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Walker targets title success with Liverpool

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:07:29 GMT

The 25-year-old from Jersey has spent the last three seasons competing in Formula Renault 3.5, where he finished fifth last year. During that time, Walker also made selected Superleague Formula appearances, culminating in a victory for Borussia Dortmund at Jerez in 2008.

Atech – the new name for Hitech Junior Team – will once again prepare and run Liverpool’s challenger having collected two victories and a further five podiums during the title-winning 2009 season.

Walker confirmed that securing a second championship in as many seasons for the Reds was his primary goal: “It’s going to be great. Over the winter I’ve had a strange period of not knowing what I’m doing so to find out I’ll be racing for Liverpool in Superleague Formula is fantastic. Having done two races before I’ve already got a feel of what it’s all about and the thought of doing a whole season now – and aiming for the championship – is going to be an honour and really exciting”.
“With the prize fund that’s up for grabs this year, which has been a big attraction, I’m only interested in winning after challenging for the Formula Renault 3.5 crown last year. The only realistic aim is to try to win the title and I think we’ve got a very good chance of doing just that while hopefully winning a lot of races along the way”.

Walker is also honoured to be racing for the Merseysiders: “The thought of representing a prestigious club like Liverpool, one of the biggest teams in Europe and having the link between English club and driver, has got fantastic foundations already for being successful. As a local driver, trying to get the fans behind me is going to be a lot easier so hopefully we can have as good a season as they had in 2009”.

As for his new team, it’s not the first time that Walker will work with Atech Grand Prix Team Principal David Hayle.

“James is part of the Atech family really because he raced for me for two years while in British F3 and I’ve followed his career closely ever since,” Hayle confirmed. “When this opportunity came about it made perfect sense”.
“I think it’s going to be tough for everyone this year, now that Superleague Formula is growing and more and more people want to be a part of it. I would have thought that James is certainly one of the championship favourites though.”

Liverpool start their title-defence at home on April 3/4 when Superleague Formula by Sonangol travels to Silverstone for 2010’s opening fixture.

James Walker Biography
Name: James Walker
Born: 25 August 1983 - Jersey
Nationality: British
Height: 1.82m
On-track Career

2010
Superleague Formula (Liverpool FC)
Daytona 24 Hours with J Lowe Racing

2009
World Series by Renault with P1 Motorsport
Winner at Spa and podium finishes at Monaco and Silverstone

2008
World Series by Renault with Fortec Motorsport
Selected Superleague Formula races. Winner for Borussia Dortmund at Jerez

2007
World Series by Renault with Fortec Motorsport.
Best results: pole position and race win at Donington Park in 2007
Awarded full membership of the BRDC in 2008

2006
British F3 International Series with Hitech Racing (Championship Class) - 14 top ten finishes and three podiums
F3 Euroseries with Hitech Racing - two top 10 finishes at Brands Hatch
F3 Euroseries with Hitech Racing
Two top 10 finishes at Brands Hatch

2005
British F3 International Series with Fortec Motorsport (Championship Class) - took first F3 victory at the Nürburgring in September
Finished the season 11th in the Championship with 13 top ten finishes

2004
British F3 International Series with Hitech Racing (Championship Class) - finished the season 18th in the Championship with 5 top ten finishes
Awarded BRDC Rising Star status

2003
British Formula Ford (Scholarship Class) – championship winner
James won over half the season’s races on his way to becoming Champion
Nominated for National Racing Driver of the Year in Autosport Awards

2002/2001
UK Junior Formula Ford Championship

Superleague Formula by Sonangol selects nine racing teams for 2010

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:27:00 GMT

The final selection has now taken place for Teams to enter into the upcoming Superleague Formula by Sonangol campaign due to kick off at Silverstone on April 2nd.

The roster, increased by two from the end of last season, sees each squad fielding two football clubs each.

Due to compete alongside existing teams Atech, Alan Docking Racing, GU Racing, Reid Motorsport, Azerti and Epsilon are Emilio de Villota Motorsport and Laurent Redon, as well as one further outfit still to be announced.

Superleague Formula Competition Director Robin Webb said: “It’s obviously great news that we’ve increased the number of racing teams set to compete in the Superleague Formula by Sonangol Championship in 2010 . With each outfit now responsible for just two cars each. I’m confident that the quality of racing will increase still further thanks to the addition of the new teams and the huge prize fund which exceeds 5m€ this year. We’re also hopeful of announcing the final two clubs and race team within the next few days, as well as the 2010 driver roster. All I can say at the moment is that we’ve had considerable interest from drivers who have competed in many different categories including GP2 and A1GP and – of course – F1, which speaks volumes for the championship’s growing credibility within motorsport.”

Emilio de Villota Motorsport´s Manager added: “After winning the Euroseries 3000 in 2009, we have no doubts that joining Superleague Formula by Sonangol is the best way forward for our team to continue. In 2010, Superleague Formula will make an important jump by doubling its number of races from 6 to 12, something which positions this championship at the forefront of international motorsport. It’s for this reason that Emilio de Villota Motorsport has decided to join its ranks, with the intention of making a global impact”.

GU Racing’s Gunter Unterreitmeier said: “After a highly successful campaign last season with FC Basel and Olympiacos, we’re full of confidence heading into our third year of Superleague Formula. Retaining the same clubs obviously helps with continuity so I’m really hopeful of a strong season ahead".

Racing Teams entry list
Race Team	Football Club
Atech Grand Prix	Liverpool FC
	Atlético de Madrid
Azerti	RSC Anderlecht
	Corinthians
DeVillota.com Motorsport	AS Roma
	Sevilla FC
Alan Docking Racing	Tottenham Hotspur
	TBA
Reid Motorsport	AC Milan
	PSV Eindhoven
Epsilon	TBA
	Galatasaray SK
GU Racing	FC Basel 1893
	Olympiacos
Laurent Redon	Olympique Lyonnais
	Sporting Clube de Portugal
TBA	FC Porto
	Flamengo

Look out for further football club, driver and team developments in the coming weeks ahead of Superleague Formula’s opening round of the season at Silverstone on April 4/5.

