Industry News
News for 12th April 2006
Italian GP Safe
The 2006 Formula One Italian Grand Prix will go ahead as planned on September 10 at the Monza circuit near Milan after the local council revealed that a noise limit on events at the track was subject to a number of exemptions.
According to a report in the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper the Council of the Lombardy region confirmed that the 70-decibel limit imposed on motorsport activities at Monza could be exceeded for 37 days each year.
MSA Patronage For UK Motor Racing Archive
The Motor Sports Association, the governing body of UK motor sport, has confirmed that it is to become a patron of the Motor Racing Archive.
Founded nearly 20 years ago, the Archive is dedicated to the preservation of the UK's heritage in both national and international motor sport. Its comprehensive and ever-expanding records feature all aspects of circuit racing past and present including photography, race results, programmes, film, audio as well as many other materials covering the history of UK motor sport achievements.
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive said, "This country's motor sport pedigree may be unrivalled but there's a very real danger that much of our proud history will be lost if it's not archived properly.
"While many enthusiastic individuals and motor clubs do actively preserve their own dedicated records, the Motor Racing Archive is the only central organisation dedicated to safeguarding all aspects of the UK's rich motor sport heritage. We've no doubt this collection is going to become an increasingly important library and resource for all those involved in our sport in the future and that's why the MSA feels it's vital to support and encourage such an invaluable initiative."
The Motor Racing Archive's founder, Martin Hadwen, said, "It's not just the financial assistance being offered, it's the credibility we will gain from having the MSA as a patron. The MSA's support will not only ensure the continuing preservation of the Archive but will help us to take the Archive to the next level in the future."
WilliamsF1 Appoints New Head of Marketing
The Grove, UK based WilliamsF1 Formula One team has appointed Scott Garrett as its new head of marketing replacing Jim Wright who left the organisation after 12 years, following the recent Australian Grand Prix.
Garrett was previously the vice president of brands for HJ Heinz as well as having previously worked for the Publicis Group, J Walter Thompson, Nike and Saatchi & Saatchi.
PSA President To Start 2006 Le Mans 24 Hour Race
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the organisers of the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar endurance race have confirmed that Jean-Martin Foltz, president of PSA Peugeot Citroen will be given the honour of starting this year’s race.
Peugeot, which is due to return to the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2007 with a new diesel powered racecar, previously won the race in 1992 and 1993.
Jean-Claude Plassart, president of the ACO, said, "This year is the centenary of the ACO, a French association that enjoys international renown, so it seemed to us a good idea to entrust this mission to the president of a major French manufacturer that is well-known all over the world.
"What's more he has decided to come back to endurance and Le Mans in 2007 with innovative technology, the diesel engine. It's also a way of giving a French manager, who has a charismatic personality and a visionary viewpoint, the recognition he deserves."
MIA US Business Development Mission
The UK’s Motorsport Industry Association is organising another Business Development Mission to North Carolina and Indianapolis, USA, taking in the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Race and the Indy 500 race.
The mission is set to takes place from May 19-29, is supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and is open to MIA membes and non-members alike.
The itinerary includes visits to teams’ workshops and major companies involved in NASCAR and the Indy Racing League and Champ Car series
For further information contact Matt Askill on +44 (0)2476 692 600.
New Power in UAE Motorsport
Motorsport in the United Arab Emirates has been brought under the overall control of a new-look Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.
Originally established in 1965, the ATCUAE, is the officially nominated representative in the Emirates of both the FIA, the governing body of international motorsport and its motor cycling counterpart, the FIM.
A new board of directors has been appointed with 14-times Middle East rally champion Mohammed bin Sulayem acting as President.
Sulayem said, “This is a very significant development for motor sport in the country which will benefit tremendously from Sheikh Mohammed’s support and overall guidance.
“He felt it was vital that the organisation which represents both the FIA and the FIM in the UAE, and which is dedicated to maintaining consistently high standards in the staging of events, should play a growing role in shaping the future of motor sport here.”
First Charges In Infineon Bribery Investigation
Prosecutors in Munich, Germany have confirmed that they have filed the first charges against a defendant in their investigation into alleged bribery, relating to motorsport sponsorship and involving executives of German computer chip manufacturer Infineon.
Munich prosecutor Anton Winkler said Swiss businessman Ralf-Udo Schneider has been charged with bribery and being an accessory to fraud and former Infineon executives Ulrich Schumacher and Andreas von Zitzewitz remain under investigation.
Zitzewitz, who resigned as Infineon CEO in July 2005, and a former Infineon manager. Harald Eggers, are alleged to have received bribes and kickbacks totaling 259,000 euros (£175,00) from Schneider's BF Consultancy AG relating to motorsport sponsorship over a three year period.
Schumacher, a previous Infineon CEO, who resigned in March 2004, signed a three-year deal to supply the Ferrari F1 team with automotive electronic technology in 1999. Following Schumacher’s departure Infineon terminated its motor sport sponsorship arrangements as far as possible.
