Japanese GP post race: Lotus

29/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

 

Romain Grosjean (FRA) Lotus F1 E23. Japanese Grand Prix, Sunday 27th September 2015. Suzuka, Japan.

 

Lotus F1 completed a strong Japanese Grand Prix with both cars finishing in the top eight for the first time since the Indian Grand Prix in 2013. Grosjean took seventh, with Maldonado finishing just 1.3 seconds behind him in eighth. Grosjean started from P8 on the grid on his qualifying medium compound tyres. He changed to scrubbed mediums on lap 11 and new hards on lap 33. Maldonado started from P11 on new medium tyres, changing to new mediums on lap 12, and new hards on lap 36.

Romain Grosjean, P7, E23-04:
“We finished with both cars in the points so I’m definitely happy with that! When it came to my own race we were a little bit slow against the Force India. We tried to fight Nico Hulkenberg but couldn’t. I really struggled with the tyres at the end – it seems the new Pirelli limits hurt us more than our rivals so we’ll work around that for the next race. Overall though, we’ve had a good result as a team.”

Pastor Maldonado, P8, E23-03:
“It was a good race for us and we really deserved a happy result today after pushing hard all weekend. It’s a shame we weren’t able to keep Hulkenberg behind us so we’ll review the strategy and performance to see if there was more we could have done. The team has been united all weekend, we scored some nice points and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Federico Gastaldi, Deputy Team Principal:
“It’s a great result for all of the team after a reasonably challenging weekend. It just goes to show that you can never discount an Enstone team no matter what the circumstances. We have to say thank you to all the crew at the track for working through a slightly unusual situation as well as thank you to Bernie for his help behind the scenes. We’re looking forward to continuing to fight back in Sochi.”

Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director:
“It’s great to get both cars solidly in the points and score more than our immediate championship rivals Force India and Toro Rosso. Force India looked stronger than us in the race and we didn’t have the pace to match Hulkenberg today. It was nevertheless a good performance from both drivers and the entire team.”

 

Romain Grosjean

Romain Grosjean

Japanese GP post race: Williams

29/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: Leave a comment

Valtteri Bottas finished the Japanese Grand Prix in fifth place, whilst teammate Felipe Massa finished in 17th. Bottas was jumped by Vettel at the start but held on to third in the early stages after passing Rosberg on the first lap. Contact with Ricciardo at the start resulted in a front-right puncture for Massa, with him needing to pit for new tyres and front wing on the first lap. Being a lap down after the stop made it difficult for Massa to challenge for points. Bottas ultimately finished in a comfortable fifth after being passed by Raikkonen at the final round of pitstops collecting an important ten points for the team to extend the gap to Red Bull Racing in the Constructors’ Championship to 69 points.

Rob Smedley, Head of Performance Engineering: “It was a tough race for the team today. Unfortunately I don’t think we showed the pace we were hoping for. Felipe had a bad start which was further compounded when he received a puncture following a collision with Ricciardo. He then had to complete a whole lap on three tyres which put him down by a lap and effectively ended his chances of a competitive race. Valtteri had a good position at the start and was driving very well. Our call on the first stop was the right one and kept us in front of Rosberg, but our second stop was too late and so we lost the position to Raikkonen. We have further solidified our third place in the Championship but leave Suzuka with the knowledge that we could have achieved more.”

Valtteri Bottas: “Not a perfect day for us, but we will take the ten points. I was hoping for a podium, but the pace wasn’t as good as we had expected. Defending from the quicker cars was hard and I think we should have pitted earlier for the final stop, but it’s always easier to say that after the race.”

Felipe Massa: “A very tough day for me today right from the first lap. I had a bad start and then had contact with Ricciardo and it took me a long time to get back to the pits. From there it was the end of the race barring any miracle. We have scored some decent points for the Constructors’ Championship with Valtteri’s fifth but I had the car to contribute a good haul of points as well. We have to regroup and get those points back at the next race.”