Superleague Formula by Sonangol takes to the streets of Assen

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:48:41 GMT

The promoter is busy planning everything and has already started to promote the race with SF signage on their official fleet of cars – we think they look great!

Superleague Formula by Sonangol will be taking over the A1 GP date and this week various members of the SF team are making site visits to check out the circuit and meet with key personnel from the organization. With Assen as our second race on this seasons calendar, the race date is just round the corner and there is much to be done and organized.

On another note, our first race at Silverstone will be a three day event together with the British Racing and Sports Car Club. Silverstone are selling the tickets and they will now also be selling tickets for the free practice on Friday. Ticket prices are as follows:

Ticket prices are as follows:

Friday on the day	£11
Friday Advance	£8
Saturday on the day	£11
Saturday Advance	£8
Sunday on the day	£11
Sunday Advance	£8
Weekend Advance	£21

Spurs car up for auction?

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:38:18 GMT

Craig was literally blown away by the set up of the Tottenham Hotspurs car on display at the premises of a busy car auctioneer in Colville, Leicester. The real car is on display together with some blown up images together with the TV highlights of the 2009 season that shows some pretty spectacular overtaking by the driver.

The busy car auctioneer was buzzing with the presence of Craig kitted out in his Spurs overalls who eagerly signed autographs and took photographs with fans, as well as explaining his experience of driving with Superleague Formula by Sonangol.

The car will stay at the auctioneers until around the start of March and no is the answer to any of you thinking is the car up for auction?

Sonangol Superleague Formula 2011’de yeni ufuklara yelken açıyor

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:01:34 GMT

Asya ülkelerinin motorsporlarında öneminin arttığı gerçeğinin göz ardı edilemeyeceği bu dönemde, bilindiği gibi Formula 1 ve GP2 serileri de yarışlarını kıtaya taşıyor. Şimdi Superleague Formula da Güney Kore, Çin ve Endonezya gibi asya kıtası ülkeleri ile 2011 sezonu için görüşmelere başladı.

Daha da fazlası, Kore’de, Seoul’da açık alan büyük billboardlarda geçen senenin video görüntüleri, tanıtım çalışmaları çerçevesinde yayınlanmaya başladı. (Youtube videosu için tıklayınız:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMnNsdJt4eg

Endonezya’nın ise önümüzdeki sezonu bile beklemesine gerek kalmadan Jakarta yakınlarındaki cadde pisti ile 2010 Sonangol Superleague Formula’ya 2010 sezonunun final yarışında en sahipliği yapma görüşmeleri devam ediyor.

2011 takvimi için Brezilya da iki pisti ile olası ülkelerden biri. Ülkenin motorsporlarına ve futbola olan tutkusu ve bu iki sporun da Brezilya’daki bahsetmeye bile gerek olmayan zengin geçmişi ile güçlü bir aday. Brezilya, 2011 sezonunda Güney Amerika’nın açılış Superleague Formula yarışına ev sahipliği yapabilir.

Avustralya önümüzdeki sezon takvime girme olasılığı olan ülkelerden. Cadde pistinde Superleague Formula’nın popüler V8 otomobillerini ağırlamak için görüşmeler devam ediyor.

Hepsi bu değil; seri yeni ülke ve pistlere yelken açtığı gibi aynı zamanda yeni futbol külüplerinin de 18 takımlık güçlü ligine katılması söz konusu. Aslinda bu iki yönlü genişleme planlarını birbirinden ayrı tutmak oldukça güç. Çin’deki promotörlerden CITIC Guoan Grup, bir yandan iki olası pist Beijing ve Ordos ile görüşürken aynı zamanda 2008’de Superleague Formula ünvanını kazanan Beijing Guoan FC takımı ile seriye geri dönüşleri ile ilgili konuşmaya devam ediyor.

Superleague Formula by Sonangol Başkanı Alex Andreu şunları söyledi: “ Her ne kadar önümüzdeki sezonun detayları ile yoğun olsak da, 2011 için çalışmak da oldukça gerekli. Serinin geleceğini düşünmek, kendimizi ve seriyi ileriye taşımak ve 2011’de şampiyonamızı geliştirmek için yüzümüzü geleceğe çevirmek zorundayız.”

“Avrupa yarışları ile ilgili en üst seviyemize ulaştiğımıza inanıyorum ki bu sezon 11 yarış için anlaşmalarımız tamamlandı. Büyümek için ileriye bakmalıyız. Aynı zamanda motorsporlarının kalbi olan avrupa dışından yeni pistler ve kulüpler de eklemeliyiz serimize. Bu konuda çalışmalarımız devam ediyor.”

Bu sezonun gelişmeleri ve pilotlarına dair haberler önümüzdeki haftalarda sizlerle olacak.

Tickets for Silverstone championship opener now on sale

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:09:13 GMT

The championship will travel to the historic Northamptonshire venue and home of British motorsport for the first time over the weekend of April 3&4 where fans will have the opportunity to cheer on their football team for the incredible price of just £8 (when booked in advance) on race day or £15 for a full weekend pass!

Home favourites Tottenham Hotspur and Glasgow Rangers, not to mention reigning Superleague Formula champions Liverpool, will go up against the likes of AC Milan, Sevilla and Roma on home soil in a bid to establish early momentum and supremacy.

As well as all three Superleague Formula races, spectators will be treated to a feast of motorsport action throughout the weekend, including the likes of the Dutch Supercar Challenge, SPEED Series, Caterham Superlights and European Superkart championships.

Fans of classic racing are in for an extra special treat too with Grand Prix Masters and World Sportscar Masters races also scheduled.

Superleague Formula by Sonangol Competition Director Robin Webb said: “I can’t wait to see Superleague Formula single seaters take on Silverstone’s Grand Prix layout. The circuit is known as a place where even Formula 1 cars can overtake each other, so there’s certainly going to be plenty of action to savour over the weekend when you consider all the passing manoeuvres that go on in one of our races. I can’t think of a better place to kick off our season".

Click here to buy tickets (http://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/superleague-formula/?tab=book-now)

Gearing up to the new season

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:39:36 GMT

Much activity is going on to get everything into place on what is going to be an extremely hectic race season for Superleague Formula by Sonangol. Indeed with some months hosting up to 3 races there is going to be no time to draw breath for all involved.

