The car suffered extensive damage during the impact including separation of the power train assembly from the survival cell. The fuel tank inspection hatch on the left-hand side of the chassis was dislodged and the engine fuel supply connection was torn from the fuel tank “safety bladder”; both providing primary paths for the escape of fuel from the tank.

The driver safety equipment including helmet, HANS and safety harness as well as the survival cell, seat, headrest and Halo frontal cockpit protection performed according to their specifications in protecting the driver’s survival space and managing the forces applied to the driver during the impact.

The high voltage Energy Recovery System (ERS) battery was significantly damaged, with some parts of the ERS battery assembly remaining with the powertrain and others remaining attached to the survival cell.

Fire was ignited during the final moments of the barrier impact, starting from the rear of the survival cell and progressing forwards towards the driver as the fire grew.

The resting position of the survival cell, relative to the upper rail of the barrier significantly restricted the path for driver egress. Due to damage to the survival cell and a number of components within the cockpit environment, Romain Grosjean’s left foot was initially trapped as the car came to rest. The driver was able to free his foot by withdrawing it from his racing boot leaving the boot in the entrapped position in the car and then moved both the dislodged headrest and steering wheel to egress the car.

The race was red flagged approximately 5.5 seconds following Romain Grosjean’s impact with the barrier.

Medical and Rescue

A comprehensive medical and rescue response to this incident was immediately initiated. The FIA Medical Car arrived within 11 seconds of the incident, a time achieved partly due to the fact a ‘short cut’ was taken to avoid turn 1, demonstrating both local circuit knowledge and pre-planning.

The arrival of the Medical Car carrying the FIA F1 Medical Rescue Coordinator Dr Ian Roberts, FIA F1 Medical Car Driver Alan van der Merwe and a local doctor, provided immediate assistance with each performing a pre-determined role.

Ian Roberts went immediately to the scene of the incident and instructed a marshal to operate the dry powder extinguisher around the cockpit where he identified Romain Grosjean as trying to make his egress. Alan Van der Merwe retrieved a fire extinguisher from the rear of the FIA Medical Car whilst the local doctor prepared the trauma bag.

Romain Grosjean was able to egress unaided and was out of car after 27 seconds.

Romain Grosjean suffered burns to the back sides of both hands. Following initial examination by the FIA Medical Car personnel he was transported by ambulance to the circuit Medical Centre for evaluation. He was subsequently transported by helicopter to the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital for further assessment and treatment. He was discharged from hospital after three days, on December 2, 2020.

FIA President Jean Todt said: “Important learnings have been drawn from these investigations that will drive our continuous mission to improve safety in Formula 1 and global motor sport. The enduring commitment of the FIA, particularly the Safety Department, on reducing risks associated with motor sport enabled Romain Grosjean to maintain consciousness and survive an accident of this magnitude. Safety is and will remain FIA’s top priority.”

FIA Safety Director Adam Baker said: “Incidents involving fire of this scale are thankfully rare, so it is very important to learn what we can, including the interaction with the high voltage system. The efforts of those involved were heroic and have quite rightly been the subject of much praise. Following the approval of our findings by the World Motor Sport Council, we will integrate the actions into the ongoing work.”

2021 FIA Circuit Racing Safety Initiatives

In 2020, the FIA Safety Department conducted investigations into 19 significant accidents related to circuit racing, supported by the ASN (National Sporting Authority) in each country.

In line with the FIA’s commitment to continuous safety improvement and as a result of its pre-existing body of motor sport safety data, extensive expertise, ongoing research projects and the knowhow generated by motor sport incidents from around the world in recent decades, including these 19 accidents, the federation is undertaking work in the following areas:

Vehicle
- Regulation of survival cell front geometry, plus additional load tests in that area
- Review of existing regulations regarding rear view mirrors
- Review of steering column mounting requirements
- Review of regulation and homologation requirements for headrest assembly
- Analysis of Power Unit mounting and mount failure modes
- Ongoing research project: Wheel Restraint Cables (tethers)
- Design review of safety fuel bladder installations in all FIA single seater categories
- Recommendations for safety fuel bladder installation best practice
- Update of the FIA Standard for safety fuel bladders
- Review of regulations for design of safety fuel bladder connections and inspection hatches
- Fuel homologation to include compatibility of bladder material and specific fuel
Circuit
- Increased functionality for Circuit Safety Analysis Software (CSAS) including quantitative impact probability classification
- Review of existing circuit barrier opening installations
- Review of guidelines/process for circuit homologation and licence renewal
Driver safety equipment
- Investigation into improvements to the gloves’ Heat Transfer Index (HTI)
- Ongoing research project: Visor opening/locking mechanisms; project scope extended to include requirements to ensure that visor opening systems are operational after being exposed to fire
- Ongoing research project: Extinguisher system for open cockpit cars; project scope extended to include investigation of improved activation mechanisms
Medical and Rescue
- Updates to Medical Intervention Vehicle equipment, including alternate extinguisher types
- Provide ASN guidance on post-fire decontamination
- Ongoing development of FIA firefighting training module for ASNs
- Ongoing development of FIA high voltage safety training module for ASNs
- Ongoing development of FIA Incident Command/Co-ordination training module for ASNs
Additionally, the FIA Safety Department is also planning further research projects such as:
- Investigation of options for proximity warning systems and electronic visibility aids
- Research into retrofit and upgrade options to improve impact performance of existing guardrail barriers
- Research into novel barrier systems, effective across a wider range of impact conditions
- Research to assess current fire extinguishing media, firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment and assess new technologies
March 6, 2021
Honda end Shakedown on top, Bastianini fastest rookie

Bradl rules a windy day in the desert and the Moto2 graduates get their first taste of the premier class as MotoGP™ shakes down in Doha

Doha, 5 March 2021: MotoGP is Back! The Shakedown Test officially got 2021 underway at Losail International Circuit in Qatar on Friday, meaning it’s rookies and test riders only until Saturday welcomes the rest of the grid to the party. At the Shakedown, it was HRC test rider Stefan Bradl who finished finished top of the pile, the German pulling 1.2 seconds clear at the top despite the pace staying a fair margin away from “normal” Qatar speed. His 1:55.614 is a couple of seconds down on the all-time lap record and he rode around with a carbon inserted chassis, the same one he finished the season so brilliantly on in 2020.

A big reason for the laptimes was the windy conditions, making it difficult for the riders to get a decent amount of running in and even causing their own Red Flag involving no riders. For three rookies – Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama), Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia) and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) – it was still first ever contact with their MotoGP machinery, however, and there was a buzzword for all: “FAST.” Bastianini was the quickest of the three, fourth overall after 35 laps. At this stage though, it’s all about gaining experience and the first one out was Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia), the Italian eventually finishing P8 after 33 laps. Martin, meanwhile, endured his first MotoGP crash, but the Spaniard was unhurt when he went down on the exit of Turn 3 after hitting a bump. Martin finished his maiden day as a premier class rider with a 1:58.875 in P10 after 31 laps.

Back at the top between Bradl and Bastianini, two Yamaha test bikes were inside the top three on the timesheets, and their testing duty was split between three riders: multiple Grand Prix winner Cal Crutchlow as he returns to the fold in a testing capacity, alongside Katsuyuki Nakasuga and Kohta Nozane. The bikes were numbered and counted on the timesheets, not the riders – but Crutchlow seemed to be back on it! The third machine was registered in P6 and overall, the Iwata marque did more than 100 laps.

Bastianini (sporting his new number) was the fastest rookie. A MotoGP image

Ducati Lenovo Team test rider Michele Pirro ended the day 0.005s behind Bastianini in fifth place, and the Italian was seen riding Jack Miller, Francesco Bagnaia and Johann Zarco’s (Pramac Racing) machines during the Shakedown Test. Ducati debuted new wings, and we’re surely going to be seeing more innovations from the Bologna factory throughout the Qatar Test when all the riders are out on track. It’s become almost a tradition.

Meanwhile at Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Lorenzo Savadori is, like the Moto2 graduates, also gearing up for his first full season as a premier class rider and he was out on Aprilia’s pretty much all-new RS-GP. As Simon Crafar reported from on the ground in Qatar, the 2021 machine is basically a whole new package. It features a new engine that gives improved power across its range, a new seat unit, a new top and bottom exhaust along with a new tail unit, new front aero and in addition, Aprilia have a holeshot device attached to the rear linkage. Savadori wasn’t joined on track by teammate Aleix Espargaro, the Spaniard choosing to sit out Friday’s running, but the rookie Italian headed out on the number 41 bike at stages. He was seventh after posting a 1:58.273.

