Corus provides materials expertise for Formula Student racing teams
29 Apr 2005
Corus, the international metals company, is once again supporting some of Europe’s leading student race teams - the Universities of Birmingham, Delft and Warwick - in the 2005 International Formula Student programme.
Formula Student provides the next generation of automotive engineers, from leading universities across the world, with valuable insight into the engineering and project management process of taking a racecar concept from design through manufacture and, ultimately, to competition.
For the seventh consecutive year Corus Engineering Steels Stockholders has supplied the University of Birmingham team with two grades of steel - a case hardening quality and a high tensile alloy - to produce a number of crucial driveline components including the differential and driveshaft for its single seater racecar. These high quality steels are the same materials commonly used by professional race teams.
Commenting on the valuable support provided by companies like Corus, which help the teams compete, Mark Ridell, The University of Birmingham UBRacing team said: “Don’t be fooled by the fact that this series is a student-based competition, the vehicles themselves are extremely technically advanced. Like all racecars, immense load is put on the gears and driveshaft which is why using the correct materials is essential. Corus, and its supply of high quality steel and materials’ expertise, is particularly valuable to us and I am confident that it will help the team to even greater success this year. ”
“Corus is again pleased to be supporting UBRacing at The University of Birmingham in 2005” said Keith Grant, marketing manager for Corus Engineering Steels. “By providing the students with Corus Engineering Steels advanced materials and support, we are helping the students build a vehicle with the potential to compete at premier motorsport levels. The most rewarding aspect of being involved in the programme is that we are able to provide students with the materials for real ‘hands on’ engineering experience. This will prove invaluable to the students after graduation when they enter competitive industries, ultimately benefiting the whole of the automotive industry”.
Co-sponsoring Delft University’s team entry for the fifth consecutive year, Corus RD & T in IJmuiden, Netherlands are providing aluminium for the space frame, steel material for other components and offering their knowledge and expertise in metals technologies.
“We are giving students access to the latest technology, industry techniques and some of the sharpest minds in the business to help them in the development stages of their entry into the Formula Student competition. We see it as a worthwhile investment in these engineers of the future who have shown a great deal of interest and enthusiasm in the project. We are delighted to once again be involved with the students at Delft University and look forward to a successful 2005 campaign,” said Nico Langerak, Department Manager Automotive Applications, Corus Research Development & Technology.
For the first time Corus Automotive Engineering Group based at Warwick University, which specialises in developing innovative vehicle engineering solutions using the latest thinking in materials and manufacturing technologies, will also be involved in sponsoring the Formula Students campaign. Dave Sullivan, Technical Specialist, Vehicle Engineering said: “Corus is committed to supporting the aims of such competitions, which seek to invest in the development of tomorrow’s professional engineers. We believe our sponsorship of the Warwick University team will help the undergraduates gain practical experience which will improve their employment prospects upon graduation”.
The University’s are competing in a number of events across Europe and beyond. The 2005 Formula Student competition will be launched at Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome proving ground near Leicester on the 8/9 July.
Ends
Note to editors:
Corus Automotive
Corus is one of the leading suppliers of steel products, services and technology to the automotive industry. A broad range of Corus steel from strip, engineering steels, special strip and tubes are used to make products that go into automotive applications including body-in-white, closures, chassis and suspension systems, powertrain, seats, safety systems and other components. Corus is committed to the global automotive industry, and, uniquely, combines its materials and vehicle engineering knowledge to respond cost-effectively to key drivers of importance to the sector, such as safety, fuel-efficiency, innovation and the environment. The Company actively supports supply chain initiatives that improve efficiency and enhance the value of steel used in automotive applications. For further information, view the Corus automotive website (www.corusautomotive.com).
Press release and pictures can be downloaded from websites: www.automotivepr.com and www.corusautomotive.com
Corus Automotive media enquiries:
Marco Ferrari +44 (0) 207 494 8050 mferrari@automotivepr.com
Belle Wilson + 44 (0) 207 494 8053 bwilson@automotivepr.com
Corus sales and marketing enquiries:
Keith Grant + 44 1902 875 001 keith.grant@corusgroup.com
Dave Sullivan + 44 24 76 241200 dave.sullivan@corusgroup.com
Nico Langerak + 31 251 499111 nico.langerak@corusgroup.com
