Racing Extraas

Toyota Racing enters FIA World Endurance Championship

Thursday, 23 February 2012 00:29

Thursday 2 February 2012

TOYOTA Racing can confirm it has expanded its plans for the 2012 season and has entered the FIA World Endurance Championship.

It was originally planned to enter only selected races, which would have fallen short of the number required to be considered a full-time entrant but due to the unexpected changes faced by the FIA World Endurance Championship, that plan has been revised.

The TOYOTA TS030 HYBRID car will make its debut in the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the championship.

TOYOTA Racing is also pleased to receive a two-car entry for the Le Mans 24 Hours on 16-17 June. Regular race drivers Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima are already confirmed and the line-up for the additional car will be announced shortly.

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Team President: “The circumstances for the championship changed suddenly in the last weeks and TOYOTA Racing considers it important to work together with the FIA and ACO to establish a successful future for endurance racing. We have done everything we can to show our support and we look forward to an exciting season, including the opportunity to race two cars at Le Mans.”

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Successful test for Toyota Racing & TS030 Hybrid

Thursday, 23 February 2012 00:29

Friday 27 January 2012

TOYOTA Racing today completed a successful first full test of the new TS030 HYBRID car which will compete in the LMP1 category in selected races of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The team spent three days at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France for the first full test of the TS030 HYBRID, following a three-day roll-out at the same circuit earlier this month.

Using the a configuration of the track which includes the complete Mistral Straight, all three race drivers - Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima - had the opportunity to test the new car, which features the THS-R (TOYOTA HYBRID System - Racing) powertrain.

The test programme built on the positive work already achieved during the TS030 HYBRID’s roll-out, when systems checks and basic set-up analysis was carried out.

This week the team had many areas to study, including the THS-R powertrain, particularly during longer stints, while taking the first steps towards optimising aerodynamic and mechanical set-up. In addition, Michelin tyre compounds on the TS030 HYBRID were evaluated for the first time.

In total, the TS030 HYBRID completed over 2,000km and demonstrated a satisfying level of performance and reliability. TOYOTA Racing’s next test is planned for mid-February.

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Team President: “We can be pleased with the outcome of this test. It has gone smoothly and delivered a lot of very useful data which will help us to prepare for our first season back in endurance racing. Of course, there are many challenges when introducing an innovative technology such as a hybrid powertrain in motorsport but I have been very impressed with how the team has approached this test and the results are very encouraging.”

Pascal Vasselon, Technical Director: “Although we are a little behind schedule in terms of total mileage we have made very good use of our track time. It’s important at this stage to give a first indication to our tyre partner Michelin about the development direction needed for the TOYOTA TS030 HYBRID and this has been done together with other performance developments. At the same time the pace is increasing as our drivers explore closer to the boundaries of the performance envelope of our package. We see clearly an acceleration of our development rate based on their indications. This gives a lot of push and dynamic to our track operation; it’s an exciting time to be a TOYOTA Racing engineer.”

Alex Wurz: “Obviously it’s nice to be back in the car. We are continuously evaluating and improving, so I am happy with these three days. We are working hard and making good progress since the roll-out. During this test I have worked on the set-up, drivability and traction control; we are just beginning to work on tyre evaluations. Of course I am enjoying this chance to drive the TOYOTA TS030 HYBRID. More and more we test, more and more we find things to improve: that’s positive. We realise we have to work hard because you have to work on the details; I am a perfectionist.”

Nicolas Lapierre: “The test went well. I had the opportunity to do longer stints and it’s great to cover more laps; we are becoming more familiar with the TOYOTA TS030 HYBRID. The weather conditions were perfect and consistent when I drove so we saw how the car reacts to our changes. I did some work on the Michelin tyres and my first impressions were good. Generally I feel better and better at the wheel; we are evolving in the right direction, especially on the hybrid system which we continue to optimise. We all know more about the car and what we have to do to improve.”

Kazuki Nakajima: “It was exciting to jump into the TOYOTA TS030 HYBRID for the first time and finally drive it for real after a few sessions in virtual reality on the TMG simulator. The car has a lot of potential and gives the driver confidence, which is impressive considering the early stage of development. The hybrid system is very interesting; it feels quite natural and certainly gives a nice boost when it kicks in. We have made a good start to our testing programme but there is still plenty of work to do so I am looking forward to spending even more time in the car in the future.”

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Miss you Dan Wheldon

Thursday, 23 February 2012 00:29

A motorsport fan who'd follow every bits of racing would never forget this week. It all started when i woke up on monday and found the saddest news that could possibly get in to my ears. I read Dan Wheldon was died in a horrific crash at the Las Vegas speedway. 15 car pile-up during lap13 in turn2 lead Wheldon air bourne and his car smashed on to the catch fence, he sustained severe head injuries and announced dead.

