MOTORSPORT IN THE UK

An industry with a winning formula

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A SHOWCASE SECTOR CONTENTS MOTORSPORT VALLEY

A SHOWCASE SECTOR 1 COMMERCIAL SERVICES 25
Motorsport Valley, based largely in southern
AHEAD OF THE GAME 7 GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS 29
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE 15 GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
and central England, is the hub of the UK industry.
DEVELOPING TALENT 20 AND CONTACTS 31 It boasts a unique cluster of perfect for clients that need organisers of F1 and the World
high-performance engineering complex precision components Rally Championship, with both
companies, acting as a global incorporating the latest being run by the FIA from an
The UK motorsport industry is a global leader. centre for the production of technology to be designed, office at Silverstone, together
The country’s dominant role in both managing performance cars, chassis, prototyped and manufactured with the many specialised legal
engines, brakes, suspension and on a fast-track basis. and insurance companies that
and serving the F1 and other international racing transmission systems, telemetry are vital to global motorsport.
series has led to a wealth of world-class design, and a wide range of other
Motorsport Valley accounts for
a major proportion of the world For all these reasons, and many
precision and high-performance engineering world-class products, services
and facilities.
motorsport industry market and more besides, the UK is
companies, as well as a comprehensive range is home to some of motor racing’s increasingly providing innovative
Flexibility in the production of biggest names. These include design, engineering and service
of leading service firms in areas such as event leading-edge quality products is high-profile F1 and F3 teams, solutions in markets worldwide,
management, marketing, PR and sponsorship. one of Motorsport Valley’s many globally active component as well as attracting further
selling points. Its extremely diverse manufacturers, an array of design inward investment in an ever-
supply chain incorporates dynamic and engineering experts, and more competitive industry.
Motorsport is in many ways a supported by a robust and SMEs and major industry leaders. several racing team operators.
showcase sector for the UK, acclaimed academic network;
exemplifying its strengths in R&D, unsurpassed advanced engineering The cluster is therefore renowned London is also a key part of the
advanced materials and engineering expertise; a reputation for innovation for its ability to react quickly to UK motorsport cluster. The capital
and sophisticated services. and new product development specific industry requirements – is home to the rights holders and
through powerful and active R&D
It is constantly developing new
programmes; and a progressive and
components, products and services
attractive business environment.
for worldwide applications, with
spin-offs into the wider automotive The UK has a long track record
industry and other related sectors of success in worldwide motor
such as aerospace. racing and a true passion for the “The UK motorsport industry
The key strengths of the UK
sport. Above all, the UK motorsport contributes over £5 billion
industry is renowned for its
motorsport industry include a highly
“innovate to win” mentality, per annum to the UK economy,
educated and professional workforce,
which sets it apart from the field. 50 per cent of which is accounted SCOTLAND

for by exports.The industry

also supports around 40,000
jobs, including 25,000 skilled
engineers.” N.IRELAND

ENGLAND

U. K.
WALES

Manufacturers
Teams/team operators
Academia/R&D institutions BELGIUM

Associations/Governing bodies
Venues

FRANCE

Fernando Alsonso (ESP) Renault R26. Formula One World Championship, 2006. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
Cover page: Over 80 per cent of the Subaru World Rally Car is manufactured by Prodrive in Banbury including engine,
roll cage, bodyshell and electrical system as well as the semi-automatic transmission illustrated. Courtesy Prodrive.
Darren Manning (GBR) A1 Team Great Britain. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
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CASE STUDY: X
 TRAC
From F1 to NASCAR, many of the world’s
premier motorsport teams rely on Xtrac.

Based in Berkshire, the company provides high-

performance transmission systems, drive shaft
assemblies, engine gears, rack-and-pinion assemblies,
differentials and remote gear-change systems.
Managing director Peter Digby, a former Williams
GP production manager, says: “To maintain our
position as the leading supplier of high-performance
transmissions, we operate a continuous improvement
policy. This promotes investment in the most talented
people, the world’s most advanced CAE systems and
state-of-the-art machine tools.
“Our approach of complete confidentiality, focus and
attention to detail, combined with a forward-thinking
‘can-do’ philosophy, consistently delivers on-time  The Williams F1 wind tunnel 2, capable of running a 100% model of the car. Courtesy Williams F1.
solutions to the highest-possible standards.”
Proof of this is Xtrac’s extraordinary track record.
The company has played a major part in 24 F1 titles,
20 Champ Car titles, 14 Indy 500 victories, 20 touring CASE STUDY: WILLIAMS F1
car championships, 22 WRC titles, eight Le Mans/
Daytona 24-hour victories and 13 Dakar Rally wins. Williams F1’s operation at Grove, near Wantage, is a high-tech racing hub
Small wonder then that Xtrac is regarded as one of in which latest-generation F1 cars are designed, developed and manufactured.
UK motorsport’s greatest success stories.
www.xtrac.com

Williams has its own wind tunnel, staffed by a team
of engineers who spend some 8,000 man hours a
season optimising aerodynamic improvements, as
well as a dynamic drawing office, where 40 engineers
design and engineer everything from chassis dynamics,
composites and materials to gearbox, differential and
even software engineering.
This highly impressive infrastructure means that
Williams F1 can produce some 90 per cent of the
racecar, with the engines from Toyota from 2007.
The company has also invested in a high-spec
conference centre that caters for up to 200 people
and a number of other developments to redirect
income streams into such fields as racetrack open
days, F1 experience simulators and a host of other
motorsport-related entertainments.
Today, Williams F1 can be seen as a role model in
terms of sponsorship and strategic partnerships,
having struck some world-beating deals with major
corporations such as Accenture, Royal Bank of
Scotland, Allianz and FedEx, brands that are new
to F1 and are sure to encourage further global names
to invest in motorsport. In short, Williams F1 is
a commercial and sporting trailblazer which is
a major asset to the UK motorsport industry.
www.williamsf1.com

Nico Roseberg learning the track before his debut British Grand Prix, 2006.
Courtesy Williams F1.

Helical Gear Cluster Assembly. Courtesy Xtrac.

