WORLD
OF MOTORING
LATEST MOTOR RACING RESULTS AND NEWS
WORLDWIDE
LATEST MOTOR RACING RESULTS AND NEWS
WORLDWIDE
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WORLD
OF MOTORING LATEST MOTOR RACING RESULTS AND NEWS WORLDWIDE |
2005
NEWS: UK
MOTORSPORTS
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PRESS RELEASE Wheldon wins Indianapolis 500 (MAY 29, 2005)27 year old Dan Wheldon
became the first British driver since Graham Hill in (1966) to win the
Indy 500. Driving for Andretti Green Racing Honda team, he is the current
Indycar championship leader with 3 race wins from 4 rounds. Wheldon qualified
16th but was 3rd quickest during Carb Day final practice. He took the
lead just 6 laps from the end. See Bazza’s World Championship Winning RG500's ‘The Sheene Run’This year’s Sheene Run, the unique town centre event that sees a mile of permanent road closure in the centre of Rugby has been given another major boost as the Auto Cycle Union (ACU) announce that two of Barry’s World Championship bikes are set to return to the UK from Australia. The machines are those ridden by Barry in his World Championship years of 1976 and 1977. The RG500s have been out of the Country for 21 years since ‘Bazza’ emigrated to Australia in 1984. The machines will bring a very special addition to the event, which has already lined up 7 other machines ridden by the biking legend. Despite the RG’s having been dry stored for many years, it is hoped the machines will actually run at the event in Rugby on Sunday 3 July 2005. Barry’s mechanic, Martin Ogbourne and engine guru Nigel Everitt will be examining the machines when they return in a week’s time to determine what needs to be done to get them running again. Host for the day in Rugby is Steve Parrish who, in addition to being one of the commentators on the day, will also ride one of the machines. Discussions are still ongoing with another rider of Barry’s era to ride the second machine. Steve commented "It is incredibly exciting that the bikes are coming back and that the event organisers have every intention of getting them running. If Martin can make that happen, I have made it known that I want to be riding one of them! I know Stephanie is thrilled the event is happening again and that Barry’s memory is being kept alive." The bikes will subsequently go on display at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu for an at present undefined period of time. The man behind the event, ACU’s Neil Hellings said: " Bringing the bikes back is fantastic and I am extremely grateful to Stephanie for agreeing to it. I, like most people in the their late thirties or over, remember Barry as an icon and to once more see and hopefully hear and smell the bikes again is going to be magical." The Sheene Run sees bikes of all shapes and sizes ‘enjoy’ the closed roads of the town centre. In addition to the growing number of Sheene bikes, making the most of the closed roads will be numerous other race bikes that are running on the day as well as cavalcades of road legal machines, stunt riders and even a Mitsubishi works World Rally Car is being lined up. An impressive collection of Brooklands racers will be attending the event and recreate a 1920’s paddock to create the atmosphere of those pioneering days of racing. Riders attending include Mick Grant, John Cooper, Bill Smith and fastest lady around the TT, Maria Costello. Rugby Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council have really got behind both the National Rally and The Sheene Run and it is great to see, local political support for motorcycle events. Anyone with a race or classic bike that wants to join in the fun can do so by contacting tania@acu.org.uk or by calling 01788 566415. (ACU) BRDC: STEWART TO REMAIN AS PRESIDENT (MAY 13, 2005)Formula 1 world champion
Sir Jackie Stewart has been re-elected as President of BRDC (British Racing
Drivers' Club). The extraordinary general meeting was held to resolve
the dispute involving the former sacked Chairman Ray Bellm. BSBK: PRE SEASON TEST - DONINGTON (MAR 13, 2005)SCOTT SMART put on an impressive performance by posting the third fastest time at today's Official British Superbike Championship test at Donington Park aboard his all-new Rizla Suzuki GSX- R1000K5 race bike. Scott requested specific set-up changes to his Rizla Suzuki after his last test at Valencia in Spain in February. With those changes made by his crew he was comfortable on his GSX-R and was able to run consistently at the front of the time sheets. Rizla Suzuki British Superbike Champion John Reynolds attended the test to support Scott and was encouraged by the performance of the GSX-R1000K5. JR is recovering from a broken right leg that he sustained at last month's Valencia test. He is undergoing extensive physiotherapy in a bid to be fit for the start of the race season at Brands Hatch on Bank Holiday Monday, March 28th. Rizla Suzuki now travels directly from Donington Park to Brands Hatch in Kent to prepare for Tuesday's Official BSB test. Former Suzuki World Superbike racer