2008 News

Speedcar conducts successful test at Dubai

Speedcar Press release, 16 October 2008: Speedcar Series has just spent 3 days testing new modifications made to their custom built cars. The brand new engines, suspension and composite panelled bodies were put through a gruelling routine at the Dubai Autodrome from 14-16 October, 2008.

Three Speedcars were set up for the test this week and among the host of teams and drivers in attendance were former F1 stars Jean Alesi, Heinz Harald Frentzen as well as Speedcar Series Season 1 Champion Johnny Herbert.

Benjamin Durand, Technical Manager of Speedcar Series said, "The test proved to be a success with the new engine and body. I am extremely happy with the new evolution of the car. The purpose of this test was to put over 1000 kilometres on the cars to determine their reliability well in time for the start of the season. We managed to achieve what we set out to do and recorded a better performance to last season's car"

From the drivers' point of view Johnny Herbert said, "Changing the body was a good idea. What makes Speedcar Series exciting is that there's a lot of contact on the track and now with the composite panels it's going to be quicker and easier to change at the races. The engine feels more consistent and has a better power band. As a package, the car is a much smoother drive but still difficult enough for the drivers' raw talent to come into play."

The best timings recorded over the 3 days of testing are as follows:

Jean Alesi 1:43.56
Johnny Herbert 1:43.75
David Terrien 1:43.95
Hasher Al Maktoum 1:45.35

Speedcar Series will run a second round of tests on 9-10 November, 2008 at the Dubai Autodrome where more new teams and drivers are expected to attend.

Speedcar series - new operations director appointed

Speedcar Press release, 16 October 2008: Speedcar Series announced today the appointment of Claudio Berro as Operations Director before the onset of Season 2 this December. With 25 years of experience in the world of motorsport, Berro brings with him invaluable experience having served as Sporting Director of Peugeot-Italy, Team Manager and Press Officer of Ferrari F1 and then General Manager of Maserati and Fiat-Abarth respectively.

The Italian's appointment comes amid 3 days of testing the new and improved Speedcars at the Dubai Autodrome attended by a host of drivers including former F1 stars Johnny Herbert, Jean Alesi and Heinz Harald Frentzen.

Johnny Herbert who took home the 600,000 US dollars Season 1 Champion prize cheque commented, "I worked with Claudio before in the 2004 Maserati FIA GT and he has the experience to move things forward. It is also an important time for him to have come on board while we're testing. The modifications to the car make it look better, smoother to drive and will make for a better drivers' championship. All in all I would say that Speedcar Series is making good, strong changes for Season 2."

Speedcar Series will run 6 rounds in the coming season each consisting of a 2 day race weekend. Two of the rounds will see the Speedcars at the Malaysia and Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix while the remaining events will be held in conjunction with GP2 Asia under the Grand Racing banner before the Speedcar Series finale on 25 April, 2009.

Speedcar series returns - Johnny to defend title

Speedcar Press release, 1 October 2008: After a successful first season, Speedcar Series is unveiling new and exciting changes ahead of Season 2 scheduled to flag off in December this year. Former F1 drivers will be back behind the wheel this season along with a host of other new teams and drivers battling it out for a substantial prize pot of 3 million US dollars.

The provisional calendar for the '08-'09 season is as follows:

This season will see Speedcar Series run at the Malaysian and Bahrain F1 Grand Prix as well as in stand alone events in conjunction with GP2 Asia under the Grand Racing banner.

Johnny Herbert, the Series' first Champion said, "Racing a Speedcar was a completely new experience for me but it is just such an exciting car and a challenge to drive. The Series is brilliant because it welcomes drivers from various fields of motor racing and the champions podium last season was testament to that being shared by an ex F1 driver, karting champion David Terrien and Alzen an endurance racer. And the bottom line is that it's entertaining - for us and the fans."

Jean Alesi said "I'm very excited and looking forward to the second season. The last one showed how entertaining and competitive Speedcar Series is. I'm expecting the new season to be a successful one and as always I will do my best for the Series, especially looking forward to beating Johnny Herbert and winning the championship."

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