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Ricardo engineers develop the two JCB444-LSR engines of the
Dieselmax vehicle. Courtesy Ricardo.
CASE STUDY: Pi RESEARCH
Pi Research’s advanced electronics and software products are used
around the world in all major motor racing categories to improve the
performance of racecars and drivers to produce champions at every
level of the sport.
The Cambridgeshire company’s
pioneering data analyis and control-
system technologies are widely
accepted as the motorsport industry
standard, found as they are in racecars
(including Red Bull F1 cars), pit
garages, wind tunnels, assembly lines
and R&D facilities across the globe.
Their reputation is such that the
phrase ‘Pi logger’ has become the
generic term for blackbox, data-
logging analysis.
CASE STUDY: VISIONEERING/RICARDO
The record-breaking JCB Dieselmax attributed its smashing of
the world diesel-powered speed record in 2006 to the engineering
expertise of two leading Motorsport Valley companies.
Coventry-based Visioneering supplied
the engineering capability to design
and build the innovative, nine-metre
long streamlined car, which reached
a speed of 350mph over the course
at Bonneville Flats in Utah, USA.
Engine and gearbox development
was undertaken by Ricardo, one
of the UK’s largest motorsport
engineering consultancies, which
undertakes projects for many of the
world’s leading performance car
manufacturers, including the DB9
for Aston Martin and the new
250mph Bugatti Veyron.
A big name in motorsport, the
company has also successfully
spread its expertise to many other
knowledge-based sectors.
As well as its UK facilities, Pi Research
also boasts state-of-the-art offices
and R&D operations in Indianapolis
and Charlotte in the US, and agents
in Japan, Italy, Brazil and Denmark.
A true example of a UK firm “born
global” in Motorsport Valley.
www.piresearch.com
Visioneering has also been chosen
to provide engineering services
to Project Kimber, which plans to
resurrect the famous AC sports car
range for launch into the European
market during 2007.
www.visuk.co.uk
www.ricardo.com
Motorsport Academy programmes are establishing
training standards and sector-specific qualifications.
Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
JCB Dieselmax breaks the world land speed record for a diesel-powered vehicle on the Utah salt flats. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
CASE STUDY: BERLIN PROJECT LIMITED (BPL)
Cheltenham company BPL recently signed a rolling 12-month contract with
Japan’s Honda F1 to provide logistics services for its F1 race and test team.
The firm will supply LGV C+ E drivers for Honda’s
Test Team vehicles. In addition, it has won a major
contract in the US to transport carbon fibre,
resins and temperature-sensitive materials used
in the manufacture of motor racing cars. Orders
will be worth up to £400,000.
BPL, which regularly uses UK Trade & Investment
services as part of an ongoing export strategy,
is thrilled with its wins. Managing director Steve
White says: “The size of our expected business in
the US is even bigger that we expected, so we’re
absolutely delighted.
“Similarly, whilst we have worked with Honda in
the past, this is the first time we’ve signed a 12-
month contract with them, which is great news.”
www.berlinproject.co.uk Honda F1 racing team. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
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AHEAD OF THE GAME The UK motorsport industry is built firmly on

a culture of innovation. Leading-edge R&D, CASE STUDY: OAKTEC
investments in new technologies and a voracious
The EEMS-supported Oaktec Honda insight hybrid rally car, considered
appetite to try out new ideas are commonplace to be the first ultra-low emission rally car in Europe, won Class A of
traits in the companies that operate within the fiercely contested 2006 Formula 1000 rally championship at the
Motorsport Valley and other key locations. first attempt.
The Insight was built, developed and crewed by Oaktec partners
From the early days of F1, a large Today, the UK motorsport industry
proportion of the dramatic technical is widely regarded around the world
Paul Andrews and Bill Meeson.
innovations that have taken motor as a technological trailblazer, whose
racing by storm originated in the UK. steady flow of fresh ideas continually
These include the rear-engined pushes the boundaries of global
racecar configurations of the 1950s, motor racing. It is part of a wider The Oaktec Insight has three factors vehicle efficiency. It would be very
and major aerodynamic developments UK infrastructure that is at the that make it unique in the world easy to get more horsepower from
such as aerofoils, under-body profiles leading edge of key technologies of special-stage rallying. Firstly, it the lightweight three cylinder Insight
and carbon-fibre chassis. for the future, including low-carbon uses an electrical hybrid system to engine by running richer mixtures
vehicles, intelligent transport capture energy that would be wasted at higher revs and removing the
systems and new materials. during braking and retardation, catalytic converters, but this would
and re-uses it to help accelerate destroy the carbon dioxide emissions
the car by providing current to an record of the car, which is currently
electric assist motor. Secondly, it has the lowest recorded by a UK market
been developed to use renewable production car at 85g/km. We believe
Energy efficient motorsport (eems) E85 bio-ethanol fuel in place of our car to be even below this figure
conventional unleaded petrol. This when using the bio-ethanol fuel
The UK is a pioneer in greener, environmentally fuel gives strong power combined blend and we will be doing tests
sensitive racing, through such initiatives as EEMS with ultra-low emissions. The third to prove this soon.”
factor that makes this car highly
and the adoption of bioethanol, diesel and LPG fuels. unusual in motorsport is that its In 2007, Oaktec and technical
hybrid power system drives through partners IARC (International
a continually variable automatic Automotive Research Centre) and
“The UK The concept of EEMS has been growing
since 2001 and quickly built support.
Bioethanol, LPG and diesel
fuels have now been introduced
transmission, which gives the car Warwick University will work on
gaining further performance through
better performance and driveability.
motorsport The ACO (organisers of Le Mans)
changed their regulations to allow
into several motor racing arenas,
while new lightweight composite
more effective recycling of wasted
Driver and project engineer Paul energy and further unlocking
industry stands diesel and bioethanol-fuelled cars materials have been incorporated Andrews explains: “This project the performance potential of
to benefit to compete in 2003.
On June 18 2006, a diesel-powered
in the manufacture of chassis,
suspension components, braking
would have less significance if we
cheated with the emissions and
renewable fuels.

considerably Audi R10 won the Le Mans 24-hour

systems, engine and transmissions
to give more efficient use of fuel
by adopting race with an engine designed by
Ulrich Baretzky, the head of engine
and improve performance at the
EEMS concepts technology at Audi Sport.
same time. This demonstration
of the use of alternative fuels
and taking He had forecast a diesel victory at
Le Mans at a ‘Clean Racing’ seminar
and engine techniques can be
expected to deliver part of the
a leading in 2003, but it was the highly future transport solution.
global role.” innovative engineering and design
skills of several UK motorsport
Crompton Technology Group (CTG)
provides an excellent example
companies that turned his prediction
of how brilliant innovations
into reality. Xtrac, for example,
soon become the norm. Their
designed a gearbox to suit the
carbon-fibre filament lightweight
Baretzky-designed engine, which
propshafts were revolutionary
performed perfectly using the Shell
in 2000, but by mid-2005 were
V-Power diesel fuel, newly introduced
essential for racecars worldwide.
by Shell Racing Solutions, from its
This success has helped CTG
technology facilities in Cheshire.
to apply its technology to the
energy and aerospace industries.
www.eemsonline.co.uk
The revolutionary McLaren MP4/1, with motorsport’s first composite chassis. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
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The new Motorsport Academy, hard at work training
the next generation of motorsport engineers.
Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
R&D INVESTMENT
UK motorsport’s unwavering commitment to
research and development is a key reason for
its excellence in innovation. Over 30 per cent of
the industry’s engineering sales are reinvested
in continuous R&D programmes and facilities,
compared to a wider engineering average of
just two per cent. The result is a technologically
advanced environment full of fresh, market-
orientated ideas.

