M A G A Z I N E 201601
RACING IS IN OUR BLOOD
OUR SHOWROOM
OUR SIM
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OUR TEAM
RACING IS IN YOUR BLOOD TOO Welcome to the first edition of GPXtreme Magazine! We have created this monthly publication because we have am ever increasing following of fans who we need to keep informed about what we are doing. This monthly magazine is a great way to provide fans with insight into our activities. Hopefully we meet our fans one day, but until then this is a way to connect and to stay in touch. This first edition provides an introduction to our fantastic project where we provide aficionados with one-in-a-lifetime opportunities to live their Formula 1 and motor racing dreams. We also have news of our racing adventures, along with interviews and features of what is going on in the world of GPXtreme. You are reading this because, like us, racing is in your blood. We welcome you to our ever growing family. Enjoy! Stephane Clain
GPEXTREME • SHOP 02, INDIGO CENTRAL, SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD, DUBAI • P.O.BOX 214559 DUBAI, UAE
CONTACT • +971 4 335 9958 • INFO@GPEXTREME.COM • HTTP://GPEXTREME.COM/
GENERAL MANAGER • STEPHANE CLAIN
EDITOR • PAUL VELASCO
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AN ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
BENETTON B B
enetton Formula Ltd. carved out a chunk of Formula One history in 1992, where World Champion Formula One racing driver, Michael Schumacher made his name driving the B192, the predecessor to 1996 Benetton’s B196. In the skilful hands of French Formula One driver Jean Alesi and his Austrian teammate Gerhard Berger, the B196 proved to be a fierce competitor when it made its debut at the Australian Grand Prix in 1996. During the season, the B196 racked up a several points and nabbed a number of podium finishes. As a contributor to the vibrant Benetton Formula Ltd legacy, anyone who gets the opportunity to test drive or own this car has a piece of Formula One history in their hands. Entrant: Mild Seven Benetton Renault Drivers: Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger
B196
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ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE - BENETTON B
B196
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ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE - BENETTON B
B196
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Jean Alesi leads Gerhard Berger
ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE - BENETTON B
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B196
BENETTON B196 Specifications • • • • • • • • • • •
Production 1996 only Constructor Benetton Formula Ltd Debut 1996 Australian Grand Prix Chassis Carbon-fibre Monocoque Displacement 3 Liter Power 750 Hp @ 14500 min Engine Configuration Renault RS8 72º V10 Front Suspension Double wishbones, pushrod Rear Suspension Double wishbones, pushrod Transmission 6-speed semi-automatic Weight 595 kg
THE ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
HESKETH 30 A
s the sister model to the Hesketh 308, this racecar enjoys a rich racing history and is one of only three built in the 308 and 308B series.
Designed by and engineered in-house by Harvey Postlethwaite, the Hesketh 308 was Lord Hesketh’s first grand prix racing car. The 308B debuted at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 1975, where its remarkable speed quickly impressed and silenced many of Lord Hesketh’s critics during a warm up lap by James Hunt. In 1975, Hesketh 308B nabbed first place at the Netherlands Grand Prix. Famous for Hunt’s late-race pass at the 1974 Silverstone International Trophy Race, the 308B gave Hesketh Racing a stunning victory that is still hailed today as one of the most memorable races in Formula One history. The 308B has recently undergone complete and correct restoration; making it still a force to be reckoned with on the tracks. Entrant: Lord Alexander Hesketh Drivers: James Hunt and Alan Jones
08B
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ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE - HESKETH 30 HESKETH 308B Specifications • • • • • • • • • •
Production 1974 - 1975 Chassis Aluminium Monocoque Constructor Hesketh Racing Debut 1974 South African Grand Prix Displacement 2,993 cc | 183 cu in. | 3.0 L. Drive Type RWD Power 450 Hp @ 10800 min-1 Transmission 5 Manual Hewland FGA/400 Weight 590.124 kg Wheel Base 2,570 mm
8B
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ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE - HESKETH 30
8B
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James Hunt
ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE - HESKETH 30
8B
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THE ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