Gregorio Lavilla will join Scott for this test as the team continues to develop the all-new GSX-R1000K5. Scott Smart: "Today's test has been a quantum leap forward for me and I am leaving here very happy indeed. My technicians have taken my directions from the Valencia test and interpreted them just the way I wanted - well done to Norris and the boys - I now have an excellent base setting for my Rizla Suzuki. I found quick lap times came slightly easier than we anticipated today, mainly because I was so comfortable on the bike. I didn't go for an outright lap time and used race rubber all day long and was still at the cutting edge of the time sheets - that's very encouraging for us all. We've altered the geometry of the bike a bit and arrived at a machine that is extremely fast and stable. When it comes to the quicker circuits, the horsepower of the GSX-R1000K5 is really going to shine through. As you may have guessed, I am absolutely delighted with the bike and know there is even more to come as we spend more time riding, so bring on Brands Hatch! I caught up with JR today and he's more determined than ever to be racing at the first round of the Championship. You have to speak to him to realize just how much effort he is putting in to get fit. I've told him if he can make it to Brands Hatch he'll definitely have a competitive race bike to ride - my fingers are crossed for him." Robert Wicks: "It has been an excellent day for the team and we are moving on to Tuesday's Brands Hatch test with Scott getting faster and faster every time he sits on the bike. Scott got through a lot of set-up work today and is now becoming familiar with his GSX-R1000K5 as well as much more comfortable while riding it. Our objective was to have a competitive base setting that we can tailor to any given track and we have achieved that. At the Brands Hatch test Scott will be able to refine his base setting for pure performance and that will give him a good starting point for when he races there less than two weeks later. It was great to have JR with the team at Donington today and to see the determination in his eyes to race at the opening round and defend his title. As a team we are supporting him in every way possible. Scott will be joined by Gregorio Lavilla at the Brands Hatch test. Gregorio is a friend of Rizla Suzuki and one of the best Superbike riders around. He will provide a lot of useful data to help the development of the bike and we shall also measure him to fit the GSX-R1000K5 - so if we need to call on him in the 11th hour to stand in for JR at Brands Hatch, then we know we will have a competitive rider on the grid alongside Scott." (RIZLA SUZUKI) International Motocross Meeting (FEB 22, 2005)Hawkstone Park 5th & 6th March 2005. Once again Hawkstone Park, Shropshire will stage one of the biggest Pre Season International Motocross meetings on the 6th March. For the seventh year running the event has gained in success and popularity and this year will be no exception. Huge Motocross stars will be competing from all corners of the globe, eight times World Champion Stefan Everts will be the main man of the day as he displays why he is the World's number one rider. The Rinaldi Yamaha rider Belgium rider will be heading the MX1 (up to 450 cc) entry but he will face some fierce competition. Five times World Champion Joel Smets will make a welcome return to the Motocross season having suffered a bad season in 2004 through injury and a serious illness. Smets is fired up for the start of the new season and looking forward to being back out on his Suzuki pushing himself to the limits. Reigning British Motocross Champion Josh Coppins will be putting his CAS Honda through its paces, the number three in the World will be another hot favourite to take some of the wins as the riders go head to head. Former British Champions Gordon Crockard and Paul Cooper will be putting a few cats amongst the pigeons. With no major events over the Winter Period all the competitors are eager to get going and all will have a point to prove. Motovision rider Neville Bradshaw will be making his debut appearance in the MX1 class The MX2 (125 2Strokes & 250 4Strokes) class is turning out to be just as tough as the MX1 with former AMA Champion Mike Brown leading the field. The fans are in for a real treat at Hawkstone as the much-talked about Alessi brothers will be over from America. The 15 and 16-year-old brothers have certainly got tongues talking with their displays of awesome riding skills. Mike the eldest of the two brothers finished third in his second ever Pro-AMA National last year and both are hoping for big things in their future. Belgium rider Cedric Melotte has also got to be one of the hot favourites, stepping down from the MX1 class Melotte will certainly be pushing the MX2 field hard. KTM mounted Carl Nunn a Supercross Championship winner and current MX2 British number two will surely be putting the pressure on and looking for the win. Current British Under 21 Champion Graeme Gowland and runner up Under 21's Lewis Gregory are also in the tough line up. Local rider Ray Rowson who was Youth Champion in the KWS, BYMX, YSMA and the BSMA Championships last year will be making the step up and will be fighting it out with the 'big boys.' One thing is for sure, this will be an exciting event and the outcome of the race winners is anyone's guess. For more information please see www.hawkstonemx.co.uk. Hawkstone Park is situated in Shropshire, between Shrewsbury and Whitchurch off the A49. It is well sign posted from the A49 Shrewsbury - Whitchurch and A53 Shrewsbury to Market Drayton. BRUNDLE
