Archiv des Monats: Januar 2009

Der Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

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Die neue Dimension der Dynamik

R8

Audi treibt seine Erfolgsstrategie im Segment der Hochleistungssportwagen mit geballter Power weiter. Mit dem in Zusammenarbeit mit der quattro GmbH entwickelten Audi R8 hat sich die Marke dort vom Start weg etabliert – jetzt folgt der R8 5.2 FSI quattro. Sein Zehnzylinder bringt es auf 386 kW (525 PS) und 530 Nm Drehmoment, die für atemberaubende Fahrleistungen sorgen. Mit seinem markanten Design und mit überlegenen Audi-Technologien wie dem Allradantrieb quattro, der leichten Aluminium-Karosserie und den innovativen Voll-LED-Scheinwerfern katapultiert sich der R8 5.2 FSI quattro auf die Pole Position im Wettbewerb.

www.audi.com

Italian F3 champion Mirko Bortolotti joins Red Bull as their third driver in Formula Two

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Red Bull has signed Italian F3 champion Mirko Bortlotti as part of its junior driver programme, and placed him in the FIA Formula Two Championship for the 2009 season. 

Bortolotti has recently tested a Scuderia Ferrari F2008 F1 car as part of his F3 title prize – setting an unofficial lap record for the car at Fiorano just before Christmas. This followed a highly impressive campaign in the 2008 Italian F3 Championship, where he took nine wins and a total of 15 podiums in just 16 races. A run in the new A1GP car and the F1 test with Ferrari followed, before Red Bull invited Bortolotti to join its prestigious Junior Team.

Bortolotti’s first full season of single seater racing was in 2006, where he finished as runner-up in Formula Azzurra. Fellow F2 competitor Nicola De Marco also contested the same championship, finishing third. A podium in the Formula Renault 2.0 Italy Winter Series followed before he stepped up to compete in Italian F3 in 2007. One win and seven podiums helped Bortolotti to fourth in the overall standings, setting him up for a championship assault in 2008.

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Mirko Bortolotti said: “This is fantastic news for me because only the very best international junior drivers get into the Red Bull Junior Team. Formula Two is a very exciting championship and I am extremely grateful to the Red Bull organisation and of course, the people at Formula Two for giving me this opportunity. I enjoyed a great season in 2008 but I know that I still have a lot to learn. Having already driven a Formula One car, I am desperate to have this experience again in my career. Through this chance in F2 and my relationship with Red Bull, I hope this dream can be realised in the future.”

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organiser MotorSport Vision, said: “The Red Bull junior programme has been phenomenally successful and many of their drivers, like Sebastian Vettel and Sébastien Buemi, have progressed to Formula One. Red Bull has clearly identified Mirko as a future star, and I’m thrilled they have chosen Formula Two as the next step in his career. His results last season were quite exceptional, and his performance in the F1 test at Fiorano showed his considerable potential. Mirko is an exciting prospect and I expect him to be a major contender for the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship.”F2GreyHeaderv2

Mirko Bortolotti is the third member of the Red Bull Junior Team to be confirmed in F2, following Canadian Robert Wickens and Russian driver Mikhail Aleshin.