Sylvain Guintoli and Takuya Tsuda were lapping on Team Suzuki Ecstar’s GSX-RRs, the duo finished P9 and P12 respectively. Guintoli said that Suzuki have a major programme ahead with testing new parts and the Frenchman was over the moon to be back on the bike after five months off. The reigning team World Champions will welcome reigning riders’ Champion Joan Mir and teammate Alex Rins for the rest of the track action to join in the workload. Will they remain the team to beat in 2021?

At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, MotoGP Legend Dani Pedrosa was putting in the laps, the Spaniard finishing 11th on the timesheets. The number 26 was seen testing a new tail unit for the Austrian factory and he completed 34 laps. Pedrosa’s four teammates – including Tech3 KTM Factory Racing – will be on track tomorrow to join the programme.

With the wind causing plenty of issues for the Shakedown Test, an already busy and vital Qatar Test is about to become even busier over the next week! Saturday sees all the full-time riders get their legs over MotoGP bikes for the first time in 2021.

March 5, 2021

Pirelli gets one more year till 2023 as F1 tyre supplier

The FIA and Formula 1 have proposed, and Pirelli has agreed, a one-year extension to the existing exclusive tyre supply contract to reflect the original intention of the 2018 tyre tender and remain within the overall technical framework, which is in the best interests of all relevant stakeholders. The most recent tyre tender from the FIA and Formula 1 back in 2018 was for the supply of a 13-inch tyre during the 2020 season, followed by three consecutive seasons of 18-inch tyres from 2021 to 2023 inclusive. The COVID-19 pandemic, which also disrupted the 2020 Formula 1 season, obliged the FIA and Formula 1 to implement emergency measures that included the cancellation of tyre development tests last year and the postponement of planned new technical regulations – which included 18-inch tyres – from 2021 to 2022. As a result, the current rules now state that 13-inch tyres will be used during the 2021 season, with a move to 18-inch tyres in 2022.

STEFANO DOMENICALI, FORMULA 1 PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: “The pandemic caused disruption across the world and Formula 1 was not immune from that. We therefore took the necessary measures last year to defer the regulations by one year to 2022. We are very proud of our partnership with Pirelli and grateful to them for their constructive approach to this timing change. Pirelli are very conscious of strategic role that the tyres have in F1 and we know that they are working very hard to make sure that their products will represent the best balance between performance and durability in the new technical context. We look forward to the start of the 2021 season and we are all excited for the new cars and new 18-inch tyres to hit the track under the new regulations in 2022.” JEAN TODT, FIA PRESIDENT: “I want to thank Formula 1 and Pirelli for their collaboration, flexibility and commitment to our sport during this most difficult period. COVID-19 has presented us with significant challenges across all aspects of our businesses, but by working together in a sensible, pragmatic way, we have been able to ensure that the long term stability and strength of Formula 1 remains undiminished. The shift to 18″ wheels and tyres will certainly provide a more exciting image for Formula 1 cars, but it has also presented a significant technical challenge requiring a lot of investment and development on behalf of Pirelli as they continue to deliver tyres that will perform at the highest level. In light of this, and the necessary postponement of the new regulations as a result of the pandemic, it is only logical to extend the supply of tyres accordingly”.

MARCO TRONCHETTI PROVERA, PIRELLI EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: “The world of motorsport has also had to face up to the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but the FIA and FOM did an extraordinary job to organise a 17-race championship in 2020. We’re obviously pleased to have reached this agreement that will extend our presence at the pinnacle of world motorsport until 2024. Pirelli has been alongside Formula 1 for more than 70 years, since the very first race in 1950, and the company continues to invest in the highest technological levels of research and development, as shown by the introduction of 18-inch tyres from next year. Motorsport forms part of our DNA and Formula 1 represents an open-air laboratory that allows us to apply the know-how gained on track into our road car tyres, starting off with the Ultra High Performance range that equips the most prestigious cars in the world”.

March 5, 2021

Williams Racing F1 unveils livery for 2021 season

Grove/Virtual Launch: 5 March 2021: Williams Racing Friday proudly launches its 2021 Formula One challenger, the Williams Mercedes FW43B, featuring a striking new livery for the season ahead. The team’s new look captures the spirit of the team’s past, the present transformation and its drive to future ambitions as it heads into its first full season of ownership under US based Investment company, Dorilton Capital. However, due to technical issues the virtual launch was not held and the F1 teams released images and info to the media.