SURTEES TS
T
oday the Surtees TS19 is hailed by racing enthusiasts as ‘ready to race and very capable of winning’. Known as one of the more infamous cars in Formula One racing history, it was the first car to court controversy by wearing the Durex livery. Designed by renowned Formula One champion and constructor, John Surtees and Ken Sears, the TS19 made its debut at the South African Grand Prix in 1976, where it secured 11th place. It went on to log points for Surtees in 1977 that were used during the opening rounds of the 1978 season. The TS19 still boasts top competitive form. The racecar has retained its impressive cutting edge by racing at the Silverstone Classics over the past two years. Drivers: John Surtees, Alan Jones. Derek Bell, Carlos Pace, Andrea de Adamich, Mike Hailwood, Jochen Mass
S19
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ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE - SURTEES TS
S19
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Alan Jones
ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE - SURTEES TS
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S19 SURTEES TS19 Specifications • • • • • • • • •
Production 1976 - 1978 Constructor Surtees Racing Organization Debut 1974 South African Grand Prix Chassis Aluminium Monocoque Displacement 2,993 cc | 183 cu in. | 3.0 L. Power 450 Hp @ 10800 min-1 Drive Type 2WD Engine: Ford-Cosworth DFV 90° V8 Front & Rear Suspension wishbone independent with coil springs • Transmission 5 Manual Hewland FGA/400 • Weight 580 kg
JORDAN GROGOR
A KID IN A CANDY STO J
ordan Grogor had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming as he powered out of the Magny Cours pit lane - the former French Grand Prix venue - at the wheel of a Benetton B196 Formula 1 car used by Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi during the 1996 Formula 1 World Championship season. But it was not a dream for the Dubai based South African, as he was on duty with GPXtreme, who specialise in classic Formula 1 experiences with an array of iconic classic Formula 1 cars available for enthusiasts to drive including: a 1974 Williams FW03 campaigned by Arturo Merzario, James Hunt’s 1974 Hesketh, a 1976 Surtees TS18 in Durex livery, a 1992 Benetton B192 driven by Michael Schumacher, a 2001 Jordan EJ11, a Prost AP01 and AP02, Eddie Irvine’s Jaguar R2 to name a few. A couple of modern Formula 1 cars - a Williams FW33 and a Marussia MR02 - are also part of the GPXtreme fleet, as well as a trio of 2015 Dallara F3 cars, some fancy Le Mans Prototypes (LMP2) along with a selection of current and historic GT3 cars.
ORE
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FEATURE JORDAN GROGOR
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So how did a highly rated race driver from Dubai end up at MagnyCours for a weekend of testing these magnificent machines? All in perfect running order, ready to race and ‘begging’ to be unleashed to do what they were meant to do – go very fast. Grogor explained, “It is fair to say I am probably one of the luckiest guys around, I get to race with the best teams, I live in Dubai and I am living my dream.” “In March I got a call from GPXtreme who told me to pack my bags as I was going with them to Magny-Cours for the weekend.” “Why? I asked. And they said: you always had the dream of driving historic Formula 1 cars. Well you are going to realise your dream,” recalled Grogor. “I think every young boy dreams to climb into a Formula 1 cockpit, put down his visor, revving that engine and rumbling down the pitlane onto an open race track. For me this became reality,” mused Grogor who hails from a family of racers, including his father who was a respected race driver in South Africa in the eighties.
FEATURE JORDAN GROGOR
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FEATURE JORDAN GROGOR When Grogor arrived at Magny Cours, GPXtreme had their impressive array of historic and current race cars for their patrons to drive during the course of the three days. All the cars immaculately prepared, in pristine condition and race ready. “On that weekend I drove some iconic F1 cars including the ex-Jean Alesi/ Gerhard Berger driven Benetton-Renault V10 and a Prost-Peugeot V10 which Oliver Panis drove from the nineties. Also the ISO Marlboro Williams FW03 which was driven
by Arturo Merzario and Jam which were campaigned in went through a range of em masterpieces of F1 history. thing that went through my when driving out the pits,” h added with relief,” I did not
“Stepping into the Heske to victory at Zandvoort in 1 surreal and extremely emo
mes Hunt’s Hesketh 308 n the mid-seventies.”“I motions as I drove these . But honestly the first y mind was: don’t stall he said with a smile and stall!”