www.formulatwo.com

SEVEN MILLION VIEWERS WATCH MONTE CARLO…AND ALL THE OTHER LATEST NEWS FROM THE IRC

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SEVEN MILLION VIEWERS WATCH SEASON-OPENER ON EUROSPORT
A cumulative reach of seven million different viewers watched Eurosport’s coverage of the 77th Monte Carlo Rally, the opening round of the 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
Over the three days of competition, a total of seven stages were shown live, including uninterrupted coverage from the last four stages, which featured two passes of the legendary Col de Turini, which was a first in the history of rallying.
Geraldine Filiol, managing director of Eurosport Events, commented: "We are delighted that over seven million television viewers caught up with the live action on Eurosport, in addition to the many thousands of fans who joined the action on-site. These unprecedented figures reinforce the appeal of the IRC to a global television audience. I’d like to thank the Automobile Club de Monaco for a great partnership, enabling such a historic operation. We look forward to continuing our development and innovative approach over the rest of the season."
BFGOODRICH DELIGHTED BY DRIVERS TEAM VICTORY
Frederic Henry-Biabaud, the competition director of tyre firm BFGoodrich, believes the company’s investment in the BFGoodrich Drivers‘ Team programme has been vindicated following Sebastien Ogier’s victory on the Monte Carlo Rally last week.
A panel of 16 French journalists selected Ogier from a short-list of five drivers, who had been whittled down from 75 applications received from French and Monegasque pilots.
This is the second season BFGoodrich has supported the scheme and Henry-Biabaud said he was very satisfied following Ogier’s win at the wheel of a Kronos Racing-prepared Peugeot 207.
"This result says so much for the magic of the BFGoodrich Drivers‘ Team operation," he said. "Sébastien Ogier ended up winning the most famous rally of them all. Opportunities rarely get more magical than that."
"Barely two weeks ago, Sebastien’s hopes of taking part in the Monte were little more than a dream. However, after receiving the majority of the votes cast by a panel of 16 French journalists in Paris earlier this month, he has gone on to win this extraordinary rally at his first attempt."
"Today’s win is a tremendous success for the BFGoodrich Drivers‘ Team programme which is really proving to be the human adventure we intended it to be when it was introduced. The scheme’s sixth outing since its launch at the beginning of 2008 has provided us with just the result we had been hoping for: outright victory."
The next event on the BFGoodrich Drivers‘ Team schedule will be the Belgium Ypres Westhoek Rally from June 19-20.
HANNINEN OPTIMISTIC AFTER STRONG MONTE CARLO DEBUT
Juho Hanninen believes Skoda’s Fabia Super 2000 can only improve following its impressive debut on the Monte Carlo Rally last week.
The Czech manufacturer is embarking on a six-event programme of Intercontinental Rally Challenge events this season and came close to winning on its first appearance in the series on the challenging rally.
Finnish driver Hanninen had opened up a lead of more than 90 seconds on the opening day but was slowed by a puncture before he crashed out in his efforts to make up for lost time. His team-mate Jan Kopecky finished fourth after being slowed by a power-steering failure on the opening day.
"Everything was going my way until Friday morning," the 27-year-old said. "I was surprised how fast I was able to go but the technicians did an excellent job and the car was working perfectly. Our tyre choices were very good, too, mainly thanks to my safety crew, who gave me very good information.
"I am sorry to have been too fast when I had my accident. I simply pushed too hard, as I wanted to make up for the one minute I lost when I had my puncture. It’s a pity because the team has done a fantastic job here. However, a lot of hard work is still ahead of us but I believe that the car’s future results will be very good and that this event has shown its great potential."
Hanninen added the close competition in the IRC would make it hard for his Skoda team to establish itself its first season running the Fabia Super 2000.
MEEKE AND PEUGEOT UK CONFIRM BRAZIL
Despite Kris Meeke’s Kronos Racing-run Peugeot being badly damaged in a crash that ended his Monte Carlo Rally prematurely on the final day, the Peugeot UK driver has said that his participation on the next round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, the Rally Internacional de Curitiba in Brazil, is not in any doubt.
"The decision has not been taken as to whether my car can be fixed but we’ve got some contingency plans in place to use another car if we need to," Meeke said. "But there won’t be a problem."
The Irishman described the crash that forced him to retire from the Monte Carlo Rally last week as the biggest accident of his career. Meeke was in fourth position on the final leg of the event when he left the road in his Peugeot UK-backed 207 after it skidded on melting snow. The car then struck a bridge support and rolled five times. Thanks to the advanced safety systems built into the car, the crew escaped without injury.
"I’m looking forward to Brazil now," he added. "What happened in Monte Carlo was just down to my inexperience of these conditions. Brazil is going to be a level playing field and I’m sure we can get back on track there."
For further details of the Rally Internacional de Curitiba, please visit the event’s official website: www.rallydecuritiba.com.br
ALEN’S RECORD INTACT AFTER OGIER’S WIN
Anton Alen is still the youngest driver to have won a round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, despite the emerging Sebastien Ogier taking victory on the Monte Carlo Rally last week.
Factory Abarth Grande Punto driver Alen was 24 years and 41 days when he won the inaugural Rally Russia in July 2007. Ogier, who claimed the Junior World Rally Championship title in 2008, had turned 25 the month prior to his stunning victory on the snowy event.
While Ogier celebrated his debut IRC win in Monte Carlo, Alen’s hopes of top-six finish were dashed on the liaison section heading to the finish in the Principality when his car’s clutch failed. He had completed the final stage in sixth position overall.
"It was extremely disappointing to end my first Monte Carlo Rally in that way," said Alen. "Hopefully we will have better success on the next rally in Brazil. It is a new experience for everybody and traditionally gravel is the surface I like best."
It wasn’t all bad news for Alen, however. His friend, the Ferrari Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen, drove an Abarth Grande Punto S2000 to 13th place on the Arctic Lapland Rally, a former IRC Supporter Event, in Finland, his debut rally, last Saturday.

