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MALAY MAIL
All new A1GP racer unveiled The all-new Ferrari-powered A1GP racing car was recently unveiled to the international media. The new car replaces the Lola-designed racing car that has been raced in the championship over the last three seasons. Designed to the highest standards with the aim of providing exciting racing on a level playing field, the new car is the result of a landmark six-year agreement with legendary Italian marque Ferrari that will manufacture and supply all A1GP engines and consult on the design and manufacture of all A1GP chassis from this season. Based on the design of the highly successful F2004 chassis, the new car incorporates A1GP’s core values to deliver close racing among a competitive field where overtaking is an essential part of the entertainment. The distinctive features of the new car include the side pod exhaust ‘chimneys’, the front wing shape
with sculptured end plates, additional aerodynamic devices including barge boards, side pod mounted rear view mirrors, bigger front tyres, dropped front nose and carbon brakes. Produced using some of the most advanced design and manufacturing technology in the world, the A1GP racing car engine is designed and manufactured by Ferrari S.p.A. The 4.5-litre V8 engine produces 600bhp and 550Nm of torque. Each car is also equipped
with the unique Power Boost system, a mechanism to provide short bursts of increased power to create additional overtaking opportunities and action throughout the race. The PowerBoost is driver-activated by a button mounted on the steering wheel enabling the driver to use it for a predetermined period during the Sprint and Feature races. “It looks good and we’re just looking forward to getting grips to with the
technical aspects of running the car,” said A1 Team Malaysia team manager Julian Randles. The car certainly features improved aerodynamics which will create more down force and will add to the overall performance of the car.” The Malaysian team will debut its new car in an official pre-season test session for all the teams at Silverstone in the United Kingdom from Aug 18 to 20, ahead of the first round of the Series which will take place at the Mugello Circuit, Italy in September. Round four of the championship will move to the Sepang International Circuit on November 23. The Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) is proud to be an Associate Partner of A1 Team Malaysia. Find out more about motorsports in Malaysia by contacting AAM Motorsports at 03-7710 9121 or visit www.aam.org.my.
FRIday august 8, 2008
Road safety Road safety and vehicle maintEnAnce go hand in hand There’s more to owning a car than just driving it around from point A to point B. It’s always best to get to know your car if not understand what keeps it in good running condition. Periodic maintenance, trouble-shooting and curing problems are part and parcel of owning a car. Understanding one’s vehicle also enables a driver to know the precise limitations of the vehicle. For example, if an individual is knowledgeable of tyres and tyre wear, he will know that on bald tyres, he will need to drive conservatively until the tyres are replaced especially when it comes to driving in the rain. Example such as this not only spares you of unwanted breakdowns and surprises on the road, but it also amounts to greater road safety awareness. Many car owners don’t know and don’t take the trouble to understand what’s under the bonnet. A car is considered in perfect running condition so long as it starts, the temperature gauge doesn’t climb abruptly to the red line and the airconditioning is cold. They observe strict periodic maintenance — sending it to the service centre as prescribed, getting things replaced etc — yet, never truly understanding why such repairs and replacements need to be carried out in the first place. In fact, about the only time they do pop the “hood” or bonnet is when the car breaks down and that too, many don’t know what they are looking out for what more what to do. The general and must adopt rule is that you don’t have to be a car enthusiast to know about cars and you certainly
don’t have to learn everything there is to know. Knowing some basics will be sufficient to ensuring you have a pleasant motoring experience. Basics here mean that should know what to look out for. For example, if ever you encounter an overheating problem you would at least be able to limit the problem to checking the radiator for leaks, ruptured water hoses, leaking water pump, damaged thermostat, the lack of water or coolant in the radiator, the engine fan not working, or the most severe a blown head gasket. Such knowledge may even be useful in getting you out of a breakdown at times, be it temporarily taping up the ruptured water hose, using egg white to seal a leak in the radiator or continuously having to top up the radiator with water until you can reach the nearest service centre. As a driver, you should be alert and sensitive to your car’s performance and wear and tear levels. For example, deteriorating hoses or wear and tear on the belts that run the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioner, etc. can lead to breakdowns. And traveling during inclement weather with worn wiper blades and tyres is hazardous. Keeping your car in tiptop condition also means you must understand what components need periodic maintenance and what needs to be replaced and when. Your car is your companion on the road. It gets you places, it shelters and protects you, and it provides a world of convenience. The least you can do is try to get to know it better.