Japanese GP post race: Sahara Force India

29/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: Leave a comment

Sahara Force India scored eight points in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix with Nico Hulkenberg finishing in sixth place. Sergio Perez suffered a puncture on the opening lap, which cost the Mexican the chance of scoring points.

P6 Nico Hulkenberg VJM08-01
Strategy: New Mediums (10 laps) – New Hards (21 laps) – New Hards (22 laps)
“A great result today and realistically sixth was the maximum we could achieve when you remember that I started from P13. I made a really good start and jumped a couple of cars away from the line, and then stayed on the inside going into turn one, which turned out to be a good decision. By turn two I was up in eighth, close up behind the Lotuses and actually they were holding me up during the first stint. The team pitted me early to undercut them and we then out-raced them with our stronger pace. It was a lonely race for me, but effective and the result is very welcome. The team did a great job today and I think we deserved these eight points.”

P12 Sergio Perez VJM08-02
Strategy: Used Mediums (1 lap) – New Hards (17 laps) – New Hards (18 laps) – Used Hards (16 laps)
“Twelfth place is a very disappointing outcome for a weekend that had started really well. Unfortunately, my race was an uphill battle from the first corner: I saw Massa going slowly in the centre of the track and had to avoid him, and that’s when I got the hit (from Sainz). We tried to recover and I did all I could to get back into the points, but even our best was not enough. It’s a shame as our pace was really good, but with no safety car or any other incidents, the points were too far away. It was still a good result for the team with Nico scoring points, something that will help us with our championship battle.”

Robert Fernley, Deputy Team Principal:
“We leave Suzuka with the confidence of having a very strong car but also the feeling of disappointment for not getting both cars in the points. Nico drove a tactically brilliant race: he made another great start to regain the ground he had lost through his grid penalty and then had a fairly lonely race. He executed our strategy perfectly, leapfrogging the two Lotuses during the first pit stop window, and from then on he worked hard to continuously increase his gap. Sixth was the maximum he could have got today and it’s just the result Nico needed after a difficult run of races. Unfortunately, Sergio could do nothing to escape the incident at turn one: he moved to the right to avoid Massa, who was driving slowly, and he was hit by Sainz. Sergio avoided hitting the wall, but his race was heavily compromised by the puncture. He performed a solid comeback and showed very good pace, but the points were just out of reach. Even though we conceded two points in the battle for fifth place, we take encouragement from having such a well-executed race with Nico and the pace of the car.”

Singapore GP post race: Lotus

29/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: , , , , Leave a comment
Romain Grosjean

Romain Grosjean

 

Lotus F1 fought a tough Singapore Grand Prix with Pastor Maldonado finishing twelfth and Romain Grosjean classified thirteenth. Maldonado was able to feature strongly in the top ten for much of the race, but diminishing tyre performance late on meant a better finish was not possible. He sustained damage to his car after contact from Jenson Button’s car which blunted his late-race performance.

Grosjean started from P10 on the grid on his qualifying super soft tyres. He changed to scrubbed softs on lap 9 and new softs on lap 26.
Maldonado started from P18 on new super soft tyres, changing to new super softs on lap 10, new softs on lap 27 and new super softs on lap 54.

Romain Grosjean, P13, E23-04:
“We had an aggressive strategy planned for today, which looked good since we were as high as P8 at one point but the first virtual safety car cost us dearly. I lost a lot of places on the first lap, there was quite a lot of sliding going on and, as we knew this wouldn’t be a great track for us – like Hungary and Monaco – we knew it would be difficult. There was nothing left in the tyres towards the end of the race and as soon as we were out of the points, we chose to retire the car as we had some concerns with the gearbox and didn’t want to risk a penalty in Japan.”

