Emil Frey Racing 2015

Transcription

1 Press kit Emil Frey Racing 2015 Contents Continuing the Family Tradition History Team Structure Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar Mario Illien Engine Builder The drivers Blancpain Endurance Series 2015 race calendar Focus for 2015 Feel the heartbeat of motorsport Safenwil, 26 th March 2015

2 Continuing the Family Tradition In 2012 the family owned Emil Frey AG decided to return to motor racing. Motorcycle and car racing has always been enjoyed and been highly important to the Emil Frey AG. Motorsport drives automotive excellence; nowhere else can technical competence be demonstrated as impressively. It is an excellent platform for image and brand building; and offers an unrivalled opportunity to test developments that make the cars we drive every day of a better quality, more comfortable and, most importantly, safer. With project management Lorenz Frey, Fredy Barth and Jürg Flach, dedicated technicians and staff from the Emil Frey Group, and renowned external technology partners, Emil Frey Racing has launched into its third generation of life. Company founder Emil Frey raced motorcycles, his son Walter Frey a MINI Cooper and Toyota. And now grandson Lorenz Frey is bringing the Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar to the racetrack. The modern home of Emil Frey Racing is fully integrated into the existing buildings of Emil Frey AG in Safenwil. The competence centre has easy access to all the local expert resources.

3 History In 1924, at the age of just 26, company founder Emil Frey opened a motorcycle and car repair shop in Zurich. This laid the foundation for the Emil Frey Group, which in 2014 celebrates its 90th anniversary. In 1927, after a meeting with Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons, the world s first official import contract was signed for the SS Swallow (now Jaguar). As a passionate racer, Emil Frey competed in the 1930s with a number of wellknown motorcycle brands, with victories at the Grand Prix of Europe (in Geneva) and at the Klausen race. He always prepared the machinery himself! In the 1950s, he also got behind the wheel of both Austins and Jaguars, appearing in rallies and Concours d Elegance. From the mid-60s the development of the Emil Frey was racing department was left in the hands of Emil Frey s son, Walter Frey. Starting with tuned and successful versions of the Mini Cooper S, Walter Frey graduated to driving both the Triumph Dolomite and the Toyota Celica. At his hands these cars took a number of Swiss Championship titles in the 1970s. Emil Frey Racing was also successful on the international stage in open-wheel racing with Walter Frey contesting races in Formula 3 and Formula 2. From 1990 racing activities were outsourced, with vehicles from a number of different brands being developed by independent teams. In 2012 the Emil Frey Racing team was reborn, and has been focused on the development of the Emil Frey Jaguar GT3, which will complete its first full season of racing in the 2014 Blancpain Endurance Series.

4 Team Structure The construction of the first Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar was outsourced to an external partner company in late The following spring, Lorenz Frey was able to turn the wheel for the first time as testing began. What followed was months of intensive development work and by the end of July a first test race at Le Castellet. More test sessions followed before the team entered the legendary Spa 24-hour race. The season ended with a further positive test at Nogaro. Despite the thorough testing programme in 2012, it often felt that the team were taking 2 steps backwards for every step forward they made. To remedy this 2013 was a year of analysing the mountain of data they had acquired, understanding where they had gone wrong and why; and formulating a more structured approach to the development of the car. This hard work allowed the team to build a completely revised car and test with a far more structured focus. Parallel to the development of Emil Frey Jaguar GT3, the Emil Frey Racing team around Lorenz Frey and Fredy Barth also worked hard in developing the infrastructure of the team. Based in Safenwil the Emil Frey Racing workshop was setup with the required infrastructure, staffed and equipped. This allows the team to work hand in hand with the Emil Frey Group to allow a far more efficient approach to build, develop and maintain crucial when looking to be successful in endurance racing. The team also took time to consider its external technical partners. This revaluation has ensured the team now works with some of motorsport s elite companies. The result has been a massive development programme which has delivered a completely revised aerodynamic package; enhancements to the manufacture of the cars numerous carbon parts; the recalibration and build of the suspension; and a completely new steering system. The cherry on the icing has been the partnership formed between Emil Frey Racing and Grison engine building legend Mario Illien. Illien s racing engine company, Ilmor Engineering, based in England, took care of the extensive optimisation of the Emil Frey Jaguar GT3 s standard engine to prepare it for the rigors of motorsport. For 2015 Jürg Flach has taken up the lead on the technical side and strengthened the team with some high profiled technician. Fredy Barth will build up the communications and events department and be supported by an assistant.