eth that James Hunt drove 1974 was very special, otional for me. Sometimes
201601 I had to pinch myself and ask if this was really happening,” admitted Grogor. “Those cars were amazing pieces of engineering for their time and today they still standout thanks to careful care and nurturing by the GPXtreme crew. For me as a driver the precision required using the brakes, the accelerator and the steering, coupled to my awe of being in the presence of such greatness, made it a lot of elements to manage and stay in control of when you drive these priceless cars.”
FEATURE JORDAN GROGOR
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FEATURE JORDAN GROGOR “This is where GPXtreme rose to the occasion and put my mind to rest. The guys put out fifteen cars ranging from classic Formula 1 cars to modern day GP3 cars, a selection of Le Mans Prototypes (LMP2) and a several Formula Renault single seaters ‘thrown’ into the mix.” “They provide a platform for enthusiasts to sample truly great racing cars in a calm and controlled environment which generates confidence in those of us doing the experiences on the day.” “They deliver fully running historic Formula 1 cars, not show cars or replicas. These are the real deal. So during the course of the three days I was in and out of cars, and not just any old cars... Every single car was not only available to sample but also running in top order for anyone wanting to push the limits.” “It’s an enthusiast’s dream. You are set free in a candy store of Formula 1 cars and they are at your disposable on a grand prix track to drive at race speeds. Honestly that weekend was one of the main highlights of my entire racing career. I was the kid in the candy store, set loose and making the most of my good fortune!” Soon after the Magny Cours adventure, GPXtreme confirmed Grogor to race the Renault Sport Championship, using the state-of-the-art Renault RS01 with teammate Renault F1 development driver Carmen Jorda. The pair competed in the first round of the series at Aragon in Spain, where Grogor finished sixth. The team will contest the remaining five rounds of the Renault Sport organised series during the course of the year at hallowed venues such as Spa-Francorchamps, Imola and Paul Ricard. But that’s not all, as Grogor has his race suit and helmet packed for the prestigious the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, on the weekend of 13 to 15 May. “After Aragon, GPXtreme informed me that I was entered for Monaco where I will drive the ISO Marlboro Williams FW03 which was driven by Arturo Merzario, which I drove and thoroughly enjoyed at Magny Cours.” Grogor will have a 20 minutes free practice session through the fabled streets of Monte Carlo on Friday, followed by 20 minutes of qualifying on Saturday, followed by a 45 minutes race on Sunday with more than forty cars expected to line-up on the grid. “Not only am I racing in Monaco. Wow!” exclaimed Grogor. “I am racing a Formula 1 car, which is triple wow! Like I said right at the beginning I am one of the luckiest guys I know, set loose in a candy store.”
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GP EXTREME T RENAULT SPOR WITH CARMA & JORDAN
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TACKLE ORT TROPHY
Jordan Grogor and Carmen Jorda
RENAULT SPORT TROPHY
GP
xtreme have entered Renault Sport R.S.01 number 6 to contest the 2016 Renault Sport Trophy Championship. The team has signed experienced Dubai based racer Jordan Grogor and Spanish lady racer Carmen Jorda to take on the challenge of one of Europe’s most exciting one make series. General Manager Stephane Clain explained, “We were late in making the decision to join the 2016 Renault Sport Trophy Championship, but it was an opportunity which we could not miss as Renault are sure to put on a top notch series and we want to be part of it.” “The car will run a yellow and black livery with GPXtreme branding. With the experience of Jordan and the energy that Carmen brings to the team, we are confident of a good showing in this highly competitive series.”