Wheldon was airlifted from the Las Vegas track at 1:19 p.m. local time Sunday and taken to University Medical Center, becoming the first IndyCar driver to die on the track since rookie Paul Dana was killed in practice on the morning of race day at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2006.

Wheldon, 33 was so good in Indy 500 event which he won twice including this year and 2005 ,he was runner-up twice there and he was also the 2005 series champion. The Briton's death shook the whole racing world. Sam schmidt could close his Indy car team following Dan's death "I'd by lying if I said I wasn't, but you've got to think about it," Schmidt, who was paralysed in an IndyCar crash at Walt Disney World Speedway in 2000, said.

The former F1 world champion Jody Scheckter wanted his son Thomas Scheckter to quit IndyCar after Las Vegas incident. Oval tracks in Indy racing is more dangerous than it appeared to be. Oppostions from all around the world referring to the safety standards of Indy when 30 cars run 3 wide side-by-side at 220MPH in a 1.5km straight high bank track which resulted in a fatality was enormous.

In a phone interview with the St. Petersburg Times last week, Wheldon spoke well of the 2012 car, which he had tested extensively and which he said was "30 percent safer" than the cars which IndyCar has used, with modifications, since 2003. The series was also a major part of developing the SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier which Wheldon hit Sunday. Dan ran out of luck!!

It remembered me of Ayrton Senna's death at Imola, the last fatality in F1. Indy car series CEO Randy Bernard should take this issue seriously because they got new manufacturers and relatively a whole new car for 2012. After all we lost a great driver of our time, R.I.P Dan, u will always be remembered. 5 lap parade tribute was paved to Wheldon on the same day. Dallara's 2012 IndyCar chassis will be named in honour of Dan Wheldon, the Italian racing car constructor has confirmed.

Former FIA president Max Mosley said the governing body should look in to the possibility of cockpit canopies in Formula One, but that it "needs careful investigation". FIA will assist IndyCar in the investigation in to the crash that claimed the life of Dan Wheldon. Any findings could impact on Formula One, with the dangers of open cockpits highlighted in 2009 when Felipe Massa suffered serious injury after being struck by a loose spring from Barrichello's BrawnGP car during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Love you and miss you, goodbye Dan !!!!!

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McLaren GT announces first customers for new McLaren MP4-12C GT3

Thursday, 23 February 2012 00:29

WOKING, UK (17 August) - As McLaren GT prepares to enter two cars in the Blancpain Endurance Series race at Magny Cours on 27 August 2011, the new GT race car manufacturer is announcing that the first 20 MP4-12C GT3 race cars available to purchase for racing in 2012 are now sold. Like the 12C road car on which the 12C GT3 race car is based, demand has outstripped supply.

Production of the 12C GT3 has been deliberately limited, as McLaren GT plans to develop close relationships and provide ongoing engineering support to its customers racing in 2012 and beyond. This limited production run of race cars will be distributed among private owners and race teams for racing in Europe next year. A full list of clients for the new 12C GT3 will published in advance of the 2012 season, and will include:

·         ASM Team

·         Andrew Tate

·         Apex Motorsport

·         Boutsen Energy Racing/Ginion Group

·         Doerr Motorsport

·         Gulf Racing

·         J.A.S. Motorsport

·         Klaas Hummel

·         Leon Price

·         Von Ryan Racing

McLaren GT began development of the 12C GT3 in March, when the first iteration of the stunning new race car undertook debut tests at the MIRA proving ground and Silverstone Stowe Circuit in the UK. Subsequent tests at two of Europe’s most challenging new circuits; Circuito de Navarra in northern Spain and Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, were followed by a race debut in the British GT Championship at Spa-Francorchamps early in July. At the end of July, three examples of the 12C GT3 competed in the Total 24 hours of Spa.

McLaren GT Project Manager Andrew Kirkaldy said: "The new 12C GT3 has gone from its first ever shakedown to a 24 hour endurance race in a matter of a few months. That is a huge achievement for the car and its new componentry, as well as the team responsible for its development.

"Our new customers appreciate that taking a race season to develop the 12C GT3 means we are able to deliver a level of reliability and driveability that exceeds their expectations of new race cars. Like the 12C road car, the GT3 version is based on a carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis and has an all-new engine and transmission arrangement, as well as a bespoke aerodynamics package. In tests and at races this season we have seen these technologies prove to be robust and efficient. Our experiences during this race season are helping us refine the 12C GT3’s technical credentials."

