MIA 'Clean Racing' conference build-up

The MIA has confirmed that the conference will include presentations from Herb Fishel (the former director of GM Motorsports), Ulrich Baretzky (Audi Sport's head of engine technology) Michael Copson (the Ferrari F1 technical manager at Shell Racing Solutions), John McNeil (a consultant to Team NASAMAX), Brendan Connor (the CEO of Cosworth Racing) and Rob Oldaker (the director of MG Sport & Racing).

Aylett said: "Energy-efficient, environmentally friendly solutions are now a 'given' in the automotive world, but their effective rollout to the public remains slow. Today's motorsport teams are well rewarded for producing vehicles that deploy maximum energy in the most efficient way possible. The bi-product is that motorsport's supplier base has become uniquely equipped to accelerate the creation of, and publicity for, energy-efficient solutions.

"The potential benefits of improved collaboration between the major car makers and UK motorsport are huge. As well as unlocking the commercial potential of innovative new products, these partnerships could draw on the estimated US$1bn of funding that public bodies around the world make available each year for 'green' initiatives.

"Most of the energy-efficient, low-emissions automotive technologies launched to date have yet to capture the public's imagination. The exciting and powerful 'brand' of motorsport could attract public attention and support and offer an unrivalled platform for building widespread enthusiasm and acceptance. Motorsport will make energy-efficiency a must-have customer response.

"In many cases, the focus for energy-efficiency initiatives has been on building or refining power plants that use alternative fuels. Diesel and LPG cars have already seen success, with more planned for 2004. However, motorsport businesses continue to develop many solutions, for example lighter, stronger composite materials, ever-improved aerodynamics, advanced lubricants and regenerative braking systems.

"Energy-efficient partnerships between the automotive and motorsport industries would have particular significance for the UK. Such a collaboration presents a huge commercial opportunity for the UK, as 'Motorsport Valley' is home to the world's largest concentration of leading motorsport and high-performance engineering firms."