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The Monte Carlo Rally, the opening round of the IRC last week, was a huge success that attracted seven million television viewers

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www.rally-irc.com

WTCC: CORONEL STAYS WITH SUNRED

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FIA WTCC CORONEL STAYS WITH SUNRED

CORONEL STAYS WITH SUNRED

Tom Coronel will stay in the FIA World Touring Car Championship in 2009. The Dutch driver who won last year’s second race in Okayama, will be racing again a SEAT León car run by the Spanish team SUNRED and supported by SEAT’s Dutch importer Pon Car.

“Being able to race at world championship level is great and I am very happy that it all came together in the end once more. I feel like a SEAT guy and I will remain a SEAT guy!” commented Coronel.

SEAT importer Pon Car, SUNRED and SEAT Sport have worked hard to prepare the best possible package for the 2009 season and the opportunity to have Coronel driviing a diesel-powered SEAT León TDI car, like those used by the factory team was also considered.

“However, after consultations with everyone involved, we decided to continue with the petrol-powered León,” explained Marco de Bos, managing director of Pon Car. “It is quite unique for a Dutch driver to compete in a world championship for the fifth year running and we are happy that we can continue our partnership with Tom.”

Coronel is looking forward to racing in the WTCC again this year. “I am happy that the partnership with SUNRED goes on. My first year with them was very positive and I really feel at home with them. Last year, our results were very good already, so that gives me a positive feeling.”

FIA WTCC SEAT president

SEAT CONFIRM WINNING TEAM

SEAT president Erich Schmitt officially confirmed that the SEAT Sport team will compete in the 2009 World Touring Car Championship

SEAT president Erich Schmitt officially confirmed that the SEAT Sport team will compete in the 2009 World Touring Car Championship with the same five drivers they had in 2008: the new world champion Yvan Muller, Jordi Gené, Tiago Monteiro, Rickard Rydell and Gabriele Tarquini.

The announcement was delivered yesterday in Barcelona, during a gala in which SEAT Sport celebrated their victory in the 2008 FIA WTCC Drivers‘ and Manufacturers‘ championships.

"Competition is very important to our brand and I am very proud of the successes achieved by our team. I would like to thank Jaime Puig and all of the drivers because the magnificent teamwork they performd last year was the key to our success. I am pleased to announce that SEAT will defend the world championship titles with the same team and the same drivers," Erich Schmitt said.

During their winning season the five SEAT Sport’s drivers and SEAT Netherlands‘ Tom Coronel collected twelve victories out of the championship’s twenty-four rounds and five pole positions.

www.fiawtcc.com

OUTSTANDING RATINGS FOR IRC MONTE CARLO RALLY

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MORE THAN SEVEN MILLION* DIFFERENT VIEWERS WATCHED SEASON-OPENER ON EUROSPORT
Eurosport Events, the promoter of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge is delighted to announce outstanding viewing figures from the Monte Carlo Rally, the opening round of the 2009 IRC series.
A cumulative reach of seven million* different viewers tuned in to Eurosport to watch the 77th Monte Carlo Rally, which was broadcast on a live basis from the stages – a first in the history of rallying.
Over the three days of the competition, a total of seven stages were shown live, including uninterrupted coverage from the last four stages, the legendary "Col de Turini" night tests.
In order to deliver this highly challenging live TV production, Eurosport Events used 10 on-board cameras and several fixed on-site cameras as well as one on a helicopter overflying the route. These multiple camera signals were relayed live through a combination of light aircraft and satellite.
In total, more than six hours of coverage were broadcast on both Eurosport and Eurosport 2 throughout the Monte Carlo Rally, which is well-known as the oldest and most prestigious rally in the history of the sport.
Géraldine Filiol, Managing Director of Eurosport Events, commented: "We are very happy with our landmark live coverage of this epic event, which marks a world premiere in the way that the sport of rallying is broadcast. We are also delighted that over seven million television viewers caught up with the live action on Eurosport, in addition to the many thousands of fans who joined the action on-site. These unprecedented figures reinforce the appeal of the IRC to a global television audience. It also confirms the value of the IRC, which intends to bring rallying closer to the fans through innovative and dynamic television coverage. I’d like to thank the Automobile Club de Monaco for a great partnership, enabling such a historic operation. We look forward to continuing our development and innovative approach over the rest of the season."  
The IRC will continue to break new ground by visiting South America for the first time, as the second round of the series will take place in Brazil with the Rally Internacional de Curitiba from March 5 to 7. This event will run alongside Brazil’s World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) round, held at the same venue and also promoted by Eurosport Events.  
*source: AGF/GFK, SKO, BARB, TNS Global, MMS,  AGB Nielsen Media Research, TNS Gallup, ARMA/GFK Romania

