INDIA in F1

Tag: F1

  • Sauber F1 team launches new C32-Ferrari

    Hinwil, 2 Feb 2013: The Sauber F1 Team presented the Sauber C32-Ferrari to its partners and the media on Saturday, the 2nd of February. Drivers Nico Hülkenberg (DE, 25) and Esteban Gutiérrez (MX, 21) pulled back the covers on the new car at the team’s base in Hinwil, Switzerland. The roll-out of the Sauber C32 will take place during the first winter test at Jerez de la Frontera on 5th February.

    “Two thousand and twelve was a very successful year for us,” said Monisha Kaltenborn, the Indian-born CEO of Sauber as she looks ahead to the new season. “We not only moved up from seventh to sixth place in the constructors’ standings, but also improved our points total from 44 in 2011 to 126 last season. We have a strong platform in place now, on which we are aiming to build and continue our upward curve.” Nico Hulkenber, who led for 33 laps in the Force India car in the last race of the 2012 season in Brazil moved on to Sauber and gets praise from the team Principal.

    The Team Principal is bullish about the prospects for the team’s new driver pairing: “We have had our eye on Nico Hülkenberg for some time and have been impressed by his performances. He is very quick, but, most importantly, he’s also very efficient. He understands how to pick up as many points as possible from a particular race situation. Esteban Gutiérrez is a driver we know very well as a result of a relationship with the team going back several years, and he has already had a number of opportunities to test with our car. Plus, he has always stayed in close contact with our engineers, which has allowed him to learn a lot about Formula One. I’m in no doubt he is now ready to take the final step and put his outstanding talent on display.”

    Gutiérrez has been succeeded as test and reserve driver by 21-year-old Dutchman Robin Frijns. “We rate him as an extraordinarily gifted young man, so we decided to give him this opportunity,” explained Kaltenborn. “We will now set about introducing him step by step to life in Formula One.”

    Hülkenberg is entering his third F1 season in a race seat. The German spent 2010 – his rookie year – with Williams and 2012 at the wheel of a Force India car. “The Sauber F1 Team made significant progress last year from 2011,” the German driver recognised. “Now the team is ready to take the next step, and I want to play my part in making that happen. My personal aim is to put in a good, steady performance this season.”

    Gutiérrez won the GP3 Championship with something to spare in 2010. He promptly made the move up to GP2 and finished third in last year’s standings. Now the Mexican is focused on the future: “I’m really looking forward to my first season in Formula One. My long association with the Sauber F1 Team has given me the chance to understand the complexity of Formula One. But I also realise, of course, that I still have a huge amount to learn. I will be working flat out to adapt to the whole F1 environment as quickly as possible and, if things open up during races, I want to make sure I’m ready to take full advantage.”

    Test and reserve driver Frijns (21) spent last year competing in the World Series by Renault – and crowned his season with the championship title. “I’m overjoyed that the Sauber F1 Team has given me this chance. I will do everything I can to support the team as effectively as possible and, at the same time, learn how things work in the professional world of Formula One,” said the Dutch youngster.

    The three drivers and the new Sauber C32-Ferrari are set to make a fine combination.

    Sauber C32-Ferrari – technical details

    The F1 technical regulations have barely changed going into the 2013 season and yet the new Sauber C32-Ferrari is a very different proposition visually from its predecessor – thanks to a smooth, slightly downward-sloping nose section and, principally, much slimmer sidepods.

    “The C31 was an extremely competitive car with many strengths,” explained Matt Morris, the Sauber F1 Team’s Chief Designer. Our aim was to further improve these strengths and eliminate its few weaknesses.

    The sidepods of the C32 are notably slimmer than the Formula One norm up to now and are responsible for giving the new car a very distinctive look. “The airflow in this area has a major influence over everything that happens at the rear of the car,” said Morris, offering a glimpse into the team’s thinking.

    An extremely slim rear end was high up the engineers’ list of priorities. One of the key aspects here is the arrangement of the radiators, which is very different from that in the C31. A look at the rear end of the new car reveals the engineers’ rigorous approach to this area.

    As before, the car’s KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), engine and gearbox are supplied by Ferrari. The KERS is based on last year’s version, but its weight and packaging volume have been optimised.

    The rear axle is a totally new development. Although it still works according to the pullrod principle, its layout has been designed to better interact with the airflow around the rear of the car, while further improving the tyre management.

    There was also potential for improvement in how the tyres are used in qualifying, as Morris explained: “Our car looked after its tyres very well during races last year. However, we had problems now and again when it came to getting the maximum out of them in qualifying. We’ve looked at this phenomenon closely and made the required adjustments.”

    Another high priority was reducing the car’s overall weight, to allow a better distribution of the ballast, while retaining its structural requirements and mechanical setup flexibility. “My colleagues have done an excellent job here, and we have even exceeded our original targets”, praised Morris.

    Like last year, the Sauber F1 Team will use a basic version of the car for its rollout event and introduce a major update before the first race of the season.

    “We have set ourselves lofty goals with the Sauber C32-Ferrari, and I’m confident that we’ll be able to meet them. The C31 gave us a very good basis, to which we’ve made further improvements. Our aim is to line up for 2013 with a car that is competitive from the first race, but which also offers extensive potential for further development,” summed up Morris.

    endsIndian-born Monisha Kalternborn, (centre) the Team Principal of Sauber admires the C32 at its launch on 2 Feb 2013 in Hinwil. A Sauber F1 team photo.

  • Sahara Force India unveils VJM06 at Silverstone

    Silverstone, 1 Feb 2013: Sahara Force India unveiled its 2013 challenger today as Paul Di Resta pulled the covers off the VJM06 at Silverstone circuit.
     