Whilst evolutionary on the technical side due to the regulations, hence the designation FW43B as opposed to the FW44, the 2021 car will race with a dramatic new visual identity sporting a livery inspired by Williams’ all-conquering cars of the 1980s and 1990s, combining blues, white and yellow accents.

Speaking for the first time as CEO of Williams Racing, Jost Capito said: “Williams Racing is a sporting icon, and a team that has forged a reputation of success through sheer determination and grit intertwined with innovation, passionate and skilful race-craft and an absolute desire to win. Highs and lows are typical in any long-established sporting brand’s journey and historic success can be a strong motivator, but it cannot be relied upon to define future success in the modern era of Formula One.

“Therefore, we have created a fresh new livery for the 2021 car; one that acknowledges our incredible past and retains the spirit, drive and motivation that remains at the core of Williams’ DNA yet looks to the future and signposts our long-term ambition to return to the front of the grid. Whilst we are just starting out on this journey and there is still a lot of work to do, we are happy to see momentum in the right direction and look forward to continuing that progress on track this season.”

Williams apologises to fans: In a Media Statement, Williams Racing said that they planned a virtual launch to reveal its 2021 challenger, the FW43B, via an augmented reality app later today (5^th March). However, sadly, because the app was hacked prior to launch, this will no longer be possible. We have subsequently removed the app from both the Apple App Store and Android Google Play store.

We were very much looking forward to sharing this experience with our fans, particularly during this difficult time when being able to bring in-person experiences directly to our fans is sadly not possible. We can only apologise that this has not been possible.

March 5, 2021
AMR21 makes track debut at Silverstone Promotional Day

Silverstone, 4 March 2021: After 61 years, of an Aston Martin Grand Prix car last competed in F1, the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team on Thursday gave the on-track debut to its 2021 Formula One car, the AMR21, at Silverstone for a promotional running event.

Roy Salvadori and Maurice Trintignant each drove a DBR5 in the 1960 British Grand Prix, the last running by Aston Martin in its Formula One programme until the return of the brand, as the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team, for 2021.

Today, drivers Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel both drove the AMR21, sharing the allocated 100km of running on Pirelli demo tyres.

Next up for the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team is testing in Bahrain on March 12-14, before Aston Martin makes its long-awaited return to the Formula One World Championship grid in the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 28.

Lance Stroll debuts AMR21 at a promotional event in Silverstone on Thursday.

March 4, 2021
The 24 hours of Le Mans postponed to Aug 21, 22

Le Mans, 4 March 2021: The Automobile Club de l’Ouest, organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in liaison with the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the Fédération Internationale Automobile (FIA), has postponed the 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans, originally planned for 12–13 June 2021. Now it is planned to be held from August 21 and 22.

After finishing 4th and fifth in the Asian Le Mans, Indian team of Narain Karthikeyan, Arjun Maini and Naveen Rao are planning to take part in the 24 hours Le Mans this year. However, the list of participants will be announced on March 9.

The ACO has made this decision early in the season to give competitors, partners and spectators as much visibility as possible and to maintain the current FIA WEC calendar. The dates of the other races and events to be held at the Le Mans Circuit remain unchanged at the present time. The ACO is working closely with the organisers of the various events that could be impacted by this change.

This year’s race will see the new Hypercars make their on-track debut and the ACO thus remains extremely keen to have fans attend.

Information on tickets and full details on the race format will be released at the end of April.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Although it was a tough decision to make, it is the right one. Holding the 24 Hours of Le Mans behind closed doors for the second year running would be unthinkable. We are therefore doing all we can to avoid that happening and to give competitors a clear view of the whole season. We are working very hard to put on a safe event, with all the necessary health precautions in place. This year’s race promises to be another thriller as the new Hypercar class makes its debut.”

March 4, 2021

Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll launch Aston Martin Cognizant F1 car, #AMR21

Virtual/Silverstone, 2 March 2021: The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team has revealed to the world on Wednesday, its 2021 Formula One World Championship competitor, the new AMR21, in a virtual live event.

One of the most anticipated Formula One car launches in recent years took place in The Vault, an immersive virtual experience that played host to the historic moment when Aston Martin unveiled its first Grand Prix car since the DBR5 which was raced by Roy Salvadori and Maurice Trintignant in the 1960 British Grand Prix.

The AMR21 was revealed in a striking green livery in recognition of the brand’s traditional racing colours, carrying prominent branding from title partner, Cognizant, the IT giant helping lead the team’s digital transformation journey towards future success.