We have some top circuits for this year, and we are thrilled to be starting off at Silverstone, without a doubt, a circuit whose name speaks for itself in terms of reputation and history. We will be making two stops in the UK this year, with Brands Hatch on 31st July/1st August, again a circuit who has a big name and is close to one of our UK teams, Tottenham Hotspurs. The race weekend will be out of the football season, so we hope to see many of the fans there cheering on their beloved team and maybe some of the players. As we all know, football players are renowned for their love of fast cars, and our cars are fast and loud!

Another new addition to the calendar is Assen in the Netherlands. Superleague Formula by Sonangol is taking over the A1 GP race date and hopes to thrill the crowds. The Dutch are avid motorsport fans with high expectations so the pressure is going to be on to give them a great show. Superleague Formula by Sonangol is all about reaching out to the fan and providing them not only with a great day of motor racing, but a really unique experience, where they get to go behind the scenes and see what really goes on in the garages, meet the drivers and obviously get as many photos as possible! Indeed Holland has had quite a taste of what Superleague Formula by Sonangol is, when PSV fans back prior to the launch of the series saw their car fly in over their heads for the official unveiling of the car!

So whilst the eternal rivals are battling it out on the football pitch in their national leagues as well as the European leagues, many of the Superleague Formula by Sonangol clubs have met on the pitch for the Champions League. Anderlecht RSC and Sporting both got eliminated in the play offs, followed by Atletico de Madrid, Liverpool FC and Rangers in the group stage. We now have 5 of our clubs: AC Milan, Porto, Olympiacos, Lyon and Sevilla all ready to play in the round of 16. So all eyes will be focused on the performance of the clubs, prior to them starting up their engines.

Brands Hatch tickets now on sale!

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:24:14 GMT

The football-themed series will be making its first appearance at the Kent venue, home to round eight of the season on July 31/August 1, where British clubs Tottenham Hotspur, Glasgow Rangers and reigning Superleague Formula champions Liverpool will take on the likes of AC Milan, Lyon, Roma and Atlético de Madrid.

To celebrate, the circuit is offering weekend tickets for just £29 when booked online, a saving of £12 over the on-the-day price!

A raft of qualifying and race day options are also available with entry free for children under the age of 12. Hospitality packages are also available.

A full support bill will accompany the championship with the mighty Group C prototypes sure to provide a spectacular highlight on their first return to Brands Hatch since the fabled 1000km races of the 1970s and 80s disappeared. Huge grids of the popular GT Cup, Lotus Elise Trophy and Historic Formula Junior meanwhile will also be in attendance.

To book your tickets online, click here (https://tickets.motorsportvision.co.uk/calendar/race-event-details.asp?ProductID=3888)

MCT wins coveted business award

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:40:15 GMT

Fighting off strong opposition from companies such as Williams Hybrid Power and Millers Oils, MCT was presented with the MIA Business Excellence accolade, at the NEC in Birmingham, on 14th January, for its outstanding design and engineering work undertaken on the Superleague V12 racing engine.
Subject to a strict judging process and decided by a panel of industry experts, the MIA Business Excellence Awards recognise outstanding work within the motorsport and high performance engineering industries.

Kevin Lee, MCT’s managing director, commented: “All of us at MCT are thrilled with our success at this year’s awards. To be awarded this honour by a panel of our peers is truly gratifying. The whole team back at Leafield continues to deliver reliable, innovative and high-performance products and this award is vindication of their hard work. We have an exciting year ahead of us; the Superleague championship has been extended to 12 rounds and the Bloodhound SSC land speed record project continues to gather pace as engine testing continues. This has been a great way in which to start the year and further demonstrates MCT’s passion and commitment to being one of the world’s leading motorsport and high performance engineering organisations”.

Superleague Formula by Sonangol Competitions Director, Robin Webb, added: “Congratulations to everyone at MCT for this prestigious award. The whole team at Leafield has worked tirelessly with us over the last few years to engineer an instantly recognisable product and this is just reward for their endeavor. The V12 engines are certainly one of the championship’s calling cards and we’re delighted that they will be powering Superleague again in 2010 as we enter our third season”.

The only awards of their kind within the industry, the MIA Business Excellence awards are presented at the industry association’s annual Autosport Show dinner. The event attracts over 500 people from across the world of motorsport and is the largest and most prestigious gathering of the year for all involved in the business of UK motorsport.

Superleague Formula by Sonangol, 2010’da 1 Milyon Avro Ödüllü

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:43:24 GMT

Ancak hepsi bu değil. Toplamda 5 Milyon Avro’nun üzerinde para ödünün dağıtılacağı futbol takımları temalı şampiyonada 2010 sezonu sonunda şampiyona liderine Formula 1 takımında test yapma şansı vermek için görüşmeler devam ediyor.

Pazar günleri iki yarışın sonunda koşulan popüler 5 turluk Super Final konseptinin ödülü de 100.000 Avro olarak belirlendi ve 12 yarışta da organize edilecek. 2009 sezonunun aksine ilk altı arasında dağılacak ödül, dördüncüden altıncıya kadar 55.000 Avro olarak dağıtılacakken, ikinci ve üçüncü 75.000 ve 50.000 Avro’nun sahibi olacaklar. Bu da bir pilotun eğer koşulacak tüm Süper Final’lerii kazanırsa sezon sonunda elde edeceği ödülün 2.2 Milyon Avro olması demek oluyor.

Bununla birlikte 2010 Superleague Formula by Sonangol yarışları 44 dakika artı 1 tur formatı ile koşulmaya devam edecek.

İlk yarışını sadece iki buçuk sene önce yapan bu organizasyon, 2010 da %100 büyüyen 12 yarışlık takvimi ve ödülleri ile tek koltuklu şampiyonalar arasında geldiği noktada, yarışçılar ve pilotlar arasında çok avantajlı ve en iyi alternatiflerden biri durumunda.

