promotor issue 3

March 2009 - Issue 03

ProMotorProMotoryour FREE environmentally friendly motoring magazine

GTIIS BACK!

<SUZUKI <SUBARUSWIFT SPORT FORESTER DIESEL

This weeks Motorsport News - Adenco 400 // Jon Williams tests EVO X // Audi wins at Sebring // F1 Australia Preivew // Glock on two wheels // Kya-lami Preview Charl Wilken worries Top S2000 Teams // Visser du Plessis Speaks // Castrol Toyota Rally Team News // Gronholm’s Subaru Ready to GO!

FREEMagazine

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10

0614

08

04WET PAINTCaparo T1Audi A6

REGULARS

LEGENDS

FEATURES

NEW DAWN16

Here is the latest hot hatch: it is ready for world domination!

SUBARU FORESTER

VOlKSWAGEN GOLF GTI

BARNARD 101A Le Mans prototype racer for the road? Designed in Bloemfontein? YES, YES, YES!

ProMotorEditors Evan Rothman [email protected] 083 452 6892Anton Wannenburg [email protected] 082 929 6120

Todt bids farewell to Ferrari

Who’s the boss: Triple Performance Shootout

BREAKING NEWSGauteng Motorsport Company announces Partnership with BMW Sauber F1 Team....

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2009 CAR OF THE YEAR WINNERHONDA ACCORD

Lategan joins Castrol ToyotaRally Chicks Up A Gear

Gemmelwins Natal

RallyThe

“LOEB SHOW”

Brawn GP Leads

Testing

www.promotor.co.za March 2009 - Issue 02

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KIND THANKS TO CONTRIBUTORS:MotorpicsHANDBRAKES & HAIRPINSNewspress

SPORT18 It is now available with an impressive diesel powerplant in Europe, and it is coming here!

08 SUZUKI SWIFT SPORTA proper fast little car, the Swift Sport is going to mix it with the bigger boys!

HandbrakesHairpins

your insight into the world of rallying&

HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS. Your FREE source of all things rallying: the latest news from around the world; award-winning photography; insightful columnists; in-depth feature articles; and, all event previews and reviews.

HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS is a weekly e-magazine. Distributed via e-mail and available for download from several websites, this fast-growing publication is created as a .PDF document for easy distribution and high-quality resolution.

Contact Evan Rothman at 083 452 6892 or via [email protected] for your FREE subscription.

FASTER AND

SHARPER:

VOLKSWAGEN’S NEW

GOLF GTI!

ProMotor Issue 02 - Page 04

FEATURE04:Volkswagen Golf GTI/06:Barnard Hypercar/08:Subaru Forester/10:Suzuki Swift Sport/

FASTER AND

SHARPER:

VOLKSWAGEN’S NEW

GOLF GTI!

FEATURE


The bad boy is back, and is ready to settle a few scores… After almost 36 years to the very day since a small group of German motoring engineers started work on the first prototype GTI, the latest evolution and sixth generation of the original hot hatch is now available in Europe. May I introduce to you the Volkswagen Golf GTI!WORDS: EVAN ROTHMAN

Those engineers identified, and concentrated on, three elements that they believed would define the original GTI: sharp dynamics, a responsive four-cylinder engine and driver involvement. With the precision and perfection of a surgical operation, the Mk 1 GTI was hailed the world over for exactly those elements.

Over the succeeding generations of Golf GTI, those elements became a philosophy at Volkswagen. It evolved into the Mk V Golf GTI that was faster, sharper and more powerful than any standard GTI before it. The GTI aficionados were once again proud to don their GTI caps and shirts and write a cheque with their GTI-badged pens to their Volkswagen dealer for the Mk V.

Well, now the same can be said of the Mk VI: it is faster, sharper and more powerful than any standard GTI before it! And to boot, this latest generation’s day-to-day usability has not been forgotten as it is cleaner, safer and more efficient than ever before.

Renowned for its sharp handling, the Golf V set the bar high for the Golf VI GTI. Thanks to unique springs and dampers linked to a ride height that has been lowered by 22mm at the front and 15mm at the rear and featuring a strut-type front and a multi-link rear suspension with new anti-roll bars, the new GTI provides even sharper responses. To further boost its driving dynamics, Volkswagen’s Adaptive Chassis Control system (ACC) is installed on the Golf VI GTI. This clever system allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response setting for any driving mood.

The heart of this new GTI is its advanced 2,0-

THE ORIGINAL HOT HATCH RETURNS TO RETAKE ITS CROWN: VOLKSWAGEN’S GOLF GTI SMOKES!

litre TSI power plant under the hood. As usual, it is available linked to either a six-speed manual gearbox (my favourite) or the acclaimed DSG gearbox. This 1 984cc engine is fundamentally the same as the previous GTI unit, but here it features substantial changes including modifications to its pistons and piston rings, an improved oil pump, a new induction system and a high-pressure fuel pump.

With a heady 154kW of power on tap between 5 300 and 6 200rpm, the Mk VI GTI is able to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 6,9 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 238km/h.

Despite the increase in power output, the new GTI benefits from greater traction in all conditions. This is a result of a new standard XDS electronically-controlled differential. It works through a series of sensors that detect,

for instance, when cornering hard and the inside wheel is not sufficiently loaded, it applies braking pressure via the ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) to restore optimum traction. What this means is less wheelspin and greater control over demanding roads. Perfect!

To distinguish the mighty GTI from its stablemates, it features subtle cosmetic enhancements. The new GTI wears an aggressive front bumper that houses a deep honeycomb air dam framed by vertical fog lights that proudly bears the iconic GTI badge.

As with the rest of the Golf VI models, the designers have made the most of the horizontal lines to accentuate that the car appears lower and wider than it actually is.

The latest trend in hot hatches is a rear diffuser. On the GTI this is not an afterthought, but an aerodynamics aid. The diffuser is located between the exhaust system with its separated tailpipes (two on each side, a la Scirocco), while a rear wing sits finishes off the GTI treatment.

This new GTI is going to be all that it promises, and more. It has already wowed media in Europe, and are saying that it has yet again redefined the hot hatch standard!


FEATURE

IMAGES: Motorpics

FEATURE


Yet another reason to be proudly South African has made recent headlines. Set to stun the motoring world, a prototype hypercar has been designed and developed in Bloemfontein, WRITES EVAN ROTHMAN.

The Barnard 101 is a high performance sports car resembles a Le Mans prototype racer and is designed to provide “exhilarating road performance along with the ability to be used on track days”.

This is no motor show concept; this is the real deal... Engien power has been sourced from Porsche, and employs a twin-turbo V8 engine pushing out approximately 460kW of power. The estimated top speed is over 300km/h, as you’d imagine...

Stripped out and bare, the inside is an exercise in minimalism. The instrument panel stretches across the whole centre console with analog gauges and dials. With this car, there are no electronic devices to dilute your pure driving experience.

The exterior is aggressive, as you’d come to think of a Le Mans prototype racer. A big rear wing and massive wheel arch flairs dominate your vision, as does the impossibly low ground clearance of this aero-cheating ultimate street racer. A super sleek profile follows from the function-over-form design philosophy, while the car’s nose is very, very intimidating... Imagine seeing this machine in your rearview mirror while driving along the highway!

