1
ALEX PALERM INCIA LA TEMPORADA 2009
PUNTO DE PARTIDA, ES VENDRELL
El próximo domingo día 15 de febrero dará inicio el Campeonato de Cataluña
de Karting donde participa el piloto mallorquín Alex Palerm en la categoría
cadete con el equipo MDC Racing.
Esta primera prueba se celebrará en el circuito de Es Vendrell, un trazado
que el joven Palerm conoce bien, ya que fue el circuito elegido para la Copa
de Campeones celebrada el pasado mes de diciembre.
El piloto está muy ilusionado y con muchas ganas de mejorar sus resultados
del año pasado, ahora yo no se conformará con estar con los mejores pilotos
de Cataluña, ahora quiere conseguir pódiums y terminar el Campeonato lo más
delante posible.
Esta temporada Palerm realizará además del Campeonato de Cataluña, el
Campeonato de España al completo, donde espera seguir adquiriendo
experiencia y aprovechar este año en la categoría Cadete como lanzamiento
para subir de categoría la próxima temporada.
El equipo Diabolo Karting ha renovado este año con los patrocinadores Pepsi,
San Miguel 00 y ha incorporado para esta temporada: Informática Magalluf,
Pub Chaplins y Pub Revolutions. Sin duda el apoyo económico en estos
momentos es muy importante para poder desarrollar la carrera deportiva de
este joven piloto que aspira a lo máximo y con su esfuerzo y trabajo así lo
demuestra.
Diabolo Karting Team
Alex Palerm piloto Cadete de Karting
16 de Julio, 34 07009 Palma de Mallorca
Tel. +34 971 291 321 M. +34 616 99 26 87
prensa@alexpalerm.com http://www.alexpalerm.com
HOPES HIGH FOR IRC’S BRAZILIAN DEBUT
HOPES HIGH FOR IRC’S BRAZILIAN DEBUT … AND ALL THE OTHER LATEST NEWS FROM THE IRC
Brazil’s first appearance in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge will be a big success according to one of the championship’s leading team bosses.
Marc van Dalen, the joint head of the Belgian team Kronos Racing, said that the IRC’s promoters deserve significant praise for the format of the Rally de Curitiba, the next round of the IRC from March 5-7.
After covering 234.65 kilometres of gravel stages, the event will culminate with a 23-kilometre special stage before the finishing ceremony at the Autódromo Internacional de Curitiba, the city’s racing circuit. The following day it hosts a round of the World Touring Car Championship, which is organised by Eurosport Events, the same company behind the IRC.
The revolutionary format of combining a rally and a circuit race has never been attempted before but it will give spectators a unique opportunity to see rally cars and touring cars in action at the same venue.
"It is a very good idea by the organisers and they should be congratulated for their efforts," said van Dalen. "It will be great for the spectators but also for the IRC because it will be seen by a new audience and that can only be good. I have seen a DVD of the stages and it looks like a very nice rally with some fast and smooth roads."
OGIER WANTS MORE IRC OUTINGS
Sebastien Ogier would like to compete on more rounds of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2009.
The 25-year-old from France won the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally in a Peugeot 207 last month – his debut in the IRC and his first outing in a Super 2000 car – after being selected to drive the BFGoodrich Drivers‘ Team’s entry on the legendary event.
Ogier is contesting the World Rally Championship this season for the Citroën Junior Team but is keen to tackle as many rallies as possible as he looks to build his competitive experience.
"I liked the experience of the IRC very much and of course I would like to do some more rounds of the series," said Ogier, who won the Junior World Rally Championship title last season. "If I was offered a chance to do more IRC rallies then of course I would say ‚yes‘."
Meanwhile the BFGoodrich Drivers‘ Team will be back in action on the Ypres Westhoek Rally in Belgium in June when a panel of the country’s leading motorsport journalists will be called upon to select a driver to contest the challenging asphalt event.
ABARTH ENCOURAGED BY GRAVEL TESTS
The factory Abarth team has been testing the Grande Punto S2000 in preparation for the forthcoming gravel rounds of the IRC. All three works drivers – Giandomenico Basso, Anton Alen, and Luca Rossetti – spent time behind the wheel of the latest-specification Grande Punto on some gravel stages near Siena in Tuscany. The test aimed to develop some new running gear on the Grande Punto, and also to reacquaint the drivers with gravel, following the ice and snow of the Monte Carlo Rally.
Alen, who was set for a top-six finish in Monte Carlo before retiring on the final road section, said: "It’s good to get back to driving on gravel again: really fun. We know that the car has plenty of speed on gravel already, now we’re just trying to develop it a bit further and check a couple of new things. I don’t know quite what to expect on the Curitiba Rally as it’s a new experience for me, but I like the sound of it very much."
While Brazil is a new experience for both the IRC and Anton, his famous father Markku Alen previously competed in the country exactly 30 years ago – on the first Rally Internacional do Brasil in 1979.
SOUSA PLANS IRC CAMPAIGN
Bernardo Sousa could compete on as many as three rounds of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge this season.
The 21-year-old has signed to drive for the Portuguese Sports & You team to contest the Production Car World Rally Championship (PCWRC) in an Abarth Grande Punto. He is also targeting a programme of additional events, including the IRC.
"I am looking at the Azores, plus one Tarmac event and maybe one more gravel event," Sousa said. "Madeira is a possibility but that is my home rally so there is always a big pressure on you to try to win your home event and that is not easy. The Rally Principe de Asturias in Spain could also be quite interesting but we will have to see."
Sousa said one of the attractions of the IRC was the regulation controlling the number of passes a driver can make of a stage during the reconnaissance. On PCWRC events, drivers are restricted to two passes only. On selected IRC events, they are allowed to drive through a stage up to four times.
"That could also be an advantage for me because my experience is not so high on some events," Sousa said.
Sousa also said he was keen to try an asphalt-based rally with his new Abarth Grande Punto: the PCWRC calendar is made up of snow or gravel events.