Superleague Formula Yarışma Direktörü Robin Webb: “Yeni ödül fonu, pilotlara ve takımlara her zamankinden daha büyük bir teşvik sunuyor. Avrupa’da Superleague Formula’dan daha büyük bir para ödülü yok sunulan kazananlara ve tabi bir de Super Final’inde kazanılabilcek ödülü var ki bahsetmeye bile gerek yok. Hepsinden öte artık seri geldiği bu hali ile, pilotlara motorsporları yaparak hayatlarını geçindirme şansı sunuyor ve"

Superleague Formula by Sonangol sezonu 3-4 Nisan’da yapılacak Silverstone yarışı ile başlayacak.

2010 Superleague Formula by Sonangol takvimi 12 yariş olacak

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:04:07 GMT

2008 senesinde ilan edilen dört senelik Superleague Formula serisi devamlılığı ile ilgili projeyle parallel olarak, 2009’a gore bu sezon yarış sayısı %100 artış gösteriyor. İlk kez üç ülke, birden fazla yarışa ev sahipliği yapacak; İngiltere, İspanya ve Almanya. Böylelikle seriye altı yeni pist eklenmiş oluyor.

Yeni sezon İngiltere’de yapilacak iki yarıştan Superleague için yeni olan Silverstone Pisti’nde 3-4 Nisan tarihlerinde başlayacak. Bu da sezonun geçen seneye gore üç ay erken başlaması anlamına geliyor.

Bir başka heyecanlı pist ise Assen yarış pisti, Superleague Formula pilotlarına ve futbol takımlarına Mayıs ayında ev sahipliği yapmaya hazırlanıyor. Sonraki hafta ise Fransa’nın eski F1 pisti Magny-Cours pistinde üçüncü ayak koşulacak.

İspanya’nın Jarama pisti yine büyüleyici atmosferi ve kalabalık seyircisi ile şampiyonanın gözbebeği yarışlarından biri olarak Haziran ayında koşulacakken, ardından iki adet Almanya yarışı Nurburgring ve Oschersleben Superleague Formula taraftarlarını bekliyor olacak. Bu programa göre keyifli ama yoğun bir Temmuz ayı geçecek.

Ardından şampiyona, serideki üçüncü senesine giren Belçika’nın Zolder pisti ile 17-18 Temmuz tarihlerinde devam edecek. İngiltere’deki ikinci yarış, Donington Park yerine bu sezon takvime giren Brands Hatch olacak. Ardından hak edilmiş altı haftalık bir ara verilecek yarışlara ancak akabinde Portekiz’in zorlu Estoril pistinde 18-19 Eylül’de mücadele kaldığı yerden devam edecek.

Monza pisti takvimde aynı tarihteki yerini korudu. Ekim’in ilk haftası... İspanya’ya tekrar dönecek ekipler bu kez Jerez pistinde Kasım’ın 13-14 hafta sonunda yarışacak. Sezon finalinin yapılacağı pist ise henüz açıklanmadı!

Superleague Formula Yarışma Direktörü Robin Webb: “Her ne kadar takvimde son birkaç hafta içerisinde değişiklikler yapmak zorunda kalsak da son halinden oldukça memnunum. Eski F1 pistleri ile yerel heyecan verici pistler arasında harika bir karışım yaptığımızı düşünüyorum. Jarama pistinin Madrid’e olan yakınlığı sayesinde Atletico taraftarlarının da piste gelmesiyle 30.000 kişiye ulaşmıştı hatırlanacağı gibi. Aynı zamanda bu sezon ilgi çekici yeni pilotlar da Superleague Formula’ya ilgi gösteriyor".

“Hala Avrupa dışı yarış yapma arayışındayız sezon sonuna kadar. İki teklif var ve bunlar Orta Avrupa ve Güney Amerika’dan".

“Futbol kulüplerimiz de belirlendi.Tabi hala her zamanki gibi yeni heyecanlara ve isimlere açığız".

Jonathan Palmer, MotorSport Vision Yönetin Kurulu Başkanı:: “Superleague Formula’yı Brands Hatch’de ağırlayacak olmaktan çok büyük mutluluk duyuyoruz. Takvimimize FIA Formula Two Şampiyonası hariç yeni ve prestijli bir tek koltuklu şampiyona gelmesi cok heyecan kattı. Superleague Formula otomobilleri A1GP otomobillerinden de güçlü ve V12 motorları kesinlikle harika.Oldukça büyük bu otomobillerin ters sıralama ile yaptıkları ikinci yarışın heyecanını yaşayan futbol ve motorsporları taraftarları çok şanslı.”

Philippe Guillaume, Magny-Cours Pisti,Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi: “Superleague Formula Serisini konseptindeki taraftar odaklı biçimi sayesinde gösterdiği ilerleme ve başarı için tebrik ederim. 22-23 Mayıs’ta Fransa Magny-Cours pistinde –Formulaya ilgi gösteren tek Fransa pisti- yapılacak yarış ile ilgili bizim tüm isteklerimizi değerlendirmeye alan Superleague Formula organizatörlerine de teşekkürü bir borç bilirim. Bu istekler Fransa ayağının French Ligue 1’in bitiş tarihini beklemeleri ve Güney Afrika’daki dünya kupasından önce olmasıydı.”

Superleague Formula by Sonangol 2010 Takvimi:

Nisan 3/4	Silverstone	İngiltere
Mayıs 15/16	Assen	Hollanda
Mayıs 22/23	Magny-Cours	Fransa
Haziran 19/20	Jarama	İspanya
Haziran 26/27	Nurburgring	Alemanya
Temmuz 3/4	Oschersleben	Alemanya
Temmuz 17/18	Zolder	Belçika
Temmuz 31/Aug 1	Brands Hatch	İngiltere
Eylül 18/19	Estoril	Portekiz
Ekim 2/3	Monza	Italya
Kasım13/14	Jerez	İspanya
TBC	TBC	TBC

Not: Superleague Formula’nın Autosport International fuarındaki standını (no.2400) bu hafta sonu 14-17 Ocak Birmingham’da ziyaret edebilirsiniz.