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Jordan Grogor
RENAULT SPORT TROPHY
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Carmen Jorda
RENAULT SPORT TROPHY
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Jordan Grogor
RENAULT SPORT TROPHY
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RENAULT SPORT TROPHY THE SERIES
After developing the most efficient programs for single-seaters, Renault Sport aims to roll out a new offering for hatches. Positioned between the Clio Cup events and professional championships, such as the WEC, DTM and Japanese Super GT, the Renault Sport Trophy is a gateway for the best pilots and for gentleman drivers. The Renault Sport Trophy championship reaps the benefits of brand expertise in organizing motorsports events. Priority will be given to technical fairness, sporting ethics and cost control. The technical definition of Renault Sport R.S. 01 aims for servicing every other season, thus helping to keep running costs down.
UNIQUE PRIZES
At the conclusion of the 2016 season, the winning driver in “PRO” will participate in the NISMO SUPER GT selection tests, as did Andrea Pizzitola this week. If the champion is not chosen, he will receive €200,000 in cash. In the “AM” class, the title winner will compete in the 2017 24-Hours of Le Mans in LM P2, or if he prefers, will receive 140,000€ to help make the move to “PRO” in 2017. The top three teams at each meeting will receive award vouchers in the respective amounts of €10,000, €7,000 and €3,000.
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RENAULT SPORT TROPHY SPORTING & TECHNICAL STABILITY
The meeting format will continue to offer significant track time. Each of the six rounds will feature two 90-minute collective tests, two 20-minute qualifying session, a 70-minute plus one lap Endurance race and two 25-minute plus one lap Sprint races. On the technical side, the emphasis is on stability in order to remain affordable ahead of the 2016 season. All fully sanctioned by the FIA. As for the competition aspect, it will be the same with the exception of the introduction of a balance of performance based on the results in each category. It will only concern the Prestige category. It should be noted that the point scoring will be identical with the drivers scoring their won points in the Endurance races without having to depend on the results of their team mates.
201601 RENAULT SPORT TO TAKE ON GT3 Established according to the suitable and homologated balance of performance, the GT3 kit is already available for the Renault Sport R.S01. Agreements have been made with the GT Tour and the VdeV Series without creating a conflict with the Renault Sport Trophy calendar. The teams can also enter the 24H Series and the 12-Hours of Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Renault Sport Technologies continues its discussions with other promoters to expand the programmes of the race teams that purchased the Renault Sport R.S. 01. Since being homologated, the Renault Sport R.S. 01 won in the Open Challenge category of the GT Tour at Circuit Paul Ricard, the Zandvoort 500 kilometres and took the pole in the 6 Hours of Rome.
RENAULT SPORT TROPHY 2016 CALENDAR • 6-17 April 2016 Motorland Aragón • 13-15 May 2016 Imola • 15-17 July 2016 Red Bull Ring • 26-28 August 2016 Circuit Paul Ricard • 23-25 September 2016 Spa-Francorchamps • 21-23 October 2016 Estoril
FIA SANCTIONED
The FIA shall be the sole international sporting authority entitled to make and enforce regulations based on the fundamental principles of safety and sporting fairness. Renault Sport Trophy are placed under the sporting supervision of the FIA, and therefore are termed International Series sanctioned by the FIA.
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Q & A WITH
CARMEN JORDA
C
armen Jorda will contest the 2016 Renault Sport Trophy Cgampionship with the newly formed GPXtreme team, alongside Jordan Grogor at the wheel of the state-of-the-art purpose built Renault RS01 which is the flagship series of the French manufacturer’s invigorated motorsport programme. Spanish lady racer Jorda, who has strong links with the Renault F1 Team, spoke ahead of her return to racing in Spain where she donned GPXtreme overalls for her return to racing.
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Q&A WITH CARMEN JORDA
Carmen, are you looking forward to returning to competition? Carmen Jorda: I am really looking forward to getting out there. When you are a driver, you live for racing. Everything is done with motor racing in mind: preparation, nutrition, training…And it has been such a long time since my last race in September 2014! What challenges are you expecting this weekend? CJ: I am at Motorland Aragón to discover this form of competition and see how I feel behind the wheel of the Renault Sport R.S. 01. I have never raced with a closed cockpit car, so I am encountering a new world, and at a circuit that I have no experience on! For me, it will be more like a full-scale test session to try to set the car up along with my team mate before then setting off to find the speed. It’s going to be a challenge, but an exciting one and one I’m looking forward to and grateful to have in front of me. I don’t know a single driver capable to refuse a challenge!