    The VJM06 is the third car to be overseen by Technical Director, Andrew Green, and builds on the strengths of the 2012 car. With stable technical rules the car is more evolution than revolution with the removal of the ‘step’ nose being the most obvious visual change.
    “The VJM06 doesn’t look

    Sahara Force India unveils VJM06 at Silverstone on Friday. A Sahara Force India photo

    massively different to its predecessor, but beneath the skin we’ve looked at every detail to try and find more performance,” says Team Principal, Dr Vijay Mallya. “I’ve followed the development of the car closely and I’m proud of what we have achieved. The objective now is to make sure we build on the promise of last year and have a strong start to the season.”

    Summing up the approach to the design of the VJM06, Andrew Green said: “It’s a brand new car from the ground-up – everything is new. We discussed carrying over big chunks of last year’s car, including the chassis, but decided not to. There were still some gains to be had with the chassis, so we elected to take the performance benefits. The biggest change that everybody is going to notice this year is the fairing on top of the nose to hide the ‘step’. It’s neutral as far as the car’s performance is concerned but tidies up the flow over the top of the chassis.”
    Chief Operating Officer, Otmar Szafnauer, praised the team’s efforts over the winter to develop the VJM06: “We’re very optimistic. We’ve been working hard over the winter, trying to make improvements where we know we can find performance. Everything has come together very nicely. We’ve also focussed on operational strength by bolstering our simulator programme and increasing our CFD capacity with new hardware.”
     
    Paul Di Resta, half of the team’s 2013 line-up, was delighted to see his new car: “Seeing the car built and complete for the first time is a special feeling. I’ve followed its progress in the tunnel and it looks very impressive – aggressive and fast. Now I’m just eager to get out there and see where we stand compared to our competitors. After the winter I feel refreshed and keen to get back to business.”
     
    The Sahara Force India cars will be powered by Mercedes engines with the gearbox supplied by McLaren Applied Technologies for a fifth season. This will be the third season with the Mercedes KERS.
    ends

  • TW Steel, now Official Timing Partner to Sahara Force India

    TW Steel CEO Jordy Cobelens (left) and Bob Fernley pose after the partnership.. A photo by Sahara Force India.

    Sahara Force India is proud to announce the beginning of a multi-year partnership with TW Steel, which sees the Dutch watchmaker become the team’s Official Timing Partner.

    The global lifestyle brand known for being ‘Big in Oversized Watches’ was unveiled as a team partner at the launch of Sahara Force India’s 2013 challenger, the VJM06, at Silverstone Circuit this morning.
    The recognisable ‘two-dots’ logo of TW Steel, will feature prominently on the team’s major brand platforms including the car, the drop-down timing monitors used in the garages and on the sleeves of the drivers’ racesuits. 
    As part of its commitment to Sahara Force India, TW Steel will produce an official team watch range for retail world-wide. The brand will use this new global partnership as a marketing platform to engage consumers through the 6000 retail outlets currently selling the brand in over 100 countries worldwide.
    Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director of Sahara Force India: “The partnership with TW Steel is the perfect way to begin the 2013 season and we are delighted to welcome them to the Sahara Force India family. With the global reach of Formula One, our unique positioning in the Indian market place and our shared ambition for success on the track, I am sure that the relationship will bring big rewards for both TW Steel and Sahara Force India.”
    TW Steel CEO and co-owner, Jordy Cobelens: “I’m naturally very excited to be partnering with Sahara Force India. We know the merits of being involved with a team competing in Formula One and the brand awareness that brings. Our new partnership represents a relationship where both parties are keen to bring success to each other. Sahara Force India has such a strong following around the world, notably of course in India, a key growth opportunity we’ve targeted for TW Steel’s on-going development. I’m excited to have our brand working with such fantastic entrepreneurs as Dr Vijay Mallya and Mr Subrata Roy Sahara.  Like TW Steel they’ve showcased their ambition and proved they like to make bold statements. We have lots of synergy and we look forward to being a part of the team’s progressive journey both on and off track.”
    About TW Steel
    With its name meaning ‘The Watch in Steel’, TW Steel is firmly established as a big, bold, global lifestyle brand.  Its timepiece collections are reflective of and available for all tastes and occasions with innovative design and luxurious styling paired together with Swiss build quality and an exceptional price point.  TW Steel offers a defined sense of individuality and shows to the world that as a bold and ambitious personality, you wear a statement watch that truly reflects who you are.
    Proudly Dutch, TW Steel is led by its entrepreneurial CEO and co-owner Jordy Cobelens – whose talents have been recognized with Ernst & Young’s ‘Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2011’ in The Netherlands.  While Jordy Cobelens oversees the building of the TW Steel brand, his father and co-owner, Ton Cobelens, serves as the Chief Design Officer.  Having launched in 2005, and now with 140 models, TW Steel has attained a global appeal while creating an internationally recognized and respected brand name offering truly affordable luxury available in over 100 countries. www.twsteel.com
    About Sahara Force India Formula One Team
    Sahara Force India Formula One Team is beginning its sixth year of competition in the FIA Formula One World Championship. The team was founded in 2008 when Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman of India’s iconic UB Group, launched the first-ever Indian Formula One team. The cars incorporate the colours of the Indian flag and the team is a sporting representation of the emerging generation of young, aspirational Indians and the growing strength of India as a nation. In 2011 a historic partnership was agreed as Sahara India Pariwar became co-owners of the Silverstone-based team. With the support of Sahara, the team is driven by two of India’s greatest industrialists who both recognise the value of using sport as a marketing platform to build some of India’s biggest brands.  For more details visit: www.saharaforceindiaf1.com

  • Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ spectacular parade for MP4-28

    Jenson Button (left) and Sergio Perez at the launch of MP4-28 at Woking on 31 Jan 2013. A Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 team photo.

    Woking, 31 Jan 2013: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes launched its 2013 Formula 1 challenger and kicked off a year of 50th anniversary celebrations with a spectacular parade of classic racing cars at the McLaren Technology Centre on Thursday.

    The parade brought to life a string of race- and championship-winning McLarens from across the decades, included 1970’s M8D CanAm sportscar, Emerson Fittipaldi’s iconic 1974 M23, Ayrton Senna’s dominant 1988 MP4/4, our 1995 Le Mans-winning F1 GTR, Mika Hakkinen’s MP4-13 car from 1998 and Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 MP4-23.