W
 hy is the UK the best place UK motorsport boasts a first-class
to invest in high-performance R&D infrastructure, incorporating
engineering R&D? full-size wind tunnels, circuits and
extensive testing venues, such
• M
 otorsport Valley is the global as those on offer at Millbrook in
home of motorsport and high- Bedfordshire and Warwickshire-
performance engineering and based MIRA. In addition, it enjoys
is the location for the most ever-closer links with leading UK
cost-effective R&D universities and colleges, such as
Cranfield, Brunel and Oxford Brookes,
• L eading-edge strengths and active
which are continually striving to
knowledge transfer networks in
develop and invest in educational
key future technologies
and research programmes for the
• E asy access to world-renowned motorsport industry. Consequently,
there is a constant flow of new blood
universities dedicated to securing
into the industry, which serves to
commercial partnerships to
enhance UK motorsport’s know-how
support the exploitation of R&D
and maintain its competitiveness
• DTI Technology Programme in an ever-more demanding
worldwide arena.
• Supportive R&D tax credit scheme
UK-based companies are also able
• Support available from to take advantage of the DTI’s
UK Trade & Investment and Technology Programme, which
partner organisations, which consists of the Knowledge Transfer
can help you find the right Networks (KTNs) and collaborative
partner or supplier for your R&D programmes. KTNs encourage
company, or the best location the flow of knowledge, people and
for your own operation experience between industry and
the science base, with the aim
of delivering improved industrial
performance. Examples include the
Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology
KTN, which was set up and run by
Cenex; SMMT Foresight Vehicle;
Fuel Cells Today and Fuel Cells UK.
There is also the Intelligent Transport
Systems KTN, set up by innovITS,
a centre of excellence which
strives to seek out inventive
telematics technology.
Collaborative R&D schemes are
supported with funding from the
Technology Programme to generate
wealth for the UK economy. Since
this programme was launched in
February 2004, more than 500 MIRA provides a range of world-class testing and analysis services. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
projects have been supported, with
a value in excess of £750 million.
Moreover, significant tax breaks
are enhancing the technological
CASE STUDY: MIRA
hothouse that is UK motorsport.
Since the end of 2005, UK-based
motorsport companies have been Warwickshire-based MIRA is at the forefront
the beneficiaries of a new tax-credit of motorsport R&D, helping clients worldwide
scheme which allows tax credits to to design and develop innovative products, be
be set against R&D costs. Rebates they faster, greener, cleaner, safer, cheaper or
can be as much as up to 37.5 per cent
of the initial R&D spend.
more reliable.
The advantages are being seen at
all levels; from F1 companies such
as Renault, Williams and Red Bull Thanks to its large testing track, full support facilities and
to the myriad smaller, independent, the company’s 100 years of knowledge-based expertise,
technology-driven engineering firms MIRA is renowned for delivering the best engineering
that survive on innovation and solutions. Recent successes have included its technical
invention and for whom R&D is partnership with independent operators Team Halfords.
the lifeblood. Using MIRA’s full-scale wind tunnels, their Honda
Integras were improved to such an extent that Team
Halfords won the 2005 and 2006 British Touring Car
Championship in both the driver and team categories.
MIRA also carried out an innovative passive safety
programme in Europe and the US for the Mercedes
McLaren SLR, as well as many key design and technical
developments for major OEMs and Tier 1s in the wider Gareth Howell (GBR) Team Halfords celebrates winning race 1. British Touring
Car Championship, Rd 10, Silverstone, England 14th -15th Oct 2006.
automotive industry and related sectors. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com