What will you pay for the experience of owning this incredible piece of machinery? Price is “from R1.1-million.”

If you’d too like to see it in person, head to Automechanika this weekend, where this car will be on display showcasing South African automotive design and innovation.

SOUTH AFRICA’S OWN HYPERCAR UNVEILED!

The world’s first boxer diesel engine in a passenger car has attracted rave reviews from my European counterparts. Their highlights of this new diesel engine are its smoothness, refinement, petrol-like throttle response and torquey power delivery. With over 40 years of boxer engine technology and know-how, Subaru has successfully applied this philosophy to their diesel engine, WRITES EVAN ROTHMAN.

Subaru’s 2,0-litre, fou-cylinder, horizontally-

opposed turbo-diesel motor is lightweight, compact and even lowers the car’s centre of gravity more than its petrol siblings. Simply put, this is the engine everyone’s been waiting for!

Launched in South Africa last year the third generation Forester has increased its size to more traditional SUV dimensions, but retains its Subaru-like driving dynamics. Based on the new hatchback Impreza platform, the Forester features a new multi-link rear suspension and Subaru

FEATURE


SUBARU’S FORESTER NOW EVEN BETTER!

Vehicle Dynamics Control. With its 215mm of ground clearance, symmetrical all-wheel drive and self-levelling rear suspension, clean and chiselled styling, hawk-eye headlights and aggressive bumpers, and soon to feature a diesel engine the Forester is now even further ahead of its class competitors!

Mated to a six speed manual gearbox the 2,0-litre boxer diesel engine is impressive, to say the least. Offering 108kW of power at 3 600rpm and 350Nm

of torque from 1 800rpm, it produces interesting statistics: 0-100km/h takes only 10 seconds, has a top speed of 180-plus km/h and effortlessly achieves a combined fuel economy figure of only 6,3 litres/100km!

This is the Subaru Forester diesel, and it will set the South African motoring market alight soon…

FEATURE


Confidence and Excitement. These two elements are in abundance in the flagship model of Suzuki’s Swift range, the Swift Sport. Offering a thrilling driving experience in a highly practical yet stylish package, this supermini (with emphasis on the ‘super’) is the fruit of the company’s motorsport programmes: the new Sift Sport blends a sports-tuned chassis with a Junior World Rally Championship-honed high-revving 1,6-litre VVT engine.WORDS: EVAN ROTHMAN

Its city car dimensions means this Swift model inspires excitement and confidence (there are those two elements, once more) when tackling back roads with verve. It is squat, low to the ground and its stiff chassis produces direct responses that encourages spirited driving and rewards drivers with an ear-to-ear grin.

This is by no means a Swift with a “Sport” badge tacked onto the rear; its performance is a result of components tuned exclusively for this model. The variable valve timing optimises the engine’s efficiency to create quicker acceleration; high-lift intake and exhaust cams boost the engine’s performance further at high revs; an electronic throttle produces closer and more direct control; the intake manifold has been widened and polished to enhance the incoming airflow for higher power output; pistons are warm-forged for greater strength and oil jet-cooled to enhance durability; and, a high capacity exhaust system boosts efficiency and adds a sporty sound to the car’s character. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox (with an uprated clutch), these tuned components make for a seriously sporty drive!

Under the red-coloured bonnet breathes a 1,6-litre VVT engine. Delivering an impressive 92kW of power

at 6 800rpm and 148Nm of torque from 4 800rpm, the Suzuki Swift Sport can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in a brisk 8,9 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 198km/h, all the while offering a 7,5 litres/100km fuel economy index!

To distinguish this flagship model from its siblings, the Suzuki engineers fitted the car with a deeper front bumper (with a distinctive lower grille), redesigned the rear bumper and lights and flared the wheel arches even more. The rounded headlights and the curved bonnet adds to the squat and low stance of the car, making it appear even more aggressive than before. The exclusive 17-inch wheels, fitted with low-profile rubber, further accentuates this appeal. Its side profile is dominated by the one-wheel-at-a-corner philosophy that works so very well on fast superminis, while the three-door body-type adds a sexy look to the car. The honeycomb detailing of the front grille is carried towards the rear bumper, and it adds an even more racy feel to the car’s design.

Apart from the body-hugging bucket seats and leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheels was the rev counter that started at the six o’ clock position, a la superbike fashion!

Arriving on our shores later this year, you can be rest assured that this Swift Sport will be as exciting as it promises… I’m saving up so I can park one of these on my drive!

SWIFT IN NAME,SWIFT IN NATURE!

FEATURE

ProMotor Issue 03 -

FEATURE

ProMotor Issue 03 -

WET PAINT12: Caparo T1/13: Audi A6/

Caparo T1, the fastest performance supercar from exotic supercar slayers Caparo Vehicle Technologies, is now available in its new Race Extreme version.

Aimed specifically at the high-end of the fast growing track day market, this latest Caparo boasts the car’s utmost race specification and si set to deliver the ultimate driving experience.

Originally inspired in its design and performance by Formula One, the Caparo T1 is distinctive in that it features an all-aluminium, normally aspirated, fuel-injected Caparo V8 engine that pumps out 462kW of power at 10 500rpm.

Whet your appetite for more specs on this

phenomenal machine? It races from 0-100km/h in only 2,8 seconds, hits 160km/h in 5,8 and nails an easy 332km/h top speed. All is not surprising when you read that it weighs a slim 550kgs.

The Caparo T1 Race Extreme Version also includes a fully adjustable suspension and aerodynamic pack, and lightweight 6-pot front and 4-pot rear monoblock billit-machined aluminium callipers with titanium pistons and 355mm ceramic discs and pads. The car’s electronics package has also been uprated, to enusre a fully configurable ECU for maximum performance from the engine and six-speed sequential gearbox.

This is going to make for a stellar drive!

ProMotor Issue 03 -

WORDS: EVAN ROTHMAN

Lightning Strike!

ProMotor Issue 03 -

WET PAINT

Audi’s majestic A6 luxury sedan range has undergone a significant upgrade. Aimed at enhancing the appeal of the sleek, high-tech sedan on all fronts, the updates include visual enhancements, the introduction of three new powerplants, refinements to the chassis and suspension, and an even more comfortable, user-friendly interior. In addition, an overall emphasis on greater operating efficiency has reduced fuel consumption across the range by up to 15%. The new A6 line-up consists of six models, including the adrenalin-pumping RS6 – Audi’s most powerful series production car and arguably one of the world’s most powerful sedans. Drivetrain choices include four petrol and two turbodiesel engines, while there is an equal split between front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive versions. The suspension has been reworked to provide

a satisfying compromise between taut, sporty reactions and cosseting driving comfort. A more precise steering action adds further driver satisfaction. Externally, the design emphasis has shifted to a sportier, more athletic presence, in line with the car’s considerable dynamic talents. Inside, a closer focus on quality materials has created an ambience of well-being in the spacious cabin, while driver ergonomics have been enhanced, too. Comprehensive specification levels across the board now ensure that even the most affordable A6 provides a luxurious motoring experience. Prices: A6 2.0 TFSI multitronic - R 372 500.00 A6 2.7 TDI multitronic - R 462 500.00 A6 2.8 FSI multitronic - R 467 500.00 A6 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic - R 555 500.00 A6 3.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic - R 571 000.00 RS6 5.0 V10 quattro tiptronic - R1 069 000.00

All-conquering Audi A6 gets reworked!