    The display culminated in the arrival of our 2013 race drivers, Jenson Button and Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez – who arrived driving a development model of our new McLaren P1TM sportscar and a 12C Spider, respectively.

    Evolution through history

    The display of classic McLarens was a timely reminder of the weight of history that constantly hangs over a team with such high expectations each and every season. Following such a winning pedigree is the aim and intention of each and every man and woman who comes to work at McLaren every day.

    And, for everyone involved in its inception, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-28 is the logical culmination of everything we’ve ever done: it’s the sum of 50 years’ experience, expertise and passion.

    The MP4-28 isn’t merely a refinement of last year’s seven-race-winning car, it’s a deep and sweeping re-design of an already successful chassis in several key areas – most notably around the nose and front suspension, the sidepod profiles and the rear bodywork.

    Jenson and Checo – a perfect blend

    Jenson and Checo continue the trend of evolution through history.

    Jenson begins his fourth season at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes as the team’s most experienced driver. Indeed, during his time here, he has won more races (eight) and scored more points (672) than during the rest of his 10-year Formula 1 career.

    For 2013, he is keenly anticipating the opportunity to maximise all his skill and depth of experience to spearhead the development of the car across the championship season.

    By contrast, Checo is starting only his third season in Formula 1, aged 23. Young, eager to learn, and already impressing the team with his ability to absorb information, he is perfectly poised to benefit from the team’s professionalism and experience as he develops and gathers pace during his important first season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.

    Our driver pairing is the perfect blend of youth and experience.

    We will once again be targeting both the drivers’ and constructors’ world championships. The ongoing strength in depth of the organisation, plus the exciting addition of Sergio to the proven package of Jenson gives the whole team strong encouragement and motivation for the year ahead.

    Powering the market with 50 years of expertise

     

    Our unrivalled experience as a British F1 team has enabled us to develop cutting-edge technologies. We’re proud that the technology and expertise pioneered at the racetrack and developed by McLaren Applied Technologies, working in partnership with Vodafone, were used byBritish canoeists, rowers, cyclists and sailors, helping to bring home 15 gold medals last summer.

    In partnership with Vodafone and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, we have begun a successful pilot utilising Formula 1 data management expertise to improve the monitoring of children in intensive care – a project we hope to continue and expand in 2013.

    We will also be supplying motors, transmissions and data systems for teams entering the new Formula E series, which is set to hit city streets in 2014.

    The depth of trust and respect we enjoy with our partners has allowed us to extend record-breaking relationships with the likes of Hugo Boss (32 years), TAG Heuer (28 years), Kenwood (23 years), ExxonMobil and Mercedes-Benz (19 years) and SAP (15 years).

    In addition, our longstanding partnerships with Johnnie Walker and Hilton (nine years), Vodafone and Santander (seven years) are globally successful. Our recent strategic partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, which has seen GSK scientists develop a successful drinks formula to hydrate the drivers, will see the launch of the McLaren GSK Centre for Applied Performance at the end of the year.

    Last year, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes also became the first motorsport company to retain the challenging Carbon Trust Standard in recognition of our continued efforts to reduce the impact we have on the environment.

    2013: the most exciting year yet for McLaren Automotive

    On the road, McLaren Automotive’s high performance cars have been setting new standards. Last year we launched the 12C Spider, the open-roofed version of the groundbreaking 12C, and also unveiled the McLaren P1TM, which launches this year with the aim of being the best drivers’s car in the world, on both the road and track.

    Evolution through history – or history through evolution? In 2013, we are set to do both.

    Jenson will begin track testing of the MP4-28 at Spain’s Circuito de Jerez on Tuesday February 5.

    JENSON & CHECO: A PERFECT BLEND

    JENSON BUTTON (GBR)

    Date of birth                 January 19 1980 (33)

    Titles                            2009 world champion

    GPs                              228

    Wins                            15 (eight for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes)

    Poles                           8

    FLs                              8

    Points                          999

    Websites                      www.jensonbutton.com

          Twitter @jensonbutton

    “I’m going into my fourth season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver and, more than ever, I know and understand the strengths and abilities of this team. This year is really about continuity and consolidation.

    “Obviously, the biggest change for 2013 is my new team-mate, Checo. It’s always interesting and inspiring to begin working with a new face, and it already feels like a very positive working relationship.

    “I know from personal experience that it can feel initially daunting when you walk into the McLaren Technology Centre for the very first time, but I also remember how quickly I was made to feel at home and how welcoming I found the whole McLaren family. I’m sure Checo already feels very much at ease here.

    “We were extremely strong throughout the whole of the 2012 season, but, for one reason or another, we couldn’t quite pull it all together to challenge for the championships. That’s something we want to address for 2013. I’ve seen just how closely everybody has been working together on this car, and I think we’ve got the basis for a very strong season.

    “We’ll be working extremely hard during the pre-season to ensure we go to the first race with bulletproof reliability. Operationally, too, I think we’ve learned and developed from last year, and that will help us run a much smoother and stronger campaign.

    “I also want to say that today’s demonstration of some classic McLarens makes me feel incredibly proud to be a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver. I don’t think anybody with a love for motorsport could fail to be moved by sound and fury of the cars we saw here today – they’ll always make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

    “This year’s car is the best we’ve ever made – I know the engineers have left absolutely no stone unturned in wringing every ounce of performance from every available area. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel and attempt to carry forward the incredible legacy that lives beneath the skin of every single man and woman who works at McLaren.”

     

    SERGIO PEREZ (MEX)

    Date of birth                 January 26 1990 (23)

    Titles                            –

    GPs                              37

    Wins                            –

    Poles                           –

    FLs                              1

    Points                          80

    Websites                      www.sergioperezf1.com

          Twitter @schecoperez

    “For me, this is a great day. In fact, every day this year has been great: I’ve been working hard with my new team to get everything ready for the start of the 2013 season – and it’s been an incredible journey to get to know this incredible organisation.

