University News Last updated 30 March 2011
Students on the BSc (Hons) Motorsports course have been inspired by one of the most successful racing teams in F3000 history.
Julian Rouse, Chief Engineer and Jay Davenport, Senior Engineer from Arden International Motorsport came to give a lecture to students about motorsport race car set ups. Arden International is one of the most successful teams in F3000 history and has strengthened its link with the RedBull F1 team, not only by way of team owners Christian and Garry Horner, but Arden has teamed up with Mark Webber, RedBulls experienced F1 driver to lead a team in the new GP3 Championship to success.
In the GP2 Championship, Arden will drive forward with two new drivers to the Series and a strong team hoping that 2011 will be an opportunity to finish successfully in the GP2 Series Team Championship. The GP2 Series continues to prove itself as a Feeder Series into the F1 Championship with twelve experienced GP2 drivers now involved, three of which have graduated through Arden International. The GP3 Series is known as the Stepping Stone to the Feeder Series of F1. Its aim is to give young upcoming drivers a chance to develop their driving skills and jump to the next step, the GP2 Series. MWArden was the first GP3 team to announce its first signed driver in January 2010.
Students who attended the lecture said it was a fantastic Insight to the world of Motorsports and how there were direct similarities to the work they are doing on their BSc (Hons) Motorsport course and how Arden Motorsport International operates.
Liam Brown 2nd year student on the BSc (Hons) Motorsports Technology said
“I thought it was a fantastic insight into what actually happens off the track, the level of detail and attention to all aspects required to win, and also I found it intriguing that they thought Formula Student is actually very similar to what they do, just on a smaller scale of course.”
Craig McKenzie 3rd year on the BSc (Hons) Motorsports Technology said
"A fascinating talk from Arden which gave us an insight into the technology and hard work that goes into the operation of a successful, professional motorsport company. I cannot wait until the next visit"
Kerrie Louise Davis 2nd year student on the BSc (Hons) Motorsports Technology,
"The Arden Motorsport visit was great, the engineers gave a true insight into what it's really like working and running a race team. It was quite surprising how many similarities there are between what they do at a professional level and what I'm doing here with Formula Student! “
For more information on Arden Motorsport International, please visit : http://www.arden-motorsport.co.uk/index.asp