CAR SWAP REQUIRED FOR BRITISH STAR MEEKE
The Peugeot 207 Super 2000 used to win the Monte Carlo Rally last month will be in action on Rally de Curitiba in Brazil in March, even though Sebastien Ogier, the event winner, won’t be in action in South America.
Kronos Racing, the team responsible for overseeing the young Frenchman’s stunning victory on the opening round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in January, shipped the car to Brazil earlier this week where Peugeot UK’s Kris Meeke will drive it.
Meeke’s original car suffered irreparable chassis damage in the roll that put the 29-year-old out of the event. With insufficient time to build a replacement, Meeke will transfer to Kronos-run BFGoodrich Drivers‘ Team machine for the rallies in Brazil and the Azores, which aren’t part of the tyre firm’s schedule of rallies.
"It is no problem for Kris because all our cars are the same specification so it will be easy for him to change cars," said Kronos Racing team principal Marc van Dalen. "It may even provide him with some good luck because it is not only the car Ogier used in Monte Carlo but it is also the same car Juho Hanninen used to win Rally Russia last season."
In addition to a car for Meeke, Kronos will field additional entries in Brazil for Belgium’s Freddy Loix and defending IRC drivers‘ champion Nicolas Vouilloz, from France.
Abarth has been encouraged by some recent tests in preparation for the forthcoming gravel rounds of the IRC
CAMPEONATO DE BALEARES EN CIRCUITO F.B.E.A 2009 (Pendiente Aprobación)
1ª Campeonato Baleares de Circuito: 12 Abril
2ª Campeonato Baleares de Circuito: 17 Mayo
3ª Campeonato Baleares de Circuito: 5 Julio
4ª Campeonato Baleares de Circuito: 6 Septiembre
5ª Campeonato Baleares de Circuito: 18 Octubre
6ª Campeonato Baleares de Circuito: 22 Noviembre
Reserva ………………………… 6 Diciembre
CALENDARIO PISTA LIBRE 2009
1ª 8 Marzo
2ª 3 Mayo
3ª 26 Julio
4ª 27 Septiembre
5ª 1 Noviembre
6ª 13 Diciembre
Cup-Champion in der Formel-3-Euroserie
Carlo van Dam
Mit Carlo van Dam setzt ein weiterer erfolgreicher Pilot aus dem ATS Formel-3-Cup seine Motorsport-Karriere viel versprechend fort: der Niederländer, 2007 als Champion des ATS Formel-3-Cup gefeiert, wird 2009 in der Formel-3-Euroserie starten. Van Dam erhält ein Cockpit im neuen Team Kolles & Heinz Union.
Kolles & Heinz Union startet in der kommenden Saison „powered by Volkswagen“. Damit hat die Volkswagen Familie prominenten Zuwachs bekommen. Hinter dem neu formierten Team stehen zwei feste Größen der Motorsport-Szene. Dr. Collin Kolles setzt seit der Saison 2006 Audi-Fahrzeuge in der DTM ein und startet in diesem Jahr zudem mit zwei Audi R10 TDI in der europäischen Le-Mans-Serie. Werner Heinz begleitet schon seit drei Jahrzehnten als Manager Karrieren so erfolgreicher Motorsportler wie Nick Heidfeld, Frank Biela oder Tom Kristensen.
„Ich freue mich über das neue Mitglied in unserer Formel-3-Familie und wünsche Kolles & Heinz Union viel Erfolg in ihrer Debüt-Saison“, erklärt Volkswagen Motorsport-Direktor Kris Nissen. „Mit Carlo van Dam bringen sie einen erfahrenen und schnelle Piloten in unsere Fahrer-Mannschaft.“
Der 22-jährige Niederländer gewann 2007 den deutschen ATS Formel-3-Cup und eroberte 2008 mit neun Siegen den Meistertitel in der Japanischen Formel-3-Meisterschaft. „Für mich setzt sich damit meine Formel-Karriere konsequent fort. Mein Jahr und die Erfolge im ATS Formel-3-Cup haben den Grundstock für mein Vorankommen gelegt. Dadurch erhielt ich von Volkswagen viele Chance und letztendlich auch die Möglichkeit in der Japanischen Formel-3-Meisterschaft anzutreten. Jetzt möchte ich mich mit den Titeln aus Deutschland und Japan in der Formel-3-Euroserie beweisen. Ich weiß, dass dies nicht einfach wird, denn immerhin gilt sie als die härteste Nachwuchsrennserie weltweit“, urteilt Carlo van Dam.
Volkswagen absolvierte 2008 die erste komplette Saison in der Formel-3-Euroserie und stellte mit dem Italiener Edoardo Mortara auf Anhieb den Vizemeister. Im ATS Formel-3-Cup 2009 wird neben dem bewährten Team Van Amersfoort Racing auch das Team Performance Racing mit Volkswagen Motoren antreten.
Austrian Philipp Eng confirmed in F2 for 2009
BMW World Final winner targets second Formula One Test
Austrian driver Philipp Eng has signed up for the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship as he bids to secure a second Formula One test drive.
Eng took part in a test with the BMW Sauber F1 Team in December last year after competing in selected rounds of the 2008 Formula BMW Europe Championship. He also raced in the German Formula 3 Cup during the same season, taking a pole position and podium finish in just four races.
The 18-year-old’s F1 experience was a reward for his hugely successful 2007 campaign. Eng finished third in the Formula BMW ADAC series before entering the highly competitive Formula BMW World Final at the Circuit de Valencia. After starting from pole position, Eng dominated the race to win the World Final and a Formula One test drive with BMW Sauber as part of the prize.
Eng only started competing in single seater racing in 2006, when he finished tenth overall in Formula BMW ADAC after racing against fellow F2 competitors Tobias Hegewald and Jens Höing.
The Austrian driver is coached by ex-F1 driver Christian Danner – who himself is no stranger to Formula Two, having competed in the championship in the early 1980s. Danner finished fifth in the 1983 F2 Championship, the year that MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer took overall honours.