& BLUNDELL SIGN PROMISING BRITISH MOTORSPORT TALENT (FEB 17, 2005)
STEELE SWITCHES TO TEAM SWR (FEB 14, 2005)BMW Scholarship winner Aaron Steele has secured the fourth and final seat in Team SWR's 2005 Formula BMW UK Championship line-up. The team had always been eager to sign 16-year-old Steele, as his first experience of Formula BMW had come in an impressive test with SWR in June 2004, but it initially looked as if he would be racing with another team in 2005. When it became clear that Aaron was still available after all, SWR Team Principal Trevor Powell wasted no time in completing a deal with him. "We knew Aaron was a very good prospect when he tested for us last summer, so we weren't surprised when he won a BMW scholarship," said Powell. "I think he must be one of the favourites for the Rookie Class this year. "Aaron was a guest of the team in the last few races of 2004 so we already know him well. When his plans had to change at short notice it was important that Aaron found a new team where he would be immediately comfortable, and we can provide that for him." Steele is the fourth confirmed driver in SWR's 2005 Formula BMW programme, meaning that the team goes into only its second year of competition with the largest line-up in the championship. As Steele is one of the elite six novices chosen from hundreds of applicants to become a BMW Scholarship driver, his car will run in the distinctive blue-and-white colours of BMW, and he will benefit from a comprehensive programme of extra support and tuition offered by the championship organisers. He joins Tom Horley, Lars Viljoen and Matt Harris in the SWR line-up as the quartet prepares to take to the track for the first official pre-season test at Thruxton on Friday 18th February. Team SWR is also expanding into the National Class of British Formula Three in 2005. Formula BMW star Josh Fisher and American Nick Jones will spearhead the team's first attempt at the category. (TEAM SWR) Sarah Kavanagh Sets Sights On GP2 (FEB 11, 2005)Sarah Kavanagh is hoping to inspire female race fans to support her as she takes on the toughest challenge of her motorsport career; competing in the upcoming inaugural 2005 GP2 championship. The Warwickshire-born racer, who has secured backing from the global recruitment company; Drake International, is set to quickly finalise the commercial partner portfolio necessary to compete in the exciting new championship. GP2 is replacing the International Formula 3000 Championship as the main support race on the European rounds of the Formula One World Championship. The cars are built in Italy by Dallara, use grooved Bridgestone Formula One style tyres, and feature a 580bhp 4.0 litre V8 Renault engine, which will present demands to drivers very similar to those experienced by F1 pilots. This challenge does not faze Sarah as she has already proved her skills racing a Jordan Formula One car in the EuroBOSS series - a championship dedicated to racing recently retired F1 cars. Her performances have attracted attention from the likes of McLaren and Jaguar - the latter in 2004 offered Sarah a long-term contract, which owing to sponsor and contractual issues failed to come to fruition. Her Formula One ambitions now put to the back of her mind, Sarah is concentrating fully on her assault at GP2 for 2005, a decision which has the support of motorsport's most influential character, F1 Supremo, Bernie Ecclestone: "Bernie is always extremely supportive and looking for ways to help. We had a very productive conversation and his assistance has been crucial in putting together my 2005 campaign," said Sarah following a meeting with Bernie at the Italian GP. "I'm very excited about getting on the track again in the GP2 series," continued Sarah. "The car is fantastic and has the kind of power and characteristics I'm used to from EuroBOSS." GP2 will be the highest profile racing series outside of Formula One. With it's format involving a race on the Saturday and Sunday of a Grand Prix meeting, the media exposure and viewing figures both in attendance and television will be extremely attractive to potential sponsors demanding high-level exposure on a truly-global scale. "It will be extremely tough and the competition is fierce, but I believe I am fit enough and fast enough to compete at the highest level," said Sarah. "Attitudes to women competing in motorsport have not always been complimentary but times are changing. "Ellen MacArthur's recent achievement is inspirational and proves that women are taking on the toughest and unlikeliest of challenges and succeeding where nobody thought they could. There is nothing to prevent a woman from one day becoming a champion racing driver." Ronayne O'Mahony signs for Fortec Motorsport (FEB 4, 2005)Young Irish driver Ronayne O'Mahony from County Kildare, Ireland has signed to drive for Fortec Motorsport in his first season in the top class of the British F3 Championship for 2005. O'Mahony, 19, wants to build on his experience of 2004 and is looking forward to returning to Fortec Motorsport: "I am confident that Richard and the team can give me the stability I need to develop. 