Official Safety Car of Formula 1® based on Aston Martin’s sports car, Vantage
Aston Martin DBX becomes an Official Medical Car of Formula 1®
Both cars make their debut at pre-season F1® test in Bahrain on 12-14 March
Previous Aston Martin Racing successes contribute to safety car development
When Aston Martin makes its return to the FIA Formula One World Championship® at the end of this month, it will be with more than two grand prix contenders on the Formula 1® Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 grid:
For the first time in the history of the sport the Official Safety and Medical cars of Formula 1® will also bear the famous wings of the British luxury brand.
A specially equipped version of the Aston Martin Vantage has been developed for the critical role of intervening and controlling the pace of an event involving the fastest racing cars in the world. Engineered by an experienced team at Aston Martin’s Headquarters in Gaydon, the car benefits from significant chassis and aerodynamic improvements. With only a few additional modifications to make it FIA compliant, the new safety car is the pinnacle of Vantage performance.
Aston Martin DBX, the brand’s critically acclaimed first SUV, will also take on the role of an Official Medical Car of Formula 1®, showcasing its own power and handling prowess as it launches into action to support in the event of an emergency.
Aston Martin Vantage – An Official Safety Car of Formula 1® Piloted by FIA’s appointed driver, Bernd Mayländer (DE) who has been at the helm of the F1® safety car for over twenty years, the Aston Martin will remain on standby in the pit lane throughout the race.
When deployed by Race Control in the event of bad weather or an accident, the former race driver and co-driver, Richard Darker (UK) will take to the track at the head of the field to safely control the pace of the pack, neutralizing the event and allowing any incident to be managed safely by the circuit’s officials.
F1® tyre temperatures can drop when the cars are running at sub-optimal speeds, therefore fast lap times are essential for the Official Safety Car of Formula 1®. This responsibility led the Aston Martin Lagonda CEO, Tobias Moers to task the engineering team with enhancing the already sporting Vantage, focusing on improved track performance and lap times.
The results? Power has increased by 25PS to 535PS, delivered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivering significant performance capability going from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds. 685Nm of peak torque remains the same but is now sustained for longer, and with additional work on the transmission means the driver has a better sense of directness, precision, and control through upshifts and downshifts. The Vaned grille coupled with a new front splitter creates 155.6kg of downforce at 200km/h; more than 60kg than the production Vantage produces at the same speed. Modifications to the suspension, steering and dampers have also been undertaken, with further detailed underbody bracing modifications to increase front structural stiffness. All this, together with a comprehensive aero kit and a switch to lower profile tyres, the Aston Martin Vantage Official F1® Safety Car has all the credentials to handle a Formula 1® circuit.
Aston Martin is known worldwide for its high-profile successes in sports car racing, most recently last year’s multi-class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that contributed to becoming FIA GT World Endurance Manufacturers’ Champions. Engineering developments derived from these successes have aided the systems that feature in the F1® safety car. The unique requirements of the safety car mean the vehicle must be capable of going from top speeds, back to idling in the pit lane without so much as a cool-down lap, so a reliable and robust thermal management system is a key element to its performance. Having already developed a cooling system that proved effective in extreme conditions and temperatures on the multiple championship-winning Vantage GT4 race car, Aston Martin transferred this technology into the safety car, along with the addition of extra vents in the bonnet to support further cooling.
As it performs on standard Pirelli road tyres, the safety car is also equipped with the same carbon-ceramic brakes found on the production Vantage, with additional brake ducts hidden within the front grille to aid cooling.
The safety car mimics the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One® Team car with an all-new paint colour, 2021 Aston Martin Racing Green, which was developed specifically to celebrate the marques return to Formula 1® racing after more than 60 years. A Lime Essence pinstripe highlights the front splitter; a colour synonymous with Aston Martin’s successful racing pedigree, and most recently used on the ultra-successful Vantage that competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The F1® safety car is otherwise distinguished by its prominent FIA safety car livery, bodyside mounted radio antennas, an LED rear number plate and a bespoke, roof-mounted LED light-bar, developed by Aston Martin.
The light-bar sits on a carbon fibre plinth, raised above the roof line. The aerodynamic profile is designed to offer the least possible resistance while providing an optimised flow of air towards the exaggerated rear wing. Bright orange lights on the outer edges of the light-bar illuminate when the Official Safety Car of Formula 1® joins the track. A centrally positioned amber flashing light then illuminates once the safety car is in position ahead of the race leader – indicating that no one should overtake; two centrally positioned green lights are illuminated once it is safe for the F1® cars to pass. The headlamps and taillamps also flash to aid the safe deployment of the car. The rear number plate displays ‘Safety Car’ illuminated by LED’s, making it clear to see from vehicles behind in all weather conditions. A rear facing camera is also fixed to the light-bar that feeds a live image into a second rear-view mirror located inside the cabin, allowing the co-driver to monitor any activity at the rear.
Further, inside the cabin the production seats have been replaced by FIA-approved racing seats equipped with a 6-point safety harness, the same as those found in the F1® team cars. Two screens are mounted on the dashboard, providing the driver and co-driver with a live television feed and a variety of customizable information displays, including live lap timing and the track positioning of all active race cars. The centre console has been modified significantly. The rotary dial has been moved back to where the cup holder was positioned, and in its place sits a switch control system used to execute a number of actions, including activating the siren, radio communications and controlling the light-bar LED’s. The ‘Marshalling System’ is integrated into the instrument cluster and the dashboard, allowing both the driver and co-driver to see which colour flag is being shown on the track, by the illumination of the same coloured LED light; mirroring the system that also features by regulation in all F1® team cars. TV cameras are also mounted on top of and inside the car, to provide live TV footage.