Pastor Maldonado, P12, E23-03:
“It was a really difficult race. The contact from the McLaren was small but enough to break my diffuser. I was defending on the inside and I don’t know where Jenson wanted to overtake me. It’s a very narrow corner where it happened and there was no chance for him to overtake. The damage meant we lost performance at the rear at the time in the race when we wanted to preserve tyre life. Sadly it wasn’t possible to maintain the pace and the tyres so we had to make an additional, unplanned stop.”

Federico Gastaldi, Deputy Team Principal:
“We scored no points today but we certainly fought hard. It’s a long, hot and humid race so thanks to Pastor and Romain for pushing to the maximum for every lap. Everyone in the team has been working hard all week so it’s frustrating for all of us when we fall short of the points. We’re certainly focused on a better result in Japan.”

Nick Chester, Technical Director:
“That was a long tough race for us. Romain lost positions at the start so we brought forward his stops to undercut and gain track position. Unfortunately this meant we missed out on a quick pit stop under the virtual safety car at the first stop. We suffered worse tyre degradation than expected on Romain’s final stint which cost us in the last few laps. Pastor made up positions from his start but was compromised later on after the damage sustained from Jenson. We are now looking forward to Suzuka.”

 

Romain Grosjean (FRA) Lotus F1 E23 pulls into the pits. Singapore Grand Prix, Sunday 20th September 2015. Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore.

Romain Grosjean pulls into the pits

Pastor Maldonado (VEN) Lotus F1 E23. Singapore Grand Prix, Sunday 20th September 2015. Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore.

Pastor Maldonado

Singapore GP post race: Sahara Force India

29/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: Leave a comment
Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg

 

Sahara Force India scored six points in the Singapore Grand Prix: Sergio Perez finished in seventh place while teammate Nico Hulkenberg retired after contact with Felipe Massa.

P7 Sergio Perez VJM08-02
Strategy: New SuperSofts (13 laps) – New Softs (21 laps) – New Softs (27 laps)
“It’s a good feeling to end such a demanding race with seventh place and six points. The start was very important because I knew I had to get ahead of Fernando (Alonso) and I also jumped ahead of Romain (Grosjean).  After that I managed to keep up a good rhythm and I had new tyres immediately after the first safety car so I concentrated on looking after them and building a gap to the cars behind. The second safety car didn’t help us because it gave the Toro Rossos a big advantage with their fresh tyres. We knew they were catching us quickly and it was tough to stay ahead because my tyres were getting old and it wasn’t easy to keep the car away from the walls. So the last 15 laps of the race were very demanding but fortunately we could hold on for seventh.”

DNF Nico Hulkenberg VJM08-01
Strategy: New SuperSofts (11 laps) – New Softs (2 laps – Retired)
“That’s a really frustrating way to end my race. I was feeling confident with the car; I had made my first stop and I was in good shape. The accident with Felipe (Massa) was very unlucky and I don’t understand why I’ve been given a penalty before there has even been the chance to discuss the incident in the stewards’ room. I saw Felipe coming out of the pit exit as I went through turn one, but I was ahead in turn three, I was on the racing line and I took the corner as usual. Then I felt the contact with my left rear and my race was over. In my view it was my corner and I’m surprised Felipe backed out of it much too late, locking up just before he hit me.”

Vijay Mallya, Team Principal & Managing Director:
“Another bittersweet race in which we weren’t able to get the reward the pace of both drivers should have warranted. Checo was brilliant: he was smooth in attacking and didn’t put a wheel wrong when defending. The ending of the race was a bit nerve-wracking, with Checo coming under intense pressure from Verstappen, but he was able to play on the strengths of his car and didn’t allow for any overtaking opportunity to arise. Nico had excellent pace but he didn’t get the chance to show it. He was ahead of Felipe coming into the corner, took the line he was expected to take and yet Felipe didn’t back out until it was too late. We are surprised a penalty was given to Nico, especially considering that he was the one who ended up out of the race and with severe damage to the car. We’re even more surprised the drivers weren’t called to the stewards’ room to give their view on the events. In any case, tonight’s result strengthens our fifth position in the championship. We managed to increase our advantage over the teams behind us and we will aim to continue in this fashion next weekend in Japan.”

