A Formula 3 racing car designed by researchers at WMG at the University has just received two significant accolades confirming its reputation as the ultimate green racing car.

Just two weeks ago the car was selected to be one the green technologies presented to The Prince of Wales during the Birmingham leg of HRH’s Start tour of the UK. Now today, Thursday 23rd September, the car has also been shortlisted for the THE (Times Higher) award for Outstanding Engineering Research Team of the Year.

Dr Kerry Kirwan, said:

“The World First car, is the first fully sustainable Formula 3 racing car, made from sustainable, waste and renewable materials, demonstrates that sustainability doesn’t need to compromise performance. It is paving the way for green motorsport; challenging its wasteful perception; proving that ‘green’ can be sexy, fun and fast; and enabling technology transfer between motorsport and other sectors.”

The car, launched in June 2009 on a Lola chassis, pioneers sustainable materials not previously used in such an extreme environment. These include a race specification steering wheel derived from carrots, a flax fibre bib, soya bean oil foam racing seat, recycled aluminium wiring loom, ozone eating radiator and potato starch wing mirrors. The light, natural origin materials can be shredded and composted at end of life.

A range of recycled materials feature, including plastic bottles, recycled aerospace carbon and a diesel engine that runs on biodiesel including waste chocolate, waste cooking oil and wine dregs.

Dr Steven Maggs said:

“The 230 bhp car achieves 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and corners at over 125 mph. Fuel consumption at race speed is improved 125% versus a standard F3 car. The car was showcased at the British Grand Prix, demonstrated at the European Grand Prix and placed 5th in practice for a Formula 3 Championship Final at Brands Hatch.”

Notes for Editors:

The research, which addresses the chain from raw materials to final product disposal, is led by Dr Kerry Kirwan and Dr Steven Maggs, supported through major EPSRC grants: Sustainable Materials – Global Challenge (£1.07m), Wealth out of Waste (£1.3m) and WorldF3rst (£0.25m) together with support from Engineering Doctorates.

For further information please contact:

Peter Dunn, Head of Communications
Communications Office, University House,
University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 8UW, United Kingdom
email: p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)24 76 523708 Mobile/Cell: +44 (0)7767 655860

Pr125 23rd September 2010