CotF under wraps
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9:13 AM Mon 10 January, 2011
Source: BigPond Sport
There will be no ‘transition’ year for the introduction of the Car of the Future to the International V8 Supercars Championship.
V8 Supercars have confirmed that the new machine will be fully implemented across the entire field in 2013, rather than using 2012 as a ‘transition’ year using both the existing specification cars and the new COTF.
To ensure an equal footing for all teams, every car in the 2013 Championship will appear on the grid at the opening event fully complying with the COTF regulations.
In the interest of stability, the current rules, aside from routine changes that occur from year to year, will now stay in place until the 2013 changeover.
“Car of the Future is incredibly important to the future direction of V8 Supercars and as such it is vital that we get the product and its introduction absolutely right,” said Martin Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer of V8 Supercars.
“We have complete support from all the teams and manufacturers in this decision. It’s a common sense decision that allows all teams to be on an equal playing field at the start of 2013.”
Two prototype COTF machines – being constructed by Paul Ceprnich’s Pace Innovations – are on target for completion in time for winter testing.
“The COTF program is already well advanced and we will have two prototypes built and ready to test mid-year,” added Whitaker.
“This decision allows all the players in the car’s introduction the flexibility of time to plan for a full and well considered transition in 2013.”
The prime purpose of Car of the Future is to reduce cost and ensure the long-term viability of the teams and the racing. It also creates the perfect opportunity and timelines for new manufacturers to consider the benefits that the new car provides for an entry into the sport.
Five time series champion and six-time Bathurst 1000 winner Mark Skaife has been instrumental in leading the development of the Car of the Future project.
“The COTF is vital to the future of the Championship,” he said.
“It is imperative we ensure these technical changes are fairly dealt with across all teams and that we adhere to the primary objectives of reducing cost whilst maintaining the integrity of the Championship and ultimately the high quality of racing.
“The Car of the Future is the platform for the next decade of V8 Supercars, which will be implemented to ensure the future success of the sport with the ability to introduce more manufacturers.
“In discussions with manufacturers, it is crucial that the car’s appearance and DNA will closely mirror that of the road-going equivalent of the respective manufacturer; a unique element that allows the V8 Supercar Car of the Future to genuinely stand apart from other touring car series in the world.
“The COTF involves significant technical changes that ensure teams are able to build and maintain these cars with greater efficiencies, which will assist with their overall viability. This is certainly a very exciting period for V8 Supercars.
“In over 50 years of Australian Touring Car Championship and V8 Supercar racing in Australia, we’ve had a fantastic product that fans have enjoyed the highest quality sedan car racing in the world. COTF is the next stage in the evolution of our sport.”
