Various Motoring News
Le Mans : Peugeot Sport pays a visit to the Michelin factory
Source/Credit - Michelin
Yesterday (Wednesday, December 3) saw Peugeot Sport's management staff and six of the drivers
who raced for the team in this year's Le Mans 24 Hours travel to Clermont-Ferrand for a visit of
Michelin's production facilities.
The day gave them an opportunity to see how the tyres on which they compete at circuits across the
world are made.
The tour began with a visit to the Michelin 'tyre school' where they were shown the
fundamentals of tyre design before being given a chance to try their hand at producing a tyre
themselves and laying down the different plies.
After that, they were shown how the competition workshop operates and met with the staff who spend
all season supplying the drivers with the highest quality products possible. All the visitors left
the factory impressed by the extreme attention to detail that goes into the production of every
tyre.
"Until now, we have only ever been confronted with the finished product," said Peugeot
Sport Director Michel Barge. "I had no idea how complex tyre production was and how much
savoir-faire went into making sure we were given the very best tyres at each race. Today's visit
gave us a chance to see all the groundwork that goes into adapting each Michelin competition to the
different cars. It was a very spectacular discovery."
"It's nothing short of haute couture," commented Peugeot Sport's Team Manager
Serge Saulnier. "There were so many interesting things to discover, and I think the biggest
surprise was seeing all the craftsmanship that goes into the production of competition tyres. I
expected the factory to be more automated, but the expertise of the Michelin operators is
incredible; they are so skilled. Seeing how important the way the different plies are superimposed
has shown me why the Michelin technicians want so much information and feedback from our drivers and
technicians about how the car feels and handles. It was very instructive and the lesson can only
serve to improve our working relationship in the future."
"It's been fascinating to see how complex competition tyre production. I already had a
rough idea, but it's been great to see how it all functions at first hand. It was nice to see
the reaction of the drivers, too, because I don't think they realised how much work goes into
each tyre. It was also very educational to see the different phases in the design of a new tyre. I
think we will have to repeat the same operation with our future drivers," commented Bruno
Famin, Peugeot Sport's Technical Director.
"It was very impressive to see how tyres are made," admitted Alexander Wurz who contested
the 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours in a Peugeot 908 HDi FAP. "I've actually got a problem now: I
won't have the heart to 'maltreat' my tyres in the future! I've got a great deal of
respect for the people here and for their work. It was reassuring to see how much care goes into
each and every tyre."
Marc Gené, for whom this visit was a first, could hardly believe his eyes: "I have
wanted to see how tyres are made for a long time now, ever since I started driving a Formula 1 car
with Michelin, in fact. Quite frankly, it's been a magical experience! It showed me more than
ever how complex everything to do with tyres really is, from their design to their production, and I
now have a better understanding of why the Michelin technicians ask us for so much feedback when we
go testing with them."
"I really didn't know what a tyre factory looked like before today's visit. It was
great to see how competition tyres are made from A to Z. They are often considered to be little more
than black and round objects, and just another part of the car, and we tend to forget the human
side. Today gave me a chance to see how meticulous everyone at Michelin is, and how passionate they
are about their work: they clearly pay as much attention to detail as we do in our cars at 300kph.
That's very reassuring because I have raced on thousands of Michelin tyres in the past and I
have never had a problem with them, so I'm obviously admirative of their work. You know, I think
I have an easy life as a racing driver and I probably make more mistakes than them," observed
Franck Montagny who was humbled by the work by the Michelin operators.
"I had no idea production of a competition tyre was such a manual job," said
Stéphane Sarrazin. "I was expecting it all to be highly automated. Instead, there were
men and women involved at every stage and it's an extremely advanced process! They are like us:
they are really meticulous and work to the nearest millimetre. Fantastic… I think I'm
going to have to pay more attention to my tyres from now on!"
Nicolas Minassian was particularly interested in the tyre production exercise at the Michelin tyre
school and left with the impression of having learnt something: "Today's visit has given me
a greater understanding of tyres, that's for sure. I will have more respect for them now because
we tend to subject them to a great deal of punishment! I was impressed by the precision of the
operators. They take their time and are so meticulous; it was interesting to watch them at work and
see them strive for perfection."