Philipp Eng said: "In my opinion Formula Two is a great opportunity for young drivers because the costs are not as high as other racing series and everybody has the same vehicles – it is up to the driver to show their ability, which is great. I am really pleased to be joining this championship but I also know that it will be very tough as there are some very experienced and successful drivers in the line-up. Having won the BMW World Final at Valencia, I am really looking forward to starting the season there but I am also excited about racing at Brands Hatch and Spa-Francorchamps. The prize of a test drive with Williams F1 is obviously very appealing and my recent experience in an F1 car was amazing, so I will give everything to get another F1 test.”
Christian Danner said: “Jonathan Palmer and I go back a long time. We obviously raced in Formula Two together and I even got my first start in a Formula One Grand Prix after I replaced Jonathan, who was injured. The return of F2 is great and now that I am working with Philipp, it was definitely our first choice for the development of his career. I spoke with Mario Thiessen (Team Principle of BMW Sauber) following Philipp’s test in their F1 car and he was very impressed with his performance. He is a talent and he will join some great drivers in Formula Two, it really is looking like a quality line-up – it is how it used to be in F2! I am so enthusiastic about the return of F2 – everyone has an equal chance. I have already said to Jonathan that I would quite like to drive the car myself.”
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organiser MotorSport Vision, said: “Philipp is clearly an outstanding prospect at 18 years of age, and his victory at the BMW World Final in Valencia after just two seasons of single seater racing was highly impressive. Having experienced Formula One machinery as recently as December, I’m sure Philipp will be particularly determined to win the FIA Formula Two Championship and earn the prize of a second test, this time a serious evaluation with the AT&T Williams F1 Team. Philipp only contested selected races during the 2008 season, but I suspect he will be a serious contender for the 2009 F2 title. I’ve also agreed to give my old rival and friend Christian Danner a test in our F2 car – and look forward to seeing how fit he still is!”
ANNOUNCEMENT UPCOMING RACES 24H Series 2009-2010
ANNOUNCEMENT UPCOMING RACES 24H Series 2009-2010 (German Version Unten)
– Pre registration 12H Hungary 2009
– Pre registration 5th Anniversary 24H Dubai 2010
– Review TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009
After the very exciting 4th edition of the TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009 Creventic is now announcing the upcoming races for the season 2009-2010. In total 81 cars with drivers from 33 different countries attended in this world known and respected 24H Dubai in January 2009. Approximately 135 representatives of the international media from 21 different countries got accreditation and covered the race.
The first race after Dubai 2009 will be the 2nd edition of the 12H of Hungary at the Hongaroring on the 9th and 10th of October 2009. For the year 2010 we will have the special 5th anniversary of the 24H of Dubai. This will take place on 14-15-16 January 2010.
Make your pre-registration now and receive a FREE TW Steel watch
Download your pre-registration form
Download your Pre-registration Form for the 2nd edition of the 12H Hungary now!
Download your Pre-registration Form for the 5th anniversary of the 24H Dubai 2010!
Online registration:
Pre registration 12H Hungary 2009
Pre registration 24H Dubai 2010
12H Hungary 9-10 October 2009
F1 Circuit Hungaroring: attractive and exhausting
For the second time creventic is organizing the 12 hour race at the Hungaroring circuit.The Hungaroring circuit is 19 km from the centre of Budapest, alongside the M3 motorway at the border of the village, Mogyoród. The track is in a natural valley, surrounded by 50 hectares of rolling hillside. With this exceptional natural advantage, almost 80 percent of the racetrack is visible from any point. This is the reason why it is called "The Shallow Plate", it is because the spectators are watching races sitting by the side of an imaginary plate.
The pit boxes and paddock area of the Hungaroring were recently undergoing major renovations. All activities were finalized in August 2008. After the renovations the total number of pit boxes is 54 and more toilet and shower facilities have been added ad well. The circuit is 4,384 km long and runs clockwise.The smallest radius of a curve is 20 metres, while the largest is 400 metres. The full length of the start-finish line is 788 metres; the top speed here is approximately 320 km/h. The track is at its widest here: 15 metres, elsewhere the width varies between 10 and 11 metres, relative to the possible highest speed.
The teams, with Overall winner Schubert Motorsport with his BMW Z4, who participated in 2008 where very enthousiast about the race, the event and the circuit. So make your pre-registration now and be part of this event in October 2009, by following this link to our website: Pre registration 12H Hungary 2009 
24H Dubai 14-15-16 January 2010
5 times in a row!
In 2010 we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the 24H Dubai. A special occasion you don’t want to miss. Within four years the 24 hours of Dubai has grown to one of world most international, well known and respected 24 hour races of the world. With a startgrid of 81 cars and drivers from 33 different countries it is an event you can’t miss. Many teams have already included their participation in the TOYO TIRES 24H of Dubai as a regular fixture in their season planning.
This kind of racing is probably the best that you can imagine to do. Many millions of people will be very jealous because it is not just a race, it is truly a super event to do and to have done! So make your pre-registration now and be part of this event, by following this link to our website: Pre registration 24H Dubai 2010
Dubai Autodrome
The 5,39km track at the Dubai Autodrome is one of the most modern in the world; it is also one of the most challenging, as it has a combination of high-speed straights and technical corners. The venue is part of the Union Properties Motorcity development in the greater Dubailand area. The circuit is runnig clockwise.
Review TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009
Season Kick Off with an exciting TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009
Victory for Land Motorsport Porsche in thrilling TOYO TIRES 24H of Dubai
DUBAI (January 10th, 2009) – It couldn’t have been closer: after 24 hours of racing at the Dubai Autodrome, only 49.676 seconds separated the first- and the second-placed car in the fourth running of the TOYO TIRES 24H of Dubai. After a thrilling final hour of the race that saw no less than three changes of the lead, the Porsche 997 GT3 Cup, entered by German team Land Motorsport and driven by Carsten Tilke, Gabriël Abergel, Andrzej Dzikevic and Niclas Kentenich, came out on top, only just defending its lead from the charging Al Faisal Racing Team’s BMW Z4 M Coupé that was shared by Abdualziz Al Faisal, Paul Spooner, Claudia Hürtgen and Stian Sorlie. Third place was taken by another Porsche, the Besaplast Racing Team entry of Martin Tschornia, Franjo Kovac, former DTM-champion Kurt Thiim and the father-and-son pairing of Roland and Sebastian Asch.