www.mira.co.uk
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The Powerboat P1 World Championship Series, a rapidly growing new form of motorsport. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Thanks to its innovative nature, UK motorsport’s
capabilities are now increasingly being applied to
other industries, as well as the wider automotive
sector. Relationships have been initiated with
other high-performance engineering-based
industries like aerospace and marine.
Motorsport Valley is winning the race for new technologies and
new markets. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
Recognising the importance of
synergies between motorsport and
“The UK boasts aerospace, in 2004 the MIA launched
its “Motorsport2Aerospace” (M2A)
some 2,400 technology transfer programme at
companies in the Farnborough International Air
Show. Aiming to develop cross-
the motorsport pollination of innovations and
technologies between the two
industry.” complementary sectors, M2A has
already enjoyed considerable success.
Lola Cars, based in Cambridgeshire,
is a key example, having worked on
the development of unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs) in conjunction with
Meggit Defence Systems. Moreover,
Surrey firm DPS Composites, one of
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CASE STUDY: MAHLE POWERTRAIN
From components to complete powertrain assemblies,
prototypes or production, race-engine solutions
engineered by MAHLE Powertrain (formerly Cosworth
Technology) offer customers worldwide the very latest
high-tech innovations.
The company has established an impressive reputation for
delivering Integrated Powertrain Solutions (IPS) for a wide
range of motorsport applications. Today, its engines power
cars participating in numerous championships, including
Speed GT and the World Touring Car Championship.
MAHLE employs some 1,000 highly skilled people at extensive
modern facilities in the UK and the US. An in-house foundry
making lightweight, precision aluminium castings and
production lines for machining and engine assembly are just
part of the company’s continuing investment in infrastructure.
It constantly researches potential future technologies, so
that each innovative development is market-ready in the
quickest possible time.
Although highly focused on the development of gasoline
technologies and high-performance and high-tech
diagnostics systems, MAHLE also works with fuels such
as diesel, hydrogen, natural gas, alcohols and bio-fuels.
www.mahle-powertrain.com
the trailblazers of carbon fibre in
motorsport, counts British Airways and
Qantas amongst its customers, while
Crompton Technology Group (CTG),
renowned for its carbon-fibre filament
lightweight propshafts, has delivered
synergetic applications in both the
energy and aerospace industries.
“The biggest shock that aerospace
people experience when first talking
to the motorsport fraternity is how
fast we can turn round ideas,” says
Prodrive’s Ben Sayer. “They cannot
believe how quickly we can take a
brief and produce a finished article.”
James Thompson (GBR) seat on the grid. British Touring Car Championship.
Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
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CASE STUDY: B
 ERU F1 SYSTEMS
Norfolk motorsport engineering specialists
BERU F1 Systems has developed an innovative
Wire in Composite (WiC), which offers a
performance and reliability advantage to
a range of vehicles, both within motorsport
and in other non-automotive sectors such
as aerospace and marine.
WiC isolates wires from physical and chemical damage
in a bespoke composite sleeve, permitting designers to
improve packaging by laying wires securely side-by-
side as opposed to in a traditional bundle. WiC can be
formed to virtually any shape, offering the ability to
incorporate sharp bend radii without the straining or
chafing of a conventional harness.
Originally designed for motorsport applications, in
which wiring harnesses must be mounted as low as
possible to improve the centre of gravity, WiC has
recently been supplied to non-racecar vehicles,
thus boosting BERU F1 System’s growth prospects.
In 2006, the MIA recognised the company’s
achievement and awarded it its prestigious
Technology and Innovation Award.
www.f1systems.com
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“The 12th team position on the
CASE STUDY: GB Solo F1 grid for 2008 has recently
Innovative, state-of-the-art protective fire-fighting been awarded to Prodrive,
helmets are winning customers worldwide for another leading Motorsport Valley
Scunthorpe-based firm GB Solo. It supplies UK-
based F1 pit crews, as well as Ferrari in Italy and
engineering and design innovator.”
Toyota in Germany.
SOLOtic is one of the most sought-after products from
the company’s range. The helmet provides hands-free
thermal imaging and complete protection, combined
with an air supply and communications system.
This enables operatives to navigate unfamiliar territory
and smoke-filled environments, while locating victims
or identifying exit routes.
The company, which won the 2004 Exporter of the
Year Award, has worked closely with UK Trade &
Investment as part of its international trade efforts.
Marketing director James Brooks says: “UK Trade &
Investment helps to point us in the right direction
with certain clients. It is especially good at providing
advice on customs issues.”
www.gbsolo.com
Wire In Composite (WIC) technology, developed by BERU F1 systems, has vast potential for the motorsport sector.
Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
2006 British Grand Prix. Silverstone, England. 8th-11th June. Nico Rosberg, Williams FW28 Coworth. Courtesy Williams F1.
15
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE Thanks to its first-class innovation strategies,
UK motorsport companies are world leaders
in high-performance and design engineering.
When it comes to motorsport-
orientated technologies, the UK
qualifies in pole position, with
a large proportion of its precision
engineering firms enjoying
unrivalled reputations across
worldwide markets.
Over the last 30 years, for example,
UK-built cars have won the majority
of F1 World Championship races
and, over its long history, most
World Rally Championship cars have
been designed and manufactured
in the UK. Today, a large proportion
of the world’s single-seater racing
cars are produced here.
In part, Motorsport Valley is the
natural modern-day extension of
the UK’s long-held dominance in
the dynamic world of high-spec
automotive design and engineering.
Today it boasts a unique diversity
of world-class design and high-
performance engineering companies.
Race 1: Greg Mansell (GBR) Team SWR Formula BMW. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
UK companies conceive, develop,
design and manufacture everything
from high-tech chassis, seats,
cockpits, seatbelts and helmets, to
market-leading engines, gearboxes,
brakes, transmissions, clutches,
suspension systems, telemetry and a
seemingly limitless range of precision
components. This diversity explains
why the UK motorsport industry is
so exciting. Its global potential
is enormous.
One of the most recent success
stories for UK motorsport engineers
is the new A1 Grand Prix (A1GP)
series. The key elements of the
A1GP racecar all have the “Made in
Motorsport Valley” signature. These
include the chassis and suspension
system (manufactured by Lola),
the all-aluminium engine and EGS
paddle-shift gearing system (Zytek),
the high-tech brakes and clutches
(AP Racing), the dash-unit control
(Pi Research) and extra-narrow tyres
(Cooper Avon, through the Avon
Tyres Motorsport Brand). A1GP team
Australia is run by Alan Docking
racing at Silverstone. Another
UK company, West Surrey Racing,
supports both Team Singapore and
Team USA.
16
DESIGN ENGINEERING
The internationally recognised UK design engineering sector offers
independent expertise to customers around the world. It is expert
at creating solutions to the myriad challenges generated by the
expanding needs of OEMs and their global suppliers, while also
reducing their workload, keeping programmes on schedule and
forming lasting partnerships.
Apart from the specialist technical know-how provided The quality of the UK’s innovative design engineering
by UK design engineering companies and consultancies, capability is amply demonstrated by sales almost
they also boast first-class research facilities such as doubling over five years and continuing to grow strongly.
emissions laboratories and other testing grounds, The broad base of these specialist companies, which also
supported by a range of advanced technology. include the likes of Millbrook, Roush and TWI, provides
international motorsport and mainstream vehicle
This is illustrated by the services being successfully
manufacturers with the ability not merely to cope with
offered by UK design engineering companies to countries
model changes and range expansion, but to meet ever-
with developing automotive industries which are focused
more complex and stringent legislative demands in areas
on raising their quality to global standards. One of these
such as safety and emissions.
key emerging markets is China – where UK firms such
as Lotus Engineering, Ricardo, MIRA, Prodrive, Concept
Group International and Arup have an ever-increasing
presence, and have all recently opened in-country offices.
Launch of the P1 at the 2006 Autosport Show. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
17 18

ENCOURAGING ENTERPRISE
The UK’s enormous contribution to the manufacturing and high-performance CASE STUDY: GTM CARS
automotive sectors has established extremely positive conditions for both Thanks to its excellence in engineering, Coventry-based GTM Cars has exported
inward and outward investment and trade and international partnerships. its range of specialist sports cars all over the world.

An increasingly significant number of overseas-based Locating to and/or investing in the Motorsport