    “I’m incredibly proud to be a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver. Seeing such famous cars brought to life today, and knowing that I’m driving for the team on it’s 50th anniversary – that’s such a special feeling.

    “Of course, I am fully aware of the steep slope ahead of me: it has already been an intense couple of weeks, getting to grips with a new team, meeting my engineers and mechanics, learning new ways of working and, of course, learning all about a brand new car – something I’ll need to do with just six days of on-track testing. It’s a big challenge.

    “But it’s definitely going to be an exciting few weeks: although I’ve been racing in Formula 1 for the past two seasons, every racing car is different and it always takes a little time to adjust. Firstly, I’ll need to understand the different characteristics of the car; secondly, I’ll learn how to best work with my engineers to make the car suit my personal driving style. It’s going to be an interesting and exciting journey.

    “But I’m more prepared than I’ve ever been for the start of a new season. I feel extremely fit, focused and refreshed – there’s still a lot to do, but my aims are to feel confident, comfortable and ready to race by the time I land in Australia in just a few weeks’ time.”

    MARTIN WHITMARSH

    Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

    “The launch of a new Formula 1 car is always an exciting and slightly nerve-wracking occasion. Today’s parade of some of our greatest and most significant cars was a thrilling way to kick off our 50th anniversary celebrations and also our 2013 campaign – but it’s a reminder of the tremendous responsibility everyone within the McLaren Technology Centre shares to uphold the legacy began by Bruce McLaren and taken on by Teddy Mayer and Ron Dennis.

    “It’s fully appropriate that the echoes of the past should be made to reverberate around the glass walls of a thoroughly modern building like the McLaren Technology Centre. Equally, however, we’ve never lost sight of the fact that we’ll always be linked to that fearless band of enterprising pioneers who came together to form Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd in the autumn of 1963. Like Bruce and his closest friends, we still have the belief that we can go out into the world, risk everything and emerge victorious. That, ultimately, is the spirit that drives this organisation.

    “For 2013, of course, we go racing to win. With Jenson and Checo, and this fantastic-looking new car, I believe we’re extremely well prepared for another competitive season. Jenson is driving better than ever – he’s the most experienced driver in Formula 1, but he makes every ounce of that experience count: he’s peerless in his ability to read a race and one of the very fastest drivers out there. He’s a consummate professional, too, and will revel in working hard to drive this team through the year.

    “Checo joins us after a sensational 2012 season and he’s immediately proved that he’s intelligent, modest, hard-working and, make no mistake; very, very quick. Of course, there’ll be a learning curve to overcome as he gets used to our organisation, particularly during the hustle and bustle of the early-season race weekends, but he understands that we are placing no pressure on him.

    “This is an exciting time for the whole team. In our 50th anniversary season, I want Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to underline why we are the finest grand prix team in the world.”

    Vodafone & Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

    Vodafone, one of world’s largest mobile communications companies, became title partner of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team in 2007, extending the relationship in 2010 to become the Official Total Communications Provider.

    Dominant title sponsorship branding can be seen on the MP4-28 cars and the drivers’ and pit crews’ overalls and helmets. In addition, the partnership delivers an innovative, powerful and integrated marketing platform enabling Vodafone customers to get closer to the action through unique experiences, innovative content, experiential events, advertising, offers and promotions.

    As well as providing a wide range of services to support the on-track success of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, including fixed, mobile and broadband networks, content and communication services and associated devices, Vodafone works with McLaren Group away from the track.

    Vodafone & McLaren Applied Technologies

    Using its F1-derived science and cutting edge telecommunications technology, McLaren Applied Technologies and Vodafone have partnered on numerous ground-breaking projects. In this past year alone they have worked with Birmingham Children’s Hospital. They also assisted Great Britain’s cyclists, rowers, sailors and canoeists with their preparations last summer.

    Vodafone and McLaren Applied Technologies have developed advanced systems for several sports and healthcare scenarios, making use of Vodafone’s expertise in enabling large amounts of critically important data to be transferred securely and reliably.

    MP4-28 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

    Chassis

    Monocoque                              McLaren-moulded carbonfibre composite incorporating front and side impact structures, and survival cell

    Front suspension                     Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement

    Rear suspension                      Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement

    Electronics                               McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry. 

    Bodywork                                 Carbon-fibre composite. Including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing.

    Driver-operated drag reduction system

    Lubricants & Fluids                  Mobilith SHC™ 1500 Grease – lubricates the four tripod joints on the drive-shafts resisting the high temperatures generated by the exhaust and braking systems

    Mobilith SHC™ 220 Grease – minimises rolling resistance in the car’s ceramic wheel bearings to help maximise speed

    Mobil SHC™ Hydraulic Oil – running at over 200 bar and 100° C this fluid is an essential part of the hydraulic system which controls gear shift, the throttles and operation of DRS and steering systems

    Tyres                                        Pirelli P Zero

    Radio                                       Kenwood

    Race wheels                             Enkei

    Brake calipers                          Akebono

    Master cylinders                       Akebono

    Batteries                                   GS Yuasa Corporation

    Steering                                   McLaren power-assisted

    Instruments                              McLaren Electronic Systems

    Paint solutions                         AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens products

    Engine

    Type                                         Mercedes-Benz FO 108F

    Capacity                                   2.4 litres

    Cylinders                                 8

    Maximum rpm                          18,000

    Bank angle                               90°

    Piston bore maximum              98mm

    Number of valves                     32

    Fuel                                         ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)

    Spark plugs                             NGK Formula 1 specification racing spark plugs

    Lubricants                                Mobil 1™ Engine Oil – for long engine life, protection and cooling combined with improved fuel economy

    Weight                                     95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)

    KERS Hybrid

    Type                                         Mercedes-Benz

    e-Motor                                     Engine-mounted electrical motor/generator

    ESS                                         Integrated energy storage cells and power electronics

    Power                                       60 kW

    Transmission

    Gearbox                                   McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre composite

    Integral rear impact structure

    Gears                                       Seven forward and one reverse

    Gear selection                          McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated

    Clutch                                      Carbon/carbon, hand-operated

    Lubricants                                Mobil 1 SHC™ Gear Oil –  provides reduced fluid traction losses improving gearbox efficiency and delivering more power to the rear wheels

    ends

  • Lotus F1 team unveils E21

    Enstone, 28 Jan 2013 (130am Jan 29 IST): The Lotus F1 Team E21 has been unleashed today from the team’s Enstone base in Oxfordshire, England.

