Freight and Logistics (Giants) Sponsor Formula 1 (Minnows)

UAE - MALAYSIA –WORLDWIDE – Countless millions of pounds, dollars and Euros are spent every year sponsoring F1 racing but logistics expert GAC has found a way to connect its freight activities with the glamorous world of high speed racing – without breaking the bank and at the same time encouraging youngsters in a worthwhile project which may well breed the race engineers of the future.

The F1 in Schools program is the only multi-disciplinary challenge that gives school students an insight into the real world of Formula One racing and aims to change their perceptions of engineering, science and technology by creating a fun learning environment and developing an informed view about careers in mathematics, science and technology as well as business, marketing and finance, and now Middle East based GAC has become a diamond sponsor of student racing team, Team RedShift, that will represent the United Arab Emirates at the grand finale of the F1 in Schools challenge in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 19th to 21st September.

The four strong team, will be among 23 teams each of between 3 and 6 competitors from 17 countries on all continents competing in what is anticipated to be a very hotly competed final. The students have had to design and build a set of racing cars based on balsa wood bodies and powered by compressed air which have to cover a straight track of twenty metres as fast as possible. Doesn’t sound much but the video HERE of the UAE World Qualifiers gives you some idea of the efforts involved to turn out a scale model using full CAD/CAM technology and computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

All competitors at this year’s event held in the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur will be striving to beat the mythical one second barrier chasing the 1.020 second record set by Team FUGA from Northern Ireland in 2007. Winners collect the Bernie Ecclestone Trophy plus University scholarships and if anyone doubts the effort put in should know that the three teams from the UK, home of F1, have been hard at work for over a year developing their cars.

Welsh team, Fflam from Botwnnog School, Gwynedd, Scotland’s team, C-Force from Craigroyston School, Edinburgh and English team Dynamic representing St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford are the Britains entries this year. Dynamic has utilised the wind tunnel testing facilities at City University in London whilst C-Force has even had a mention in the Scottish Parliament (no rivalry there then). A BBC video straight from the genuine Grand Prix pits even showing World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s enthusiasm can be seen HERE whilst more films and information are HERE.

Speaking of its sponsorship deal with their local heroes William Hill, GAC Group’s Commercial Vice President commented:

“We are delighted to be able to sponsor Team RedShift and to be a part of their dream of winning the World Finals. They are a group of dynamic young students who are determined to do the UAE proud in Malaysia. This alliance gives us the opportunity to play our part in facilitating the development of a strong knowledge-base in the region, as well as helping to forge and strengthen our links with local communities. We wish Team RedShift the very best as they brace themselves for a tough competition ahead.”