The recent influx of new partners ensured that the AMR21 was presented with logos from a host of global brands alongside Cognizant, including Peroni Libera 0.0%, Crypto.com, SentinelOne, EPOS, NetApp, Girard-Perregaux and Replay. The long-standing support of BWT continues with the addition of a delicate magenta stripe down each side of the chassis. Ravenol, JCB, Bombardier and Pirelli all continue their partnerships into the new era.

Aston Martin Lagonda’s Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll, opened today’s event and welcomed fans, media, colleagues and partners who were enjoying the show virtually from all around the world. He was joined by Tobias Moers, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda; Otmar Szafnauer, CEO and Team Principal of Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team; and, by video link, Brian Humphries, CEO of Cognizant, who all spoke of the great significance of seeing the Aston Martin name back on the Formula One grid.

The new driver pairing of Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll were also prominent in the presentation, as well as Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team Technical Director, Andrew Green.

Now that the new Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team car has been revealed to the world, the team is turning its attention to preparing for a day of promotional running, taking place on March 4th at Silverstone. Tomorrow will therefore mark the exciting and much anticipated track debut of the AMR21, before it makes its journey to Bahrain for testing next week (March 12th-14th) ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 28th.

Alongside its new car, the team has launched a new media site featuring improved functionality and ease of access. Please remember to sign up to gain access to the new site, which will also include the latest press pack, imagery and assets from today’s launch.

Below are soundbites from the day’s event…

Aston Martin re-enters F1 after 61 years.

Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman, Aston Martin: “I have dreamed about this day for a very long time. I have always been a car guy, since I was a child. I have always loved racing, too. My first dream was to own a Formula One team. My second dream was to acquire a significant shareholding in Aston Martin Lagonda. Today is about the merging of those two dreams. So, as I say, today is all about dreams, and it shows that dreams really can come true, in the shape of our new AMR21.

“Aston Martin returning to Formula One after an absence of 61 years will have a powerful effect on the sport, the media and the fans, commanding global attention.

“The team who designed and built our new Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One car – the 500 men and women who conceive, manufacture, build and prepare our cars so that we can go racing at the pinnacle of global motorsport – has always punched above its weight. Now, as the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team, it has the power with which to punch even harder.

“This is just the beginning. The team is pushing forward, and our ambitions are limitless. We now have the pieces in place, the people and the partners, to make real progress.

“The launch of the new AMR21 is also the celebration of a new beginning for Aston Martin. Today’s transformational event has given us the opportunity to communicate the evolution of the iconic Aston Martin Wings logo for only the 12th time in the company’s 108-year history. The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One car is our group’s highest expression of performance, innovation, engineering quality, attention to detail, and teamwork. For that reason it is natural that our new logo should make its debut on our new Formula One car.

“As for the year ahead, the core nucleus of what we need to succeed is already present and correct. I have great confidence in Otmar [Szafnauer], Andrew [Green] and all who work for them. I firmly believe we have the perfect blend of experience and youth in Sebastian [Vettel] and Lance [Stroll]. An ethos of fierce ambition and unshakeable dedication is shared by every single team member. It is exhilarating to see – and to feel.”

Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal & CEO, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team: “Launching the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team gives everybody associated with this company a real sense of purpose and pride. It is a truly iconic car brand and it is a huge privilege to bring Aston Martin back to the pinnacle of motorsport – where it belongs.

“There is a change on the driving front, Sebastian [Vettel] joining us to race alongside Lance [Stroll]. Sebastian is someone we can all learn from, and his integration into the team has been very smooth – as you would expect from someone with so much experience. It is clear in my mind that Sebastian has lost none of his speed. It is down to us to create an environment in which he feels comfortable so he can deliver at his brilliant best. Lance is a very talented young driver, as his two podiums and wet-weather pole position last year demonstrated. We expect more of the same this year.

“Our goal for 2021 is to build on what we achieved last year and take a further step forward. There is no reason why we cannot achieve that with our talented workforce combined with the new financial investment. Success does not come overnight, but I am convinced that we are putting the key elements in place to continue moving up the grid this year and in the years ahead.”

Andrew Green, Technical Director, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team: “It is a great privilege to have the Aston Martin name above the door. It is a real ‘dream come true’ moment and it shows how far this team has come. It is definitely the most exciting chapter in the team’s history, without a doubt.