Overall Top 3
1. Land Motorsport – Porsche 997 GT3 Cup – Germany
2. Al Faisal Racing – BMW Z4M Coupé – United Arab Emirates
3. Besaplast Racing – Porsche 997 GT3 Cup – Germany
Final Results 4th TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009
New SP2 (Special) class was great success.
The newly introduced class for special cars with an engine of more then 4 litre and/or more then 6 cylinders was a huge success. 11 exciting cars entered in this new class, like Aston Martin Vantage V8, Ferrari 430, Ford Mustang FR500, Marcos Mantis, Audi R8, BMW V8, Holden Commodore, Porsche turbo and Mosler MT900 GT3. To balance the performance, there was set a minimal reference lap time of 2min09sec, to ensure the sportive competition, with the Porsches GT3 and the BMW´s in class A6 and A5. After one hour competition, two SP2 cars were in the top 5. Finally the Aston Martin from team DXB Racing Dubai won their class and achieved an overall 12th position, with a fastest lap time of 2min14sec. It can be concluded that this class brought exciting cars to the race and it is expected to have even more cars in class SP2 for the next events.
New class for GT4-A cars
For 12H Hungary 2009 as well as for 24H Dubai 2010 there will be a new class added to the grid.The class GT4-A will give all owners of a GT4 car the opportunity to enter.The new class will be announced officially on short notice. Its very likely that the cars will be placed into this class based on a minimum reference lap time, like is being done for class SP2. By working with this minimum reference lap time also other cars with the same performance can be accepted in the class GT4-A.
Buy the TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009 DVD now and feel the excitement of this spectacular 24 hour race:
DVD 24H Dubai 2009
SEE YOU AT THE TRACK!
For more information please take a look at our website www.24hseries.com
GERMAN VERSION
ANKÜNDIGUNG DER NÄCHSTEN RENNEN DER 24H SERIE 2009-2010
– Vor- Registrierung 12H Hungary 2009
– Vor-Registrierung 5. Jahrestag 24H Dubai 2010
– Rückblick TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009
Nach einer sehr spannenden vierten Auflage des TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009 kündigt Creventic nun die nächsten Rennen der Saison 2009-2010 an.
Insgesamt 81 Autos aus 33 verschiedenen Ländern nahmen am weltbekannten und anerkannten 24H Dubai im Januar teil. Ungefähr 135 Vertreter der internationalen Presse aus 21 verschiedenen Ländern wurden akkreditiert und berichteten vom Rennen.
Das erste Rennen nach Dubai wird die zweite Auflage des 12H of Hungary auf dem Hongaroring am 9. und 10. Oktober 2009 sein. Im Jahr 2010 haben wir ein besonderes Jubiläum und feiern den fünften Jahrestag des 24H Dubai. Dieses Rennen wird am 14.-15.-16. Januar 2010 stattfinden.
Registrieren Sie sich jetzt vor und erhalten Sie eine TW Steel Uhr umsonst
Laden Sie Ihr Vor-Registrierungs-Formular für die zweite Auflage des 12H Hungary jetzt runter!
Laden Sie Ihr Vor-Registrierungs-Formular zum Jubiläum des 24H Dubai 2010 jetzt runter!
12H Hungary 9.-10. Oktober 2009
F1 Rennstrecke Hungaroring: attraktiv und herausfordernd
Zum zweiten Mal organisiert Creventic das 12H Rennen am Hungaroring. Der Hungaroring ist 19 Km von Budapest entfernt und liegt an der M3 (Autobahn) entlang der Grenze des Dorfes Mogyoród. Die Strecke befindet sich in einem natürlichen Tal und wird von 50 Hektar Hügellandschaft umgeben. Aufgrund dieser außergewöhnlichen, natürlichen Umrandung sind circa 80% der Strecke von einem Punkt einsichtbar. Das ist der Grund warum es "Der flache Teller" genannt wird:Die Zuschauer des Rennens sitzen nämlich wie auf einem unsichtbaren Teller.
Die Boxen und das Fahrerlager wurden letztlich umfangreich renoviert. Alle Arbeiten wurden im August 2008 beendet. Nach Abschluss der Renovierungen gibt es nun 54 Boxen sowie zusätzliche Toiletten und Duschen. Die Strecke ist 4,384 Km lang und läuft mit dem Uhrzeigersinn. Der kleinste Radius einer Kurve beträgt 20 Meter, und der größte Radius 400 Meter. Die Länge der Start/Ziel-Gerade beträgt 788 Meter; Höchstgeschwindigkeit ist ca. 320km/h.
Die Rennstrecke ist an der breitesten Stelle 15 Meter und variiert zwischen 10 und 11 Metern, relative zur Höchstgeschwindigkeit.
Die Teams, einschließlich des Gesamtsiegers Schubert Motorsport (BMW Z4), die 2008 an diesem Rennen teilnahmen waren sehr enthusiastisch über das Rennen, das Event und die Rennstrecke. Also registrieren Sie sich nun vor und seien Sie Teil des Events im Oktober 2009.
24H Dubai 14.-15.-16. Januar 2010
5 Mal in Folge!
2010 feiern wir unseren 5. Jahrestag des 24H Dubai. Ein besonderes Spektakel, das Sie nicht verpassen wollen.
Innerhalb von vier Jahren, wuchs das 24H Dubai zu einem der internationalsten und bekanntesten 24H Rennen weltweit. Mit einem Starterfeld von 81 Autos und Fahrern aus 33 verschiedenen Ländern, können Sie dieses Event nicht verpassen. Viele Teams haben den Termin zur Teilnahme am TOYO TIRES 24H of Dubai bereits als festen Bestandteil in Ihren Kalender eingetragen.
