Formula 1™ logistics: Behind the Scenes at the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA

• The Formula 1™ cars were flown between Monte Carlo and Montreal
• DHL is responsible for transporting cars, engines, motor, fuel and equipment by air, sea and land to the twenty race circuits around the globe
• DHL operates a 24-hour express service for all of the F1™ races, delivering direct to the team motorhomes in the paddock

Montreal, Quebec, June 9, 2012: Not a single wheel could turn in Formula 1™ without logistics. No cars, engines or fuel would ever reach the race venues around the world. The drivers would not even have a driving suit in which to tear around the circuit – assuming they got to the race track first.

“We are excited to welcome back Formula 1™ Grand Prix du Canada to Montreal. As the global Official Formula 1™ Logistics Partner, we recognize that Formula 1™ needs a trusted logistics partner who can deliver fast, flexible and reliable support for the world’s biggest motorsport event,” said Greg Hewitt, President, DHL Express Canada. “The 2012 Formula 1™ season continues its races here this weekend and we are proud to support the organization and teams so they have everything in place when they need it.”

It’s therefore no coincidence that DHL is the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1™. Once again, for the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada, which is the seventh round of the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship™, DHL is responsible for various aspects of the logistics: the transportation of racing cars, fuel, pit and TV equipment plus equipment for the Formula One Paddock Club™ at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

And everything has to be done at top speed, because the previous race took place just two weeks earlier in Monte Carlo, France. Around 30 tonnes of cargo per racing team has had to be quickly dispatched, so that it would arrive in time for construction of the teams’ pits. During the course of the year, a team’s racing cars will be transported over 137,000 kilometres between the 20 Grand Prix™ venues.

Race against time

But DHL’s duties don’t finish at the Paddock entrance. Formula 1™ is constantly living life in the fast lane. Nothing is more crucial than the battle for thousandths of a second. Even while the race weekend is on, the engineers are busy working on improvements. If a part fails, then work immediately starts on a newer, more robust version at the factory. But whether new or improved – the part must arrive on time at the track. Otherwise, this could cost a team valuable championship points or even the top podium spot.

“Success in Formula 1™ racing depends on a perfect mix of skills, commitment and a can-do attitude of trained and highly-capable professionals. The same applies to logistics. DHL is happy to provide its skills, team and commitment to support Formula 1™,” said Donna Letterio, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Canada.

DHL is extremely well equipped for this race against time, a point that is reinforced by its backing of the DHL Fastest Lap Award. There are countless reasons why last-minute deliveries become necessary, but the aim is always the same – to get to the track on time. DHL has an ‘Extra Services Team’ standing by to meet the special requirements of teams, organizers and sponsors. Deliveries to and from the track can be made within 24 hours by express flights. An on-board courier accompanies any urgent package throughout the journey, expedites clearance through customs and takes it by helicopter directly to the paddock.

Great connections throughout the world are one of DHL’s major selling points. The global DHL network leverages all modes of transport and can call on planes, helicopters, trucks and even boats at short notice to support urgent shipping requirements across all the world’s continents. At the same time, the company’s experienced specialists on the ground are able to ensure that the transport of a new part is not delayed unnecessarily by local conditions and regulations.

Many years of motor racing experience

The DHL logistics experts draw on expertise and experience built up over 20 years in motorsport. Good logistics in Formula 1™ means good advance planning. The DHL experts therefore draw up a long list of transport and customs rules before the start of every season. For example, it’s important to remember that no timber may be imported into Australia, China or Malaysia.

The logistics people at DHL have to know the individual peculiarities of each country inside out and ensure that all regulations are adhered to scrupulously. One mistake and the equipment may be held up for days or even weeks.

Formula 1™ machines rely on the latest technology. The slightest alteration to a gearbox or to the aerodynamics can shave off valuable tenths of a second, move teams up the rankings and generate millions of dollars in prize money. The teams know that their secrets are in good hands with DHL.

Overseas transport of cars, engines, motor fuel, in fact all the equipment; the organizational aspects, last-minute deliveries and maintenance of the utmost secrecy: everything in Formula 1™ relies on effective logistics. Even the 28,600 Pirelli tires used in a single season must be delivered to the various tracks. DHL, the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1™ is up to the challenge.

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Media Contact:
Bea Garcia
Phone: +954-701-9265
E-mail: bea.garcia@dhl.com
On the internet: www.dp-dhl.de/presse
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