2005 is going to be an important year for me and being with a team like Fortec Motorsport will give me the confidence to show what I can do. We are looking for podiums this year and possibly race wins. "It is great to have Ronayne back in the Fortec family", said Fortec Team owner Richard Dutton "Ronayne raced with us in Formula Renault, coming straight from Karting, and raced with us in the first race of last season. We are looking forward to having Ronayne back on board for 2005." 2005 will mark Ronayne's first full Championship season after racing in the Scholarship class in 2004. The 2005 British Formula 3 Championship begins on April 3rd at Donington Park where Ronayne will drive a 2005 Dallara-Opel Fortec car. (Fortec Motorsport) New look Isle of Man TT set to be a cracker (FEB 2, 2005)A vastly revamped
racing schedule will form the backbone of the 2005 Isle of Man TT Races,
set to take place between Saturday 28 May Friday 10 June. Following a
lengthy period of consultation with all parties involved in the racing
side of the TT Festival, the programme has been changed to better suit
the needs of today’s riders and teams. The TT Superbike Race replaces
the Formula One TT, whilst the Production 1000cc Race makes way for a
Superstock Race. There will be two Supersport 600cc Races this year, plus
the Senior TT, which retains its title, and is open to machines from all
three classes. The Production 600cc event is dropped, as are the classes
for 125cc and 400cc machines. The Sidecar class remains as before, with
two races for the popular three wheeled brigade. Bird Signs McWilliams to Race for Stobart Honda in BSB 2005 (FEB 1, 2005)Following on from months of negotiations, Paul Bird Motorsport is pleased to announce that Ulsterman Jeremy McWilliams will ride for the Stobart Honda team in the 2005 British Superbike Championship (BSB). The two year deal will see the experienced former Moto GP racer join Gary Mason and Michael Laverty in a three man team for the former double BSB champions and sees Cumbrian businessman Bird land a major coup for both his team and the BSB series. Riding for Honda, Yamaha, Proton and Aprilia, McWilliams, originally from Belfast but now living at Newtownabbey, has spent just over a decade in Grands Prix with over 150 GP starts to his name and is the biggest signing in the recent history of Britain's most popular motorsport series. 40 year old McWilliams, who turned down a number of lucrative offers to stay in Moto GP for 2005, was delighted with the deal: "BSB is second only to Moto GP in status and I'm thrilled to be racing here this season. I've been wanting to race in BSB for a couple of seasons now but it was a case of waiting for the right ride with the right team and Stobart Honda is the one that fits the bill perfectly. I can't thank Paul enough for hanging on whilst it was all being sorted out and we're both in it for one reason this year, and that is to win the title. We'll do whatever it takes to achieve that" said McWilliams. Having not raced regularly in the UK in recent years, many of the tracks will be new or will need relearning but it's a challenge that McWilliams is looking forward to: "There are some places I've never seen before and even those tracks I do know have changed so it is going to be interesting. But one of my main strengths in the world championship was my ability to learn them quickly so I don't see that being a problem. In fact I'm relishing the task! The other factor is that I'm delighted to be back and riding for Honda again and I genuinely believe we have got the right package in order to challenge for the crown." The signing of McWilliams is the final piece in the jigsaw for the four times British Champions who will be sporting new colours and new sponsors as well as reverting back to Honda power after four successful years with Ducati. "Jeremy was always my number one target and I offered the ride to him in the first place. Of course we were interested in both Shakey Byrne and Gregorio Lavilla as I didn't think we had a chance of signing a rider of Jeremy's calibre and it has taken a lot of time and patience but I'm absolutely thrilled to have secured his services. He is a rider with so much experience and he will bring a new dimension to the team" said Paul Bird. As part of their policy of bringing new names to the sport, the team has secured the backing of transport