Last but not least, Pedro Lamy was reassured by his visit: "I am really glad to have had the
chance to see a Michelin factory. It was very impressive to see the precision that goes into
everybody's work. I generally don't find it very reassuring to know that certain things are
made by hand, but today it's the other way round. And it's even more reassuring to have met
the people who make these tyres and the concentration and precision that goes into their work."
"We are delighted to have been paid a visit by our friends at Peugeot Sport. Perhaps the most
eloquent testimony to the quality of our association with them was their surprise at the emotion of
the Michelin staff as they applauded them at the end of the visit. They said it was them who should
be applauding the people at Michelin for all the work they put in during the year, and that's
exactly what they did," declared Michelin Competition's Director Frédéric
Henry-Biabaud.
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Le Mans : Audi concentrates on European motor sport
Source/Credit - Audi Motorsport
Audi concentrates its motor sport programmes for the 2009 season on the new R15 TDI sport prototype
for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the re-worked racing touring car A4 DTM and the newly developed R8 LMS
for customer use in the GT3 class.
Audi will not be represented by its factory team Audi Sport North America in the American Le Mans
Series in 2009.
As a result of its newly aligned motor sport programme Audi offers its motorsport customers a
bespoke vehicle concept for the first time, Audi Sport developed the new R8 LMS specifically to suit
the user friendly and cost effective requirements in the production based GT3 class in international
motorsport.
The powerful 500 hp plus race car based on the Audi R8 is due to be delivered in order to prove
itself on track throughout the 2009 season.
The American Le Mans Series involvement will not be continued. Audi entered the American Le Mans
Series in the year 2000 and has been instrumental in building up this championship ever since.
The championship developed to become one of the most fascinating motorsport series within a few
years, which offered and still offers the ever increasing fan community exciting motorsport.
The ALMS is also recognised internationally and is regarded as the world’s best sportscar
championship.
"The decision to withdraw was a very difficult one also for these reasons. Furthermore, with
the Champion racing team we also had a partner that operates at the highest level. The extraordinary
dedication and precision of team champion was the key to Audi’s victories over the last few
years in America."
"We achieved an unprecedented winning series together. Since the 2000 season Audi has won the
LMP1 title nine times in succession in this high calibre sportscar championship. Our brand dominated
proceedings last season by taking seven wins in eleven races. TDI in racing supported the market
launch of Audi TDI technology in the USA perfectly," says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang
Ullrich positively of the AUDI AG involvement in the ALMS.
Even though AUDI AG concentrates its factory involvement at European venues throughout the 2009
season in these economically tough times, the American motorsport friends will be treated to a
premiere.
The completely newly developed Audi R15 TDI sports prototype should make its debut on 21 March 2009
during the 12 hour race at Sebring, Florida (USA).
This international sportscar classic, which should be contested by Audi Sport Team Joest, is
traditionally regarded as excellent preparation and final test race for the 24 Hours of Le Mans
(France).
At the same time, the race at Sebring with its special demands made of man and machine guarantees
excellent motor sport.
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Atlantic : 2008 Atlantic Engineer of the Year joins Newman Wachs Racing
Source/Credit - Newman Wachs Racing
Newman Wachs Racing (NWR), in keeping with their pledge to improve on their third place Championship
run in the 2008 Atlantic Championship, is pleased to announce that 2008 Atlantic Engineer of the
Year, Nick Harvey, will be joining the Chicago based team.
Nick's racing career began in 1976, as a driver, behind the wheel of a Kart in England. His
driving career spanned Karts, FF1600, Sports 2000, Ferrari Challenge, Skip Barber Racing Series,
Trans Am and Toyota Atlantic over the next 16 years.
Following his most successful Atlantic season to date, Harvey was the engineer behind the 2008
Atlantic Champion, Markus Niemela, and scored two wins on his way to clinching the title at the
season ender at Road Atlanta. This will be Harvey’s 13th season in the Atlantic Championship
and has earned 5 wins and 4 poles with the current Swift 016.
A personal highlight for Nick was steering the PPI Atlantic team to the Championship in 1999
with Anthony Lazzaro. The following year, his double duty efforts as Team Manager and Race Engineer
paid off when he was awarded Engineer of the Year in 2000 for helping Dan Wheldon secure second in
points and the Rookie of the Year honors.