Safety Car driver, Bernd Mayländer said “Formula 1® fans around the world are delighted to see the return of Aston Martin to the track, as am I. The Official Safety Car of F1® is a beautiful, capable car that signifies an exciting new era for Aston Martin.”
Aston Martin DBX – An Official Medical Car of Formula 1® Aston Martin DBX will also share the Official Medical Car of Formula 1® responsibilities this season, driven by Alan van der Merwe (41, South Africa). Like the safety car, the medical car is distinguishable by its 2021 Aston Martin Racing Green paint with Lime Green accents – as well as the prominent FIA medical car livery, LED rear number plate and roof-mounted LED light-bar which sits upon the roof rails.
Powered by the 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine, also found in DB11 and Vantage, DBX provides an impressive output of 550PS and 700NM of torque which launches DBX from 0 to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 181mph. All this ensures the FIA medical team can respond effectively to an emergency. With a sound that is unquestionably Aston Martin, the active exhaust system means DBX will not only be seen, but heard, as it does.
The Official Medical Car of Formula 1® is required to carry a substantial amount of equipment including a large medical bag, a defibrillator, two fire extinguishers and a burn kit – and the DBX is more than equipped with 632 litres of boot space.
Whilst the interior trim is fully representative of a customer vehicle, the central rear seat has been removed, and the remaining four have been replaced with sport bucket seats, each equipped with a 6-point safety harness. These provide seating for the driver, Alan van der Merwe and Dr Ian Roberts – the FIA Formula 1® Medical Response Coordinator, as well as a Local Doctor, leaving one spare, in case an incident requires a racing driver to be driven back to the pit lane. Much like the safety car, two screens have been mounted onto the dashboard to provide live race footage. An additional screen is used to read live biometric data delivered via technology in the drivers’ gloves, which in the event of an accident, provides critical information on their condition. The ‘Marshalling System’ and the rear-view mirror camera display have also been installed into the medical car.
The development of both these Official Safety Car of Formula 1® and Official Medical Car of Formula 1® was carried out by the engineering team at Aston Martin. Both vehicles have endured significant testing, which included high-speed durability assessments and aggressive circuit driving at the Aston Martin facility at Silverstone, totting up almost 15,000km collectively. The vehicles have also been tested in a dyno climate chamber to ensure they will perform in all race conditions.
Tobias Moers, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda said “Together with the whole company, I am extremely proud of the Aston Martin brands return to Formula 1®, the pinnacle of motorsport for the first time in more than 60 years and represents the start of a significant new era for Aston Martin. To see our acclaimed Vantage, our most dynamic sports car, performing the role of the Official Safety Car of Formula 1 and our first SUV, DBX, operate as the Medical Car on Formula 1® circuits around the world is a proud moment for us all”.
Aston Martin fans will be able to see the Aston Martin Vantage Official Safety Car of Formula 1® in action for the first time during the three-day pre-season test at Bahrain on 12-14 March, and then again during the opening round of the FIA Formula One® World Championship, at the same venue two weeks later.
The Formula 1® Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 will be broadcast live on Sunday 28 March 2021 from 16:00 GMT.
Volvo Cars’ global sales performance remained strong in February, after the company posted 29.1 per cent growth for the first two months of the year compared with the same period last year.
Total sales during the period amounted to 110,383 cars, as the US, Europe and China reported a growth in volumes. The sales increase was driven by an ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in China compared to last year, a solid performance in the US market and increased sales in Sweden.
For the month of February, Volvo Cars sold a total of 50,795 cars, up 27.8 per cent compared with the same month last year, and the company’s best February sales performance ever.
Its Recharge line-up of chargeable models, with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain, continued to grow in popularity among customers and accounted for 26.6 per cent of all Volvo cars sold globally in February. In Europe, Recharge cars represented 44 per cent of the overall sales volume.
In China, Volvo Cars sold 29,243 cars in the first two months of the year, up 160.6 per cent year-on-year, as the company managed to more than recover lost sales due to Covid-19 shutdowns last year.
US sales continued to grow year-on-year and reached 17,315 cars in January and February, up 23.7 per cent compared with the same period last year. The strong increase was led by the brand’s premium SUVs, which accounted for 80 per cent of total sales.
The company’s European sales grew 5.5 per cent in the first two months of 2021, to 48,784 cars, compared with the same period last year, driven mainly by increased sales in Sweden.
A detailed break-up of regional sales is given below:
February
January-February
2020
2021
Change
2020
2021
Change
Europe
23,442
23,927
2.1%
46,252
48,784
5.5%
China
1,205
10,083
736.8%
11,220
29,243
160.6%
US
7,841
9,164
16.9%
13,998
17,315
23.7%
Other
7,254
7,621
5.1%
14,024
15,041
7.3%
Total
39,742
50,795
27.8%
85,494
110,383
29.1%
In February, the XC40 was the top-selling model, with sales of 15,818 cars (2020: 10,266), followed by the XC60 with total sales of 14,463 cars (9,774 units) and the Volvo XC90 with 6,808 cars (4,852 units).