Guy Oder, Élan Motorsport’s Superleague Formula Project Coordinator, Q&A

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:46:47 GMT

Guy Oder: The design, prototype and car build periods were understandably frenetic due to the compressed time schedule (6 months to design and manufacture the prototype, 21 total cars delivered less than a year from the contract being signed). Even with the SLF car having shared design parameters and an evolution of previous design thought, dialogue and planning was still required on a weekly if not daily basis. Thankfully all parties were motivated to be focused with the final result being quite manageable and to expectations. Once cars were delivered to the teams and earnest running began, the advantages of a "proven package" minimized run time issues.

Our primary if not sole focus has become race spares and crash replacement sales. Racing is often perceived as "glamorous", but Élan's two years of sales support generally mimics the normal practices of any retailer regardless of his product. Specifically, our primary focus is the mundane & unilateral activities of tracking per race parts consumption (sales), keeping to standard business goals of maintaining minimal stock levels, while still fulfilling our responsibilities towards making every reasonable effort to insure no car is unable to run due to lack of supply. Élan is very fortunate in that both the Superleague organisation as well as private teams have patiently understood the current "global economic climate" and the challenges Élan faces to maintain this trust while still remaining fiscally responsible to itself. All parties have worked patiently with Élan on any supply side issue encountered. Because of this "partnership" we have avoided controversies and been able to concentrate on the essentials required to go racing, as opposed to posturing and assigning blame for failures.

SF: How is Superleague different from other series Élan has been involved with?

GO: Élan as a company has a vast racing experience, which includes the design and manufacture of "top shelf" projects, understanding "Single Make" design criteria and concerns, facilitating compressed scheduling while still delivering quality products, maintaining a European racing presence, etc. The Superleague project is our first to test all of these disciplines simultaneously. Personally I feel that Élan's greatest learning curve concerns the (minimal) consumption of replacement parts relative to original forecasts which were drawn from our historical USA sales in the IRL and Champ Car series. Upon reflection, there is evidence to suggest that Europe has taken the unfair brunt of "force majeur" regarding spectator casualties resultant from auto racing. America simply has no historical comparison when measuring the sheer volume in loss of human life from incidents such as the Le Mans crash of Pierre Levegh, the separate Monza crashes of Materassi and Von Trips, or the yearly tolls exacted at the Mille Miglia. This disparity, coupled with public concerns over this unnecessary risk, has led to a European track design philosophy that has resulted with a "standard" race track criteria which features wide & smooth surfaces with well conceived gravel and "run off" areas. The intention of course is to significantly reduce contact between competitors, and more importantly, with "non combatants". Working with Superleague has allowed Élan to measure a larger "sample" of this racing environment, and it has dramatically changed our preconceptions concerning which parts are subject to crash attrition as well as their volume. Since safety is a paramount concern to Élan, we are accepting the challenge to develop and evolve our business strategy and products relative to this "new" environment.

SF: With Élan based in America and Superleague in Europe, how does the company combat the logistical challenges of meeting Superleague’s supply demands?

GO: Funding and credit are universal concerns of every modern business in the current financial climate. Élan must ensure that every expense is one that is both required and timely. Currently we are working "race to race" constantly measuring and forecasting requirements to meet projected demands based on the constant changes in consumption and manufacturing lead time constraints. This has resulted in per race shipments which are smaller and more frequent than a strategy that would allow for a larger European-based warehouse. While our overheads such as freight are higher, our actual per year expense is leaner due to stock levels based on "real time" actuals rather than projections. To date we have been successful with this practice, but the increased and compressed event schedule projected for 2010 will demand adjustments to our strategy and its execution.

SF: How much of your 2007 Champ Car was carried over into designing Superleague’s single seater?

GO: I am constrained in giving a specific answer, but obviously by appearance alone you can see an evolutionary design process. What isn't obvious and I find quite interesting, is the fact that the lineage and certainly "pieces" in this car go back further in Élan history than one might conclude, and cut across boundaries such as changing design leadership and original design intent. I would not be surprised to find that there are connections in this car that reach further back in time, and out broader in scope, than even I recognise.

SF: Sebastien Bourdais recently suggested that Superleague Formula could become the Champ Car of Europe. Would you agree?

GO: Mr. Bourdais has a credibility and resume in racing that far outstrip any contribution I can bring to this discussion. Additionally his inclusion in the series enhances our visibility and increases media attention. Just the same I would challenge all SF participants to redouble not just their efforts, but their aspirations. I believe Superleague Formula has the content to stand on its own and be incomparable. One only had to stand behind the Porto garage at Estoril in 2008 or the Madrid garage at Jarama in 2009 to realise there are people who are already fanatical about soccer, already fanatical about single seater top shelf auto racing, and also ready to make the visceral connection between the two. It is the responsibility of everyone in the SF "community" to share that vision and maintain their intensity while the "brand" and fan base is developed. I have the fortunate experience of not only participating as a team member at the Indianapolis 500, but sharing in the victory and rewards. Part of that reward is the sense of satisfaction and relevance that a large enthusiastic crowd can produce. My hope is that everyone contributing the SF will someday share a similar experience and history for having participated in "The Beautiful Race".

Valles to celebrate title success with first ever karting challenge

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:10:49 GMT

Liverpool’s reigning Superleague Formula champion will welcome the likes of his brother Moises, Toro Rosso F1 driver Jaime Alguersuari, Formula Renault 3.5 combatant Marco Barba, fellow Superleague drivers Kasper Andersen, Tristan Gommendy and Carlo Van Dam, Formula 2’s Miki Monras and Porsche Supercup’s Siso Cunill to compete in a series of races throughout the afternoon.

Uniquely however, the race isn’t just reserved for professional drivers. Ten lucky Liverpool supporters will be invited from Adrian’s Facebook fan page to attend the event, first being coached and then competing over a 12 lap race for the honour to line-up against seasoned pros.

"The idea was to offer the general public a chance to race against professional drivers,” says Adrian. “We would have liked to do it in Moraira, but budget issues have rendered that not possible so therefore it will be at my own circuit. I want it to be a celebration amongst friends, with fun runs, in which the audience have a good time and then join us for a party in Moraira that night where there will be music. It should be great fun spending an unforgettable day together. Hopefully lots of people will turn up. It will be the best way to end an unforgettable season in Superleague Formula.”

