MOTORSPORT
New and returning drivers in what is described as being one of the world’s most cost-effective single seat motorsport categories are heading to Silverstone this weekend for the opening rounds of the 2014 BRDC Formula 4 Championship. As was the case during last year’s inaugural season, the control tyre for 2014 will be provided by Yokohama.
The strength of the P Zero White medium tyre following a start in which most used the soft P Zero Yellow allowed the top 15 to complete two stops only on the demanding Shanghai circuit, Pirelli said. Formula One’s exclusive tyre supplier had anticipated increased wear as a result of very long corners and high G-forces, but the 2014 tyres’ increased durability allowed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton to use a two pit stop strategy to win, following a long second stint.
Hankook has confirmed that it will continue as the exclusive supplier to the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2014. The manufacturer will provide its Ventus brand tyres to competitors in 33 races over 11 weekends, supporting such series as the Hankook-supplied DTM. The season began at Silverstone with 30 drivers competing for 12 teams.
Milltek has launched a new Ford Focus ST250 exhaust system, which according to the company, is fruit of the exhaust maker’s motorsport relationship with BTCC. As a supplier to the Motorbase BTCC team, and the Airwaves Racing and Crabbies Ford Focus racecars, it’s fair to say that Milltek Sport has experience in getting the best out of Ford’s capable hot-hatch. Indeed Milltek was one of the first tuners in the UK to gain access to the Focus upon its launch, adding one to its development fleet.
British parts supplier Ricardo has announced a multi-year deal as the sole source of racing transmissions for the Japanese Super Formula series. Mark Barge, managing director, Ricardo Performance Products comments: “Ricardo has a long standing relationship within Japanese motorsport further underpinning our reputation for designing, manufacturing and assembling high performance racing transmissions, combining technology and quality to provide highly competitive and highly durable transmission solutions to our partners around the world.”
Sailun Tyres has expanded its European team with the appointment of Michael Eckert as senior product marketing manager (Europe). Eckert has more than 18 years’ tyre industry experience that covers various roles at Michelin and, most recently, Hankook. These positions include a number of senior roles related to truck tyres, racing and motorsport teams and responsibility for original equipment.
Dunlop motorsport representatives have sought to clarify that the Dubai 24h, which Hankook recently took over as tyre supplier, has been affected by the decision to closure the company’ Birmingham motorsport tyre factory.
Endurance racing event series the 24H Series has a new title sponsor. Hankook Tire replaces Dunlop in this role and serves as exclusive partner for what is now called the 24H Series powered by Hankook. The tyre maker will also lend its name to various events held during the season, such as ‘Hankook 12H Zandvoort’, ‘Hankook 12H Hungary’, ‘Hankook 24H Dubai’ and ‘Hankook 12H Italy-Mugello’. The 24H Series includes endurance race events for GTs, touring cars and 24H Specials, and depending on weather and track conditions, Hankook will supply endurance tyres from the Ventus Race slick or rain range.
Pirelli reports the completion of the first in-season Formula One test using 2014 cars. The Italian tyre maker brought around 250 experimental tyres to the test in Bahrain this week; it says these tyres were designed exclusively with 2015 in mind and included eight new constructions and six new compounds. Testing took place over two days, with Caterham participating on Tuesday 8 April and then Mercedes and Williams the next day. A total of 110 laps and around 595 kilometres were covered on the experimental tyres. Only one single variable was tested at a time – a new compound was tested with a current construction, for example, and vice versa. In order to provide a benchmark the teams alternated prototype runs with baseline runs on the existing tyres.
Bridgestone and motorcycle racing legend Valentino Rossi recently came together near the nine-time world champion’s home in Tavullia, Italy to collaborate on a promotional film that celebrates their winning partnership. The film showcases how both the tyre maker and Valentino ‘share’ a winning DNA, starting out from humble beginnings before going on to become leaders in the world of motorsport. Viewers are taken on a dramatic journey with both Bridgestone and Rossi, integrating historic and current footage that highlights their shared values and joint successes.
Tyre strategy was central to one of the most closely fought grands prix in recent history, with a thrilling finale set up by a safety car when there were just ten laps left to go. After the restart, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton led on the medium tyre from his teammate Nico Rosberg, who used a different two-stop strategy to finish the race on the faster soft tyre. Despite having a tyre that was theoretically slower, Hamilton was able to hold off Rosberg – who set the fastest lap – to take back-to-back victories.
On 3 February, Germany’s Continental AG took over full ownership of its joint venture, Zytek Automotive. It previously had a 50 per cent shareholding in the Fradley Park (near Lichfield) company, and following the buy-out is operating it as a part of the Continental Engineering Services (CES) organisation in the United Kingdom. Neither Continental nor former joint venture partner Zytek have disclosed the price paid for the 50 per cent share in Zytek Automotive.
Maxxis is celebrating after the M8060 Trepador competition tyre came out on top at this year’s Welsh Xtrem 4×4 event in South Wales. Five out of the top seven competitors were all using the M8060 Trepador competition tyre, making it the best performing tyre at the event. The event, which is organised by Jason Morgan, […]
A total of six pan-European competitions will be held and 46 winners will receive a range of prizes, including Bridgestone and VR46 co-branded merchandise. As well as meeting Rossi, the top prize offers two fans the chance to go behind the scenes in the MotoGP paddock.
Pirelli has brought its P Zero Orange hard tyre to Malaysia to make its debut at this weekend’s grand prix, and the early signs are that the extra durability could make it the favoured fitment following two free practice sessions on very abrasive asphalt at temperatures nearly hitting 50 degrees centigrade. Despite the harsh conditions, […]
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