HUNTINGDON S world famous car manufacturer, Lola, has been assisting the Spyker Formula One team with its aerodynamic programme. Lola, which has its head office in Glebe Road, has loaned use of its state-of-the-art wind tunnel to the troubled Northamptons

HUNTINGDON'S world famous car manufacturer, Lola, has been assisting the Spyker Formula One team with its aerodynamic programme.

Lola, which has its head office in Glebe Road, has loaned use of its state-of-the-art wind tunnel to the troubled Northamptonshire-based team as it prepares to launch its revised Formula One car at the Turkish Grand Prix next month.

The tunnel, recognised as the best commercially available, features a turntable, allowing tests on crosswinds of up to 60m/sec.

The accuracy offered by the external overhead balance allows levels of repeatability necessary for modern cars.

Lola is investigating a major upgrade for its wind tunnel, for which Spyker is part of a loyal list of commercial customers that use it.

Spyker is a team in turmoil, having failed to secure a point in this year's championship, and yesterday dropping driver Christijan Albers due to problems with his sponsorship.

Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer of Spyker Formula One, said: "We are in the process of upgrading our own wind tunnel and found ourselves with downtime for the first six months of the year, while we continued our co-operation with Aerolab in Italy.

"As a result of our initial work in the Lola tunnel, we have made significant progress this year and this will be reflected in the B Spec Spyker, to be launched next month."

Dr John Davis, technical centre manager of Lola Group, said: "The Lola tunnel has recently enjoyed a significant enhancement and this has been reflected in leading F1 figures such as Mike Gascoyne taking an interest in the facility.

"We have also enjoyed upgrades in CFD software and hardware capabilities through partnerships with AMD and FLUENT.

"These developments, combined with the fully-equipped model shop that forms part of the dedicated technical complex, allows wind tunnel users a confidential, ready-to-use facility.

"The tunnel offers a flexible expansion to the growing needs of the Formula One Aerodynamic Development Programmes."

INFORMATION: For more on how Lola's technical capabilities can help develop programmes, visit www.lola-group.com or contact Dr John Davis on 01480 451307.