Nick Harvey:
"I feel very lucky to have been asked to join NWR, Eddie has been such a great supporter of
motorsports through the years and I have enormous respect for Don Halliday. I'm really excited
to learn a lot working with him and hopefully we can take a serious run at the Championship.”
Don Halliday, Technical Director for NWR:
“It is nice to have someone with Nick’s experience and success become a part of our
team. I worked with him ages ago, and he is a welcomed asset. He is extremely easy to get on with,
which is a tenet of NWR, and he brings a wealth of knowledge within this racing discipline. I
believe this is another strong addition to our organization, and will serve to strengthen our
existing knowledge base when we combine it with his. We are looking forward to the 2009 season and
definitely pleased that our arch rival is now one of us.”
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Atlantic : Series graduates enjoy another great year in 2008
Source/Credit - Atlantic Racing Series
For the past 35 years, it has been well documented that graduates of the Atlantic Championship are
extremely prepared to be successful at the highest levels of motor sport all over the world.
Through the years, Atlantic graduates have gone on to win Formula 1 World Championships,
Indianapolis 500s, IndyCar races and championships, as well as races and titles in the world’s
most prestigious sports car series.
The 2008 season was no exception, as Atlantic grads once again proved that the experience they
gained in the North America’s longest running open wheel driver development series prepared
them for fruitful careers.
Here’s a quick look at what several former Atlantic competitors did this season:
- Indy Racing League:
By choosing to compete in the Atlantic Championship, it only stands to reason that many drivers
would aspire to reach the top of American open wheel racing, and the 2008 Indy Racing League IndyCar
Series saw impressive performances from several graduates of Atlantic.
Leading the way was undoubtedly Dan Wheldon. The 2000 Atlantic graduate had already established
himself as a bona fide IndyCar superstar prior to 2008, but it was more of the same for the
Englishman this season. Wheldon earned a pair of victories, at Kansas Speedway in April and at Iowa
Speedway in June, and totaled 10 top five results to finish fourth in the championship standings
with Target Chip Ganassi Racing. Next year, Wheldon has rejoined Panther Racing with an eye toward
adding to his impressive total of 15 IndyCar victories and a second IndyCar Series championship.
Just before Wheldon scored his victory in Kansas, Danica Patrick, who used the 2003 and 2004
Atlantic seasons as her springboard to superstardom in the IndyCar Series, set the racing world on
its ear with her first career victory at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. Driving for Andretti Green
Racing, Patrick earned a total of three top five results on her way to sixth in the IndyCar Series
point standings.
April was a particularly good month for Atlantic graduates in IndyCar competition, as teenager
Graham Rahal, who finished second in the 2007 Atlantic Championship standings, immediately delivered
an IndyCar victory for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing in his first ever series start at St. Petersburg.
Most pundits agree that the best is yet to come for the son of another Atlantic graduate, three time
IndyCar champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal.
Driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, American Ryan Hunter-Reay, who competed in the 2002 Atlantic
Championship, also did his former series proud with an impressive victory at Watkins Glen
International in July. It was Hunter-Reay’s first career IndyCar win; coming in just his 15th
series start. He finished the regular season eighth in the series point standings and also scored a
third place result in October’s not for points race in Surfers Paradise, Australia.
A pair of drivers who did battle in the Atlantic series in the late 1990s also scored top five
IndyCar results in 2008, as Buddy Rice, the 2004 Indianapolis 500 winner, claimed a fourth place
result at Watkins Glen, while Canadian Alex Tagliani also had a fourth place run in Australia.
The success of Atlantic graduates in the IRL was not limited to the IndyCar Series in 2008. Raphael
Matos, who won the 2007 Atlantic title, continued to prove that he is ready for the big time with a
championship winning season in the Indy Lights Championship in 2008.
Matos earned victories at St. Petersburg, Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio and claimed a total of eight top
five and 13 top 10 results in the 16 race season on his way to the title. As if that weren’t
enough, Matos also bookended his year with impressive victories in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car
Series, taking the GT class triumph in the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona in January and the
overall victory in the Grand-Am season finale at Utah’s Miller Motorsports Park driving for
Michael Shank Racing, which graduated as a team to Grand-Am from Atlantic. Matos’ success has
been rewarded with a full time IndyCar ride for Luczo Dragon Racing in 2009.