Fiat E-Ducato priced from £47,675 excluding VAT (after Government Plug-in Van Grant)
Driving range of between 113 and 230 miles (WLTP City*)
With the 50kW DC charger both the 47kWh & 79kWh batteries can be charged to 80% capacity in 30 minutes
Best in class payload of up to 1,885kg and the same best-in-class load volumes as ICE Ducato – from 10m3 to 17m3
Firstly available in goods van, chassis cab and passenger configurations
Fiat Ducato is the best-seller in its large LCV segment in EMEA and has been on the road for forty years
The exclusive app, Pro Fit by E-Ducato, recommends the ideal E-Ducato configuration based on real-world usage data, to best meet customer’s specific needs
Produced at the Sevel Atessa Plant in South-East Italy
All E-Ducato will benefit from the 5-5-5 peace of mind aftercare :- – 5 year warranty, 5 year roadside assistance and 5 year servicing
E-Ducato battery covered by 10 year warranty**
Ordering is now open with first UK deliveries expected in May 2021
Orders for the 100% electric Fiat E-Ducato are now open, priced from £47,675 excluding VAT (after the Government PiVG), enabling customers to receive all the benefits of having zero tailpipe emissions with the versatility of a large LCV.
Kickstarting the Fiat brand’s foray into 100 percent electric vehicles, the E-Ducato large LCV has a range of between 113 and 230 miles (WLTP City*), depending on the variant. It is congestion charge and ULEZ-exempt, making it the perfect tool for businesses in both urban and suburban environments.
Range and driving dynamics E-Ducato provides a choice between two battery sizes – 47kWh or 79kWh. The 47kWh battery, alongside a 90kW motor, provides a range of up to 146 miles (WLTP City*), a maximum power of 90kW (equivalent to 122hp) and maximum torque of 280Nm at 12,000rpm. E-Ducato reaches a top speed of 62mph and takes under 6 seconds to go from zero to 30mph. Its impressive charging time of zero to fully charged, takes just 2 hours and 25 minutes, enabling businesses to recharge and get back on the road in the quickest time possible. The 47kWh battery is available with AC or DC charging capability.
The 79kWh battery is fused to the same 90kW motor and receives the same power and torque outputs as the 47kWh battery, however provides a longer range of up to 230 miles (WLTP City*). E-Ducato with the 79kWh battery takes just 4 hours to charge from zero to 100 per cent and is also available with AC or DC charging capability.
These figures still do not impede on the versatility of E-Ducato – it delivers a best-in-class payload of up to 1,885kg and maintains the same best-in-class volumes as ICE Ducato of between 10m3 and 17m3.
Range is maximised in E-Ducato through its regenerative braking system, with the van storing energy as it is driven downhill. This ensures range isn’t wasted and is stored for when needed most.
The E-Ducato also provides the driver with three driving mode options – Normal which gives optimal balance between performance and economy, Eco for an increase in the available range by managing acceleration response in order to reduce energy consumption and deactivation of air conditioning. There is also the Power mode for facing full-load missions.
A fourth, ‘Turtle mode’, is activated when battery power reaches near-to zero percent. The vehicle alerts the user and activates a specific driving mode with strongly reduced performance to extend the remaining range.
E-Ducato specifications E-Ducato is available in two trim levels – standard and eTecnico – and three main configurations – goods van, chassis cab and passenger van.
The goods van is available in three different heights (H1 2309mm, H2 2579mm, H3 2814mm), three different lengths (L2 5413mm, L3 5998mm, L4 6363mm) and three different wheelbase sizes (L2 3450mm, L3 4035mm, L4 4035XLmm). The chassis cab is offered with a choice of three different lengths (L2 5358mm, L3 5708mm, L4 5943mm) and four different wheelbase sizes (L2 3450mm, L2.5 3800mm, L3 4035mm, L4 4035XLmm), whilst the passenger version can be ordered with seating for between 5 and 9 passengers. Every configuration is available with the choice of either the 47kWh or 79kWh battery.
Standard trim level provides 5-inch touchscreen with DAB Radio and Bluetooth®, automatic climate control, tablet holder, USB charging port, fixed full width steel bulkhead, electric heated mirrors, convertors plug, LED lighting in load area, twin leaf rear suspension, lane departure warning system, advanced emergency braking, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), High Beam Recognition (HBR), Rain & Dusk Sensors (RDS), Electronic stability control (ESC) and driver’s air bag. Exclusively for E-Ducato, there is also both 7kW (with 47kWh) and 11kW (with 79kWh) on-board chargers as well as a mode 3 charging cable.
Over and above this specification, eTecnico receives 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SatNav, rear parking camera with reverse parking sensors, blind spot and rear cross path detection, embroidered headrests, front fog lights, heated electrically folding door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, leather steering wheel and chrome air vent surrounds.
Every E-Ducato receives a 12 month subscription to Mopar Connect. This smartphone application provides help 24 hours a day via its crash assistance service, to identify the impact and send the GPS position of E-Ducato to its operations centre.
Mopar Connect Theft Assistance is able to detect unauthorised towing or tampering of the device and can receive assistance from a my:Assistant operator. After having reported the theft, the operators will provide the GPS coordinates and will immobilise the engine when the vehicle stops to facilitate recovery. Roadside Assistance is also available via Mopar Connect.
Total Cost of Ownership Special attention has been paid to Total Cost of Ownership: with lower running costs and purchase incentives, it substantially achieves parity compared with a Ducato with an internal combustion engine. To give an example, the E-Ducato offers real-world fuel savings of approximately £13,000 to a comparable diesel version running 95,000 miles, whilst servicing costs are over 40 per cent lower than a similarly sized diesel commercial vehicle.