    Revealed to team partners on site, streamed live on YouTube and broadcast live on Sky Sports News in the UK, the E21 will contest the 2013 FIA Formula 1 World Championship with drivers Kimi Räikkönen (E21 n°7) and Romain Grosjean (E20 n°8).

    With only limited changes to the technical and sporting regulations from 2012, the E21 continues the design themes seen in its race-winning predecessor, the E20. However, it is pushing last year’s concepts even further as well as incorporating some innovative technical solutions. The new car also features a slightly tweaked livery, incorporating an extra touch or red.

    Joining the team as Third Driver is reigning GP2 series champion Davide Valsecchi, whilst Nicolas Prost will perform Development Driver duties. Jérôme D’Ambrosio will continue with the team as Reserve Driver.

    Eric Boullier, Team Principal:
    “I think it is fair to say that great things are possible from the team and the E21. The leap we made from 2011 to 2012 showed what we are capable of. Add to this the continuity and potential of our driver line-up and we have a very powerful cocktail for the season ahead. Our ambitious plan to turn ourselves into one of the top teams in Formula 1 is coming to fruition and now we need to harness this with strong and regular podium results.”

    James Allison, Technical Director:
    “The E20 proved itself to be an effective racing car – particularly towards the end of last season – so there is an element of expectation from the E21 and plenty to build upon. We have continued with our design themes and tried to create a more efficient and faster racing car based on all the lessons we learnt last year. How successful we have been in this task will only be discovered when we take to the track at the winter tests and – more significantly – at Grands Prix.”

    Kimi Räikkönen, Race Driver:
    “Of course, I’ve not driven the E21 yet so it’s difficult to say what could or could not be possible for the year ahead. We know we had a good car last season, but everyone is working hard to make the best package. I will be working with the team to help get the car as strong as we can, then in Melbourne we’ll have our first taste of results. It’s a long season from there. 2012 was a good start; let’s see what we can do in 2013.”

    Romain Grosjean, Race Driver:
    “I can clearly say I want to score a lot of points for the team – everybody knows that – but I think it would be wrong for me to say I want to finish in a particular position in the championship. I really want to jump out of the car as many times as possible thinking that I did a good job. Knowing that everything I could do, I did, and feeling proud of my race or session. I hope to feel that way as many times as possible this year.”

    ends

    Lotus E21 launch at Enstone on Monday 28Jan2013. A Lotus F1 team photo.

  • Speedy Services joins Sahara Force India as official supplier

    A Sahara Force India photo showing official suppliers on the ground.

    Silverstone, 22 Jan 2013: Sahara Force India is pleased to announce Speedy Services as an official team supplier as part of a multi-year agreement.

    Speedy is the leading provider of equipment and support services to various industries including infrastructure, industrial, construction and events. The relationship will give Sahara Force India access to the latest range of innovative, lean, safe and sustainable equipment to help with maintenance projects at the team’s Silverstone HQ.
    Speedy branding will be visible across the team’s marketing materials and website, with branding on the race cars and pit crew lollipop for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
    Otmar Szafnauer, Chief Operating Officer at Sahara Force India: “It’s an exciting time for Sahara Force India as we continue to invest in our facilities and infrastructure over the coming years. The agreement with Speedy is very timely and will assist with general maintenance of our factory resources. We welcome Speedy to the team and look forward to working with them for many years to come.”
    Derek Bailey, Market Director – Engineering & Industrial Services for Speedy: “We are delighted to have formed a partnership with such a glamorous and well-established brand as Sahara Force India. Speedy is committed to meeting all of the team’s needs with our wide range of high-performance equipment. Sahara Force India prides itself on teamwork, technology and dedication – the very same standards we bring to our customers. Formula One also offers the ideal platform to ensure we deliver worldwide awareness and recognition for the Speedy brand.”
    About Speedy Services
    Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of equipment rental and support services to a wide range of clients across the infrastructure, industrial, construction and events markets – as well as to local trades and industry.www.speedyservices.com
     
    About Sahara Force India Formula One Team
    Sahara Force India Formula One Team is beginning its sixth year of competition in the FIA Formula One World Championship. The team was founded in 2008 when Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman of India’s iconic UB Group, launched the first-ever Indian Formula One team. The cars incorporate the colours of the Indian flag and the team is a sporting representation of the emerging generation of young, aspirational Indians and the growing strength of India as a nation. In 2011 a historic partnership was agreed as Sahara India Pariwar became co-owners of the Silverstone-based team. With the support of Sahara, the team is driven by two of India’s greatest industrialists who both recognise the value of using sport as a marketing platform to build some of India’s biggest brands.  For more details visit: www.saharaforceindiaf1.com

  • Pirelli presents its new motorsport season in Milan

    Milan, 23 January  2013: Pirelli’s 2013 motorsport season gets underway with the latest evolution of the company’s Formula One tyres – the third in three years – and the new 17-inch tyre for Superbikes: a fresh direction for the highest profile championship derived from road bikes. Also presented were the latest range of 2013 products for more than 250 other championships that Pirelli is involved in – fewer than half of which are a single-make tyre supply – taking place in more than 40 countries all over the world from America to the Far East, according to a Pirelli press release.

    The backdrop for the launch of Pirelli’s 2013 global motorsport activities was the company’s headquarters in the historic Bicocca district of Milan. For the occasion, Pirelli threw open the doors of its research and development laboratories to the international media. This is where the range of P Zero, Cinturato, Scorpion and Diablo competition tyres is designed and developed, as well as the home of the pilot Next Mirs facility: the most advanced robotised tyre production line in the world.