 

Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez

Singapore GP post race: Williams

29/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Valtteri Bottas finished the Singapore Grand Prix in fifth place, while team mate Felipe Massa was forced to retire. Bottas moved ahead of Kvyat during the final round of pitstops and comfortably held fifth position to the finish. Massa had to make an extra pit stop due to a slow puncture following contact from Hulkenberg’s Force India. He later retired with a gearbox problem.

Rob Smedley, Head of Performance Engineering: “It was an excellent race for Valtteri today. He showed great pace and the gap from qualifying disappeared, so we were fighting with Kvyat and Rosberg throughout the race. We made good strategic calls, when Kvyat pitted we stayed out knowing a safety car could come at any time, and we got ahead of him. Felipe getting tangled up with Hulkenberg, who subsequently received a penalty, was unfortunate and put us on the back foot with that car. His retirement was a gearbox problem, the car was jumping out of gear so we need to investigate that. I’m happy with the day but it’s tinged with disappointment because we’ve lost some points with Felipe’s car.”

Valtteri Bottas: “It was a good race for me. The start was good, the pace was a little bit better than we expected. I could put a bit of pressure on the guys in front and undercut some people. The pit crew did an amazing job today under pressure. We did what we had to, got our heads down and took our opportunities. This was the maximum result today so I’m pleased.”

Felipe Massa: “It was a very unlucky race for me. My problems started with the collision I had with Hulkenberg after my first stop. I was braking for the corner and he turned his car in on mine, leaving me with nowhere to go, so we hit. This caused a slow puncture on my front-right tyre and the extra pitstop put me back many positions. I then had a gearbox problem. I was changing gears from 2nd to 3rd and was getting neutral. It seemed to resolve itself but it happened again and I had to retire the car. It was one of those races where things just weren’t going my way. We need to concentrate on recovering some of our lost points at the next race.”

Renault and Lotus

29/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: , Leave a comment

Looks like the former has issued a letter of intent to acquire the latter, according to the following statement:

Renault Group and Gravity Motorsports S.a.r.l., an affiliate of Genii Capital SA, are pleased to announce the signature of a Letter of Intent regarding the potential acquisition by Renault of a controlling stake in Lotus F1 Team Ltd.

The signature of this Letter of Intent marks Renault’s first step towards the project of a Renault Formula 1 team from the 2016 racing season thereby extending 38 years of commitment of the brand to world’s premier motorsport championship series.

Renault Group and Gravity will work together in the coming weeks to eventually turn this initial undertaking into a definitive transaction provided all terms and conditions are met between them and other interested parties.

More F1 art in Singapore

16/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: , , , 1 Comment

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I covered some of Mark Dickens’ wonderful art in early 2012 with Formula One art, Interview with Mark Dickens, and Formula One art: Part 2 – The images.

Now Sutton Images tells me Mark is holding his latest exhibition at the MAD Museum of Art and Design tonight in Singapore, 10 Tanglin Road. It’s called Tale of Many Cities.

 

2015-08-25 11.11.38

Singapore GP

16/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: , Leave a comment

This weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix has become a popular stop for the Formula One paddock. It’s a modern-day classic despite its unusual timings as a night race.

Due to the high humidity the drivers lose up to three kilos in sweat during the race, so preparation is vital to maintain concentration amidst the looming street circuit barriers. The race’s susceptibility for safety cars also makes it one of the longest of the season, and it often finishes close to the FIA’s two hour time limit.

Good traction and car stability are vital for a good laptime due to the bumpy nature of the circuit but unlike other street circuits, overtaking is possible.