giants Eddie Stobart and another company joining the team for the first time is the UK's number one ventilation specialists Vent Axia. The MonsterMob brand has been superseded by 'The Mob' and they remain involved for a fifth year running along with VK Vodka Kick and Fuchs Silkolene Lubricants. The kitted bikes will utilise Dunlop tyres and riders will wear Alpine Stars clothing. The 13 round Bennett's British Superbike Championship regularly attracts trackside crowds of over 25,000 as well as millions of television viewers and BSB Race Director Stuart Higgs was elated with the news: "Having a rider of Jeremy's undoubted pedigree will add further depth to the already high quality of the rider line up. We now have a dynamic mix of GP and WSB standard riders alongside BSB regulars and emerging talent, demonstrating that BSB is probably THE most competitive series. I personally can't wait for Brands Hatch in March." McWilliams started out racing in 1988 before rapidly progressing to British Championship level. He raced a 250cc machine in 1991 and in 1992 until moving on to an Oxford Products Ducati for selected rides in the Supercup Championship. From there, he moved onto the GP scene where he remained until returning to the UK this season. During his GP career, he amassed a total of 684 points including six rostrums. With victory in the 2001 Dutch TT, he became the first British rider to win a solo Grand Prix race since Ian McConnachie in 1986, a statistic which still remains today. After testing for his new team, McWilliams will race the Stobart Honda Fireblade at the opening round of the series which takes place at Brands Hatch in Kent on Easter Monday March 28th 2005. (Paul Bird Motorsport) FIRST UK NATIONAL MOTOR SPORTS QUALIFICATION AWARDED (JAN 28, 2005)The first UK national qualification in Motorsports Incident Marshalling was awarded on 14th January at the Autosport International Exhibition at the NEC Birmingham. Andrew Pickering, a student from Myerscough College near Preston, Lancashire, is originally from Cheshire and has four years experience working as a marshal, one of the loyal army of motor sports enthusiasts who give up their time to work unpaid (and unqualified), without whom the events could not take place. By achieving OCNW Level 2 Certificate in Incident Marshalling in Motorsports, he has had his interest and commitment to the sport formally recognised. The certificate was presented by legendary BTCC star David Leslie and Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association. Also present was Phil Wilkinson, Chief Executive of the awarding body OCNW. "It is a real milestone to see the first student come through," said Colin Hilton. "There has been a great deal of work by all parties to achieve a recognised qualification and I hope that this is only the first of many to come through the system. Motor sport volunteers are an essential element of our sport and while it will always be a voluntary role, official recognition of volunteers' achievements should bring them wider benefit in everyday life." Phil Wilkinson commented: "I think everyone appreciates the significance of the award being presented here today. What I was impressed by was the speed with which the qualification was developed and formally accredited. It can only be a good thing for the motor sports industry that there's a framework of regulated qualifications." The recipient of the award, Mr Pickering, remarked: "I'm thrilled to have had the chance to expand my experiences with this course, you don't always appreciate the theory behind things when you're out there on the track. I'm looking forward to starting the higher level course in September." When asked whether he would recommend others to take this course, Andrew replied "I think this is a great qualification for anyone serious about working in motor sport." About the qualification: There are many reasons why marshalling is a logical place to start in developing a framework of qualifications in the sector. The awarding body, OCNW, have also agreed in principle with the regulatory authority, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), development plans for a range of further qualifications that will extend to other and higher skills in motorsports. The Incident Marshalling qualification was developed by OCNW in association with MSA. The MSA is recognised as the governing body of motor sport in Great Britain by the world governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). As the governing body, the MSA is responsible for the administration and control of the motor sport rules. These rules are actually made and amended by the Motor Sports Council, which is the 'sporting commission' of motor sport; while MSA staff implements the administration. Before any such qualification can be recognised as a national award it must be reviewed and supported by the lead body in the sector. In the case of marshalling the relevant body would be the Sector Skills Council (SSC) known as SkillsActive. In their letter of support they