    Pirelli’s motorsport programmes and strategies were presented during an international press conference hosted by Marco Tronchetti Provera, Pirelli’s President and CEO, Chief Technical Officer Maurizio Boiocchi, Motorsport Director (Car) Paul Hembery and Motorsport Director (Bike) Giorgio Barbier.

    NEW SEASON, NEW TYRES FOR FORMULA ONE AND SUPERBIKES

    As is the case every year, Pirelli once more presents innovative new tyres for every motorsport category it is involved with for 2013, developed in accordance with the teams and the various governing bodies. The key innovations are centred around the top global championships for both cars and bikes.

    Formula One. The entire range of Formula One tyres undergoes a revolution this year. The P Zero slick tyres and wet Cinturato tyres feature new structures and softer compounds. The objective is to increase thermal degradation and ensure at least two pit stops for every grand prix, increasing overtaking opportunities and so helping to provide an even better show. All of the slick tyres have improved performance and are faster by up to 0.5 seconds per lap. The performance gap between the different compounds is also at least half a second, in order to enhance race strategy and differences in speeds during each race.

    The most visible change is to the hard compound P Zero, which as well as having a wider working range this year, changes colour and is now distinguished by orange markings on the sidewall (see separate article).

    Superbike.The constant process of intense work and innovation carried out by Pirelli for Superbikes, which began in 2004, continues this season for the 10th consecutive year: the longest single-tyre supply agreement in the history of motorsport. Last year, Pirelli developed and took to the track a total of 26 products for Superbikes.

    For 2013, the most far-reaching innovation from Pirelli for Superbikes is the move from 16.5 to 17-inch tyres, which has a profound effect on the overall performance of each bike. The new tyres were tried out by the riders for the first time during tests at the Aragon circuit in Spain last July. During this test, an improvement in times of up to 1.5 seconds per lap was recorded (see separate article).

    PARTNER OF ALL MAJOR TEAMS FROM PROTOTYPES TO SINGLE-SEATERS

    Pirelli’s involvement in motorsport goes beyond Formula One and Superbikes. Throughout the 2013 season, the Italian firm will be represented all over the world in a variety of different championships, both on the track and the road. In total, Pirelli is involved in 250 other diverse motorsport series (aside from Formula One and Superbikes) that require the design and production of more than 200 different types of tyre each year. Pirelli will supply around 720,000 tyres for all its motorsport activities this year, underlining its status as the tyre manufacturer that is most heavily involved in motorsport at both national and international level all over the world.

    Every weekend approximately 100 teams compete on Pirelli tyres, ranging from top names such as Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ducati, Ferrari, Honda, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes and Porsche to privateers, involving thousands of drivers and riders – many of which are backed by Pirelli through special development programmes. Just like Formula One and Superbikes, all these teams and drivers are assisted by Pirelli’s engineers and technicians: around a hundred dedicated people who go from track to track, weekend after weekend, to provide the best possible support for their teams and accumulate as much data as possible for Pirelli’s research headquarters in Milan. Pirelli’s Formula One team consists of 52 people, plus 11 for the GP2 and GP3 series. In Superbikes, support comes from 30 Pirelli personnel.

    BESPOKE TYRES FOR EVERY CATEGORY

    When it comes to cars, Pirelli supplies both single-seaters (such as F1, GP2 and GP3) as well as racing cars derived from their road-going equivalents, such as GT and rally (including historic rallying). Pirelli also supplies a number of the most prestigious one-make championships in the world, such as the Ferrari Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Maserati Trofeo. This year Pirelli adds the most popular championship in South America to its sporting portfolio: Brazilian stock cars, with other top championships in North America being added to the programme next year.

    In motorbike racing, as well as Superbikes and all its associated classes, the other key championships are the World Motocross Championship and World Endurance Championship.

    For each of these series Pirelli develops bespoke tyres, coming up with innovative solutions every season that reflect the technical and regulatory evolutions in each discipline.

    GP2 – GP3. Alongside Formula One and Superbikes, Pirelli is involved in 250 competitions all over the world (112 bike championships and 138 car championships). The premier feeder series for Formula One are GP2 and GP3, also supplied by Pirelli. The new range of tyres for GP2 fits in with the changes that were introduced last year. In 2012 two compounds per race were used for the first time, just like Formula One, and this year virtually the entire range has been redesigned, making the tyres softer and faster. In particular, the young drivers will use a brand new medium, soft and supersoft.

    The most significant innovation for GP3 concerns the car, which goes from 280 to 450 horsepower. In order to cater for this significant power hike, Pirelli has created a brand new product (see separate article).

    BRAZILIAN STOCK CAR. Pirelli makes a spectacular return to top-level motorsport in Brazil this year. After a five-year absence, the Italian firm will once more be the exclusive supplier to the Brazilian Stock Car Championship: the most popular motorsport series in the country. The stock car tyres will be made utilising the same factory and production processes as used in Formula One, at Pirelli’s cutting-edge motorsport facility in Izmit, Turkey (see separate article).

    GT SERIES.This season will feature a new GT category: the GT Sprint Series, which will sit alongside the Blancpain Endurance Series. The championships are designed for prestige sports cars such as those made by Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Corvette, Jaguar, McLaren and Porsche. These Ultra High Performance cars are Pirelli’s natural habitat, in which all the company’s technology learned from motorsport is invested (see separate article).

    LAMBORGHINI SUPERTROFEO. There are also some important innovations coming for the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, one of the principal one-make championships that Pirelli has supplied since the series started. As well as supplying the European and Asian championships, Pirelli will also equip the six American races introduced for this year (see separate article).

    SUPERSTOCK.Moving onto two wheels, as well as the Superbike and Supersport classes, Pirelli will also supply the Superstock 1000 and 600 categories in the United Kingdom, as well the Ducati 848 Challenge and Triumph Challenge (see separate article). 