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Carmen Jorda
Q&A WITH CARMEN JORDA
When did you last race? CJ: My last race was back in 2014 and I’ve missed competitive racing, it’s something I love, always have and always will. I was busy last year with several simulator sessions at Enstone which taught me a lot, but nothing can ever replace actual competition. I’ll go up against the best and I’ll do the best I can. What do you think of the Renault Sport R.S. 01? CJ: It is a proper race car with an incredibly dynamic look and performance levels that can match those of certain open-wheel cars! I am still in the discovering phase, but its stability at high speed is exceptional for giving a driver confidence to exploit its maximum potential. I don’t need to tell you that I am impatient to get behind the wheel and to battle door handle to door handle! Finally, the only drawback of the Renault Sport R.S. 01 is having to share the driver seat with Jordan when you are comfortable behind the wheel!
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Carmen Jorda
FLASHBACK: 2014 HANKOO
A FAMOUS V
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OK 24 H DUBAI
VICTORY
Mohamed Jawa, Khaled Al Mudhaf, Jordan Gorgor and Frederic Fatien
FLASHBACK HANKOOK 24H DUBAI DRAGON RACING NUMBER 888 FERRARI OUTSHONE THE BIG GUNS
W
ith about three hours to go in the 2014 Dunlop 24 Hours of Dubai, Dragon Racing team manager Ian Bickerton descended from the pit gantry and declared prophetically, “We are going to win the Pro-Am Class…” It was a bold statement at the time because the team’s number 888 Ferrari were in third place at that point, although within sight of the leaders, the task at hand was enormous. Furthermore the Dubai based team had suffered a huge blow when their number 8 car crashed in the middle of the night while leading the Pro-Am class, and emotions in the pit garage were mixed. Nevertheless, the team focused on their second car with Jordan Gorgor, Khaled Al Mudhaf, Frederic Fatien and Mohamed Jawa doing the driving. With a couple of laps to go the team reworked their strategy to attack for the lead and race win. After strong final stints the red Ferrari with the fancy dragon emblazoned on the side had done the business to claim first place in the prestigious Pro-Am category, a mere 44 seconds ahead of their closest challengers, namely the Lamborghini Gallardo of Oliver Webb, Isaac Lopez, Jan Stovicek, Yoshiharu Mori and Jeroen Mul.
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FLASHBACK HANKOOK 24H DUBAI
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FLASHBACK HANKOOK 24H DUBAI
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FLASHBACK HANKOOK 24H DUBAI WIN WAS BIG BOOST FOR UAE MOTORSPORT For the ‘gentlemen’ drivers of Dragon Racing it was a career defining result, as they banded and bonded together as a team and as a unit. All delivering during their stints when required, with consistency, speed and discipline. Team principal Leon Price was overjoyed by the achievement, “I am probably more emotional than I have ever been. It’s our Pro-Am car with local boys in it. Two of them had never done anything like this before, but as the race progressed they just got better and better, quicker and quicker, safer and safer. And Jordan made it happen in the final stint. Mohamed had a great run before that which allowed us to adopt the final strategy, Khaled and Frederic were great team players, they also did their job. We got the podium, we got the win. Next year we will be shooting for two.” For Dragon Racing, based at Dubai Autodrome, it was a just reward for setting the highest of standards in the Middle East motor racing scene, and with Bickerton calling the shots with such confidence this could be the beginning of a successful streak for the outfit.
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Jordan Gorgor, Mohamed Jawa, Leon Price, Khaled Al Mudhaf and Frederic Fatien
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Juan Manuel Fangio
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John Surtees
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Jochen Rindt
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Graham Hill
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Hans Stuck
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Niki Lauda
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Michael Schumacher & Nico Rosberg
OUR SHOWROOM
OUR SIM
MULATOR
2016.01
OUR TEAM