Pro-Fit by e-Ducato app The experts from Fiat Professional and Stellantis e-Mobility have worked in close collaboration to create a functional web tool, designed to advise on the most suitable version of the E-Ducato for each customer. Pro-Fit by E-Ducato is based on the knowledge that every customer requirement is different, information is gathered on mileage, type of route, working days and weeks, average payload, usage mix, usage temperature and the charging slots available in order to guide the customer to the best E-Ducato for their needs. The configuration tool can also be used with real-world data gathered via the app. This new feature will also enable light commercial vehicle fleet managers to simulate the use of a full-electric fleet, aiming at increasingly sustainable and environment-friendly urban and suburban mobility. At the same time, it also offers higher performance and can meet the needs of businesses and employees.
Mulliner’s Personal Commissioning Guide now includes the new Bentayga, completing the bespoke offering for the entire model range
Custom interior features include hide and stitching options, veneer and technical finishes, and further personalisation
Extended Mulliner paint palette, personal commissioning and wheel options add exterior individualism
Customers can choose various contemporary or traditional options to achieve their ultimate personalised grand tourer
27 different hide colours and more than 100 painted veneer options
Bentley Mulliner Visualiser allows customers to work with their retailer remotely to create their personal commission
Bentley Mulliner now offers its unique set of personal commissioning options across the entire Bentley model range, with the addition of the new Bentayga to Mulliner’s Personal Commissioning Guide.
An extensive list of options for both interior and exterior means that customers are able to specify a configuration that is truly individual and suited to their personality, going even further than the billions of ways a Bentley can be commissioned using the “standard” options.
The Personal Commissioning Guide offers a unique mix of traditional and contemporary options that will appeal to Bentley’s diverse and extraordinary clients. Depending on the individual’s personal preference, each car can take on a new aesthetic while ensuring style and performance are never compromised.
Customers can choose bespoke hide colours, painted veneers, personalised interior stitching and tweed trimmed door inserts to name but a few of the unique offerings from Bentley Mulliner that can be used to enhance the unique look and feel of their Bentley.
Using the Mulliner Visualiser in conjunction with their local retailer, customers are able to design their personal options virtually. Each retailer is experienced in choosing specifications for each model and are able to advise which options will be complementary and complete the look of the car.
Personalised Exterior Colours Bentley Mulliner has carefully curated their own exquisite range of paint colours allowing customers to configure the exterior. Hand spraying expertise, complemented by the latest robotic technology, delivers the best possible finish on each vehicle.
Combining the art of colour with the science of paint, Bentley offers one of the largest ‘stock’ colour palettes of any luxury automotive manufacturer. The Mulliner extended paint palette increases this further, by an additional 26 colours including solids, metallic and satins.
For those that want the next level of personalisation, the craftspeople at Bentley’s personal commissioning division can colour-match virtually any sample provided, using innovative colour recognition software to analyse the composition of the sample provided and reproducing it to perfection. The only limit is the customer’s imagination.
Personalised Interiors For those that wish to continue the colour theme inside their Bentayga, it is possible to select from an extensive Mulliner range of 27 hide and stitching colours to create a truly unique interior colour split. The design can include up to three colours from the range to produce a bold and striking look.
Alternatively, the interior of the car can be crafted to have a completely personalised colour hide and stitching. Customers can match their interior to any bespoke colour of their preference – the ultimate expression of personality.
Customers also have the opportunity to add further extra touches to their Bentley. Whether adding a name, motif or crest, various aspects of the car can be tailored to display a customer’s personalisation. Seats and deep pile overmats can be embroidered, a name of choice can be added to the outer illuminated sill plates or personalised text or imagery can be applied to the passenger fascia panel in a satin finish.
Bentley Mulliner also offers additional colour accents to enhance the interior atmosphere. Through seat piping, carpet binding and hand cross-stitching, customers can elevate the look and feel of the cabin. The process of hand cross-stiching a Bentayga cabin takes one craftsperson 44 hours to complete. Unique thread has been designed to be extremely durable and uses special dyes to maintain its colour to last for the lifespan of the vehicle.
For customers that enjoy a more sporting interior theme, the optional inclusion of Alcantara seat centres, headrests and door inserts creates an exquisite, tactile finish. For even more sporting ambience, Alcantara can be applied to the steering wheel and gear lever.
Personalised Welcome Lamps project a custom image on the floor when each door is opened, accurately recreating a graphic, logo, image or word in pin-sharp light.
Finally, the Bentayga’s key fob can be personalised with a name or image being added to one side.
Sustainable Luxury The Bentley Mulliner team has worked with a traditional textile mill to produce a bespoke, natural wool cloth akin to that in a fine tailored suit. By embracing time-honoured methods, the collaboration has resulted in four striking woven cloth patterns, each featuring exclusive yarn colours.
The mill goes to great efforts to ensure the materials used are produced in the most ethical and environmental way. This is in line with Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy that details the plans for the company to become a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility.
Selected to complement the interior design, and natural colour harmony with many of the leather hides already throughout the cabin, four different tweeds are available.
Cheltenham, with its countryside greens, offers a more traditional choice for customers whereas Glen Plaid–Tolsta Beach, named after the shores of the rugged Outer Hebrides, makes a confident statement with its bold check pattern. Providing a more subtle, contemporary choice, the Charcoal and Sand Herringbone tweeds complement dark and light interiors respectively.
From Traditional to Contemporary Bentley Mulliner offers a wide range of veneer options that will transform the interior of each new Bentayga. From more traditional wood cross-banding, to painted veneers and contemporary stone fascias, there is a unique interior feature for every customer.