Matos was joined in the top five of the Indy Lights season standings by American J.R. Hildebrand,
who competed in the full 2007 Atlantic campaign and also drove the 2008 Atlantic season finale at
Road Atlanta. Hildebrand earned an Indy Lights victory at Kansas Speedway and took a total of eight
top five and 12 top 10 results on his way to fifth in the championship.
The driver who finished second to Matos in the 2007 Atlantic Championship also visited Victory Lane
in 2008 Indy Lights competition, as Frenchman Franck Perera scored a victory at Infineon Raceway
after starting from the pole position. Perera scored three top five and four top 10 results in nine
Indy Lights starts, in addition to four IndyCar Series starts with a best result of sixth in the
Champ Car finale at Long Beach in April.
- Sports Car Racing:
One of the most popular and successful drivers in American Le Mans Series history is also a former
Atlantic series champion as 1987 Pacific Division titlist Johnny O’Connell has built an
impressive sports car career, most notably with Corvette Racing. O’Connell was at it again in
2008, earning a total of eight victories in the GT1 class, including wins in the legendary Mobil 1
12 Hours of Sebring and the Petit Le Mans, on his way to a third American Le Mans Series
championship in a Corvette. He also finished second in the GT 1 class this year at the world’s
most prestigious endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race he has won three times previously.
The LMP2 category also featured impressive performances by Atlantic graduates. Simon Pagenaud, the
2007 Atlantic champion, landed one of the top seats in the series with de Ferran Motorsports and
immediately proved his worth by joining with co-driver and team owner Gil de Ferran to finish third
overall in their series debut at Miller Motorsports Park in May. Pagenaud and de Ferran also
combined to finish third overall in Detroit and second in LMP 2 in the season finale at Mazda
Raceway Laguna Seca. Pagenaud has re-upped with de Ferran for the 2009 season, in which the team
moves up to the LMP1 class.
Luis Diaz also had a solid season in LMP2 co-driving with his team owner and countryman Adrian
Fernandez. The veteran of the 2002 and 2003 Atlantic seasons scored a season best second place class
result at Mosport and also finished third in LMP2 at Mid-Ohio on his way to eighth in the class
point standings.
For the past several years, some of the top drivers in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series were
products of the Atlantic Championship. Chief among them are undoubtedly GAINSCO Bob Stallings Racing
teammates Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney, who claimed the 2007 Daytona Prototype championship.
Fogarty, a two time Atlantic champion and member of the 35th Anniversary Atlantic Championship
All-Star Team, and Gurney, who competed in the 1999, 2000 and 2002 Atlantic seasons, had another
great year in 2008 en route to second in the Daytona Prototype championship. The duo earned its lone
victory of the season at Mid-Ohio in June, but they also recorded second place results in the season
opening Rolex 24, as well as sprint races at Daytona International Speedway, Watkins Glen and
Infineon Raceway.
Scotland’s Ryan Dalziel, a veteran of Atlantic competition from 2002 through 2004, earned his
first career Rolex Series overall victory at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in May and also claimed a
second place result at Virginia International Raceway. A driver from the same era of Atlantics,
Canadian Michael Valiante, also visited Victory Lane in the Rolex Series this year with an overall
win at Infineon Raceway as well as podium results of second at New Jersey Motorsports Park and third
in the six hour race at Watkins Glen.
Joey Hand, who competed in Atlantic from 2001 through 2004, combined with co-driver Bill Auberlen,
who made seven Atlantic starts from 1995 through 1997, to score podium results with runs of second
at Homestead-Miami Speedway and third in New Jersey. They will again join forces in 2009 as
co-drivers in a new BMW M3 for Rahal Letterman Racing in the American Le Mans Series GT2 class.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the first woman to win in Atlantic Championship history,
Katherine Legge, moved from American open wheel racing to the DTM (German Touring Car championship)
with Audi for 2008. It was a learning year for Legge as she raced a full season with roof over her
head for the first time in her career, and she posted top 15 results at Le Mans, Norisring and
EuroSpeedway Lausitz.
- NASCAR Sprint Cup Series:
Three Atlantic graduates who also went on to enjoy success in American open wheel racing competed in
the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Sam Hornish Jr., a three time IndyCar Series champion and 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner, narrowly
missed out on taking Rookie of the Year honors in the Sprint Cup Series with Penske Racing. Hornish
made 34 starts with a best result of 13th in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May
on his way to 35th in the driver championship.