IMAGES: Motorpics

“small, light-weight mid-engined racers that would offer superior handling”

ProMotor Issue 03 -

LEGENDS14: Colin Chapman/

This influential British designer, inventor and builder of all things automotive founded Lotus Cars to become a true innovator.

Initially running Lotus Cars in his spare time with a group of enthusiasts, he grew his list of products from a single car, to offering limited bolt-on kits, complete kit cars to racing cars.

Colin Chapman is probably most famous for his iconic 1957 Lotus 7 design, a car that is still produced today by Caterham Cars in Britain. Spawning over 90 variations, this car is renowned for its agile handling, power-to-weight ratio and driving balance.

Working his way through the junior motorsport formulae, he reached the pinnacle of the sport, Formula One. Together with John Cooper, he truly revolutionised the sport!

Under his direction, Team Lotus won a total of SEVEN F1 Constructors titles, six Drivers’ Championships, and the famous Indianapolis 500, between 1962 and 1978.

His recipe for success was simple: create small, lightweight mid-engined racers that would offer superior handling and outstanding power-to-weight ratios. His philosophy was quickly adopted by the rest of the F1 teams after Team

Lotus dominated Grands Prix.

Not only was Chapman a great team boss, but his biggest contribution to the sport came as a result of his engineering talents.

He pioneered the use of struts as a rear suspension device, he designed the first ever monocque chassis that is still the basis of F1 cars and other top-level single-seater racing cars today, he was first to make use of composite materials in the construction of his cars and racers, came up with the design of front and rear wings on F1 cars, pioneered the “ground effects” aerodynamics technology and also the first to design and use active suspension in F1 cars - in 1982!

Chapman’s influence and inspiration for his F1 and automotive engineering technologies came from his love of flying. He was an ace pilot, and was even offered a seat in the RAF but declined on the offer to follow his passion for car racing.The motoring world is thankful for this decision!

He died on 16 December 1982 from a heart attack at the age of 54. One can only imagine what more he would have achieved had he lived longer...

A man such as Colin Chapman we will not see again.

WORDS: EVAN ROTHMAN

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NEW DAWN16: THINK car/17: FIAT eco Test Drives/

changing the way we thinkEuropean electric vehicle manufacturer Think has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deliver up to 500 TH!NK city electric-powered vehicles this year to ElmoNet, a subsidiary of Mobility Service Netherlands.

With the Dutch Parliament calling for the rapid introduction of EVs (electric vehicles), the Minister of Transport, Mr. Camiel Eurlings, earlier this year announced a fund of 10 million Euros to be made available to support the large scale, early introduction of electric mobility.

“Ambitious visions and concrete measures are required to make the Netherlands the most important experimental garden for electric mobility” says Marjan Minnesma, Director of Urgenda. Urgenda is an active foundation that aims to transform the Netherlands into a model for sustainable development.

Richard Waitz, Think’s Sales Director, is very optimistic about the rapidly growing opportunities in the Dutch market, and welcomed this initiative by the Dutch Parliament. “The shift to zero emission clean technology vehicles is a paradigm shift, where Government support is creating an

important basis for the first larger scale fleet applications” says Waitz. “Think is moving quickly to take advantage of these programs in the Netherlands and all across Europe”.

TH!NK city is a modern, two seater urban car which has a top speed of 100 km/h. It accelerates from zero to 50 km/h in just 6.5 seconds and 80 km/h in 16 seconds. With zero local emissions and an energy efficiency three times that of a traditional combustion engine car, it is a car for the environment. It can travel for 180 km in city driving on a fully charged battery. The Cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam have already expressed keen interest to introduce the TH!NK city electric car in their regions. Think delivered the first TH!NK city EVs to ElmoNet in February, and will continue to deliver vehicles according to the MOU in 2009.

This bold move by the Dutch government has paved the way for other European countries to follow suit. For environmental-friendliness, this is a major step in the right direction for sustainability and eco-conscienceness awareness.

NEW DAWN

ProMotor Issue 03 -

Supermodel Jodie Kidd became the first person in the UK to take a Fiat ‘eco’ test drive in a new initiative designed to highlight the benefits of environmentally-friendly motoring.

The six foot two inch tall Jodie used a new Fiat 500 city car to take her eco:test at the start of the new programme, which is being piloted through 10 Fiat dealerships in the Greater London area. If successful, it could be rolled out across the UK.

Under the initiative, every customer who visits a participating Fiat dealer will be offered the chance to take an eco test drive. It’s similar to a standard test drive of a new car, but it also measures drivers’ performance in terms of the environment.

“The Fiat 500 is a lovely car,” said Jodie Kidd. “And eco:Drive technology is absolutely right for the moment. People should be thinking more about their driving and the environment – it’s a great idea.”

The test uses eco:Drive, Fiat’s unique technology employing the widely acclaimed Blue&Me entertainment and communications system. Plugging a USB key into the Blue& Me port allows eco:Drive to record information about your

driving style. Inserting the USB into a computer then shows how you performed and how you can become a more efficient driver.

The system analyses driving techniques and awards marks out of 100, providing a score on an eco:Index. This shows how efficiently you have driven based on acceleration, deceleration, gear changes, and speed. Step-by-step tutorials then help you improve the score, showing you how to perfect your driving.

“Test drives are, for some, questionable from an environmental perspective, yet everyone wants to test a car before they buy to make sure they like it,” said Elena Bernardelli, marketing director Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “Our test drive allows them to test the car, ascertains how they drive in environmental terms and gives them tips on improving, regardless of whether they buy from us or not.”

Meanwhile, the Fiat Bravo is now eco:Drive enabled, giving the stylish family hatchback the same capability as the 500 and Grande Punto. During 2009 the system will be extended to all Fiat models which feature Blue&Me.

New eco plan from Fiat

18:Adenco 400 Review/20:jon Williams in PWRC/21:Audi wins at Sebring/22:Glock rocks on two wheels/23:A1GP News/24:Kyalami racing preview/28:F1 Australia preview/30:Wilken rally news/31: Visser du Plessis column/32:Castrol Toyota Rally Team news/33:Gronholm’s Prodrive Subaru/

ProMotor Issue 03 -

SPORT

Nissan Motorsport got the new Absa Off Road Car Championship off to the almost perfect start when the team’s three Donaldson Nissan Navara pickups finished first, second and fourth in the production vehicle category in round one in the Western Cape on Saturday.

Winner of the event, now called the Adenco 400 after many years as the Nissan Dealer 400, for the second year in succession was reigning champion Duncan Vos and co-driver Ralph Pitchford. They completed the 400-km route in the Darling and Mamre areas in a time of 5h 54m 9s and crossed under the familiar red Absa finish arch in Darling a slim 41 seconds ahead of team-mates Hannes Grobler and Juan Mohr.

Norwegian Ivar Erik Tollefsen and Briton Quin Evans, in the third red and blue Donaldson Nissan Navara, were lying a comfortable third with just 30 km to go when they were forced to stop and change a flat wheel. They were overtaken by Chris Visser and Japie Badenhorst (Toyota Hilux) just as they were refastening their seat belts and finished fourth in their dust, just 24 seconds in arrears.