With Bentley’s revered craftsmanship, the new Bentayga makes a clear statement and reintroduces Cross Banding Inlays as an option for the fascia and waistrail inserts. The Cross Banding uses Australian straight grain veneer with a boxwood inlay available on a number of veneer options, enhanced with a Bentley Mulliner overlay in either a silver or gold colour.
Using painted veneers, Bentley Mulliner can now match all of the interior veneered areas to any of the colours from the Standard, Extended and Bentley Mulliner exterior paint ranges, or the interior hide colours. With 103 options for painted veneers, customers will have an extensive list of colours available to create a bespoke interior that is reflective of their personality.
With innovative and state-of-the-art technologies, Bentley Mulliner has utilised stone formed over 200 million years ago to create lightweight veneers just 0.1mm in thickness. Stone veneers feature a visible natural ‘open pore’ texture.
Four different stone colours are available, to complement a range of interiors: Autumn White, Copper, Galaxy or Terra Red.
Building on the contemporary natural finish introduced with Stone Veneer, Bentley Mulliner now offers an open pore satin finish to Liquid Amber, Dark Burr Walnut and Tamo Ash veneers. Each layer is applied by hand and sanded between applications, ensuring the lacquer adheres to the natural grooves of the wood. The resulting finish is wax-like and perfectly highlights the authentic, natural colour and texture of the wood species.
This delicate technique ensures Bentley customers can actually feel the texture of the wood. The variation in colour and grain of different cuts of open-pore veneer mean that each is also slightly different – offering a truly unique Bentley interior.
“I was either courageous or reckless, or foolhardy; Call it what you want, I just liked to go at full speed” Maria Teresa de Filippis (1926-2016)
Maria Teresa de Filippis was the first woman to qualify for a Formula 1 Grand Prix, behind the wheel of a Maserati 250F. Hers is a story of passion and audacity and for this reason, Maserati celebrates her achievements on the occasion of International Women’s Day, 8 March.
Maria Teresa de Filippis was born in Naples in 1926 and decided to enter the world of motor racing almost as a challenge. In 1948 she participated in her first race; at only 22 years of age she won the 10 km Salerno-Cava de ‘Tirreni, 500cc class of the touring car category, decisively beating her male colleagues. That very first victory ignites her passion for racing and in the following year she triumphed in several competitions in the 750cc category.
During 1953 – 1954 she moved on to an Osca 1100 cc in which she won the 12 Hours of Pescara, the Trullo d’Oro, the Catania-Etna, and the circuits of Caserta and Syracuse.
Maria Teresa de Filippis transitioned to a Maserati 2000 A6GCS in 1955. In an article she later wrote about her racing years, she said: “A powerful car with which I felt I could do anything…and I did”, adding, “Poor car! So many spectacular accidents, but also so many victories!” Chief among which was the victory in the Catania-Etna in record time, which remained undefeated for the following three years. She finished in second place in the 2000 cc class championship of 1955.
In 1958, behind the wheel of a private Maserati 250F, Maria Teresa de Filippis made her debut in the GP of Syracuse and then competed in her first Formula World Championship Grand Prix in Belgium. A number of female racing drivers have competed in motor sport over the years, but only Maria Teresa de Filippis holds the unique record, one that can never be broken or equaled, of being the first woman to compete in Formula 1.
Able to stand out in an environment that had previously been considered exclusively male, Maria Teresa de Filippis earned the respect and esteem of her rivals in the field and brought to the track the values that still guide Maserati today: excellence, elegance and power.
Maserati and Maria Teresa de Filippis represent a winning combination. A story of tenacity, courage and audacity. The desire and resolve to face technical, physical and personal challenges and to transform them into opportunities to be seized, looking to the future with determination.
Five years after her death, the strength and importance of her accomplishments continue to define the values of Maserati and also inspire all the women who work for the Brand today. A video, due to be released on social media on 8 March, to coincide with International Women’s Day, unites and celebrates them.
Ford models with the fastest growing sales – Puma and Kuga – now also come with keyless entry fobs with sleep mode as standard to protect against being hacked
All-electric Mustang Mach-E protected from launch
Pioneered on the ever-popular Fiesta and Focus, the security feature has contributed to thefts of the latest Ford Fiesta tumbling by two-thirds
After-market Trade Vehicle Locks range of car and van security accessories and other deterrents also launched
Ford has increased the number of models offering owners heightened protection from theft thanks to security technology which disables their keyless entry fobs when not in use to block illegal hacking.
The innovative feature has been added as standard to the multi-award winning Ford Puma, as well as to Ford’s most electrified vehicle, the Ford Kuga – the Blue Oval’s models with fastest growing sales. The Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle arriving this month also benefits.
All production of the Ford Puma, which went on sale at the start of last year and has since won over 10 major UK awards, includes the motion-sensor key fobs. Ford Kuga production of the mild hybrid, plug-in and full hybrid SUV added the deterrent in July last year.
In 2019, the fob with sleep mode was introduced to Ford’s top sellers in Fiesta and Focus. The current and previous model Ford Fiesta have been Britain’s top-selling car every year since 2008. The long-running title delivered over 1,250,000 new Fiestas to UK car buyers 2009 to 2020 inclusive, also meaning thefts due to its popularity and universal presence.