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Sebastien Ogier claimed the win of a highly-successful Monte Carlo Rally, watched by more than seven million television viewers

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www.rally-irc.com

GALA DE CAMPEONES de FBEA

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Tenemos el placer de invitarles a la celebración de la primera Gala de Campeones 2008, en la que haremos efectiva la entrega de galardones a los mejores pilotos del I Campeonato FBEA en las modalidades de Velocidad, Persecución y Habilidad.

El evento tendrá lugar el próximo sábado 31 de Enero de 2008 a las 21:30 horas en Mar Salada, en el recinto del Club de Mar de Palma de Mallorca.

Adjunto a la presente, remitimos archivo pdf con el listado de los galardonados en la Gala de Campeones 2008.

Estaremos encantados de poder recibir a sus colaboradores, y atenderles en todo lo necesario para realizar de la manera más cómoda su labor.

Deseamos encontrarnos con ustedes el próximo sábado; hasta entonces, nos despedimos saludándolescabecera_r2_c1 cordialmente.

Atte.    Domingo Aparicio

Pulsa aqui para ver la LISTA DE GALARDONADOS

Kazim Vasiliauskas makes history by joining F2

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Kazim F2_Car_Angle_2

Lithuania represented on international single seater stage for first time

18-year-old Kazim Vasiliauskas has signed up for the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship, becoming the first Lithuanian driver ever to compete in an international single seater series.

Vasiliauskas won multiple karting championships in his home country before moving to the international karting stage in 2007. In his first season of racing he qualified for the ultra-competitive World Karting Championship final and took the runner-up spot in the Winning Series Karting championship. He also finished fifth in the European Championship KZ2 after scoring 5 top six finishes from six finals.

After graduating to car racing in 2008, Vasiliauskas contested ten Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup races against drivers including fellow F2 rival Tobias Hegewald. He also competed in eight Formula Renault 2.0 Italy races, achieving a season’s best fifth position at the Hungaroring.

Kazim Vasiliauskas said: “I am delighted to be joining F2. Many drivers in the past have progressed from Formula Two to Formula One so this is a great step in my career. Even though I do not have years of experience I wanted to step up from Formula Renault, and F2 is an important category because every car is equal. Of course, I want to do as good as possible, but I know that some drivers in the championship already have seven years of racing behind them. I can learn from these drivers however, and I am sure racing against such good competition will help me to improve.”

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organiser MotorSport Vision, said: “I’m delighted Kazim has signed up to compete in Formula Two. In doing so he becomes the first driver from his home nation to compete at this level of motorsport, and Lithuania becomes the twelfth different country to be F2GreyHeaderv2 represented on the F2 grid. Kazim has progressed from karts to F2 in a relatively short period of time but has shown considerable potential along the way, and he is certainly capable of surprising his more experienced rivals in F2.”

www.formulatwo.com

Season Entries: The series is full up!

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Season Entries: The series is full up!

There will be 49 cars carefully selected -12 LMP1s, 16 LMP2s, 4 LMGT1s and 17 LMGT2s-, which will take place all along the season on the 2009 Le Mans Series starting line. The grid is rich and varied with six makes in LMP1, ten in LMP2, three in LMGT1 and five in LMGT2. In addition, when the circuit capacity will allow it, some more cars, entered race-by-race, will enrich the grid.

In the proto category, LMP1 sees Aston Martin starring with its works team return; Audi playing the Privateers game and Peugeot choosing a race by race enrolment. LMP2 puts together the "old" teams, which for some of them reveal some changes and adds two new ones. In the GT category, LMGT1 gathers a small but diversified grid, while the LMGT2s make once again evidence that they are "the little ones who thing big".