“We took a wrong turn shortly before we had the puncture when we were about two and a half minutes ahead of Chris,” said Tollefsen, who finished fourth in the Dakar Rally in January in his Nissan Navara. “Had it not been for this, we would have had enough time to change the wheel and get going again before Chris caught us.

Nissan dominates in Adenco 400!

IMAGES: Motorpics

SPORT

ProMotor Issue 03 -

“I can’t complain, though, that’s off road racing. I drove well today and Quin and I are happy with our result. It’s a good start to the season.”

Vos, who gave Nissan its 52nd win in 65 events since the Pretoria-based manufacturer entered national championship off road racing in 2001, described the event as one of the toughest he’d raced “The route was very rough and good navigating was critical. I was lucky to have Ralph next to me today. We had no problems whatsoever and just concentrated on keeping out of trouble. Hannes put pressure on us all the way – every time we looked, he was right behind us!”

Leeroy Poulter, former national production car champion and a world karting champion, had an impressive off road racing debut in a class E Nissan Hardbody prepared by Nissan Motorsport. The track racing star, partnered by Nissan Motorsport’s Rob Howie, led his class during Saturday’s first loop before the halfway service point, until a tie-rod end broke. “We stopped to fix it and lost a few minutes,” said Poulter. He and Howie were second into the service point, just seconds behind Deon Venter and Ian Palmer in a Toyota Hilux, winners of last year’s Limpopo 400.

“We were stuck behind Deon as we started the second loop as the dust was so bad you couldn’t see a thing and overtaking was a dangerous manoeuvre. Then, when we were about 20 km into the loop, the engine went. It turned out that an engine mounting had broken and punctured the oil filter.

“This was a real eye-opener for me. It was a tough baptism into off road racing, but I really enjoyed myself and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and learning how to drive fast in the dirt,” said Poulter.

Glyn Hall, general manager of Nissan Motorsport: “This was the almost the perfect way to start the season. For a while it looked like we’d get a Nissan 1-2-3 and Ivar and Quin were very unlucky to get a puncture at a critical stage. Leeroy’s debut was very impressive. If he carries on like

that, he can look forward to a great career in off road racing.”

Nissan privateers Terence Marsh and Pieter Groenewald had a successful debut in the

production category in their ex-Nissan Motorsport Navara, finishing a creditable sixth overall and in class SP in their Regent Racing pickup.

Not so fortunate were Coetzee Labuscagne and Johan Gerber in the Raysonics Nissan Hardbody. The class D winners in last year’s event, they broke a conrod 20 km into Friday’s 70-km prologue and were unable to start Saturday’s race.

Thanks to their 1, 2, 4 result, Nissan won the manufacturers’ award for the event and celebrated the team’s fourth successive win in the season-opener (Grobler won in 2006 and 2007).

Excitement and anticipation occupied Jon on the flight from Cape Town to London. He was meeting his new co-driver, George Gwynn, for the first time and then he was off to the Pirelli Star Driver training camp.

After quickly settling in it was off to meet rally legend, Nicky Grist. Nicky helped the boys and offered insight into what they should expect. It was a great honour to be able to meet with co-driver of world champion, the late Colin McRae.

Two days later Jon and George were off to Scotland to attend the Pirelli Star Driver training camp at Edinburgh University. The program was put together by ESP and headed up by world champion co-driver Robert Reid.

Here Jon and George met their fellow competitors in the Pirelli Star Driver competition for the first time. It was like going back to school… only more intensive. The program was definitely a no-nonsense affair and it tested the students to the maximum in an effort to prepare them for the world stage of WRC. Both physical and mental training were covered, as well as nutrition, PR, psychology and management. All Jon’s work and sweat paid off as he was the fittest of the group.The whole group then jumped onto a Ryanair flight to Italy where they would be introduced to the EVO X for the first time. They arrived at

a beautiful farm just outside Pisa ready to learn about their new steeds. After a debrief with the team and Phil Short, the five crews went out to recce the 2.5-kilometre test road. They were permitted two recce runs, in keeping with WRC regulations. After that, the crews then drove 25 kilometres each (10 runs at the stage) on Friday afternoon and the same on Saturday morning. Following the first of their two test sessions, the drivers all went into a debriefing session with the two Ralliart Italia engineers who will accompany the entire programme for this season. The professionalism of the team made a huge impression on William.

“It was great working alongside these guys” Jon was happy with his first days test and considers it one of his toughest challenges yet. “Having never driven an N4 before I had to learn a lot ..and quickly. The car is different but awesome.” The second day was even better and Jon was on the pace and faster. “I was very happy with my speed and Georges notes where great. We are gelling well.”

“A special thanks to Phil and Robert, as well as the RalliArt crew and especially Pirelli. I am looking forward to Portugal.”

SPORTSPORT

WRC beckons for South Africa’s young rallying star

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The Audi R15 TDI has defeated its competition in its debut race: Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland) achieved a historic victory in the 12 Hours at Sebring (US state of Florida) with the new diesel-powered sports car from AUDI AG. The Audi drivers completed 383 laps – beating the previous distance record by an impressive 13 laps. In the fastest ever Sebring race, Audi Sport Team Joest’s pair of Audi R15 TDI prototypes ran the entire distance without technical problems despite the innovative Le Mans prototype having only completed its maiden run in December. Bad weather had hampered Audi Sport’s test program and temperatures never exceeded 15 degrees during the tests in Europe. At Sebring, the Audi crew faced ambient temperatures almost double that and worked day and night to learn more about the new diesel sports car and to adapt it to the extremely bumpy race track in the centre of Florida. They were able to solve all minor teething problems which arose just in time for the race day. In the race the new Audi R15 TDI proved fast from the very beginning: Allan McNish outpaced the pole sitting Acura/Honda at the start completing the first lap with more than five seconds advantage. Later, however, it was not the Acura/Hondas which were the cars to beat but the two Peugeot 908s. The lead swapped no fewer than twelve times among the diesel-powered prototypes from Audi and Peugeot. Over long periods of the race, the four leading prototypes were covered by just a few tenths of a second. In the exciting final stages of the race Allan McNish was able to fully exploit the optimized weight distribution and the sophisticated aerodynamics of the new R15 TDI compared to its predecessor, the R10 TDI. He was able to open such a big lead that he was able to stop for a ‘splash-and-dash’ just before the end of the race without losing the lead. He eventually crossed the finish line 22.279 seconds in front of the second placed Peugeot. It was the ninth overall victory for the Audi brand at Sebring continuing an impressive series: After the Audi R8 (2000) and the Audi R10 TDI (2006) a new Le Mans prototype from Audi drove to victory in its debut race at Sebring for the third time. Tom Kristensen scored his fifth victory in the US endurance classic becoming the most successful driver in the history of the race. Dindo Capello won at Sebring for a fourth time with Allan McNish chalking up his third victory. The Audi success at Sebring was completed by

the three Germans Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller and Marco Werner finishing third at the wheel of the second Audi R15 TDI. Luhr and Rockenfeller had to complete almost the whole race on their own after Marco Werner had to be sidelined due to a rib injury. They kept contact with the leading sister car for a long time. Only in the final stages did they dropped back due to extreme pick-up on the front right tyre which forced Lucas Luhr to pit an extra time just before the end of the race. It was the only unscheduled pit stop of the day for Audi Sport Team Joest. The Audi R15 TDI was not only the most reliable and fastest prototype on its debut but also the most efficient: Audi celebrated a clear 1-2 victory in the so called “Michelin Green X Challenge” in which the fuel consumption is measured in relation to the performance. For Audi, the 12 Hours of Sebring was a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in which a total of three new R15 TDI prototypes will compete. An intensive test program is scheduled for Audi Sport Team Joest leading to the race in June. Quotes after the race at Sebring Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “This is a great result for a brand new car which came to Sebring with less mileage under its wheels than we had planned. We’ve seen not only the fastest 12-hour race in Sebring history, but also one of the most exciting with so many lead changes and a very tight battle between Audi and Peugeot – and this in the 100th ALMS race since 1999. I can remember that four cars have been setting almost identical lap times at Sebring for such a long time. Little things have been decisive in the end. It’s a shame that our second car, which was also running at the front for most of the race, lost some time at the end. I’m very happy with the debut of our new Audi R15 TDI and I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who made this success possible.” - CREDIT: Audi South Africa

Audi wins at Sebring!