“I am confident that the 500 fantastic men and women who design, manufacture, build, prepare and maintain our car will have done everything in their power to create a good one. We all know how competitive Formula One is right now, and we certainly do not underestimate our opposition. We expect to be in the mix in the ‘best of the rest’ category from the start. We are ambitious yet realistic. But we intend to improve steadily, and our ultimate ambitions are limitless.

“In Formula One you never stop learning, and over the years we have learnt a lot. The AMR21 is an expression of that never-ending learning curve. It is closely related to our 2020 car, but it as an all-new chassis. Regulation changes intended to reduce every team’s aerodynamic performance have also played a part, of course.”

Brian Humphries, CEO of Cognizant: “From the factory floor to the chequered flag, this partnership is a marriage made in heaven — it is technically intensive and engineering-dependent, which makes it an ideal showcase for both of our brands. We are absolutely thrilled to be the title partner of the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team.

“With the Aston Martin partnership, Cognizant is shifting its brand into high gear. Fundamentally, we are transforming the Cognizant brand and creating opportunities to engage with clients in different forums. Formula One is an important part of that equation.

“We are pleased to be part of the new Aston Martin factory design, bringing Cognizant’s artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, cloud computing and digital engineering expertise to bear – I expect the end result will be a Formula One facility that is the envy of the racing world.

“Cognizant’s expertise in technology, coupled with Aston Martin’s expertise in automotive engineering, was an ideal combination, and we expect our technology to have a tangible impact on Aston Martin’s ability to succeed.

“Cognizant continues to increase its global reach and Formula One’s global fan base was a key consideration in seeking entry to the sport. The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team ticks all the right boxes for us – we are both innovative, forward-looking firms that like to move fast, stay focused and lead from the front.”

Sebastian Vettel, Driver, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team: “Even though I have raced for four Formula One teams and for many years, starting a new season with a new team still gives me a sense of excitement.

“As a driver, I have always kept my eye on the competition and this team has consistently impressed me with what they have been able to do without the biggest of budgets. So, when Lawrence [Stroll] and Otmar [Szafnauer] approached me last year, and explained what their ambitions were, I was immediately very motivated to join the team.

“I love the history of motor racing and Aston Martin is one of the great names of the past, so it is fun to be part of their return to Formula One after an absence of 61 years.

“Having visited the factory and met the senior people as well as my engineers and mechanics, I can see they are a really good group. I feel confident that, by the support Lawrence brings together with the Aston Martin name, we will make real progress together.

“I have not driven the car yet – obviously – but I think it looks great. I am really looking forward to getting it out on the track. I am also looking forward to working with and getting to know better everyone in the team, including my team-mate Lance [Stroll]. We will certainly make a big effort to deliver some good results together and have fun doing it.”

Lance Stroll, Driver, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team: “This is such an exciting time of the year. The car launch is when everything starts to feel real again, especially this year with our new identity as Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team. The new name is exciting for everyone and there is a massive buzz around the factory.

“I have come back refreshed from the winter break. It is going to be my third season here working with this great bunch of people, and that stability is what you need as a driver. I am at home here and I have built those strong relationships with the team now. All that stuff makes a difference when we are competing for those last fractions of a second. It is a case of knowing exactly what you need and how to work with the team to really optimise performance.

“It is all quite full-on this year, with fewer testing days available, but we have made good use of our simulation tools at the factory to help us prepare. There will be higher expectations this year for several reasons – including the team name – and I see 2021 as a huge opportunity for us to score some great results. We had real momentum at the end of 2020 and I believe we can hit the ground running this year, too.”

March 3, 2021

Simone Campedelli joins Team MRF Tyres for 2021 ERC

3 March 2021: Team MRF Tyres welcomes Italian ace Simone Campedelli to the team for the 2021 season. Campedelli will take the gravel rounds for the 2021 FIA European Rally Championship (FIA ERC).

Campedelli has made a name for himself on the Italian stages, taking four titles in his career including the Italian 2WD Championship, Italian Junior, Italian Tarmac and the Italian Gravel Trophy. His 2020 saw him take a win and two-second places in the Italian Gravel Rally Championship.

The natural step is into the FIA ERC and Campedelli will compete at the front of the field in a VW Polo R5.

He joins Team MRF Tyres on the back of Italian legend Paolo Andreucci, with both drivers bringing vast experience and knowledge to the team

Campedelli will start his ERC at Azores Rally in Portugal in May. Rally Poland and Rally Liepaja in June and July follows before the final gravel event in Portugal take place in September with the Rally Serras de Fafe e Felgueiras. If all goes well may be few ERC Tarmac rounds on the cards.