Click here to download the full season entry list

LMP1: Aston Martin worksteam is back; Audi plays the Privateers game and Peugeot prefers to decide race by race…

As for the manufacturers, Audi has announced the support of the official technical works team for the two cars of Colin Kolles‚ private team. So far, the two R10s will be the only diesel-powered cars of this season’s Le Mans Series grid since Peugeot has chosen to apply race by race. But 2009’s star of the category is definitely Aston Martin Racing official works team come back with two prototypes in the legendary blue and orange Gulf livery, aiming for the outright victory. The British manufacturer will delight its supporters who, for sure were not prepared to celebrate in such a manner the fiftieth anniversary of the Le Mans victory!

Among last year’s teams, we still have, Oreca Matmut and its Courage-Oreca, still with former French F1 driver Olivier Panis. Speedy Racing Team Sebah, always managed by discrete and most efficient Hugh Hayden has entered one out of his two cars in the LMP1. One of the drivers has a name very popular to French people since we are talking about Nicolas Prost, Alain Prost’s son, who promisingly started his endurance career last year in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We cannot forget the two Pescarolos Judd of Pescarolo Sport team, always set to battle fiercely. P1 sees the arrival of two new LMP Ginettas Zytek, managed by Strakka Racing and LNT. Signature Plus, a new 100% French team which relies, among others, on a strong background in F3, enters this year its brand new Courage-Oreca, for a conspicuous arrival in the series.

LMP2: Classic Nouveau…

Old teams, new arrangements… As, for instance, a change of name: Jacques Nicolet’s Saulnier Racing team becomes OAK Racing and Karim Ojjeh drops Trading Performance to the benefit of G.A.C Racing Team as he enters under the Gstaad Automobile Club banner. The first one has now powered his two Pescarolos with a Mazda engine, like teams RML & Kruse’s Lolas; evidence, if needed, of the Japanese manufacturer’s interest for Le Mans. Miguel Amaral and his Quifel ASM team enter this year a P2 version Ginetta Zytek. Xavier Pompidou, a series faithful, will be one of the Speedy Racing P2 drivers. Pierre Bruneau’s return, after a sabbatical year, is very expected. He will drive a Radical AER and links his name to the Bruichladdich team. He will fight on the tracks his former challengers such as Barazi, Racing Box, Horag Racing, WR or Ranieri Randaccio.

On the other hand, the LMP2 welcomes two new teams, Bull Racing with a Lucchini Judd and Pegasus Racing, 100% French team & drivers with a Courage.

LMGT1 : Small grid, big diversity

The GT1 category still puts together a small grid for 2009. Actually, if the concerned cars are very appealing, the cost to run them remains quite high. The ACO new regulations should help to minimize those costs.

Four cars, four nationalities and three makes entered for the whole season will make this GT1 grid background. To give honour where honour is due since there will be two Saleens to try and get the title. The first one is entered by Austrian Full Speed Racing Team, the second will be under Slovak banner with the ARC Bratislava-Kaneko team. One Lamborghini Murcielago, run by Russian team IPB Spartak with driver Roman Rusinov, the both of them Le Mans Series regulars; and one Ferrari 550 Maranello marking French team Noël del Bello Racing return, will take up the challenge.

Two more teams, maybe three, will strengthen this grid, with race by race entries, when the circuit capacity will allow it.

LMGT2: The little one who thinks big…

With seventeen cars, the GT2 category holds the biggest number of cars entered record. We must reckon that this class allows the gentlemen drivers to play in the main playground at a reasonable cost. Major part of the drivers are announced yet and not just anybody! Prince Albert von Thurn und Taxis (on a Gallardo) and behind a F430 wheel, the son of a major F1 former diver, Leo Mansell. This class also welcomes Lord Paul Drayson aboard an Aston Martin Vantage; what else could we expect from a House of Lords member, current Great Britain Minister of State for Science & Innovation?

Nearly a Ferrari (F430GT)/orsche (997GT3 RSR) duel, umpired by Lamborghini (Gallardo), Aston Martin (Vantage V8) and Spyker (Laviolette). There are the "Le Mans Series teams" such as Imsa Performance Matmut, James Watt, JMB, Felbmayer Proton, Farnbacher, Modena, Snoras Spyker Squadron, Virgo; and their usual drivers: Raymond Narac, Marc Lieb, Anthony Beltoise …

Two new teams appear in the class: Easyrace which, in spite of its name, is Italian and Britannic JMW Motorsports. 

