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EEMS hopeful of more bio-fuelled podium finishes at Silverston finale this weekend

12th October 2006 (Source: EEMS )

EEMS, the Energy Efficient Motorsport initiative, is hopeful of more podium results this weekend after the first biofuelled podium result in the last round at Brands Hatch using E85 bio-ethanol blend.

‘We now have Team RAC, a leading touring car team, running well on E85, as well as the Tech-Speed Astra which been powered by E85 all year and Jason Hughes’ MG which converted mid-season, said EEMS project leader Steve Bunkhall. ‘Brands Hatch delivered the first podium for biofuel, and we hope Team RAC will go one better at Silverstone, as well as clocking up more top ten biofuel finishes to add to our total of 17 so far this season.

Alan Gow, the BTCC Series Director, was just as positive: “Colin’s and Team RAC’s third position at Brands Hatch, in only their second meeting using bio-ethanol, was a significant moment in international motor sport.

Furthermore, it should not go unnoticed that all four bio-ethanol powered cars on the grid at Brands Hatch that day scored points in the three BTCC races. Bio-ethanol racing technology might still be in its early stages but already it is making an impact at the top level. It has been clearly demonstrated that converting is easy and, in addition to the lower costs and environmental benefits, it can also even enhance engine response.

Dick Bennetts, Team RAC team principal, has been pleased with the overall performance of the team this season, he said: "I’m very pleased with the way things have gone this season and the fact that we’ve remained competitive on most circuits. Silverstone is a power circuit so it will be interesting to see how the SEAT’s perform. If Team RAC can round off the first year on the top step of the podium then we’ll be very happy.

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Colin Turkington is looking for a top place in the drivers’ championship in his first Team RAC season, his attention focused on the final three rounds at Silverstone: ‘I think we’ll be very competitive at Silverstone. It’s surfaced with the same tarmac as Knockhill and whilst we didn’t get the end results there we certainly showed the pace of the car. I shall be aiming for an outright win this weekend to end the season on a high.

Driver Paul O’Neill, who took over the E85 fuelled Thurlby Tech-Speed Astra at Brands Hatch and scored a top ten finish, has given Silverstone a lot of thought: ‘It’s the end of the year. I’m looking forward to Silverstone. I’m feeling confident. Our speed on the long straights will be better than Brands Hatch. I’m looking for a top eight this time and hope to be fighting with the MGs and putting air between me and the works Vauxhalls. We weren’t that far off them at Brands Hatch. If you can get the move into the left hander at Brooklands you can drive down the inside at Luffield. Or possibly overtake with a brave move at Copse. I’ve driven loads at Silverstone before but not on the National Circuit - I like the place!

The three touring car races will be live on Motors TV on Sunday 15 October, and the final race will be live on ITV with edited highlights of the first two races.

For more information contact:
Janice Minton, tel , mobile
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See more information on eemsonline.co.uk

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EDITOR’S NOTES

See facts about bio-ethanol on the EEMS website eemsonline.co.uk

Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS) is one of five programmes sponsored by Motorsport Development UK to sustain and develop the UK’s world-leading motorsport sector with direct funding from the DTI and four regional development agencies. See more on www.motorsportdevelopment.co.uk

EEMS seeks to encourage the development of alternative fuels and powertrain technologies and put energy efficiency at the heart of modern motorsport – without comprising the sporting spectacle. The widely held belief that energy efficiency and green technology are not compatible with exciting motorsport is simply not the case, in fact the UK motorsport industry stands to benefit by adopting EEMS concepts and taking a leading global role.

EEMS is working with championship rule makers on energy efficiency and the regulation of alternative fuels in motorsport, to encourage their wider use. EEMS has offered all BTCC teams fuel metering technology, developed by Ricardo and Pi Research. This will allow for fuel equivalency standards and, ultimately, for power to be regulated by energy flow rather than rev limits or air restrictors.

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