mass-market car manufacturers, for example, are now
using UK race and design engineering to enhance their
road-going vehicles.
CASE STUDY: T MD FRICTION - MINTEX BRAKES
TMD Friction has been producing racing friction from the earliest days of the automobile and
has a rich history and pedigree. In 1960, for example, Jack Brabham won the F1 World
Championship driving a Cooper fitted with the company’s Mintex brakes.
The company now specialises in fully developed high
torque friction disc brake pad materials formulated
for high to low downforce racecar applications. Used
extensively by NASCAR, Champ Car and Late Model
Racing Teams in the US and by FIA GT, International Race
and Rally Teams in Europe, these friction materials have
already had major successes. Mintex, for example, was
the pad of choice for over 60 per cent of cars running in
the inaugural NASCAR BUSCH Race at the Autodrómo
Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico in 2005.
As the US is a very important market, TMD Friction
regularly exhibits at the country’s annual Performance
Racing Industry (PRI) trade show. Group motorsport
manager Terry Armstead says: “If you are serious about
selling into professional US motorsport, PRI is the only
event in the calendar which brings together all of the
customers and suppliers from the whole industry. It is
the most cost-effective medium to communicate our
product to the race fraternity.”
Every year, UK Trade & Investment consequently supports
a MIA-led mission and UK exhibiting group at this key
show – the largest individual country grouping from
anywhere in the world.
As well as frequently attending race shows such as PRI,
TMD Friction has also formed close relationships with US
engineers to maintain their competitive edge, illustrative
of the global partnerships at the heart of this industry.
Valley cluster allows engineering companies to work
together, innovate, develop products and form lucrative
partnerships in a world-class international environment.
“UK companies should never assume that just because
they have been a success domestically or in other
markets they know best what US racers will want,”
explains Armstead. “US racing is different - culturally
as well as technically.
“Our product worked well for Europe, but it took a US
race specialist to tweak, tune and refine it specifically
for US stock car racing and finally make it the brake pad
of choice for US high-level stock car racers.”
TMD Friction, which has regularly commissioned overseas
market research reports from UK Trade & Investment,
recently established a local presence in the US to provide
an additional boost to its stateside strategy. “It didn’t
take long for us to realise that American racers are
more comfortable dealing with other Americans who
have similar experiences and attitudes,” says Armstead.
“We employed a US race manager from about 2001 and
gradually our US sister company (handily placed within
100 miles of Mooresville, North Carolina, the US centre
for stock car teams) assumed more responsibility for
the business. At the end of 2005, it took over full
race-business responsibility.”
www.mintexracing.com
After receiving advice from A highly skilled team manufactures General Manager Lloyd Taylor
UK Trade & Investment, and each composite body to exacting says: “GTM has made considerable
enrolling on its Passport to standards, ensuring strength, safety efforts over the past few years
Export programme, GTM has sold and superb surface finish. The body to sell our vehicles abroad and
vehicles to Australia, Belgium, is hand laminated with substantial thanks to UK Trade & Investment
Germany, South Africa, the layers of gel coat for great colour we have achieved an outstanding
Netherlands and the US. Export depth and long-term durability. 40 per cent of our turnover from
sales currently represent about exporting. This really is an example
40 per cent of the turnover of All bodyshells are hand de-seamed of the help that is available to
the company, which recently and polished to a superb standard small and growing companies
won a UK Trade & Investment and each body can be made in to excel on a worldwide scale.”
Best New Exporter Award. a wide range of colours to
customer specification. www.gtmcars.com
GTM’s composite manufacturing
facility produces all of the body
components for its vehicles.
CASE STUDY: FORD/M-SPORT
In 1996, US giant Ford chose Lake District firm M-Sport to mastermind its assault
on the World Rally Championship (WRC) by channelling race technologies into
its high-performance cars. Today, M-Sport runs the WRC campaigns for both
the BP-Ford and Stobart BK Ford M-Sport teams.
From the company’s £1 million R&D facility,
M-Sport engineers and designers work closely
with the technical teams building the Focus
RS WRC car and their Ford colleagues.
Ford’s Jost Capito says: “We have noticed clear
benefits from feeding motorsport knowledge and
success in rallying directly into our road-going
performance products.”
This investment by Ford reaffirms the UK’s status
as the best location for global automotive
companies who want to achieve a competitive
advantage, both on and off the track.
www.m-sport.co.uk

2006 Ford WRC line up Marcus Gronholm (FIN) and Mikko Hirvonen (FIN). Autosport International
Show 2006, NEC, Birmingham. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
19 20

The UK motorsport industry owes much of its success to

DEVELOPING TALENT
CASE STUDY: T OKYO R&D CO. LTD the quality of its workforce. UK engineers and technicians
are among the best in the world, and many of them are now
This high-tech Japanese engineering firm was so impressed with the
expertise of the UK motorsport workforce that it established a
employed in motorsport-related companies.
subsidiary in Chigwell, Essex. The Vemac Car Company assembles
small numbers of Tokyo R&D’s cutting-edge low-volume sports cars.

The Japanese enterprise saw the UK as a logical location
for its subsidiary, due to its world-leading position in
racing-car manufacture and technology and its rich
history in sports-car building and low-volume production.
Tokyo R&D’s president and CEO Masao Ono says: “For
motorsports-related companies, the UK is a very good
location for investment, because of the availability of
technology and information.
“UK Trade & Investment helped us to locate companies
with advanced technology expertise and also assisted
with the training of our engineers. We are now hopeful
that Vemac’s success with racing cars will lead to the
expansion of our road-going sports cars.”
www.r-d.co.jp

“The 12th team position CASE STUDY: PRODRIVE

on the F1 grid for 2008 has Such is the worldwide success of Banbury-based
motorsport technology specialist Prodrive that it
recently been awarded to has opened its first office in the rapidly growing
Prodrive, another leading market of China.

Motorsport Valley Prodrive design office. Courtesy Prodrive.

engineering and design The new office, situated in Shanghai, in the heart of
the Chinese automotive industry, is part of Prodrive’s
innovator.” Asia-Pacific operations, which already include a design
facility with 80 engineers in Bangkok, and further
facilities in Melbourne.
For more than 20 years, Prodrive has been running race
and rallying programmes for some of the biggest names in
motorsport, including Subaru, Aston Martin, Ford, Porsche,
Honda and BMW. Nearly 80 per cent of the components
and systems for Subaru’s World Rally Championship
Impreza car, for example, are made at Prodrive’s UK site.
Dr Alastair Bacon, who heads up Prodrive’s Chinese
operation, says: “There are many innovative technologies
and a huge range of technical resources and skills we
can bring to the Chinese automotive industry. In the
longer term, our aim is to have a design and engineering
capability in China.”
www.prodrive.com
Cutting-edge R&D requires the most modern and well-equipped facilities.
This is Prodrive’s new composites factory. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
ENCOURAGING EDUCATION
Twenty UK universities and 120 colleges of further
education now offer a wide variety of programmes
directly relating to motorsport, at NVQ, HNC and post-
graduate levels, ensuring the future supply of skilled
Students optimising racing car aerodynamics in the University
of Southampton. Courtesy www.southamptonF1.com
engineers and the continuing success of the industry.
Such courses include Motorsport Britons are now encouraged to to design and fabricate a
Electronic Systems, Motorsport enjoy engineering and motorsport prototype vehicle to specific cost
Engineering and Design and from an early age. The Learning and performance criteria. Other
Motorsport Management. Key to Grid (www.learninggrid.co.uk), for programmes include Formula Schools,
this has been the strong collaboration example, is a range of motorsport Greenpower, Shell Ecomarathon, F1
between the motorsport industry engineering programmes, linked in Schools and the Youth Engineering
and academia. to engineering, science, design, Summit. Such projects will ensure
technology or mathematics. that the UK students of today become
Since 2000, the UK’s Motorsport
the leading motorsport engineers,
Industry Association (MIA) has They include Primary Engineer,
designers and managers of tomorrow.
forged close working relationships which teaches the basic principles
with schools and universities to of engineering to children from four
help deliver high-quality students years of age upwards, and Formula
into the workplace. Student, which tasks undergraduates
21 22