Digital transformer

15/09/2015 By in Cars Tags: Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz “Concept IAA” (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile)

Mercedes-Benz “Concept IAA” (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automob

 

The Mercedes-Benz “Concept IAA” (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile) is two cars in one: an aerodynamics world champion with a Cd value of 0.19 and a four-door coupé embodying irresistible design. The study, which is celebrating its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, switches automatically from design mode to aerodynamic mode when the vehicle reaches a speed of 80 km/h, whereby numerous aerodynamics measures alter the shape of the vehicle.

Inside, the “Concept IAA” continues the design line of the S-Class and S-Class Coupé, offers new touch-based functions and provides an idea of what the interior of a business saloon might look like in the near future.

At the touch of a button, or automatically on reaching a speed of 80 km/h, the Concept IAA performs a fascinating transformation in which the four-door coupé turns into an aerodynamics world champion: eight segments extend at the rear, increasing its length by up to 390 millimetres; front flaps in the front bumper extend by 25 mm to the front and 20 mm to the rear, improving the air flow around the front end and the front wheel arches; the Active Rims alter their cupping from 55 mm to zero; and the louvre in the front bumper moves 60 mm to the rear, improving the underbody air flow.

Equally, the Concept IAA exemplifies the fundamental technological changes which are taking place in the automobile industry. The primary driving force behind this process of change is digitisation – commonly referred to in a business context as “Industry 4.0”. For Mercedes-Benz, a continuous digital process chain from research and development through production to marketing and sales, logistics and the service area is already becoming reality.

The design and aerodynamic shaping of the Concept IAA would not have been possible without the systematic digital networking of different specialist departments. The designers have employed the latest algorithmic design methods to handle the complex geometric design. The individually adapted software enables dynamic design in three-dimensional space. This dynamic modelling makes it possible to display and model different states simultaneously. The resulting highly complex geometries were turned into reality with the aid of innovative production technologies (rapid prototyping).

 

Mercedes-Benz “Concept IAA” (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile). Die Studie schaltet ab einer Geschwindigkeit von 80 km/h automatisch vom Design-Modus in den Aerodynamik-Modus und verändert durch zahlreiche aktive Aerodynamik-Maßnahmen ihre Gestalt. Das Fahrzeug erreicht dadurch einen cw-Wert von 0,19. The study switches automatically from design mode to aerodynamic mode when the vehicle reaches a speed of 80 km/h, whereby numerous aerodynamics measures alter the shape of the vehicle with a Cd value of 0.19

The study switches automatically from design mode to aerodynamic mode when the vehicle reaches a speed of 80 km/h, whereby numerous aerodynamics measures alter the shape of the vehicle with a Cd value of 0.19

The aerodynamics was developed in parallel with the aid of numeric flow simulation. In around one million CPU hours, the aerodynamics experts from Mercedes-Benz simulated the flow characteristics, calculating some 300 variants. This roughly corresponds to the scope of work involved in developing a production model.

The Concept IAA also offers a look into the future in areas which are not apparent at first glance. The study features Car-to-X technology, for example, which enables the study to communicate with other vehicles or other sources of information. This represents a major advance in helping to avoid accidents, as obstacles or events which are not visible to the vehicle itself can be detected – the Concept IAA is able to look around the corner, as it were. With this and its interior and operating concept, the Concept IAA also offers a foretaste of the business saloon of the near future.

 

The interior: touch-based operating philosophy

The interior: touch-based operating philosophy

Porsche sports car concept: Mission E

14/09/2015 By in Cars Tags: Leave a comment

P15_0783_rgb_a4

 

This is what it might look like – the Porsche of tomorrow. Together with the new 911 Carrera, Porsche is presenting the “Mission E” concept car at the IAA in Frankfurt from 17 to 27 September.

In the Mission E, an entirely new spread is experienced between performance and efficiency – supplemented by a futuristic display and control concept. The joint premiere with the new generation 911 Carrera has symbolic character. The first all-electrically powered four-seat Porsche of the 21st century represents the future of a concept that made the 911 the most successful sports car ever for over 50 years.