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Panasonic Toyota Racing driver Timo Glock has experienced a unique view of Melbourne in the lead-up to this Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix by driving a Toyota Hilux on two wheels. Glock spent the day at Calder Park Raceway north of Melbourne where he learnt the secrets of stunt driving from the renowned Toyota V6 Hilux Heroes stunt driving team. The team, which performs nationally at leading metro, regional and rural shows in slightly modified versions of the 4x2 V6-powered Toyota Hilux, is made up of Australia’s leading professional drivers. Glock was tutored by Guinness World Record holder, Lawrence ‘The Legend’ Ryan, and the team’s lead driver Jack Monkhouse, who showed off the finer points of two-wheel driving before unleashing the F1 pilot behind the wheel. The 27-year-old German was fearless in his approach. Using the determination that took him to second place in last season’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Glock mastered the extremely difficult trick at just his third attempt. The Toyota F1 pilot then repeated the feat a number of times - piloting the near-standard Hilux a staggering 60 metres on two wheels on his final run. He then moved on to doughnuts and formation

driving where he entertained a large group of invited media with his prowess behind the wheel. Despite adapting quickly to the driving technique required to perform the tricks, the man who finished 10th last year in his first full season of Formula 1 has his eyes firmly fixed on this weekend’s season-opening race. “This was a lot of fun,” Glock said of his stunt driving cameo. “Although, I think it would be a little hard to drive a Formula 1 car on two wheels.” Glock believes the team can succeed if it transfers its testing pace to the races. “We did strong development in the latter half of last season and my dream was to take this development curve over into 2009. It looks like we have done this with the pace the car has had from the beginning,” Glock said. “In all conditions the car looks strong. But testing is different to racing, so we have to see how the car performs in qualifying, but my perfect dream would be to win the first race of the season.” Glock topped the time sheets twice during the final pre-season test in the team’s new TF109 race car, proving both he and the team will be a threat at Albert Park this weekend.

Glock rocks on two wheels!

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With A1GP World Cup of Motorsport now back in Europe, teams are looking forward to the next event, A1GP Algarve, Portugal, 10 – 12 April 2009.

A1GP is heading to Portugal for only the second time in its history and for the first time to the brand new Autódromo Internacional do Algarve circuit. With several teams, including A1 Teams Switzerland, Ireland, Netherlands and the home team A1 Team Portugal, all battling for the championship and to win the prized World Cup of Motorsport trophy, the event promises to be one of the most memorable of the season.

Ahead of A1GP Brands Hatch, Great Britain, 1 – 3 May, fans can now keep up to date with the latest information through a dedicated A1GP Brands Hatch mini-site, www.a1gpbrandshatch.com, which was launched last week. The new website features the latest news, images and videos on the 2008/09 A1GP season, as well as information on the upcoming Brands Hatch event.

A1 Team Malaysia joined one of its partners, The Otomotif College (TOC), last weekend at the Facon Education Fair held at the KL Convention Centre. The Otomotif College is an established training institution specialised in automotive education and skills training for the retail automotive sector. The fair is aimed at encouraging post secondary students to consider the college options available to them and A1 Team Malaysia were keen to be involved to help attract a new generation of talent to the automotive industry. The A1 Team Malaysia simulator was one of the main attractions on the TOC stand, drawing in prospective students to learn more about the offering of the college and having nearly 200 people put their skills to the test in the virtual A1GP race car. A1 Team Malaysia driver, Aaron Lim, also visited the stand, spending time meeting fans and signing autographs.

Higher Education Ministry Director general Datuk Professor Radin Umar Radin Sohadi did not miss a chance to try the simulator and commented about the fair, “Although our country is facing an economic slowdown and there are many

unemployed graduates, students should still take tertiary education seriously and acquire the right attributes in order to be marketable later on.”A1 Team Malaysia driver Aaron Lim was on hand to guide and tutor the budding race drivers on the simulator and he commented after the event, “The Facon Education fair is a great environment for students to be able to look at the options for the next step in their career ladders. The A1 Team Malaysia simulator was a real crowd puller to the TOC stand and it was great to be able to chat with students who are interested in the automotive sector and motorsport.

“As a long term partner to the Malaysian A1GP team, we know first hand how the TOC can assist young students with their career goals. The students who study at the TOC could potentially make the transition into Malaysian motorsports in the future and grow into race series such as A1GP.”

Looking ahead to Season Five, the SuperGP on Australia’s Gold Coast has

been strengthened by the announcement of a new three-year naming rights partnership with the Nitro energy drink brand.

Nitro Energy Drink is an Australian-owned product with its national headquarters on the Gold Coast. Nitro Energy Drink Joint MD Matt Nielsen and Nitro SuperGP chairman Terry Mackenroth officially confirmed the partnership last week. “I think, like the Nitro SuperGP, our products are for everyone - and being a proud Queensland and Australian-based company, we have had our eye on a major event to be associated with for a long time,” Nielsen said, “For this opportunity to present itself at this stage of our company’s growth is fantastic for everyone involved and we look forward to accelerating our brand’s position and our sales through a positive and rewarding relationship. “The slogan we have associated with Nitro Energy Drinks is ‘Go hard or go home’ and, in a lot of respects, that is a perfect fit for one of the world’s most exciting and entertainment-packed events which really does test a fan’s stamina. That will be made a little easier with a can of Nitro Energy Drink or two!” ‘’I am very pleased to welcome Nitro Energy Drink onboard as the naming rights partner in what is the start of a new era for the event,” said SuperGP chairman Terry Mackenroth. “The SuperGP is considered one of the world’s best street races and to secure Nitro Energy Drink as the new naming rights partner for a three-year period further reinforces its strength and appeal. I believe the addition of a dynamic and proactive naming rights partner in Nitro Energy Drink and their ability to leverage the event on a national stage, will provide enormous opportunities for both parties.”

The Nitro SuperGP will feature A1GP and V8 Supercars with the two series to co-headline the event in Queensland on the 23-25 October 2009. The event is produced through a partnership between the Queensland Government and IMG.