The 12C GT3 race car is based on the groundbreaking 12C sports car. McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: "This is an exciting time for McLaren. In 2011 McLaren Automotive has launched what I believe is the most innovative sports car in the world and now a network of the world’s best car retailers has begun opening showroom doors to customers of the 12C. A new £40m McLaren Production Centre will officially open later this year and development programmes for McLaren Automotive’s future range of sports cars are well underway.

"The technological expertise we have in McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive is now being introduced to a different level of motorsport by McLaren GT. Since the launch of McLaren GT we have been overwhelmed by the number of enquiries received to purchase the 12C GT3. Our new customers are leaders in GT racing, and we’re confident that we will deliver to them the the most efficient, reliable and easy to drive car among the competition when it lines up on the grid next year

"Our clients are looking forward to receiving a GT car full of Formula 1 technology, and we are committed to ensuring ownership of the 12C GT3 is as enjoyable as racing it."

The development team at McLaren GT includes senior executives from McLaren Automotive and McLaren Racing. The development programme for the 12C GT3 is therefore advanced through the knowledge of specialists in aerodynamics, advanced simulation methods and vehicle dynamics engineering.

The 12C GT3 will be supplied with a steering wheel of the same design employed by Lewis Hamilton in his MP4-24 Formula 1 car. McLaren GT is working with Formula 1 suppliers past and present in developing the 12C GT3, including Akebono, Mobil 1, McLaren Electronic Systems, Ricardo and Michelin.

McLaren GT set the price of the new MP4-12C GT3 at £310,000. Customers of the car have been encouraged by the promise of no hidden costs and the opportunity to work with McLaren GT engineers throughout 2012 in developing the 12C GT3 to their own race specification.

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Auer continues Sepang domination

Thursday, 23 February 2012 00:29

Lucas Auer continued his charge in the JK Racing Asia Series as he stamped his authority by winning both races held at the Sepang International Circuit today.

The Austrian was in a league of his own as he conquered the 5.543km track with back to back pole to flag victories, also marking the 100th victory for his team Eurointernational as a result of his first win of the day. Consequently, he has extended his lead in the championship further- leading with 116 points.

Irfan Ilyas of Petronas Mofaz Racing once again came in second while his team mate Nabil Jeffri finally managed to star on the podium as he finished third.

“I had a good start and I could defend my position. Irfan was close behind but I managed to shake him off in the final few laps,” said Auer- having won five out of the six rounds held in Sepang.
“I’m confident (racing in Sepang). We’ve done a lot of testing here and I enjoy a good line here. We’re good in Sepang.”
“The weather has been good. With the exception of the rain during the qualifying session, it’s been sunshine all the way.”

Auer added that he was extremely pleased with the organisational aspect of the event. “It’s been perfect. In all four races, nothing happened and I’m happy.”

Ilyas, meanwhile, was contented settling for the second spot in Round 6. "I’m quite happy to enjoy podium finishes in the four races. It’s been way better than I had expected. However, Ilyas believes he might struggle debuting at the Sentul International Circuit as the Series heads over to Indonesia.
“I’ve never raced in Indonesia before. I am a little nervous but I guess after a few practices I’ll be able to set my footing to finish top there,” Ilyas added.

Team mate Jeffri was glad with his third place finish. “I’m happy coming in third. It’s been a bad weekend. I tried to catch up with the two cars in front of me but they had the same pace as I did so it wasn’t easy.
“It was a good race nevertheless.” Jeffri is now hoping for a change of fortune in Indonesia. “I’m quite confident in Sentul. I’m still going for the championship this year. I need to secure more wins.”
He also credited the team for their hard work. “I’ve got friendly team mates and a good team this year. They’ve done a good job with the car and it’s all good.”

Jimmy Antunes of Atlantic Racing Team almost created a fairy tale run during his time in Sepang, starting from last spot on the grid in Round 3 and managing come through to a fourth place in round 6.

Lone Indian on the grid, Raj Bharath didn’t enjoy a similar outing as he could salvage only a 12th place finish from his final row grid spot in race in round 5 while dropping out of round six in the penultimate lap. The Bangalorean said, “It was good to be back in Sepang- now that it’s a JK Tyre Series you feel more at home. I had one top ten finish which was good and have constantly been improving and now I look forward to racing in Indonesia.”

JK Tyre & Industries, the leading tyre manufacturer in India, is the title partner for the JK Racing Asia Series. The Series is also supported by AirAsia, Asia’s leading low-cost carrier.
The JK Racing Asia Series is currently the only Junior Formula that provides a unique opportunity where the drivers are given a platform to compete in front of the Formula 1 fraternity. On three occasions the JK Racing Asia Series will support Formula One Grand Prix, in Malaysia, Singapore and the newly built circuit in India.

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