    EIGHT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRES PLUS THREE MOTORSPORT FACTORIES

    As well as the personnel on the ground, Pirelli’s motorsport campaign is supported by a team of 1000 people. These are made up of chemists, physicists and engineers working in research and development centres located in Germany, Brazil, Turkey and China, which complement Pirelli’s central research and development facility in Milan.

    Milan is the base for 400 engineers, 150 of which are dedicated exclusively to Formula One. This is where the physics and chemistry laboratories are located, which carry out tests on compounds and structures using cutting-edge techniques. Mathematical models simulate the reactions of each specification of compound combined with each structure, in all possible conditions of use.

    The competition compounds for cars are produced at the Settimo Torinese plant in Turin and Slatina in Romania, while the tyres are physically made at the Izmit factory in Turkey. Since 2007, this has been Pirelli’s dedicated motorsport facility.

    Radial bike tyres for competition use are made at Breuberg in Germany, while off-road bike tyres for competition use are produced at Gravitaì in Brazil.

    All the motorsport researchers, laboratories and production processes work in tandem with the production lines for road car and bike tyres in order to ensure consistent technology transfer from competition to the road. A number of well-known industry standards incorporated in Pirelli’s road car tyres have their origins in motorsport. These include low profile tyres and the internal belt that was developed for rallying.

    ends

    Pirelli (in pic: Cinturato Inter Greens) unveils 2013 strategy at Milan on Wednesday. A Pirelli photo.

  • Lotus F1 Team Kits Up with Alpinestars

    Lotus F1 Team will partner with Alpinestars as the world’s premier performance motorsport apparel and footwear company extends its involvement in Formula 1 by signing a multi-year partnership agreement with the team.

    Alpinestars will provide performance racing products and high-level technical support for two of Formula 1’s most exciting drivers; 2007 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen and rising star Romain Grosjean.

    Lotus F1 Team’s test and reserve drivers – as well as the team’s mechanics and technical staff – will also benefit from Alpinestars technical expertise and support; both on track at Grands Prix and at Alpinestars’ product development facilities in Northern Italy and California.

    Eric Boullier, Team Principal, Lotus F1 Team:
    “Alpinestars is an internationally recognized and respected brand so it’s fantastic for the team to agree a partnership. The support and proactive approach that Alpinestars brings will benefit the team in many ways. I’m looking forward to seeing our drivers in their ultra-lightweight, safe and stylish new race attire alongside the ultra-lightweight, safe and stylish E21.”

    About Alpinestars

    Alpinestars’ race suits, gloves, shoes and technical under-layers are constructed from ultra-lightweight, cutting-edge materials, offering anatomically optimized fit with class-leading safety and protection. Designed to give a vital competitive advantage by reducing the extremes of physical stress and fatigue associated with competing in Formula 1, Alpinestars products incorporate the latest technological developments in the pursuit of championship-winning performance.

    Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, having been established in 1963, Alpinestars has extensive R&D facilities in Europe and the USA delivering innovative products that offer world-class safety, performance and comfort. Once proven on track the technology is put into commercial production, giving Alpinestars customers access to the same products and performance benefits as the world’s top racers.

    Having built its reputation in world championship motorcycle racing, Alpinestars’ involvement in auto racing began in the early 1990s and has expanded to include every major automotive racing series around the globe, from Formula 1 to NASCAR.

    Beyond its technical racing apparel and footwear, Alpinestars also offers complete street fashion clothing collections, bringing an iconic brand steeped in motorsport heritage to the mainstream.

    www.alpinestars.com

    Logo courtesy Lotus F1 team

     

  • Toto Wolff joins Mercedes-Benz GP limited

    Toto Wolff new shareholder and executive director of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.

    Niki Lauda, chairman of Mercedes-Benz Grand-Prix Ltd., also a new shareholder

    Daimler AG plans to reorganize its Formula 1 activities. In this context, Daimler has signed a letter of intent with Austrian investor and motorsport manager Toto Wolff, according to which Wolff will acquire a significant minority interest in the Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd. (MGP) and will also head that company as its executive director. Furthermore, Niki Lauda, currently non-executive chairman of MGP, will also acquire a stake in the company. Together with Ross Brawn, Lauda and Wolff will complete the management of the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 racing team, a press release from Daimler said on Monday.

    Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton makes a guest appearance at Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart on Monday. (In picture).

    Lewis Hamilton at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart on 21 Jan.2013. Mercedes F1 Racing team photo.

    “As an entrepreneur, investor and motorsport manager, Toto Wolff has proven that this sport runs in his blood; at the same time, he is also well aware of the economic necessities of the business. With Toto Wolff, we have gained for our Formula 1 team not only an experienced motorsport specialist, but also a longstanding enthusiast of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Together with him and Niki Lauda, we will further develop our motorsport activities and guide our Silver Arrows into the next era,” stated Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG. 
     
    Toto Wolff is to become both a shareholder and executive director of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd., and will take over the complete coordination of all Mercedes-Benz motorsport activities.
     
    Wolff sees his new task as one of the most exciting challenges in motorsport: “Mercedes is one of the most important participants in motorsport worldwide. I am not only a big fan, but also a longstanding friend and enthusiast of the brand. I am looking forward to the challenge and, along with preparing for a successful racing season, also want to focus on the targeted promotion of new talent.”

    “I am leaving Williams on good terms and I will miss the team and friends I have made there. I’d also like to wish Frank and the whole of Williams the best of luck for the future”, Wolff added. 

    Toto Wolff started his motorsport career in Formula Sport in 1992. Since 1998, Wolff has founded several venture capital companies. His current investments include an interest in HWA AG, the partner of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport in DTM racing. In November 2009, he acquired a stake in British racing team Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC and joined its board of directors. Since July 2012, Toto Wolff has been a member of that team’s management. Toto Wolff will resign from that position when he joins Mercedes-Benz, but will remain a Williams shareholder.

    ends

     

  • Vettel, youngest triple champ; Alonso shattered

    Sao Paulo, 25 Nov 2012: Jenson Button stood between Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and the World Championship as Alonso lost the battle finishing second to watch Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull become the youngest triple world champions as he finished sixth at the Interlagos circuit here. Jenson Button emerged from the gloom to take a shining victory at Interlagos while behind him raged a battle royal for the F1 Drivers’ World Championship.