Figures from security analysts Retainagroup show how thefts of the latest Fiesta, which debuted the smart fobs two years ago, have fallen by two-thirds compared with the number of previous Fiestas stolen:
LATEST FIESTA
PREVIOUS FIESTA
2018-2020
2009-2017
Total sold
223,600
1,027,000
No. of thefts (in 2020)
231
3,152
Thefts per 1,000
1.03
3.06
Smart security Keyless entry fobs of all makes of cars have been targeted by thieves with “relay box” equipment, used to extend the signal from fobs in homes to unlock and start vehicles parked outside.
A motion sensor inside Ford’s fobs detects when it has been stationary for longer than 40 seconds and triggers a sleep mode, which will not respond to attempts to hack its signal via a “relay box” or through the misuse of other specialist equipment.
Moving the keyless fob by picking it up inside the home and taking it to the car will restore full functionality by the time drivers approach their cars. Ford fobs are designed to operate only within a two-metre radius of the cars they are bonded to.
Simon Hurr, Ford security specialist, said: “The online availability of devices, which have no place in public hands, has long been a problem for Ford, our industry and crime fighters. We are pleased to extend our simple but effective solution, to help protect more owners of our most popular cars.”
Existing models can have security upgraded with replacement sleep-mode fobs, priced between £74 and £94 for Fiesta and Focus, plus 0.9 hours labour to programme and test. This is available to owners of the latest Fiesta, on sale since 2017, and of the Focus introduced in 2018.
Additionally, Ford’s Trade Vehicle Locks (TVL) security range has been relaunched and increased from 125 available locks, guards and related accessories for car and van customers two years ago to 225 security parts today (see accompanying brochure).
Effective from March 2021 production, selected Citroën C5 Aircross SUV versions have CO2 emissions reduced by up to 7g/km.
Host of technical updates for both PureTech 130 6-speed manual and BlueHDi 130 8-speed automatic versions.
Zero impact on pricing despite increased efficiency.
Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) taxation bands see reductions of up to 2% on selected C5 Aircross SUV models.
Order a new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV online via the Citroën Store now: store.citroen.co.uk/
Committed to the continuous improvement of its vehicles, in particular to reducing their environmental impact, Citroën is pleased to announce reductions of between 1 and 7g/km of CO2 across Citroën C5 Aircross PureTech 130 petrol 6-speed manual and BlueHDi 130 Diesel 8-speed automatic versions.
The changes are effective from March 2021 production, with pricing remaining unchanged in spite of the efficiency benefits. For company car drivers, the lower CO2 emissions result in BIK tax band reductions of up to 2% – as an example, this reduces the cost to a 40% taxpayer by over £208 in the 2021-22 period (when driving a Shine PureTech 130 S&S manual).
In addition to its improved efficiency, the C5 Aircross SUV range benefited from a list price reduction of up to £1,320 in December 2020 under Citroën UK’s ‘Fair Pricing’ policy, which was announced as part of the Citroën ‘Advance UK’ mid-term plan.
Available in a choice of four trim levels, ‘Sense’, ‘Shine’, ‘C-Series’ and ‘Shine Plus’, all C5 Aircross SUV models feature LED headlights and a Citroën Safety Pack (Active Safety Brake and Active Lane Departure Warning) for greater peace-of-mind. Also included are rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, all as standard.
MODEL RANGE AND PRICING
TRIM
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
WLTP CO2(g/km) Outgoing
WLTP CO2 (g/km) New
Variance (g/km)
BIK% Reduction
Sense
PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual
145
139
-6
-2%
BlueHDi 130 S&S 6-speed manual
130
130
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
140
138
-2
-1%
Shine
PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual
146
139
-7
-2%
PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
148
148
–
–
Plug-in Hybrid ë-EAT8
32
32
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S 6-speed manual
130
130
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
140
139
-1
-1%
C-Series
PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual
146
139
-7
-2%
Shine Plus
PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
149
149
–
–
Plug-in Hybrid ë-EAT8
32
32
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S 6-speed manual
131
131
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
142
140
-2
0%
Order a new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV online via the Citroën Store now: store.citroen.co.uk/
The Citroën Brand At the heart of the automotive market, Citroën has asserted itself since 1919 as a popular brand in the true sense of the word, making people and their lifestyles its first source of inspiration. This spirit is underlined by the ‘Inspired by You’ brand signature and is embodied by cars combining unique design and benchmark comfort. Within the sector of mainstream brands, Citroën also stands out with a unique customer experience (Citroën Advisor, ‘La Maison Citroën’, etc.). In 2019, the Citroën sold one million vehicles in over 90 countries.
The Citroën Brand in the UK The UK is the 4th largest market for Citroën globally, with 80,000 vehicles sold in 2019. Based in Coventry, Citroën UK’s range of hatchbacks includes C1 (city car), New C3 (supermini) and C4 Cactus (compact family car). The UK SUV line-up consists of C3 Aircross (compact SUV) and C5 Aircross (mid-size SUV). The UK MPV range features Berlingo (5 or 7-seats), Grand C4 SpaceTourer (7-seats) and SpaceTourer (up to 9-seats). Citroën UK’s Light Commercial Vehicle offering covers all sectors of the market with Berlingo Van, Dispatch and Relay. Citroën has a clearly defined electrification strategy with all models across the range offering an electrified version by 2025, models already available as part of this strategy include New C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid (PHEV) as well as 100% battery electric (BEV) versions of New ë-SpaceTourer MPV and New ë-Dispatch Medium Van. This year sees the launch of the electric New ë-C4 and New C4 (compact family car) in addition to the electric New ë-Berlingo Compact Van and New ë -Relay Large Van.
