BUSINESS RACE MOVES
Audi starts testing with R18 Hybrid
Audi Sport has tested a hybrid version of its R18, and plans to run it at Le Mans in 2012, according to reports. Whilst precise details of
the project are still unclear, it is known that it will utilise a flywheel hybrid powertrain. Porsche has allowed its sister company access to the Williams Hybrid Power system it plans to run in its forthcoming LMP1. ‘Last year they [Audi] were asking the same questions that we were asking of ourselves three years ago,’ revealed Hartmut Kristen, motorsport director at Porsche which ran a mechanical flywheel system in its GT3 R Hybrid. ‘Since we are to a certain degree part of the same group, hopefully we speeded up their learning processes a little bit.’ The R18’s mono-turbo
diesel powertrain was claimed to be ‘hybrid ready’ when the car was launched, and engine chief, Ulrich Baretzky, is staunchly against battery- based systems. A test team from Audi Sport
has started the latest trial phase in the United States this week. After the previous tests of the further development of this year’s Le Mans-winning car took place behind closed doors. A statement issued by the German marque reveals that ‘Audi Sport has been running tests with two vehicles at the Sebring (Florida) circuit. The second LMP1 Sportscar serves to compare the test results.’ It is thought that the
updated car features a revised tub in an attempt to resolve the visibility problems suffered by the R18 this season. This would requir all new tooling from Dallara, so it may be given more than the R18H designation. While the component tests
have already started, Audi says it is not yet ready to announce the details of the 2012 racing programme, the driver line-up or the technical state of the development but, as soon as further details become available, Racecar Engineering will have the full story.
DC Electronics launches US facility
UK-based DC Electronics has launched a full production facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. The facility will be handling all aspects of a vehicle’s electrical system, from initial design and production to roll out and ongoing trackside support. DC Electronics is one of the
motorsport industry’s leading manufacturers of custom-built electrical systems, with 15 years’ experience in the industry. The company has worldwide distributors for its products, ensuring it is at the forefront of innovation and technology on a global scale. Products designed and built by the company have been used
in championships worldwide, including NASCAR, Formula 1, World Rally Cars, Superbikes and even F1 Powerboats. DC Electronics Inc will be servicing all of the North American motorsport markets, including NASCAR, ALMS, off road and Grand-Am. David Cunliffe, managing director of DC Electronics, commented: ‘We are incredibly excited to be launching our full production facility in the US. We already have experience servicing NASCAR and ALMS teams and are looking forward to expanding our operations to enable us to service a greater number of clients in the US motorsport marketplace.’
who was just 44, also handled the team’s PR and marketing and acted as a spotter for driver Timmy Hill, winner of the 2011 Nationwide Series rookie of the year. Mitchell joined RWR in 2009.
Peter Gethin has died at the age of 71. While Gethin is better known for his exploits as a driver, particularly his famous win in the 1971 Italian Grand Prix, where just 0.6 seconds covered the top five finishers, he was also team manager at Toleman in F1 in 1984 and ran his own F3000 squad later in that decade.
Dr Gian Paolo Dallara has been presented with a John Bolster Award at the Autosport Awards evening. The trophy, which was awarded in recognition of his technical
Former F1 doctor, Professor Sid Watkins, has retired from the position of president of the FIA Institute, a role he has filled since the organisation was formed. Gerard Saillant steps up from deputy president to replace Watkins, while Garry Connelly takes on Saillant’s old post. Watkins will keep an involvement with the institute as honorary president.
Former F1 mechanic, Charlie Moody, has passed away. Moody came to Formula 1 with Wolf in 1977 and subsequently worked for Fittipaldi, Williams, Benetton, Leyton House and Simtek. After a stint in Touring Cars and a brief return to F1 with the Williams’ test team, Moody switched to MotoGP in 2001.
Dr Dallara
achievements in motorsport over the past 50 years, was presented by Williams’ director, Patrick Head.
Mike Ford is no longer crew chief to Denny Hamlin at NASCAR Sprint Cup outfit, Joe Gibbs Racing. Ford had been with Hamlin since the latter moved up to the Cup in 2005, and the pair came close to scooping the championship in 2010. Ford has accrued 21 race wins during his 12 years as a crew chief in the Cup.
Former grand prix ace, Gerhard Berger, has been appointed president of the FIA’s single-seater commission. He replaces Formula 3 promoter, Barry Bland, in the position, the latter having stepped down due to personal reasons.
UK broadcaster, Sky, has announced its commentary team for its Formula 1 coverage, which kicks off this season. Martin Brundle steps over from the BBC, while he will be joined in the box by former BBC radio commentator, David Croft. Its pit-lane reporters will be Ted Kravitz and Natalie Pinkham.
IndyCar official, Brian Barnhart, has been removed from the position of chief steward and director of racing and will no longer be involved in the officiating of the races. The move follows some controversial decisions this year, including re-starting the race at New Hampshire when the cars were on slicks and conditions were wet. Meanwhile, commercial president, Terry Angstadt, has been replaced by Mark Koretzky.
Renowned Formula 1 and Sportscar designer, Tony Southgate, is the new
Tony Southgate
president of the 750 Motor Club, replacing veteran motoring journalist Bill Boddy MBE, who died last year. Southgate, 71, actually started his motor racing career with the club, competing with a self-built special in its 750 Formula in the ’50s.
Well-known engineering writer, Michael Scarlett, has died at the age of 72. A qualified engineer, Scarlett worked in the motor racing industry at Cooper, Brabham and Hewland, before beginning a very successful career as a journalist.
n Moving to a great new job in motorsport and want the world to know about it? Or has your motorsport company recently taken on an exciting new prospect? Then send an email with all the relevant information to Mike Breslin at
bresmedia@hotmail.com
February 2012 •
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