5 Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar 2015 The base of the in-house developed Emil Frey Jaguar GT3 is provided by the current Jaguar XK with the naturally aspirated engine 385 PS 5.0-liter V8 engine (90 ). The fitted standard lightweight metal chassis has been strengthened by the requirements of racing with and FIA approved roll cage. A lower centre of gravity and optimum weight distribution has been achieved thanks to a transaxle and the engine mounted lower and further back in the chassis. New suspension subframes were designed and built to ensure optimal mounting. For the suspension components Emil Frey Racing utilised the 7-post-test rig of their motorsport partners. The weight of the Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar was consistently reduced and is currently recorded as 1240 kg. The many carbon fibre parts also form part of the sophisticated aerodynamics: front splitter, flat underbody, rear diffuser and spoiler. The result is that at 155mph the car is able to generate approximately 1000 kg of downforce. The engine and electronics are optimized by partner Ilmor in accordance with the technical regulations, and includes new intake and exhaust manifolds and systems alongside indirect fuel injection and a dry sump lubrication. The engine management system, instrumentation, sensors and data recording of engine and chassis have also been adapted. The engine power is currently 600bhp with a maximum engine speed of 8000rpm. Exact performance will be defined after the FIA homologation process and application of any air flow limier. To keep all that in check the braking system consists of 380mm front and 355mm rear steel discs with 6-piston calipers front and rear. Power is sent to the rear axle via a 6 speed sequential race gearbox with paddleshift. The wheels are ultra-lightweight one piece racing wheels. The 2015 car has been built on an uprated and optimised chassis. The aerodynamic package has been updated following extensive CFD research and the suspension has been heavily revised after the data gathered throughout Furthermore, the Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar is now using a new gearbox. Work has been carried out in enhancing the cooling of the cockpit. In addition, the entire vehicle has been on a diet and has shed a few kilos ahead of the new season.

6 Mario Illien Engine Builder Extraordinaire The collaboration with Mario Illien is a hugely proud achievement for the Emil Frey Racing team. The 64 -year-old Grison is arguably the world s most prestigious racing engine designer. For over 30 years the Chur educated draftsman and mechanical engineer has been producing some of the best engines in all forms of motorsport. An early career designing diesel engines for tanks was a low powered start but once he had moved into motorsport his career really took off, teaming up with Chevrolet to deliver great success in the American IndyCar series. His engines have powered 15 winners of the legendary Indianapolis 500, the first time back in In 1994, he built a uniquely designed engine for Mercedes and Penske, this V8 two-valve with central camshaft engine pushed out an astonishing 1024bhp. Enough to propel the cars to 412kmh on the home straight, and to leave the competition with no chance and take the car to another celebrated win. Those Indycar wins kept on coming, with the total now standing at around 370! From Indycar, Mario Illien moved up to the pinnacle of motorsport Forumla One. Debuting in 1991 with the March team and then supplying both March and Tyrrell for the 1992 season, the team came to the attention of Mercedes. With German giants looking to return to Formula One they purchased Chevrolet s stake in Ilmor and encouraged the engine builder to link up with Sauber, the small Swiss team and 1994 proved to exceed the German company s expectations and from 1995 Ilmor engines were badged Mercedes Benz and exclusively powered the McLaren cars. After Mercedes completed their takeover of Ilmor it didn t take too long for Illien to be designing new engines. Honda welcomed him with open arms and he returned to Indycar racing designing their Indycar engine. In 2014 things have completed a full circle, and once again Ilmor is again the exclusive manufacturer of IndyCar engines for Chevrolet alongside Dodge badged V8 engines for Nascar Racing and V10s for offshore racing boats. Ilmor Engineering Limited based in Brixworth (GB) employs approximately 150 employees. At present, the company is also developing an environmental friendly five- stroke engine. Mario Illien: «Racing engines and environmentally friendly engines have much in common. In both it all boils down to maximum efficiency. Therefore, it has also given me immense enjoyment to optimize the engine of the Emil Frey Jaguar GT3, especially since it is a particular pleasure to work with a young and hungry for success Swiss team

7 Emil Frey Racing Drivers Lorenz Frey The 23-year-old Zurich student Lorenz Frey has petrol in his veins. He was immersed in motorsport from an early age and wants to emulate the family history of success. He heads the new Emil Frey Racing Team as both team manager and driver. Previously, he gained experience with racing GT cars (Aston Martin, Lotus), touring cars (Toyota Procar, Mitsubishi Evo, Subaru WRX STI) and the Swiss Suzuki Grand Prix. Born in Zürich Star sign: Leo Occupation: Student Favourite track: Nürburgring Nordschleife Favourite sports: Motorsport, Ice hockey Fredy Barth With talent, perseverance and hard work, the 34-year-old Fredy Barth Zurich based driver has developed into a professional racing driver, team manager and driving instructor. In addition to natural driving talent he has immense technical understanding. After winning the legendary Winfield Scholarship in France, the former kart driver pursued a career in Formula racing before switching to touring car racing and the World Touring Car Championship WTCC. At same time he has developed into a talented GT3 driver. Born in Lausanne (VD) Star sign: Sagittarius Occupation: Racing driver Favourite track: Nürburgring Nordschleife Favourite Sports: Motorsport, Basketball Gabriele Gardel The Ticino based driver came through karting, Formula 3 and Formula 3000 into GT Racing. He was GT1 World Champion in 2005 with a Ferrari. In 2010 he won the GT1 class of the European Le Mans Series and won at Le Mans in the GT class victory. In 2011 he again won at Le Mans in a Corvette. Born in Milan (I); Lives in Lugano (CH) Star sign: Libra Dual citizen of Switzerland / Italy Occupation: Racing driver and team owner Favourite circuit: Spa (B) Favourite Sports: Motorsport, skydiving Jonathan Hirschi (Paul Ricard und Spa) After karting and Formula Renault 2.0 in Switzerland (Champion 2006) the Neuchâtel based driver quickly built a good reputation in international motorsport. After finishing as runner-up in the Eurocup Megane Renault (2009), he focused on the FIA GT1 World Championship with Aston Martin and debuted at the Le Mans 24hrs in a Ford GT. He followed this up with a couple of years in the Europeean Le Mans Series and in 2014 with two guest appearances with Emil Frey Racing. Meanwhile, Jonathan Hirschi has built his own rally, where he has successfully competed in the European Rally Championship. At Le Castellet and the 24hrs of Spa he will once again appear with Emil Frey Racing. Born: in St. Imier (BE), lives in Neuchâtel Starsign: Aquarius Occupation: Racing and rally team owner Favourite circuits: Le Mans 24H (F), San-Luis (Arg), Spa-Francorchamps (B) Favourite sports: Rallying, Wakeboarding, Bike racing

