RML Engineer wins Designer of the Year for 1.6 engine

RML’s Chief Engineer Arnaud Martin has been recognized by Race Tech magazine as Race Engine Designer of the Year for the 1.6 litre turbocharged Global Racing Engine, which won both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ title for Chevrolet in the 2011 World Touring Car Championship.

Chevrolet dominated the 2011 WTCC season, taking pole position at every race meeting and 21 out of 24 possible victories, fending off competition from BMW’s new 1.6 turbo which was provided to independent teams last season as well as later season developments from SUNRED Engineering and Volvo.

Arnaud was pitted against a shortlist of high profile nominees including Renault F1 Technical Director Rob White, Head of Audi Sport Engine Technology Ulrich Baretzky and Peugeot Engine Manager Francois Coudrain from their Le Mans programme.

“I am honoured and truly grateful that our work has been recognised and I thank Chevrolet and my team at RML for all their support, hard work and dedication,” said Martin.

“We spent eight intense months designing and building the 2011 1.6 litre turbocharged engine for the Chevrolet Cruze. In order to meet the parameters set by the FIA, we had to reach a higher level of performance than that of 2010.”

Chevrolet Motorsport Manager Eric Nève added:
“Our warmest congratulations to Arnaud and his team for this prestigious and well deserved award. Chevrolet has strongly believed in the 1.6 turbo engine project, an exciting technical challenge conducted in a very professional manner. It has produced terrific results on the track and great benefits for the entire Chevrolet brand.”