MOTORSPORT ACADEMY
The Motorsport Academy is the forefront of UK motorsport’s efforts Warwickshire College
to enhance the skills of its workforce. It has recently been established
Warwickshire College’s prospectus includes one-year courses such as an
with the support of Motorsport Development UK. Introduction to Motorsport and Racecar Body Preparation & Fabrication, as
well as a two-year foundation diploma in Motorsport Engineering. This provides
Charged with co-ordinating and Over the next three years, more The academy will form a strong students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work at an advanced
improving the quality of education than 12,000 people are expected to bridge between education and technician level within the industry.
and training provision, the improve their skills and knowledge industry, promote collaboration www.warkscol.ac.uk
academy, a partnership between through Motorsport Academy- between researchers and business
the MIA and Carter & Carter
Group, aims to ensure that the
approved programmes, which
will establish training standards,
and support the most talented
individuals throughout their
The University of Southampton
industry has the know-how that sector-specific qualifications and motorsport careers. The University of Southampton runs the UK’s only postgraduate course in Racecar
it needs to remain the hub of the sharing of best practice. Aerodynamics, taking eight students, from the UK and overseas, each year. Over
www.motorsportacademy.org
global motorsport. the years, a number of race teams, such as BAR, Benetton, Penske, Prost, Sauber
and Tyrrell, have tested cars in its wind tunnels. The university’s commitment to
providing motorsports-relevant R&D courses and infrastructure is second to none.
www.soton.ac.uk

TRAINING CENTRES Swansea Institute

Cranfield University
Cranfield University offers graduates an MSc in
Motorsport Engineering and Management. Its new
£2.45 million Lightweight Structures Laboratories
provide students with state-of-the-art composites,
crash and impact research facilities and focus
on safety-related research within motorsport.
In addition, Cranfield operates wind tunnels, vehicle
dynamics and other motorsport-related facilities.
Cranfield’s postgraduates, which come not just
from the UK but also from countries such as
Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Spain and the US, go on to employment
with many of the world’s leading motorsport
companies. The university’s Motorsport Alumni
Association has become a highly influential
worldwide network.
“We normally look at recruiting approximately
20 full-time MSc students onto the IMechE
accredited programme each year,” says Cranfield’s
Clive Temple. “We seek to attract students who
will secure employment in motorsport and our
track record speaks for itself.
“We also support PhDs in relation to motorsport
and these can be in conjunction with F1, leading
teams and tier-one companies. If a non-EU student
brings funding we will give serious consideration
to their undertaking research here at Cranfield.
Swansea Institute, through its dedicated School of Automotive Engineering,
has an increasingly strong relationship with its local racetrack, Pembrey Circuit,
Llanelli, regarded as the home of Welsh motorsport. The institute offers
programmes in Motorsport Engineering, Motorsport Electronics and Motorsport
Engineering & Design. Swansea shortly intends to have its own exclusive
dedicated testing facilities at Pembrey, including a skid-pan and fully
equipped workshops.
www.sihe.ac.uk
Oxford Brookes
Oxford Brookes has a reputation for high-quality education and research.
It has a wide motorsport/automotive portfolio, strong links with companies
such as Williams F1, Renault F1, Xtrac and Prodrive, and outstanding student
employability. Its School of Technology is a renowned centre of excellence for
Cranfield University student. Courtesy Cranfield University.
motorsport, while a brand new, purpose-built Motorsport Engineering Centre
provides state-of-the-art teaching, research, consultancy and testing facilities.
“Former students have gone onto companies
such as Williams F1, Honda Racing F1, www.brookes.ac.uk
McLaren Racing, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing,
Spyker F1, Renault F1, Toyota F1, Super Aguri F1,
M-Sport, Prodrive, Xtrac, Chip Ganassi Racing,
Hitech Racing, Triple Eight, Performance
Friction, Promatecme, Team Australia, T-Sport,
Alan Docking Racing, Rocketsports Racing,
Racing Engineering, Mygale, G-Force, Richard
Childress Racing, Performance Racing, Fluid
Motorsport Development, EM Motorsport, Menard
Competition Technologies and Scuderia Ecosse.”
www.motorsport.cranfield.ac.uk or
email motorsport@cranfield.ac.uk

Alcon’s patented brake calipers are installed in every Honda F1 Racing car. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
23
The University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire (UH) has one
of the largest, oldest and most successful
automotive and motorsport teaching schools in
the UK. Over 500 students currently study on
automotive and motorsport-related BSc, BEng
and MEng degree courses.
The university places a specific focus on
producing ‘job-ready’ engineers through a
combination of academic excellence blended
with real-world project experience. In Formula
Student, UH Racing has achieved top UK
Class 1 team twice in the last five years, has
won Class 1-200 outright on two occasions
and has competed in Australia and Detroit.
www.herts.ac.uk
24
The National College of Motorsport “No less than seven of the
The National College of Motorsport is a current 11 F1 teams have
partnership of three further education colleges
based in the heart of Motorsport Valley, led chosen to operate from
by Tresham Institute of Further & Higher
Education. It was the first vocational centre
bases in Motorsport Valley.”
for motorsport and performance engineering
to tackle the decline and shortage of craft
technicians’ skills within the motorsport
industry. Tresham Institute, based at Silverstone
circuit, provides training for students entering
motorsport as race technicians.
www.nc4m.ac.uk
Other UK colleges and universities that
offer motorsport engineering courses include
Brunel University, Kingston University and
Johann Gibson receiving her BRDC trophy from Sir Jackie Stewart.
Myerscough College. Courtesy Cranfield University.
Fernando Alonso (EPS) Renault R26. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
25 26

COMMERCIAL SERVICES The UK, and particularly London, is a world centre for motorsport support and
service activities. These include event management, public relations, media,
“The UK provides the best marketing, advertising, merchandising, sponsorship, insurance, accountancy
environment for the motorsports and legal services. The many specialists in these areas contribute to the UK
industry. It offers a unique motorsport industry’s brand, performance and opportunities and enhance its
appeal to overseas investors.
gateway of international
connections and is a recognised
global leader in the fields of
innovation, design engineering CASE STUDY:INTERNATIONAL SPORTSWORLd
COMMUNICATORS (ISC)
and product development.”
London-based ISC, the broadcasting partner of the
World Rally Championship (WRC), has transformed
the profile of the sport, helping it to attract the
attention of a greater dedicated global audience.

Intent on making the WRC accessible to millions

of established and new viewers around the world, ISC FIA President Max Mosely is interviewed by journalists at the F1 Italian Grand Prix.
has fostered an unprecedented level of commercial Courtesy www.sutton-images.com

and marketing interest by negotiating several key

partnerships to boost the competition’s mass-market
appeal. Such initiatives include a Sony WRC Playstation 2
game, contracts for TV prime-time slots with a host of
international broadcasters, and uploading races in real-
time on the web.
To ensure greater penetration in the vast Asian market,
ISC recently concluded a three-year agreement with Total
Sports Asia (TSA), with the latter taking responsibility for
WRC media distribution in the key territories of China,
south-east Asia and India. Managed and controlled
commercially from the UK, the WRC is set for greater
market dominance, with ISC at the helm.
www.wrc.com

CASE STUDY: RAWLINSON & HUNTER

Internationally renowned chartered accountants Rawlinson & Hunter
have headquarters in London, which is the hub of a network of offices
worldwide, from New Zealand to the Caribbean.