For your chance to be selected for the Adrian Valles & Friends Challenge, become a fan of Adrian’s at http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Adrian-Valles/179286066045?ref=search&sid=504046258.2779758062..1

Champions League success for Superleague Formula clubs

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:13:18 GMT

Italian giants Milan, who currently sit second in Serie A behind city rivals Inter, ensured their qualification from a difficult Group C, which included Real Madrid and Marseille, with a 1-1 draw at FC Zurich, Ronaldinho netting the Rossoneri’s equaliser from the penalty spot.

Reigning Portuguese Liga champions FC Porto ended their Group D campaign in style with a thumping 3-0 away at Superleague Formula rivals Atletico Madrid to qualify behind English Premier League leaders Chelsea, while French side Lyon thrashed Debrecen 4-0 to celebrate their qualification ahead of Superleague Formula champions Liverpool.

Ex-Formula One driver Sebastien Bourdais delivered a stunning result for Sevilla at the end of the Superleague Formula season, and the Spanish club are continuing that momentum on the pitch. Sevilla secured a 1-0 home win over SF rivals Rangers on Wednesday to emphatically qualify for the next round as Group G winners.

Olympiacos secured their qualification with an impressive victory at home against Arsenal in Group H. Leaonardo’s second half strike was enough to seal a 1-0 win and see the Greek League leaders go through ahead of Standard Liege.

Although Superleague Formula’s Liverpool and Atletico Madrid both missed out on qualification, they will have a second chance at European glory in the Europa League.

Meanwhile, another Superleague Formula club are celebrating a title triumph as Flamengo ended their 17-year wait to regain the Brazilian National Championship.

In one of the most thrilling seasons in the league’s history, the Rio de Janeiro-based club overcame a poor start to the year, which saw them lying in mid table at the half way point of the campaign, to take the title.

Four clubs went into the final round of matches last weekend with a chance of taking the crown, but Flamengo’s 2-1 victory at Gremio was enough to secure their sixth Campeonato, which ties Sao Paolo for the record, and a first since 1992.

Flamengo’s success made it a double for Superleague Formula’s Brazilian teams, with Corinthians having won the Copa do Brasil earlier in the year.

Champion drops in on hometown pupils

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:23:53 GMT

The Spaniard, visiting students at Sant Vicent Ferrer and Cap d’Or Colleges in Moraira, brought along the impressive trophy he had won at the season finale in Jarama earlier this month. Pupils were also each given a t-shirt in the soccer club’s familiar red colours and emblazoned with Adrian’s racing number 21.

Accompanied by Mayor Antoni Joan Bertomeu, Valles received a standing ovation from pupils and told them the crucial values needed to become an elite sportsman – including the importance of a good education.

In return, Adrian answered a succession of questions from the excited youngsters. Amongst the enquiries, some asked at what age Valles had wanted to become a racing driver, others how many trophies he had won and another, who was the better driver; Britain’s Lewis Hamilton or Spain’s Fernando Alonso?

Superleague in Land Speed Record attempt...

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:47:09 GMT

That’s because the 4.2-litre unit is being readied to help take on one of the greatest technological challenges mankind has yet to attempt – 1000mph on land.

Over the next few months, one of Superleague’s MCT-developed powerplants will be tested by Richard Noble and his Bloodhound SSC team as they prepare to smash the World Land Speed Record.

The fact that Superleague’s engine, which produces 750bhp, will only be used to power Bloodhound’s auxiliary systems such as the fuel pump and electrical equipment says much for the scale of this project. The smallest of three engines, it is dwarfed by the rocket and jet motor that will together provide all 42,500lbs of forward thrust. That’s roughly equivalent to the total power of 180 Formula 1 cars!

Development begins with rocket simulation work before the engine is run in conjunction with its counterparts for the first time next month. Although no definite completion date has yet been reached, the team hope to make their first record attempt in 2011 when they will aim to reach Mach 1.4.

The project caps an impressive year for the engine which was nominated as a finalist at the British Engineering Excellence Awards in September. The 2009 Superleague Formula title fight also witnessed the championship’s 18 teams clock up a combined distance of nearly 50,000kms across the season without a single major engine failure recorded.

Kevin Lee, MCT’s managing director, said: “At the end of our second year working with the Superleague team, the partnership continues to go from strength to strength. Superleague’s Robin Webb and team have again done an outstanding job of combining the passions of motorsport and football, taking the package to an ever-growing audience. With drivers of the calibre of Sebastien Bourdais moving to the series, the growing stature of the championship is there for all to see. It’s an exciting time for Superleague and we feel privileged to be involved.”

Robin Webb, Competition Director of Superleague Formula, added: “MCT has done a fantastic job delivering a reliable, innovative and high-performance product. The engine is one of Superleague Formula's hallmarks, which has provoked many a positive comment from the established motorsport media. In particular, that evocative exhaust note is very distinctive and one that has helped turn the series into a crowd favourite."

Superleague Formula 2009 Bilgisayar Oyunu Çıktı!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:44:45 GMT

Superleague Formula’nın websitesinden indirilebilen PC oyunu, futbol fanatiklerine, SF’de yarışan 18 takımdan kendi takımlarının renklerindeki otomobilleri ile yarışma ve Superleague Formula heyecanını tatma fırsatı veriyor. Ayrıca oyunun yaratıcısı ISI firması, bu sezon koşulan altı pistin birebir özelliklerini oyuna dahil etmeyi ihmal etmedi. Böylelikle mücadele daha once hiç olmadığı kadar gerçekçi ve zevkli olacak.

Her yönüyle 2009 Superleague Formula otomobiller, V12 motorlar ve 750bg güç: Oyuncular otomobillerin direksiyondan olan ayarları ile yarış esnasında değişiklik yaparak en iyi kombinasyona ulaşabilir ve ciddi fark yaratan zamanlara imza atabilirler. Aynı gerçek yarışta pilotların yaptığı gibi... Ayrıca sezon boyunca ilerleme gösterebilir ve rakiplerine karşı avantaj sağlayabilirler.

Şampiyona oyununun yanı sıra, oyuncular gelecekte online olarak tüm dünyadaki rakipleri ile zamanlarını yarıştırabilecek ve oyun hakkında yazışabilecek.Geçtiğimiz hafta sonu İsanya’nın Jarama pistinde yapılan yarış esnasında, piste gelen motorspor ve futbol severler, yeni oyunu gerçekçi similatörlerde deneme şansı elde etti.