A1GPs latest news

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After a thrilling start to the 2009 season, the Bridgestone Production Car brigade heads to Kyalami for round 2 of the WesBank Super Series, which takes place on 28 March 2009. The class A driver line-up will be slightly altered at Kyalami after Robert Wolk was suspended for this race after an over-ambitious overtaking manouvre resulted in an accident which side-lined two other competitors. The Afrox BMW team will be fielding a yet unnamed replacement driver. Current championship leader, Anthony Taylor will be hoping to keep his Afrox BMW at the front of the pack in an effort to consolidate his lead. Engen Xtreme drivers Michael Stephen and Shaun Watson-Smith will pose a formidable force, as will Audi stable mates Johan Fourie (IndyOil) and Melvill Priest. SAM Racing will enter two Nissan 350Zs, in the hands of Leeroy Poulter (Ferodo, GP Windsceens) and Marco da Cunha (Tubular Tech, Exa Motors). Able to offer a threat for the race win will be Dawie Olivier in his Sasol Subaru WRX STI. Although being slightly off the pace in Port Elizabeth, Dawie’s turbo-charged Subaru will relish the thin highveld air which should leave his normally aspirated competitors breathless. The ‘battle of the blowers’ in class T should see a massive brawl between Graeme Nathan’s VW GTI (IndyOil) and Gary Formato’s Ford ST (Nando’s). PE surprise, Curt Alchin (Bodyman VW GTI) may well struggle without his home-town advantage. He will find the going tough with the Mazda MPS pairing of Etienne Prinsloo (bizhub) and Heinz Bose (MFC) showing good form of late. Shaun Duminy’s Ford ST (Nando’s) will continue his battle with Brett Roach (VW Polo) and Michael van Rooyen (Rustenberg Steel VW GTI). Fresh from a good showing in PE is Peet Visagie (JS Laboratories VW GTI) who will want to continue his new-found pace and stay ahead of perennial sparring partners Mark Carver (VW GTI), Andre van der Merwe (Renault Megane Sport) and George Smalberger (VW GTI). Kosie Swanepoel (Barnett’s RunX) looks to be the class B favourite but will be kept honest by newcomer Andries van Eeden and Shaun Pike in their similar cars. The 3 Toyota drivers will undoubtedly come under fire from Gary Green in the Alfa. The combatants will contest the sprint race over 8 laps followed by a 10 lap feature race. Both starts will be rolling in order to neutralize the huge advantage that the all-wheel drive cars have from standstill. Qualifying gets under way mid-morning in an attempt to make as much of the race action available to Saturday fans. Spectators are urged to visit the pits and chat to the drivers, who will be only too pleased to sign posters and interact with their race fans.

Kyalami to rock with Production Car racing!

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All eyes are on the Engen Volkswagen Cup series as the racers head to Kyalami for round two of this national single-make championship. The first round at Aldo Scribante Raceway produced some surprises and there is the promise of more to come. For competitors of this series, where all racing drivers compete behind the wheel of an identically-specced Volkswagen Polo with 2.0 litre engine and six-speed gearbox, the first surprise was the issuing of ECUs. Up until this race meeting, the teams had all competed with the ECU that was already in the car. For round one, the field was issued with new ECUs at random and these were then re-claimed by Volkswagen Racing after the event. This move helped to further even the competition between racers and throw an unpredictable element into the series. This was followed by a shock as competitors and spectators alike were witness to the antics of newcomer Marcel (Kosie) Weyers (22) and his Engen Xtreme Polo. Weyers proceeded to finish in second place overall in his first outing – a feat unheard of in single-series racing. Weyers has built up racing experience in the oval track fraternity and proceeded to put this knowledge to good use out on the track. His car control is obvious but, as Weyers himself admits, there’s a steep learning curve ahead. One of the primary causes for concern is conserving tyres to ensure grip right to the end of the event. This is a facet of racing that Weyers is unused to considering and Kyalami could well be his undoing. While Weyers – as the newcomer – is perhaps not the man to beat out at Kyalami, he will undoubtedly make himself a strong feature of many a rearview mirror. If he can keep it together through the very challenging circuit it could be another poke in the eye for seasoned competitors in this series. Even this task is not going to be easy. The racing pedigree for much of this single-make field is enough to make many a motorsport fan envious and Weyers is going to have a tough time of hounding the more experienced racers at this circuit. The Engen Volkswagen Cup entry list is also a veritable Who’s Who of capable racing drivers. Defending champion Jared Mortimer (1) and his Formsfit Printing / Liquid Lounge Polo are an obvious choice to watch. Mortimer will be wanting to overcome some of the sting experienced at round one and will be charging hard. Gennaro Bonafede (3) in the Champion Sparkplugs entry, Miguel Pasqualli (4) in the Engen Xtreme entry, Bryan Morgan (5) in the Timken car and Divan Wentzel (8) in the Harvey World Travel / Barnetts Auto Spares Polo are all quite capable of claiming the chequered flag and will be working hard to do so. Then there is also Devin Robertson (7) in a Champion Sparkplugs Polo to consider. Robertson is the top-performing Engen Volkswagen Cup racer of round one. He claimed overall victory at Aldo Scribante Raceway and is thus the effective championship leader going into round two. This is a position he will undoubtedly want to hang on to – while every other driver in the field will be working hard to dethrone him. There is a dynamite mix of action waiting for spectators and race fans. The combination of a field of energetic young racing drivers and an extremely challenging circuit is certain to deliver on the promise of Engen Volkswagen Cup racing action.

Engen VW Cup heads to Kyalami

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The focus of the Formula Volkswagen series shifts to Kyalami for round two of the national championship on Saturday, 28 March. The competitors in this single-seater series are contesting their first championship season and, after just one event, things have become very interesting. Jayde Kruger (5) and his Motul entry proved an unbeatable combination at round one, held in Port Elizabeth at Aldo Scribante Raceway. Kruger piloted his bright red Motul car in keen fashion, claiming both race wins on the day. For Kruger the off-season has obviously been a much-needed break and he has returned to racing with sharpened senses and an obvious passion for winning. Kruger hinted that there was definitely more of the same on the horizon for future events. “I plan to continue as I’ve started the season and, since we’re still learning a great deal about these cars, the team is not at full capacity yet,” giving his competitors a clue of what lies ahead. Kruger does have a wary eye on the horizon, anticipating the return of Christiano Morgado at the Kyalami event. Morgado proved during the 2008 challenge season that he has what it takes to win – and missing just one round of the season is not going to eliminate him from contention. There are also other drivers in the series that are sure to be a threat as the season continues. Wesleigh Orr (4) and his Global Consulting Solutions were serious competition at Scribante and, were it not for spinning off, the results might have looked different for Kruger. Paulo da Cunha (9) and his Tubular / Exa Motor Group car can also be a threat on track.

Da Cunha had a big off at Scribante and his team worked frantically to get the car ready to race. Instead of pushing for the front, Da Cunha instead concentrated on the points – this is unlikely to be the case at Kyalami where he will no doubt push for line honours. Into this mix race drivers Simon Moss (6) and his Southern Sun / Oakley entry as well as Robert Briggs (11) and his TopClass car must be added. Moss has amassed a wealth of international single-seater experience during 2008 and Briggs is an experienced racer. If either of these drivers come on stream at the Kyalami event, the front of the field could well become a veritable dog-fight for position. This makes it possible that any one of six different drivers could potentially win at the Johannesburg circuit and creates the potential for some of the most exciting single-seater racing ever seen at the track. The drivers and teams in this series have been cautious through their challenge year, concentrating on learning the race craft required to be successful in single-seater racing. It is expected that the gloves could come off any time now and the racing will begin in earnest. With the combination of new drivers and teams in the series, the first championship season looks set to be extremely memorable and there are already several potential championship-winning contenders. As the newer, less-experienced drivers come on stream, the Formula Volkswagen series can only become better, with the racing ever-more intense. Round two at Kyalami will be the proof of this as competitors raise the bar once again in this single-make, single-seater series.