The firm advises and navigates its motorsport clients
through the complexities of UK and international
financial and tax legislation.
It has particular expertise in advising individuals and
companies on VAT regulations, employment contracts
and share schemes, transfer pricing and how to take
advantage of the enhanced R&D tax credits on offer
to the UK motorsport industry.
Corporate services partner James Kelly says:
“We undertake a significant amount of high-profile
motorsport work, advising overseas individuals and
companies trying to set up here in the UK.
“Recent clients have included an overseas World Rally
team, whom we helped make a successful R&D tax credit
claim. We are now targeting a new Japanese client.”
He adds: “Rawlinson & Hunter is aware of the work
of UK Trade & Investment and has used some of its
services. Recent overseas marketing trips have included
a visit to a number of the organisation’s offices in
San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles, and I was 
impressed by their operation. I have also been on a
UK Trade & Investment-assisted visit to China, which
was supported by the MIA.”
www.rawlinson-hunter.com

F1 fever hits Bahrain. Courtesy www.crashpa.net

27
CASE STUDY:KHP Consulting
KHP is an international marketing and communications agency specialising in F1 and other motorsports.
With headquarters in London and overseas offices in Paris, Munich and Bahrain, the company focuses
on PR and communication, event management, in-market exploitation and sponsorship strategy.
In F1, KHP has recently concluded the first phase of a
multi-year exclusive contract with the Bahrain
International Circuit. The role is wide-ranging, including
marketing, event management, year-round PR, as well as
setting up and managing all the extensive media facilities.
Other major clients have included Shell, Nortel Networks,
Ford, BMW and Porsche.
“Motorsport is our primary focus,” explains KHP’s James
Fraser. “Our services range from strategic PR campaigns
to event management/hospitality, sponsorship and general
marketing. The service we provide is unparalleled as we
work with teams, sponsors and promoters, as well as
enjoying a successful relationship with the sport’s
governing bodies and commercial partners, allowing us
to guide our clients carefully through the minefield of
Formula One. Put quite simply, we are the only agency
in the world which works for the rights holders, promoters,
teams and sponsors. We successfully maintain and retain
the longest promotion contract within F1 with the German
Grand Prix, which started in 1985.
“KHP has been involved in F1 over the last 20 years in
12 different countries, totalling 67 Grand Prix. We played
an integral part in the process of taking F1 to Bahrain in
2004 and have now worked on all three Grand Prix there.
In 2006, we conceived the ‘Yallah! Bahrain’ range of
events, which we will continue in 2007.
“These have helped to entertain, educate and bring F1
closer to the general public in Bahrain and in the Gulf
states as a whole.
“Notable sponsorship deals include Ford, BP, Castrol and
Mastercard and other global brands for a range of teams
within motorsport. We have recently brought new
sponsors into F1, including PVAXX, which is the first
long-term deal for a Middle Eastern-based company in F1.
“We are also heavily involved in celebrity-endorsement
brokering deals between personalities and properties,
an example being Jenson Button and Durrat al Bahrain.”
Bernie Ecclestone, CEO and president of Formula One
Management Ltd, is a big fan of KHP, stating: “Operating
in F1’s very tough environment, KHP has proved over and
over again that they can deliver beyond their client’s
expectations. I would have no difficulty in recommending
KHP as a company with which to do business.”
www.khpconsulting.com
“Motorsport Valley in the UK:
the ideal location for your
European-based business.”
David Coulthard (GBR) Red Bull Racing the race Sky One TV show. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
CASE STUDY:ALEXANDER FORBES
UK insurance brokers like Manchester-based Alexander Forbes work with many of the leading names in
international motorsport, providing vital niches of insurance cover in a complex and demanding marketplace.
Subaru World Rally Championship team. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
CASE STUDY: WRAGGE & Co.
Wragge & Co., which was recently named one of the UK’s most innovative law firms,
uses its considerable experience of the motorsport and wider automotive industry to
provide legal advice to multinational original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and
tier one and two component manufacturers, many of whom are internationally owned.
Its team of lawyers, based in Birmingham, London
and Brussels, comprises members of the UK Motorsport
Industry Association (MIA) and the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Partner Stuart Young says: “The unusual complexity
and volatility of the motor industry calls for an
exceptional breed of legal adviser. Working from
the heartland of UK car manufacturing, we’re living
and breathing the same commercial environment
in which vehicle and component manufacturers,
suppliers and distributors all have to work - so
we’re geared to providing a high quality of service
to every level in the chain of production and sale.
28
The appointed broker to the main governing bodies for
two, three and four-wheel motorsport, Alexander Forbes
Motor Sport Risk Services has formed close working
relationships with motorsports teams, manufacturers
and suppliers, advising on all aspects of risk management
and insurance programme design, as well as providing
advice for acquisitions and disposals.
The firm’s wide range of expertise and experience includes:
engineering firms; parts and equipment suppliers; engine
builders/tuners; circuit owners/managers; vehicle
transporters; classic cars; clubs; personal accident; travel;
storage and transit; event cancellation; prize indemnity;
and race and rally schools.
www.uk.lockton.com
“We have worked closely with the MIA to provide
advice to many of its members. We also worked
intensively on the sale of the Jaguar F1 team to
Red Bull, which marked its entry into Formula One.
Other clients have included Prodrive and Cosworth -
key players in international motorsport.
“At a time of unending change, Wragge & Co
offers continuity and a real insight into the
industry, based on years of first-hand experience
both in the UK and worldwide.”
www.wragge.com
29 30