8 Blancpain Endurance Series The very first official GT race was the Targa Florio in Sicily in The Blancpain Endurance Series was born from the popular 1990s BPR Global GT Endurance Series and the subsequent FIA GT1 World Championship. Organized by the SRO Motorsports Group, headed by Stephane Ratel, the Blancpain Endurance Series was first staged in It developed rapidly to be the most attractive and toughest GT series in the world. About 60 professional teams with three drivers in 3 classes (Pro, Pro- Am, Gentlemen Trophy) will compete in Races take part on European tracks and last for 3 hours with two mandatory pit stops. Eligible are only homologated GT3 cars. For maximum overtaking and to maintain competitiveness of all competitors a sophisticated set of «Balance of Performance» rules exist. The competitors of the in-house developed Swiss Emil Frey Jaguar GT3 are those from Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes -Benz, Nissan and Porsche. All vehicles must comply with FIA regulations for GT3 cars. Base vehicles are standard high-performance sports cars that can be completely rebuilt for racing use. As every year the season highlight is the Spa 24 Hours at the end of July race calendar Blancpain Endurance Series 11./12. March 2015 Official Test, Le Castellet, France 11./12. April hrs of Monza, Italy 23./24. May hrs of Silverstone, England 19./20. June km Le Castellet, France 23./26. July 2015 Spa 24 Hours, Belgium 20./21. September hrs of Nürburgring, Germany

9 Focus for 2015 Throughout 2014 Emil Frey Racing showed improvements, from race to race their form improved, but a gap to the top, manufacturer backed teams, remained. For 2015 the independent Swiss team is focussed on closing that gap and to compete in the top third. Based on the knowledge gained last year the Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar has again received a complete revision ahead of the new season. A completely new chassis is the centre point of the changes, a new gearbox will be used, a new aero package improves the car s downforce and the suspension has also been heavily revised to make the best of this. The drivers will benefit from enhanced cockpit cooling. After private and competitive official tests, Emil Frey Racing is confident for the season ahead and believes it has taken a big step forward. The rebuilt Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar has proved to be quick straight out of the box. The team and all the employees are well positioned and well prepared for the racing challenges ahead. The task however hasn t become any easier. The competition Teams and manufacturers have upgraded and will strengthen in their efforts to be successful in the Blancpain Endurance Series, the ultimate pinnacle of the GT3 racing. As an independent team Emil Frey Racing will once again pick their wits in another battle of «David against Goliath».

10 Feel the heartbeat of motorsport Experience racing first hand and soak up the incredibly atmosphere at one of the Blancpain Endurance Series races. Feel the adrenaline, experience goose bumps and understand the complexity of this exciting team sport! Emil Frey Racing wants to shine not only on the track with its Emil Frey Jaguar GT3 but also be a leader in the paddock with fine hospitality. The dynamic Safenwiler team has set itself the goal of bringing guests closer to the fascinating world of motorsport. In addition to tours providing insight into the technology, the complex race strategy and the logistics, the team also offers race taxi rides around the track - an experience guaranteed to last a lifetime! Gird Walk, meet and greet with the team, and spectacular circuits is all available to guests during the race weekend. Hospitality will be available including fine food and drink and continuous monitoring of the race via live feeds. Emil Frey Racing plans exclusive trips to the all the races including the highlight of the season, Spa-Francorchamps. Emil Frey Racing celebrates their obsession with motorsport even away from the track. For exhibitions, fairs, driving demonstrations and special events a demonstration vehicle is available. Also the team can organise guided tours of the Emil Frey Racing workshops; provide you with access to the drivers (Lorenz Frey, Fredy Barth and Gabriele Gardel) for presentations and interviews who better to talk about the background, challenges, backgrounds, experiences and successes of motorsport. For questions and information please visit: Contact: [email protected]