Tipo184 is the world’s most cost-effective way into classic race car ownership
Conceived by TV star Ant Anstead and uses Mazda MX-5/Miata mechanicals
Single-make race series for Tipo184 starts this year
The innovative Tipo184 will be one of the world’s most cost-effective ways into classic race car ownership, it has been announced.
Prices for the beautiful self-build kits, which are based on economical and easy-to-source Mazda MX-5 running gear, have been set at just £16,450.
Brainchild of TV personality Ant Anstead and experts at Dowsetts Classic Cars, the Motorsport UK-compliant Tipo184 evokes the Alfa Romeo 158, driven by Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, widely regarded as one of the most successful race cars of all time.
Ant Anstead “I was so inspired by the Alfa 158 that I made my own version of it from scratch. It’s so satisfying building and then driving your own beautiful car that I wanted to give other enthusiasts the chance to get into their garages and workshops, open up the toolbox and do the same. It’s been a tough time for plenty of people in the past year, so I’d also underline how good for your mental wellbeing it is to make something as beautiful as the Tipo184 from scratch.
“It’s also important that it was extremely affordable. That’s why we’ve kept the cost of the kit to the minimum and it’s based on easy-to-source, affordable MX-5/Miata components.
“Once it’s built, you have a car that will let you feel the sensations that Fangio would have experienced – balancing the car delicately in a four-wheel drift as you explore the limits of grip. It’s a car that will allow you to enjoy close racing with identical cars in a one-make series, or simply the thrill of driving it down a winding country road on a summer’s day.”
Tipo184 owners will be able to take part in a new race series, run in partnership with the British Racing & Sports Car Club (BRSCC). Billed as one of the most affordable single seater race series in the world, the series will start as a UK-based set of track days, culminating in a demo-race at Cadwell Park on the weekend of 28th/29th August. The planned race format for 2022 will consist of a 15-minute qualifying session followed by two 15-minute racesat major circuits across the UK. Plans are also in progress for race series in Europe and the US.
The Tipo184 starter kit can be purchased directly at www.tipo184.com and is available globally, with customers in the US and Europe now able to take advantage of heavily reduced shipping costs because of new collaborations with local chassis manufacturers. Limited build slots for 2021 are still available.
HWM or Hersham & Walton Motors are often regarding as the greatest contributor to the growth of British motorsport on the post-war International race scene. John Heath and George Abecassis developed and raced from their Walton-on -Thames premises with 1950 marking a turning point, they entered four works cars designed to be campaigned in both the new 2-litre Formula B (Formula 2) class and in sports car events across Europe. With confidence high with a great design, they famously gave breaks to young drivers of potential with Sir Stirling Moss being effectively offered his first works drive debuting at Goodwood at the Easter Meeting on April 10th finishing 2nd.
Silverstone Auctions will offer this superb example which has an incredible race history. In 1950 the car was raced by Moss, John Heath, Lance Macklin, George Abecassis and Rudi Fisher. In all it raced in fifteen events across Europe including Reims, Grand Prix de Geneve and Grand Premio De Bari. On October 15th, 1950 Sir Stirling Moss gave it its swansong win at Castle Combe before being sold to Oscar Moore in 1951 who continued to race it with great success and even registered it for the road with the North London registration of XMC 34. This exceptional and interesting piece of history was then purchased by Silverstone Auctions vendor in 1965.
Sales Controller, Gary Dunne, commented, ‘We are delighted to announce that due to popular demand, we have decided to increase the Race Retro Live Online Auction by an extra day! Therefore, the sale will now take place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March, with our sister company, Classic Car Auctions, opening the weekend with their Spring Live Online Auction, on Friday 26th March. We are thrilled to be offering this fantastic piece of early British motorsport in our Race Retro sale with such provenance – a great opportunity for anyone.”
This excellent piece of British motorsport history can trace its origins to those charismatic ‘Garagiste’ at HWM who took on 1950s Grand Prix legends like Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. The history file accompanying the HMW is beyond doubt one of the most complete motorsport stories that Silverstone Auctions have ever had the pleasure to present. From original HWM letters to copies of Autosport, period photographs and the two books by Simon Taylor which have provided the most complete account of the HMW story punctuated with a plethora of nostalgic images.
Silverstone Auctions are offering dedicated, one-to-one, virtual viewing of cars of interest to you from now through to the 26th March. Viewing the cars in person is permitted to specialists who have been instructed to inspect vehicles of interest on your behalf and members of the trade. Bookings are arranged by appointment and this should be made by calling 01926 691141.
Silverstone Auctions are closing their catalogue in just under a week on Monday 8th March. Entries are still invited to join the rapidly growing lot list for their live online auction. The UK market leader classic car auction house can be contacted on can be contacted on 01926 691141, by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or via their website.
For high resolution copies of the images please get in touch with the PR contact below
2021 AUCTIONS The Race Retro Live Online Auction: 27th & 28th March The May Sale: 22nd May A Sale of Ferraris in association with Ferrari Owner’s Club GB: 5th June The Classic Sale at Silverstone: 30th July – 1st August The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12th – 14th November
ABOUT SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS Formed in 2011, Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for the sale of classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles as well as automotive memorabilia.
We hold the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit and host sales as stand-alone events as well as an integrated element of some of Europe’s biggest motorsport events such as the Silverstone Classic Festival.
In addition to our sales at the circuit, we also host a number of auctions each year at other major classic car events including the NEC Classic Motor Show and Race Retro.