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
UK motorsport is a perfect example of how domestic
and overseas firms can work together successfully on
a global stage. Most overseas-based original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) have partnerships with UK
motorsport companies to harness their race-bred
R&D and prototyping capabilities, high-performance
engineering skills and next-generation technology
for the development of modern road vehicles.
Such major players as Honda, Renault, Subaru and Ford are taking advantage
of the unique skills and expertise on offer in the UK. A large proportion of UK
motorsport-related business is either “born global”, supplying the global market,
or is leading innovation in multinational enterprises.
The membership base of the UK’s Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), the
trade association for the motorsport industry, now includes an ever-increasing
number of international companies. Opportunities for overseas companies to
benefit from the capabilities of the UK motorsport industry in developing their
global business have never been more open or plentiful.
UK Trade & Investment can help every step of the way, whether the interest is
in identifying potential partners or suppliers, or setting up in the UK. Services
offered by UK Trade & Investment include making arrangements for investors to
visit target locations and meet with key contacts, as well as providing national,
regional and local information.
CASE STUDY: Honda F1
Japanese car maker Honda has developed a close
relationship with the UK that stretches back some
40 years.
Visitors to the Honda Racing F1 team wind tunnel. Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
It currently employs a total of 5,500 people in the UK
in an investment worth £1.3 billion. When Honda F1 was
looking to invest £30 million in a state-of-the-art wind
tunnel and aerodynamic centre, it was therefore only
natural that its partner of choice would be Motorsport
Valley. Installed in Brackley, six miles from the Silverstone
Grand Prix circuit, the fully automated wind tunnel can
generate and direct wind speeds of up to 180mph at
a full-size Honda F1 racecar.
Commenting on the decision to invest in the UK,
Shigeru Takagi, president of Honda Motor Europe,
said: “Our desire to become Formula One champions
requires a very strong infrastructure and it is with this
in mind that we have invested in our new wind tunnel
at Brackley. This facility is a demonstration of our
strong commitment to the UK.”
Alistair Darling, UK Secretary of State for Trade and
Industry, added: “This impressive facility shows that
the UK is still attracting the best engineering and
manufacturing in the world. The wind tunnel is another
excellent example of partnership between the best of
British and the best of Japanese know-how.”
www.hondaracingf1.com

case study: Roush Technologies

CASE STUDY: Renault F1
US companies have been making substantial investments into the
Established in 1992, the Whiteways Technical
UK motorsport industry over recent years. A recent example of this is
Centre has more than 500 technicians and
Roush Technologies, which opened its engineering services division
engineers, working on everything from advanced
in Brentwood in 1995 as part of its global strategy.
R&D and design to manufacturing the chassis
and transmission systems.

The company saw the UK as its logical entry point into Europe, while the
Brentwood location was close to the UK home of Ford, one of its major
customers. In late 2003, Roush acquired Essex race-engine manufacturer
Mountune in order to develop the motorsport side of the business. “It
complemented our activities in the UK,” explains Roush’s John Tampkins.
“Motorsport is a key Roush activity in North America and it was logical to
do the same in the UK, the centre of motorsport engineering in Europe, if
not the world. It also provided synergies with our existing activities in the
area of prototype engine building. Mountune builds engines for many forms
of motorsport, including saloons, single seaters and rally cars. The investment
is proving increasingly successful, with several new projects about to kick off.
www.roush.co.uk
The UK and French sites enjoy a smooth and
complementary relationship: the general management,
testing and racing operations are handled from Enstone;
while the engines are manufactured across the channel
and supplied from there for general assembly.
A winning partnership – as Renault’s 2006 F1
Championship triumph clearly demonstrated.
www.renaultf1.com
The entrance to Renault F1’s Whiteways Technical Centre at Enstone
Courtesy www.sutton-images.com
31
UK TRADE & INVESTMENT UK TRADE & INVESTMENT –
SUPPORTING MOTORSPORT IN THE UK THE GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION HELPING
COMPANIES REALISE THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL
UK Trade & Investment’s role is a proactive
one of facilitating overseas investment in the
UK and enabling domestic business to expand
confidently overseas.
As the UK Government’s international
business development organisation, we help
companies internationalise. The services
offered by UK Trade & Investment bring
together a network of business sector
specialists and support teams around the
UK and in British diplomatic posts all
around the world.
We give overseas companies advice on
setting up in the UK; bespoke client
account management and introductions to
professional advisers; support with exporting
from the UK; and help with visits to suitable
locations, finding business partners and
accessing financial incentives.
We also help UK companies expand
globally by providing advice and training,
market information, and practical help
for market visits.
Andrew Cahn – UK Trade & Investment Chief Executive.
MOTORSPORT TITLES PUBLISHED FROM THE UK
Autosport
(The world’s best-selling motorsport weekly)
www.autosport.com
BusinessF1
www.businessf1.com
Racecar Engineering
www.racecar-engineering.com
32
CONTACTS
UK TRADE & INVESTMENT
Headquarters: London and Glasgow
Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 8000
To help promote internationally the www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
UK’s world-renowned capabilities in the
motorsport industry and ensure that
it remains a global centre of excellence,
UK Trade & Investment has dedicated teams,
SOCIETY OF MOTOR MANUFACTURERS
covering both inward investment and trade
AND TRADERS (SMMT)
development in the motorsport industry.
The SMMT encourages and promotes the motor industry
With headquarters in London and Glasgow,
in the UK and abroad, seeking to sustain the environment,
but present worldwide in the UK’s network improve competitiveness, shape legislation, meet customer
of embassies, high commissions, consulates demand, facilitate new technology, maximise globalisation,
and trade offices, UK Trade & Investment, improve market place delivery and positively inform.
working with its national and regional Forbes House, Halkin Street, London, SW1X 7DS
partners, provides a range of bespoke
Tel: +44 (0)20 7344 9260
information, research and support to
Email: international@smmt.co.uk
companies in motorsport and advanced www.smmt.co.uk
engineering industries interested in taking
advantage of what the UK has to offer.
MOTORSPORT INDUSTRY
ASSOCIATION (MIA)
Founded in 1994 and now representing over 300 member
companies that transact over £3 billion of motorsport business.
Working closely with UK Trade & Investment and other private
and public stakeholders, the MIA represents, promotes and
protects the interests of the UK motorsport industry. Missions,
group attendance at trade shows, business conferences,
workshops, support for technology and furthering education
are just some of the activities the MIA carries out to benefit
motorsport worldwide.
Federation House
Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2RF
Tel: +44 (0)2476 692 600
www.the-mia.com
MOTORSPORT DEVELOPMENT UK
Motorsport Development UK is the public-private partnership
leading a five-year investment programme to sustain and
develop UK motorsport. Its programmes – Motorsport Academy,
Learning Grid, Widening Participation, Business Development
UK Trade & Investment assists UK companies to showcase their R&D and Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS) – all aim to improve
excellence at motorsport trade shows in the UK and around the world. the competitiveness of the industry.
Motorsport Development UK, Silverstone Innovation Centre,
Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, NN12 8GX
Tel: +44 (0)1327 856020
Race Tech Email: info@motorsportdevelopment.co.uk
www.racetechmag.com www.motorsportdevelopment.co.uk
Professional Motorsport World
www.ukintpress.com/mag_motorsport.htm
Motorsport Valley®
The business of winning
Produced bi-annually by the Motorsport Industry Association
(MIA) and supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)
www.the-mia.com
www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

URN 07/624
March 2007.
©
Crown copyright.

Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this document is accurate,
UK Trade & Investment or its supporting Departments, the Departments of Trade and Industry, and
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions or misleading
statements in this document and no warranty is given or responsibility is accepted, as to the standing
of any individual, firm, company, individual or other organisation mentioned in this document.