The 911 Carrera and Mission E share one clear statement, namely that excellent sporty performance can be combined with maximum efficiency – the traditional Porsche values. In the new generation of the classic 911 Carrera sports car, innovative turbocharged engines stand for these values. The message of the concept car is E performance. This means that even an electrically powered Porsche naturally fulfils all requirements related to performance, range and driving dynamics.

P15_0787_rgb_a4

 

The Mission E concept car shows how Porsche envisions the future of the electric sports car. The design of the four-door car with four seats bears many references to the 911 while revealing the Mission E to be a Porsche at first glance. The passionately designed sports car with all-wheel drive develops a total power of over 600 hp, which can be conver ­ted into typical Porsche driving dynamics.

The driving range of the Mission E is over 500 kilometres, and the 800-volts battery charging system Porsche Turbo Charging reduces charging time to just slightly longer than it takes to fill a car’s fuel tank today. At the quick charge station, it takes just over 15 minutes to provide enough charge for around 80 per cent of the total range.

The new generation 911 Carrera makes its debut at the IAA with new turbocharged engines, optimised chassis and the entirely new Porsche Communication Management system with online navigation. The turbocharged three-litre flat engine in the 911 Carrera has a power output of 370 hp (272 kW). In the 911 Carrera S it even generates 420 hp (309 kW), thanks to such features as modified turbochargers. Also excellent is the significant increase in torque together with an improvement of just around 12 per cent in fuel economy.

The 911 Carrera has a maximum torque of 450 Nm and the 911 Carrera S even has 500 Nm. This torque is available from a low 1,700 rpm over practically the entire engine speed range. At the same time, the new engines with their maximum speed of 7,500 rpm are very free-revving.

 

P15_0785_rgb_a4

Bond – and there’s more…

12/09/2015 By in Cars, Formula One Tags: Leave a comment

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Crickey. I only had to mention Bond and Aston. Now I’ve had my hands smacked and must also say that Jaguar Land Rover has a line-up of vehicles featuring in Spectre. These will include the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and Defender, which have been provided by Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations.

The Jaguar C-X75 will feature in a spectacular car chase sequence through Rome alongside the Aston Martin DB10. The C-X75 vehicles used in filming have been built with the help of the Williams Advanced Engineering facility in Oxfordshire. I’ll wager not many people know that. I certainly didn’t. Well done Williams.

Scenes including the heavily modified versions of Land Rover Defender and Range Rover Sport SVR (filmed in Austria). The Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest and most powerful Land Rover the company has produced with 37in diameter off-road tyres to tackle the extreme terrain. They also feature bespoke suspension systems and enhanced body protection.

Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles have been involved in a succession of Bond films. Most recently, in 2012, the rugged Defender 110 Double Cab Pick Up was driven by field agent Eve Moneypenny in the opening sequence to Skyfall.

Bond Aston update

12/09/2015 By in Cars Tags: , , 1 Comment
DB9 GT Bond Edition Front

Front

DB9 GT Bond Edition Rear

Rear

 

Honestly, things move so fast. I completely forgot to mention that the DB9 GT Bond Edition was released on 2 September with 150 being made.

The 6.0-litre V12-engined grand tourer features special Spectre Silver paint; sterling silver Aston Martin badges front and rear; and discreet ‘007 Bond Edition’ exterior badging.

These features build on the styling of the DB9 GT which includes 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned 20in alloy wheels; bright aluminium bonnet vents, side strakes and grille; carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, and grey brake calipers.

Inside, the DB9 GT Bond Edition continues its subtle homage to James Bond with unique numbered sill plaques featuring the familiar 007 logo; gun barrel embroidery on the 2+2’s rear seat divider and a special Bond Edition start-up screen on the new model’s AMi II touch-sensitive Aston Martin infotainment system.