Diese Art von Rennen ist wahrscheinlich die Beste die man sich vorstellen kann. Viele Millionen Menschen werden Sie beneiden, denn es ist nicht nur ein Rennen, es ist ein wahres Super-Event an dem man teilnehmen muss.
Dubai Autodrome
Die 5,39Km lange Rennstrecke am Dubai Autodrome ist eine der bekanntesten in der Welt; sie ist außerdem eine der stark herausfordernden Strecken, da sie eine Kombination von langen Geraden und vielen technischen Kurven bietet. Der Austragungsort ist Teil der Union Properties Motorcity Entwicklung und des Dubailand Gebietes. Die Rennstrecke wird im Uhrzeigersinn befahren.
Rückblick TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009
Der Saisonauftakt mit einem spannenden TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009
Sieg für den Land Motorsport Porsche im aufregendem TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai
DUBAI (10. Januar 2009) – Es hätte nicht spannender werden können: nach knapp 24 Stunden Rennen am Dubai Autodrome, trennten nur 49.676 Sekunden den Ersten und den Zweitplatzierten im vierten TOYO TIRES 24H of Dubai. Nach einer aufregenden Finalstunde des Rennens welches nicht weniger als drei Führungswechsel zeigte, siegte der Porsche 997 GT3 Cup vom Deutschen Team Land Motorsport, gefahren von Carsten Tilke, Gabriël Abergel, Andrzej Dzikevic und Niclas Kentenich, sehr knapp vor dem Al Faisal Racing Team (BMW Z4 M Coupé) welches von Abdualziz Al Faisal, Paul Spooner, Claudia Hürtgen und Stian Sorlie gelenkt wurde. Das Besaplast Racing Team (Porsche) zusammengestellt durch Martin Tschornia, Franjo Kovac, früherer DTM-Meister Kurt Thiim und dem Vater-Sohn Bündnis Roland und Sebastian Asch ergatterte den dritten Platz.
Gesamt Top 3
1. Land Motorsport – Porsche 997 GT3 Cup – Deutschland
2. Al Faisal Racing – BMW Z4M Coupé – Vereinigte Arabische Emirate
3. Besaplast Racing – Porsche 997 GT3 Cup – Deutschland
Final Results 4th TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009
Neue SP2 (Special) Klasse war ein großer Erfolg.
Die neu eingeführte Klase für “special cars” mit einem Motor von mehr als 4 Liter Hubraum und mehr als 6 Zylinder war ein großer Erfolg.
11 außergewöhnliche Autos nahmen in dieser Klasse teil, z.B. Aston Martin Vantage V8, Ferrari 430, Ford Mustang FR500, Marcos Mantis, Audi R8, BMW V8, Holden Commodore, Porsche turbo und Mosler MT900 GT3.
Um die Leistung auszubalancieren, gab es eine Minimum-Referenz-Rundenzeit von 2 Min 09 Sek, um einen sportlichen Wettkampf mit den Porsche GT3 und den BMWs der Klassen A6 und A5 zu gewährleisten. Nach einer Stunde des Wettkampfes lagen zwei der SP2 Autos in den Top 5. Schließlich erreichte der Aston Martin des Teams DXB Racing Dubai den Klassensieg und einen 12. Platz in der Gesamtwertung mit einer schnellsten Rundenzeit von 2 Min 14 Sek.
Daraus lässt sich schließen, dass diese Klasse weitere tolle Autos zu den Rennen zulässt. Für die zukünftigen Events werden noch weitere Teilnehmer in dieser Klasse erwartet.
Neue Klasse für GT4-A Autos
Für das 12H Hungary 2009 und das 24H Dubai 2010 wird eine neue Klasse eröffnet.
Die Klasse GT4-A wird Besitzern eines GT4 Autos die Möglichkeit zur Teilnahme bieten.
Die neue Klasse wird in Kürze offiziell bekannt gemacht.
Es ist sehr gut möglich, dass die Autos in dieser Klasse basierend auf einer Minimum-Referenz-Rundenzeit platziert werden, wie es bei der SP2 Klasse üblich ist.
Bei Anwendung dieser Minimum-Referenz-Rundenzeit können auch weitere Autos mit der gleichen Leistung in die Klasse GT4-A aufgenommen werden.
SEE YOU AT THE TRACK!
Für weitere Informationen schauen Sie bitte auf unsere Website www.24hseries.com
DTM-Stars feiern beim 39. „Ball des Sports“
Franziska van Almsick, Boris Becker, Frank-Walter Steinmeier und 1.800 weitere Gäste aus Sport, Wirtschaft, Politik, Kultur und den Medien feierten am Samstagabend beim 39. „Ball des Sports“ in den Wiesbadener Rhein-Main-Hallen zu Gunsten der Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe. Unter die Feiernden mischten sich auch Rennfahrer Ralf Schumacher, DTM-Champion Timo Scheider (Audi), die schottische DTM-Fahrerin Susie Stoddart (Mercedes-Benz) sowie Audi-Werksfahrer Martin Tomczyk samt Lebensgefährtin Christina Surer. Aufsehenerregend war bereits deren Ankunft am roten Teppich: die Rennfahrer fuhren in den offiziellen DTM-Safety-Cars der Premium-Automobilhersteller Audi und Mercedes-Benz vor.
Unter dem Motto „Der Lauf der Welt“ kombinierte der „Ball des Sports“ elegante Gala Atmosphäre einmal mehr mit sportiven Elementen. Im Mittelpunkt des Abends stand die diesjährige Leichtathletik-WM in Berlin. Daran orientierte sich auch die feierliche Eröffnung der Benefiz-Gala, die Aufführung einer Berliner Revue von internationalen Tänzern und Solisten vor einer beeindruckenden 3-D-Olympia-Stadion-Kulisse. Roger Cicero und die Söhne Mannheims mit ihrem Sänger Xavier Naidoo sorgten für die weiteren musikalischen Höhepunkte des Abends. Der sportive Charakter der Veranstaltung kam dennoch nicht zu kurz: Zwischen den Tischreihen setzten Athleten aus Deutschlands Stabhochsprung-Elite zu artistischen Höhenflügen an und beim „Parcours des Sports“ betätigten sich die Gäste u.a. beim Boxen, Fechten und Torwandschießen unter Anleitung prominenter Athleten an den Aktivstationen.
