Industry News
Sustainable composites supplier Bcomp secures Series C investment
Bcomp, the Swiss-based developer and supplier of high-performance, natural fiber composites, has completed a US$40m Series C investment funding round. The round was led by EGS Beteiligungen (EGSB), a major Swiss institutional investor focused on growth-stage companies. Verve Ventures, Zürcher Kantonalbank and RKKVC are additional new investors.
The funding round also saw a group of Series A and Series B participants deepen their investment in Bcomp, including Generali and Airbus Ventures, in addition to strategic investment funds associated with high-profile automotive OEMs such as BMW i Ventures, Porsche Ventures and Volvo Cars Tech Fund.
Indycar introduces new aeroscreen for Long Beach GP
Indycar is set to introduce a new version of its aeroscreen this weekend at the Long Beach Grand Prix. Originally introduced in 2020, and developed in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the screen fulfils the same role as F1’s Halo, but with the addition of a ballistic screen to protect drivers from debris.
The new screen has several modifications, including vents for driver cooling – with the vent ducting 3D printed in a rubber material to minimize the possibility of injuries.
Red Bull and AVL collaborate on lightweight, high-power fuel cell system
Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the high-performance arm of Red Bull Racing Group, is partnering with mobility technology company AVL to develop what the companies call the “next generation of ultra-high-power density fuel cell technology”. The target is to create a solution that is two-thirds lighter than conventional fuel cell systems, making them applicable to high-performance automotive, motorsport and aviation industries.
The collaboration combines AVL’s industry portfolio of PEM fuel cell technology and Red Bull’s experience and methodologies in lightweight design, construction and aerodynamics.
Alpine’s Alpenglow to run alongside MissionH24 at Spa
With hydrogen fuel firmly on the cards for the WEC in future, May’s running of the Spa Six Hours will see Alipne’s Alpenglow concept car take to the track for the first time in public to run demonstration laps alongside the MissionH24 prototype.
Whereas the MissionH24 car runs a hydrogen fuel cell and electric powertrain, the Alpenglow instead relies on a V8 ICE burning H2 . However, further details of the Alpine’s engine and fuel system remain sparse.
Williams establishes advanced engineering services company
Williams has announced the launch of a new company, Williams Grand Prix Technologies, that will turn its F1 expertise to tackling clients’ engineering challenges in other sectors. Sitting alongside the racing operation, and also owned by Dorilton Capital, the new company will be based at the team’s technology campus in Grove in the UK.
The new business will target a range of sectors including wider motorsport, premium automotive, aerospace, defense, marine, energy, sport and lifestyle.
ABT and Lola Cars partner on Formula E entry
Lola Cars has entered a joint venture with ABT Sportsline, a motor racing and auto tuning company, to work together on an ABB FIA Formula E World Championship entry.
The two companies will field a team in the electric motorsport series, leveraging a powertrain jointly developed by Lola and its technical partner, Yamaha Motor.
The Formula E collaboration is the inaugural endeavor in a broader joint venture between Lola and ABT that aims to explore various areas of sustainable motorsport, aligning with Lola’s overarching mission to reclaim its position in the motorsport industry.
Continue reading ABT and Lola Cars partner on Formula E entry at Professional Motorsport World.
NXT Gen Cup dropped from Formula E calendar
In a blow for the fledgling all-electric motorsport market, the NXT Gen Cup, aimed at up and coming touring car drivers, will now not be appearing on the Formula E calendar this year.
The series, which runs identical electric Mini race cars, built by Lestrup Racing Team in Sweden, was due to run as the support race at all four European Formula E rounds this year, starting with Misano, Italy, on April 13.
Continue reading NXT Gen Cup dropped from Formula E calendar at Professional Motorsport World.
Bell Integration forms strategic technology partnership with Forsetti Motorsport
Systems integrator Bell Integration has announced a three-year strategic partnership with UK-based GT team Forsetti Motorsport.
The collaboration aims to promote sustainability within Forsetti’s racing ecosystem by advancing eco-friendly practices through digital innovation, AV infrastructure and IT support. Forsetti has joined forces with Aston Martin Racing as an official partner team, which is set to compete in multiple GT Championships across the UK and Europe.
Graham Tavender, delivery and operations director at Bell Integration, said, “I am delighted we have signed with Forsetti Motorsport as their technology partner for the next three years.