wrote: "We note that the recent DTI Report on the Future of the Motor Sports Industry recommended that the role of the "marshal" was a key area to be addressed if motor sports were to build on their increasing popularity. This proposed qualification, and then associated training programmes will be extremely beneficial to this growth sector, and on this basis SkillsActive is pleased to offer its support in your quest for accreditation with the QCA." (John Thorpe, Head of Technical Unit, SkillsActive). Only once the support of the relevant Sector Skills Council has been secured can the qualification be formally approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The QCA are the national regulatory authority and have final decision as to which qualifications are admitted to the National Qualifications Framework. The significance of the inclusion of this qualification, and others to follow, is that they have been rigorously reviewed and approved in terms of their quality. Teachers and students can have confidence that the qualification is at the right level, is assessed in an appropriate manner and does qualify successful candidates as trained marshals. It also means that these qualifications are recognised nationally and, consequently, overseas as well. If these qualifications are delivered by colleges of FE and approved training providers they are in principle eligible for funding from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). The development of this qualification has sparked a great deal of interest and now that the qualification has been approved a strong interest is building up for registrations, and centre approvals are under way now for 2005. (www.OCNW.com) NICK JONES JOINS TEAM SWR FOR 2005 SEASON (JAN 28, 2005)American racer Nick Jones will join Team SWR-Pioneer for its graduation to the National Class of the British Formula Three Championship. Jones will line-up alongside the already-signed Josh Fisher in SWR's new-for-2005 F3 squad. The team has recently expanded its F3 programme to a three-car entry, and is in the process of negotiating with drivers interested in the third seat. New recruit Jones, a 23-year-old Los Angeles resident with dual British- American nationality, made a brief UK debut with some late season Formula Renault outings for Paston Racing in September 2004. Prior to coming to England, Nick had accumulated significant single-seater experience in Skip Barber Racing School's championships, winning a number of races in the US. More recently, he has spent the winter honing his skills with a substantial testing programme with Paston at the Guadix circuit in Spain. Although he has decided to further his racing education in Europe rather than America, Jones' ultimate ambition is to progress to the Champ Car World Series. "Having not started karting until he was 14, Nick didn't have the wealth of pre-single-seater experience that most young drivers enjoy," said SWR-Pioneer Team Principal Trevor Powell. "But his performance in Skip Barber's series was very impressive, and he then made a brave decision in coming to the UK to prove himself against the very best young drivers. "He's worked hard at Guadix this winter and by all accounts has made terrific progress. National Class F3 will be the perfect environment for Nick as he settles into European racing, and with our support and a team-mate of Josh Fisher's calibre as a benchmark he should really develop his natural talent and be in a position to score some strong results." Team SWR-Pioneer's Formula BMW UK Championship arm will continue to operate alongside the F3 programme. Second year Formula BMW racer Matt Harris has already been signed, and discussions are ongoing regarding the remaining vacant seats in the four-car SWR line-up. As part of the team's expansion to a seven-car, two-championship operation, SWR-Pioneer has recruited a number of exciting new technical staff including individuals with extensive F3, Toyota Atlantic, FRenault, GT and touring car experience. (Team SWR) TIM BRIDGMAN SIGNS BRITISH FORMULA 3 CONTRACT FOR 2005 SEASON (JAN 14, 2005)Formula BMW champion Tim Bridgman has concluded a deal to race in the British Formula 3 championship in 2005. Nineteen-year-old Bridgman, from Dunmow, Essex, will contest the championship class of the series with the Hitech Racing team. Bridgman was a privateer entry in the inaugural Formula BMW championship in 2004, but secured the title with three wins in only his second year of single-seater racing. His highly successful season was capped by a nomination for the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award. Bridgman is delighted to continue into 2005 on a high: “After winning the BMW title last year, it was my aim to break into Formula 3 in 2005 and I’m now in a fantastic position to be able to take the next step up the ladder. Obviously the goal this year will be to get the title, but F3 is hard to win in the first year, so I’ll be looking to get as much experience as possible. That said, if you don’t aim for the title, it’s over