Superleague Formula Şampiyonu Liverpool pilotu Adrian Valles: “ Oyunun gerçeğine ne kadar yakın olduğunu gördüğümde inanamadım- oyundaki fren noktaları ile gerçekteki yerler tamamen aynı. Sezonun kapalı olduğu bu zamanı fırsat bilip bol bol oyunu oynayarak önümüzdeki sezona hazırlanacağım.” dedi.

Superleague Formula pilotlarından Craig Dolby oyun ile ilgili şunları söyledi: “ Oyun gerçekten harika ve hem futbol, hem motorspor severlerin oyuna bayılacağını düşünüyorum. Oyunu oynarken yaptığımız zamanlar, gerçek yarışta yaptığımız zamanlara oldukça yakın. Bu yüzden bizi Pazar günü pistte izlemeye gelen seyirciler eve döndüklerinde bilgisayar başına geçip bizim zamanlarımızı geçmeye çalışabilirler.”

Demo sürümünü bilgisayarınıza indirmek veya Superleague Formula 2009 oyununu satın almak için: http://www.superleagueformula.com/superleague/SF-Experience/Superleague-Formula-2009-The-Game

Buurman smashes Jarama lap record

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:34:03 GMT

The Dutchman, who scored victories in both the opening race and Super Final – for which he netted €100,000 – knocked 2.8 seconds off of the existing best time set by Klaas Zwart at the wheel of a Jaguar 3-litre V10 F1 car to complete the 3.850 mile tour in 1m20.011s (107.6mph) during race 1.

In Saturday qualifying, FC Basel’s Max Wissel further demonstrated the potency of Superleague’s 750bhp, V12 single seater when the German broke the 80 second barrier on his way to the fastest time of the weekend, a 1m19.544s.

Buurman said: “It’s a bit of a surprise really as I didn’t know the circuit before the weekend. The car was perfect. When I managed to rejoin after my pit stop in front of Seb (Bourdais) I had a clear track in front of me and then just pushed hard to pull away. To be honest it could have been another half a second quicker because I still had some push-to-pass boost left. I know Klaas so it’s great to pinch his record!”

Galatasaray Superleague Formula’da Sezonu Galibiyetle Tamamladı

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:40:11 GMT

Hafta sonu şampiyonu belirleyen iki yarış koşuldu. İlk yarışta şampiyonanın güçlü adayları Craig Dolby ve Adrian Valles beklenen performansı gösteremeyerek dördüncü ve yedinci sıralarda yer aldılar. Bu sonuca gore 39 puan önde olan Valles’den şampiyonluğu alabilmek için Dolby’nin Valles’in puan almadığı bir ikinci yarış geçirmesi ve kendisinin de en kötü üçüncü olması gerekiyordu.

GS pilotu ise 7. turda fren hortumunun kopması ile pistin ilk virajında duramayarak pist dışına çıktı ve yarışa veda etti. İlk yarışın galibi Hollandalı pilot Yelmer Buurman(Anderlecht) oldu.Lider durumda yarışı götüren eski Formula 1 pilotu Bourdais’nin hata yaparak spin atması ile aradaki farkı kapatan Buurman, iyi durumdaki lastiklerinin yardımı ile rakibini geçmeyi başardı. Pizzonia (Corinthians) ve Jousse (AS Roma) ise girdikleri mücadelede otomobillerine hasar verince hem yarışı tamamlayamadı, hem de takımlarına ikinci yarış öncesi oldukça hasarlı iki otomobil teslim etti.

Puan hesaplarının ardından ikinci yarış başladı. İlk yarışta yarış dışı kalan Galatasaray pilotu Tung, ikinci yarışa üçüncü sırada başladı. İlk turda Nelson Panciatici (Lyon), Esteban Guerrieri (Olympiacos) ve Carlo van Dam (PSV)’ın karıştığı kazanın ardından piste güvenlik aracı girdiğinde Tung, ikinci sıradaydı ve güvenlik aracının ardından 2 tur yarışı sürdürdü. Yarış tekrar başladığında pilotlar dördüncü turun içerisindeydi ve Tung atak yaparak ilk sıradaki rakibini geçti ve liderliği ele aldı. Dolby şampiyonluktan kolay vazgeçmek istemiyordu ve beşinci turda Panciatici ve Sebastien Bourdais’yi geride bıraktı. Ardından Enrique Bernoldi (Flamengo) ve Maria de Villota (Atletico Madrid)’yı da geçti ve pitstoplara kadar stabil bir sürüş sergiledi. Pit stoplar oldukça heyecanlı idi. Galatasaray pilotu ilk pite gelen isimlerden oldu ve pitstopun ardından da liderliğini devam ettirmesini bildi.

Yelmer Buurman (Anderlecht) pit girişindeki bariyerlere ve ardından lastik yığınına çarparak yarışa veda ederken, GP2’nın yıldızlarından Pantano 23. turda, pistin 8. virajında yoldan çıkarak yarışı tamamlayamayanlar kervanına katıldı. Atletico Madrid’in kadın pilotu Maria de Villota ise sezonun son yarışını yedinci sırada tamamlayarak sezonun kendi için en iyi derecesini elde etmiş oldu.

Yarış sonunda Galatasaray’a Superleague Formula serisindeki ilk zaferini yaşatan Ho-Pin Tung şunları söyledi: “ Sezon ortasında takıma geldiğimde beklentilerin yüksek olduğunun farkındaydım. Daha önceki takımımda podyum görmüştüm ancak Galatasaray’a fazlasını vermek istiyordum. Evet biraz geç oldu, takıma,ekibe alışmam ve şanssızlıkları yenmem zaman aldı ancak sonuçta, son yarışta bir birincilik kazandım. Beni ve Galatasaray’ı destekleyen tüm taraftarlara teşekkür ederim.”

Tung sözlerini söyle sürdürdü: “Rakiplerin çok güçlü olduğu bir seride yarıştık, bu yüzden kendimi geliştirme şansım oldu ve önümüzdeki sezon seride yer almaya devam etmeyi istiyorum.”

