RENAULT F1 AERODYNAMICIST AND AUDI ENGINE CHIEF SCOOP PRIZES AT WORLD MOTORSPORT SYMPOSIUM

Key figures from teams synonymous with success in Formula One and at the Le Mans 24 Hours Race won the top awards at the inaugural Race Tech World Motorsport Symposium, held at the Royal Air Force Museum in London on November 10.

Dino Toso, Head of Aerodynamics for the Renault F1 team, the double 2005 title-winning squad, was named Racecar Aerodynamicist of the Year by a panel of industry experts. Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Technology at Audi Sport, collected the award for Race Engine Designer of the Year.

Toso led an aggressive aero development programme on Renault's R25 chassis. It resulted in the squad scoring eight grand prix wins in 2005 and sweeping the Drivers' and Teams' F1 honours for the first time as a constructor. In receiving his award, Dino Toso said: "Nowadays, there is no one-man band work. It's all teamwork, all the more so in Formula One. So I am honoured to accept this award in the name of my team."

Baretzky has overseen six successive victories for Audi Sport's V8 engine in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. "I'm very proud to accept this award." he said at the ceremony. "It has been a team effort and we will continue to move forward as a team. There is still more to come. Watch this space. . ."

The World Motorsport Symposium is backed by government organisation UK Trade & Investment. Organised by 'Race Tech' magazine, it is the first event dedicated to race engine technology and racing car aerodynamics.

Nominees for the awards were selected across a range of prestigious events which included the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans 24 Hours, Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500 and Monte Carlo Rally, as well as the Moto GP, World Superbike and NHRA showpieces.

Race Tech is published by Racecar Graphic Ltd., leading publisher of motor racing books and periodicals, and organiser of specialist workshops and conferences for the industry.