    In a dramatic race, the Red Bull driver went back of the grid and appeared to have lost the battle but he  emerged from calamity to win his third consecutive Formula One Drivers’ World Championship.

    In a dramatic, rain-affected Brazilian Grand Prix, Button took the lead from McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton on lap six after both made a clean start – but Button’s route to victory was far from straightforward, though the trial-by-water of the leaders was not the main attraction.

    Vettel finished sixth, more than sufficient to maintain his lead over Fernando Alonso in the title race. Alonso didn’t give up but in the end could only finish second to Button – with a little help from Felipe Massa, who took third in the other Ferrari. If he had managed to win the race here, he would have won the World championship provided Vettel is not in the first four.

    Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull (centre) with Adrain Newey (left) and Christian Horner after winning the third World Championship in Sao Paulo on Sunday 25 Nov 2012. A Red Bull Content pool photo.

    Going into the race, Vettel’s numerical advantage was 13 points. He also had a positional advantage, starting from fourth alongside team-mate Mark Webber, behind the front-row McLaren pair. Alonso, by contrast was starting from seventh. Those positions did not last as far as the first corner.

    The start took place in light drizzle: not enough to call for intermediate tyres but sufficient to make Interlagos incredibly difficult. It didn’t seem to hamper Alonso who surged forward at the start to challenge the McLarens. Vettel lost out initially and by Turn Four was back in the pack, where he was hit hard by Bruno Senna’s Williams. Vettel was pitched into a spin and ended up facing the wrong way as the field went around him. He spun back and resumed his race dead last and with heavy damage to his left-hand sidepod. The slippery conditions worked in his favour, however. With cars lapping around seven seconds slower than would be expected on a fully dry long stint, the championship leader cut through the field and was up to sixth by lap eight, back in touch with Alonso who was running fourth.

    To have any chance to taking his third title the Spaniard needed to finish on the podium. Having taken third at the start he was muscled out by Force India’s Nico Hülkenberg, who seemed to have the car and the talent for the tricky conditions. As the weather worsened and everyone else dived for the pits and intermediates, he and Button elected to press on with the dry tyres. As a dry line began to appear their advantage stretched to over 40 seconds as they had their own private race at the front. On lap 18 Hülkenberg pounced, taking the lead.

    Their advantage was to be cut dramatically, however. An accumulation of shattered carbon-fibre on the circuit saw the safety car deployed, though not before Nico Rosberg had picked up a puncture. The leaders took the opportunity to pit for fresh tyres but their advantage was gone. Once racing resumed on lap 30 the order was Hülkenberg, Button, Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel, Kobayashi, Vettel.

    Button lost second place to Hamilton, and Vettel was passed by Kobayashi for sixth. Hülkenberg was able to pull out a small gap but was then remorselessly hunted down by Hamilton. The departing McLaren driver took the lead on lap 48 when Hülkenberg slid wide in conditions that were becoming slippery again as more rain fell.

    The German did not lose touch and stayed on Hamilton’s tail. He attempted to take the position back at the start of lap 55, but in between backmarkers he ran out of space, braked too late and slammed into the side of Hamilton. The 2008 Champion’s final race for McLaren would end there. Hülkenberg was passed by Button but continued. He would, however, receive a drive-through penalty for causing the accident and emerged in fifth where he stayed until the end.

    The crash was concurrent with a slew of pitstops, with the field going back onto Inters for the final stint as the rain became heavier. Once the stops shook out, the impact of Hamilton’s exit and Hülkenberg’s demotion changed the complexion of both the title fight and the Brazilian Grand Prix.

    Button led but was now trailed by an early-stopping Felipe Massa. Alonso was third, followed by Webber, Hülkenberg, Michael Schumacher and Vettel. When Alonso was promoted to second through the acquiescence of Massa, Vettel’s position was precarious: on the road he was now leading the championship by a single point.

    That wasn’t enough of a cushion for the Red Bull driver and he pushed on to pass Schumacher and take a more comfortable margin. As the rain increased the positions were static but the tension was palpable. It was the unlikely figure of Paul di Resta who broke it. Running ninth with two laps remaining, the Scot slid wide while climbing the hill and came to rest on the track at Arquibancadas. The race finished under the safety car.

    Button was victorious with Alonso second and Massa third. Webber finished an eventful race in fourth, Hülkenberg was a disconsolate fifth, Vettel ecstatic in sixth. Schumacher finished his career with seventh, ahead of Toro Rosso’s Jean-Eric Vergne and Kobayashi. Kimi Räikkönen took the final point of 2012 – he is the only driver to finish every race this year, and finishes third in the Drivers’ Championship courtesy of scoring in every race but one.

    “It’s difficult to imagine what goes through my head now, I am so full of adrenalin,” said a drained Vettel, now a three times World Champion. “I was crying in the car but my radio wasn’t working, so I’m maybe happy for that! Tomorrow I can probably say more, but now I just don’t have the right words.”

    A philosophical Alonso meanwhile admitted his hunt for a third title had not been lost on a wet Interlagos afternoon but in other incidents. “I feel very proud of my team, very proud of the season we did,” he said on the podium. “Obviously we lost the championship now, but I don’t think that we lost here in Brazil: we lost in some races where we were a little bit unlucky. But this is a sport, but when you do something with your heart, when you do something with 100 per cent, you have to be proud of your team, happy for them, and we will try next year.”

    Button was fulsome in his praise to the title challengers and his team, both on the podium and in the subsequent press conference – but he’d said the most pertinent thing over the radio on his victory lap. ““It was a great way to finish the year.” He was speaking to his pitwall, but the sentiment was shared by most here at Interlagos.

    ends