Traditionell beaufsichtigte der Wiesbadener Notar Dr. Thomas Betzler, Vorstand für Recht und Finanzen des DTM-Rechteinhabers und –Vermarkters ITR e.V., die Ziehung der Tombola-Losfarbe mit Preisen in einem Gesamtwert von 500.000 Euro.
Wie auch in den Vorjahren war die DTM offizieller Partner der exklusiven Veranstaltung und richtete die offizielle After-Show-Party der erfolgreichsten Sport-Benefiz-Veranstaltung Europas aus. In einer aufwendig dekorierten Kulisse mit zwei originalen DTM-Fahrzeugen ließen die prominenten Gäste im „DTM Race Club“ einen gelungenen Abend ausklingen.
DUWO-Racing. Geglückte Titelverteidigung
Die Ursprünge von DUWO-Racing gehen auf das Jahr 1988 zurück, als die beiden Automobilsportler Jean-Marie Dumont und Romain Wolff den Entschluss trafen in einem gemeinsamen Rennstall zusammen zu arbeiten. Ende Februar des vergangenen Jahres entschied man sich eine Vereinigung ohne Gewinnzweck zu gründen, die DUWO Racing a.s.b.l., deren Sitz in der Gemeinde Bürmeringen ist. Am letzten Freitag lud das Luxemburger Rennteam seine Mitglieder zur ersten Jahreshauptversammlung ins „centre polyvalent“ in Emerange. In seiner Begrüßung zeigte Wolff, der selbst vor zehn Jahren den Rennhelm an den Nagel gehängt hat, sich zufrieden über die Entwicklung des Teams, die geleistete Arbeit und die Resultate im abgelaufenen Sportjahr. Im Jahresbericht, vorgetragen von Charles Wagner, fanden die Teilnahmen bei dem 24-Stunden Rennen von Dubai und den 12-Stunden von Spa-Francorchamps sowie das erfolgreiche Bestreiten der Luxemburger Rundstreckenmeisterschaft Erwähnung. So konnte sich Dumong 2008 zum sechsten Mal die nationale Meisterschaft auf der Rundstrecke sichern. Insgesamt hat DUWO-Racing, das vier Fahrer aus drei Nationen einsetzte, in der abgelaufenen Saison acht Rennen bestritten und war ebenfalls im November auf der International Motor Show in Luxemburg-Kirchberg vertreten. Zum Transport seiner beiden BMW-Rennfahrzeuge hat das Team einen (gebrauchten) Sattelzug angeschafft und diesen einer Grundüberholung unterzogen. Im Finanzbericht konnte Wagner erfreuliche Zahlen präsentieren. In der kommenden Saison sieht der Terminplan das Bestreiten der einheimischen Rundstreckenmeisterschaft sowie vier Teilnahmen in Spa-Francorchamps in der Belgian Touring Cars Series (BTCS) vor. Ende Mai wird man beim 24-Stunden Marathon auf dem Nürburgring am Start sein und Mitte Oktober wird DUWO-Racing bei den 12-Stunden von Budapest mit von der Partie sein. Der Gemeinschaftsreise zum Hungaroring können auch Nicht-Mitglieder sich anschließen.
Romain Heckemanns
Jens Höing secures place in the 2009 F2 line-up
German driver Jens Höing will compete in the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2009.
The 21-year-old moves to F2 after competing in the German Formula 3 Cup last season, where he scored a season’s best eighth position at the Nürburgring. Höing also tested for Team Olympiacos in the Superleague Formula at Vallelunga in August 2008, setting the sixth quickest time overall.
Prior to F3, Höing spent three seasons racing in Germany’s national Formula BMW Championship. He also competed in the 2006 Formula BMW World Final against fellow F2 drivers Rob Wickens and Tobias Hegewald at the Circuit de Valencia – the venue which will host the opening rounds of the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship.
Jens Höing said: "I am glad to be joining F2 as the second German driver to be confirmed. The concept, presentation and history of F2 are right for my career. With the cars being equal for every driver, unlike my situation in Formula 3, people can see your talent through your results in Formula Two. This is my best chance to reach the top of professional motorsport in the next two years and my aim is to score podiums this year before challenging for the title next season. I want to win the F2 championship in 2010 and with it, the Williams F1 test drive. I still know many of the fabulous Williams F1 Team from my time as a BMW junior and it is my aspiration to drive for them in Formula One. I am extremely grateful to my sponsor and my new management team who have made this drive in F2 possible."
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organiser MotorSport Vision, said: “It is great to add another young German talent to the F2 line-up. As we all know, Germany has a rich history in motorsport and I am sure Jens will be hoping to add his name to a long list of successful drivers from his homeland. Although Jens does not have the reputation of some of F2’s drivers I am in no doubt that F2 is going to throw up some surprises to the form book and Jens could be one of them”
WTCC SWITCHES TO 2G BIO-FUEL
In 2009, the WTCC gives a further contribution to make motor sport more eco-friendly by starting the season in Brazil with the whole field powered by second generation bio-fuel.
During the winter tests, teams began using the new bio-fuel supplied by PANTA that, following an invitation to tender, was appointed by the FIA as the championship’s official fuel supplier for 2009 and 2010. "We are pleased, because they did not encounter technical problems," said Luca Perani of PANTA Racing.
PANTA supply both petrol and diesel fuels; the petrol is composed by 10 per cent of second generation bio-ethanol and 90 per cent of unleaded fuel, while the diesel has a 10 per cent of vegetable bio-diesel produced from rape oil.