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Thrilling duel in Formula VW!

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After being on top ever since entering the thundering V8 Supercar arena at the beginning of 2007, Team Timken had a battle on their hands at the opening round of the Wesbank V8 Supercar Championship in Port Elizabeth earlier this month. Driving a brace of immaculately prepared Jaguar XKRs, defending champion Hennie Groenewald and Richard Pinard came away from the coastal circuit disappointed, but not empty handed. Groenewald was unable to find a set-up he felt happy with, yet brought his ill-handling Jaguar home to a second place in the opening race. His second race was spoilt by a puncture, but not before he’d passed ten cars on the opening lap of the race, which had a reverse order starting grid, and he was finally classified 13th. Also unable to find a set-up he was comfortable with, Pinard claimed fifth place in race one and in race two he was a high as third until a massive, yet beautifully ‘controlled’ spin at half distance saw him eventually finish eighth. “PE didn’t go our way, but it has opened up the championship and that’s always good for the sport. We’ve done some testing which was positive so I’m sure we’ll be back to our winning ways,” said Hennie G. Racing in the well supported one make Engen Volkswagen Cup for specially prepared 2-litre

Polos, Bryan Morgan also endured a tough day in the office. He qualified fifth on a grid where the top eight were only covered by a second. The opening race resulted in fifth place but he retired from race two on lap five after holding second place in the frantic opening laps. The world of motorsports showcases high-performance car designs, subjecting them to conditions that demand reliability, durability and precision. That’s why race teams and sanctioning bodies have turned to Timken since 1895. “By leveraging our core competencies of friction management, power transmission, material science and manufacturing quality, Timken delivers technology that works for today’s race teams while also blazing the trail for tomorrow’s anti-friction solutions,” says Timken’s Danie Coetser. SP Engineering boss Carel Pienaar, who oversees preparation of the Team Timken cars, relies on reliable products for his cars. “For innovative, high-performance racing components and industry-leading technical support, the world of motorsport turns to Timken. The superior engineering and product durability make Timken® bearings and steel a trusted choice of the most popular racing professionals and enthusiasts at all levels. More races are won with Timken products.”

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Team Timken looking to win!

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After a long, too long, winter off-season, this weekend sees the return of the world’s most technologically advanced racing series take to the Melbourne streets for the first grand prix of the 2009 Formula One Championship, WRITES EVAN ROTHMAN.

As with everything else in Formula One, the rules have changed dramatically to the extent that it is regarded as the biggest change to the sport in 25 years!

Pre-season testing in Bahrain and Algarve have made for interesting reading. The recently bought out Honda Racing F1 team, now Brawn GP, has set tongues wagging with their explosive speed and consistency… Their pace even has Ferrari’s top boys worried.

Predictions for this weekend’s grand prix are tricky to make, to say the least. The McLaren team are experiencing early teething problems in testing, and have been regularly hogging the last positions on the timing sheets. How much of this is sand-

bagging is anyone’s guess. Defending F1 World Champ Lewis Hamilton you can be assured will look to kick off his 2009 campaign in the same fashion as he ended 2008: winning!

The exhaustive list of rule changes teams need to adjust to will make this grand prix crucial. Getting the car to the finish line on Sunday afternoon will be key to stamping your place on the 2009 championship. Remember, these rule changes have been made to reduce the exorbitant costs involved in F1, as well as to bring F1 into a more environmentally efficient frame. The result is that the cars look very different to what they did just a few months ago. They now sport skinny rear wings, a wider front wing and slick tyres. It apparently encourages overtaking, so we hope to see more action this weekend.

Don’t for a second discount the bravery and determination of those Italians in red. Raikkonen, who won here two years previously, and his Brazilian team-mate Felipe Massa are favourites to raise the silverware in Melbourne this weekend.

Australia kicks off thrilling 2009 Formula One season!

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And Sebastien Vettel and Mark Webber have quietly been clocking up the laps, narrowing the gap between themselves and Ferrari in the off-season. The same can be said of the BMW Sauber F1 Team, with their quick drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld. Keep your eyes on the ING Renault F1 Team too, as Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr are likely to fight it out for a podium finish.

In 2008, the Williams F1 Team only scored two podium finishes but would like to get 2009 off with a bang: hugely talented Nico Rosberg and Japanese driver Kazuki Nakajima are a strong pairing for 2009.

This year’s Toyota F1 car, the TF109, looks the best in the new 2009 regulations fashion. Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock are chewing at the bit to target a few more podiums this season.

The Red Bull Racing and Torro Rosso squads are the dark horses for 2009. Improved performances last season have moved them closer to the likes of

Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and BMW. Watch out for Vettel in the Renault-powered Red Bull F1 car.

Impressing with each outing is Vijay Mallya’s team, Force India F1. Mike Gascoyne, he of Renault F1 fame, has moved to Force India and his hard work will be more evident this season. Giancarlo Fisichela will have to drive hard this year to beat his ever-improving team-mate Adrian Sutil.

An interesting statistic to bear in mind this weekend: the past three winners of the Australian race (Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Rueda) have gone on to win the Drivers’ World Championship in that year.

The grand prix at Albert Park this weekend will be contested over 58 laps around the 5,3km long circuit. It will indeed be a pleasure to once more see these technological marvels screaming around the streets of Melbourne this weekend!

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The 2009 Sasol SA Production Car Rally Championship got off to a thrilling start in KwaZulu Natal, where Charl Wilken and Greg Godrich brought their Sasol/Konica Minolta Prodrive car home, a stunning 2nd overall to claim a convincing win in the Production Car category after 15 hard fought stages and fending off the unwanted attentions of the current SA rally champion Hergen Fekken’s works S2000 Volkswagen.

The first round of the series got off to a slow start; “we had a loose rear wheel, so I couldn’t commit to the high-speed corners. There were three stages before we got to service to fix the problem, but even after that, I was still a bit apprehensive”, Wilken explained.

By nightfall, and with thousands of spectators lining the streets of downtown Pinetown for back to back SuperSpecials, Wilken lit the afterburner and rocketed to the 3rd fastest and 2nd fastest times of all over the two tarmac stages, ending the first day third overall on the leaderboard, ahead of two factory S2000 Volkswagen Polos, which had been delayed on the first stage.

On Saturday, Wilken settled in for a long day, knowing he had to drive hard to fend off the faster, highly modified VWs, but not risking getting caught out on the notoriously slippery stages, made even more treacherous with a light rain shower mid-morning.

After stage 9, Wilken was 2nd overall after the works Toyota of Mark Cronje rolled out of the rally.“It was quite a tense time”, said Wilken. “On the one hand, I wanted to defend our podium position, but I couldn’t relax too much because Fekken and Habig were charging as hard as they could. I chose carefully where to put the hammer down and when to back off. To make matters worse, I had a slipping clutch to contend with so all in all, it was a very difficult, but ultimately a very rewarding day for the team and our

sponsors”.