Hafta sonunun galibinin belirlendiği ve en çok puan toplayan altı aracın yer aldığı süper finali Anderlecht pilotu Yelmer Buurman kazandı ve 100.000 Avro’nun sahibi oldu. Bourdais (Sevilla FC)’nin ikinci olduğu yarışta, şampiyonayı kazanan Valles üçüncü oldu. Şampiyonada ilk sırada yer alan Liverpool’un İspanyol pilotu Adrian Valles şunları söyledi: “ Çok mutluyum, mutluluğumu tarif etmem zor. Aileme, takımıma, beni destekleyenlere ve Superleague Formula’ya teşekkür ederim. Bu seri sadece Formula 1’de değil, başka serilerde de iyi pilotların yer alabilceğinin göstergesi oldu” dedi. “Seneye yine yarışmak ve yine kazanmak istiyorum” diyerek sözlerini tamamladı.

Sonangol Superleague Formula serisinin altıncı ve son yarışı İspanya Jarama pistinde 33.000 taraftarın katılımı ile gerçekleşti. Konserler, showlar ve izleyenler için keyifli aktivitelerin eşlik ettiği haftasonuna gösterilen büyük ilgi,organizatörleri ve yarışçıları mutlu etti. Alex Andreu (Superleague Formula CEO & Başkanı): “Harika geçen ikinci sezonumuzun sonuna geldik bu hafta sonunda.Yarış başından sonuna çok heyecanlıydı ve Jarama pistine izlemeye gelen motorsporları severlere güzel görüntüler verildi.Şimdiden yarış sayımızı 12’ye çıkarmayı hedeflediğimiz üçüncü sezon için sabırsızlanıyoruz.”

Superleague Formula serisinin 2010 takvimi ile ilgili gelişmeleri, yarışlardan fotoğraf ve videoları ayrıca detaylı yarış sonuçlarını www.superleagueformula.com adresinden takip edebilirsiniz.

Anderlecht dominates as title fight continues

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:32:41 GMT

Bourdais beat Buurman by just six thousandths of a second in yesterday’s qualifying final to clinch pole position, but a fine passing manoeuvre immediately after the pit stops and then a string of unmatchable quick laps saw the Dutch driver avenge that loss.

Meanwhile, the title fight between English Premier League clubs Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur will go all the way to the last race this afternoon as Spurs’ Craig Dolby narrowed the lead of Liverpool’s Adrian Valles by ten points.

The key moment of the race came ten minutes in as Anderlecht emerged from its pit stop with Sevilla’s Bourdais, who had pitted one lap earlier, bearing down the start/finish straight.

The cars were side by side heading into the first corner, but Buurman held his line on the inside of the right hander, sliding into the lead on the exit. From there, Bourdais was unable to match the pace of the Anderlecht man, as Buurman rattled off a string of impressive lap times, including the race’s best, a 1:20.011, finishing over 14 seconds clear at the chequered flag.

Giorgio Pantano completed the podium positions for AC Milan after a lonely run to third. Starting sixth, the Italian made a good start to move up to fourth and then inherited a top-three finish when Galatasary’s Ho-Pin Tung went off early in the race.

Behind him, things were far more chaotic and had a direct effect on the title race.

Both Tottenham (10th) and Liverpool (14th) had started from the midfield but made up places at the start and during the pit stops.

Spurs’ Dolby lost sixth place to a charging Julien Jousse of Roma midway through the race, but then saw a huge slice of luck fall in his favour with just two minutes of the race remaining.

Having passed Dolby and FC Basel’s Max Wissel, Jousse began to close rapidly on Corinthians’ Antonio Pizzonia. He made his move with a couple of laps remaining, but only succeeded in crashing into the back of the Brazilian, ending both their races. In the melee that followed, Wissel was badly baulked by the two stricken cars ahead, allowing Dolby to dive up the inside into fourth.

Wissel crossed the line fifth ahead of FC Porto’s Tristan Gommendy, while Valles managed seventh following a late pass on Lyon, ultimately limiting his losses to Spurs during the late race chaos.

Olympiacos and Rangers both recovered to grab top ten finishes after a scrappy start to the race. Rangers’ John Martin joined FC Midtylland’s Kasper Andersen in the gravel after too many cars battled for two little space at the first corner. Guerrieri, meanwhile, spun on the exit of turn 1 on the opening lap, dropping him to the back of the field and immediately removing one of the pre-race favourites from the lead battle.

There was disappointment for fans of home favourites Atletico Madrid as Maria de Villota spun out on lap 2, although her non-finish means the series’ only female driver will join Andersen on the front row of the completely reversed grid for race 2.

Tottenham’s task is a tough one in the second race if the London club is to deny Liverpool a first Superleague Formula title. Trailing by 39 points, Dolby must finish at least third from 15th on the grid and hope that Liverpool doesn’t finish the race!

Driver Quotes:

Yelmer Buurman (Anderlecht): “The car was great and we also saved some tyres. The start was a bit tricky when Esteban (Guerrieri) nearly overtook me but then I managed to brake a bit later and go around the outside at the first corner. From then on I just followed Seb (Bourdais) who was a bit quicker in the beginning, and pushing really hard. Eventually he spun so I was right on his gearbox again and then one or two laps later he made his pit stop. I was in one lap later and the team did a great job. I rejoined with Seb alongside into the first corner but managed to overtake him there. From then on I just kept my head down and pushed really hard. The car was so good I was able to pull out 1.2 seconds a lap sometimes.”

Craig Dolby (Tottenham): “Finishing fourth’s helped cement the second place now. I was slightly catching the guys ahead and as soon as they made a mistake I put the car in the right position and got past them. When you qualify in the middle you have to try and come through, which is what I need to do again race 2. It would have been a lot easier if I’d qualified up front! We improved on the problems of yesterday. The car’s still not quite right but we’ll hopefully get it sorted for race 2 and see what we can do.”

Adrian Valles (Liverpool): “It was a bit exciting at the end when I overtook one car on the last lap. The gap’s now 39 points so it’s still a good lead. I just need to concentrate and finish the race. I’m just aiming for a good result and to take it easy.”