A.J. Allmendinger, the 2003 Atlantic champion and a member of the 35th Anniversary Atlantic
Championship All-Star Team, had a solid second year in Sprint Cup competition despite driving for
three different teams. He claimed a pair of top 10 results from 21 starts, with a 10th place outing
in the Allstate 400 at The Brickyard and ninth at the Camping World RV 400 at Kansas Speedway, en
route to 36th in the driver championship. Allmendinger also won the Sprint Showdown race at
Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May, just ahead of Hornish, and both drivers earned a berth into the
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race later that same evening.
Another member of the 35th Anniversary Atlantic Championship All-Star Team, Patrick Carpentier, also
competed in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. The 1996 Atlantic
champion made 24 starts and earned a best result of 14th in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona
International Speedway on his way to 38th in the driver standings.
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Formula Master : Technical imaging for 2009 update kit unveiled
Source/Credit - Formula Master Media
Formula Master unveiled imaging from chassis designer Tatuus' technical research behind the
Series' recently announced 2009 update kit today.
 The updated package includes a new engine cover, a redesigned rear wing with a lower main profile as
well as new end plates.
Aimed at improving the overall efficiency of the car, better interaction is accomplished between the
underfloor of the Formula Master racer and its new wing, thanks to a lower drag of the rear wing and
higher downforce.
A smoother air flow is achieved over the new bodywork's surface, shown in the photos included,
as well as improved suction of the air flowing from the car's underfloor to the updated rear
wing.
"We are constantly looking at how to update the car and the evaluation we have carried out from
these changes are very encouraging so far," said Tatuus co-owner Artico Sandonà.
"The next test will tell us more on the extent to which the car's efficiency is increased
with this new aerodynamic package, but we expect to improve the overall speed by several
seconds."
The 2009 update kits, which also include air brake ducts, a new exhaust system and updated engine
software is expected to allow the Formula Master car to lap, on average, 3-4 seconds faster than a
Formula 3 single seater.
The upgrade will be delivered to teams in February, before official testing begins on 1-2 March at
Valencia, Spain.
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Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn elected 2009 ACEA President
Source/Credit - ACEA
Ghosn
The Board of Directors of ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, has
elected Carlos Ghosn as its new President.
Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault, will take over from Christian Streiff, CEO of PSA Peugeot
Citroën, on 1 January 2009.
“The global automotive industry is facing two significant challenges with a severe financial
meltdown twinned with an economic recession, and a major transition to low emission vehicles. In
this context, an effective dialogue with EU institutions and governments is more important than
ever”, said Carlos Ghosn, reflecting on the expected priorities of his term as ACEA President.
Carlos Ghosn reiterated the automotive industry’s call for normalisation of credits markets,
financial support to strategic investments and a range of national incentives to boost the market.
“It is vital that our industry can keep fulfilling its key role in Europe in terms of growth,
investments, employment and technological leadership.”
“It has been a dynamic year for ACEA with the CO2 emission regulation for passenger cars on
the top of the agenda as part of Europe's ambitious commitment to energy and climate change
management”, added Streiff. “It is essential that ACEA continues to express a shared,
clear and strong vision on the many issues affecting the automobile industry, especially at a time
when it faces an unprecedented crisis.”
About Carlos Ghosn:
Carlos Ghosn joined Michelin in 1978 as Plant Manager in Le Puy (France), before being appointed
Head of research and development for industrial tyres in Ladoux (France). He became Chief Operating
Officer of Michelin's South American operations, then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Michelin North America in 1990. He joined Renault as Executive Vice President in 1996. He was
appointed Chief Operating Officer of Nissan Motor in June 1999, President in 2000, Chief Executive
Officer in 2001. Since May 2005, he is President and CEO of Renault and remains President and CEO of
Nissan.
About ACEA:
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), founded in 1991, represents the interests
of the fifteen European car, truck and bus manufacturers at EU level.
The ACEA members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, FIAT, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe,
Jaguar Land Rover, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Toyota
Motor Europe, Volkswagen and Volvo. They provide direct employment to more than 2.3 million people
and support another 10 million jobs in related sectors.
Annually, ACEA members invest € 20 billion in R&D, or 4% of turnover.
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