News posted on a powerboat web site mentioned that New Zealanders are apparently very interested in creating a Formula 1 team for the 2011 season.
According to an article (a press release, in fact) posted on www.powerboat-world.com, New Zealand’s Shotover Jet has announced its intention to set up a Formula 1 team and make their own F1 car.
The Queenstown-based company is already a leader in commercial jet-boating and cutting edge technology in this industry. It has 40 years’ experience in the jet boat industry.
The company said that designing a Formula 1 is very similar to making a jet boat. “For a start, fluid dynamics are similar to aerodynamics so it was a natural progression from our current fluid-based operation,” said Clark Scott, General Manager of Shotover Jet.
“Then we have some of the world’s best design, mechanical and technical staff at our disposal who are highly trained and experienced with jet boat design, engine configuration and mechanical technology, and have a lot of transferable skills. They’ve been working hard for a long time on a body design and this is showing very encouraging results in wind tunnel testing. They’ve also developed an engine design and we’ve been working with a major European engine supplier to refine it.”
Shotover Jet is currently in final negotiations to secure high profile sponsors and engine supplier contracts. Further announcements will be made when they are in place.
The press release ends by mentioning that the company is evaluating an existing North Island track, which has a number of corners based on international F1 circuits, as a permanent test circuit. A New Zealand driving team is preferred but all options will be considered.
Is this serious or just a PR stunt?
In 1963, Kiwi Bruce McLaren created his own F1 team. Will history repeat itself?
photo:www.powerboat-world.com
According to an article (a press release, in fact) posted on www.powerboat-world.com, New Zealand’s Shotover Jet has announced its intention to set up a Formula 1 team and make their own F1 car.
The Queenstown-based company is already a leader in commercial jet-boating and cutting edge technology in this industry. It has 40 years’ experience in the jet boat industry.
The company said that designing a Formula 1 is very similar to making a jet boat. “For a start, fluid dynamics are similar to aerodynamics so it was a natural progression from our current fluid-based operation,” said Clark Scott, General Manager of Shotover Jet.
“Then we have some of the world’s best design, mechanical and technical staff at our disposal who are highly trained and experienced with jet boat design, engine configuration and mechanical technology, and have a lot of transferable skills. They’ve been working hard for a long time on a body design and this is showing very encouraging results in wind tunnel testing. They’ve also developed an engine design and we’ve been working with a major European engine supplier to refine it.”
Shotover Jet is currently in final negotiations to secure high profile sponsors and engine supplier contracts. Further announcements will be made when they are in place.
The press release ends by mentioning that the company is evaluating an existing North Island track, which has a number of corners based on international F1 circuits, as a permanent test circuit. A New Zealand driving team is preferred but all options will be considered.
Is this serious or just a PR stunt?
In 1963, Kiwi Bruce McLaren created his own F1 team. Will history repeat itself?
photo:www.powerboat-world.com