The pace and potential were shown in 2020 will be built on with Campedelli, who will be out to gain valuable data for the next generation of MRF Tyres.

MRF Tyres has a strong and reliable customer product and is committed to developing the range of tyres that can be used in rally competition across the globe.

Further announcements for the 2021 campaigns will be made in due course. The next outing for Team MRF Tyres will be the SM OK Auto Ralli, the second round of the Finnish Rally Championship with Lindholm/Korhonen on 5-6 March.

Quotes
Simone Campedelli, Driver, Team MRF Tyres
“I am really looking forward to this year. I am part of a big team with big ambitions this year. I will use my experience to test and to try to get the best results possible for Team MRF Tyres. I know that they are looking to me to help develop the tyres as well. This is a big responsibility.”

“It is a big opportunity to rally outside of Italy and contest the ERC rounds this year. Team MRF Tyres showed that they have the pace and they are committed to improving their product and I am excited about these challenges.”

“Having a manufacturer like MRF Tyres in rallying is very important in Europe. They are a big company and are committed to motorsport. I am proud to be able to join them and I look forward to working with the team. I would also like to thank my long-time supporters, ORANGE1. Their continued support has allowed me to make this move to the ERC.”

Mr. Arun Mammen (MRF Tyres Vice-Chairman & Managing Director)
“We at MRF Tyres are proud of our commitment to motorsport and our rally activities in Europe are a part of this. As the first Indian manufacturer to join the European Rally Championship in 2020, we proved how competitive we are and that we are dedicated to always improving our products.”

“I am pleased to be able to welcome Simone Campedelli to Team MRF Tyres. He joins a very skilled and dedicated team and I am sure everyone at MRF Tyres will follow him and be eager for success. I am proud to see MRF Tyres commitment to the European Rally Championship.”

“Welcome to the MRF family, Simone and best of luck for the 2021 season.”

About MRF Tyres
MRF Tyres was established in 1946 and now employs over 16,000 people and has revenue of around US$2.5 billion making it the biggest tyre supplier in India. MRF Tyres supplies rally and race tyres around the world. MRF Tyres entered the European Rally Championship for the first time in 2020 taking stage wins and took a podium position in the team’s first snow rally in the Finnish Rally Championship. It is part of a long motorsport heritage for the company that has seen multiple Asia Pacific Rally Championship titles, open wheeler success, national rally and racing success.

About the European Rally Championship:
The FIA European Rally Championship, established in 1953 is one of the oldest and most prestigious rally championships in the world. Crews rally across eight rounds from March to November with four tarmac and four gravel events.

The 2020 ERC calendar is as follows:
Round 1 – Azores Rallye (6 – 8 May)
Round 2 – Rajd Polski – Rally Poland (18-20 June)
Round 3 – Rally Liepāja (1-3 July)
Round 4 – Rally di Roma Capitale (23-25 July)
Round 5 – Barum Czech Rally Zlín (27-29 August)
Round 6 – Rally Serras de Fafe e Felgueiras (23-25 September)
Round 7 – Rally Hungary (22-24 October)
Round 8 – Rally Islas Canarias (18-20 November)

March 3, 2021
Team MRF Tyres ropes in Italian legend Paolo Andreucci

Chennai, 1 March 2021: Team MRF Tyres is excited to announce that Paolo Andreucci, 11 times Italian Rally Champion, will compete in the Italian Gravel Championship (CIR-Terra) with Team MRF Tyres. Paolo Andreucci’s car will be shod by the Indian tyres for the 2021 Six-round Italian Gravel Rally Championship and he will drive a Citroen C3 Rally 2, on the latest generation of MRF Tyres.

Paolo Andreucci who has more than 20 years of experience in tyre development will be a valued asset as he also takes on the mantle of tyre development for Team MRF Tyres along with Fiore Brivio – renowned for his Rally tyre development. Team MRF Tyres has an aggressive 2021 testing schedule and Paolo Andreucci will play an important role in this program.

Andreucci’s signing comes after a successful 2020 season with Team MRF Tyres taking stage wins in the team’s first-ever season in top-level European Rally competition. The strengthening of their test driving team signals MRF Tyres’ commitment to International motorsport and their desire to be strong contenders for the World’s best championships.  This is the next step as MRF Tyres continues to develop and build on a strong 2020 campaign.