before it starts!” Hitech Racing is owned by David Hayle and managed by F3 engineering legend Bruce Jenkins. The team was established in 2002, making its British Formula 3 debut in 2003 and taking five poles and six podiums, plus a win in the celebrated invitation-only Korean Super Prix. The team posted two wins in the competitive 2004 British Formula 3 championship, and was the highest placed British team in the flagship F3 race in Macau at the end of the year with third place. Hayle is pleased to confirm Bridgman’s arrival: “We were very impressed with Tim last season in Formula BMW. His ‘do-it-yourself’ attitude stood him out from the crowd, but at the end of the day, a driver has to drive the car, and drive it well. His results speak for themselves, and we hope he’ll continue his winning streak this season.” The 2005 British Formula 3 championship comprises 11 double-header races, including events at Formula 1 tracks Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Monza (Italy) and the Nürburgring (Germany). The season begins on 3 April 2005 at Donington Park. Tim Bridgman is managed by 2MB, the new sports management company established by ex-Formula 1 drivers Mark Blundell and Martin Brundle. SAM BIRD SIGNS WITH FORTEC MOTORSPORT FOR 2005 FORMULA BMW CHAMPIONSHIP (JAN 13, 2005)Fortec Motorsport has signed British driver Sam Bird to contest the 2005 Formula BMW championship in the UK. 18-year-old Bird, winner of one of the 2004 BMW scholarships, finished runner-up in the Formula BMW rookie class. Bird was pleased to begin his championship campaign with Fortec: “I’m really excited about this move. Last season the racing was very close and it will be hard work this year, but with a year of Formula BMW under my belt, I’m confident we’ll be in the hunt for the title. Fortec Motorsport has a proven track record of winning championships, and we’re determined to succeed.” Fortec Motorsport was established in 1989 and is one of the most successful British racing teams, scoring championship wins in British Formula 3, Formula Renault UK and Formula 3000 and has helped a brace of drivers on their way to success, including current Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya and Le Mans 24 hour winner Guy Smith. Richard Dutton, Fortec team owner, was pleased to confirm the arrival of Bird, “we kept a watch on Sam throughout 2004, where he showed lots of ability, and we’ve been negotiating a deal for a while now. We believe he’ll be a championship contender with us and we’re delighted to have him aboard.” The 2005 Formula BMW championship is organized by the BARC and comprises ten double-header race weekends, nine of which will be run alongside the flagship British motorsport series, the British Touring Car Championship with one ‘BMW Day’ held at Rockingham. The first round will take place on 9-10 April at Donington Park. STATEMENT FROM RAY BELLM, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB (JAN 13, 2005)I categorically deny the statement from the British Racing Drivers’Club (BRDC) dated January 12th stating that I stepped down from my position of Chairman of the Board of the BRDC. At a Board meeting held on January 11th the post of Chairman was removed and through this decision, I no longer hold the position. I was elected Chairman of the Board in November 2003 in order to bring to bear on the BRDC my business skills to take the BRDC forward. I was charged with exploiting the commercial opportunities available and secure the long-term future of the Club, which was asset rich and cash poor, and this included securing the future of the British GP, and progressing the plans for redevelopment of the facility. During 2004 we secured $38m net of tax from IPG’s exit. We secured a 5year agreement with FOM to promote the British Grand Prix with a projected operating profit over the 5 years, based on full gates. We reorganised the management of our Technology Park development as progress was slow to non-existent, and we worked closely with a third party adviser over future plans for the circuit. Securing the British GP for 5 years on profitable terms alone increased the worth of our land by £50m. The underlying issue for removal of my position is a disagreement by some Board members of the terms of the contract with FOM for the British Grand Prix. I led the negotiations on this and acted in the interests of the Club to secure the best – and possibly only - deal available to us. I am saddened that, after all the hard work, there is dissent and disillusion within the Board. The Club’s action has left it without a Chairman, which I do not believe is correct corporate governance for the effective running of the Club. After a very productive year in which so much has been achieved, the Club has put itself into a vulnerable position and little clear, commercial and success-driven direction. I will remain on the Board at the current time and hope that I can continue to contribute to the Club as successfully as when I was Chairman. |
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