Team Director Flip Wilken was thrilled. “Charl and Greg managed their rally very well. They absorbed a lot of pressure, especially at the end when Fekken and Arries came at them with everything they had. We overcame the inevitable new car gremlins and held on to 2nd place by 11 seconds”.The second production car home was Hein Lategan and Johan van der Merwe in their Diesel Technic Subaru Impreza after leading by 25 seconds after the first five stages. After the 1st SuperSpecial stage, the car refused to fire up and the pair dropped to 6th overall.

The problem was traced to a loose connector on the ecu and a good run on Saturday saw Lategan end 5th overall.

The other top contender in the production car fight was Visser du Plessis/Gerhard Snyman in their Pirtek Impreza. They were in the thick of the battle with Lategan but retired on the second day with a broken gearbox.

Mike Nathan/Derek Jacobs brought their AWI Mitsubishi Lancer home 3rd in class N4 after the car’s engine died on the long open section between Scottburgh and Durban. The problem was a faulty fuel pump, and the pair limped back to service for repairs.

Newcomers to the N4 class, Tjaart Coetzee/Marco Ferreira ended 20th overall after losing 8 minutes with a off road excursion late in the rally.Dave Compton/Pierre Jordaan (N3 Sasol Toyota RunX) ended 15th overall and with a maiden class win. The only other class N3 competitor, Riaan/Hester Erasmus (Toyota RunX), withdrew mid Saturday.

The next round of the Sasol SA Rally Championship is the Toyota Dealer Rally in the Western Cape on 3 and 4 April.

IMAGE: Dave Ledbitter

Wilken worries S2000 crews!

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Between me, Hein Lategan and Charl Wilken, we managed to stay right amongst the factory super 2000 cars. Having had so many problems last year with the development of my new shape Sti, I am delighted to report that the car is a lot better. Handling is up to 70% where it should be, power at 95% and the rest of the car close to perfect.

I think Hein has the best car of the lot at the moment, and he is extremely well rounded off in his approach to the battle. It showed this weekend. He was clearly a bit faster than me and Charl. Bad luck and penalties caused him to lose second place to Charl and end fifth at the end.Charl, in my opinion is the most professional private race driver in South Africa at present.

He put everything together this weekend, without mistake to finish 2nd overall. I think this is the best a production car has yet done against the very rapid S2000 cars to date.

On day one, I was wedged between Hein and Charl, with only a few seconds parting us. The 6km tar stages once again showed that Charl is currently king of the tar. He passed me and got closer to Hein.

Day two was going to be a serious battle between Charl and myself, with Hein having taken 80sec penalty the previous night. My navigator made a technical mistake, like a few other crews on the same stage, and we drove a full stage without notes at all. In fact, we didn’t even know what stage we were on. It cost us 41seconds. Two stages later, we managed to move up to 3rd overall, behind Johnny Gemmel and Charl Wilken, and then the diff broke.

Just like that and it is over.

At least we were there long enough to show PIRTEK and ROAD ANGEL, my major sponsors, that we are a vastly improved team this year. To regain the production car title is the plan.

Last year the N4 battle was closely contested. This year S2000 and N4 will mix fortunes.

Can you ask for more?

Visser du Plessis

Production cars giving the S2000 factory drivers a hard time in Natal

IMAGES: Motorpics

The factory Castrol Toyota Rally Team aims to take their winning form from the opening round of the 2009 Sasol SA Rally Championship into their home event, the Toyota Dealer Rally, which runs through the Caledon district of the Western Cape on the 3rd and 4th April. Johnny Gemmell and his Zimbabwean co-driver Peter Marsh gave the S2000 Castrol Toyota Auris its debut win three weeks ago in KwaZulu Natal and with a perfect start to their season, hope to replicate their winning recipe on their home event, adding further valuable championship points to their tally. “I really like the Toyota Dealer Rally”, said Gemmell, the early season championship leader. “The roads are super fast and I believe we have an excellent package in the S2000 Auris. The car is a tad heavy at the moment, but it did the job, so our confidence and that of the team is on a real high”. “The Toyota Rally will be my first really fast event in the Auris. After this rally, I will have a clearer idea of the car’s all-round abilities. I know it handles the rough stuff well after the Toyota Gauteng Rally at the end of last year. It jumps better than the RunX did and has lots of grip; it’s a very strong all round package”. Gemmell continued: “This year the starting order is determined by a lucky draw for the top 10 seeded drivers. In Natal, we were drawn second on the road which wasn’t ideal. We were elevated to road sweepers after JP (Damseaux) went off 5km into the first stage. We’ll have to hope we draw a better starting position, maybe 5th or 6th for the Toyota Rally”.

Mark Cronje and Robert Paisley, running the second S2000 Castrol Toyota Auris, have a single goal in mind for the Toyota Dealer Rally. “There is no doubt we have to finish”. This after a tricky, slippery corner caught the pair out on the Tour Natal, rolling out of the lead on the second day. “I’m enjoying rallying considerably and the Toyota Dealer Rally is my favourite event of the year”, said Cronje. “Last year I scored my first ever podium on this rally, which is a realistic goal for us this year”. “I’ve analysed the accident in Natal and it’s one of those knocks I have to take on the chin and move on. It was the first time I drove on that piece of road. Even old hands like Enzo Kuun made a mess of it”. “The Auris is a phenomenal car and I believe we have a bit more in hand than the VW boys. I wasn’t driving at ten 10ths and yet the VWs didn’t seem to have the pace, but it’s a new rally, so we’ll have to see what happens”. “I’m really passionate about my rallying, which is why I took one of the most difficult decisions in my life to stop driving the Castrol Toyota Hilux in off road events, as I want to concentrate 100% on rallies and my business, especially in these economic times”. Toyota, with 93 rally victories and 17 Manufacturer’s Championships under their belt, have seized the initiative in the 2009 Manufacturer’s Championship fight, leading the way with 139 points to rival Volkswagen’s 121 points.

Castrol Toyota Rally Team aims for double on home event

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ProMotor Issue 03 -

IMAGES: Motorpics

The Prodrive Impreza WRC2008, which Marcus Gronholm will drive at the Rally of Portugal, has successfully completed its first shakedown.

Gronholm will drive the test car in Wales this past week, before undertaking a full two day pre-event test in Spain next week. This means the two-time World Rally Champion will have three days to familiarise himself with the new car before starting his first World Rally Championship event in nearly 16 months.

The Prodrive Impreza WRC2008 is fundamentally the same car used by the Subaru World Rally Team last season. “We have only been able

to make minor changes to the car because of homologation restrictions, with the most significant difference being the Ohlins dampers,” said Prodrive technical director, David Lapworth. “In a perfect world, Marcus would have had far more time behind the wheel, however, with his years of experience, I am absolutely confident he will very quickly find a rhythm in the Impreza.”

Gronholm’s participation in the Rally of Portugal has been made possible by the support of the Portuguese Tourist Board. The car has been entered under the Prodrive team name and it will be run out of the same service area as the Prodrive-supported Adapta World Rally Team.

Gronholm’s Impreza ready to rally in WRC Rally Portugal!

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ProMotor Issue 03 -

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