The 2021 season started well for MRF Tyres with Emil Lindholm/Mikael Korhonen taking a podium spot in the opening round of the Finnish Championship at Artic Rally. It became two podiums from two outings on snow and ice after Craig Breen and Paul Nagle achieved a podium in 2020 in Finland.

MRF Tyres has proven pace and experience on gravel rallying around the world, producing perfect tyres for national and regional rallying. Further announcements for the 2021 campaigns will be made in due course. The next outing for Team MRF Tyres will be the SM OK Auto Ralli, the second round of the Finnish Rally Championship with Lindholm/Korhonen on March 5^th and 6th.

Paolo Andreucci (Driver, Team MRF Tyres, Italian Gravel Rally Championship) said: “MRF Tyres is a very competitive team in motorsport. We have common and converging objectives, and this commitment is what has drawn me to this program. I like to challenge myself with new opportunities, and I am excited about this one. It is thanks to the passion and technical knowledge of the entire team at MRF Tyres that I believe together we can do a good job. For 2021, we want to be as competitive as possible in the Italian Gravel Rally Championship and above all to help MRF in developing the best of competition tyres.”

Arun Mammen, MRF Tyres Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, said: “We are proud of how competitive Team MRF Tyres was in the 2020 European Rally Championship season. Everyone at MRF Tyres is working hard and we are happy to be present competitively on a world stage like this. To be able to attract an 11-time national champion to MRF Tyres speaks about our commitment to rallying in Europe and the continued development of our rally tyre. We are dedicated to further our success and we look forward to the Italian Gravel Rally Championship. I would like to welcome Paolo to the team and wish him the best of luck for the 2021 season.”

About MRF Tyres

MRF Tyres was established in 1946 and now employs over 16,000 people and has revenue of around US$2.5 billion making it the biggest tyre supplier in India. MRF Tyres supplies rally and race tyres around the world. MRF Tyres entered the European Rally Championship for the first time in 2020 taking stage wins and took a podium position in the team’s first snow rally in the Finnish Rally Championship. It is part of a long motorsport heritage for the company that has seen multiple Asia Pacific Rally Championship titles, open wheeler success, national rally and racing success.

About Paolo Andreucci

Paolo Andruecci is an Italian rally stalwart, having broken onto the scene in the late 1980s. It didn’t take him long to make his mark, taking a top 10 in Rally Portugal in 1989, taking second in class in the Production WRC class. He has made his career in Italy on gravel and tarmac, starting over 330 rallies and taking 80 wins. Incredibly, he has taken 11 Italian titles overall and a further five class titles. He brings a wealth of experience to MRF Tyres and our aggressive development campaign into Europe.

Andreucci’s Championship titles:

2020 –Italy 2WD class (Tarmac), 2018 – Italian Championship, 2017 – Italian Championship, 2015 – Italian Championship, 2014 – Italian Championship, 2012 – Italian Championship, 2011 – Italian Championship, 2010 – Italian Championship, 2009 – Italian Championship, 2006 – Italian Championship, 2005 – Italian S1600 class, 2004 – Italian S1600 class, 2003 – Italian Championship, 2003 – Italian S1600 class, 2001 – Italian Championship, 1998 – Italian 2WD Championship, 1997 – Italian 2WD Championship

About the Italian Gravel Rally Championship (Campionato Italiano Rally Terra)

Formed in 2017, the Italian Gravel Rally Championship allows the finest rally drivers to take on the best gravel roads across Italy. Sanctioned by the national ASN, ACI Sport, tallies typically take place over a single day of competition with around 70km of competitive action (except for the Rally Italia Sardegna which supports the WRC round). The fields are highly competitive with more than 20 Rally 2 cars, producing exciting finishes – to the point that the 2020 Rally San Marino was tied with 0.0 between the first two cars! The 2020 Champion was WRC2 front runners Bulacia Wilkinson Marco/Marcelo Der Ohannesian. Andreucci took second with two victories with codrivers Francesco Pinelli and Anna Andreussi.

2021 Italian Gravel Rally Championship Calendar

1.     Rally Adriatico 2021 (24-25 April);

2.     Rally Italia Sardegna 2021 (3-6 June);

3.     San Marino Rally 2021 (26-27 June);

4.     Rally Città di Arezzo – Valtiberina 2021 (30 July – 1 August);

5.     Rally dei Nuraghi e del Vermentino 2021 (11-12 September);

6.     Liburna Rally Terra 2021 (6-7 November).

March 1, 2021