At Silverstone Auctions we take pride in selecting the very best of breed vehicles for our sales which not only attracts buyers from around the world, but has already helped us achieve a number of record-breaking auction prices on behalf of our vendors.
We are committed to providing the best possible service for both buyers and vendors alike, so if you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic vehicle with Silverstone Auctions, call us today on +44(0)1926 691141.
Aston Martin back at the pinnacle of global motorsport
Famous Wings return to the sport an ‘important moment’ in Aston Martin’s history
F1 team to become a true innovation lab that guides future automotive technology
New Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team AMR21 challenger to run for the first time at Silverstone on 4 March
Aston Martin is back at the pinnacle of global motorsport after the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team proudly revealed its 2021 FIA Formula One™ World Championship contender on Wednesday.
The stunning new AMR21 heralds the beginning of a truly significant chapter in the 108-year history of the brand, and carries the hopes of racing fans around the globe ahead of its debut in the Bahrain Grand Prix later this month.
The new Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team car returns the British ultra-luxury marque to the pinnacle of world motorsport for the first time in more than 60 years. It was unveiled today, in a much anticipated immersive virtual launch in front of a global audience. Described by Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll as an ‘important event in automotive history’, the new contender will be the first works Formula 1 car to carry the famous wings since Maurice Trintignant’s DBR5 crossed the finish line at Silverstone in 1960.
The AMR21, to be raced this season by four-time F1™ World Champion Sebastian Vettel (DE) and rising star Lance Stroll (CA), carries a striking Aston Martin Racing Green livery in recognition of Aston Martin’s traditional racing colours and glorious sporting legacy. It is also bedecked by a host of global partners, led by American IT giant Cognizant, while the chassis features a magenta stripe down the side in reference to the team’s longstanding partner BWT.
Today’s event also threw the spotlight on an energizing shift within Aston Martin as the team is set to become the global showcase for the brand’s engineering and performance capabilities. Indeed a new 200,000 square-foot facility will complement the existing Aston Martin F1™factory at Silverstone when completed in the second half of 2022, and the team is well positioned to become an innovation lab to drive forward the brand’s future road car technologies. These will include the suite of mid-engined sportscars, inspired by the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which will become central to the product portfolio through the next decade.
It may have been absent from F1™ for 61 years, but Aston Martin’s competitive credentials are firmly intact – the company was formed by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford in 1913 with motorsport at the heart of its endeavour. Next year will mark a century since Aston Martin made its grand prix debut (in France 1922), and the brand has enjoyed sustained success in sportscar racing, including overall victory in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. Most recently Aston Martin became a double class winner with the Vantage GTE in last year’s race at La Sarthe and is the reigning GT FIA World Endurance Manufacturers’ champion.
The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team also boasts a strong bloodline, building on the foundations of Team Silverstone, which in its various guises has won five grands prix, and is coming off the back of a race-winning campaign as the Racing Point Formula One™ Team, having been revitalized under the leadership of Lawrence Stroll and Team Principal and CEO Otmar Szafnauer.
The new AMR21, powered by a turbo-charged Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance engine with hybrid energy recovery, will run for the first time at Silverstone during a promotional day on 4 March, 2021, before embarking on a full test programme at Bahrain on 12-14 March.
Executive Chairman, Aston Martin Lagonda, Lawrence Stroll said: “I’ve dreamed about this day for a very long time. I’ve always been a car guy and I’ve always loved racing, too. My first dream was to own a Formula One™ team. My second dream was to acquire a significant shareholding in Aston Martin Lagonda. Today is about the merging of those two dreams. So, as I say, today is all about dreams, and it shows that dreams really can come true, in the shape of our new AMR21.
“Aston Martin returning to Formula One™ after an absence of 61 years will have a powerful effect on the sport, the media and the fans, commanding global attention.
“The team who designed and built our new Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ car – the 500 men and women who conceive, manufacture, build and prepare our cars so that we can go racing at the pinnacle of global motorsport – has always punched above its weight. Now, as the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, it has the power with which to punch even harder.
“This is just the beginning. The team is pushing forward, and our ambitions are limitless. We now have the pieces in place, the people and the partners, to make real progress.
“The launch of the new AMR21 is also the celebration of a new beginning for Aston Martin. Today’s transformational event has given us the opportunity to communicate the evolution of the iconic Aston Martin Wings logo for only the 12th time in the company’s 108-year history. The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ car is our group’s highest expression of performance, innovation, engineering quality, attention to detail, and teamwork. For that reason, it’s natural that our new logo should make its debut on our new Formula One™ car.”
Chief Executive Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda, Tobias Moers said: “Today is a truly historic moment for Aston Martin, as we return to the pinnacle of motorsport for the first time in more than 60 years. The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team will have far-reaching positive effects on the Aston Martin brand, our culture, and the design and technology of Aston Martin road cars. Our return to Formula One™ will positively and profoundly affect every employee and foremost our customer journey all over the world; and will help us bring a focused, agile Formula One™ way of thinking to the whole Aston Martin business.
“Indeed, the Formula One™ team will become a dynamic and exciting innovation lab to drive forward future Aston Martin road car technologies and performance, which will truly differentiate our cars in the coming years. Aston Martin has always made beautiful cars. Now, as we begin a new era of Aston Martin in Formula One™, we’ll bring more innovation and more performance.”
The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team will make its F1 return at the Bahrain Grand Prix on 28 March, 2021.
About Aston Martin Lagonda: Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX. Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 51 countries around the world.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown.