Le Mans Series is full up in 2009. Announcing during a most difficult period that "critical time, we do not know!" could be considered as inappropriate; but actually it is the result of a determined policy since endurance will always be the dynamic laboratory for the new automotive technologies. The car manufacturers, component suppliers and tyre manufacturers come naturally there to test their ultimate innovations. 

To be noticed, there will be four tyres suppliers for this Le Mans Series 2009 season: Michelin, Dunlop, Hankook and Pirelli.

The "race by race" entry forms will be sent by early February.

www.lemans-series.com

Aston Martin enters Le Mans Series and aspires to Le Mans victory…

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Aston Martin enters Le Mans Series and aspires to Le Mans victory... Aston Martin enters Le Mans Series and aspires to Le Mans victory…

The Le Mans Series full season 2009 entry list will be online in a few hours… But Aston Martin makes the first move and announces the entry of two works cars in the Le Mans Series LMP1 category. Actually, on the 50th anniversary of its outright win at Le Mans, Aston Martin intends to also return to La Sarthe with two Works LMP1 cars bearing the iconic blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil. In an ambitious attempt to emulate the legendary achievements of the 1959 DBR1 driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, Aston Martin will endeavour to bring the Le Mans title back to Britain…

Read Aston Martin’s Release

Aston Martin to challenge for overall Le Mans win.

Gaydon, 27 January 2009. On the 50th anniversary of its outright win at Le Mans, Aston Martin will return to La Sarthe with two Works LMP1 cars bearing the iconic blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil.

In an ambitious attempt to emulate the legendary achievements of the 1959 DBR1 driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, Aston Martin will endeavour to bring the Le Mans title back to Britain.

“2009 is a hugely significant year for Aston Martin at Le Mans and the challenge of reclaiming victory in this famous race for Aston Martin and Great Britain was simply too great to ignore,” said Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards. “However, we do not underestimate the task.  While we have won the GT1 class for the last two years, competing against the proven speed and endurance of the diesel-powered cars with all their years of winning the prototype class, will be a massive undertaking.  Nonetheless, I see this as a great opportunity to showcase the ingenuity of British engineering talent.”

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer commented: “Racing has been, and still is at the heart of Aston Martin. Our cars today are subtle, elegant and handcrafted but they still have the genes for competition. I am happy that we have found partners who, with their support, will enable us to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. We will put all our heart and skill behind this project to demonstrate the essence of Aston Martin: Power Beauty and Soul.”

The new car which is based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola will be powered by the same production-based Aston Martin V12 engine which, last year, helped Aston Martin secure its second successive Le Mans GT1 title with the DBR9. It also powered the Charouz car to a new La Sarthe lap record for a petrol car. 

Aston Martin Racing is developing the car in conjunction with Lola, Michelin, Koni and BBS and continues its relationship with major partner Gulf Oil and official clothing partner Hackett.

In 2009, the ACO is introducing new regulations aimed at balancing the performance of petrol and diesel engined prototypes making the LMP1 category more appealing and relevant to Aston Martin.

Signalling ongoing commitment to motorsport, in addition to the Le Mans 24 hour race, the team will also compete throughout the year in the Le Mans Series (LMS), which opens with the 1000 km de Catalunya on the 5th of April. 

Aston Martin Racing Works drivers, Jan Charouz (CZ), Tomas Enge (CZ), and Stefan Mücke (DE), who raced the Charouz car last year will renew their relationship with the team along with Darren Turner (GB) who was part of the winning DBR9 GT1 crew in 2007 and 2008. Harold Primat (CH) joins the team for the first time in 2009 with the remaining driver to be announced imminently.

To focus maximum energy on the LMP1 programme, the Works team will not defend its GT1 title at Le Mans.  However, Aston Martin Racing will support any of its official partner teams and customers competing at the race.  

Aston Martin Racing partner, Drayson Racing, has expressed its desire to compete at Le Mans with the new Vantage GT2.  This follows confirmation of the team’s LMS entry and American Le Mans Series programme with a bio-ethanol powered Vantage GT2.   Further announcements are expected in the weeks ahead as other Aston Martin Racing partner teams and customers confirm their plans for racing in the GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4 classes of national and international racing series.

www.lemans-series.com

Germán Sánchez en el Formula 2

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Spanish F3 champion Germán Sánchez joins Formula Two

Spanish Formula 3 champion Germán Sánchez has signed up to compete in the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship.