"The E10 choice was dictated by the need to find a compromise between the aims of reducing the emissions and preserving the existing cars. Bio-fuels are far more aggressive with tanks, pipes and injectors, that need to be changed when their percentage is increased; with the E10 the current cars don‚t need any changes," Perani explained.
PANTA’s second generation bio-ethanol is made from industrial wastes of sugar processing, while the first generation bio-ethanol is made from food crops: sugar, starch, vegetable oil, or animal fats. The use of second generation bio-ethanol reduces the use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, without interfering with the production of foods.
"Ethanol contains oxygen, which helps regular petrol to burn more cleanly and completely. The use of E10 bio-fuel reduces petroleum use by 6.3 per cent and also reduces harmful emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, exhaust volatile organic compounds and ozone-forming pollutants," concluded Perani.
Fuel consumption during one WTCC racing season totals to 60/70,000 litres.
Among motor sport’s international series, the FIA WTCC is one of the championships taking the lead in promoting eco-friendly initiatives and technologies, and proposes itself as the ideal platform to raise public awareness of bio-fuel worldwide. The Super 2000 cars that take part in the WTCC are closely derived by the production models on sale to the general public, and furthermore the championship’s technical and sporting regulations have been carefully studied to limit the environmental impact in terms of air and noise pollution.
PANTA supply bio-fuel to the FIA World Touring Car Championship
PRIVATE TESTS IN VALENCIA
SEAT, Chevrolet and BMW were all testing at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit during this week.
SEAT Sport tested on Monday and Tuesday. Four of the team’s five drivers – Yvan Muller, Gabriele Tarquini, Jordi Gené and Rickard Rydell – took stints at the wheel of two SEAT León TDI cars; 2008 machines updated to 2009 specifications.
Jaime Puig, SEAT Sport director, explained: "We have worked on the general set up, with the aim of adapting our cars to the new regulations adopted for the 2009 season. Currently one of our main objectives is to ensure the car’s maximum reliability."
SEAT Sport will test again on February 11th and 12th at Barcelona’s Catalunya Circuit.
Chevrolet tested from Wednesday to Thursday. In changeable weather conditions Alain Menu and Nicola Larini drove two Cruze cars that sported the new racing livery.
"We are progressing in knowing better the Cruze, however with a new car, testing time is never enough, even more so if weather conditions do not help!" Menu commented.
Eric Nève, Chevrolet Motorsport director said: "We hope that everything is under control, although we know we are only at the beginning of the development. This last test was also useful to check a number of non-technical things, like how the new design and color scheme work on a racing track. This too is important."
BMW remained three days, from Wednesday to Friday, with all drivers – Augusto Farfus, Jörg Müller, Andy Priaulx, Alessandro Zanardi and Sergio Hernández – and five 320si cars in 2009 specifications.
Hernández was impressively quick and consistent. "I’m pleased with his approach. He is very professional in spite of his young age and the fact that he was not used to such long test sessions. He has a great potential and I’m sure he will be able to show it from the start," BMW Team Italy-Spain’s principal Roberto Ravaglia said.
Chevrolet tested in Valencia together with BMW and SEAT
TOM BOARDMAN JOINS SUNRED
Tom Boardman will compete in the 2009 FIA WTCC in a petrol-engined SEAT León run by the SUNRED team.
During the past season Boardman competed in both the Spanish SEAT León Supercópa and the SEAT León Eurocup, claiming eight race wins altogether and clinching the Supercópa title.
His Eurocup victory in Pau gave him the opportunity to make his maiden WTCC appearance at Estoril, where he finished 3rd in the Independents‘ class at the wheel of a SUNRED car.
"It all feels like a bit of a dream at the moment – I feel like the luckiest man alive. I’ve watched the WTCC on television for several years and always dreamt of competing in it. Now I have this great opportunity, I’m going to give it one hundred percent," said Boardman.
His team-mate at SUNRED will be Tom Coronel. "He did really well in the last year. I think together we’ll make a very strong team and be able to challenge for the Independents‘ titles."
COMPENSATION WEIGHT – HOW IT WORKS
In 2009 a new system of Compensation Weight (art. 79 of the Sporting Regulations) determines the running weight of the WTCC cars on the basis of lap time calculation.
The best lap times of the two fastest cars of each model in qualifying and the two best lap times of the two fastest cars of each model in both races are averaged. The calculation is based on a three event rolling average, except it is applied for the first time after the first two events.
For example, the results of Events 2, 3 and 4 determines the compensation weight for Event 5.
All the cars run in the first two events of the season on the minimum weight fixed by the Technical Regulations.
The maximum compensation weight is 60 kg and is applied between a maximum of +40 kg to a minimum of -20 kg.
When a model’s average is within the 0.3-second threshold in relation to the fastest model, no action is taken.
If a model is slower than the fastest model by more than 0.3s, 10 kg are deducted from the maximum compensation weight for every complete 0.1s more than the +0.3s threshold, up to a maximum of 60 kg.
When a model with less than 60 kg of compensation weight is within 0.3s of the fastest (reference) model, 10 kg are added to the current compensation weight per complete 0.1s within the 0.3s threshold.
The fastest (reference) model always has the maximum compensation weight on board.
CURITIBA BOSSES PROMISE STUNNING RALLY … AND ALL THE OTHER LATEST NEWS FROM THE IRC
CURITIBA BOSSES PROMISE STUNNING RALLY
Crews contesting the Curitiba International Rally next month are being told to expect plenty of high-speed action. The event marks Brazil’s first appearance on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge calendar and will form the second round of the series from March 5-7.
Run as the Graciosa Rally for the last 29 years, the event has adopted a new title this season to reflect its rise in status after it was included on the IRC schedule for 2009.
"The drivers coming to Brazil will experience a very traditional rally but with different characteristics," said Marcos Marcola, the promoter of the Curitiba-based rally. "The stages will be very fast and will demand a lot from the drivers."