These embellishments add to the car’s already luxurious interior environment which includes unique fluted leather; an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a satin carbon fibre centre console surround.

The DB9 GT Bond Edition’s 6.0-litre V12 engine is capable of generating 547 PS at 6750 rpm, and 620 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm.

The all-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve 5,935 cc front mid-mounted V12 is mated to the proven rear mid-mounted Touchtronic II six-speed transmission with electronic shift-by-wire control system. It carries the car from rest to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 183 mph, no doubt with Her Majesty’s constabulary trying to keep up.

There’s an all-round independent double wishbone suspension while the three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) offers distinct Normal, Sport and Track modes for the broadest possible breadth of dynamic characteristics.

I won’t witter on about the accessories. You need to get inside one and experience it. The new DB9 GT Bond Edition costs £165,000.

 

 

DB9 GT Bond Edition Sill Plaque

Sill plaque

DB9 GT Bond Edition Stitch Detail

Stitch detail

DB9GT Luggage Detail

Luggage… obviously

James Bond’s Aston out soon

12/09/2015 By in Cars Tags: , Leave a comment

78196ast

 

Not long now until we see Bond’s Aston Martin DB10 in Spectre.

On this occasion, it will be a model developed specifically for the film and built in-house by the brand’s design and engineering teams. Led by Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, the design team worked closely with the film’s director, Sam Mendes, to create ‘the ultimate car’.

Celebrating the great British brand’s half century with Bond, which started with the iconic DB5, the DB10 gives a glimpse to the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins.

Says Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin CEO: “In the same year that we celebrate our 50-year relationship with 007, it seems doubly fitting that we have a wonderful new sports car created especially for James Bond.”

Production will be strictly limited to 10 of the bespoke sports cars, developed and built at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters.

Spectre is due for general release on 6 November.

Tribute to Bruce McLaren at Goodwood Revival

12/09/2015 By in Formula One Tags: , , , , Leave a comment
Photo: Drew Gibson

Photo: Drew Gibson

 

“Bruce McLaren was a talented engineer and a world class racing driver,” observed Lord March at the start of his tribute to the great New Zealander, the Goodwood Revival this weekend celebrating 50 years of the McLaren marque. “He was highly-skilled, meticulous and always fun.”

An evocative collection of cars associated with McLaren’s career lapped the Goodwood Motor Circuit today, recalling a career that encompassed four grands prix wins as well as victory in the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours.

The sports racers that carried his name dominated the Can-Am series and an example of these was included in a line-up that ranged from Formula One Cooper-Climax to the Aston Martin Projects 212 and 214; Ford GT40 to McLaren’s own prototype road car, the M6GT.

Bruce’s daughter Amanda and sister Jan joined a host of the great man’s friends and colleagues on the grid, such as McLaren designer Gordon Coppuck and forthright team manager Alastair Caldwell. It was a fitting tribute to one of the sport’s most significant figures.

Saturday also featured a full programme of seven races with part one of the St Mary’s Trophy, for 1960s saloons, one of the most frenetic ever witnessed at a Goodwood Revival.

Nine times Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen blasted through the field from the back of the grid in his Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt to overtake a hectic three-way battle that had been trading places for the lead. The most evocative race of the day must, though, have been the Lavant Cup that, this year, was held for drum-braked Ferrari sports prototypes of the 1950s and which was won by James Cottingham’s 500 TRC from 1957.

The Goodwood Revival is not, though, just about racing and another feature of today was the Bonhams Auction. The highlight was the sale of ‘Blue Lena’, the Bentley S3 Continental Flying Sports Spur Saloon of Keith Richards, which was bought for £763,100, this being the car, named after singer Lena Horne, that carried the Rolling Stones’ guitarist on many a journey.

 

 

Lavant Cup start featured an amazing grid. Photo: Drew Gibson

Lavant Cup start featured an amazing grid. Photo: Drew Gibson