The 19-year-old joins Formula Two after securing the 2008 Spanish F3 title at the final race weekend of the season in Barcelona, beating fellow F2 rivals Natacha Gachnang and Nicola De Marco in the process. Sánchez scored four race wins during his title winning campaign including a victory at the Circuit de Valencia, which will host the opening round of the F2 season in May.

Sánchez Sánchez_livery

Sánchez has made a remarkable start to his motor racing career, taking seven wins and ten podiums on his way to the 2006 Spanish F3 cup class title in his first ever season of car racing before claiming overall honours in the main Spanish championship two years later. 

Germán Sánchez said: “I am very happy to be joining this Formula, it is a great opportunity. Formula Two is an important championship, the popularity and interest seems to be growing and growing. Everything is being achieved in a very professional manner and the organisers have attracted some great drivers from around the world. I am confident however, through my determination and hard work, that I can score some good results.”

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organiser MotorSport Vision, said: ““There has been great interest in Formula Two from Spain and I am delighted to add the Spanish Formula 3 champion to an increasingly impressive line-up for our first year. Germán follows Andy Soucek as the second Spanish driver to be confirmed and the 2009 F2 grid will now feature three of the top four drivers from last year’s Spanish F3 Championship, which is fantastic. Germán has achieved outstanding results in his career soF2GreyHeaderv2 far, and will no doubt be pushing hard in F2 to achieve his ultimate goal of joining fellow countryman Fernando Alonso in Formula One.”

www.formulatwo.com

David Salom: SENSACIONES POSITIVAS EN LOS TEST OFICIALES

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David Salom acaba de aterrizar en Palma de Mallorca tras los test oficiales realizados en Portimao junto a su equipo Team Pedercini.

Aunque el mal tiempo no ha permitido aprovechar al máximo las tres jornadas de entrenamientos, el piloto mallorquín viene muy satisfecho con esta primera toma de contacto con el equipo y su nueva moto.

Aunque los tiempos no son significativos, los resultados son muy esperanzadores.

David Salom: “Estoy muy contento con esta toma de contacto, la moto está muy bien preparada y el trabajo del equipo es inmejorable. Estoy seguro que conseguiremos ir rápido con esta moto y que podremos luchar por meternos con algunos de los mejores pilotos de la  categoría.”

1 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1’43.294
2 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1’43.484
3 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1’43.487
4 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1’43.546
5 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1’43.657
6 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1’43.674
7 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1’43.767
8 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1’43.951
9 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1’44.115
10 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1’44.170
11 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1’44.261
12 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1’44.4253228821770_e1da9e260b_b
13 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1’44.546
14 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1’44.610
15 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’44.704
16 53 Polita A. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1’45.108
17 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 1’45.179
18 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1’45.199
19 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 1’45.278
20 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’45.393
21 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’45.446
22 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1’45.672
23 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1’45.679
24 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’45.820
25 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1’46.128
26 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1’46.916
27 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1’46.971

David Salom   Departamento de Prensa   Avenida 16 de Julio, 34   07009 Palma de Mallorca

Tel.+34  971 291 321   M.+34  616 99 26 87   prensa@davidsalom.com

BMW Sauber F1 Team – Test in Valencia

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BMW Sauber F1 Team – Test in Valencia – Day four

Formula One 2009

Test in Valencia.
January 21st – 24th 2009
Day four – Saturday
Weather conditions: sunny with strong winds all day.
Air temperature: 13 – 18 °C, track temperature: 14 – 19 °C
Number of drivers participating: 1 (exclusive BMW Sauber F1 Team test)
Circuit length: 4.005 km
Nick Heidfeld
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.09-02 / BMW 86/9
Test kilometres today: 365 (91 laps)