Marcola visited the IRC-opening Monte Carlo Rally last month. He said the trip was extremely worthwhile. "The organisation was impeccable," Marcola said. "It was a good experience and I am sure we will have a rally worthy of the worldwide status the IRC demands. The cars in the IRC are spectacular and our public will see some very impressive performances."
The event will include a ceremonial start in the centre of Curitiba on Thursday March 5 and will consist of a total competitive distance of 234.65 kilometres.
IRC IS GREAT FOR THE FANS, SAYS ACE GARDEMEISTER
Toni Gardemeister believes fans attending rounds of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge this season will be treated to an ‚exciting‘ spectacle. Gardemeister made his debut in the series on the Monte Carlo Rally last month, the tenth time he had tackled the legendary event.
Although he retired from second place due to an electrical failure, the former World Rally Championship regular was full of praise for the format of the IRC.
"It is very interesting for the people on the stages because all the times are close and the positions are changing all of the time," he said. "You have to drive the Super 2000 cars on the limit to get the most out of them and that means it is easier to make small mistakes. There are very chances for drivers in the WRC but in the IRC it is cheaper and there seems to be more opportunities."
The 33-year-old from Finland is hoping to return to the IRC this year and has confirmed he is in discussions with the Italian Astra Racing team about driving its Abarth Grande Punto on selected events, including the next round in Brazil in March.
Astra Racing team boss Luca Pregliasco commented: "We’ve still got some hurdles to overcome, but we’re racing against time to get Toni out to the next round in Brazil. He did a great job for us again, as we expected, in Monte Carlo. He’s simply one of the world’s top drivers."
WITTMANN JR CONFIDENT OF STRONG IRC CAMPAIGN
Franz Wittmann Jr believes his performances in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge can only improve this season following his debut on the Monte Carlo Rally last month.
Despite being forced to retire when his Mitsubishi Lancer E9 developed an engine fault on the final leg, the Austrian was satisfied with his efforts after running in ninth overall before he stopped.
"We didn’t have the luck this time," Wittmann Jr said. "Nevertheless we learned a lot during this rally, gained international recognition and can be confident that we can keep up with our rivals on the next rallies with a similar performance."
Wittmann Jr is contesting six further IRC rounds this season in his Interwetten Racing Lancer, which is being run by Manfred Stohl’s eponymous team. His next event is the IRC’s inaugural visit to the Portuguese Azores islands for the gravel-based Sata Rally Acores from May 7-9.
Stohl, a former podium finisher in the World Rally Championship, praised his driver’s showing on the Monte Carlo Rally.
"In my opinion Franz has already graduated to the international stage with this performance," said Stohl. "Monte Carlo was a very difficult rally with a lot of snow and extremely difficult conditions. He did very well."
HANNINEN EXCITED BY PROSPECT OF DRIVING SKODA ON GRAVEL
Factory Skoda pilot Juho Hanninen has revealed he is relishing the prospect of driving his Fabia Super 2000 on gravel. But he’ll have to wait for a couple of months after team officials confirmed it was highly unlikely that the Czech Republic-based team would enter round two of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in Brazil next month.
Skoda is contesting a selected programme of rallies this season and the Sata Rally Acores, which runs from May 7-9, is likely to be the next event on the manufacturer’s schedule. It came close to winning last month’s Monte Carlo Rally, the first event for the new Fabia challenger.
"I feel a bit more confident on gravel, so I was very surprised at how quick we could be in Monte," said Hanninen. "To be honest I really wasn’t expecting that. So I’m very excited to go onto gravel now to see what we can do. If we have a good feeling straight away, then I think we are in a strong position.
"The car is already very good, but I’ve seen already how tricky it will be this year on the IRC. There are a lot of good drivers and the competition is very close. As a driver that is a lot of fun, but of course it makes it very hard. But the level of preparation of the Skoda is extremely impressive and the team works well."
Mitsubishi driver Franz Wittman Jr (pictured) was encouraged by a strong performance on the Monte Carlo Rally
Motors TV Broadcast TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009
Broadcast TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009 Motors TV
This Saturday, 7th of February 2009, the 4th edition of the TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009 will be broadcasted for one hour at 21.55 hours on MOTORS TV in cooperation with Marlin Media.
Run in early January and now in its fourth year, the event has become a kind of season curtain raiser for the motorsport world. The Middle-East’s first round the clock enduro attracts a smorgasbord of machinery, from the obligatory Porsche 911 to the truly exotic BMW 120d. In total 21 different car brands were on the startgrid. The international 24h race attracted 80 teams, over 300 drivers coming from 33 different countries. This year the race was extremely exciting till the end of the race. The final 60 minutes saw no less than three lead changes as a succession. For the first time in history a German team won the TOYO TIRES 24 hours of Dubai. Land Motorsport with strong drivers line up, Carsten Tilke, Gabriël Abergel, Andrzej Dzikevic and Niclas Kentenich driving a Porsche 911 GT3 cup car, finished first overall. In this thrilling race, Al Faisal Racing Team’s with a BMW Z4 M Coupé, from the United Arab Emirates achieved a second podium place. While Besaplast Racing Team from Germany completed the podium with the 3th place.
Interested in a DVD with the broadcast of the TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009, please follow this link and order your DVD now: DVD 24H Dubai 2009
Broadcast SBS 6
The TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009 will be also broadcasted on the Dutch television station SBS6. It will be broadcasted in the first programme of the SBS Autosport in March and will last one hour. Date and time will follow as soon as it is available.
Broadcast Topspeed TV
Top Speed is broadcasted on different commercial regional television stations, National television station "Car Channel" through the digital network, different websites on the internet and through I-Tunes. For more information about Top Speed and to watch the first episode (introduction) of the TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009, please follow this link www.topspeedtv.nl. The second episode will follow soon.
Broadcasting schedule TOYO TIRES 24H Dubai 2009 on Motors TV:
Saturday Sunday
07-02-2009 08-02-2009
21:55 17:35
Tuesday
10-02-2009
07:00
Wednesday
11-02-2009
05:00
Wednesday
11-02-2009
18:05
For more information,
please check www.motorstv.com