Formula One 2009
Programme:
With gusts reaching 70 km/h, the weather again called for changes in the scheduled test programme. In the morning Nick Heidfeld concentrated on system checks for the new BMW Sauber F1.09. In the afternoon the engineers’ focus switched to collecting more data on the car’s mechanical components. “Although the test had to be interrupted once when the wind blew some debris over the track, I managed to do some long runs in the afternoon,” Heidfeld said. “I finished the day with some race start simulations on different tyre compounds.”
BMW Sauber’s Managing Director Walter Riedl added: “After Tuesday’s shakedown in Valencia we went on to complete four days of testing. Covering a total of 1,887 km, the new BMW Sauber F1.09 was running without any noteworthy problems, which meant we were able to carry out a comprehensive test programme on each day. At first it was a matter of testing the individual systems, after which we focused on set-up work. We managed to collect a great deal of data and have already made initial progress. Although the strong winds made testing difficult during the last two days, we benefited from the fact that the track was dry throughout and outdoor temperatures were higher than during our tests in December, which meant we were able to glean some valuable insights concerning the tyres as well. We have already used the 2009 version of the V8 engine with its rev limit of 18,000 rpm, as well as employing KERS. Overall we are very happy with the testing, particularly with regard to the high reliability of the new car. Now we are naturally very keen to see where we stand in terms of the competition, but we will have to wait for the next test to gain a first impression.”
What comes next:
With the four-day test session in Valencia over, the BMW Sauber F1 Team’s next outing will be the two tests in Bahrain in February (10th – 13th and 16th – 19th).

www.bmw-sauber-f1.com

Bridgestone Motorsport’s GP2 Asia Series

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2009 GP2 Asia Series. Round 3. Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. Saturday Race. 24th January 2009. xxx World Copyright: Alastair Staley / GP2 Series Media Service. ref: Digital Image _H0Y1904 2009 GP2 Asia Series. Round 3. Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. Saturday Race. 24th January 2009. xxx World Copyright: Alastair Staley / GP2 Series Media Service. ref: Digital Image _H0Y2211

Kamui Kobayashi (Dams) and Sergio Perez (Barwa International Campos Team) both took race wins this week in the third round of the Bridgestone-supported GP2 Asia Series at the Bahrain International Circuit. First to impress though was rookie Nico Hulkenburg (ART Grand Prix) after qualifying for Friday’s race in pole position with a time of 1min 41.351secs. The time was 0.125 seconds faster than Jerome D’Ambrosio (Dams), who was second fastest. Kobayashi made it two Dams drivers in the top three. Bridgestone’s medium compound GP2 Series slick tyre was used in Bahrain, with Japan’s Kobayashi using it to perfection in the 34-lap Feature Race to jump up to second place after D’Ambrosio was slow off the mark at the start. After some hard fighting and intense pressure, Kobayashi took the lead on lap 14. Hulkenburg meanwhile was the first of the front runners to pit on lap 17, changing his rear tyres. He paid the penalty though for a long stop and dropped vital time and places. Kobayashi didn’t stop until lap 20 and unlike his main competitors he changed his two left side tyres, a tactic used previously in Dubai. He retained the lead and with Hulkenburg now in fourth it was teammate D’Ambrosio and rookie Edoardo Mortara (Arden International) who were second and third respectively. Despite renewed efforts from Hulkenburg, the top three remained unchanged as they crossed the line, giving Dams a pleasing 1-2. An extra point also went to the race winner Kobayashi for setting the fastest lap with a time of 1min 43.604 on lap 23. Saturday’s reverse grid Sprint Race saw Mexican driver Perez win from pole, after leading for all 23 laps. It was his first GP2 Asia Series win. Davide Valsecchi (Durango) finished second with the two front runners retaining their opening lap positions all the way to the finish. D’Ambrosio took third position after an impressive performance which saw him climb through the field. Diego Nunes (Piquet GP) set the race’s fastest lap, a 1min 43.913secs, on lap 5. Leaving Bahrain, Kobayashi leads the drivers’ championship on 34 points from Valsecchi on 24. Roldan Rodriguez is in third on 22 points. Dams leads the teams’ championship with 51 points from Durango on 24. Piquet GP is third on 22 points. The next round of the GP2 Asia Series is scheduled for February 13-14 at the Losail Circuit in Qatar. Quote from Kentaro Yamamoto – Bridgestone Motorsport GP2 Series Engineer “After using the hard specification GP2 slick tyre at this track last year we decided to go a step softer to the medium compound and we are pleased to see that it has performed well. Although the cars were not running with Formula One the track was clean from the start, resulting in faster laps times than expected and, combined with the medium tyre, a faster qualifying time was set this year by 1.3 seconds. The drivers did not have it easy though. They had rear tyre degradation and a higher wear rate and so had to manage their tyres and drive skilfully in both races. We’re very pleased that by changing to the medium compound slick tyre that we have contributed to two very exciting races here this week.”

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